Belgrade Media Report 19 April 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 19 April 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic expects no pressure in Brussels; Never saw alleged unofficial non-paper (Beta/B92)
Serbia, Russia committed to principles of international law, UN; Danger from giving up UNSCR 1244 (RTS/Tanjug/Politika)
Lavrov dismissed idea of tailoring former Yugoslavia’s borders (Beta/Politika)
Selakovic: Iran supports Serbia in all international organizations (RTS)
Selakovic: Iran’s support regarding Kosovo (Politika/Tanjug/RTS)
Dacic: Preparatory phase consultations for inter-party dialogue begin today (Tanjug/RTS)
Bosniaks call Inzko to impose law on ban on genocide denial (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dodik: Peaceful separation in B&H is only option that will certainly be realized in upcoming period (ATV)
Vucic: Unless we can help, Serbia will not interfere in internal matters of B&H (RTRS)
RS parliament to discuss SNSD’s initiative to launch discussions between FB&H, RS and representatives of constituent people on future of B&H (EuroBlic)
Pahor: Slovenia is sincere friend of B&H, I reject any dangerous ideas about re-tailoring of borders (O kanal)
Jansa informs Dzaferovic disputable ‘non-paper’ does not exist (Nova BH)
Dzaferovic sends letter to Michel expressing concern over alleged Slovenian ‘non-paper’ on B&H (O kanal)
Izetbegovic writes letter to Sassoli and Tusk, warns them about secessionist aspirations (Hayat)
Covic: Reforms in B&H necessary to avoid story about disintegration (O kanal)
International officials comment non-paper (BHT1)
Regional officials comment non-paper on dissolution of B&H (Nova BH)
Ambassador Kalabukhov writes to Oslobodjenje: NATO is problem for B&H and decision about it is up to B&H (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
Croatia’s President blasts alleged non-paper on changing borders in Balkans (Hina)
Grlic Radman: Change of borders in B&H is out of question (Jutarnji list)
EU Delegation, US Embassy and OSCE reject Arnautovic’s claims about electoral reform leading to formation of third entity (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
Government ready to sign agreement with SPC, Krivokapic says (CdM)
Albania
Rama confirms existence of map of redrawn borders in Western Balkans (Radio Tirana)
Elections in Albania, Vucic: Basha and Berisha want ethnic Albania (ADN)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Iranian President Stresses Need to Maintain Peace, Stability in Balkans (FNA)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 19, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 19, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 277 new cases, 14 deaths (media)
• To date, over 16,000 Kosovo citizens got vaccinated against COVID-19 (media)
• Almost half of Kosovo businesses declare unsatisfactory situation (media)
• Bars and cafes reopen as COVID-19 measures eased (Prishtina Insight)
• PM Kurti urges Slovakia to recognise independence of Kosovo (media)
• On anniversary of Kosovo-Serbia agreement, KDI tackles its implementation (media)
• Szunyog: Government to take concrete steps to attract foreign investors (EO/Koha)
• Legislation committee approves draft law paving way for trial in absentia (media)
• SPO argues for extending detention to Gucati and Haradinaj (Klan)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic says he never saw alleged non-paper on redrawing borders in WB (Beta, N1)
• Serbia’s FM: Iran supports Serbia on the issue of Kosovo (Beta, N1)
• Dacic on alleged non-paper on WB: We do not support ideas that cause instability (FoNet. N1, TV Prva)
• Bishop Teodosije warns of aggressive pressure and negative media campaign against SOC and Decani Monastery (KoSSev)
• Djuric: Brussels agreement enabled years of peace (Radio KIM, Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Disrespect of Brussels agreement indicates what attitude Pristina or EU would have on some other reached agreement (Kosovo-online)
• Bogujevci: The issue of the missing both a human and a political issue, but it should be a humane (KiM radio, Slobodno srpski)
• EU: Brussels agreement must be implemented, agreement on ZSO has never been recalled (Kosovo-online, Tanjug)
• Gracanica: “Police are asleep, blow the horn to wake them up” (Kontakt plus radio, KiM radio)
• Entry door of Serbian school in Obilic damaged (Radio KIM)
• Tamara Grujic denies that she was detained; Kosovo Police said it was just an identity check (KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio, RTK2)
Opinion:
• It’s time for transparency in Kosovo’s COVID-19 numbers (Kosovo 2.0)
• Palokaj: Border changes, Belgrade’s attempt to implement Milosevic goals (Koha)
• The Abbot today, Kosovo tomorrow (KoSSev)
• DW: Serbia’s Vucic not in pre-election mode only when in deep sleep (N1)
