UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 14
• Grenell meets Thaci and Vucic in Munich (media)
• Haxhiu: Munich Conference is very important (RTK)
• Borrell could propose Lajcak for EU envoy on Monday (Koha Ditore)
• Lajcak confirms he is considering a post in the Balkans (Gazeta Express/RTK)
• Hoti: Reciprocity only in coordination with U.S. and EU (Zeri/Express)
• Haziri: Reciprocity will be applied (T7/RTK)
• Meta: Border change is never a solution (Epoka e Re)
Belgrade Media Report 13 February 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 13 February 2020
LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic: Montenegrin President overplays his hand by attacking Serb identity (TV Happy/FoNet)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Resolution 1244 is the foundation for regulating the Kosovo problem (Sputnik/RTV/NSPM)
• Gojkovic meets with Russian Federation Council Chairperson Matviyenko (Tanjug)
• Djuric and Falconi discuss political-security situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Custin: Grenell made it clear Pristina’s taxes send bad message (Tanjug)
• Carpenter: No progress on Kosovo before elections in Serbia; solution can’t be complete unless Serbia recognizes Kosovo as independent (VoA/N1/NSPM)
• Djilas criticizes Fabirzi in circular letter (Beta)
• Jeremic: Vucic trying to take control over Montenegro protests (Beta/Direktno)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS’ representatives in B&H institutions suspend decision-making on any issue under competence of B&H until adoption of new law on B&H CC in which there will be no foreign judges (Hayat)
• Dodik: Return to Dayton positions or there will be no B&H come spring of next year (Vecernji list)
• Representatives of parliamentary parties in RS deem that aggression of B&H CC has to be stopped (RTRS)
• Dzaferovic: Current crisis is developing because international community did not do its job; Komsic: Lower levels of authority cannot question B&H institutions (Hayat)
• US Embassy in B&H calls for compliance with B&H CC’s decisions; OHR says all moves that would lead to paralysis of institutions would represent step in wrong direction (FTV)
• Inzko: Issue of local elections in Mostar should be solved outside political package (FTV)
Montenegro
• Boskovic: Vulin’s behavior is tragicomic (CDM)
• Montenegrin citizens won’t be allowed to enter Schengen without travel permission (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• New audio leak proves that Zoran Zaev is behind the Racket scandal (Republika/1TV)
• Xhaferi won’t allow a vote to dissolve the parliament just yet (Republika)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
• A Plan to Unseat Serbia’s Leader Crumbles as Elections Near (Bloomberg News)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 13, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 13, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Pompeo writes to Kurti: Lift the tariff for Kosovo and Serbia dialogue to resume (Express)
• Albin Kurti defers a bit to Thaci: Invites him for consultation (Express)
• Thaci travels to Germany to participate at Munich Security Conference (RTK)
• Kurti nominates Jusuf Thaci as Deputy Minister for education (RTK)
• Swiss president congratulates Kurti on election (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Dacic: Compromise is our greatest concession towards Kosovo (Danas)
• “Moscow will find a solution if Belgrade calls on Russia” (Sputnik, B92)
• Carpenter: No progress on Kosovo issue before elections in Serbia (VoA, N1)
• Brnabic: The situation is unstable; Vucic was forced to react promptly (B92)
• Djuric discussed with Falconi security situation in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• Returnee interviewed by Special Prosecutor’s Office, denied being arrested (KoSSev, Kosovo-online)
• Serbian media: Another country to withdraw recognition of Kosovo (B92, Sputnik)
Opinion:
• Why 2019 was Year Kosovo will Want to Forget (Balkan Insight)
International:
• Kosovo’s new PM, cabinet accept halving of their salaries (Reuters)
• Kurti’s Ambitious Promises Will Test Kosovo Govt’s Resolve (Balkan Insight)
• Kosovo Detains Serb Ex-Policeman as War Crime Witness (Balkan Insight)
OSCE Broadcast 12 February
• Kosovo government revokes decision on pay increases (TV stations, RTK)
• Serbia drafts agreement on Balkans ‘Mini-Schengen’ (TV21, GazetaExpress)
