UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 17, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 17, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti writes to Thaci: Do not use double standards (media)
• Kosnett on political rhetoric in Kosovo: Focus on facts (media)
• Abazi: No substitution of democracy and no democratic legitimacy without elections (media)
• Nagavci: LVV to reply to Thaci once circumstances permit (RFE)
• Haziri: LDK ready to form a new government (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Three new Covid-19 infection cases in northern Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Dacic: UN SC meeting on Kosovo scheduled for April 24 still on the agenda (Kontakt plus radio, TV Prva)
• Three crises in Kosovo (RTK2)
• EU Office supports cooperation of Serbian and Kosovo ministers of health (Kosovo-online)
• Belgrade ready to strengthen relations with Washington in all areas, Dacic says (N1)
• Reporters Without Borders: Authorities to investigate the arbitrary detention of KoSSev editor (KoSSev)
• CoE, NATO, OSCE: Parliaments have key role, they should work (Beta, N1)
• Kon: Percentage of new coronavirus cases in Serbia dropping (N1)
Opinion:
• Trump Is Stirring Chaos in Kosovo at the Worst Possible Time (Foreign Policy)
International:
• Prominent Kosovo Serb Journalist Says Intimidation Worsening with COVID-19 (Balkan Insight)
• Balkan Gangsters ‘Profiting From Pandemic’, Report (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• North Macedonia Leads Region in COVID-19 Tracing App (Balkan Insight)
• Innovation thrives as pandemic continues (Prishtina Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 17
• Kosovo: 26 new cases of COVID-19, eight recoveries, two deaths (media)
• From his balcony, Kurti urges people to respect COVID-19 measures (media)
• Vitia speaks to region’s ministers about fight against COVID-19 (media)
• U.S.: Cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia on Covid-19 encouraging (media)
• Osmani to meet parliamentary groups to harmonise COVID-19 legislation (Klan)
• LDK leaves the meeting of Assembly chairmanship (RTK)
• Abazi: Democracy cannot be stolen by abusing with Covid-19 situation (RTK)
• Veseli calls for more testing and for reducing quarantine period (media)
• Lajcak holds telephone conversations with Osmani, Haziri, Limaj (media)
• MEP Fajon supports efforts of Minister Vitia to fight COVID-19 (media)
• UN Women in Kosovo officials say domestic violence has increased (Koha)
Belgrade Media Report 16 April
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We are not able to lift the ban on movement during curfew (Tanjug/Beta/RTV/RTS)
Dacic: Serbian-American relations are good foundation for optimistic view of the future (Beta)
Godfrey: We’ll write down new chapter of our friendship (FoNet)
Equipment for two state-of-the-art quid labs arrives from China (Tanjug)
Preventive measures in migrant camps yield results (Tanjug)
Second Serbian media outlet says no more e-mail questions about pandemic (FoNet)
EFJ warns of reporting restrictions during coronavirus pandemic (N1)
In Serbia 5,318 infected, 443 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
FB&H Crisis HQ says there will be no mass testing (FTV)
RS Crisis HQ extends duration of curfew in RS for upcoming Easter (BHT1)
Dodik thanked Orthodox believers for understanding of curfew during upcoming Easter (ATV)
Radoncic sends letter to embassies, diplomatic offices and honorary consulates in B&H regarding possibility of transportation of foreign citizens to their countries (FTV)
EBRD will assist public and private sector in B&H to overcome this unseen challenge (Dnevni avaz)
Sattler: EU might not be loudest one, but it is most loyal partner (Nezavisne)
US Ambassador Nelson: Virus does not respect neither borders nor ethnicities (O kanal)
First shipment of medical equipment from China arrives in Banja Luka (RTRS)
Malaysia delivers 10 tons of aid to B&H (Dnevni avaz)
Radoncic thanks Saudi Arabia for donation to B&H (Dnevni avaz)
HNS B&H supports postponement of local elections if crisis continues (N1)
OHR and US Embassy asked to comment possibility of merging of elections; OHR: Frequency of election cycles is often used as excuse for inactivity (Oslobodjenje)
