UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 30
• Borrell: EU prefers current borders between Kosovo and Serbia (RFE)
• 12 new cases of coronavirus in last 24 hours (media)
• Survey: Citizens satisfied with Osmani and Kurti’s work (media)
• CDHRF calls on all parties to respect Court’s decision (media)
• National Security Council supports Grenell’s position (Telegrafi)
• Decision to open Kosovo’s air and land borders, next week (media)
• Von Cramon: All parties must respect Constitutional Court’s decision (DW)
• Vogel: U.S. expects swift agreement to declare Kosovo a concluded mission (RFE)
Belgrade Media Report 29 May
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic: Why do we currently face regional instabilities? (Tanjug/B92)
Vucic: When they can’t blame Macron or Kurz – let’s step on Vucic (Tanjug/B92)
Brnabic: Perfectly clear message about Serbian citizens being unwanted (TV B92/Beta)
EU sets aside €70m in non-repayable aid to Serbia (RTS/Tanjug/RTV)
Further relaxation of restrictive measures in Serbia and North Macedonia (Tanjug/Beta)
Dacic, Jovanovic say they share strategic goals (N1)
Bilcik: Criticism of Lajcak undermines the EU as an actor (Beta/EWB)
US Ambassador to OSCE: Russian arms and deals with China harm Serbia’s EU path (FoNet)
Another 54 cases, 6,524 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
FB&H Prime Minister Fadil Novalic arrested (Dnevni avaz)
FB&H HoR session interrupted, DF and opposition request resignation of government (N1)
Prosecutors: Respirators procured from China inadequate for Covid-19 treatment (N1)
SDA Secretary General Zukic banned from entering US (FTV)
B&H HoP in session: Izetbegovic and Covic present different stances on distribution of IMF funds (FTV)
Discussion on registering of military property in B&H restarted after statement of B&H Minister Podzic (BHT1)
New attack on the property of Republika Srpska (Glas Srpske)
Tegeltija: B&H opens borders for all neighbors without restrictions; Croatia open its borders for citizens of some countries, but not for B&H (ATV)
Another 22 coronavirus cases reported in B&H, 11 of them in Tesanj (N1)
Croatia
Croatia opens borders to 10 EU countries (HRT)
No new coronavirus cases, disease takes another life (HRT)
Montenegro
The motive of media campaign against Montenegro: When we remove Djukanovic, we can easily handle the rest (Dnevne novine)
Citizens of specific countries to be allowed to enter Montenegro (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
EC: North Macedonia cannot have caretaker government forever (MIA)
Spasovski: Constitution offers no compromise, election must be held 60 days after parliament’s dissolution (MIA)
Osmani: Differences not insurmountable, 5 July possible compromise on elections (MIA)
Spasovski hopes countries in the region to soon reach agreement on opening of borders (MIA)
Ambassador Byrnes: Flyover saluting North Macedonia’s NATO membership expresses US support (MIA)
Active Covid-19 cases in North Macedonia at 470, most in Skopje (MIA)
Albania
Justice reform must not be derailed, Chair of IMO says (Tirana Times)
Political Council convenes days ahead of deadline (ADN)
Cakaj receives Austrian ministers: Support for Albania in opening negotiations and Security Council (Radio Tirana)
The Air Force is equipped with Black Hawk helicopters funded by the United States (Radio Tirana)
Covid-19 Cases climb to 1099 as Albania reopens (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
EU, US refuse to take part in Belgrade conference on COVID-19 attended by Russia and China (TASS)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 29, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Thaci calls for swift formation of new government (media)
• Acting PM Kurti: Decision of Constitutional Court, unacceptable (media)
• Veseli: An expected decision by the Constitutional Court (media)
• Abazi: Constitutional Court ruling, dangerous precedent (media)
• Mustafa: Assembly to vote on new government by Monday (media)
• Von Cramon: No alternative but to accept Constitutional Court ruling (Telegrafi)