International:
• Kosovo’s New President Has Major Crises To Take On (theowp.org)
• Hague Tribunal Urged to Report Serbia to UN Security Council (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Vucic announces new shipments of vaccines to Serbia (RTS)
• Loncar: Serbia avails itself at disposal of WHO, will help immunization in Europe (N1)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 19, 2021
• COVID-19: 521 new cases, 8 deaths (media)
• Government announces new measures against COVID-19 (media)
• Health Minister Vitia meets PDK MP Haxhiu (media)
• Additional uncertainties in the Kosovo – Serbia dialogue (Koha Ditore)
• Croatian President slams idea of border changes in the Balkans (media)
• Russian Foreign Minister reacts to Slovenian non-paper (media)
• Kosovo civil society criticise monastery’s inclusion on endangered list (BIRN)
• Kosovo authorities “withdraw from investigations against Insajderi” (RFE)
• Confiscation of unjustifiable wealth; EU calls for respect of human rights (Koha)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 16, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 537 new cases, 15 deaths (media)
• “Cannot talk dialogue, while our people are dying from lack of vaccines” (media)
• Germany against border changes in the Balkans (media)
• Slovenian President: I’m strongly against border changes (media)
• European Council has no comment on Slovenian non-paper (Express)
• Tahiri: PDK initiated three parliamentary debates on the pandemic (media)
• Kurti confirms he will attend Prespa Summit (media)
• Reactions follow after Lajcak does not refer to Kosovo in tweet (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Covid-19 in Serbian communities: 17 new cases, one death (Kontakt plus radio)
• Petkovic banned from entering Kosovo, explanation is that he endangers the health and safety of people (Beta, Novi Magazin, RTS)
• Office for KiM: Incidents in Serb areas in Kosovo a consequence of systematic non-response (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Young men waving Albanian flag in Mitrovica brought in (Radio KIM)
• Serbian List urges international missions and security institutions to preserve peace and prevent incidents (Kosovo-online)
• Commander of the Gracanica police station: I am not thinking of resigning, regardless of the pressures (KiM radio)
• Auto protest over beating of Luka Dimitrijevic in Gracanica (KoSSev)
• Dodik: Separation of Kosovo from Serbia inseparable from the Bosnian state survival (KoSSev)
• Vucic to Quinta envoys and EU: I’m sure Serbia can move faster towards EU (N1)
• Beqaj: The Balkans are a “powder keg”; Jansa’s idea against the values of the EU (Kosovo Online)
• Committee on Constitutional Affairs: Amending the Constitution does not change the preamble on KiM (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, RTS)
International:
• Slovenia Raises Uncomfortable Questions With Talk Of Bosnia’s ‘Dissolution’ (RFE)
• Anti-Semitism Used as Tool in Balkan Disputes: Report (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 16, 2021
• COVID-19: 612 new cases, 17 deaths (media)
• U.S. Ambassador Kosnett gives interview to Klan Kosova
• Kurti urges Greece to recognise Kosovo (media)
• President Osmani meets representatives of UN agencies in Kosovo (media)
• Lajcak and Bislimi hold virtual meeting (media)
• Gashi: LDK will not be part of dialogue with Serbia (ATV/Telegrafi)
• Kosovo FM Gervalla invited to address EP Foreign Affairs Committee (media)
• Surroi thinks Kosovo’s membership in NATO more plausible than in UN (Koha)
• Pjeter Shala transferred to The Hague pursuant to confirmed indictment (media)
Belgrade Media Report 15 April 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 15 April 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We expect Putin’s visit by year’s end (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
Serbia firmly committed to strengthening strategic partnership with Russia (Tanjug/RIA)
Selakovic: UN SC session important for presenting stance on Kosovo (TV Pink/Beta/Politika)
Brnabic: Gratitude to Iran for support to Serbia and current principled position on unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo; Serbia committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Iran (Tanjug)
Selakovic not officially informed about existence of Jansa’s alleged document on continuation of dissolution of Yugoslavia (Novosti)
Krivokapic: There will be no “Montenegrin spring” but a tourist summer, this government will last (RTS)
Dacic: EP to hold online consultations with all Serbian parliamentary and non-parliamentary parties between 19 and 22 April (RTV/Beta)
Lajcak with Reeker on activities in WB (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Alleged non-paper on WB leaks out: Merging of RS and Serbia, Kosovo and Albania (N1/ necenzurirano.si)
