Belgrade Media Report 29 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 29 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic calls EU to stop provocation from Pristina (N1)
• Vucic not interested in EP recommendations, decision on elections (Beta/Politika)
• Brnabic claims Europe disinterested in investigating Serbian elections (TV Happy/Beta)
• Petkovic: Vucic underlined difficult position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Pristina’s decision to ban Dinar aimed at ethnic cleansing of Serbs (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbia committed to cherishing memory of victims of Holocaust (RTS/Tanjug/RTV)
• Excellent cooperation of Serbia, Hungary in field of defence (Tanjug)
• Serbian anti-terrorist police in exercise with US Green Berets (FoNet)
• Protest held in front of constitutional court, RTS in Belgrade (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day marked in RS; Dodik: Holocaust is one of the darkest and most shameful periods of European history (RTRS)
• Muslim-Jewish peace initiative signed in Srebrenica (Hayat)
• Court of B&H confirms first-instance verdict sentencing Fadil Novalic to four years in prison, Fahrudin Solak to six years in prison and Fikret Hodzic to five years in prison in ‘Respirators’ affair (FTV)
• Izetbegovic comments on second-instance verdict in Novalic case, claims Novalic did not do anything that exceeded powers of PM during pandemic (FTV)
• Court of B&H rejects motion of Dodik’s defense for recusal of seven judges (RTRS/ATV)
• Investigation against Commission for Concessions of B&H launched due to failure to act in line with decision of B&H CC (BHT1)
• Bauer: Dodik did not change his opinion after war and decided to support Russia, he did so before war in Ukraine (ATV)
• Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto pays visit to B&H (FTV/BHT1)
Croatia
• Croatia’s FM expresses support for Bosnian Croat leader Dragan Covic after US accused him of obstructing gas connection (Hina)
Montenegro
• Stoltenberg: Montenegro is a valuable member of NATO, Spajic: We are ready to be a stable partner (CdM)
• Bauer: For leaders in the Balkans to be responsible for their countries, it is not enough to “sit back” and wait for the EU and NATO to do something (MINA/Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Parliament elects caretaker government led by Talat Xhaferi with 65 votes in favor (MIA)
• Parliament names deputy ministers in caretaker government (MIA)
• Believe gov’t will remain committed to national priorities and work in citizens’ interest, says outgoing PM (MIA)
• President Pendarovski hosts reception for new gov’t members (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Ali Ahmeti, historical lesson for all of us and the generations to come (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj congratulates Xhaferi: Albanians, an important factor for the stability and future of North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)
• Nikola congratulates Talat Xhaferi on his position as Prime Minister of North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 26 January

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LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Kosovo’s Svecla can only dream of a Serbian embassy in Pristina (Beta)
• Stano: No progress on dialogue means no progress on EU accession (Tanjug/Beta/RTS)
• O’Brien: Finding evidence of what happened in Belgrade election takes time (Beta/Politika)
• NDSS: Putting voter rolls in order, freedom of media minimum conditions for elections (Euronews Srbija/Beta)
• CRTA: Other rights will be jeopardized and undermined if election rigging is allowed (N1)
• CRTA: A narrow majority in Belgrade doesn’t fit the ruling party’s needs (Politika/Beta)
• Giaufret: Progress in Serbia-Kosovo normalization expected this year (Nedeljnik/Beta)
• Petition to dismiss Mitrovica mayor submitted (KoSSev/N1)
• Billboard with photos featuring images of deserving persons removed in Zvecan (RTS)
• Albanian capital pays for gym in southern Serbia (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• ‘The Troika’ schedules meeting on changes to B&H Constitution for Monday; Konakovic: I will talk with Murphy because their opinion is important for us (FTV)
• Dodik comments on Konakovic’s call for another meeting to discuss changes to B&H Constitution: We are not ready to erase ethnic prefixes (N1)
• SDA and DF say they will not take part in Monday’s meeting of parliamentary parties (FTV)
• Covic: Next month or two represent the turning point for the future of B&H (RTV HB)
