Belgrade Media Report 30 April
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We may lift the state of emergency next week, curfew Thursday through Saturday (RTS/B92)
Serbian parliament confirms Decision on Declaring a State of Emergency (RTV/Tanjug)
Brnabic labels opposition MPs as cowards and liars (FoNet)
Gojkovic throws DJB MPs out of Serbian parliament (Beta)
EU High Representative wants Kosovo dialogue resumed soon (N1)
Ban on movement from today at 6pm until Saturday at 5am (Tanjug/RTS/B92/Beta)
Another 285 cases, 1,343 recovered patients (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Viskovic: I am afraid that we are paying the price of events during Easter (Nezavisne)
Tegeltija criticizes FB&H for relaxing measures against spread of coronavirus (EuroBlic)
FB&H and RS do not respond to B&H Presidency’s request for harmonization of protective measures (BHT1)
Irregularities in process of procurement of ventilators in FB&H continue to spark reactions, US Embassy to B&H concerned about corruption in process of public procurement (N1)
EU secures 3.3 billion Euros for Western Balkans (N1)
Sattler meets Covic, discuss mitigation of consequences of pandemic, local elections, Mostar elections, EU integration (Hayat)
Dodik: IMF funds are blocked because Bosniaks are not sticking to the agreement (Vecernji list)
B&H Security Ministry: Entities cannot reach decisions about borders; Minister Radoncic instructed Border Police not to execute orders of RS Crisis HQ (Dnevni avaz)
Nelson: B&H must demonstrate reasonable plan when it comes to EU path (Hayat)
B&H CEC to discuss problems with organizing local elections on Thursday; Radmanovic: CEC members appointed unlawfully (RTRS)
All quarantines in ZDC closed, 200 citizens who returned from abroad test negative for COVID-19 (N1)
Another spike in B&H’s Covid-19 cases, four more deaths (N1)
Croatia
Divjak: Only healthy students will be allowed back when elementary schools reopen May 11 (Hina)
In Croatia, 14 new infections, 2.076 in total, 2 more died (N1)
Montenegro
One person from Podgorica tests positive for coronavirus (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
VMRO says “no” to having “corona elections” while Macedonia has the highest death rate in the Balkans (Republika)
Pisonero: Negotiating framework for North Macedonia expected in June (MIA)
Western Balkans’ leaders meeting: EU reinforces support to address COVID-19 crisis and outlines proposal for post-pandemic recovery (MIA)
President Pendarovski won’t say whether he agrees with his adviser Maleski’s claim that the Macedonian history was falsified (Republika)
In North Macedonia 111 patients have recovered, 23 new cases and 4 more died (Libertas)
Albania
WB: A severe recession is expected in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro (Radio Tirana)
More Covid-19 infections in Albania (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 30, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• LDK, NISMA reach coalition agreement (media)
• Thaci: International silence created amnesty for Serbia’s crimes (media)
• Sources: Pacolli to arrive in Kosovo today (Koha)
• Prishtina Mayor calls on leaders to set aside differences (media)
• LDK leader reacts to Svecla’s remarks (media)
• Abazi: Parties, especially LDK, must distance themselves from Thaci (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• New incident against Serb community in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• SL: Passivity of police and lack of responsibility among Albanian leaders and international community concerning (Kosovo-online)
• Five new cases of Covid-19 infection in north, four persons cured (Kosovo-online)
• Vucic: We may lift the state of emergency next week; The unstable situation in Kosovo does not suit Serbia (B92, RTS, Kontakt plus radio)
• EU High Representative Borell wants Kosovo dialogue resumed soon (N1)
• Serbian Trade Minister says 16 million Euro in goods shipped to Kosovo (Blic, N1)
• “KEK will no longer drill holes without consent of Kuzmin residents” (Radio KIM)
• CoE SecGen warns against media restrictions during pandemic (N1)
• Media: Curfew in Serbia from 6 pm on Thursday, April 30 to 5 am on Saturday May 2 (B92)
• Delevic: Special Prosecution indicted five persons (Radio Kosovska Mitrovica)
Opinion:
• Kosovo-Serbia Land Swap Deal Risks Destabilizing the Balkans, Researchers Group Warns (exit.al)
• The dialogue between two people will continue, and not two societies (KIM radio)
• Why Serbia’s President Vucic chose Richard Grenell over Angela Merkel (EurActiv)
International:
• COVID-Related Boom Reveals Video Conferencing’s Dark Side (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• UNFPA and UN Women continue offering support to victims of gender-based violence (Radio KIM)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 30