B&H politicians divided over alleged Slovenian non-paper on Western Balkans (N1)
Logar denies allegations on non-paper that Jansa allegedly submitted; MEP Fajon and Jansa resume with mutual accusations regarding this issue (Nova BH)
Nemec: Slovenian authorities never discussed reshaping of borders in Balkans; Analysts Petrovic and Zupljanin comment allegations on Jansa’s non-paper (Glas Srpske)
Ljubic: Greater-Bosniak strategy advocates unitary B&H, Serbs need to get involved in process of changes of B&H Election Law; peaceful dissolution of B&H is not possible (Nezavisne)
Vulic: Part of international community, illegally appointed CEC members and RS opposition planning amendments to Election Law aimed to bring opposition parties back to ruling authorities (ATV)
RS Collegium to discuss awards given to sentenced war criminals (BN TV)
Deadline for revoking of awards for war criminals expires in May; RS official indicate that revoking is possible (N1)
Mayor of Istocno Sarajevo Cosic: If Sarajevo officials ignore request for removal of plaques, B&H CC will give answer (RTRS)
Croatia
Grlic Radman says Croatia will continue to support B&H on its EU path (HRT)
Montenegro
DF admits it needs international assistance to reconcile quarreling government members (CdM)
DF asks from Joanikije to reconcile Krivokapic and Leposavic in a Christian way (Pobjeda)
Abazovic interested in PM position? (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Xhaferi calls for a meeting to resume legislative work in the parliament (Republika)
EU member states decided not to discuss Balkan enlargement at the coming European Council (MIA)
Albania
Kim a message to SPAK: What’s lacking is courage (Tirana Times)
Albanian Helsinki Committee: Electoral subjects should respect the right to privacy and secrecy of the ballot (Tirana Times)
Rama: We managed to vaccinate while the EU left us without vaccines (Tirana Times)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 15, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 15, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 599 new cases, 17 deaths (media)
• Kosovo ministries discuss anti-Covid measures with Kosovo mayors (media)
• Petrit Ajeti appointed head of Kosovo Intelligence Agency (media)
• Kosovo leaders meet representatives of missing persons (media)
• KDI calls on Kosovo leaders to prepare for dialogue with Serbia (media)
• Fight of organised crime and corruption, domestic violence priorities of Justice Ministry (media)
• Ministry of Infrastructure cancels tender worth €44 million (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Covid-19 in Serbian communities: 13 newly infected (Kontakt plus radio)
• Thus far, 15.000 citizens from Serbian areas in Kosovo inoculated (Kosovo-online)
• EU on the Western Balkans on May 10th (RTS)
• Vucic: We expect Putin in Serbia by end of year, I will go to Brussels soon (Kosovo-online)
• Simic: One violence gives birth to another, Serbs unprotected in Kosovo (RTS)
• Sava Janjic bothers both Belgrade and Pristina (Danas)
• Rakic met Kosnett, and pointed out problem of frequent attacks against Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Protest due to the beating of the young man, demand for the resignation of the police commander (KiM radio)
• Spahiu: Gervalla’s appearance at UNSC session complete collapse of the new Kosovo government (Kosovo Online)
• Alleged non-paper on WB leaked: Merging of RS and Serbia, Kosovo and Albania (N1)
• Kharchenko: Russia ready for new aspects in resolving the Kosovo issue, if Serbia wishes so (Kosovo Online, Sputnik)
Opinion:
• The arrival of vaccines doesn’t mean the pandemic is over (Kosovo 2.0)
International:
• Palestinians Demand Cutting Ties with Kosovo (english.aawsat.com)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Greece to lift quarantine for visitors from Serbia (B92)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 15, 2021
• COVID-19: 715 new cases, 14 deaths (media)
• Kosovo new president says Serbia must answer for ‘genocide’ (The Irish Times)
• Kosovo implies reciprocity with every state (Radio Free Europe)
• Haxhiu: Misused funds must be confiscated, they belong to the people (media)
• EU: Dialogue, Kosovo’s most important foreign policy priority (media)
• Kurti replies to Court on request of Serb MPs (media)
• Kurti government reviewing decisions of Hoti government (Koha Ditore)
• Bogujevci: We’ll push forward draft law on domestic violence (media)
• Collaku: Internationals will strongly impose dialogue on Kurti (media)
• “Either we accept Association, or we have to talk about land swap” (media)
Belgrade Media Report 14 April
LOCAL PRESS
Selakovic: Albanian extremism amplifies political instability in Kosovo (Tanjug/Politika/RTS/RTV)
Brnabic expects UNMIK to remain engaged in an undiminished scope and with an unchanged mandate (RTS)
