Belgrade Media Report 22 February
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We will defend our interests regardless of almost hopeless situation (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
Vucic: Relationship with Croatia is important, Serbia not hiding missing persons information (RTL/Beta)
European Parliament report calls Belgrade to resolve issues (N1)
Vulin: If you didn’t send us vaccines then you didn’t have to send us the amendments (Tanjug/RTV)
Third session of the Committee on Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
Comoro Islands do not recognize so-called Kosovo (RTV/Tanjug)
Bosniaks are now against closing down of the OHR (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
CEC holds press conference: First preliminary election results presented, Jerinic wins 67.44% of votes, Grujicic wins 67.62% of votes (FTV)
‘My Address: Srebrenica’ leader Ahmetovic says boycott of elections in Srebrenica was 99 per cent successful (N1)
OHR, EUD, US Embassy express discontent with decision to boycott elections in Srebrenica (Dnevni avaz)
Inzko urges patience regarding appointment of new HR as most PIC members are yet to reveal their stances about possible appointment of German politician Schmidt (Face TV)
Inzko: Blagojevic will face consequences for ignoring B&H CC’s rulings regarding imposed laws and state property (Face TV)
Inzko sets deadline for adoption of law on ban on genocide denial, says there will be consequences unless decorations to war criminals are revoked (EuroBlic/Face TV)
RS officials strongly oppose Inzko’s insisting on adoption of law on ban on genocide denial (Glas Srpske)
CoE receives information that B&H Parliament’s interdepartmental working group should start working on constitutional reforms soon; Poirel: B&H Constitution outdated and in need of change (N1)
EU calls on B&H authorities to form new task group to amend electoral legislation, HDZ B&H and SNSD do not want B&H CEC members in this body (BHT1)
Blinken writes to Turkovic; Now, more than ever citizens depend of our leadership (Dnevni avaz)
Montenegro
Picula: All accusations made ahead of Niksic elections to be clarified ASAP (Pobjeda)
Radulovic already informed countries about the recall of ambassadors (Dnevne novine)
Djukanovic’s office: PM and Minister Spajic are embarrassing the state (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Zaev doesn’t give up, asks the opposition to support the census (Republika)
Karakachanov says he will suggest that Macedonia and Albania be separated, so that Albania’s EU path isn’t blocked (Republika/BNT)
Albania
Why Albania’s foreign policy toward Serbia should change (Tirana Times)
Mazi reveals details from the meeting held by Rama with EU Commissioner (Radio Tirana)
The extradition treaty with the USA and Albania signed by American Ambassador Kim and Justice Minister Gjonaj (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 22, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• Germany and France call for swift formation of government and election of President (media)
• CDHRF: Assembly reserved seats are at risk from Belgrade (media)
• CEC meets, counting of 500 polling stations is expected (Express)
• CEC decides: 494 polling stations will be recounted (media)
• Zemaj announces increase of COVID-19 cases (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• 57 new cases of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas in Kosovo on Saturday (Radio kontakt plus)
• The Comoros do not recognize Kosovo’s independence, the position remains the same (RTS)
• OSCE: Media should be free to travel (KoSSev)
• Serbia receives 150,000 doses of AstraZeneca, 50.000 doses of Sputnik vaccines (N1, B92)
• Brnabic: Quality of life in Kosovo will depend on dialogue with Belgrade (Tanjug, Kosovo-online)
• Hodzic: Balje and Rexhepi did nothing for Bosniak community in Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Office for KiM: Video surveillance in all schools in Serbian communities (Kosovo Online)
Opinion:
• Electoral irregularities are no excuse for anti-gypsyism (Prishtina Insight)
• Palokaj: Kosovo to draft guidebook for international friends to hold them accountable
