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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

Belgrade Media Report 28 December

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LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: We won’t let them steal the will of people. Elections are as clean as a tear (TV Pink)
• Petkovic: Kurti trying to shift blame for failure of dialogue on Belgrade (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Dacic: Regardless of protests Serbia’s position on state issues will be firm (TV Prva)
• EC for N1: Complaints of election irregularities need to be properly investigated (N1)
• CoE envoy to visit Belgrade over serious election irregularities (Beta)
• Students hold protest, demand opening of voter registry, repeat of elections (N1)
• Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government: Voter registry is open (Beta/Politika)
• Zakharova: West attempting to “maidanize” protest in Belgrade, incompetent in solving Kosovo situation (Beta)
• So-called Kosovo police are again searching building near Leposavic (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H MPs meet with B&H CEC representatives; HDZ B&H and SNSD against SDA’s proposal of changes to B&H Election Law (N1)
• Kovacevic: Schmidt does not have the possibility to impose anything, citizens elected their representatives, and we know what we need to do to protect their interest (RTRS)
• Dodik: RS will not nominate or appoint B&H CC judges (RTRS)
• Dodik: Property is red line that will not be crossed (RTRS)
• Vulin appointed RS Senator (RTRS)
• SDA Presidency adopts six conclusions; Izetbegovic urges Ambassador Murphy to present proof for his recent claims on him, says Dodik must be prevented from undermining constitutional order in B&H (Klix.ba)
• Interview with Commander of NATO HQ Sarajevo, Brigadier General Pamela McGaha; NATO cares for permanent peace in the Balkans; NATO will not allow security vacuum in B&H or Western Balkans (Oslobodjenje)
• Russian Embassy issues statement reacting to interview with NATO HQ Commander McGaha: NATO is not interested in permanent peace (Oslobodjenje)
Montenegro
• Knezevic: Referendum on independence of Montenegro stolen (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: Political parties to meet legal requirements over caretaker government (MIA)
• Xhaferi: New parliament speaker by 20 January (MIA)
• Xhaferi: SEC in charge of administering elections, will have my full support (MIA)
Albania
• Balluku: The national strategy for combating money laundering will be ready within the first half of 2024 (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 27 December

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LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Repeating elections at several polling stations cannot significantly change results (Beta/Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Stano: EU waiting for Kosovo to abolish stickers on Serbian licence plates (Beta)
• Dacic: All politicians have high level of responsibility not to incite violence (Tanjug/RTV)
• Nestorovic: Both government and opposition working against state interests (N1/NSPM/Beta)
• Serbia Against Violence will not run in Saturday’s partial repeat elections (Tanjug/RTV)
• ProGlas calls for new elections to be held in six months, invites citizens to peaceful protests on 30 December (Beta/N1)
• Aleksic: Police detaining opposition members involved in protests (Nova/N1)
• EU: Violence at protests in Serbia unacceptable, investigate elections irregularities (VoA/Beta/RTV)
• Ninth protest over alleged election fraud held in Belgrade (Beta/N1)
• Suspects for chaos in Belgrade interrogated: Seven pleaded guilty (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Stevandic sends letter to foreign judges in B&H CC calling them to resign (RTRS/Klix.ba)
• Cvijanovic: Legitimacy of B&H CC ends with retirement of Zlatko Knezevic (RTRS)
• Dodik: We shall never accept to abolish autonomy of the RS, to hand over property and some competencies, to form ministry of agriculture at B&H level (TV Una/Oslobodjenje)
• RS MoI continues preparations for marking of RS Day (ATV)
Montenegro
• Krapovic: Events in the Morinj camp were not a consequence of Greater-Serbia aggression, but the war in Yugoslavia (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi: SEC in charge of administering elections, will have my full support (MIA)
Albania
• Parliament of Albania: There is no loss of data from the cyber-attack; We are working on full recovery! (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 26 December

