Belgrade Media Report 23 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 23 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Stano: Lajcak invited Belgrade and Pristina to a meeting on February 27, Bisljimi’s behaviour is unacceptable (RTS)
• Lajcak in Rome about the latest events in Kosovo and the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina (RTS)
• Starovic: The situation in Kosovo is very complex, it is high time for the international community to react (RTS)
• Protest of healthcare workers in Gracanica due to the ban on the use of dinars (RTS)
• KFOR: We are committed to the efforts of the international community for permanent security in Kosovo (RTS)
• Defense Minister says Serbia holds cooperation with the U.S. in high regard (Beta)
• Ukrainian Ambassador: Society in Serbia not capable of objectively looking at war in Ukraine due to Russian propaganda (Beta)
• The movement We – the Voice of the People fell apart: Nestorovic made a decision (B92)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• EU Delegation on Dodik’s meeting with Putin: Maintaining close ties with Russia and Belarus is incompatible with the European path (Oslobodjenje)
• RS officials welcome Dodik’s meeting with Putin as very significant for RS (Glas Srpske)
• Dodik: I hope RS will get opportunity to obtain observer status in BRICS (RTRS)
• RS Government adopts information on implementation of mutual cooperation in field of agriculture between RS and Belarus (ATV)
• Viskovic: Serb people will never forget what Churkin did in UN SC for Serb people when he vetoed UK resolution according to which Serbs are genocidal people (RTRS)
• Magazinovic to pay visit to Ukraine (Dnevni avaz)
• FM Konakovic holds series of meetings on sidelines of New Delhi conference, EU path of B&H focus of meetings (Dnevni avaz)
• New York Times on moves of Covic, Dodik in relation to gas supply of B&H (N1, Jutarnji list)
• Chairwoman Kristo meets COMEUFOR Sticz, discuss cooperation between B&H and EUFOR, EU path of B&H (Vecernji list)
Croatia
• Croatian parliament debates motion to dissolve parliament until wee hours (Hina)
• Plenkovic on elections: I don’t understand why the fuss, they will happen when they happen (HRT)
Montenegro
• Gjeloshaj: Those not ready to respect agreement won’t be part of Government (RTCG)
• Nurkovic: Spajic-Ibrahimovic communication exists (TV E)
• Consultations on foreign policy have begun: the selection of ambassadors must be a quality and professional process (CDM)
• Joanikije: I am convinced that Rodic will make a full contribution to improving relations between Montenegro and Serbia (CDM)
• Hrebickova & Herasymenko: Russia mustn’t win the war, we owe a debt of gratitude to Montenegro (CDM)
North Macedonia
• ELECTIONS 2024 / Collection of signatures for presidential candidates begins (MIA)
Albania
• The passing of the agreement on immigrants, Rama: Albania shared the burden that Europe must bear united (Radio Tirana)
• The first in the region in regards to the amount of protected areas, fully converged with the EU idea (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 22 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Serbia will never accept international investigation into national elections (Beta)
• Giaufret: We will encourage Serbian government to fulfill all ODIHR election recommendations (Beta)
• Deeping cooperation with Portugal in areas of common interest (Tanjug)
• Nestorovic quits party expected to provide majority in Belgrade Assembly; Nestorovic: We didn’t quit the movement (N1)
• We – The Voice of the People member: Nestorovic’s decision plays into Vucic’s hands (N1)
• SPN refuses to take part in government consultations (N1)
• Stefanovic: No such thing as partial legitimacy of Belgrade authorities (Beta)
• Stano: EU expects Serbia to implement ODIHR recommendations (Nova)
• Protest over blockade of Dinar in Kosovo and Metohija, Pristina claims this is not topic for Brussels (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik meets Putin in Kazan: We refuse to join the West’s sanctions against Russia and will not join NATO (RTRS)
• OHR on Dodik-Putin meeting: B&H has to follow EU foreign and security policy (RFE/Faktor.ba)
• Kovacevic: No institution at B&H level has made decision to impose sanctions on Russia, so interpretations of OHR officials regarding foreign policy of B&H do not make any sense (RTRS)
• Dodik meets with head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov in Kazan; Minnikhanov points out that Russia always looks forward to successes and progress of RS (RTRS)
• Schmidt: Politicians cannot toy with me, technical changes to Election Law must be implemented during 2024 local elections (Klix.ba)
