UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 13, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Government remains in duty until new elections (Klan)
• Government dismisses civil aviation director (media)
• Berisha was not discharged for signing Pristina-Belgrade airline agreement (RTK)
• Lajcak discusses resumption of dialogue with Osmani (Express)
• Kurti vows to turn old Pristina airport into a customs terminals (media)
• Kurti gives three minutes time to Ministers reporting on 100 days of government (RTK)
• Haxhiu makes the first step towards establishment of a War Crimes Institute (Koha)
• PDK presents “100 failures during the 100 days of Kurti’s government” (RTK)
• Gjilan receives food and hygiene packages from UN mission (Media)
• NATO report: Kosovo according to Russian Sputnik in Serbia (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• No new cases, six cured in the last 24 hours in northern Kosovo (Kontakt plus)
• Ministry for Returns and KFOR: It is necessary that entire society condemns incidents (RTS)
• Belgrade and Pristina will talk about territory swap, media say (N1, RTK2)
• Edi Rama to N1: The best ideas for the future of Europe are in the Balkans
• Serbia opens borders with four countries on June 1st (media)
• Djuric: ”A campaign of hatred is being waged against Serbian health workers” (RTS, TV Most)
• UNS and its branch in Kosovo: Albanian media not to call for lynching of RTK2 journalist (Radio kontakt plus)
Opinion:
• Restoring civil liberties after COVID-19 (Prishtina Insight)
• The Western Balkans between the EU, NATO, Russia and China (ETHZurich)
International:
• Russia’s assistance was of great moral importance for Serbia, says politician (TASS)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Central, Eastern European Countries Maintain Tough Travel Restrictions (Balkan Insight)
• Chinese lab boosts Serbia’s coronavirus testing capacity (Reuters)
• UNMIK donation for most vulnerable people in Novo Brdo municipality (Kosovo-online portal)
• When Home Is Not The Safest Place (Halotrust)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 13
• Health Institute confirms 24 new cases with COVID-19 (media)
• Prishtina Mayor: Lack of caution may delay relaxation of measures (media)
• CEB approves €35 million to Kosovo to support emergency health care (Koha)
• “US could put pressure on Kosovo for Russia to join dialogue” (Koha)
• Le Figaro: Thaci and Vucic discussed land swap in Washington meeting (Kallxo)
• Osmani to Court: Declare Thaci’s decree as anti-constitutional (Express)
• Mustafa warns Osmani of consequences (media)
• Haziri: Osmani should have remained neutral to Thaci’s decree (Koha)
• Mustafa: Not up to Kurti to send complaints to internationals (RTK/Klan)
• Bajrami: I’d advise Thaci to announce new elections after pandemic (media)
Belgrade Media Report 12 May 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 12 May 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: I expect more from the Trump administration than from Albright and Engel (Tanjug/Novosti)
Vucic: Nothing will be achieved by violence in Serbian politics (B92/Tanjug)
Botsan-Kharchenko: Final solution for Kosovo and Metohija needs to be approved by UNSC (Politika)
Djuric: Soluiton can be sought with respect of international law (Tanjug/RTV)
US says Moscow welcome to join Kosovo dialogue (Beta/RFE)
Lajcak: Land swap between Serbia, Kosovo not on agenda (APA/RFE/KoSSev/Beta)
Another 67 cases, 3,600 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Elections to be postponed for 8 November being that funds for preparing and holding of local elections have not been secured (Dnevni avaz)
CEC gives green light for appointment of Lucic for Minister of Human Rights of B&H (Vecernji list)
Lajcak on the phone with Izetbegovic, welcome Presidency of B&H’s initiative regarding acceleration of EU path of B&H (Dnevni list)
Deputy Mayor of Sarajevo and Archbishop Puljic meet to discuss mass for Bleiburg (O kanal)
Dodik: Announcement of mass for Bleiburg victims deeply disturbed public (ATV)
US Embassy on mass for Bleiburg in Sarajevo: We must all focus on true values (N1)
Mesic: No one was killed in Bleiburg (FTV)