• Konakovic: I found out that Komsic asked the EU not to open negotiations with B&H; Komsic denies allegations (Klix.ba)
• Dodik: US are most sensitive to election process, yet they want to interfere in our election process (ATV)
• Murphy: Southern Interconnection project is of crucial importance for B&H for many reasons; I will not speculate about sanctions (Oslobodjenje)
• Peach: London condemns threats of secession of RS, RS cannot be an ‘independent state’ (O Kanal)
• Cvijanovic: EU and UN legal framework does not recognize protectorate that exists in B&H (Srna)
Croatia
• Anusic: The security situation in Southeast Europe is not satisfactory (Hina)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski, Xhaferi highlight importance of commitment to European future (MIA)
• Kovachevski: SDSM will form gov’t with clear European vision, elections are the best poll (TV Kanal 5/MIA)
• Pendarovski visits Macedonian soldiers participating in KFOR mission in Kosovo (MIA)
• Pendarovski meets Kosovo counterpart Osmani-Sadriu in Pristina (MIA)

Belgrade Media Report 24 January

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LOCAL PRESS

• Petkovic: Kosovo Serbs targeted by attacks, attempts to subjugate them (Tanjug/Politika)
• Fila: Belgrade authority will be formed with We – The Voice of the People (Beta)
• EP AFET says elections were not fair (N1)
• Bilcik to AFET: Thourough investigation needed into Serbian elections (N1)
• Schennach: Attacks by top Serbian officials are political game (N1)
• McAllister: Stagnating Western Balkans states not eligible for new EU funds (N1/NSPM)
• US State Department calls on Kosovo to “revisit” decision to suspend Serbian Dinar (The Pavlovic Today/Kosovo Online)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Kristo addresses press conference after meeting EU officials: We have to avoid imposing of Election Law (Klix.ba)
• Von der Leyen: We are witnesses of progress in B&H, but additional results are needed (Klix.ba)
• Rutte: No shortcuts, we have to see results in next six weeks (Klix.ba)
• Plenkovic: Our visit serves as encouragement to B&H to adopt laws and reforms in following weeks in order to give arguments to EC (Klix.ba)
• EU delegation visits B&H Presidency, Plenkovic absent from the meeting (Vijesti.ba/HMS.ba)
• B&H Presidency issues statement after EU delegation visit: EU delegation visit is to encourage everyone in B&H (Oslobodjenje)
• EC President von der Leyen, Dutch PM Rutte and Croatian PM Plenkovic meet High Representative Schmidt in Sarajevo (Oslobodjenje/BHT1)
• HR Schmidt: Dodik will have to sign statement on loyalty to state of B&H (Oslobodjenje/TAZ)
• Dodik: Schmidt embarrassed himself by illegally coming to B&H and falsely presenting himself (ATV)
• Russian Embassy in B&H says Lagumdzija’s vote in UN represents harmful move for relations between Russia and B&H (ATV)
Croatia
• Milanovic expresses support to agreement of Covic, Dodik and ‘The Troika’, criticizes statement of US Embassy (HRT)
• Plenkovic’s Cabinet: The PM’s stance to not meet with Komsic is consistent (Hina)
• Plenkovic, Rutte hold meeting in Zagreb: Support to European path of B&H highlighted (HRT)
• Plenkovic with religious leaders: Build trust among Croats, Serbs and Bosniaks in joint homeland through inter-religious dialogue (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Krapovic: If there is a need to increase the number of soldiers in Kosovo, it will be on the agenda (MINA)
• Bauer: There is a real danger that Russia will attack a NATO member (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Citizens being put to ‘fundamental test’ at upcoming elections, says Osmani (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Grubi was specific, pointed to Russia regarding strategic relations, these are facts everyone knows (MIA)
• Would be wrong to be a part of gov’t and not vote for it, says Pendarovski (TV Alsat-M/MIA)
• VMRO-DPMNE to announce names of ministers and deputy ministers in caretaker gov’t on Wednesday evening (MIA)
• Osmani – Borrell: Necessary to maintain credibility of accession process through more integration before membership (MIA)
Albania
• EU-Albania meeting, appreciation on the progress of the integration reforms implementation (Radio Tirana)
• Rama starts a 2-day visit in Madrid, meeting with Prime Minister Sanchez (ART/Radio Tirana)
