Belgrade Media Report 31 March
LOCAL PRESS
Várhelyi to Vucic over phone: 15 million Euros to Serbia for urgent needs (RTS)
Brnabic: Our experts to consult with Chinese experts on all future decisions (Tanjug/Beta)
Joksimovic: Cooperation with Hungary in overcoming consequences of COVID-19 (Tanjug)
Stefanovic: 80,000 Serbian citizens in self-isolation (TV Pink/Tanjug)
The worst day for Serbia – seven more deaths (RTS)
Kon: 24 hour curfew only if situation gets much worse suddenly (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Cvijanovic: Veto of Bosniak Caucus on decision to declare state of emergency stops effective fight against pandemic (ATV)
RS Crisis Headquarters adjusts measures and prolongs them until 13 April (ATV)
RS MoI denies controlling entrance from Federation of B&H to RS (ATV)
Data of B&H Association of Independent Trade Unions show more than 7,000 workers in B&H got laid off because of coronavirus pandemic (BHT1)
B&H receives assistance in fight against Coronavirus (RTRS/N1/FTV)
In B&H 379 persons infected, three people die (O kanal)
RS: 201 people positive for COVID-19, 11 recover (ATV)
Croatia
Government temporarily closes six maritime border crossings for passengers (HRT)
Croatia reports 77 new cases (Hina)
Montenegro
Djukanovic congratulates Pendarovski on NATO accession (CDM)
Coronavirus epidemic in Montenegro is under control, says Mugosa (CDM)
Montenegro reports 14 new coronavirus cases (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Stoltenberg: NATO membership means that a potential attack on North Macedonia triggers response from the whole Alliance (MIA)
Filipche: Linear growth of new cases encouraging (MIA)
Albania
Government expects unemployment to rise (Top Channel/ADN)
Number of infected in Albania reached 243 (Top Channel)
Head of Microbiology lab gets infected with COVID-19 (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Serbia’s coronavirus state of emergency measures draw eyes of human rights groups (AP)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 31, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Two new cases with coronavirus confirmed (media)
• Import tariff to be lifted on April 1, full reciprocity to enter into force (RFE)
• Svecla informs OSCE chief on measures to combat COVID-19 (RTK)
• Serbs don’t report coronavirus cases to Kosovo institutions (Radio Free Europe)
• Kosovo budget risks losing €200 million (Radio Free Europe)
• EU allocates €63 million for Kosovo’s economic recovery (RTK)
• Ahmeti: Interior Ministry decided to ban public transport Kosovo-wide (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• Djuric: We expect more confirmed cases (Kosovo Online)
• Epidemiologists to arrive to Mitrovica North (KIM radio, Kontakt plus radio)
• Spiric: One more person in Mitrovica North infected with Covid-19 (Radio kontakt plus, KoSSev)
• Serwer: New elections are not possible in Kosovo, Richard Grenell’s attention doesn’t mean much (Kosovo Online)
• New 44 confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia, with 3 more deaths yesterday (B92)
• “Serious deterioration – a prerequisite for introducing 24-hour curfew” (B92, N1)
Opinion:
• Lesson No 1 From Pandemic – We’re all Interdependent (Balkan Insight)
International:
• Thaci Push for Unity Government in Kosovo Deemed Futile (Balkan Insight)
• Kosovo Specialist Chambers: Providing compensations for victims (EWB)
• Kosovo-Serbia Agreement: Why is the Trump Administration Fast-Tracking a Hasty Deal? (Medium.com)
• Dismantling democracy? Virus used as excuse to quell dissent (AP)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Belgrade Takes Charge of Kosovo Serbs With COVID-19 (Balkan Insight)
• Domestic violence shelters keeping their heads above water during pandemic (Prishtina Insight)
• Two men arrested for domestic violence in Istog (Express)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 31
• 12 new cases of coronavirus confirmed (media)
• President Thaci invites Kurti to meeting (media)
• Veseli: Whoever incites conflict will have no room here (RTK)
• Mustafa reacts to Bahtiri’s statement (media)
• Charges files against Mitrovica South Mayor (Indeksonline)
• Acting Interior Minister files charges against Thaci (media)
• US gives Kosovo $1.1 million to fight coronavirus (media)
• Lajcak to start his duty as EU Envoy for dialogue in two days (RFE, RTK)
• Haradinaj: Kurti gave up the tariff, if he kept it, I would support him (RTK)