• Izetbegovic: Schmidt will damage his authority if he is afraid of what Dodik says; I encourage HR not to hesitate (Hayat)
• Dodik says B&H is serious lie that cannot function, criticizes partners in authorities at B&H level for not respecting agreements (Dnevni list)
• Schmidt: Issue of state property must be solved, Dodik should not make threats (Klix.ba)
• PM Niksic with US Embassy’s Mennuti, focus on fight against corruption (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Opposition demands dissolution of parliament: ‘Ruling coalition has crossed the line’ (N1)
• Russian Ambassador summoned to Foreign Ministry over Navalny’s death (Hina)
Montenegro
• Varhelyi to Spajic: Montenegro has political will and excellent communication with the EU in the field of smart specialization (CdM)
• Gjeloshaj: I represented Montenegro at Kosovo Independence Day celebration (TV Vijesti)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi reaffirms support for Ukraine at meeting with Ambassador (MIA)
• Defense Ministry raises Ukrainian flag ahead of second anniversary of Russian invasion (MIA)
Albania
• Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Hasani on an official visit to India aiming to expand strategic projects (Radio Tirana)
• British Ambassador to Tirana: Electoral Reform to adopt before the parliamentary elections (Radio Tirana)
• The social security agreement between Albania and Bulgaria gets ratified (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Unprecedented increase in the defense spending of NATO allies in Europe (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 21 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 21 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: The movement is important. I’m only interested in Serbia, that we save Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
• Vucic talks with Michel about relations between Serbia, EU (Beta)
• Brnabic: Government ready to cooperate with ODIHR, international probe would be loss of sovereignty (Tanjug)
• Drecun: Kurti creating obstacles in dialogue through unilateral moves (TV Pink)
• Djuric: We have exposed Kurti’s disinformation systematically (Tanjug/Politika)
• Ambassador says Russia wants Kosovo issue back in UN SC (Sputnik/N1)
• Stano dismisses reports Borrell has postponed trips to Belgrade, Pristina (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Kristo meets members of GAC, expresses conviction EU Council will open accession negotiations with B&H in March (RTRS/Nova BH)
• Kristo meets Commissioner Varhelyi; Varhelyi: B&H authorities need to engage in solving of open issues so that the EU related reforms can be resumed (N1)
• Edtstadler after meeting with Kristo: B&H is committed to the process of joining the EU (Klix.ba)
• Dodik pays visit to Tatarstan: If opportunity presents itself, I will meet with Putin (RTRS)
• Lukashenko: B&H, Moldova, Georgia and Serbia will be drawn into NATO, in line with the Ukrainian scenario (RTRS)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman with Bulgarian FM Gabriel: I especially appreciate Bulgarian support to European path of B&H (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Special Envoy of France for the Western Balkans: The government’s work in the first hundred days is impressive (CdM)
• Zivkovic with Troccaz: Full commitment to EU membership, concern about the reconstruction of the government with anti-European parties (CdM)
• Maslenikov: Spajic made a rather interesting statement, the expansion of the EU to the Balkans means drawing the countries of the region into a confrontation with Russia (Russian Izvestiya/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Toshkovski and Bojmacaliev meet Slovenian Ambassador Presker (MIA)
• ELECTIONS 2024 / Dashtevski: Parliamentary elections campaign to continue during presidential campaign silence (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Electoral Code amendments ready, SDSM to support them once on parliament agenda (MIA)
Albania
• Zelensky in Tirana/ Rama: Erdogan to deliver his message at Southeast European countries Summit (Radio Tirana)
• Erdogan: Albania and Turkey, factors of peace in Europe and the Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: The Military Cooperation Agreement with Turkey, an expression of the close relationship between the countries (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-Turkey/ 6 agreements and memoranda of understanding signed (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 20 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia to keep rejecting anti-Russian sanctions despite Western pressure — Vucic (TASS/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucic thanks Tokayev for Kazakhstan’s stance on Serbia’s territorial integrity (TanjugRTS)