• Albania and Kosova with a joint training and R&R facilities for the police officers (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 23 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 23 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Establishing free labor market in countries of Open Balkans (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Vucic: I discussed Pristina’s announcement with O’Brien (Tanjug/RTV/Politika)
• Serbia successful example for solving issue of national minorities (Tanjug/Politika/RTS/RTV)
• Taking over the remains of monastery – open repression towards Serbian heritage in Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
• O’Brien: Kosovo, Serbia should get to work on Ohrid deal implementation (Beta)
• Hill on Euro as Kosovo’s new currency: Avoid unnecessary surprises (Beta/Politika)
• Electoral commission assigns mandates to new Serbian MPs (Tanjug/RTS)
• Veselinovic, Lajcak discuss Serbian election irregularities in Brussels (Beta)
• Enough signatures for removal of mayors in Zvecan and Zubin Potok collected (RTS/Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Covic confirms he sent the proposal of amendments to Election Law of B&H to coalition partners at level of B&H, He proposes changes when election of Croat member of B&H Presidency is in question (O Kanal)
• SDP representatives say they will analyse HDZ B&H’s proposal, but for them priority is implementation of ECHR’s judgments (AJB)
• SDA: Proposal presented by Covic is in favour of SNSD and HDZ B&H that do not want fair and transparent elections (BHT1)
• Three Bosniak delegates in B&H HoP threaten to block everything that was agreed upon at recent meeting of political leaders in Laktasi if it comes to parliamentary procedure (ATV)
• Dodik: Germany, with its unilateral policy and interference in everything that exists in B&H, shows that it is not benevolent towards peoples who live in B&H (Glas Srpske)
• Dodik: RS is going with belief that representatives of ‘The Troika’ will remain dedicated to common goal in connection with which there is consensus of all parties, which is European path (RTRS)
• OHR: B&H authorities must align B&H Election Law with international standards on transparency and integrity of election processes and good practices applied in democratic elections (BHT1)
• Dodik: The OHR has nothing to do with European path of B&H or with European values (Oslobodjenje)
• US Embassy: Change of Election Law only through Constitution (Oslobodjenje)
• Plenkovic meets HDZ B&H delegation and pays visit to Head of IZ B&H, Reis Kavazovic (Klix.ba)
• Western Balkans leaders meet with EU and US officials in Skopje to discuss new EU Growth Plan for Western Balkans, sign joint statement committing to promotion of regional economic integration through common regional market (BHT1)
• B&H joins 47 countries signing the statement: We call on the Russian Federation to stop its war of aggression and withdraw immediately its troops from the territory of Ukraine (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik and Cvijanovic: Lagumdzija acted without approval of B&H Presidency (Srna/RTRS)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman: It is necessary to closely monitor the situation in Montenegro (HRT)
Montenegro
• Spajic: The growth plan for the Western Balkans is an opportunity for everyone, to start as soon as possible (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: Growth Plan connects aspirations to reality (MIA)
• Marichikj: Accelerated EU-integration for North Macedonia and Western Balkans through EU’s Growth Plan (MIA)
• O’Brien: Closer to the EU than ever, let’s focus on practical work (MIA)
• O’Brien: Citizens will have clear choice between vision that knows how to go to Europe and something else (MIA)
• Open Balkans countries sign protocols on free access to labor markets (MIA)
• Kovachevski says sufficient time to complete formalities for Sunday’s caretaker gov’t vote (MIA)
Albania
• Rama’s message before the Skopje meeting: Let’s get as close as possible to the EU (Radio Tirana)
• The New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, Rama: The only colour is that of the EU flag if we want to achieve this (Radio Tirana)
• Skopje, Rama meets US Assistant State Secretary James O’Brien (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani meets McAllister: Supporting Albania’s European future (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla meets the EU Ambassador: Cooperation in the Assembly facilitates the advancement towards the EU (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 19 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 19 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: We will use all available means against banning of dinar in Kosovo (Beta/Tanjug)