• “If Kurti does not meet Thaci, we call it a constitutional silence” (RTK)
Belgrade Media Report 30 March 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 30 March 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: Within 3 to 4 days, the decision on a 24-hour curfew (TV Prva/B92)
Brnabic: State ready for more rigorous measures if necessary (TV Pink)
For the past 24 hours, three people died, another 44 infected, a total of 785 cases (RTS)
Joksimovic: Another 90 tons of medical equipment arrive at Belgrade airport (Tanjug)
Godfrey: Washington sending aid to Serbia (Beta)
First part of aid from UAE arrives (Tanjug)
Djilas’ open letter to Vucic (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
RS parliament declares state of emergency due to Coronavirus pandemic (BHT1)
Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP announces invoking of vital national interest in case of no compromise over declaration of state of emergency (BHT1)
Dodik: Bosniaks obviously want to obstruct decision on state of emergency in RS; Cvijanovic: Decision will be delayed due to the announcement by Bosniaks (ATV)
Inzko welcomes readiness of Cvijanovic to use emergency authority in interest of public health; US Embassy: We support authorities which are undertaking short-term, legal and appropriate measures in order to face the current pandemic (Oslobodjenje)
Dodik: EU’s assistance should have been in form of respirators, medical equipment (ATV)
RS registers 38 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday (ATV)
B&H introducing new measures as number of patients rises to 353 (N1)
Federation of B&H Crisis HQ declares movement ban between 20:00 and 5:00 hours (BHT1)
Srebrenik Crisis HQ declares quarantine for settlement Srednja Spionica (BHT1)
Croatia
There are 77 new cases of coronavirus in Croatia, a total of 790 patients; Police are turning away all the vehicles trying to enter Zagreb (Hina)
Croatia receives 12.5 tons of medical equipment from China (Hina)
Dragan Vasiljkovic released from prison, expelled from Croatia (Hina)
Montenegro
Montenegro asks NATO to provide medical equipment (CDM)
Six more test positive for coronavirus (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
North Macedonia becomes NATO’s 30th ally (MIA)
Filipce: 26 new cases of coronavirus registered, 1 deceased, 9 patients cured (MIA)
Mickoski: We are facing a disaster and the government acts as if they are not from around here (Republika)
Albania
Eleven new COVID-19 cases reported by Ministry of Health (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Turkey welcomes North Macedonia NATO membership (Daily Sabah)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, 30 March 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 30, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Thaci insists on broad-based government (media)
• Nagavci: 82 MP votes for no-confidence motion, opened way to Thaci’s plans (Koha)
• LDK’s Hoti: Parties have two options (media)
• Bahtiri denies reports, “I am man of peace” (Klan Kosova)
• 97 cases of coronavirus in Kosovo (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• National Convention on the EU: Establish cooperation between Serbia and Kosovo in combating the coronavirus pandemic (Kontakt plus radio, KIM radio, RTK2)
• EU secures 38 million Euro in aid to Western Balkans (N1)
• Thaci with Quint ambassadors instead of consulting the political parties (KoSSev)
• Vucic: Within 3 to 4 days decision on a 24-hour curfew (Prva TV, B92)
• In Serbia, 82 new cases of coronavirus, total of 741 (B92)
• Two persons in northern Kosovo tested positive for Covid-19 (media)
• Ivanovic: Number of persons infected with coronavirus will increase (media)
• EUROPOL: How criminals profit from the Covid-19 pandemic (KoSSev, Beta)
• Two Serb families from Banje and Osojane villages robbed (Radio KIM)
Opinion:
• Jeffrey Sachs: The pandemic crisis will last two years, and things will no longer be the same (NMagazin)
International:
• Fall of the reform government in Kosovo: State crisis in the midst of Corona crisis (Der Spiegel)
Humanitarian/Development:
• COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects digital rights in the Balkans (globalvoices.org)
• China: End of epidemic (B92, Sputnik)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 30
• 3 new coronavirus cases confirmed, 91 in total (media)