• New ‘Cold War’ Will Fuel Tensions in Southeast, Central Europe (Balkan Insight)
International:
• Albin Kurti told BTA: Bulgaria and Kosovo share common goals and interests (BTA)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 22, 2021
• COVID-19: 398 new cases, 1 death (media)
• Prishtina Mayor: No one has moral credibility to ask for a lockdown (media)
• EU insists on resuming the dialogue (media)
• Vetevendosje Movement rules out coalition with Serbian List (Koha)
• Idea for extra-territoriality of Orthodox religious sites, a challenge (Koha)
• Hoti reacts against Belgrade’s interference in Bosniak vote (media)
• Berisha accuses Romani Initiative of being “a Srpska Lista product” (BIRN)
• 48 NGOs from non-Serb communities react (Ekonomia Online)
• Surroi: Short time to elect the new President (Koha)
• Slow pace of Balkan repatriation leaves over 100 children in Syrian camps (BIRN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 19, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 18, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 340 new cases, ten deaths (media)
• LDK to elect a two-year mandate leader (media)
• Srpska’s game: Hodzic received thousands of votes in municipalities where no Bosniaks live (Express)
• Egyptian PLE also accuses Serbian List of stealing mandates (Koha)
• Roma Progressive Movement: Roma Civic Initiative is in fact the Serbian List (Telegrafi)
• German Ambassador: Voters have given a strong mandate for change (RTK)
• Kurti: I will create the health insurance fund (media)
• Mustafa: I would break the coalition with LVV even today (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Porfirije – a new patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church (B92, Tanjug)
• New Patriarch Porfirije in his first sermon: Kosovo is a covenant for us (KoSSev)
• Vucic met Patriarch Porfirije (RTS)
• Serbian List to new Patriarch: We are convinced that in this holy and responsible duty, you will be on same path as your predecessors (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• State Department congratulates election of Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch (media)
• Petkovic: Pristina has obligation to enable unobstructed work of media (Radio kontakt plus)
• Vukmirovic on ban to enter Kosovo: Pristina’s explanation ridiculous and ill-intentioned (RTS)
• Kurti: “We will analyze the ambiguities of the Washington agreement with the Biden administration” (BBC)
• EU launches project to support Western Balkans vaccination effort (N1)
International:
• Kurti’s comments spark pessimism in Belgrade over Kosovo-Serbia talks (euronews.com)
• Kosovo Warns of Census Delay, Blaming Pandemic and Elections (Balkan Insight)
• Filipovic: Improving cooperation with NATO in line with military neutrality is in Serbia’s national interest (EWB)
Belgrade Media Report 19 February 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 19 February 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Metropolitan Porfirije elected 46th Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Beta/B92)
First sermon of Patriarch Porfirije (RTS)
How Porfirije spoke about Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
Vucic congratulated to Serbian Patriarch Porfirije (RTS/Tanjug)
Selakovic: Serbia is not violating Washington agreement but is not a “dumb observer” (Tanjug/RTV)
RTS crew banned from entering Kosovo (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Pro-Bosnian parties support Initiative ‘My Address: Srebrenica’ in boycott of Sunday’s elections; They file motion with CC demanding to annul elections (FTV)
Dzaferovic: I support boycott of Srebrenica elections; Dodik should know RS is of vital interest of Bosniaks (FTV)
Dodik meets Grujicic in Srebrenica ahead of Sunday’s elections, mentions possibility of boycotting 2022 elections (FTV)
Cubrilovic: B&H CEC did not contribute to democratization with decision to repeat elections in Doboj and Srebrenica (RTRS)
Cvijanovic pays visit to Doboj (RTRS)
Tegeltija: Three issues standing in way of status of EU candidate are laws on HJPC, public procurements and prevention of conflicts of interest; I see OHR as lawyer for some Bosniak parties (Vecernji list)