• Vucic meets with Von der Leyen, other officials in Davos (Beta/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Petkovic: Pristina using Euro wildly and wants to abolish the Dinar as the only legal currency (RTS)
• Opposition party: Ban of Dinar in Kosovo consequence of Serbian government’s unending concessions to secessionists (Beta)
• SPN files request to annul Belgrade city elections (N1)
• Lavrov: EU rewriting Kosovo-Serbia agreements to deprive Serbs of rights (Beta/TASS)
• Djukic: End of EU’s soft approach to Vucic (Beta)
• Official Gazette issue no.1 with report on elections published, dated 3 January (Insider)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• State-level coalition meets in Laktasi (BNTV)
• Dodik: ‘The Troika’ advocates the US’ and the UK’s interests (RTRS)
• HR Schmidt’s underscores the critical need for B&H leadership to prioritize reforms and move towards Euro-Atlantic integration (Klix.ba)
• Dodik: What Schmidt and UK have to do with B&H’s European path (RTRS/O Kanal)
• Chairwoman Kristo in Davos: B&H expects opening of negotiations for EU membership soon (Dnevni avaz)
• B&H CC holds plenary session without judges from rank of Serb People (Nova BH)
• Meeting of B&H CC without judges from RS represents attack on constitutional order (RTRS)
• Minister Helez files criminal report against Dodik because of marking of unconstitutional 9 January (N1)
• Dodik comments on activities of UK company ‘Adriatic Metals’ in Vares and says that this is how RS property would also be stolen if it were on B&H level (ATV)
• Issue of Southern Interconnection (Klix.ba/Faktor)
Croatia
• Milanovic: No one should be afraid to reveal information about crime in the government (HRT)
Montenegro
• Continuation of Montenegro’s support to Ukraine (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Accelerated EU integration of Western Balkans to positively impact security, political processes and reform agenda (MIA)
Albania
• Hasani in Podgorica: Visible progress in cooperation with Montenegro (Tirana Times)
• CSU strategic forum in Bavaria, Rama: Albania an example of success in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Albania, a reliable NATO member (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 18 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 18 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Kurti attempting to destroy dialogue, expel Serbs (Tanjug/RTS)
• Lajcak: Pristina’s announced suspension of transactions shouldn’t lead to dangerous situation (Beta/TV Pink/Politika)
• Strengthening cooperation with Sao Tome and Principe in all areas (Tanjug/RTV)
• Trovoada: You can count on us to support and defend your integrity (Tanjug)
• Serbia will not abandon fundamental principles of UN Charter (srbija.gov.rs)
• Drecun: Cessation of payment transactions – the most serious threat to Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Brnabic dismisses opposition claims of election fraud (TV Prva/Beta)
• Schieder to Brnabic: Calm down and concentrate on task at hand (N1)
• Hill: US clear about need for ZSO in Kosovo (Kurir/FoNet)
• Tepic: We will invite citizens to more protests (TV N1)
• CRTA: Voters registered in multiple locations simultaneously (Beta)
• Two more houses belonging to Serb returnees robbed in Ljubozda village in Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• ‘The Troika’ leaders discuss changes to B&H Election Law (BHT1)
• Filipovic: There should be comprehensive approach to changes to Election Law of B&H, HDZ B&H is against OHR’s imposition (Dnevni list)
• Dodik: Constitutional Court of B&H is now officially foreign political organization in which there are no Serbs, and soon it will be without Bosniaks and Croats (RTRS)
• Hearing in case against RS President Dodik postponed again; Defense requests recusal of eight judges, including acting judge Mirsad Strika (RTRS)
• Dodik: Denial of RS is denial of B&H, RS is a state and can function independently (RTRS)
• Blinken sends letter to Konakovic asking him to exert pressure on Covic in order to promptly adopt law on Southern Interconnection (Istraga.ba)
• World Economic Forum participants discuss situation in Middle East (Nova BH/BHT1)
Croatia
• EC preparing reform of EU to enable its smooth functioning upon new enlargement (Hina)
• Plenkovic attends a number of panels at the World Economic Forum in Davos (HRT)
• Defense Ministry to present proposal on some form of mandatory military training (HRT)
Montenegro
