UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, 25 January 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 25, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID – 19: 311 new cases, 10 new deaths (media)
• Deadline on ECAP decision on LVV, AAK and NISMA complaints, tomorrow (Telegrafi)
• Over 122,000 people still with UNMIK documents, removed from the voter list (Koha)
• Political entities violate anti-COVID measures, Inspection imposes fines (Telegrafi)
• Varhelyi: Western Balkans to have quick access to anti-Covid vaccine (media)
• Hoti compares LDK to Liverpool: It is not a team of the seasons (Koha)
• Kurti and Osmani promise students in Lipjan equality in labor market (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• 18 new cases of Covid-19, two deaths registered in Serbian areas in Kosovo on Saturday (Kontakt plus radio)
• Loncar: 217.000 people vaccinated so far, half a million doses of vaccine more at disposal (KoSSev)
• Protest walk of health workers in Mitrovica North, end to harassment demanded (Kosovo-online)
• Vucic: “I am a ‘coward’ because I am protecting Kosovo and Kosovo Serbs” (KoSSev, Prva TV)
• Call to internally displaced persons from Kosovo to vote in February 14 elections (Kosovo-online)
• Selakovic: Gratitude to Slovakia for consistent and principled position on Kosovo issue (Kosovo-online)
• Russia: Haradinaj’s statement impermissible political blackmailing (RTS)
• Petkovic replies to Rada Trajkovic: State gives equal opportunity to its citizens to be vaccinated (Kosovo-online)
• International Crisis Group: Three options to resolve Kosovo issue, none of which is ideal (Kosovo-online)
Opinion:
• Can America Be Trusted Again? (Project Syndicate)
International:
• EU playing a zero-sum game in Kosovo (Modern Diplomacy)
Humanitarian/Development:
• 67 cases of domestic violence registered in north in 2020, women and children most common victims (KoSSev)
• Serbian awarded expert in emergencies dies from COVID-19 (media)
• Media: WHO plans to approve two Chinese vaccines (N1)
Belgrade Media Report 25 January 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 25 January 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: There will big pressures regarding Kosovo and Metohija (RTV/TV Prva)
Brnabic on invitation from Montenegro: Inconvenient to go where you were expelled from (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
Dveri Movement offers platform for talks (Beta/RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Izetbegovic: Those supporting Dodik support policies of lies, insults and blockades; I think that Serb people, Serb voters have to undergo catharsis (O kanal)
Reactions to statement of Izetbegovic on Serbs (RTRS)
Dodik calls on Izetbegovic to apologize to Serbs for his recent statement (N1)
Office of B&H Ombudsman, politicians condemn Dodik’s offenses against Bjelica Prutina (Nova BH)
Hateful attacks are unacceptable (N1/Nova BH)
Tegeltija: In B&H there are too many of those who do not have right to be treated as migrants (Nezavisne)
Ambassadors of EU member states meet B&H Presidency members to discuss migrant crisis, EU path of B&H; Dodik: There will be no migrant camps in RS (Nova BH)
Wartime Commander of RB&H Army Mahmuljin sentenced to 10 years in prison for war crimes in Vozuca and Zavidovici (O kanal)
Croatia
President cancels attendance at ceremony due to far-right insignia on display (Hina/N1)
Montenegro
Djukanovic elected leader of DPS, his deputies are Damjanovic, Vukovic, Erakovic and Dizdarevic (CdM)
Djukanovic: I will sign re-voted laws, but will not sign the recall of ambassadors (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
SDSM: Census to be conducted in the spring, VMRO-DPMNE will not prevent this statistical operation (Republika)
Mickoski: Census results already agreed between government coalition, VMRO-DPMNE to start collecting signatures from citizens to nullify falsified census (TV Alfa)
Ahmeti: No chance that Albanians will be less than 25 percent in the census (Republika)
Ahmeti: I am convinced that dispute with Bulgaria will be resolved by spring (Republika)