Dzaferovic: We expect slightly stronger engagement of the existing administration from Washington; B&H needs a more active HR (FTV)
Dodik: I do not oppose B&H based on DPA capacities, but I oppose unitary B&H; Biden will not solve B&H’s problems (ATV)
RS parliament adopts three conclusions regarding Inzko’s report; Opposition MPs refuse to participate in voting (ATV)
OHR responds to RS parliament request: HR reports are available on UN, OHR websites (FTV)
Croatia
Census in Croatia postponed due to epidemic (HRT)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 19
• COVID-19: 285 new cases, five deaths (media)
• Kurti: We don’t avoid talks with Serbia, but first justice and employment (VOA)
• Konjufca: We’ll form government without being dependent on SL (media)
• VV says diaspora votes with expired documents should not be annulled (media)
• Pacolli: I will vote in favor of Osmani for President (media)
• Berisha: Dialogue with Serbia is in Kosovo’s national interest (Koha)
• LDK’s Rugova: Resigned chairmanship trying to impose new leader (media)
• Ahmeti: VV to form coalition with PDK or LDK for greater stability (media)
• Adrijana Hodzic denies deal with Srpska Lista (BIRN)
• “Those assumed to be obstructing justice in Kosovo must be identified” (RFE)
• Serbian church elects patriarch deemed close to president (BIRN)
Belgrade Media Report 18 February
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic: OSCE support in almost all important reform processes (RTS)
Vucic: Good relations between Serbia and North Macedonia of greatest significance for entire region (Tanjug/RTV)
Petkovic: Pristina to ask itself what is it celebrating (Tanjug/RTV)
Five countries ready to withdraw recognition of Kosovo if Pristina violates Washington agreement (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dodik: There is no force in world that will abolish the RS; Schmidt replacing Inzko is another international bluff (RTRS/Sputnik)
Inzko rejects RS parliament request (RTRS)
US Embassy, EUD and OHR condemn negative rhetoric which undermines reconciliation (Srna/Glas Srpske)
Ambassadors Sattler, Nelson and Kavales publish joint op-ed underlining importance of electoral reform (Oslobodjenje)
Novakovic-Bursac says abolition of voting by mail and increase of threshold should be considered; Pekic and Sehic advocate introduction of modern technologies in election process (EuroBlic)
B&H Prosecutor’s Office files indictment against Mehmedagic, Cikotic and Druskic (RTRS)
Croatia
Plenkovic, Schmidt discuss support to European, reform path of B&H (N1/Vecernji list)
Montenegro
DF won’t vote for budget before amendments to prosecutorial laws are passed (CdM)
Mandic: The crisis of the parliamentary majority (RTCG)
Turning point for Democrats and URA (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Main parties will begin talks about the coming municipal elections next week (Republika)
Mickoski supports open lists and the first-past-the-post model for the coming municipal elections (Republika)
Dispute over identity cards threatens Zaev’s coalition (Republika)
Pendarovski doesn’t agree that ethnicity should be included in IDs, but he will sign the Decree (Republika/MKD.mk)
Kyuchyuk hopes that Macedonia will soon open its EU accession talks (Republika)
Basha meets Slovenian PM: Slovenia, Albania’s strong advocate in EU membership process (Radio Tirana)
Albania
Basha meets Slovenian PM: Slovenia, Albania’s strong advocate in EU membership process (Radio Tirana)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 18, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 285 new cases, five deaths (media)
• Lajcak:Dialogue to continue immediately after the formation of the government (Lajmi)
• EU’s message is clear: New government of Kosovo to continue dialogue with Serbia (Express)
• Redzepi: Vucic elected Bosnian MPs in Kosovo (media)
• Kosnett urges Kosovo winning parties to form a government quickly (Express)
• Orlando encourages Kurti to form new government as soon as possible (Koha)
• Kosovo hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic as economy contracts by 6%, IMF report (Express)
• Diaspora vote counting goes on (media)
• PDK’s Lladrovci demands in an open letter mass resignation in party structures (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• 42 new cases of Covid-19, three deaths registered in Serbian areas in Kosovo (KoSSev)