• Covid-19: Nine new cases, 17 recoveries (media)
• Kurti and Risi discuss security situation, Covid-19 response (media)
• Svecla: Thaci travelled to Albania by disregarding state protocol (media)
• Thaci says he did not bring Pacolli, calls LVV a criminal organization (TV Dukagjini)
• Kurti responds to Thaci, invites him to a televised debate (media)
• Scenario to vote new government when court is on a day off (Koha)
• Mustafa responds to Thaci, says he will send the name of PM candidate soon (RTK)
• LDK reaches agreement for coalition with NISMA (Klan)
• Hoti: SL will have as much participation as in Kurti’s government (RTK)
• LVV says MP Etem Arifi’s vote cannot be counted on (media)
• Haradinaj: I don’t think Kurti plans to keep PM’s post by force (Telegrafi)
• Surroi: There will be no new government (Koha/Telegrafi)
Belgrade Media Report 29 April 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 29 April 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic: Parliament session started once all requirements have been met (RTS/Tanjug/RTV)
Djuric: KFOR promised it would not allow extremists to use this situation (TV Pink/Tanjug/Politika)
Godfrey: Serbia’s approach to pandemic provides an opportunity for progress in Belgrade-Pristina relations (N1/Beta)
Mihajlovic: Serbia ready to resume air traffic on 18 May (RTS)
Final decision today: It is possible to shorten the curfew for May Day holidays (TV Pink/B92)
Another 227 cases, 1,292 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H Presidency gives B&H Council of Ministers 24 hours to harmonize measures in fight against coronavirus pandemic at B&H level (FTV/N1/Vecernji list)
FB&H made a step back (Dnevni avaz)
SIPA, SC Prosecutor’s Office and Public Procurement Agency launch investigation of procurement of ventilators carried out by raspberry production company (N1)
Cavara: SDA wants to dis-empower Croats, some want to use the crisis and make profit out it (Vecernji list)
Tegeltija speaks with Chakrabarti and Lajcak via video link (RTRS)
B&H Presidency members meet with Sattler and Quint Ambassadors, launch initiative for start of reform process and implementation of priorities from EC’s Opinion (FTV)
Elections related stories (Dnevni list/RTRS)
NATO and US Army donate necessary supplies for FB&H and RS MoIs (Dnevni avaz)
RS Crisis HQ approves limited working hours of non-grocery retailers that operate in shopping malls from May 1-11 (RTRS)
Cardinal Puljic: Priests allowed to start serving masses with presence of the faithful (Oslobodjenje)
B&H sees a surge of 92 new Covid-19 cases and 3 deaths (N1)
Croatia
HDZ putting own interests before public health, says opposition MP (Hina)
Unions to stage an online protest rally on May Day (Hina)
In Croatia, 15 new infections, 2.062 in total, 4 more died (N1)
Montenegro
Pompeo to Djukanovic: Montenegro is not just a friend of the US, it’s an important ally (CDM)
Montenegro without new coronavirus cases for three days in a row (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Chulev: People’s health a priority, COVID-19 developments to determine date of elections (MIA)
Mickoski: Election not VMRO-DPMNE’s priority now (MIA)
Filipche: Curve flattened; Measures must be followed for return to normality (MIA)
In North Macedonia 105 people placed in state quarantine at Popova Shapka (MIA)
In North Macedonia 38 patients recovered, 21 new cases confirmed, 2 have died (Libertas)
Albania
Italian authorities seize 1 ton of drugs coming from Albania (ADN)
Thaci’s mysterious visit to Albania (ADN)
PM: Return to normality could take 2 years (ADN)
Albania eases restrictions as fear from pandemic fades (ADN)
Albania schools to partially reopen on 18 May (ADN)
In Albania 16 more cases of COVID-19 (Radio Tirana)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Coronavirus response: KFOR carries on with its activities and continues to provide assistance to local communities in Kosovo (NATO)
Trying to weather the storm: Covid-19 and Western Balkans (Anadolu Agency)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 29, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 29, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• LDK signs governing coalition agreement with AAK (RTK)
• Thaci another letter to Mustafa, wants name of PM candidate (Indeksonline)
• Veseli: PDK MPs won’t vote a govt of fraud, elections after pandemic (media)
• BiEPAG: Western Balkans in Times of the Global Pandemic (Koha)
• Behgjet Pacolli is still in Tirana (RTK)
• 2018 report: Amnesty for war crimes could be part of Kosovo-Serbia agreement (Koha)
• Hyseni: The matter of the new government to conclude soon (Klan, RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• NGOs and Media: Responsible institutions to protect human rights (Kosovo Online, KIM Radio, Kontakt plus radio)