Byrnes disappointed with Bulgaria’s veto (Republika)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 25, 2021
• COVID – 19: 392 new cases, six new deaths (media)
• First-time voters hoping for a change (Prishtina Insight)
• Osmani says “integrity of Central Election Commission will be protected” (media)
• Three scenarios in final decision for candidates list (Koha)
• CEC: We’ll act based on decisions by ECAP and Supreme Court (Telegrafi)
• Mustafa: If we fail to elect president, we’ll go to new elections (media)
• Haradinaj: February 14 is a referendum for Kosovo in NATO (media)
• Another former KLA soldier summoned by Specialist Chambers (media)
• “Kosovo-Serbia dialogue needs compromise to move forward” (Balkan Insight)
Belgrade Media Report 22 January 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 22 January 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic to Quint Ambassadors: Initiative to amend the Constitution adopted and forwarded to Serbian parliament (RTV/Tanjug)
Dacic: Italy is one of Serbia’s most important foreign trade partners (RTV/Tanjug)
Djuric: I am convinced that we will establish excellent relations with the new administration as well (B92)
Interstate agreement on encouraging investments signed with the US (Politika)
Godfrey: New administration will continue to improve relations with Serbia (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H CEC annuls elections in Srebrenica and Doboj (Nova BH)
Dodik: We will appeal decision of B&H CEC even though we have no confidence in the court; SNSD will block elections in 2022 (BN TV)
Cvijanovic condemns CEC’s decisions regarding Doboj and Srebrenica (ATV)
SDS, PDP, DNS hold joint press conference following announcement of B&H CEC to annul election results in Doboj (BN TV)
US Embassy comments B&H CEC decision: We welcome all measures in line with Election Law and CEC procedures (Oslobodjenje)
Inzko: Basically, in some way, my Bonn Powers were taken from me, not formally, but de facto; I believe that it is good that new High Representative will arrive (O kanal)
Izetbegovic: New High Representative just needs to do his job and not allow anti-Dayton activities in B&H; Biden’s win could bring back ‘April Package’ to the table (FTV)
Dodik: If SDA continues with attempts to reorganize B&H, we will host referendum on independence (RTRS)
Komsic slams Covic, says he should stop claiming that Sarajevo wants some kind of Muslim state (Oslobodjenje)
Police clash with migrants, two police officers injured (N1)
SDA: We give full support to police bodies to use all capacities to establish public peace and order in migrant camps (Hayat)
Montenegro
PM now claims he did not offer congratulations for the Day of RS (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Government passes census law with 62 votes, methodology yet to be determined (Republika)
Albania
Serbia-Albania deal on freedom of movement enters into force (ADN)
Albania declares Russian diplomat persona non grata (ADN)
Ambassadors Kim and Soreca at the Constitutional Court; US will continue to strongly support the implementation of Justice Reform (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 22, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 22, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 289 new cases, 14 deaths (media)
• Hundreds of Kosovo citizens travel to Bujanovac to get Covid vaccine (Koha/Klan)
• Daka says she does not intend to resign from CEC post (Kallxo)
• France expects credible, inclusive and transparent elections (media)
• Ahead of elections, government pledges stimulus package for teachers (media)
• Osmani: Prosecutors to impartially exercise their duties (media)
• Szunyog: Asset confiscation, crucial in fighting economic crime (media)
• Kosnett to prosecutors: Do not fear accountability – embrace it (media)
• Selimi: Specialist Chambers took political actions and showed bias (Telegrafi)
Serbian Language Media:
• Dacic: Serbian List guarantor of preserving interests of Serbian people in Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Godfrey: New administration will continue improving relations with Serbia (N1)
• EC comments of Haradinaj’s statement on unification with Albania (media)