• Deputy Prime Minister Abazi meets with OSCE Ambassador Jan Braathu (portals, Lajmi.net))
• Minister proposes Kosovo give up application for Interpol membership this year (TV stations, portals)
• Reopening of War Crimes Institute announced (KTV)
• Returnee interviewed by Special Prosecutor’s Office, denied to be arrested (Kossev)
• Assembly session on voting of committees to be held on Thursday (Koha.net)
• Kurti says tax on Serbian goods to be replaced with reciprocity measures (Summary of KTV’s Rubikon show)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 13
• PM Kurti’s interview for KTV’s Rubikon (Koha)
• Macron: Kurti government, political alternative and a hope (Kallxo)
• Berlin request immediate lifting of the tariff (Gazeta Express)
• Russia ready to find solution for Kosovo, if requested from Serbia (Sputnik/Lajmi)
• Finance Ministry publishes vacancy announcement for Customs director (media)
• Kosnett meets Konjufca, discuss advancing of Kosovo’s diplomacy (media)
• Veliu meets Apostolova, discuss also visa liberalisation (media)
• Assembly to convene today to discuss parliamentary groups (Gazeta Express)
• Kosovo Police detains then releases former Serb policeman (media)
Belgrade Media Report 12 February 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 12 February 2020
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Non-interference in Montenegro’s internal affairs (RTS/Sputnik)
• Stefanovic: I appreciate US pressure on Pristina, but it seems it could be greater (RTS/Tanjug)
• Vulin: Why do the authorities in Montenegro have a problem when somebody from Serbia is coming (RTS)
• Gojkovic at Russia-Serbia Parliamentary Commission session (Tanjug/RTV)
• Cucic: Enough room for migrants in reception centers (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: B&H CC’s decision on Law on Agricultural Land of RS is attack on territorial organization of B&H (RTRS)
• Ramic on B&H CC’s decision on Law on Agricultural Land of RS: OHR should impose law (N1)
• Talks on formation of FB&H government fail to bring results; OHR, US Embassy, EUD call for formation of authorities at all levels of power (N1)
• Commission for Appointment of SC government rejects all 12 candidates for new convocation of SC government (FTV/Oslobodjenje)
• Colo: HDZ B&H has to stop with obstructions and only international community can make them do that (Oslobodjenje)
• Palmer: We are worried about Russian intentions about Western Balkans (N1)
• Kosarac hosts meeting on Croatia’s intention to build nuclear landfill near border with B&H (Hayat)
Croatia
• Government to provide legal aid for survivors of Serb concentration camps (HRT)
• Tensions within the HDZ continue to rise ahead of intra-party elections (HRT)
Montenegro
• Metropolitanate hasn’t launched initiative for assessment of constitutionality of new law (CDM)
• Erdogan to visit Montenegro soon (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Macedonian parliament ratifies the NATO accession protocol (Republika)
• Zidan: Macedonia has done more than any other EU candidate (Republika)
• Di Meio: Regardless of methodology, EU talks shouldn’t be delayed (Republika)
Albania
• Mini-Schengen provokes first ‘dispute’ of Albania and Kosovo PMs (ADN)
• Kosovo may be positive example of good governance in region (ADN)
• Ruci: Kurti’s government to successfully overcome challenges (ADN)
• Opposition leader guarantees support to Kosovo’s PM (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
• Serbian leader lauds upcoming WWII victory celebrations (TASS)
• Balkan spies ‘feed’ EU’s police database via Czechs (EUobserver)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 12, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 12, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Konjufca proposes not to apply for INTERPOL this year (Gazeta Express)
• Haxhiu: Government annulled two unjust decisions (media)
• Haradinaj slams decision to cancel salary raise, calls it “senseless” (media)
• Government dismisses national coordinators appointed during Haradinaj’s term (media)
• Kurti to participate at Munich Security Conference together with Grenell and Vucic (Klan, RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• “Trump sent Grenell to ask Vucic, Thaci and Kurti a single question” (Tanjug, B92)
• Vucic to meet Grenell in Munich, Kurti will probably be in Germany (Tanjug, Radio KIM, N1)
• Reeker: We’ll stand by Serbia as partner and friend on its path to EU (VoA, N1)
