Belgrade Media Report 19 May 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 19 May 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic: EU frustrated over dialogue postponement with Pristina (Tanjug/RTS)
A thing that can shake hard-won regional stability (B92/Tanjug)
Vucic: Serbia wants to join EU, Kosovo issue major problem (Tanjug/Radio Plus)
Vucic: Great political success of Serbia over past several days (Politika)
Godfrey: Economic relations between Serbia, US a strong aspect of bilateral relations (Beta)
Selakovic: Pristina’s request on Visoki Decani speaks enough about their intentions (Tanjug/RTV)
UK increases troops within KFOR (Tanjug)
Popovic and Kosachov: Unacceptable withdrawal of KFOR, Russia continued to offer support to Serbia regarding Kosovo and Metohija (RTV/Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Borrell hosts working dinner with Western Balkans leaders; Tegeltija; B&H’s European path and obtaining EU candidate status was topic of meeting (O kanal)
Lovrinovic: SDA is constantly deceiving public that HDZ B&H wants divisions (Dnevni list)
Russia fully supports principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H, equality of three state-building peoples and two entities with broad constitutional powers (RTRS)
SDP B&H hosts meeting of pro-Bosnian parties that plan to take part in general elections in RS in 2022; Reactions (N1/FTV/Nova BH)
RS representatives do not expect bloc of political parties with seat in Sarajevo will achieve any major results in upcoming elections (EuroBlic)
Salkic: What Vucic is saying about respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty of B&H is entirely different in practice (Hayat)
Croatia
Croatian FM condemns Hamas attacks, says he supports Israel’s right to defense (Hina)
Montenegro
Djukanovic in Brussels: Parliament makes decision on deploying soldiers in Kosovo mission (CdM)
Djukanovic: We’re further from EU today than in 2014 (CdM)
Djukanovic: I’ll decide whether or not to sign the Law on State Prosecutor’s Office (CdM)
Picula: Peaceful transition hasn’t strengthened dialogue (Pobjeda)
Abazovic: Prosecution reform is condition for EU membership, as well as for a strong fight against corruption and organized crime (Gov. Press service)
Republic of North Macedonia
Ahmeti – Galloway: Relations in the coalition are stable (Republika)
Kyuchyuk: It will be very bad if Macedonia and Albania are decoupled (Sitel TV/Republika)
Albania
President urges parliament to terminate inquiry committee (ADN)
Albania-Kosovo intensify defense co-operation, Peleshi: Balkans in NATO, guarantee of stability (Radio Tirana)
Slovenian PM to Meta: Internal reforms will accelerate Albania’s integration process (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 19, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 19, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 62 new cases, eight deaths (media)
• Over 51,000 people vaccinated so far in Kosovo (media)
• Kosovo FM appeals to diaspora: Get vaccinated before coming to Kosovo (media)
• Germany donates COVID-19 test kits to Kosovo worth €600,000 (media)
• Treating patients in a pandemic (Prishtina Insight)
• Government: Skender Hyseni won’t be part of dialogue with Serbia (Telegrafi)
• Hoxhaj reacts to Montenegro’s refusal to send troops to KFOR (media)
• “Kurti declared former KLA leaders war criminals, whose PM is he?” (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Antonijevic: Epidemiological situation continues to improve (TV Most)
• PM Ana Brnabic: EU doesn’t know about some things going on in region (media)
• Europa Nostra on letter from Pristina, to answer once it arrives (KoSSev)
• Vucic, Serbian officials on endangerment of Visoki Decani Monastery (KoSSev, media)
• Szunyog: For five years Kosovo didn’t implement Constitutional Court decision on Visoki Decani Monastery land (Kosovo-online)
• Petkovic: Osmani openly undermines Washington agreement by lobbying for Kosovo membership in Interpol (Kosovo-online)
• Britain in KFOR by 2023, with more troops (Kontakt plus radio, RTK2)