• US Ambassador to Serbia: Return to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is important to Washington (Kontakt plus radio, N1)
• Djuric: We disagree on status, but we can’t beat the virus without cooperation (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• US Embassy in Pristina: Violence against minorities should be investigated and prosecuted (Kosovo-online)
• Jevtic: Violence against Serb properties must end immediately (Kosovo-online)
• Office for KiM: Burning down of family house in Cernica latest in series of attacks against Serb properties in Kosovo (TV Most)
• One person infected and five more cured of Covid-19 in Kosovo north (Kontakt plus radio)
• KP classified assault on RTV Puls owner case as minor bodily harm and destruction of property (KoSSev)
• EU – WB draft declaration: Close cooperation after crisis (N1)
Opinion:
• Collective amnesia for an elusive normalisation of relations (Prishtina Insight)
• Surroi: The clash between two majorities (Koha)
International:
• Ian Bancroft: With North Kosovo the Only Obstacle is in Your Mind (Kosovo 2.0)
• Recession Looms for Western Balkans as Countries Respond to COVID-19 (miragenews.com)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Number of confirmed coronavirus cases drops (Prishtina Insight)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 29
• Ten new cases of COVID-19, 31 recovered (media)
• Kurti: Tremendous progress against COVID-19, but we must not relax (media)
• Vitia: Relaxation of measures to be announced in coming days (RTK)
• Caretaker PM Kurti’s interview to Euronews Albania
• Mustafa: We have votes to form new government (media)
• By not making the letter for PM candidate public, Thaci is impeding the matter to reach the Constitutional Court (Koha)
• Hoti: Agreement expected tomorrow, AKR too will be part of govt (EO)
• Sources: Pacolli is in Prishtina, joins talk for government formation (Lajmi)
• Vitia speaks about Pacolli’s return to Kosovo (media)
• EULEX chief slams Pacolli’s claims on quarantine measures (Kallxo)
Belgrade Media Report 28 April
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic with Godfrey on pandemic and future cooperation (RTV/Tanjug)
Brnabic: Serbia effective in fighting pandemic (RTS/Tanjug)
Gojkovic: Constitution does not allow elections to be held in autumn (Tv Pink/Tanjug/B92)
EU committed to supporting Western Balkans in fight against COVID-19 (Tanjug)
Vulin: Thaci must explain his participation in organ trafficking (RTS)
Opposition won’t participate in session, protest in front of parliament on 30 April (Beta)
Another 222 cases, 1,260 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Reactions to decision on abolishing quarantines in Federation of B&H (RTRS)
RS Crisis HQ extends all measures introduced to curb spread of coronavirus in RS by 11 May; Viskovic says RS will not completely ban movement during 1 May holidays (ATV)
SDA Collegium welcomes adoption of rebalance FB&H Budget 2020, Corona Law, calls on HoP to adopt it (FTV)
Sattler: I expect local leaders to reach agreement on European path of B&H (Nezavisne/RTRS)
B&H CoM approves temporary opening of international border crossing for passenger air traffic for return of citizens to/from Turkey (ATV)
B&H confirms 20 new Covid-19 cases and two fatalities (N1)
Croatia
Prime Minister: Elections will be held when epidemiological conditions allow (HRT)
Dr. Markotic says Covid-19 measures in Croatia could be in place for up to a year (HRT)
Additional medical supplies arrive from China (HTR)
In Croatia, 8 new infections, 2047 in total, 4 died (N1)
Montenegro
Institute for Public Health plans to widen sampling strategy (CDM)
No new cases of coronavirus in Montenegro (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Pompeo: United States supports North Macedonia during crisis (MIA)
Pendarovski-Pompeo: Efforts in fighting COVID-19 and regional developments with emphasis on the Kosovo issue in the focus of the conversation (MIA)
Borisov demands that joint historic commission urgently resumes its work, decides on all disputed historic figures “one by one” (Republika/Sitel TV)
Speaker Xhaferi says parliament cannot reconvene (TV 21)
Milososki: The parliament lost its mandate when it voted to dissolve (Republika)
DUI’s Grubi wants the Constitutional Court to decide on whether the parliament can re-convene (Republika)
In North Macedonia on 1,2,3 May, curfew will start at 2 pm and will last until 5 am the next day (Libertas)
In North Macedonia 22 new cases of Covid-19, a total of 1,421, 6 dead and 36 cured (Libertas)
Albania
New eased measured for the days to come (Radio Tirana)
