Belgrade Media Report 19 January 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Belgrade Media Report 9 January 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 9 January 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic wishes happy RS Day (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic congratulates Dodik on RS Day (Tanjug/Politika/RTV/RTS)
• Djilas asks Party of Euroepam Socialists to support demands to repeal election results in Serbia (Beta)
• ODIHR spokesperson: Final report on elections expected by end-February (N1)
• Lutovac expecting to take decisive stand on Serbia election irregularities (Beta)
• EU: License plates prove Belgrade-Pristina dialogue possible (Beta)
• Tepic to Stano: Call the situation in Serbia by its proper name (N1)
• Spain to recognize Kosovo passports, not its independence (El Pais/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Two US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly over B&H as part of bilateral air-to-ground training with JTAC from US Army Special Forces and Armed Forces of B&H (Nova BH)
• Helez meets US military attaché Adams, approves fly-over of US planes (Oslobodjenje)
• Officials and analysts comment on two US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flying over B&H (Nova BH)
• RS leadership lays wreath at memorials in Banja Luka; Dodik: RS is showing its ability to manage and exist in difficult circumstances in which hybrid war is being waged against RS by individual Western countries (RTRS)
• Formal ceremony and reception on occasion of RS Day held in Banja Luka; Dodik: The goal of Serb people is a Serb state in this area and its freedom (RTRS)
• Dress rehearsal for RS Day parade held in Banja Luka (RTRS)
• War victims’ associations demand that 9 January is proclaimed Day of Mourning; They will visit Potocari on Tuesday (NAP.ba)
• OSCE, OHR’s statements on marking of RS Day (BHT1)
• Leaders of parties gathered around SNSD-led ruling coalition in the RS discuss adoption of RS election law; Stevandic: If this law is adopted, then local elections in the RS in 2024 will be held in line with that law (BNTV)
• RS opposition refuses to attend the RS ruling coalition meeting on RS election law (BNTV)
Montenegro
• Perovic: By congratulating RS Day, Mandic violated all the rules of good neighborly relations (Television E/CdM)
• Knezevic and Asanovic near Dodik at the celebration of the Unconstitutional Day of the RS (CdM)
• Delegation of the New Serbian Democracy at the RS Day celebration (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Skopje’s successful OSCE Chairmanship put the city on the world diplomacy radar (Republika)
Albania
• Balluku: We expand the Tirana-Durres axis, we continue the railway network. A NATO naval base in Porto-Romano (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Albania’s unwavering dedication to peace and stability in the region and the world (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 5 January 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 5 January 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Cameron says what happened in Banjska must not happen again (B92)
• Drecun on Cameron’s visit: Great Britain’s key goal is to help Pristina militarily (RTS)
• Pristina adopted a decision to remove stickers for vehicles with Serbian license plates (RTS)
• DefMin says conscription not preparation for war (Beta)
• Dacic: Opposition’s attempt to violently overthrow Gov’t lacks sufficient mobilizing energy (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik announces adoption of RS Election Law (O kanal)
• US Embassy to B&H on Dodik’s announcement on adoption of RS Election Law: Any attempt to usurp state competences would be violation of DPA and laws of B&H (N1)
• Kovacevic answers US Embassy: We are not endangering BiH’s rights, but defend rights of the RS (RTRS)
• Kosarac: Adoption of Election Law of RS and formation of Election Commission of RS is clear policy of RS President Dodik and institutions of the RS (Srna)
• PDP’s Borenovic: It is obvious SNSD will be against fair elections and introduction of new technologies into the election process (Dnevni avaz)
• Milicevic: Although SDS opposes imposing of any law, it demands adoption of amendments to B&H Election Law that will stipulate introduction of modern technologies in election process (ATV)
• SDA: Dodik’s announcement is new attack on the constitutional-legal order of B&H (Slobodna Bosna)
• OHR reminds that Schmidt gave deadline of three to four weeks for legislators to vote on amendments to B&H Election Law (O kanal)
• Radmanovic: Completely new B&H Election Law is needed, amendments proposed by SDA are not acceptable (Glas Srpske)
• OSCE Mission to B&H: ‘Day of Republika Srpska’ directly contravenes the constitutions of both B&H and of RS itself (Slobodna Bosnia)
• Kovacevic: OSCE statement on RS Day is completely inaccurate (RTRS)
• Becirovic and Murphy discuss the political situation in B&H; Murphy: USA will not calmly observe anti-Dayton activities of authorities in the RS (Nova BH)
• Petronijevic: Schmidt carries out coup d’état in B&H (ATV)
• EUFOR Commander Major General Laszlo Sticz says EUFOR forces will intervene only if B&H police are not able to secure peace (N1)
• Helez: B&H is most stable country in the Western Balkans; Main focus of B&H Ministry of Defense will be NATO integration of B&H (Hayat)
Croatia
• Russian attacks strengthen Croatia’s support to Ukraine, says Plenkovic (Hina)
Montenegro
• Gjeloshaj: On 19 January 2024, MPs to vote on laws returned by Milatovic, we are to preserve functionality of institutions (CDM)
• Milatovic explains why he refused to sign three laws (CDM)