• Bisenic: Palestine statehood established in the UN, Kosovo not from that framework, impossible to draw a parallel (Pravi Ugao, KoSSev)
• Vucic, officials on Zeman’s apology (B92, media)
• Additional 440.000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine arrived in Serbia (B92)
• North Macedonia expels Russian diplomat (N1)
International:
• North Macedonia PM: EU risks losing sway in Balkans (politico.eu)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Brussels lifts travel restrictions for “third country” citizens (RTS, Tanjug)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 19, 2021
• COVID-19: 64 new cases, one death (media)
• High Representative Borrell meets Western Balkans leaders (media)
• Borrell revives tradition of informal exchanges with regional leaders (media)
• Kurti: Meeting with Vucic in mid-June (media)
• Lajcak meets Kurti, discuss continuation of dialogue (media)
• Osmani: Always ready for cooperation with our neighbors (media)
• Joseph: Serbia must no longer be privileged (Radio Free Europe)
• Thaci and others to appear in next session today (media)
• Tensions between the municipalities and central government (Koha)
• Tired of the pandemic (Kosovo 2.0)
• BIRN debate exposes flaws in fight against sexual harassment (BIRN)
Belgrade Media Report 18 May
LOCAL PRESS
Zeman: I apologize for the 1999 bombing and ask the Serb people for forgiveness (RTS/B92/Beta/FoNet)
Vucic: Borders should not be changed, in accordance with the rules established by the United Nations (Tanjug/B92/RTS)
Vucic after the meeting with Stoltenberg: KFOR remains on Kosovo and Metohija (B92/Tanjug/RTS)
Vucic, Lajcak: Serbia ready to continue dialogue with Pristina (Tanjug/RTS)
Lajcak: I appreciate having talks with Vucic (N1)
Borrel expects Western Balkan leaders to explain political developments in the region (Beta)
Dacic: Important for UNMIK, KFOR to remain in Kosovo and Metohija (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Inzko on ‘Buk Bijela’ project: Foreign investments are welcome in B&H, but they have to be in line with B&H laws (Nova BH)
Istocno Sarajevo: RS, Serbian governments hold joint session; Brnabic: Serbia will invest EUR 787 million in the RS (RTRS)
Zvizdic: Serbian government’s neglecting attitude is result on non-functional Council of Ministers (Dnevni list)
Leaders of Brdo-Brijuni Process adopt joint declaration which says that EU needs to become more actively involved in Western Balkans and encourage countries to meet conditions for membership as soon as possible (Nova BH/N1)
B&H Presidency members without joint stance at summit of Brdo-Brijuni Process (BHT1)
Dodik: EU enlargement is key issue that does not depend on B&H; There is significant number of EU member states that oppose enlargement (RTRS)
Dodik: PDP, SDS brings so many problems to RS during their rule at B&H level, cleaning this mess is not easy; PDP’s Ivanic brings US soldiers on Manjaca with his decision (RTRS/Nezavisne)
Croatia
Croatian army company sent to serve as part of KFOR in Kosovo (Hina)
Montenegro
Abazovic thanks VC president and Varhely (CdM)
DPS to boycott parliament in coming days (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Zaev: The next parliamentary elections will be held in 2024 and there will be no early elections (MTV/Republika)
Pendarovski: Historical issues have nothing to do with the EU integration process (Republika)
Milanovic: What is being done to Macedonia is trespassing, it shouldn’t be allowed (Republika)
Albania
“Albania-US Extradition Treaty” approved / Gjonaj: The most effective cooperation in the fight against crime is guaranteed (Radio Tirana)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 18, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 64 new cases, one death (media)
• 46,000 people vaccinated so far in Kosovo (media)
• EULEX presents report on impact of COVID-19 on the rule of law (Kallxo)
• Kosovo police’s seizure of drugs in Lipjan hailed by U.S., Italy (media)
• Ministers Gervalla, Ceku invite Europa Nostra head to visit Kosovo (media)
• PDK accuses Osmani of violating Constitution in CEC appointments (media)