• Nagavci: We’ll use democratic means to oppose court’s decision (Koha)
• Pacolli: Constitutional Court decision to be respected by all (media)
• Kusari-Lila: Kosovo democracy was betrayed (media)
• Pacolli’s New Kosovo Alliance won’t be part of new government (Indeksonline)
Serbian Language Media:
• North Kosovo: One person infected, no cured and deceased ones in the last 24 hours (Kontakt plus radio)
• Djuric: We will continue to help Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, TV Most)
• Jokanovic: Constitutional Court failed (KIM radio)
• Rasic: Constitutional Court will be quite ruined after this decision (KIM radio)
• Jovanovic: Albanians are buying time and waiting for the outcome of the elections in America (Kosovo Online)
• Orahovac: A group of Albanian young men removed a street sign with the name of Sloven Radic (Kosovo Online)
• Russian arms, deals with China harm Serbia’s EU path, US diplomat says (FoNet, N1)
• Vucic invited to the 2020 Moscow Victory Day Parade (B92, Tanjug)
International:
• Kosovo highest court clears the way for new government vote (Reuters)
• Kosovo’s President Welcomes Court Ruling On Prime Minister Appointment (RFE)
• Brussels and Washington Must Work Together on Kosovo Deal (Balkan Insight)
• Kosovo’s Caretaker Governing Party Holds Peaceful Rally (AP/NYT)
• Week in Review: The Keys of Power (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 29
• Constitutional Court rules in favor of President Thaci’s decree (media)
• President Thaci welcomes decision of Constitutional Court (media)
• U.S. Embassy statement on Constitutional Court’s decision (media)
• Grenell comments on Court’s decision (Express)
• Konjufca implies LVV will seek opinion from Venice Commission (media)
• Abazi: This is state capture (media)
• Haxhiu: Court’s decision is scandalous (media)
• Hoti: Time to unite for the country (media)
• Mustafa: Constitutional Court ruling, triumph for democracy (media)
• Haradinaj: Hoti government to be formed as soon as possible (media)
• Limaj calls on parties to respect Constitutional Court decision (media)
• Vetevendosje supporters hold “test-protest” in downtown Prishtina (media)
• Border changes promoted with taxpayer money (Kallxo/Prishtina Insight)
• Osmani: Those who lobbied for partition with taxpayers’ money, want to govern again
• Ambassador Heldt reacts to BIRN story about partition lobbying (Kallxo)
• Mujanovic: First time in history a govt hires lobbyists to partition own territory
• Haradinaj: I stopped Kosovo’s partition, no one can bring back this issue (media)
• President Thaci publishes images of “drug lab”, accuses “Kurti’s group” (media)
• Svecla: Psychiatric experts should comment on Thaci’s statements (media)
• Prosecution initiates investigations on surveillance room allegations (media)
• PDK: VV took data of over 1 million citizens from surveillance room (media)
• Miftaraj: The surveillance case is Thaci’s game, nothing more (Koha)
• President’s advisor: Kurti wants to be a dictator (media)
• 4 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in last 24 hours (media)
• Montenegro decides to open border with Kosovo on June 1 (media)
Belgrade Media Report 28 May
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: No announcements at launching dialogue, no deadlines either (RTV/Tanjug)
Dacic: Kosovo and Metohija issue of highest national interest and biggest political-security challenge (RTS)
Borrell: EU facilitation of Belgrade – Pristina dialogue has no alternative (FoNet)
Russian Ambassador calls for respect of UN SC resolution 1244 on Kosovo (Sputnik/N1)
Another 25 cases, 6,438 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
OSCE Mission to B&H: Adopt budget of B&H or adopt special decision on financing of the elections (Dnevni list)
Source claims Dodik’s announcement on upcoming cooperation of parties in local elections caused discontent in some municipalities and towns (EuroBlic)
Registration of military property (ATV)
SIPA temporarily seizes mobile phone of FB&H PM Novalic within investigation on affair ‘Respirators’ (N1)