Number of persons infected in B&H increased to 1,116 (N1)
Croatia
Croatian MEPs dissatisfied with EU response to crisis at its beginning (Hina)
Croatia reported 50 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the national total to 1,791 (HRT)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: We are going to come through this crisis (CDM)
Coronavirus measures in Montenegro to be extended until 30 April (CDM)
Begic: It is still too early to talk about lifting measures and restrictions (CDM)
Amfilohije: Oppression of the church continues (Dan)
Institute for Public Health confirms two new coronavirus cases, both from Ulcinj (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
The state of emergency in North Macedonia extended for the next 30 days (Republika)
Army presence to increase in several cities in North Macedonia, says Defense Minister (MIA)
Stoltenberg: Best way to counter disinformation campaigns is concrete support to allies (MIA)
Chinese Embassy makes donation to North Macedonia amid coronavirus outbreak (MIA)
Michel: EU-Western Balkans Summit to be held via videoconference (MIA)
Spasovski: No relaxation of curfew rules for Easter (Republika)
Top government officials Spasovski, Filipce and Osmani to self-isolate after meeting with the infected Mayor of Kumanovo (Republika)
Palmer: US companies helping coronavirus fight in North Macedonia (MIA)
Macedonia’s coronavirus stimulus package second smallest in Europe (Republika)
Albania
Meeting of the National Security Council held (Radio Tirana)
COVID-19 claims 26th victim in Albania (Tirana Times)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Várhelyi: New methodology has put the enlargement policy back on track (EWB)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 16, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Another patient succumbs to the coronavirus at Prishtina hospital (media)
• Ahmeti: Situation in the capital under control (Klan)
• LDK’s Hoti criticises PM Kurti of “partial legal initiatives” (media)
• German diplomat: U.S. need to be fair on Pristina-Belgrade dealings (Express)
• Kurti: Institutions to step up reactions against domestic violence (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Irinej: We can pray to God from home too, follow experts’ advice (Tanjug, B92, RTS)
• “Decisions of government and ministries must be available in Serbian language as well” (Radio KIM)
• 11 new cases of Covid-19 infection in northern Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warns UN about coronavirus press freedom violations (Beta, AFP, N1)
• EFJ warns of reporting restrictions during coronavirus pandemic (N1)
• US Ambassador to Serbia: We’ll write down new chapter of our friendship (FoNet, N1)
• Detention of Marko Rosic extended for two more months (Kosovo-online)
Opinion:
• Pandemic Adds Fresh Uncertainty to Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue (Balkan Insight)
• Why the EU should lead talks between Kosovo and Serbia (ecfr.eu)
International:
• Balkan Economies Expected to Contract in Pandemic, IMF warns (Balkan Insight)
• Várhelyi: New methodology has put the enlargement policy back on track (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Staying at home increased cases of domestic violence (RTK)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 16
• Kosovo: 36 new cases of COVID-19, five recoveries (media)
• Kosovo, Serbia health ministers discuss cooperation against COVID-19 (media)
• UK Embassy urges media to report factually (media)
• Osmani forwards initiative for draft law on fighting COVID-19 (media)
• Von Cramon: Lockdown rules to follow constitutional ones in Kosovo (media)
• MP Berisha writes to embassies: Please help Egyptian community (media)
• Lajcak denies he has knowledge of a Kosovo-Serbia “secret deal” (Klan Kosova)
• Nagavci: LVV will reply to the President after the pandemic (RTK)
• Limaj says his party willing to contribute in a unity government (Kosovapress)
• VV’s Pacolli accuses opposition of creating political crisis during pandemic (Koha)
• “For LDK, health of citizens equally important as health of democracy” (Telegrafi)
• Haxhiu: I was not invited at President’s meeting (Klan Kosova)
• Kosovo Police sends appeal against domestic violence (media)