• Lajcak to Spajic in Davos: Montenegro has a chance to be a European success story (CdM)
• Lajcak: Support for the government to take advantage of the new moment in EU enlargement, there has not been much progress in the last few years (RTCG)
• Spajic – Kristo: Regional cooperation is important for further European integration (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: Kurti’s attempts to interfere in local politics nothing new, but won’t have any impact (MIA)
• Hasani: North Macedonia and Albania share common values and vision (MIA)
• Osmani – Hasani: North Macedonia and Albania ready to open clusters and chapters, no need for delay (MIA)
Albania
• Osmani: The integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is a matter of regional security (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani: Corridor VIII will transform the strategic position of Albania and North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 17 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 17 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Pristina’s announced cancellation of Dinar in Kosovo hangs question mark over all processes (TV Pink/Beta)
• Pristina’s announcement of suspension of payment transactions calls into question dialogue (TV Prva)
• Brnabic: Political, bilateral ties with Sao Tome and Principe improving steadily (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Vucevic: Pristina making survival of Kosovo Serbs impossible (Tanjug/RTV)
• Brnabic accuses Schieder of violating ODIHR observers’ Code of Conduct (N1/Politika)
• Schieder: Bilcik admitted there were election irregularities (N1)
• Next step for ProGlas: Petition to Constitutional Court to annul elections (N1)
• Serbia Against Violence coalition stages protest in downtown Belgrade (Beta)
• Citizens begin collecting signatures calling for sacking of mayor of northern Kosovska Mitrovica (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Norwegian Ambassador in center of scandal; He informed Helez that RS prepares secession and did not promise NATO assistance; Diplomats from other Embassies reacted and begged Helez not to speak about this (Istraga.ba)
• Dodik: If they continue to break up Dayton, they will get an independent RS and disintegrated FB&H (ATV)
• Ljubic, Bunoza claim ruling in Ljubic case was not implemented (HMS.ba)
• Komsic assesses that it is hard to expect change of stances of B&H politicians re B&H Election Law (FTV)
• Salkic: SDA files criminal charges against Dodik and others regarding RS Day celebration (N1)
Croatia
• Croatia, Italy and Slovenia discuss illegal migration (HRT)
Montenegro
• Spajic in Davos: The government is determined to fulfill all requirements as soon as possible in order for Montenegro to become the first next member of the EU (CdM)
• Gorcevic with Gerasimenko: Montenegro strongly supports Ukraine on the way to the EU (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• President Pendarovski meets Latvian counterpart Rinkevics in Davos (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Caretaker gov’t procedure by end of next week (MIA)
• Osmani: Government approves amendments to law on restrictive measures to include US and UK blacklists as grounds for sanctions (MIA)
Albania
• Osmani welcomes Hasani: Kosovo and Albania, common goals and harmonized strategies (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani: Albania and Kosovo at the forefront of regional cooperation efforts (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani on the attack in Kosovo: No more armies should be brought to the border of the neighbor (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 16 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 16 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucevic: SNS happy with election results, parliament inauguration next (Beta/RTS/RTV)
• Starovic: Investment in Serbian army unrelated to US arming Kosovo (Beta/RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic receives former judge who investigated Racak case (Tanjug/Politika)
• Acceptance of passports issued by so-called Kosovo is no recognition – Spanish FM (El Periodico de Espana/Tanjug)
• Ivanovic assassination anniversary marked in Mitrovica (N1)
• SPN to hold protest on 16 January, mark anniversary of Ivanovic’s murder (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• UK imposes sanctions against Banja Luka-based marketing agency ‘Mania’ for organizing and promoting event of marking 9 January as RS Day, which led to undermining of B&H Constitution (N1)