EU and US Embassy in B&H: IMF funds should be immediately unblocked (N1)
Issue of IMF funds (Hayat/Glas Srpske/BHT1)
B&H’s Tesanj cluster grows as authorities record 28 new Covid-19 cases (N1)
Croatia
Plenkovic: No way anyone monitors journalists’ correspondence (Hina)
In Croatia, one new case of infection, a total of 2245, one person died (N1)
Montenegro
Prime Minister: Our decision concerning borders is not political, it’s based on epidemic standards (CDM)
Markovic: I didn’t order arrest of Joanikije and other priests (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Mickoski: Parties engage in talks, still no consensus on election date (MIA)
Milevski: LDP backs 5 July as election date (MIA)
Covid-19: 38 new cases in North Macedonia, 16 patients recover, 3 die (MIA)
Albania
DP Leader pledges to conclude electoral reform by 31 May (ADN)
Borchardt urges all parties to find constructive compromises and finalize electoral reform (Radio Tirana)
Electoral reform/Intensive meetings of Ambassador Kim with Speaker Ruci and the Political Council members (Radio Tirana)
Covid-19 cases surge in Tirana (Radio Tirana)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Lukashenko thanks Serbian ambassador for efforts to develop cooperation with Belarus (BelTA)
Montenegro and Serbia set to begin Frontex cooperation amid deepening border row (Emerging Europe)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 28, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti responds to Thaci’s statements, calls them “lies” (media)
• Prosecution gathering information into Thaci’s allegations (Kallxo)
• Kurti: Old regime’s time is over (media)
• Kurti, Ahmeti discuss Covid-19 management efforts (media)
• “Contour Global” seeks over €20 mil in compensation from Kosovo govt (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• Kosovo North: No new cases, cured and deceased in the last 24 hours (Kontakt plus radio)
• Dacic: ”Protection of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija is an important and long-term goal of Serbia” (media)
• Russian ambassador calls for respect of UN SC resolution 1244 on Kosovo (Srna, N1)
• Palmer: US doesn’t support stability at expense of democracy in Serbia (VOA, N1)
• Bilcik supports Lajcak, Vogel thinks he is the wrong man for the dialogue (Beta, Euractiv, KoSSev)
• Serbian cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo a sovereignty issue for both Belgrade and Pristina (KoSSev)
• Covic: In political sense, coronavirus helped some put on or take off their masks (RTS)
• Jevtic met Risi, discussed frequent attacks against Serbs in Kosovo (TV Most)
• Two decades since murder of 4-year old boy and two more Serbs in Cernica village (Radio kontakt plus)
Opinions:
• Court Ruling May Deepen Divisions in Kosovo (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• The heroine mother (UNICEF)
• Kon: Serbia on way out of epidemic (B92)
• WHO office chief says pandemic under control in Serbia (N1, Nedeljnik)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 28
• Only one new confirmed case of coronavirus in last 24 hours (media)
• Kosovo President Hashim Thaci’s interview to TV Dukagjini
• Borrell: No way around EU-facilitated dialogue (media)
• Palmer: U.S. does not take sides in Kosovo (media)
• Stano: Kosovo-Serbia agreement to be acceptable for the region (Telegrafi)
• Kurti speaks on the phone to Slovenian PM, Jansa (media)
• Abazi: Thaci’s statement, pure lie (Klan Kosova)
• Haxhiu: We will file charges against Thaci tomorrow (media)
• Konjufca to meet Austrian Minister for Europe at Pristina Airport (media)
• Swiss embassy believes authorities will continue to respect Constitution (media)
• Nagavci: Protest, result of people’s pressure (media)
• Quni: KSF has no limitations to go the north (media)
• Op-ed: There is only one Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Prishtina Insight)
• Osmani: Participation of women in politics achieves sustainable development (Koha)
Belgrade Media Report 27 May 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 27 May 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Serbia issues countermeasure against Montenegro’s decision: Montenegro Airline banned (Blic/B92)