• Dacic: Inadmissibility of so-called Kosovo’s request for CoE membership (Tanjug/RTV)
• Brnabic: I see no victory in postponement of Belgrade city assembly session (Tanjug/RTV)
• Fila: We have a majority in Belgrade, but didn’t want to form city government (TV Nova/Beta)
• Sapic: Belgrade city assembly to be inaugurated by 3 March, if there’s no majority, new elections follow (Beta)
• Andjelkovic: Vucic ready to bargain to avoid international investigation (Beta)
• Stano: New round of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue not yet in sight (Beta)
• Wang: China to continue to support Serbia in safeguarding its sovereignty (Xinhua/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik meets with Lukashenko in Minsk: Belarus is always ready to support the RS (RTRS)
• Dodik meets Golovchenko in Minsk; Golovchenko announces Belarus will assist development of RS (RTRS)
• Vukanovic: By meeting with Lukashenko and lower-level officials, Dodik is attempting to show that all doors, in the East and the West are still open to him (Nova BH)
• Zvizdic: Dodik’s visit to Belarus is latest example of paradox in which one is standing up for European values, while at same time visiting president who rules his country in anti-democratic way (BHT1)
• Konakovic: President Erdogan is true friend of B&H (Anadolu/Slobodna Bosna)
• Munich Security Conference: HR Schmidt underlines necessity for B&H to prioritize its Euro-Atlantic integration efforts (BHRT)
• Kristo to meet with EU GAC members in Brussels (BHRT/Nova BH)
• Konakovic meets with B&H EU Ambassadors to discuss lobbying for opening of accession negotiations between B&H and EU (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik: I have strong impression that coalition partners in the FB&H will lose this chance of B&H on the EU path; This time, RS will not take role of culprit (ATV)
• Kovacevic: If Schmidt imposes changes to B&H Election Law, RS will immediately pass its own Election Law (RTRS)
• Session of HNS Presidency in Mostar; HNS calls on political leaders for dialogue and compromise (FTV)
• Covic says issue of Election Law of B&H is priority in terms of B&H’s European path, Bosniak people must be discouraged from voting for Croat member of B&H Presidency (Klix.ba)
Croatia
• Eleven riotous revolutionaries insulted the Prime Minister and the Croatian Democratic Union (HRT)
• Croatia’s FM: Putin must show readiness for dialogue for war in Ukraine to end (Hina)
Montenegro
• Spajic – O’Brien: Montenegro is future Europe’s Singapore (CdM)
• Spajic: We want BS in government, I’m convinced no one will have anything against it (CdM)
• Vucurovic: ZBCG has nothing against entry of BS into Government (Gradska TV)
• Nenezic- Gerasimenko: Bar extends a hand of solidarity to Ukraine, launched initiatives to support the Ukrainian diaspora and refugees (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Avramovska Madikj – Malenica: Croatia to aid North Macedonia’s Euro-integration path (MIA)
• Marichikj – Verola: Italian support for North Macedonia’s progress on EU path (MIA)
Albania
• OSCE, a comprehensive support for the Constitutional Court of Albania (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 19 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 19 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• There is no quorum, a new session is scheduled (Tanjug/B92)
• Vucic: We have a majority in Belgrade (TV Prva/Beta)
• Stefanovic responds to Vucic’s statement: You don’t have a majority in Belgrade (N1)
• Vucic: We are ready to accept ODIHR and OSCE recommendations regarding elections (Beta/FoNet)
• Declaration of “independence of Kosovo” unilateral, illegal act (Politika/Tanjug)
• Vucevic: Serbia managed to return topic of Kosovo and Metohija to the UN (RTS)
• Zeman: Recognition of so-called Kosovo is a disgrace and dangerous precedent (Tanjug/NovostiVoice of Europe)
• Silent rally in front of Russian Embassy following death of Aleksey Navalny (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Munich Security Conference (Glas Srpske/Dnevni avaz/Nova BH/BHT1)
• Koenig: EU expects B&H to fully align with EU foreign policy and restrictive measures, which includes sanctions against Russia (Nezavisne)
• RS delegation led by Dodik visits Belarus, announces greater cooperation of RS and Belarus; Dodik: RS prevented B&H to introduce sanctions against Belarus (RTRS)
• US Embassy: Covic’s public display of support for convicted war criminal is anathema to European values (Dnevni avaz)
• B&H House of Peoples adopts Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (BHT1)
• Dodik: EU made it clear they support domestic solutions, ‘Troika’ is unprepared for European story (RTRS)