• Gracanica: The number of Covid-19 cases growing; The Crisis Staff calls for strict compliance with the measures (Kontakt plus radio, KiM radio)
• Media: If Pristina makes a move, five countries are ready for de-recognition (B92)
• Selakovic: Serbia doesn’t violate Washington agreement, but is not “silent observer” either (Kosovo-online)
• Kurti for Vreme weekly: To overcome formulas such as historical dialogue and reconciliation (media)
• Parties in Kosovo fined with more than EUR 120.000 over election irregularities (Radio KIM)
• The RTS crew cannot enter Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio)
• Pavicevic: Journalists have no obligation to announce the crossing (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, UNS)
• Serbian List: Freedom of media and right to hear truth – essentials need of all societies striving for democracy (Radio kontakt plus)
• “A good strategic move by the Serbian List, but only if they use it” (KiM radio)
Opinion:
• EU and US so far show no interest in renewed threats to unify Albania and Kosovo (greekcitytimes.com)
International:
• Kosovo snap election: A chance for action (ecfr.eu)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Serbia vaccinated more than a million people (B92)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 18, 2021
• COVID-19: 297 new cases, five deaths (media)
• Abdixhiku: Changes in LDK have started and nothing will stop them (media)
• AAK responds to Trajkovic’s vote abuse claims, “a pure lie” (Indeksonline)
• CDHRF: Opposition to vote for Kurti 2 and Osmani as President (media)
• Kosovars take to streets to mark state’s 13th birthday (BIRN)
• The sacrifice for the state that did not deliver justice (Koha)
• Qerkini: Serbia is playing with fate of missing persons (media)
• Where does the fight against corruption begin? (Radio Free Europe)
• Special Court: There is no leak of information (Klan Kosova)
• Bus with Kosovo tourists pelted with stones in Montenegro (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 17, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 17, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 297 new cases, five deaths (media)
• Kosovo’s political leaders congratulate anniversary of independence (media)
• Blinken congratulates Kosovo on independence anniversary (media)
• MEP Von Cramon calls for visa liberalisation, continuation of dialogue (media)
• German MP Beyer calls on EU to grant Kosovo visa liberalisation (media)
• Elezi: CEC assessing ballot packages from diaspora (Klan)
Serbian Language Media:
• Jarinje: Journalists’ protest due to the prevention of the RTS crew to enter Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio, KiM radio, TV Most, Radio Gracanica, Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Are Serbs really integrated into Kosovo society? (RTK2)
• Anniversary of Kosovo declaration of independence: Survival of Serbs endangered more than before (Radio kontakt plus)
• Maliqi for Danas: The Serb community still lives either in segregation or in the ghetto (Kosovo Online)
• Beqaj: Kosovo far below expectations of citizens (Radio KIM)
• RTS on February 17 in Kosovo, former Serbian diplomat terms it “failed project” (RTS)
• Lajcak: I still believe that it is possible to find a solution for Kosovo (Danas)
• Vucic to German “Bild” on Kosovo issue, Merkel (B92)
• Senior Duma official says Russia, Serbia have closest possible relations (N1)
• NUNS condemn an obstruction of journalist Dejan Kozul’s work in Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio)
• Canadian Ambassador, Serbian President hope for direct flights (N1)
• Romanian ambassador calls for joint infrastructure and energy projects (N1)
Opinion:
• What were the elections like for Kosovo Serbs? (Kosovo 2.0)
• In Serbia, State’s Ties to Crime Become Hard to Miss (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Historic Images of Kosovo Peace Talks Go on Display (Balkan Insight)
Read More →Belgrade Media Report 17 February 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 17 February 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Serbia will be exposed to pressure, again; I would always choose Angela Merkel (Bild/Tanjug/B92)