Vucic: Montenegrins are our brothers, we have no one closer (B92)
Dacic: Montenegro’s behavior leading to conflicts (TV Prva/FoNet)
Dacic: Serbia committed to values of Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (RTS)
Djuric: International missions in Kosovo and Metohija to stop the wave of violence against Serbs (RTS)
Gojkovic discusses elections with Fajon, Bilcik (Beta)
Train with medical equipment from China arrives in Belgrade (Tanjug/RTS)
Another 48 cases, 6,277 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
SNSD officially submits motion with B&H CC for constitutional review of B&H CEC decision to postpone elections for November 15 (ATV)
Cvijanovic says she is surprised that there is no reaction of foreigners regarding the postponement of the elections (ATV)
Dodik: SNSD does not support postponement of elections; SNSD finds CEC illegitimate; SNSD Executive Committee is preparing for elections like if it will be held tomorrow (RTRS)
Stanivukovic: Opposition in RS is ready for elections (O kanal)
Radoncic: Elections are matter of political will; I do not think CEC was appointed legally (N1)
Colak: CEC’s decisions lead to expelling Croats from authorities in 2022 (Vecernji list)
Tegeltija, ministers Bevanda and Turkovic discuss current political and economic situation in B&H with EUSR Sattler (Dnevni avaz)
Cubrilovic receives request for special session on B&H HoR’s resolution on respect for victims of fascist regime (ATV)
Dodik: I expect RS parliament to reject resolution on respecting victims of Ustasha regime (RTRS)
Dodik: Decision of Montenegro not to open borders with B&H, Serbia attempt to solve internal political issues in this country (N1)
B&H sees spike in coronavirus cases as Tesanj becomes latest hotspot (N1/Fena)
Croatia
Oil deal document ignites political firestorm (Glas Hrvatske/Nacional)
No new cases of Covid-19 reported in Croatia (N1)
Montenegro
Djukanovic to Kurti: We wish our countries well, but it won’t happen to us if we don’t wish the same for our neighbors (CDM)
Montenegro Airlines says: Serbia remains part of our plans (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Spasovski: Elections as soon as possible needed to provide stable institutions (MIA)
Interview with the terrorist attackers on Kumanovo aired live on a Kosovo TV station (Republika)
Coronavirus curfew ends as of Wednesday, catering facilities to reopen on Thursday (MIA)
State quarantine replaced by home isolation, protocol for borders to be defined (MIA)
Talks underway with neighboring countries and EU over opening borders (MIA)
In North Macedonia 25 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed, 17 patients recovered, 3 people have died (Libertas)
Albania
Political Council decides about election dates (Radio Tirana)
Gjiknuri after Political Council meeting: Parties agreed on some of points proposed by the opposition (Radio Tirana)
Kim after meeting Basha: Discussion focused on future, not past (Radio Tirana)
Land borders with Kosovo expected to be opened on 1 June (Radio Tirana)
In Albania 21 cases confirmed positive with Covid-19 (Radio Tirana)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Kosovo leader Thaci rejects EU mediator for Serbia talks as Pristina wants increased US role in dialogue (RT/Reuters)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, 27 May 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 27, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• EU rapporteur reacts to Thaci’s statement on Lajcak (media)
• “President doesn’t talk to Lajcak as he is openly against land swap” (Telegrafi)
• Haradinaj believes court will give right to other parties to form govt (Telegrafi)
• Miftaraj: President cannot play role of whistleblower (Koha)
• Borg Oliver: Not president’s role to form new govt (Kallxo/Prishtina Insight)
• Acting government considers Association/Community to be invalidated (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• One new case of Covid-19 infection in Serb areas in Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Serb returnee in Klina physically assaulted and injured (Kosovo-online)