SDA asks Cardinal Puljic and Vrhbosna Archdiocese to reassess decision on holding the mass for Bleiburg (BHT1)
Cvitanovic: Attacks on Cardinal Puljic are part of strategy according to which there is no room for Croats in B&H (Vecernji list)
WHO: Epidemiological situation in B&H is satisfactory (Dnevni avaz)
RS Crisis HQ abolishes local and border crossing quarantines (RTRS)
B&H Covid-19 stats: Country’s total at 2,158 (N1)
Croatia
Skoro and Croatian Sovereigntists sign coalition agreement (Hina)
Restart Coalition denies negotiations with MOST (TCN)
New COVID-19 measures take effect at Croatian airports (HRT)
Croatia confirms 11 new coronavirus cases (N1)
Montenegro
Danilovic endangers the results of the fight against the coronavirus (RTCG)
Complaints about the police threatening freedom of religion (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
Measures still in force, elections could be discussed after continual drop in infections: deputy health minister (MIA)
Osmani encourages believers to skip mosques (MIA/TV 24)
One patient dies 10 new cases and five recover from Covid-19 (Republika)
Albania
Electoral Reform to be concluded within May (Radio Tirana)
Albanian gov’t working to legalize cultivation of medical cannabis (Tirana Times)
Lowest number of infected in Albania reported for second day in a row (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Serbia raises €2bn from 7-year Eurobond (bne IntelliNews)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 12, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 12, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• “Grenell committed to cooperation with Kosovo and Serbia” (Klan Kosova)
• Thaci meets EULEX chief, discusses measures for overcoming pandemic (media)
• Stricter measures to be introduced if Covid-19 cases increase (Koha)
• Prishtina municipality alarms: Increasing number of cases (media)
• PSD will not be part of an eventual LDK-led government (Ekonomia Online)
• Kosovo, St. Lucia agree on visa-free travel for official passport holders (media)
• LDK keeps the agreement with Serbian List secret (Ekonomia Online)
• Selmanaj: Vjosa Osmani should respect laws and Constitution (RTK)
• Kurti and German Ambassador talk about recovery after pandemic (Kallxo)
Serbian Language Media:
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Russia’s interpretations of Kosovo position have raised doubts (media)
• “Without Russian ‘yes’ there can be no solution for Kosovo” (Vecernje Novosti, Kosovo-online)
• Djuric reacts to Lajcak’s statement; says solution for Kosovo must be within UN SC Resolution 1244 (Kosovo-online)
• No new cases of Covid-19 infection in Serb-populated areas in Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• UNS: We will protect Serb journalist from RTK2, she has right to use term Kosovo and Metohija (Kosovo-online)
• SL: Announced dismissal of RTK2 journalist latest pressure on Serbs (Radio Mitrovica Sever)
• Nicic: ”Colleagues in RTK 2 are not free to do their job” (Kosovo Online)
• Pavicevic: Doctor and nurse temporarily halted at Jarninje, then in Pec again (Kosovo, Radio Gorazdevac)
• Beta: ”French Le Figaro says Vucic using crisis to show he is savior” (N1)
• Detention of Zlatan Krstic extended for two more months (Radio KIM)
Humanitarian/Development:
• In Kosovo, Distrust of Hague War Crimes Court Simmers (Balkan Insight)
• Kon: We clearly show that we do not behave in line with the recommended measures (B92)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 12
• Health Institute: 11 new confirmed cases (media)
• A Kosovo government official infected with COVID-19 (media)
• Ahmeti: No indication Prishtina can be placed under quarantine (Indeksonline)
• Grenell’s spokesman: All are welcome to contribute with ideas (media)
• EU Special Representative Lajcak firmly against land swap idea (media)
• Hoxhaj: PDK is against territorial exchange and border changes (media)
• Haradinaj: EU silence over border changes idea creates insecurity (media)
• Osmani: Serbia silently carrying out ethnic cleansing in Presevo Valley (media)
• Shala: Vetevendosje was quite soft compared to the circumstances (media)