• Dodik: If Schmidt passes any decision, then the European path of B&H is stopped, there will not be adoption of laws; RS will continue to demonstrate resistance towards B&H CC (RTRS)
• RS Ministry of Justice: Holding of plenary session of B&H CC without judges from RS in attendance unacceptable (N1)
• Hearing in case against Dodik and Lukic scheduled to take place before Court of B&H on Wednesday; B&H Chief Prosecutor Kajganic rejects defense’s request for disqualification of four prosecutors from this case (ATV)
Montenegro
• Joanikije meets Mandic: Church notices that new parliament convocation makes notable achievements (CdM)
• Radulovic on Mandic’s moves: Flag of Montenegro the only one he can put in his cabinet (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski – Schmid: North Macedonia strongly contributed to OSCE, European security (MIA)
• Bochvarski – Drexler: Bilateral economic cooperation on the rise (MIA)
Albania
• Twenty-five years since the massacre that “awakened” the West to Serbian crimes in Kosovo/ President Begaj reacts (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Kucova Air Base, serving as the only tactical base for strategically important NATO operations in the region (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 15 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 15 January 2024
LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Kosovo creating a large and illegal army under US patronage; Hopes new government will be formed by March (Beta/Politika)
• Election Commission announces final results of parliamentary elections (Tanjug)
• Drecun: Arms supplies to Pristina aimed at completing so-called statehood (Tanjug)
• Dacic: SPC must work with the Vatican (TV Pink)
• Ambassador Avramovic: The Vatican’s position on Kosovo and Metohija unchanged (Tanjug/RTS)
• Radosavljevic: West will never admit the truth about Racak (RTS)
• Romano: NATO not involved in Javelin sale (Beta)
• More than a thousand professors and university associates express support for the student protests in Serbia (N1)
• Foreigners see B&H as their colony (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt, Covic discuss current political developments (Klix.ba)
• Dodik warns that B&H’s path to join EU will be over if changes of Law on Elections are imposed (O Kanal/Nova BH)
• Murphy reminds of consequences of secession, emphasizes that Schmidt is the legitimate HR in B&H (O Kanal)
• Murphy underlines necessity to solve issue of Election Law and noted earlier parties were not were not interested in facing problems of election integrity; If Mr. Dodik thinks he can split this country without consequences, then he is wrong (Hayat)
• Dodik on Murphy’s disputing RS Day: We will never give up on celebration of 9 January as RS Day (ATV)
• Islamic theologian Ceman shocks public in RS by calling for war and slaughter of Serb population; No reaction from FB&H and international community; RS requests B&H Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute Ceman (ATV)
Croatia
• Milanovic: Majority of Serb people support Dodik’s stances on secession (Slobodna Dalmacija)
• Croatian Foreign, Defence ministers: We support Croats, Montenegro’s EU path (Hina)
Montenegro
• Grlic Radman: We care about pro-European Montenegro (RTCG)
• Atlantic alliance: Krapovic continued to relativize malignant influences in Montenegro (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Spasovski – O’Brien in Washington: Next period crucial for North Macedonia’s future direction (MIA)
• Spasovski – McClain in Washington: We cherish excellent cooperation, work on improvements (MIA)
Albania
• Negotiations with the EU/Gjoni: 2024 finds us prepared for opening judicial system and administration chapters (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-EU/ High-level agreement on the transport network in our country ratified (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 12 January 2024

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 12 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: US decision to accept Pristina’s request to buy missiles greatly disappointing (Tanjug/RTV/Politika)
• Dacic: Serbia is no one’s long arm, pursues independent policy (Tanjug/RTV)
• Mojsilovic: KFOR the only legitimate armed formation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Situation in Kosovo and Metohija calm but fragile – KFOR commander (Tanjug)
• Brnabic sees bloody head instead of paint thrown at a billboard (N1)
• Petkovic: Only Kurti violates agreements (Politika)
• NADA proposes opposition action plan to Serbia Against Violence (Nova/FoNet)