Belgrade Media Report 14 April 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 15 April 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced his visit to Serbia in talks with Vucic (B92/Politika/Novosti/RTS)
Vucic: There will be no exception for Easter (B92)
Vucic: Curfew from 5 pm on Friday, to 5 am on Tuesday (RTS/B92)
Patriarch: We must understand state effort, and also participate in liturgy (Beta)
EU continues to help Serbia in fight against coronavirus (Beta)
Joksimovic, EU ambassadors speak about fight against COVID-19 (Tanjug)
False state of Kosovo cutting off electricity under the corona veil (Novosti)
FoNet: No more e-mail questions to government pandemic team (FoNet)
In Serbia, another 408 cases, five more deaths (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H CC to decide on 22 April on whether ban on movement of citizens younger than 18 and older than 65 due to coronavirus pandemic is violation of citizens’ rights (FTV)
Main Coordination Team of RS calls on citizens to act responsibly during upcoming holidays (ATV)
OSCE urges RS to withdraw ‘fake news’ decree-law (N1)
TC Civil Protection Crisis HQs wants to allow work of some shops in TC, while FB&H Civil Protection Crisis HQs deems cantons should not make decisions contrary to its orders (O kanal)
IMF’s report: B&H’s economy to drop by 5 percent this year (O kanal)
Izetbegovic: IMF loan is one fifth of funds we need to support B&H (FTV)
Dodik: There is no need for Komsic to be concerned about RS (ATV)
Hungary’s assistance will be distributed equally to Sarajevo and Banja Luka (BHT1)
In B&H 1110 infected, death toll 41, 253 recovered (N1)
Croatia
Croatia reported 37 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the national total to 1,741 (HRT)
Montenegro
Religious rites only without the faithful (RTCG)
Institute for Public Health confirms five new cases of coronavirus (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Government asks President Pendarovski to extend the state of emergency (Republika)
Pendarovski-Meta: Regional cooperation needed to tackle COVID-19 crisis (MIA)
Parliament to stay dissolved: Constitutional Court decides not to initiate procedure (Republika)
Hutchison: NATO setting up counter-hybrid support team in Macedonia (MIA)
Macedonia comes second according to coronavirus mortality rate compared to countries in the region (Republika)
In North Macedonia 66 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed, 1 person died, 12 patients recovered (Libertas)
Albania
Cakaj ‘gathers’ Albanian political factor in Balkans (ADN)
Rama: Good news, Brussels allocates 100m Euros for the reconstruction of Albania (Radio Tirana)
Criminal Code approved in Law Commission/Fines and sentences for violators of quarantine during infectious diseases (Radio Tirana)
In Albania 494 total COVID-19 cases confirmed, 24 victims (Tirana Times)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Fighting COVID-19 in Serbia is not a suppression of democracy (The Washington Times)
Congressman Engel and Senator Menendez: Trump Administration unbalanced between Serbia and Kosovo (EWB)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 15, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 15, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• President Thaci sends third letter to Kurti (media)
• Thaci: Kosovo needs government with full mandate (media)
• US Embassy: Follow guidelines issued by government and municipalities (media)
• Heldt: Increase of Covid-19 cases in Kosovo is not a good thing (RTK)
• Another patient succumbs to COVID – 19, total of 9 fatalities (media)
• President Thaci meets heads of judicial institutions (media)
• Latifi: An LDK-led govt formed to reach final deal with Serbia (Express)
Serbian Language Media:
• President Vucic says there will be no exception for Easter (B92)
• Crisis headquarters in north said new measures entered in force, movement allowed for 90 minutes (KoSSev)
• Seven new cases of Covid-19 infection in northern Kosovo (Radio kontakt plus)
• Palmer: US aid helped Western Balkans tackle pandemic (N1, VoA)
• European Commission set to change restrictions on export of medical equipment (N1, RTS)
• Ban on export of medication produced in Serbia takes effect (N1, FoNet)
Opinion:
• Fighting COVID-19 in Serbia is not a suppression of democracy (The Washington Post)