Vucic with Slutsky: Friendly relations proven in various challenges (RTV/Tanjug)
Brnabic: Kurti’s statements unsurprising but regrettable (Tanjug)
Lajcak: It is absolutely possible to find a solution for Kosovo (Danas)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar Mayor Kordic: Mostar was never a ‘case city’ but it was somewhat of a victim of experiments conducted by international community (O kanal)
Izetbegovic: Irma Baralija betrayed Mostar (Hayat)
International community congratulates formation of Mostar city leadership (O kanal)
Izetbegovic: Look at all the things that Serbia is doing so that Serbs who moved out of Srebrenica voted in Srebrenica (Hayat)
Cvijanovic: Bosniak politicians have never truly taken care of Bosniak or Serb people in Srebrenica, announcement of boycott is only piece of puzzle in plan for problematization of Srebrenica (Srna)
Viskovic visits Srebrenica: Decision of Initiative ‘My Address: Srebrenica’ to boycott elections represents hoax by Bosniaks (RTRS)
DNS and PDP sign agreement on support to SDS’ candidate for post of Doboj Mayor Cvijan Filipovic (BN TV)
SNSD’s Jerinic certain about having stable majority in Doboj City Assembly, with more than 25 councilors (Nova BH)
Sattler: B&H must face its past and work on reconciliation, OHR needs to be gradually closed (Nezavisne novine)
Izetbegovic, Palmer discuss reform of Election Law and implementation of ECHR rulings (Oslobodjenje)
RS parliament adopts conclusion according to which HR is requested to create report on progress in implementation of peace agreement in B&H for period 2009-2020 and submit it with RS parliament within 90 days (RTRS)
Croatia
Croatian Foreign Ministry congratulates new Mostar mayor (Hina)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: We’ll overcome crises (CdM)
Krivokapic: Brussels is adamant – adopting the law on prosecution in this way would cross a “red line” (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Mickoski: The new treaty with Bulgaria negotiated by Buckovski will be a disaster (Republika)
Albania
Rama congratulates Albanians on Independence Day of Kosovo (ADN)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, February 17, 2021
• COVID-19: 277 new cases, three deaths (media)
• World leaders congratulate Kosovo on independence anniversary (media)
• U.S. to encourage new government to continue dialogue with Serbia (media)
• Biden says Kosovo holds ‘special place’ for his family (AP)
• Kurti: I would vote to unify Albania and Kosovo (euronews)
• Vetevendosje does not want to co-govern with PDK, LDK, and AAK (Koha)
• LDK’s Mustafa calls LVV’s victory damaging for Kosovo (Koha)
• Abazi declares Mini-Schengen dead under LVV governance (RTK)
• Brnabic: Regrettable that dialogue is not Kurti’s priority (media)
• International analysts say Kurti may face pressure on dialogue (Telegrafi)
• Albin Kurti has promised to change Kosovo. He has a fight on his hands (euronews)
• Kurti has no limitations for being prime minister, opposition may dispute it (KP)
• Judge at Kosovo court alerts EU diplomats to attempts to undermine court’s work (RFE)
• Kosovo Ex-Guerrillas Claim Prosecution is Hampering Their Defence (BIRN)
• Kosovo and Italy sign security agreement for the first time (Koha)
LINKS
UNMIK
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UN News Center
From Google News- Distria Krasniqi claimed seventh European title for Kosovo - Judoinside 25/04/2024Distria Krasniqi claimed seventh European title for Kosovo Judoinside
- Kosovo Ex-Guerrilla Officer Sylejman Selimi Cleared of Assaulting Prisoner - Prishtina Insight 25/04/2024Kosovo Ex-Guerrilla Officer Sylejman Selimi Cleared of Assaulting Prisoner Prishtina Insight
- Readout of Ambassador Robert Wood's Meeting with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu - United States Mission to the United Nations 25/04/2024Readout of Ambassador Robert Wood's Meeting with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu United States Mission to the United Nations
- Distria Krasniqi claimed seventh European title for Kosovo - Judoinside 25/04/2024
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