• “Biden has bigger problems, he will not embark on adventures in Balkans” (Sputnik, Kosovo-online)
• Central Election Commission introduces new procedure – Todosijevic’s candidacy under question mark (Radio Mitrovica sever, Vecernje Novosti)
• Dimkic: No ecological disaster, news of Leposavic tailings spill exaggerated by media and malicious individuals (KoSSev)
• Preparatory hearing in Oliver Ivanovic’s murder case continues on February 5 (Radio KIM)
• Albania’s citizens may enter Serbia with IDs only (KoSSev, N1)
• Fmr Dean: Sarajevo Performing Arts Academy formed sexual harassment commission (N1 BiH)
• Moscow: Expulsion of Russian diplomat from Tirana shall not remain without response (Kosovo-online)
• Hoti announces investments, with an aim to make Serbian property an international ski resort (Vecernje Novosti)
• Detention of Bacevic extended for two more months (Radio KIM)
International:
• Vaccines Turn Into Geopolitics in Europe’s Most Volatile Region (Bloomberg)
• Kosovo Commemorates 15th Anniversary of First President’s Death (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• The EU to secure vaccine for Western Balkans, says Von der Leyen (Beta, N1)
• Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines’ reduction in supplies causes dissatisfaction within EU (Tanjug, B92)
• Albania expels Russian diplomat, citing lockdown breaches (AP)
• North Macedonia’s Naivety About Vaccine Procurement Costs Country Dear (Balkan Insight)
• EU proposes dark red areas for Europe’s epidemiological map (N1, Hina, B92)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 22, 2021
• COVID – 19: 312 new cases, 7 deaths (media)
• Hoti: Washington Agreement will be implemented with President Biden (media)
• Mustafa: Not right and intolerable to blame and accuse Daka (media)
• Konjufca: Daka in the service of organised crime (Koha)
• Kosnett: Respect the decision of courts (media)
• Rohde: Pre-electoral procedures are still ongoing (media)
• Hoxhaj: We’re in a race with Vetevendosje and Kurti (media)
• Reporters threatened by the language of political parties (Radio Free Europe)
• Von Cramon: Kosovo needs stable government, reforms in several areas (media)
• EC: Haradinaj must not threaten with unification with Albania (media)
• Hoxhaj: 30% pay raise for doctors and nurses in first months in power (media)
Belgrade Media Report 21 January
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic congratulates Biden (Beta/RTS)
Vucic: KFOR has a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
Brnabic: Washington agreement remains (TV Happy/Tanjug/RTV)
Selakovic: I expect a meeting between Vucic and Biden by year’s end (RTS)
Selakovic: Serbia has understanding towards Bulgaria’s position regarding Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
Office for Kosovo and Metohija: Pristina’s attempt to prevent vaccination in Serb communities (Tanjug/Politika)
Dveri calls on boycott of Kosovo elections (RTV/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H officials congratulate Biden (Fena/N1)
Dodik: Structures in Sarajevo expect much from Biden (ATV)
Russian Embassy to B&H: Russia continues to be of opinion OHR should be closed (RTRS)
Izetbegovic addresses EPP group in EP: We have to remove mechanisms which enable blockades (Oslobodjenje)
Mostar: Results of local elections leave parties discontent, deadline for formation of authorities is 14 days, negotiations are underway (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
Milanovic after Biden inauguration: Light ultimately triumphs over darkness (Hina)
Montenegro
Djukanovic congratulated Biden: Montenegro reliable partner and responsible ally (CdM)
Reinke: When cohabitation fails, everyone loses (CdM)
Djukanovic’s office: Meeting will be held in President’s office, it’s not about foreign policy consultations (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Macedonian leaders congratulate Biden on his inauguration (Republika)
Audio tape between Zaev and Verusevski causes a stir, Gruevski responds (Republika/Infomax)
Zaev: With Bulgaria we are negotiating about the name, about hate speech and minority issues (Republika)