• British Embassy: Serbia is not a proxy, though some elements are acting in Russia’s interest (Beta)
• O’Brien: Objections on election irregularities in Serbia should be solved legally (Beta)
• EPP prevents debate on elections in Serbia (Demostat/Beta)
• Andjelkovic: International corruption – one pillar of Vucic’s authority (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: RS has capacity to defend itself from violence of foreigners (Oslobodjenje)
• Konakovic calls on Dodik to return to initial agreements of the coalition; Konakovic argues that conflict is not possible (N1)
• HR discusses political processes, reforms with representatives of The Troika (FTV)
• Kovacevic: Those who are bothered by 9 January are bothered by the RS and its existence (RTRS)
• RS Minister Klokic sends open letter to Ambassador Murphy: US Embassy press release from 9 January discredits the USA, and it contains a threatening call to B&H judicial bodies and law enforcement bodies to open an investigation against B&H citizens due to participation in celebration of the RS Day (RTRS)
• RS Senator Vulin: US Embassy in B&H is hypocritical and arrogant (ATV)
• O’Brien: Dodik’s talk of secession was explicitly rejected and agreed to as rejected at the original Dayton, it is nonsense and unconstitutional (Oslobodjenje)
• Cvijanovic, Dodik and Viskovic meet with Serbian Defense Minister Vucevic: Preservation of peace and stability are common goals and prerequisite for development and prosperity of Serbia and the RS (ATV/RTRS)
Montenegro
• Spajic on the visit of NSD officials to the RS: The government follows the official policy (RTCG)
• Milatovic with Peach: A stable Western Balkans is a common interest, we appreciate the role of the United Kingdom in that field (CdM)
• Krapovic with Lord Peach: Montenegro is a reliable partner in preserving the security of the Western Balkans (CdM)
• Spajic with Peach: The government has good results, stay the course (CdM)
• Ambassadors of the EU member states: The results of the government are obvious, the holding of the Intergovernmental Conference is possible at the end of January (CdM)
• Prime Minister of Ireland: Montenegro is at the head of the column, our ambition is to be the first next member of the EU (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• MFA proposes updated Law on Restrictive Measures to include US, UK legal acts as basis for sanctions (MIA)
• Spasovski – Paschall: Joint efforts towards a visa-free regime (MIA)
Albania
• Peleshi: We are sending troops to the NATO mission in the Aegean Sea (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-Kosovo Railway, Spiropali: Strategic Project as another step in development for the Northern Capital (Radio Tirana)
• Agreement with UNDP signed, with a focus on strengthening disaster protection capacities (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 11 January 2024

By OSCPA M  /  11/01/2024  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 11 January 2024

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 11 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic meets with US Ambassador: Open discussion about further improvement of Serbian-US relations (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vucic: Everyone is arming themselves, we are not lagging behind (Tanjug)
• Vucevic: Political pressures on Serbia continue (RTS)
• Serbia Against Violence demands annulment of elections (Beta)
• CRTA on deadlines for contesting election result in Belgrade (Beta/Beoinfo)
• Brnabic: CRTA is Djilas’s political platform (N1)
• Defence to seek throwing out of indictment against Kosovo Serb – lawyer (Tanjug)
• Cvijanovic: RS Day is creating divisions without reasons, many have problem with fact that RS was created in peace (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Incidents reported in B&H in last few days (FTV/Nova/Klix.ba)
• HR Schmidt meets ‘Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa Enclaves’ discuss tensions raised over unconstitutional celebrations of RS Day, especially safety concerns raised by returnee communities (Klix.ba/FTV)
• Dodik: It is impossible to understand hysteria against Serbs and RS in Muslim part of FB&H (Nezavisne)
• Dodik: By celebrating the RS Day, the RS has sent the message of love, peace and freedom to the whole world (RTRS)
• Prosecutor’s Office of B&H follows events related to RS Day and is set to establish if there are elements of criminal responsibility (BHT1)
• Details of draft election law of RS (EuroBlic)
Montenegro