• LDK’s Bajrami: Kurti responsible for government’s fall (Koha)
• Haxhiu calls on authorities to ‘seriously’ treat two rapes in Mitrovica (media)
Belgrade Media Report 11 May
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic, Fabrizi: Only together can we overcome challenging times (RTS/Tanjug)
Dacic: UN and SC are precisely the ones that should have a final say in resolving the issue of Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
Botsan-Kharchenko: New SC resolution to solve issue of Kosovo (Politika/Beta)
MP Sevarlic: I am going on hunger strike over high treason and impossibility to discuss in parliament violations of territorial integrity of Serbia and Resolution 1244 (FoNet)
First hunger striking Serbian MP gives up protest (N1)
Serbian Foreign Ministry submits diplomatic note to North Macedonian Embassy (Beta/Tanjug)
Serbia’s diplomatic protest note to EU over Nikola Tesla (TV Pink/Beta)
RIK adopts decision on continuation of election activities (Beta)
Another 62 cases in Serbia (B92)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Inzko: It is real miracle that IC still has time for B&H (Face TV)
Dodik: I do not have adequate replacement for Kosarac in B&H CoM, he will suffer political consequences within SNSD (N1)
SDA and HDZ comment failure to call elections for Mostar (Dnevni avaz)
Radoncic: Dzaferovic’s opposing to deportation is encouraging illegal migrants (BHRT)
Sattler: There must be political will for steps forward on the European path (Dnevni list)
Politicians, analysts argue neither B&H politicians nor EU truly want B&H to become EU member (EuroBlic)
Day of Victory over Fascism in World War II and Europe Day marked throughout B&H (O kanal)
Announced mass for Bleiburg victims spark reactions (FTV)
Israeli Embassy condemns the Mass for Bleiburg killings in Sarajevo (N1)
N. Macedonia pulls controversial NDH postage stamp, PM dismisses those responsible (N1)
FB&H Ministry of Health Crisis HQ announces new phase of lifting of measures imposed in fight against coronavirus pandemic as of Thursday (O kanal)
Dodik: State of emergency will be abolished by 20 May (ATV)
Cvijanovic: Numerous interventions in favor of workers (Srna)
Coffee bars, restaurants, hair and beauty salons, gyms and fitness centers in open in the RS to reopen as of Monday (BHT1)
Commercial tests for COVID-19 to be available at RS Public Healthcare Institute at price of 100€ (RTRS)
B&H Covid-19 stats: Country’s total at 2,141, more than half has recovered (N1)
Croatia
Croatia transfers 86 tons of medical supplies from China (Hina)
Phase 3 of easing restrictions: what to expect? (HRT)
Coronavirus: Mass serological testing of Croatian population begins (TMN/Jutarnji list)
Slovenian FM describes ‘fresh start’ in relations with Croatia (Hina)
One needs to stop telling fairytales about EU enlargement (Slobodna Dalmacija)
Recommendations for Croatian and foreign citizens entering the Republic of Croatia (HRT)
Croatia confirms 9 new coronavirus cases, 1 death in last 24 hours (N1)
Montenegro
Coronavirus measures to be in place as of Monday (CDM)
Markovic: Montenegro set to become coronavirus-free destination (CDM)
No new cases of coronavirus in Montenegro (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
SDSM-led coalition takes a stand for mid-June election (MIA)
Mickoski: We’re in favor of election that won’t put people’s health at risk (MIA/Telma TV)
MFA offers apology to Serbia, B&H, Montenegro and Croatia over postage stamp gaffe (MIA)
Islamic Community of Macedonia determined to reopen all mosques tomorrow (Republika)
In North Macedonia 22 new COVID-19 cases, 64 patients recover (MIA)
Albania
Rama-Soreca press conference/ Rama: Ready to sit down with Meta and Basha to send a message of national unity to Brussels (Radio Tirana)
Opposition getting ready for ‘all-out war’ (ADN)
Albania records lowest number of new Covid-19 Cases (ADN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 11, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti self-isolated, a government official had contact with infected person (media)
• European integration minister and staff self-isolate (media)