Vucic to Fabrizi: Changes in Law on Information needed (N1)
Godfrey: US deepening commitment to Serbia (Beta)
Dacic: Relations with US among priorities of state policy (Tanjug)
Ambassador: Greece’s position on independence of Kosovo remains unchanged (Tanjug/RTV)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dodik: RS will not take part in talks on changes to B&H Election Law if CEC members have any kind of role in that; RS will not engage in war and that only option is peaceful dissolution (ATV)
SDA warns peaceful dissolution of B&H will never happen and can only result in wars in region and entire Europe; RS officials strongly condemn SDA for presenting such threats (EuroBlic)
Pahor: Upon my return from B&H, I am more convinced that EU finds itself in unfavorable situation, in which it must adopt decision on future of Western Balkans soon; Jansa denies that he sent non-paper to Brussels (Nova BH)
EC says there is no info on so-called non-paper of Slovenian PM Jansa on change of borders in Western Balkans and dissolution of B&H (BHT1)
Fajon: Irresponsible behavior in regards to so-called completion of plan on peaceful dissolution of B&H could lead to new conflicts (Nova BH)
US Embassy: B&H is democratic, multiethnic, sovereign and independent country with unquestionable territorial integrity (Hayat)
Dysfunctionality of B&H and its possible dissolution will be main topic of Brdo-Brijuni Summit later this year (Nezavisne)
Grlic Radman: We unconditionally support stability and territorial integrity of B&H (Dnevni avaz)
Cavara: Bosniaks want change of concept of organization so the majority people can have absolute rule (Dnevni list)
Inzko says it is pity B&H HoP missed chance to adopt changes to B&H Criminal Code that refer to denial of genocide; Miletic calls on Inzko to use Bonn Powers to impose law banning denial of genocide (FTV)
Authorities in Sarajevo unwilling to remove plaques that call Serb criminals despite support from the Office of the High Representative for their removal (BN TV)
Report by Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Suffering of Serbs in Sarajevo between 1991 and 1995 published on website of RS Center for War Research, War Crimes and Search for Missing Persons (RTRS/BHT1)
Croatia
Serb National Council presents 2020 report on anti-Serb hate speech and violence (Hina)
Milanovic says Serbia must resolve missing persons issue before joining the EU (HRT)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: I recognize certain capacities in Democrats and URA (RTCG/CdM)
Pribilovic: Dacic will not decide on the fate of our state or anyone else outside it (CdM)
Albania
Facebook removes 300 accounts tied to Iranian exile group MEK in Albania (Tirana Times)
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES
Meaningful Dialogue, Forward-Looking Policies between Belgrade, Pristina Central to Moving Forward, European Integration, Kosovo Mission Head Tells Security Council (UN Press Release)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 14, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 701 new cases, 14 deaths (media)
• Mayors want new anti COVID measures to be lifted (media)
• Osmani: We’ll make sure women are involved in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
• Szunyog: EU ready to support Kosovo government on its EU path (media)
• Lajcak: Very useful meeting with Phil Reeker (media)
• Osmani: April 14, the day of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (media)
• Gervalla-Schwarz: Childhood emigrant becomes Kosovo’s top diplomat (BIRN)
• PDK MP: Gervalla was on same line with Russia and Serbia (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• 14 new cases of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas in Kosovo (KoSSev)
• Tanin: Opening the door to the future requires transformation (KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio, RTK2)
• Serbian FM tells UN SC Albanian political extremism rising in Kosovo (N1)
• Brnabic and Yamashita on situation in Kosovo (Tanjug)
• SOC: Unfounded and malicious accusations against Sava Janjic (Radio KIM)
• Serb CSOs: Kosovo government and international representatives to condemn CDHRF’s hate speech and protect Fr. Sava (KoSSev)
• Kandic: It is shameful what CDHRF is writing about Fr. Sava (KoSSev)
• Family of Zoran Djokic from Pec seeks fair trial (KoSSev)
• Greek stance on Kosovo remains unchanged (Tanjug)
• RTV KiM: Physical attack on a young man in Gracanica (KoSSev, Blic, RTS)
• Protest in Gracanica due to the beating of a Serb; An ethnically motivated attack or a misunderstanding? (RTV KiM)
• Rakic: Should our children live in everyday fear that someone would attack them in the street? (Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic: Latest incident consequence of irresponsible politics and anti-Serbian rhetoric (Kontakt plus radio)