Mickoski and Nikoloski meet with Jansa to discuss Macedonia’s stalled EU integration (Republika)
Zaev on census results: The percentages will not affect acquired rights (Republika)
EC expects Macedonia to hold a census in line with European standards and regulations (Republika)
Albania
President Meta conveys congratulations to new US President (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Bulgaria’s President Had Meeting with Foreign Minister of Serbia (Novinite)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 21, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID – 19: 296 new cases, seven deaths (media)
• Hoti congratulates U.S. President Biden (media)
• Daka says she was threatened by political parties (Koha)
• Hoti: The decision not to certify candidates for MPs must be accepted by all (Koha)
• CDHRF seeks investigation of threats against the CEC (media)
• Haradinaj: We should move Kosovo forward, time for unity (RTK)
• Kurti: LVV’s list of candidates remains the same, I am holder of the list (Koha)
• Mustafa: Those out of LDK cannot inherit Rugova’s path (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• 16 new cases of Covid-19, 25 cured in Serbian communities (Kosovo Online)
• Selakovic: Meeting Vucic – Biden by the end of the year (RTS, FoNet, Danas)
• Serbian President Vucic’s message to US President Biden (N1)
• Mitrovica Prosecutor’s Office: We are collecting information on the potential illegal entry of anti-covid vaccines in northern Kosovo (KoSSev)
• Brnabic: Confiscation of vaccines in Kosovo irresponsible act (Kosovo-online)
• Petkovic with Italian Ambassador: Impermissible intrusion into Health House in Strpce (Kosovo-online)
• Pristina’s bans are in favor of the Serbian List (Danas)
• Djerlek: 436.000 citizens applied for vaccination, infection rate is about 30% (B92, Tanjug)
• Kursumlija: Vaccination of citizens from Kosovo in the Health Center continues next week (Kosovo Online)
• First private lawsuit filed against NATO in Serbian court (N1, Sputnik, Srna)
• Brnabic: Implementation of Washington agreement remains (Tanjug, Kosovo-online)
Opinion:
• The trial in the murder of Oliver Ivanovic (KoSSev)
• Under Biden, Balkans to Remain Flashpoint in US-Russia Relations (Balkan Insight)
• February 14 elections and Kosovo’s never-ending problems (aa.com.tr)
International:
• Kosovo Court Ruling Puts Kurti’s Election Candidacy at Risk (Balkan Insight)
• Serbia in 2021: Hostage to an Election Won and Another to Come (Balkan Insight)
• US targets Putin’s pipelines from Baltic Sea to Balkans (atlanticcouncil.com)
Humanitarian/Development:
• The Regional Academy for the Development of Democracy called for the region to get involved in the ‘You are not alone’ campaign! (Danas)
• Transparency Serbia warns of risk of corruption during pandemic (FoNet, N1)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 21, 2021
• COVID – 19: 320 new cases, 6 deaths (media)
• Prishtina inspectorate fines LDK for second time for violating measures (media)
• Kurti comments on reports he won’t be allowed to run for MP (Kallxo)
• Court ruling puts Kurti’s election candidacy at risk (Prishtina Insight)
• Konjufca: Valdete Daka wants Kurti’s political elimination (media)
• Daka says she feels threatened by Konjufca’s remarks (media)
• Hoti: It is the obligation of LDK to safeguard Western orientation (media)
• Specialist Chambers starts investigations to Albania too (Koha)
Belgrade Media Report 20 January 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 20 January 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Petkovic: Belgrade will not fall for threats from Pristina (Tanjug/RTV)
Serbia’s opposition to MEP: Start inter-party dialogue as soon as possible (N1)
Bilcik: I support everything that strengthens trust in media and elections (Danas)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dodik: I will ask Vucic to give part of vaccines to the RS (RTRS)
RS opposition criticizes Dodik for his announcement that he will ask from Serbia to give part of vaccines to the RS (BN TV)
Dodik responds to accusations of RS opposition (RTRS)
B&H CEC publishes confirmed results of local elections in Mostar (O kanal)