• Djurickovic: Does Montenegro plan to send an apology to B&H (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• FM meets Saudi speaker, discuss bilateral relations and economic cooperation (MIA)
• President Pendarovski meets Saudi speaker Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh (MIA)
• Speaker Xhaferi meets Saudi counterpart Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh (MIA)
Albania
• President Begaj hosts reception for diplomatic corpse (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 10 January 2024

By OSCPA M  /  10/01/2024  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 10 January 2024

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 10 January 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Serbia-Russia relations very good, Serbia is no one’s protectorate (RTS/Tanjug)
• Brnabic dismisses claims that number of voters has increased by almost 100,000 since 2020 (Beta)
• European Socialists call on Brnabic to allow investigation of election irregularities (Beta)
• Stano: We expect implementation of Belgrade-Pristina agreements (N1)
• Vucevic accuses independent media of breaking election law (N1)
• Djilas reveals more false residence registration (N1)
• Opposition will not refuse to accept seats in parliament (Nova/Beta)
• Tolkach urges Serbia to condemn Russia attacks during the holiday season (Beta)
• Vulin: Each Serb should get Serbian passport and right to vote no matter where they live (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Seventy-seven echelons participate in RS Day parade; Dodik: We do not need tutors and colonizers because this people never allowed to be enslaved (ATV/RTRS)
• Award ceremony for most deserving individuals and institutions held in Banja Luka on occasion of RS Day; Hungarian PM Orban awarded with highest RS decoration (RTRS)
• Marking of RS Day starts with liturgy led by Patriarch Porfirije (ATV)
• Dodik talks with Porfirije, Orlic, Vucevic and Kalabukhov in Palace of RS (RTRS)
• Dodik: If fake HR dares to pass law on state property, the RS will not hesitate to declare independent status; Something was declared on 9 January, and it cannot be observed on the other date; US Ambassador is not welcome to RS (ATV/RTRS)
• Cvijanovic: 9 January is day of victory, symbol and holiday of freedom (RTRS)
• Viskovic: Freedom is something brought in connection with Serb people (RTRS)
• Konakovic: Reaction to any kind of secessionist decisions would be more determined than ever (Dnevni avaz)
• Zvizdic: Disgracing, anti-civilizational and provocative celebration of the RS Day organized in the RS (Oslobodjenje)
• ‘Our Party’: There is nothing to celebrate today (Dnevni avaz)
• Komsic: Celebrating 9 January means celebrating historical defeat of idea of Greater Serbia (Slobodna Bosna)
• Remembrance Day of victims of genocide marked in Potocari in response to unconstitutional RS Day marking (FTV)
• Council of the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals request punishment for celebrating Day of RS and all those who participate in it (Hayat)
• US Embassy: We will not hesitate to address anti-Dayton actions (Dnevni avaz)
• Stano on the RS Day: EU always underlines that sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional organization and international distinctiveness of B&H must be preserved; All activities against these principles will lead to serious consequences (Slobodna Bosna)
• Ambassador Reilly: Selection of 9 January violates several provisions of Constitution (Oslobodjenje)
• Leaders of FB&H-level ruling coalition hold meeting where they presented their views on amendments to the Election Law of B&H (FTV)
• Komsic: HDZ B&H will wear down Troika and they will accept Covic’s demands regarding Election Law (Slobodna Bosna)
• EU comments on Schmidt’s announcement about possible imposition of changes to B&H Election Law (N1)
• Komsic: Schmidt acts as High Representative exclusively for Bosniaks; B&H needs strong pro-Bosnian bloc to protect state interests (Slobodna Bosna)
Montenegro
• Montenegro among the signatories: US and partners condemn transfer of weapons between North Korea and Russia (Vijesti)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Ahmeti: Unlike Rama, Kurti interferes in internal affairs of Albanians in North Macedonia (Top Channel/MIA)
• Parliament to hold sessions leading to election of caretaker government on 22-28 January (MIA)
Albania
• A two-day meeting of the government cabinet (Radio Tirana)
• Pre-accession funds, EU 250 million Euros for national programs in Albania (Radio Tirana)