• Kosovo Police director speaks about increasing cases of domestic violence (media)
• Number of patients at Infectious Disease Clinic increases to 21 (Koha)
• Haradinaj says certain circles in EU want to prevent agreement with Serbia (Zeri)
Serbian Language Media:
• “Resolution 1244 should be replaced with new one” (Politika)
• No new cases of Covid-19 infections in north (Kosovo-online)
• Hate graffiti in village of Gornje Kusce (Radio KIM, Kosovo-online)
• Media Literacy Project: Kosovo Serb journalists perceived as enemies and irrelevant (KoSSev)
Opinion:
• A burning issue: How to restart the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo (ecfr.eu)
• America’s Destabilizing Involvement in Serbia-Kosovo Talks (warontherocks.com)
International:
• Western Balkans in the shadow of the coronavirus (The Brussels Times)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Pre-school facilities reopen across Serbia (N1)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 11
• 14 new cases of COVID-19 in Kosovo (media)
• Health Institute calls for greater caution (media)
• Kurti: We are close to winning battle with Covid-19, remain cautious (media)
• Kosovo Assembly President argues against border changes (media)
• Albright criticises Trump administration on Kosovo approach (Exit.al)
• Abazi hails Albright remarks against division (media)
• Russia doesn’t rule out land swap or division (media)
• Kurti complains about Thaci’s actions (media)
• LVV and PDK want new elections (media)
• Hoxhaj says Kurti-led government has failed in foreign policy field (Telegrafi)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 9
• Kurti to Constitutional Court: Declare President’s decree inadmissible (media)
• Thaci handed over the comments to the Constitutional Court (media)
• Von Cramon: Borrell’s position on borders, dangerous and harmful (Express)
• Mustafa: The second political party can form the government (RTV21, RTK)
• Haradinaj: Government was brought down by Kurti and Vetevendosje (RTK)
• Kurti held a video meeting with Head of EU Office, Nataliya Apostolova (media)
• Infectious Diseases Clinic treating 9 patients with Covid-19, three in serious condition (Koha)
• Cakaj: Recognise Kosovo to become a UN member (RTK)
Belgrade Media Report 8 May 2020
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 8 May 2020
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic on the incident in front of the parliament: We’ll protect democratic values (Tanjug/B92)
Obradovic again makes chaos in front of the parliament, provoking Minister Loncar (Tanjug/B92)
Police detain 15 people for attacking Serbia’s MPs (N1)
Vucic: I won’t run for SNS head again, perhaps not for head of state either (TV Happy/FoNet/Beta)
Dacic, Godfrey: Cooperation and solidarity during pandemic are indicators of friendship (Beta)
Instead of membership date, they offer ‘European perspective (Novosti)
Trifunovic: PSG made the decision to go to the polls (B92)
SzS says boycott decision is final (N1)
Another 95 cases, 2,453 recovered (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H CEC calls elections for 4 October (N1)
Reactions of parties to CEC’s decision to call local elections (N1)
Mostar again to be bystander during 2020 local elections (BHT1)
Inzko: I received explicit support from US Administration (Dnevni avaz)
Nebenzya: Inzko is looking for fabricated reasons to justify outdated protectorate over independent and sovereign state, OHR should be closed down (Nezavisne)
RS government’s report to UN SC (ATV)
IMF does not understand what the problem is with distribution of money (Nezavisne)
Softic: We are still waiting for CoM decision (Dnevni avaz)
Tegeltija meets with Viskovic and Novalic, says it is important to define measures to mitigate consequences of coronavirus pandemic at all levels (ATV/RTRS)
Azerbaijan donates more than half a million Euros for the fight against coronavirus epidemic in B&H (Nezavisne)
US Embassy, USAID hand over valuable donations (Dnevni avaz)
B&H’s coronavirus death toll nears 100, 42 new patients reported (N1)
Croatia
Vucic wants Schengen agreement with Hungary, Croatia and Bulgaria (Jutarnji list)
Region is disappointed with EU’s policy, but commend Croatia’s behavior (Vecernji list)