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LOCAL PRESS

• Brnabic: SPN demands release of “thugs” they previously claimed were “inserted elements” (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbian government passed decision on free movement of all vehicles from Kosovo and Metohija (RTS/Tanjug)
• Aleksic: By accepting Kosovo license plates, Vucic proved willingness to cling to power at any cost (Beta/FoNet/NSPM)
• Dacic: Security situation stable, we will continue to protect constitutional order (Tanjug/Politika)
• Unified Voters’ Record one of most up-to-date records in Serbia (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Higher Court in Belgrade upholds decision by city electoral commission (Tanjug)
• Tepic on protests: The intent was to address citizens from the City Hall balcony (N1)
• Milivojevic: Riots caused by hooligans from Serbian government’s recruitment center (Beta)
• US State Department: Authorities in Serbia should investigate OSCE allegations about elections (VoA/Beta)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Vucic possesses evidence that the West is behind protests in Belgrade (Beta/RIA Novosti)
• Nestorovic: We will not join any coalitions, protest was not Maidan attempt (Sputnik Serbia/Beta)
• Eighth protest over alleged election fraud in front of RIK seat in Belgrade (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Nesic: Serbian opposition promotes violence (Dnevni avaz)
• Kovacevic: Events in Belgrade are worrisome (ATV)
• Stevandic: Connection between events in B&H and events in Belgrade on Sunday can be found (ATV)
• Marking 9 January as RS Day again becomes top political topic in B&H; HR says celebration is crime, calls on prosecutor’s office and police to react (O Kanal)
• Dodik threatens to arrest Schmidt, claims activities of Prosecutor’s Office will be banned in the RS if they attempt to intervene in 9 January celebrations (Nova BH)
• Medvedev congratulates holidays to Dodik (RTRS)
• Dodik: RS will not appoint new judges in B&H CC until foreign judges are removed (RTRS)
• Dodik: We preserved the RS, its institutions and is economy; I would prefer the RS to leave B&H as soon as the opportunity arises (Banjaluka.net/RTRS)
• Salkic: Dodik’s continuity of approach throughout history to impose a lie as truth on the rest of the world by persistently repeating lies is doomed to failure (Klix.ba)
Montenegro
• Koprivica – Herasymenko: Montenegro firmly stands by Ukraine (CdM)
• The relations between Montenegro and B&H are friendly (CdM)
• Knezevic: We strive to reconcile Serbs and Montenegrins and equate the Serbian with Montenegrin language after the census (RTCG)
• Uljarevic: Mandic the actual leader of parliamentary majority, For the Future of Montenegro wants to enter govt asap (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• North Macedonia to become EU member by 2030 with pro-European coalition and gov’t, says PM (Civil Media/MIA)
• Kovachevski: Discussions on election coalitions ongoing (MIA)
• Alliance for Albanians yet to decide on coalition ahead of elections, says Aliu (MIA)
• Opposition coalition of ethnic Albanian parties threatens to boycott parliament if no SEC member by 31 December (MIA)
• Ahmeti: Europe is country’s future, Balkan countries to step forward together (MIA)
Albania
• Opening of the first chapters – EC confirms the process, but removes the deadline (Public TV/Radio Tirana)
• Albania-Italy agreement/ Minister Tajani in Tirana, meeting with Rama (Radio Tirana)
• Gonzato meets Dumani: Full EU support for an independent and efficient SPAK (Radio Tirana)
• Manja hosts Gonzato: Support from the EU’s best anti-corruption expertise (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 20 December 2023

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United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 20 December 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Petkovic: Banjska resort raid part of plan to ethnically cleanse Serbs (Tanjug/RTV/Politika)
• Serb List condemns police incursion into Rajska Banja complex (Tanjug)
• Second citizens’ protest starts in front of electoral commission in Belgrade (Beta)
• Tepic: We won’t give up until the Belgrade elections are annulled as well as the parliamentary elections in Belgrade (RTS)
• Stefanovic: Over 40,000 voters without any legal basis to vote bussed into Belgrade to vote (N1)
• Nestorovic: We won’t form coalition with “Serbia against violence” (Novosti)
• Kamberi: Political struggle of Albanians from Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja will continue (bujanovacke.rs/Beta)
• US calls for investigation into election fraud claims (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Schmidt sends last warning to B&H authorities to swiftly change Election Law (Hayat)
• Troika: Schmidt’s announcement is final warning (Avaz)
• Main hearing in case against Dodik and Lukic for disobeying Schmidt’s decisions to be held before Court of B&H on Wednesday (RTRS)
Montenegro
• Montenegrin parliament session – highlights (CdM)
• Irena Radovic officially took over as the new governor of CBM (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Annual parliament address of President Stevo Pendarovski (MIA)
• No coalition with VMRO-DPMNE unless country heads down EU path, says Alliance for Albanians leader (Sloboden Pechat)
Albania
• Spiropali meets Ambassador King-Smith, strengthening the role of the Assembly (Radio Tirana)
• US State Secretary receives the Albanian Ambassador to the US (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 19 December

By OSCPA S  /  19/12/2023  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 19 December

LOCAL PRESS

• RIK releases preliminary results for parliament (N1/Beta/Tanjug/RTS/FoNet)
• Belgrade: Per results from 92.54 polling stations, SNS gets 49 Seats, Serbia Against Violence 42 (Beoinfo/Beta)
• Head of RIK: Protest turned into violence; They deliberately interfere with our work (B92)
• Vucic: If Nestorovic won’t vote for anyone, you will go to repeated elections (RTS)
• International observers say elections marred by irregularities (N1/Beta)
• EC expresses concern over Serbia elections (N1)
• Bilcik: No major irregularities noted (Insajder)
• Serbia Against Violence coalition holds protest rally in Belgrade (Beta/FoNet/N1)
• Milivojevic: Nestorovic is the most desirable coalition partner, perhaps Belgrade’s next mayor (Beta)
• UN adopts Resolution on Protection of Whistleblowers on Serbia’s proposal (RTS/Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Mehmedagic and Debevec arrested for abuse of office (FTV)
• Bubic confirms that trial hearing in case of Dodik is to be held on 20 December (RTRS/Nova BH)
• Zvizdic: Islamophobia in Balkans in string, Dodik is Russian proxy, there is visible rift between Dodik and Vucic (Oslobodjenje)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Mandic shouldn’t have been present in any election headquarters in Serbia (RTCG)
• Remikovic: So far, 564,000 people have been enumerated, there’s enough time to complete census within deadline (TV Vijesti)
• MONSTAT terminates contract with one instructor and 16 enumerators and condemns publication of their identities (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: Adriatic Charter has fulfilled its goals, time for a new strategic concept (MIA)
• Negotiating framework serves as wall for Bulgarian demands, constitutional changes much greater obstacle: FM (MIA)
• Mickoski: VMRO-DPMNE should participate in caretaker government, but abstain in parliament vote (360 stepeni/MIA)
Albania
• We already own over 50% of the capacity to be considered ready for EU membership (Radio Tirana)
• EU Negotiations, Dhuka: The voice of the Albanians resonated strongly in Brussels (Radio Tirana)
• Albania takes the presidency of the A-5 Charter, Hasani: Priority to unblock the impasse for Kosovo’s membership (Radio Tirana)