• Stevandic meets Sattler; OHR to be turned in EU Office (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Eleven parties from the left organize protest in Zagreb (HRT)
Montenegro
• Council of the EU: Montenegro stands out in the region, managed to progress (RTCG)
• Milatovic with Murphy: The presence of the USA is a key factor of stability in the Western Balkans (CdM)
• Spajic and Abazovic express deepest condolences to the Navalny family (CdM)
Albania
• Western Balkans should be at a table with the EU, not with the right to vote, but as part of the same family (Radio Tirana)
• Munich Security Conference, Hasani: To increase the efforts for the EU integration of the Western Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi to the Montenegrin counterpart: Regional cooperation is the foundation of stability (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 16 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Sretenje Constitution proclaimed freedom, independence and peacefulness (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Ceremony for the Statehood Day: Vucic presented medals to deserving individuals (B92)
• Fight for freedom of Serbian people still ongoing (RTS/RTV)
• Vucic: Meeting with Cameron good, useful (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucevic: Kurti creating impossible conditions for survival of Kosovo Serbs (TV Prva/RTV)
• Office for KiM: devastating that crime Livadice is a closed case (Office for Kosovo and Metohija)
• Dacic thanks Ambassador for Egypt’s understanding regarding Kosovo issue (Tanjug)
• Kosovo Serb detained, beaten by Pristina’s police (Tanjug)
• ProGlas publishes conditions needed to resolve post-election crisis (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Orasac: Serbia marks Statehood Day; Dodik attends ceremony (ATV/RTRS)
• Palace of Republic illuminated in colors of Serbian flag; Flags of Serbia and RS displayed across RS (RTRS)
• Sattler in Banja Luka: Changes to B&H Election Law are one of key priorities; B&H needs compromise at this moment (ATV)
• US Embassy: Mr. Dodik continues to practice policy of blockade and blackmail while seeking to blame others for lack of progress (Avaz)
• Dodik: Murphy lives in parallel universe (RTRS)
• Russian Embassy: We are not interested in opinion of US Embassy with regard to European perspectives of B&H (Srna)
Montenegro
• DPS, SD, DUA and HGI press criminal charges against Mandic, BS refused to do it (CdM)
• PES Pljevlja: Dario Vranes obliged to solve accumulated problems and stop creating unnecessary crises and tensions (CdM)
• Rakocevic: Everyone should take a polygraph test to determine who is giving away secret information (CdM)
• Nebojsa Rodic – new diplomat, same dangerous narrative (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Election campaign for 8 May parliamentary elections to begin on 18 April (MIA)
• Election campaign for 24 April presidential polls to begin on 4 April (MIA)
• Xhaferi says ‘not feeling the need’ to comment decisions of political parties (MIA)
• SDSM to nominate own presidential candidate (MIA)
Albania
• Albania completes the mission in the Security Council, Rama: Gratitude for the invaluable support of the USA (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: The USA has a direct interest in Albania and Kosovo, without it there would be no independent state of Kosovo (Radio Tirana)
• Rama-Blinken: Your visit in times of turmoil, an important sign of friendship and partnership (Radio Tirana)
• Blinken: Albania the strongest supporter for Ukraine, Rama an exceptional partner for the USA (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 14 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 14 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• US President Joe Biden sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Statehood Day (B92/RTS/RTV)
• Putin congratulates Serbia’s Statehood Day to Vucic (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic: It’s time to establish a great movement for the people and the state (Tanjug/B92/RTS/RTV)
• Lucic: Criminal charges submitted against mayor of Leposavic (RTS)
• Petkovic: Passage of another shipment of dinars prohibited at Jarinje (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Petkovic: Kurti is Balkan pyromaniac (Beta)
• Stoltenberg calls Belgrade, Pristina to ease tensions (N1)
• Further strengthening of all forms of cooperation between Serbia, Slovakia (Tanjug)
• NDSS: We won’t allow a majority in Belgrade Assembly facilitated by turncoats (Beta)
• Flaring up of silent occupation of B&H (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Covic says that their proposal of changes to B&H Election Law is only symbolic (O Kanal)
• US Embassy once again warns HDZ B&H and ‘The Troika’: Election Law cannot be changed without changes of Constitution (Politicki.ba)