• PES: By not signing laws, Milatovic protects Abazovic’s EPCG BoD and prevents further reforms (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Marichikj – Aggeler: Partnership with USA to provide support for prosperous, well-governed, stable state (MIA)
Belgrade Media Report 4 January 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 4 January 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic: “Extremely hypocritical” Cameron’s statement on support for Pristina (RTS)
• Vucic and Mitsotakis: There are all conditions for strengthening cooperation between Serbia and Greece (RTS)
• Serbia to improve its grades – will the Hungarian presidency of the EU give it a wind at its back (RTS)
• Serbian Election Commission releases parliamentary election results (Beta)
• Djilas: Election manipulation assumes massive proportions, Western support to Vucic astonishing (Beta)
• Students begin atypical actions after Jan. 10 (Beta)
• Sapic: I will invite councilpersons for talks about Belgrade government (Beta)
• National Gathering coalition ceases to exist (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS Ruling Coalition Announces RS Election Law/Changes to B&H Election Law (ATV)
• SNSD coalition partners welcome conclusions made at the meeting with Dodik (ATV)
• Dodik: RSNA will not appoint judges for B&H CC until Court is reformed and mandate of foreign judges is over (ATV)
• Dodik: If someone dares to initiate any process against anyone in the RS due to marking of RS Day, the RS will react through certain set of measures (BNTV)
• Ambassador Kalabukhov: Decisions in B&H should be product of two entities and three constituent peoples (RTRS)
• Kalabukhov, Kosarac meet and conclude that Schmidt does not have legitimacy of the HR; They assess court process against Dodik as absurd (RTRS)
Croatia
• Prime Minister declines to reveal parliamentary election date (HRT)
Montenegro
• Gjeloshaj: EU, NATO and issue of Kosovo’s independence are red lines of my remaining in Govt. (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: No need for secret encounters, no meeting scheduled with Mickoski yet (MIA)
• Mickoski: Ministers in caretaker government to be unveiled after Epiphany (MIA)
Albania
• Minister Peleshi: By the end of this month, the Armed Forces will see the incorporation of two American Black Hawk helicopters (Radio Tirana)
Belgrade Media Report 3 January 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 3 January 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Petkovic to Lajcak: A strong protest over Pristina’s decision to collect the alleged electricity debt (Tanjug)
• Lajcak: We expect new local elections in the north of KiM to be called without further delay (Politika)
• Lajcak: Ohrid Agreement is legally binding (Beta)
• From 1st of January in central Serbia, movement is allowed for vehicles registered in Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
• Vucic: Decision on free movement of Kosovo plates prevented ‘big pitfalls and dangers’ (N1)
• Brigadier says NATO, Serbia closer than people think (Demostat)
• Non-partisan ProGlas initiative calls for annulment of elections (Beta)
• Vucic rejects opposition demands for international investigation (Beta)
• Russian FM: The west attempted to orchestrate unlawful seizure of power in Serbia (Beta)
• Vucic revealed when the new government will be formed (B92)
• Herzog, Vucic: Israel and Serbia should continue cooperation (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS authorities announce commemoration of January 9; Orban’s arrival announced while Milatovic rejects invitation (Nova BH)
• Kalabukhov: RS has every right to act as if High Representative in B&H does not exist (Nova BH)
• Croatian President Milanovic: B&H is clumsy, sloppy, incompetently managed colony, Schmidt is colonial administrator (O kanal)
• Documents of UNSC confirm Schmidt is not HR; Nobilo: Schmidt will be called to testify in trial of Dodik; Dodik: Schmidt is illegal HR (RTRS)
• Dodik: I will not sacrifice national interest of my people due to threats, pressures of foreigners (AP)
• B&H CC to continue working without single judge from RS, because RS refuses to appoint new judges (BHT1)
• Declassified documents of UK Ministry of Defense shed new light on engagement of UK special forces in Srebrenica in 1995 (Glas Srpske)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: I was invited to marking of RS Day, but I will not go; I am visiting Sarajevo in spring (CDM)
• Census 2023: Preliminary results on 25 January (CDM)
• Ministry of Interior: Temporary protection for nearly 10.000 Ukrainians (RTCG)
North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: Details on caretaker government by January 25 (MIA)
Albania
• Zelensky awards Rama with the Order of Prince “Yaroslav the Wise” (Radio Tirana)
• President Begaj with KFOR Albanian troops: You raise the name of Albania and Albanians wherever you are (Radio Tirana)
• Albania closes the two-year mandate in the UNSC (Radio Tirana)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
From Google News- RBI's Q1 after-tax profit in Kosovo grows 5% y/y - SeeNews 02/05/2024RBI's Q1 after-tax profit in Kosovo grows 5% y/y SeeNews
- Forgetting Covid: Kosovo Sleepwalks Towards the Next Pandemic - Balkan Insight 02/05/2024Forgetting Covid: Kosovo Sleepwalks Towards the Next Pandemic Balkan Insight
- Kosovar artist's doodle sculptures take over New York's Met rooftop - Euronews 02/05/2024Kosovar artist's doodle sculptures take over New York's Met rooftop Euronews
- RBI's Q1 after-tax profit in Kosovo grows 5% y/y - SeeNews 02/05/2024
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General
Media Sources