• Sava Janjic: The church in Samodreza turned into a public toilet, so much for religious tolerance in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, FB)
• Message from Brussels: Travel to EU countries with any vaccine (B92)
Opinion:
• Inter-ethnic cooperation in Kosovo: Can Kurti make use of this critical juncture? (newsocialinitiative.org)
• Mushkolaj: Let us not become allies of disinformation (Kallxo)
• Bounty of Serbian vaccine diplomacy shames the EU (Financial Times)
• How Serbia Can Learn from Germany’s Post-War Remorse (Balkan Insight)
International:
• When libraries burn (balcanicaucaso.org)
• Alleged Slovenian proposal for a peaceful dissolution of BiH creates controversy (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Rolling Film Festival puts fresh spotlight on anti-roma prejudice in Kosovo (BIRN)
• Sputnik V production to begin soon in Serbia, Iran, Italy (TASS)
• Bosnian journalists vaccinated in Serbian capital (N1)
• Hundreds of millions of women living lives ‘governed by others’, UN report shows (news.un.org)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 14, 2021
• COVID-19: 544 new cases, 12 deaths (media)
• UN Security Council discusses situation in Kosovo (media)
• Russia tries to ban Kosovo flag at UN – unsuccessfully (AP)
• Government spokesperson: No date yet on reciprocity with Serbia (media)
• Osmani and Kurti in talks to appoint new intelligence chief (RTK)
• Anti-mafia law gets the green light (Koha Ditore)
• Varhelyi in letter to Kurti: Continuation of dialogue is crucial (media)
• EU no comment on reports of Jansha’s alleged letter on border changes (RFE)
• Should Kosovo’s ruling party play opposition politics in Albania? (BIRN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 12, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 12, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 345 new cases, 8 deaths (media)
• Kurti: Governing programme to be technically finalised soon (media)
• PDK: Kurti focusing on Albania’s election rather than securing vaccines (media)
• LDK’s Abdixhiku slams Kurti government (media)
• Kosovo officials accused of ‘irresponsible’ meddling in Albania election (BIRN)
• “Government to treat vaccination of teachers as priority” (media)
• Expert: Youth more threatened by UK variant of the virus (media)
• Caplan: There will be pressure on Kurti for dialogue (Radio Free Europe)
Serbian Language Media:
• Eight new cases of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas on Sunday (Kontakt plus radio)
• Father Sava reacts to accusations: Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you (social media, KoSSev)
• Brnabic, Office for KiM, Serbian List react to accusations against Father Sava (Radio KIM)
• Europa Nostra: Decani should not be a source of conflict, but a valuable link between citizens (KoSSev)
• Harsh reactions in Kosovo media to Decani Monastery’s inclusion in 7 Most Endangered 2021 (KoSSev)
• Fr. Sava: Paradox that Church must remind Kosovo to respect its own laws and Constitution (KoSSev)
• Health house in village of Gojbulja broken into (RTS)
• Kurti posts about LVV candidates in Albanian elections; the media and the opposition accuse him of running a campaign (KoSSev)
• Petkovic: There is no place at the negotiating table for guns (KiM radio)
• Gogic: Stability while the “honeymoon” lasts (KiM radio, Slobodno Srpski)
• Russian Ambassador says partnership with Serbia has ”cosmic prospects” (N1, Beta)
• Lajcak: Agreement possible in a few months if there is political will in Belgrade and Pristina (Beta, Kosovo Online)
International:
• Generations of Albanians lived off cannabis production. Can they stop? (BIRN)
• Thousands rally in Serbia to protect the environment (AP)
• Death of British Queen’s Husband Severs a Balkan Link (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Digital Trustbuilding Week (RTK2)
• Rakic with UN and IOM representatives on return of displaced persons (Kosovo-online)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
From Google News- Kosovo: RTK is going to broadcast Eurovision 2024! - Eurovision News | Music | Fun - Eurovision News | Music 05/05/2024Kosovo: RTK is going to broadcast Eurovision 2024! - Eurovision News | Music | Fun Eurovision News | Music
- BREAKING NEWS Spajic, Scholz: Kosovo to join Council of Europe after formation of the Association of Serb-Majority ... - cdm.me 04/05/2024BREAKING NEWS Spajic, Scholz: Kosovo to join Council of Europe after formation of the Association of Serb-Majority ... cdm.me
- Kosovo Sees ‘Alarming Decline’ in Media Freedom Ranking - Prishtina Insight 03/05/2024Kosovo Sees ‘Alarming Decline’ in Media Freedom Ranking Prishtina Insight
- Kosovo: RTK is going to broadcast Eurovision 2024! - Eurovision News | Music | Fun - Eurovision News | Music 05/05/2024
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General
Media Sources