• Viskovic and Ambassador Reinertsen: Europe is not complete without the Western Balkans countries (RTRS)
• Trial of Lukic begins before Court of B&H with reading of indictment (ATV)
• Cvijanovic: Full support to Lukic (RTRS)
• Viskovic expresses support to Lukic (RTRS)
• Dodik and Kalabukhov meet in Banja Luka, expressing their full commitment to respecting of DPA (ATV)
Montenegro
• Nenezic: Institutions’ silence proof that Mandic heads majority (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mitreski: Parliamentary majority is stable, six AA lawmakers support ruling coalition (MIA)
• Marichikj: EU enlargement high on the agenda of Belgium’s EU Presidency (MIA)
• Speaker Mitreski meets British Ambassador Lawson (MIA)
Albania
• ‘Sustainable Defense’ exercise, Begaj: Our Armed Forces to be prepared for the challenges of our time (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 13 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Greek companies, financial institutions welcome in Serbia (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• IMF Managing Director praises Serbia’s fiscal policy (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Drecun: Reaction of countries that can influence Pristina crucial (TV Prva)
• Elek: Serbs sent a message they are against Pristina’s decisions, primarily regarding the banning of the Dinar (RTS)
• Escobar: Unilateral moves will have consequences (Tanjug)
• Schieder: EU seriously weighing how to set up independent inquiry into Serbian elections (Nova/Beta)
• Bujanovac makes Mayor of Tirana honorary citizens, Ministry approval pending (Bujanovacke/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H officially starts negotiations with FRONTEX (RTRS)
Nesic, Culum meet MONEYVAL Committee delegation (Klix.ba)
• B&H CoM’s European Integration Collegium adopts model for adoption of EU integration program of B&H (N1)
• Coordination Board for Public Administration Reform established (Nezavisne)
• HNS: Part of text of changes to Election Law already has ‘green light’ from Constitutional Court of B&H (Dnevni list)
• Genocide in Gaza is not committed by Jews but by Israeli government (Avaz)
Montenegro
• Mandic: Montenegro wishes to join the EU a.s.a.p., new generation of politicians can do it (RTCG)
• Milovic: I’ll ask Becic, Saranovic and Brdjanin who permitted Sukovic to reveal information from my private life (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• President Pendarovski meets British Ambassador Lawson (MIA)
Albania
• Hasani: Albania joins allies in the Security Council to contribute to peace efforts (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 12 February
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Serbia, Greece have always supported each other’s territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Vucic summarized the results of the UN visit: “Thirteen countries expressed concern” (B92/Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic from New York: Djuric returns to Serbia to perform a very important duty (Tanjug)
• China one of most important partners in economic development of Serbia (RTS/RTV)
• Odalovic: By holding of UNSC session, the topic of Kosovo and Metohija returned to the UN (Tanjug/RTV)
• Djilas: EP Resolution contains nothing that targets Serbia (Nova S/Beta)
• A gathering of Serbs was held; This is an occupation (B92/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik on meeting of ruling coalition on B&H level, financial stability of RS (ATV)
• SNSD: Results cannot be positive until partners from FB&H remain under influence of foreigners (RTRS)
• Crucial week for B&H (Avaz)
• Dayton Agreement and Resolution 2625 (Nezavisne)
Montenegro
• Spajic: I will resign if the average salary doesn’t increase to €1.000, and the minimum to €700 (CdM)
• Picula: Govt has got off to a good start, reforms should be implemented, not just adopted (Radio Crne Gore)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski to diplomats: State to remain on EU path, keep building good neighborly relations (MIA)
• Kovachevski: European front exists, Taravari not key for country’s future (MIA)
• Sela: Central assembly can vote no confidence in leader (MIA)
• Taravari: Change must happen in Albanian bloc after 24 years (MIA)
• Nikoloski: VMRO-DPMNE has yet to discuss coalition for upcoming elections (MIA)
Albania
• United Nations meeting for Kosovo/ Rama: Pointless session, Prishtina and Belgrade should return to dialogue (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani: It is not enough just to condemn Banjska, it needs to make sure it doesn’t happen again (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 9 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 9 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic addresses UN Security Council: Widespread attacks directed against Serbs (B92/Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• UN SC permanent members call on Pristina to delay decision on Dinar ban (Beta)