In Albania 14 new Coronavirus cases reported (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Serbs Take to Balconies in Protest Against Curfew (Bloomberg)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 28, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• LDK’s Gashi: We have 64 votes for new government (Koha)
• Mustafa to present the new government to LDK MPs (media)
• Thaci: No peace without justice for crimes Serbia committed in Kosovo (media)
• Ahmeti: Schools will not reopen on May 4 (media)
• Specialist Prosecutor initiates additional proceedings (Koha)
• Pacolli: Government preventing my return to Kosovo in ‘primitive, dictatorial’ way (media)
• Ministry of Health: Public health measures applied to everyone equally (media)
• VV’s Abrashi says Pacolli’s request is arrogant (media)
• Three KFOR soldiers from Slovenia infected with coronavirus (RTK)
• Association of Journalists condemns attack on Nenad Milenkovic (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Open hunting season: Are journalists the only problem? (KIM radio)
• A house set on fire in the village of Cernica in Gnjilane municipality (Kosovo Online, B92, Tanjug)
• Jevtic requests from Kosovo minister, officials protection for Serbs and their properties (Kosovo-online)
• Two new cases of Covid-19 infection, two deaths registered in northern Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• EU lifts restrictions on medical exports to Western Balkans (N1)
• The owner of RTV Puls attacked in front of North Mitrovica municipality building (KoSSev)
• Office for KiM, Spric condemn physical assault against RTV Puls owner (KoSSev)
• Journalists’ associations, TV Mreza condemn attack on RTV Puls director (Radio KIM)
• OSCE Mission requests swift investigation into arson of Serb house in Novake village (Radio KIM)
• Djuric: ”KFOR will not allow Pristina to invade northern Kosovo” (Kosovo Online, TV Pink)
Opinion:
• Kosovo was not adequately prepared for the pandemic (EWB)
• Robelli: A barbary of barons (Koha)
• Serbia practices its four-pillar foreign policy in the coronavirus era (intellinews.org)
International:
• Kosovo Court in Another Step Toward Indicting War Suspects (AP/NYT)
• EU Pledges to Continue Search for Kosovo’s War Missing (AP/NYT)
Humanitarian/Development:
• EU in Kosovo and CoE Office call for strong efforts to guarantee safe access to education
• EU Plans New Package To Help Balkans Through Coronavirus Crisis (RFE)
• European Commission aware of air pollution in Western Balkans (N1)
• Media literacy project – A guide to the news you release into your world! (KoSSev)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 28
• 35 recovered and 17 new cases with COVID-19 (media)
• EC President von der Leyen writes to acting PM Kurti (media)
• PM’s Office will address Venice Commission on Thaci’s letter (Lajmi)
• Kurti expresses concern over Thaci’s steps (media)
• Mustafa: Talks for new coalition are going well (Express)
• Haziri: You cannot impose ministerial names to LDK (Klan)
• LDK MP speaks about distribution of ministries (RTK)
• Thaci: Serbia committed genocide in Kosovo (media)
• Haxhiu says remarks on war crimes amnesty were misinterpreted (Telegrafi)
• OSCE condemns attack on journalist in Mitrovica North (Kallxo)
• PDK MP receives death threat (media)
Belgrade Media Report 27 April 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 27 April 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Continuation of dialogue with Pristina as soon as conditions are met (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
Dacic, Botsan-Harchenko on cooperation, UN SC session (RTV/Tanjug)
Vucic in Sremska Mitrovica Memorial Park: Genocide was committed against Serbs (B92/Tanjug)
Only B&H, Slovakia and Serbia against separation of Kosovo from EMS (Politika)
Serbia sends assistance to Italy (Tanjug)
DS, NS continue boycott of parliament (FoNet)
Another 233 cases, 1,209 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Commemoration for victims of Ustasha crimes in Jasenovac and Donja Gradina in WWII takes place in Donja Gradina, Sremska Mitrovica (ATV)
Restrictive measures relaxed in FB&H (FTV)
RS authorities warn decision to abolish curfew and quarantine facilities in FB&H endangers epidemiological situation in RS (RTRS)
Dodik criticizes FB&H authorities’ decision to abolish quarantine at border crossings (O kanal)
Abolition of quarantine in the FB&H is an insane and irresponsible move (Nezavisne)
RS government announces relaxation of measures as of 27 April (BNTV)
EU’s assistance to health sector of RS handed over; Dodik: RS was not forgotten by EU (N1)
Radoncic presents plan to deport migrants, Dzaferovic says migrant crisis should not be resolve by spreading of hatred and labeling of B&H as source of security problems (BHT1)
Embassy of Pakistan to B&H says statement of B&H Minister of Security on illegal migrants from Pakistan is unjustified (N1)
HNS B&H says local elections in B&H should be announced at beginning of May (N1)