Croatia: Territorial claims in EU unthinkable (Hina)
Defense Minister Krsticevic resigns following second aircraft crash in three months (HRT)
Croatia to re-open railway lines and domestic air travel on Monday (Hina)
In Croatia, 36 newly infected, a total of 2161 (N1)
Montenegro
Return of 13,389 citizens to Montenegro (RTCG)
Institute for Public Health reports no new cases of COVID-19 (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Constitutional Court: Pendarovski’s first state of emergency decision won’t be appraised (MIA)
Xhaferi: SEC to start preparations for elections once state of emergency expires (MIA)
Zaev: June most appropriate for elections, we need credible and functional institutions (MIA/Alsat TV)
Election hasn’t been discussed by infectious diseases committee, says Filipche (MIA)
Zaev expects Bulgaria to continue to be North Macedonia’s sincere friend (MIA)
FM Dimitrov calls Croatia’s EU presidency ‘substantial’ for North Macedonia (MIA)
Government acknowledges all democratic stakeholders for country’s progress in Freedom House report (MIA)
In North Macedonia 14 new infections, 20 recovered, 1 deceased (Libertas)
Albania
New measures in Albania announced, lockdown not over for six cities (ADN)
Travel restrictions in Albania to be eased from 18 May (ADN)
In Albania 8 new coronavirus cases (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
‘Coronavirus Diplomacy’ Won’t Change Serbia’s Path (US News and World Report)
Against all odds, the COVID-19 pandemic cemented EU ties with the Western Balkans (EWB)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 8, 2020
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 8, 2020
Albanian Language Media:
• EU: Kosovo remains a condition for Serbia’s membership (Arberesh.info)
• The quarantine at students’ center will last seven instead of 14 days (Klan)
• Patient succumbs to coronavirus at Prishtina Hospital (media)
• UNDP and Luxembourg donate 5,000 Covid-19 test kits (media)
• Orlando: We hope visa liberalization for Kosovo will soon be a reality (Klan)
• LDK addresses the Constitutional Court (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Two new cases of Covid-19 infection in north, three persons cured (Kosovo-online)
• Varhelyi on the dialogue: Exchange of territories in the second plan, it is important to continue the dialogue (RTS, Tanjug)
• Várhelyi: European Commission monitors situation in Serbia (N1, EWB)
• Vucic says he won’t run for SNS head again, perhaps not for head of state either (media)
• Opposition Alliance for Serbia (SzS) says decision to boycott elections is final (N1, B92)
• Kozarev: Disturbing attacks on returnees (TV Most)
Opinion:
• Surroi: No more than the Pope (Koha)
• ‘Coronavirus Diplomacy’ Won’t Change Serbia’s Path (usnews.com)
International:
• ‘Accountability’ should be the priority of the dialogue, not ‘amnesty’ (Prishtina Insight)
• Democracy digest: Frustration Looms Over Western Balkans (Balkan Insight)
• Global Europe Brief: Elephants in the Balkan Room (Euractiv.com)
• Balkans media during COVID-19: Reporting on corruption became even harder (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• UN SG: Tsunami of hatred and xenophobia sparked by COVID-19 (Tanjug, B92)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 8
• One new case of Covid-19, 28 recoveries (media)
• Kurti: Thaci and Vucic have a secret deal (media)
• Germany supports agreement that contributes to stability (Express)
• Varhelyi: Kosovo needs a stable government (RFE)
• Kurti on letter to Pence: I clarified the position of Kosovo govt (Koha)
• LDK deputy leader Lutfi Haziri debate on T7
• VV deputy leader and Finance Minister Bislimi interview to KTV
• PDK deputy leader Krasniqi interview to Klan Kosova
• Behramaj: Kurti ruined his relations with U.S. over Borrell (media)
• A week on, LDK has not made public coalition agreement with SL (Telegrafi)
• Kurti and Abbott discuss pandemic and economic recovery (media)
• UK refuses in silence Kosovo ambassador (Koha)
• Increase in cases of domestic violence during pandemic (Express)
LINKS
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