• Vucic after UN Security Council session: People must know that we will fight for them (Tanjug/B92/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic on UNSC session: The world has heard for the first time that what is Kurti doing is crime against humanity (RTS)
• Dacic: Vucic demonstrated statesmanly approach to protecting national interests (RTS/Tanjug)
• Drecun: Resolution 1244 is very much alive (RTS)
• Pisonero: We expect Serbia to implement recommendations from ODIHR report (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Resolutions come and go (Beta/Tanjug)
• Opposition officials in Strasbourg hail adoption of EP resolution (Beta/N1)
• Aleksic: Accepting mandates does not mean recognition of election results (Insajder/Beta)
• Serb property set on fire in Odanovce village, Office for Kosovo and Metohija: It was most likely arson (RTV/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Coalition partners at B&H level form working groups to harmonize laws important for EU path, demand EU to give precise date for beginning of EU accession negotiations; Statements of Dodik, Covic, Niksic (FTV)
• B&H Presidency adopts decision to initiate negotiation process between B&H and Frontex; Nesic welcomes this decision (Hayat/Dnevni avaz/FTV)
• Dodik and Eichhorst discuss reforms; Dodik: B&H must get full sovereignty in its acting (ATV)
• Konakovic responds to Dodik: Dodik can block and stop this process on EU path only if interest of Russian people is more important to him than interest of Serb people (Oslobodjenje)
• Becirovic reacts to Dodik’s latest statements: It is impermissible that any politician undermines the role of B&H CC (NAP.ba)
• Dodik: Becirovic is Islamic radical who advocates B&H where Sharia law would apply (RTRS)
• Ambassador Murphy says O’Brien’s criticism of meeting in Laktasi was not ‘slap in face’ of ‘The Troika’, notes it is up to High Representative to decide when and how he will use Bonn powers (Politicki.ba)
• Luhrmann meets Konakovic; Konakovic expresses gratitude to Germany (Oslobodjenje)
• Kristo meets Luhrmann; Kristo: It is extremely important for B&H to receive decision on opening of accession negotiations at upcoming meeting of European Council in March (BHT1)
• Borenovic meets Luhrmann in Sarajevo, he says that ruling coalition at B&H level is not interested in serious reforms on European path and fight against corruption, but only in division of positions (BNTV)
• Cvijanovic sends verbal note to German Embassy regarding organization of meeting with Luhrmann (RTRS)
• Slovenian President Pirc Musar pays visit to B&H: Slovenia supports B&H’s path to EU (BHT1)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Montenegro in the EU is in Austria’s national interest (CdM)
• Mandic: One part of the reconstruction of the government as soon as possible – the other after the summer (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Toshkovski – Wahl: Interior Ministry to ensure fair, democratic elections (MIA)
• Toshkovski – Geer: Cooperation with EU delegation to continue with undiminished intensity (MIA)
Albania
• Rama meets the EIB Vice-President, increase of investments in Albania (Radio Tirana/RTSH)
• President Begaj decrees the dismissal and appointment of 10 ambassadors (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 8 February
LOCAL PRESS
• At 21:00 sharp at the request of Serbia, Vucic speaks at the Security Council session (B92/Tanjug)
• Vucic: Interference in Serbia’s internal affairs must be reduced (B92/Tanjug)
• Pistorius after meeting with Vucic: We agreed Serbia will not support secessionist tendencies in B&H (N1)
• Dacic: Non-recognizers of so-called Kosovo want clarification on Chapter 35 (Tanjug/Politika)
• Dacic: Guyana was under tremendous pressure over Serbia’s request for UNSC session (Tanjug)
• Dinars sent to Kosovo and Metohija in line with years-long practice – NBS (Tanjug/Politika)
• European Parliament adopts Resolution on Serbian elections (N1)
• Bilcik: Crucial that Serbia bring to justice those responsible for election irregularities (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Eichhorst, Brkic address press conference; Eichhorst: B&H has to seriously take the tasks it has to fulfill to be granted the possibility of opening the accession negotiations (Dnevni avaz)
• EEAS’ Eichhorst chairs meeting of six political directors of Western Balkans and EU (FTV)
• Komsic after meeting with Eichhorst: Foreign policy priority of B&H is clear – full membership in EU (Oslobodjenje)