Covic meets Plenkovic and Radman, Covic says elections in Mostar have been compromised (Dnevni list)
DPC’s analysis suggests international community and B&H citizens must exert pressures on domestic political elite, propose strengthening of EUFOR and NATO in B&H as well as distancing from Zagreb and Belgrade (Dnevni avaz)
Borrell sends letter to B Dodik, again requesting equal distribution of migrant crisis burden in B&H (Nova BH)
Montenegro
Amendments to Law on Freedom of Religion adopted again (Vijesti)
Abazovic and Radulovic invited Djukanovic to talks (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
EU ambassadors to Macedonia urged Zaev to “complete the process with Bulgaria” as soon as possible (Republika)
Albania
Albanian PM insists on EU criticism (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Serbia Filing First Lawsuits Against NATO on Behalf of 1999 Bombing Victims, Lawyer Says (Sputnik)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 20, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 20, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 320 new cases, six deaths (media)
• “Kurti will not be certified to run for election” (media)
• CEC: 47 candidates for MP have had problems with law (media)
• Kurti urges members of Diaspora to register to vote (media)
• In a video address, Haradinaj appeals for unity between political parties (media)
• Thaci, Veseli and others register to vote (Epoka e Re/RTK)
• Srpska Lista facing little opposition in upcoming elections (Prishtina Insight)
• NATO: A stable Kosovo is crucial for stability in the region and our security (Klan)
• UNICEF delivers 1,344 vaccine carriers for regular immunization programme (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Petkovic requests reaction of international community to Haradinaj’s statement (Radio KIM)
• RFE: Belgrade’s support is election trump card of Serbian List
• Djuric: Attendance at Biden’s inauguration for benefit of Serbia (RTS)
• Andjelkovic: Albanians in illusion that Biden would take anti-Serbian approach (Kosovo-online)
• PM Brnabic says Bahrain aid among biggest donations to Serbia (N1)
• Gracanica: Fewer newly infected with Covid-19 (Radio KIM)
• Office for KiM: Intrusion into the Health Center in Strpce, anti-civilization behaviour of Pristina (Kosovo Online)
• Strpce Health Center Director: The intrusion of inspectors and police was unnecessary, we did not and do not have a vaccine (Kosovo Online)
• Fatherland movement’s statement regarding vaccinations of Kosovo Serbs and others (Facebook)
Opinion:
• US approach to switch from quick-fix dealmaking to experience and cooperation (intellinews.com)
International:
• Up to 20 bln euros for Western Balkan private sector by 2027, says European Investment Bank (Reuters)
• Western Balkans and Ukraine urged to scrutinise coal subsidies (intellinews.com)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Serbia Becomes First European Nation To Use China’s Sinopharm Vaccine (RFE)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 20, 2021
• COVID – 19: 294 new cases, nine deaths (media)
• Specialist Chambers summon Nezir Cocaj (media)
• AAK, NISMA fined for violating anti COVID measures in rallies (media)
• Muja: Association and division will end with Kurti in power (KTV)
• Shala: LDK competes to win the elections (media)
• Ahmeti calls for constitutional amendments (media)
• Prosecution rejects request for Veseli’s interim release (media)
• Blinken: I applaud Trump administration’s work for Kosovo and Serbia (media)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
From Google News- Kosovo, Serbia Clash at UN Security Council Meeting - TRT World 24/04/2024Kosovo, Serbia Clash at UN Security Council Meeting TRT World
- European Integration of Kosovo: Macron Urges Progress on Serb Minority - Bloomberg 24/04/2024European Integration of Kosovo: Macron Urges Progress on Serb Minority Bloomberg
- Kosovo Fails to Offer Protection to Whistleblowers - Prishtina Insight 24/04/2024Kosovo Fails to Offer Protection to Whistleblowers Prishtina Insight
- Kosovo, Serbia Clash at UN Security Council Meeting - TRT World 24/04/2024
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