• Reality Check: Will COVID-19 Remake The World? (Balkan Insight)
International:
• Kosovo Opposition Signals Readiness to Form New Government (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Number of coronavirus cases exceeded two million, US still on top (B92)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 15
• Kosovo: Ten new cases of COVID-19, three recoveries (media)
• Apostolova appeals for institutions to cooperate during pandemic (RTK)
• Stoltenberg: NATO’s mission in Kosovo, maintained (Gazeta Express)
• LDK votes in favour of coalition with AAK, NISMA-AKR, communities (media)
• Mustafa: LVV should not delay the issue of creating new government (RTV21)
• Lekaj: AAK will not set conditions to LDK for a coalition government (Telegrafi)
• Haxhiu: Thaci has no right to interfere in forming of new government (T7/Zeri)
• Haziri: Coalition with LVV, one step forward two steps back (Klan Kosova)
• PDK considering sending movement restriction decision to court (Kosovapress)
• Selmanaj: Ending coalition with LVV, one of the best actions (T7, RTK)
• Balje: We support forming of a new government in Kosovo (RTK)
Belgrade Media Report 14 April 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 14 April 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic speaks with Lajcak (RTS)
Vucic: I will discuss election date with politicians who said they will participate in them (TV Prva/Beta)
Joint battle of EU, Serbia in coronavirus-caused crisis (Tanjug/RTV)
Belgium grateful for support for returning its citizens (Tanjug)
Stefanovic: 157 police officers infected with coronavirus (RTS)
Djuric: Doctors and nurses to get jobs in Serb-majority areas in Kosovo and Metohija (TV Pink)
In Serbia 4,465 confirmed cases (RTS)
Demostat: US, EU stances on Kosovo diverging (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Central Election Commission confirms that local elections have to be announced by 4 May, unless changes are adopted to Election Law of B&H (Glas Srpske)
Radoncic, Dodik and Lukac meet and agree that part of Turkey’s humanitarian aid intended for RS will be given to B&H Border Police and police in two cantons in FB&H (BHT1)
B&H Fiscal Council reaches agreement on Letter of Intent for IMF (Dnevni avaz)
SDA Collegium welcomes agreement on IMF arrangement; Criticizes countries which send assistance only to one of B&H entities (Dnevni avaz)
Nelson, Sattler give support to B&H political leaders, drawing attention to importance of working faster, greater trust and more efficient action in times of crisis (O kanal)
Dodik announces police will not act in accordance with decree-law on ban on spreading of public panic (RTRS)
Dodik: New restrictive measures during holidays possible; RS representatives will not take part in joint meeting that OHR has called (ATV)
RS Crisis Headquarters prolongs restrictive measures until 27 April (RTRS)
RS: Movement outside of place of residence prohibited; Citizens must wear facemasks and gloves outdoors (BHT1)
Minister Seranic: Even when we alleviate measures, we will have to continue wearing masks, probably even during the summer and fall (Glas Srpske)
FB&H Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters adopts 12 new orders and measures against COVID-19 (BHT1)
HNC Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters orders restriction of movement of citizens outside their place of residence in HNC; WHC follows example (BHT1)
Team of Russian experts begins disinfection of hospitals in RS (ATV)
Migrants and refugees under intensified measures of medical supervision in order to prevent cases of COVID-19 (N1)
Croatian government continues actions towards construction of radioactive waste disposal site near border of B&H (RTRS)
A total of 1,083 tested positive for coronavirus in B&H (N1)
Croatia
Beros: We will consider easing restrictions in upcoming phase (HRT)
In Croatia, 54 newly infected, totaling 1704, six deceased patients (N1)
Montenegro
New measures in place for the next 7 days, says Djeljosaj (RTCG)
Hrapovic: Abolition of measures can be expected in the second half of May (Dnevne novine)
Montenegro reports 278 Covid-19 infections (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Pendarovski: National Security Council to decide on extension of state of emergency on 16 April (MIA)