• FM Konakovic: Meetings with Pistorius and Eichhorst are continuation of diplomatic offensive, some in opposition are prepared to bring down B&H’s EU path (Slobodna Bosna)
• Dodik: EU path is not disputable for RS, but selective implementation of 14 priorities; Dodik: Konakovic overplayed a little (RTRS)
• SDA Caucus: Konakovic is using lies to cover up responsibility of ruling coalition (Slobodna Bosna)
• Covic emphasizes importance of adopting reforms on their path to EU; Covic announces meeting of all partners in authorities (BHT1)
• Dodik: Schmidt can be tourist guide in B&H and nothing more (RTRS)
Montenegro
• Ministers in Rome: Italy strongly supports reform processes in Montenegro (CdM)
• Italian Minister to Milovic: Italy is willing to assist Montenegro in drafting anti-mafia law (CdM)
• Spajic: This govt wishes to transform economy, it is why we need collaboration with strongest French companies (CdM)
• Milatovic: Montenegro can and should be a new member of the EU in 2028 (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Ethnic Albanian can be president, must be supported by all ethnicities (Euronews Albania)
• President Pendarovski meets with EU Ambassador Geer (MIA)
• McAllister: EU failed to deliver on some promises in enlargement process, North Macedonia an example of this (MIA/Bild)
• Alliance for Albanians proposes replacements for Ministers Mexhiti and Aliu (MIA)
• Marichikj: Outcome regarding AA ministers up to Xhaferi (MIA)
Albania
• Rama meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg (Radio Tirana)
• Cooperation in higher education with Kosovo, Manastirliu: Joint projects in scientific research (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 7 February 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 7 February 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic: According to information that I have, UNSC session will be open for public (RTS)
• Chinese Ambassador: Kosovo issue should be resolved through dialogue (RTS)
• UNMIK Chief calls for resolving outstanding issues through dialogue (Tanjug)
• Vucic asks what the point of circus with trial of Dodik is, unless it is someone’s intention to continue with punishing of Serb representatives (TV Happy)
• Dacic: We’ll continue to be constructive element of political stability (Beta)
• Stefanovic: We will not nominate candidates for deputy speaker, committee chairs (N1)
• DS: Entering parliament will be considered only after EP resolution (Nova/Beta)
• Kurti continues, a new attack on the Serbs: The first transport of dinars banned (RTV/B92/Kosovo Online)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• German Minister Pistorius meets Helez and his deputies (BHT1)
• Russian Embassy responds to Pistorius’s statements: It is not Russia, but Germany that is exacerbating the internal political crisis in B&H (Depo.ba)
• Pistorius meets with B&H Presidency members, emphasizes Germany’s support to B&H’s EU integration (Klix.ba)
• Pistorius meets with HR Schmidt: Germany remains strong support to B&H and it supports country’s Euro-Atlantic commitments (BHT1)
• Eichhorst meets B&H Presidency members; Eichhorst: Certain EU member states soften critical approach toward B&H (Klix.ba/FTV)
• HR Schmidt addresses key challenges at “Friends of the Western Balkans” meeting in Rome (Dnevni avaz)
• Konakovic attends meeting of foreign ministers in Rome (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• FM Grlic Radman reiterates support to opening of accession negotiations with B&H (Dnevni list)
Montenegro
• Ministers in Rome: Italy strongly supports reform processes in Montenegro (CdM)
• Knezevic: I will talk about the reconstruction only with Spajic, others should not try to re-educate us (Adria TV)
• Ivanovic-Tajani: Italy will help Montenegro on its way to becoming the next EU member (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: Gov’t doesn’t dismiss ministers, parliament does (MIA)
• Aliu and Mexhiti: We will not resign, AA stands together (MIA)
Albania
• World Security and Defense Fair, Balla in Saudi Arabia (Radio Tirana)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
From Google News- Kosovo fails to overturn power plant award - GAR 26/04/2024Kosovo fails to overturn power plant award GAR
- Kosovo-Serbia Declaration on Missing Persons Remains Unimplemented - Balkan Insight 26/04/2024Kosovo-Serbia Declaration on Missing Persons Remains Unimplemented Balkan Insight
- Measures against Kosovo on the table of EU institutions - Eunews 26/04/2024Measures against Kosovo on the table of EU institutions Eunews
- Kosovo fails to overturn power plant award - GAR 26/04/2024
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General
Media Sources