Shipment containing eighty ventilators which FB&H government ordered from China arrives in B&H (O kanal)
Maglaj is COVID-19 epicenter in ZDC (BHT1)
In B&H 49 new cases and one fatality, 1,565 in total (N1)
Croatia
First stage of coronavirus exit strategy begins (HRT)
In Croatia, 9 new infections, 2039 in total, 4 died (N1)
Montenegro
Analysis of 97 samples shows all tested negative (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Marichikj: EU unanimously decided to start talks with North Macedonia, Bulgarian document carries no legal weight (MIA)
Pop Arsov: Instead of EU accession, we are pushed to redefine the Macedonian identity (Republika)
Is SDSM preparing for “corona elections” in June? (Republika)
Filipce denies reports that the government is preparing for early elections (Republika)
President Pendarovski plans to host leaders’ meeting in May (MIA)
In North Macedonia 13 new cases of covid-19 have been confirmed, bringing the total number to 1399, 4 people have died while 53 patients have recovered, (Libertas)
Albania
Albanian stores reopen as govt decides to ease restrictions (ADN)
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding: Albania is a friendly country for China (Radio Tirana)
Three agreements have been concluded with Kosovo in the framework of foreign policy (Radio Tirana)
Albania returns again to lower daily numbers of Coronavirus Cases (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Put aside political agendas ‘to save lives’, top UN official in Kosovo urges (UN News)
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the UN Mission in Kosovo (U.S. Mission to the United Nations)
Delivering on health, safety and justice in Kosovo (UK Mission to the United Nations)
Statement by Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN (Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations)
Kosovo: The priority must be the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade (Permanent Representation of France to the United Nations Security Council, 24 April 2020)
Chinese envoy calls for resumption of talks for political settlement of Kosovo issue (CGTN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 27, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 27, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Govt overthrown ‘because we were ending state capture’ (Prishtina Insight)
• Veseli: Serbia must answer for its crimes before an international tribunal (media)
• Osmani: Serbia is not ready for peace (media)
• Haxhiu: Thaci must publish letter for PM candidate to LDK (media)
• “War crimes are not pardoned; they need to be tried and condemned” (media)
• Health Institute: Stop pressure on us, we cannot test everyone at once (media)
• “All data show increase of cases of domestic violence” (Radio Free Europe)
Serbian Language Media:
• North Kosovo: Five new cases diagnosed with Covid-19 (Kontakt plus radio)
• Incidents affecting Serb community in Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Trifunovic: 23 years we live in darkness, looking for truth about missing persons (Kosovo-online)
• Blakaj: Attacks on Gashi are wrong, we must acknowledge all victims regardless of nationality (Kosovo Online)
• YIHR and HLC Kosovo condemn criticism and protests over Gashi’s statement (KoSSev)
• Elections in Serbia in July? (media)
• UN SG Gutteres calls Belgrade, Pristina to continue dialogue (BETA, N1)
• Dacic tells UN Security Council Pristina not ready to continue dialogue (BETA, N1)
• Opposition leader calls Serbian Government to revoke holiday curfew decision (BETA, N1)
Opinion:
• Why we should be worried about the fall of Kosovo’s government? (EWB)
International:
• Kosovo PM Sacks Adviser for Criticising Wartime Guerrillas (Balkan Insight)
• Kurti Will Not Oppose Protests Against New Govt in Kosovo (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Domestic violence cases on increase compared to last year (KoSSev)
• Vucic discusses pandemic fallout with EBRD President (FoNet, N1)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 27
• Covid-19: 32 new cases confirmed, total number 767 (media)
• Four KFOR members evacuated after testing positive for Covid-19 (Kallxo)
• Vitia: We will decide on new measures on 30 April (T7/Telegrafi)
• President’s decree can only be challenged when a non-winning party is mandated (Koha)
• Kurti: Missing persons, the first thing to be discussed in dialogue (media)
• Muhaxheri: Formation of new government is close (RTK)
• Selmanaj says coalition government to be voted this week (media)
• Pacolli: We are not interested to be part of any government (Lajmi.net)
• Kurti dismisses his advisor, Shkelzen Gashi (media)
• Visa liberalisation – injustice that will not be corrected soon (media)
LINKS
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