Nationwide lockdown likely to be extended during upcoming Easter holiday (MIA)
Mandatory quarantine for citizens returning to Macedonia increased to three weeks (Republika)
In North Macedonia 54 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed, 6 patients died – 42 recovered (Alsat TV)
Albania
President Meta salutes the stance of the Council of Europe (Radio Tirana)
In Albania, 475 total COVID-19 cases confirmed, 24 victims (Tirana Times)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 14, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 14, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• PDK withdraws emergency financial package proposal (media)
• Osmani does not put PDK’s additional motion on the agenda (Koha)
• LVV does not participate at Assembly session, Nagavci gives the reasons (RTK)
• Kurti: Emergency fiscal package to be followed with revitalization of economy (Koha)
• Government sets up coordinating group on economy during pandemic crisis (Koha)
• Mustafa: Recent movement restriction measures, concerning (media)
• Mayors: We weren’t contacted by Ministry, new measures causing chaos (media)
• Five Kosovo Police officers infected with COVID – 19 (Kallxo)
Serbian Language Media:
• Two new cases of Covid-19 infection registered in northern Kosovo (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• “For Mitrovica citizens decision unclear and astonishing” (Radio KIM)
• Church’s bells tolling in Pristina “primitive Russian model” for some Kosovo media, Eparchy warns on targeting church and unprofessional journalism (KoSSev)
• KoSSev editor-in-chief detained while on assignment (KoSSev)
• Journalists’ associations, civil society organizations react to detainment of Tatjana Lazarevic (KoSSev)
• Mitrovica Innovation Centre donates 100 visors to health institutions (KoSSev)
International:
• Podcast: “The Americans have encouraged friends in Kosovo to get rid of this truculent PM”—a Balkan bust-up (The Economist)
• Democrats In Congress Question Trump’s ‘Heavy-Handed’ Approach To Kosovo (RFE)
Humanitarian/Development:
• WHO: COVID-19 mortality rate ten times higher than 2009 flu pandemic (N1)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 14
• Kosovo: 393 cases with COVID-19, nine deaths and 65 recovered (media)
• New measures announced to contain spread of COVID-19 (media)
• Osmani: We can win battle against COVID-19 only by staying at home (media)
• Gashi: Kurti is endangering state over personal battle with President (media)
• PDK opposes latest measures on movement of citizens (media)
• Haradinaj: New measures, a grave violation of the constitutional order (media)
• Ahmeti: Stopping all economic activities would have grave consequences (media)
• Abrashi: Govt is assuming excessive power with measures and force (media)
• Former minister criticises govt’s approach in fight against COVID-19 (media)
• Gjini: Another violation of the Constitution (Gazeta Express)
• Hasani: New measures on movement, totally anti-constitutional (media)
• NISMA’s Shala: Government is totally out of constitutional control (media)
• RAE communities stand defenseless in the face of COVID – 19 (RFE)
• UNICEF: Children in detention to be released due to COVID-19 threat (media)
• Kurti replies to Thaci, accuses him of trying to impose unconstitutional solution (media)
• Assembly to discuss today PDK’s emergency package (media)
• Svecla issues permits for MP’s participation at the Assembly session (media)
• Mustafa: No coalition talks before LVV exhausts constitutional options (media)
• Engel, Menendez express concern about Trump Administration approach to Serbia & Kosovo (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 11
• Thaci implies he will sidestep Vetevendosje on PM candidate (Koha)
• Nagavci: No new government without winner of elections (media)
• Health Institute confirms 23 new cases of coronavirus (media)
• IMF approves US$56.5 million in support to Kosovo to address COVID – 19 (media)
• First case of Covid-19 within KFOR – no details on patient’s condition (Express)
• Djuric: All movement restricted during weekends in Zvecan and Mitrovica North (media)
• Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian cemeteries damaged in Rahovec (media)
• Four former ministers charged for “giving away” four hydropower plants (Koha)