• Odalovic: Revoking tariffs major challenge for Kurti (RTS)
• Returnee in Istok arrested over alleged war crime, Office for KiM, Serbian List condemn arrest (Tanjug, RTV)
• Milena Ivanovic: Fact that Silvana Arsovic is indicted is scandalous (Kosovo-online)
International:
• Kosovo’s New PM Visits Albania in First Official Trip Abroad (AP/NYT)
• Journalists’ Abductions, Killings in Kosovo ‘Not Properly Investigated’ (Balkan Insight)
• Suspects Plead Not Guilty to Kosovo Serb Politician’s Murder (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Kosovo Faces Challenge to Resolve Battles over University Accreditation (Balkan Insight)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 12
• Custin: Grenell never said U.S. investments in Kosovo will be cancelled (VOA)
• Grenell: Drop the tax to let investments work (media)
• Kurti: Visit to Tirana was not part of foreign policy (media)
• KFOR supports Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (RTK)
• Kurti to meet Vucic in March? (Gazeta Express)
• Wigemark: There is political interference in Kosovo judiciary (Koha Ditore)
• Italian FM requests from Kosovo resumption of dialogue (Epoka e Re)
• EP draft resolution urges visa liberalisation for Kosovo (media)
• Government expected to annul decision on salary increase (Telegrafi)
• EULEX requests for the rule of law to be priority in Kosovo (RTK)
• Kurti nominates Avni Zogjani Deputy Minister (media)
• Ivanovic’s former associate accused as accomplice to his murder (Zeri)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 11, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 11, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Kosovo and Albania set up commission for intergovernmental agreements (media)
• They start with disagreement: Kurti seeks Albanian macro-Schengen, Rama regional mini-Schengen with Serbia (Express)
• In Tirana, Kurti meets Speaker Ruci, President Meta, opposition leader Basha (media)
• Palmer: Russia wants Balkans with an element of chaos in it (RFE)
• Osmani meets heads of UN Agencies (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Brnabic: I hope Pristina will revoke tariffs soon (RTS)
• “Germany wants to get directly involved in solving Kosovo issue” (Sputnik, B92)
• Dacic: Serbia wants to know if EU will expand to Western Balkans (BETA, N1)
• US hopes EU will open talks with Skopje, Tirana in March, worries about Russia (RFE, N1)
• UNS presents research on missing and murdered journalists in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• Jevtic: I expect government to work in interests of all citizens (RTV Puls)
• Stefanovic comments on US calls to Pristina to revoke tariffs (RTS)
• Indicted in Oliver Ivanovic’s murder case pleaded not guilty (RTS)
Opinion:
• Embracing Europe’s Power (Project Syndicate)
International:
• U.S. Envoy Urges Kosovo To Drop Tariffs On Serbian Goods ‘With No Reciprocity’ (RFE)
• Why Europe Cannot Afford To Get It Wrong On The Western Balkans (Forbes)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Winter Sports Festival Hopes to Thaw Kosovo’s Ethnic Freeze (Balkan Insight)
• Gifted but ‘ignored’ (Prishtina Insight)
Belgrade Media Report 11 February 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 11 February 2020
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: I hope there is a possibility of reaching a compromise solution to the Kosovo problem (Tanjug)
• Di Maio: Greater EU support and mediation was needed in finding a solution to the Kosovo problem (Tanjug/RTS)
• Dacic: Serbia wants to know whether or not there will be EU enlargement (Beta/Tanjug)
• Selakovic: Serbia’s constitutional obligation is to protect Serbs in the diaspora (RTV)
• Serbia’s military delegation had to take off uniforms to enter Montenegro (Sputnik/Tanjug/B92)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS Ministry of Agriculture: B&H CC reached decision declaring Article 53 of RS Law on Agricultural Land unconstitutional for purely political reasons (O kanal)
• Dodik, other RS politicians strongly oppose ruling of B&H CC (EuroBlic)
• Zaimovic: If HDZ B&H does not change rigid stance regarding Election Law, we will not have Federation of B&H government for long time (Dnevni avaz)
• Varhelyi: Countries of Western Balkans need to be treated as future EU members (Dnevni avaz)
• Covic visits Russia: Dialogue between B&H and Russian Parliament needs to be increased (N1)
• Dzaferovic meets Secretary General of Muslim World League Al-Issa (Hayat)
Montenegro