• Kurti: We need to convince every family member to stay at home (media)
• Kurti: Extraordinary elections are inevitable (media)
• Thaci expected to invite political leaders for a consultation meeting (media)
• Nagavci: There is no government without the winner, Kurti was the best PM (RTK)
• LVV could delay forming of the government infinitely (media)
• Kusari: LDK would have submitted motion, with or without Veliu (media)
• Abazi warns on additional measures if citizens do not respect decisions (RTK)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 28
• U.S. envoy Grenell: Kurti said he would drop tariffs (T7)
• Kurti: I did not say we would lift the tariff without reciprocity (media)
• Mustafa: Kurti should withdraw his statements and publicly apologise to the U.S. (RTK)
• Congressman Raises Concerns Over Trump Administration Tactics on Kosovo (VoA, RTK)
• Haxhiu: Tendencies to form government without elections, unconstitutional (RTK)
• The outgoing government dismisses KUCS Board (media)
• Curfew hours change: movement restricted after 17:00 hours (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 27, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• The UK, as the U.S. calls to respect the Constitution (RTK)
• Haradinaj: The U.S. leaders’ statement, rightful guarantee for Kosovo (media)
• Dismissed government to continue to combat COVID-19 (RTK, RFE)
• Prishtina Mayor: Seriously, stay at home! (media)
• Svecla meets UN and UNDP representatives (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Grenell, Palmer, Kosnett: There is no secret land swap plan, lift the tariffs (KoSSev, RTS, Blic)
• Janjic: Thaci dictates developments now (Danas)
• Weekly: EU largest donor to Serbia, China holds 15th place, Russia below (Novi Magazin, N1)
• Fabrizi: First shipment of EU aid arriving (N1, RTS)
• In Serbia 73 new coronavirus cases confirmed, 457 in total (N1)
• Brussels Dialogue in 2019 – lost year and missed opportunities (KoSSev)
Opinion:
• Kosovo’s ‘Albanian Spring’ Has Succumbed to Early Frost (Balkan Insight)
• Kurti’s Downfall Leaves Kosovo Politics in Turmoil (Balkan Insight)
International:
• Kosovo Mulls its Choices After Fall of Kurti Govt (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Coronavirus in the Balkans: Can disasters defeat hatred? (DW)
• Foreign nationals allowed to remain in Serbia until the end of the state of emergency (Tanjug, B92)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 27
• Thaci: I will soon call all leaders to consult on new govt formation (media)
• U.S. State Department: No secret agreement, dialogue leads to mutual recognition (media)
• Thaci thanks US officials for their statement (media)
• Von Cramon: Hope no secret land swap plan (Koha)
• Mustafa: The U.S. refuted you, apologise (RTK)
• Hoti: LVV accused LDK for becoming servile to the U.S. (RTK)
• Thaci: Kosovo confirms first recovered case (media)
• Eight new cases of coronavirus confirmed (media)
Belgrade Media Report 26 March 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 26 March 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Vulin: US won in Kosovo (RTS)
Dacic: Modalities of health cooperation with Cuba (Tanjug/RTS)
Godfrey: US Embassy organizes flight to LA for US citizens and residents (FoNet/N1)
Fajon: Coronavirus not excuse for locking democracy, EU biggest donor to Serbia (Danas/Beta)
Total of 457 cases, seven die (RTS)
Nestorovic warns Valjevo could be under quarantine (TV Pink/N1/FoNet)
Transport Community Permanent Secretariat and CEFTA propose a set of measures for Western Balkans (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H Presidency issues joint statement calling on citizens to respect measures and trust authorities (Dnevni avaz)
B&H CoM decision preventing foreign nationals from entering B&H being enforced (BHT1)
Quarantine for people entering B&H through border crossing Samac formed (ATV)
Croatia to close down small-border crossings with B&H (Dnevni avaz)
B&H has eight new cases, bringing the total to 185 (N1)
Local healthcare center in Sarajevo-based district closed after woman (52) died of consequences of COVID-19 infection on Tuesday (O kanal)
Olympic Hall in Sarajevo to serve as quarantine where patients with mild-symptoms of COVID-19 will be relocated from hospitals in FB&H if necessary (O kanal)
Solak: We are definitely evaluating stricter and more rigorous measures (BHT1)