• House of returnee in Ljubozda village stoned (Kosovo-online)
• Vucic: Pressure on Serbs will not stop, constant campaign of Albanian media (Tanjug)
• Djuric: Serbs in Kosovo most persecuted ethnic group in Europe (Kosovo-online)
• OSCE Mission condemns incident in Drenovcic village (Kosovo-online)
• Grenell’s ready: “Serious dialogue” between Belgrade and Pristina is expected (B92, Kosovo-online, Vecernje Novosti)
Opinions:
• Milacic: Why Serbia’s President chose Grenell over Merkel (Euractiv/Koha)
International:
• Grenell to join Trump campaign (Politico)
• Little love, as Berlin bids ‘auf Wiedersehen’ to Trumpism (EUobserver)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Kosovo: 92-year old woman alone in abandoned village (Al Jazeera, KoSSev)
• World Bank approves $100 mil loans to Serbia for curbing pandemic (BETA, N1)
• OpisMEDIJavanje: Think about where the media get their money from (KoSSev)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 27
• Nine new cases of coronavirus confirmed (media)
• Kosovo President rejects EU mediator for talks with Serbia (Reuters)
• EU: Lajcak speaks on behalf of all member states (Lajmi)
• Kurti: We shouldn’t worry that protests will be violent (media)
• Kurti speaks to Djukanovic about Covid-19, dialogue with Serbia (media)
• Osmani: Dialogue with Serbia to be well-structured (media)
• Abbott: Constitutional Court decision to be respected by all (media)
• VV supporters with “performance” in Prishtina on Thursday (Indeksonline)
• Selimi: We will not remain silent to unfair decisions (Telegrafi)
• Haradinaj: Court will support Hoti government (media)
• LVV submits to CEC request for local elections in Podujeve (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 26, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: We only expect interpretation from the Constitutional Court (media)
• Thaci says he will not take part in negotiations led by Lajcak (Koha)
• Veseli: I will not cease efforts to set up tribunal for Serb war crimes (media)
• LVV’s Zogiani compares Grenell to former ambassador Dell (Kosovapress)
Serbian Language Media:
• Dr Antonijevic: The situation is calming down; protection measures are still mandatory (Kontakt plus radio)
• New attacks against Serb returnees in Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• “Opening of crossings after June 1, following analysis of III phase measures” (KoSSev)
• “Western Balkans belong to Europe” (B92, Tanjug)
• REC:”Office for KIM will soon publish the number of polling stations in KiM” (Kosovo Online)
• “All our eyes would be on Serbia, watching election process” – MEP says (N1)
• Kosovo society should not deny the crimes of certain KLA members (KoSSev, Novosti)
• Matkos Group director: We are not breaking the law (KoSSev)
Opinion:
• Profession, law, and justice (KoSSev)
• Kosovo between USA and EU (moderndiplomacy.eu)
International:
• Borell: Maintain the intention to bring the Western Balkans into the EU (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• OpisMEDIJavanje: Any unverified information or half-truth can lead to major consequences (KoSSev)
• Kosovo Economy Faces Fresh Hit If Diaspora Stays Away (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 26
• Six new cases of coronavirus in last 24 hours (media)
• Covid-19: New eased measures to enter into force Thursday (media)
• Kurti: Unacceptable for President to write the Constitution (Telegrafi)
• Thaci accuses Kurti of ‘usurping’ PM’s office (Koha)
• Kurti reiterates calls for elections (media)
• Osmani: It is clear there was no need for state of emergency (media)
• Weber: EU reclaiming Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Koha)
• Kurti and Zaev agree land swaps are dangerous (media)
• Grenell remains envoy for Kosovo-Serbia negotiations (media)
• In Brussels, Lajcak meets six Western Balkans ambassadors (RFE)
• Acting PM Kurti meets CEC head Daka (media)
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