• Programs of Happy and Pink M TVs limited owing to broadcasting hatred (CDM)
• A Greater Serbian insurgency in Montenegro (RTCG/MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• New version of the PPO law put on fast track for adoption with a narrow vote of 63 in favor (Republika)
• Varheyi warns against further delays in EU accession talks with Macedonia and Albania (Republika)
Albania
• President urges Serbia’s Albanians to participate in elections (ADN)
• Albania to fully support Kosovo recognition as a state (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
• U.S. Envoy Urges Kosovo To Drop Tariffs On Serbian Goods ‘With No Reciprocity’ (RFE/RL)
• Fajon: There is some progress in Serbia, but not the results we want to see (European Western Balkans)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 11
• Reciprocity still just an idea, Grenell doesn’t support it (Koha/Express)
• The U.S. Embassy with the same stance as Grenell: Lift the tariff (RTK)
• EU expects from Kosovo to lift the tariff (Gazeta Metro)
• PM Kurti to visit Tirana today (media)
• Kurti: Righteous protests advanced justice (media)
• Italian foreign minister visits Kosovo today (media)
• PDK to Osmani: We are boycotting you, not the Assembly (RTK)
• Kurti appoints two deputy prime ministers (media)
Belgrade Media Report 10 February 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 10 February 2020
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: I do not believe they will offer anything good to the Serbs (Tanjug/RTS/Beta/B92)
• Brnabic: New methodology for accession negotiations pragmatic (TV Pink/Tanjug)
• Dacic: Serbia will not do everything to join EU (Beta/Novosti/Politika)
• Drecun: Kurti trying to squeeze Thaci out of the dialogue (TV Pink/Tanjug)
• Office for Kosovo and Metohija condemns ban for basketball players from Batocina to cross Jarinje (RTS/Tanjug/Politika)
• Measures taken to improve election conditions (Tanjug)
• EU officials: Citizens to have as wide range of policies as possible in election (Beta)
• Fajon on visit to Serbia: As if there are parallel worlds, institutions, media (FoNet)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H Constitutional Court rules that Article 53 of RS Law on Agricultural Land is unconstitutional (N1/ATV/RTRS)
• B&H HoR fails to support appointment of Spiric as member of Commission for Commission for Appointment and Supervision of work of APIK (FTV)
• Palmer condemns proposal for appointment of SNSD’s Spiric as member of B&H parliament’s Commission for APIK (BHT1)
• Minister Turkovic: United States has not forgotten B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• Cvijanovic on press release of B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Spiric’s appointment (RTRS)
• SNSD Executive Committee convenes: Bosniaks are blocking appointments of Serbs to posts in B&H institutions (ATV)
• Cvijanovic meets members of US Congress in Washington (ATV)
• Cvijanovic: Interest for B&H in US administration is decreasing (RTRS)
• Dodik: Inviting Trump, Pope Francis for marking of 11 July in Srebrenica is private initiative of Komsic, Dzaferovic (RTRS)
• Covic: B&H and Russia should strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation (Vecernji list)
Croatia
• Swedish media criticize Croatia: Don’t let them join Schengen (TCN/Index)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: This is an attempt to bring Montenegro back to the middle ages (CDM)
• Boskovic: We won’t tolerate an escalation of violence in Montenegro (Pobjeda)
• EU does not provide guidelines on how a country should regulate religious freedoms (CDM)
• Guterres: Montenegro plays an important role in the region (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Zaev: Parliament may postpone dissolution if there is blocking of legal solutions (Republika)
• Nikoloski in US: After change of government, 2020 will not be a lost year for citizens and road to EU integration (Republika)
• No date before elections: New Enlargement Commissioner crushes government hopes of EU talks in March (Republika)
Albania
• Bushati: EU accession, now more demanding (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
• What Prevents Serbia From Exploring Aftermath of 1999 NATO Bombings? (Sputnik)
Read More →LINKS
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- Kosovo to offer 20 mln euro of 3-yr T-notes on May 24 - SeeNews 21/05/2024
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