Pavilions of student center ‘Nikola Tesla’ in Banja Luka to serve as quarantine center for people infected with COVID-19 (N1)
Koc: Solidarity and mutual assistance only way to be successful in this fight (Oslobodjenje)
Norway prepares financial assistance for B&H to help country in fight against coronavirus infection (O kanal)
Zvizdic, Covic write letter to EU officials asking for exemption of Western Balkans from restriction decision (Dnevni avaz)
Covic: Plenkovic promised that B&H will receive help from EU (Nezavisne)
Borrell: China aggressively pushes the message that, unlike US, it is a responsible and reliable partner (Dnevni list)
Croatia
Croatia reports 481 cases and the second coronavirus victim (Hina)
Quarantine in Murter and Betina, police not allowing anyone in or out (HRT)
Montenegro
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Montenegro rise to 67 (CDM)
Djukanovic: Montenegro and UAE together in fight against coronavirus (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Dimitrov-Borell: Coordination, solidarity and channeling EU support to Western Balkans (MIA)
Twenty-four new coronavirus cases in North Macedonia, total cases 201 (MIA)
Albania
Albania’s leaders unite to cope with COVID-19 (ADN)
Number of Coronavirus infected in Albania increasing too fast (ADN)
COVID-19/71-year-old patient dies in infectious hospital, 6 deaths in Albania (Top channel)
Three field hospitals to be established (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
EU and US in opposite camps as Kosovo government toppled (EurActiv/AFP)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, 26 March 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 26, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Govt spokesman: PM won’t dismiss LDK ministers (media)
• Kurti: We will continue as a government in duty (RTK)
• Pisonero: Kosovo in a difficult political situation (media)
• Bieber: EU – US alliance damaged (media)
• Mustafa: LDK Ministers to remain in duty until new govt. is elected (media)
• Viola von Cramon: Totally irresponsible political class (media)
• Pack critices LDK for no-confidence motion (Telegrafi)
Serbian Language Media:
• Empirica public statement: Equal treatment of all communities in combating Covid19 (Radio Mitrovica Sever, KIM radio, Kontakt plus radio, RTV Mir)
• “Respect measures of Serbian Government, Albanians deal with politics not health” (B92)
• Fajon: Coronavirus is not an excuse for locking democracy (Danas, N1, Beta)
• Djuric: Serbian List not to interfere in ”Albanian-Albanian” conflict (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Trajkovic: Ousting of government irresponsible (RTV KIM)
• EC: Kosovo is in difficult political situation (Tanjug, RTV Puls)
• Three more returnees’ houses in Novake village burglarized (RTV KIM)
• Roma in Gracanica face supply difficulties in period of coronavirus pandemic (RTK2)
• Total of 384 coronavirus cases confirmed in Serbia (N1, covid19.rs)
International:
• No-Confidence Vote Topples Kurti Govt in Kosovo (Balkan Insight)
• EU and US in opposite camps as Kosovo government toppled (Euractiv)
• Coronavirus row helps topple Kosovo government (BBC)
• Coronavirus Helps Bring Down Kosovo’s Government, With Nudge From U.S. (The New York Times)
• Germany’s cautious support to Kosovo’s visa liberalization (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• The virus in Italy is finally slowing down, the coming days are crucial in the fight (B92, Tanjug)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 26
• MPs vote to dismiss Kurti-led government (media)
• Mustafa: It is better that the motion was voted, session showed our differences (RTK)
• These are the next steps to create the government (RTK)
• Acting PM Kurti dismisses deputy PM Avdullah Hoti (Koha)
• Haxhiu: Thaci and Mustafa brought Kurti’s government down (RTK)
• Haradinaj welcomes vote on no-confidence motion (media)
• Ruge: EU, France and Germany to be commended for their strong support of Kurti (Klan Kosova)
• Eight new cases of coronavirus confirmed (media)
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- Readout of Ambassador Robert Wood's Meeting with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu - United States Mission to the United Nations 25/04/2024Readout of Ambassador Robert Wood's Meeting with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu United States Mission to the United Nations
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