• Kosovo and Albania sign MoU in the field of defence (media)
• Ministry of Interior cancels bid worth €21 million (media)
• Haradinaj addresses recent departures of party officials (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic: I am worried about dialogue, there’s nothing rational in Pristina’s approach (RTS)
• Stoltenberg: There is no change of KFOR’s mandate, it remains in Kosovo (Danas)
• Brnabic to visit Brussels on Tuesday, attend WB working dinner, meet EU officials (RTS)
• Dacic: Important that UNMIK and KFOR stay in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• Brdo-Brijuni Process: Borders left out of joint ‘compromise’ statement (Hina, N1 Sarajevo)
• Brdo-Brioni Process participants urge EU to speed up expansion to Western Balkans (N1)
• Milanovic: Brdo-Brijuni Process will not solve problems of Western Balkans (Hina, N1 Zagreb)
• Dzaferovic: EU will only be complete when WB countries become members (Anadolu Agency, N1 Sarajevo)
• Komsic: Kosovo-Serbia debate returns Brdo-Brioni summit to “Balkan tavern” (N1, FoNet)
• Haradinaj requests continuation of Decani-Plav road construction (Radio KIM)
• Zeman: I apologize for bombardment of FRY, ask Serbian people to forgive me (RTS)
• Croatian army unit sent to serve as part of KFOR in Kosovo (N1)
• Skopje to increase number of soldiers within KFOR mission in Kosovo (KoSSev, N1)
• Office for KiM: Instead of letters, Pristina to sign decree on return of confiscated monastery land (Kontakt plus radio, Radio Mitrovica sever)
Opinion:
• Dialogue in the upcoming period (KoSSev)
International:
• NATO chief confirms KFOR to remain in Kosovo (EurActiv)
• COVID-19 Limits Family Visits for Kosovo War Defendants (Balkan Insight)
• Angela Merkel’s political legacy in the Western Balkans will be tough to beat (euronews.com)
Humanitarian/Development:
• UNMIK assistance to the most vulnerable population of Gracanica (Radio Mitrovica sever, Kontakt plus radio))
• Dacic: Serbia’s democratic progress unimaginable without CoE (BETA, N1)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 18, 2021
• COVID-19: 25 new cases, one death (media)
• Vitia: Up to 350,000 persons to be vaccinated in a month (Klan)
• Osmani: Kosovo as a sovereign and independent country is a permanent project (media)
• Kosovo, Serbia clash over Balkan border issues at summit (AP)
• Osmani meets regional leaders at the sideline of Brdo-Brijuni summit (media)
• Brdo-Brijuni Declaration: “EU is able to absorb the WB”, Serbia’s phrasing of the point on regional borders rejected (EWB)
• Kurti, Merkel agree mutual recognition should be end-result of dialogue (media)
• Lajcak meets Vucic in Brussels (media)
• NATO attempts to appease Serbian concerns over Croatian troops in Kosovo (Reuters)
• Kosovo Foreign Policy Experts Welcome Govt’s Support for Israel (BIRN)
• Kosovo Police seize 400kg of cocaine in Lipjan warehouse (media)
• Government plans to phase out PAK by next year (Koha)
• Government building lighted up in rainbow colours, in nod to LGBTIQ+ community (media)
Belgrade Media Report 17 May 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 17 May 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vulin: Serbia expects Russia’s support in preventing any changes in the mandate of KFOR and UNMIK (RTS/Tanjug)
Dacic: Request from withdrawal of KFOR more of a threat than realistic (TV Pink/RTV/Tanjug)
Pahor: EU underestimates emotions in Western Balkans (Tanjug)
Fifth session of the Committee on Kosovo and Metohija held (Serbian parliament)
NATO: All decisions about KFOR are consensual (EurActiv/Beta)
New non-paper: Kosovo remains in Serbia for 99 years, special status envisaged? (Tanjug/B92)
Working group for dialogue without foreign mediation formed (Tanjug/RTS/NSPM)
Holy Synod of Bishops of SPC to start on 24 May (RTS)
Cvijanovic: Peaceful dissolution can be an option (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dodik attends Delphi Economic Forum in Athens, says there is no other country in which High Representative decides on internal issues (Hayat)
Dodik says basis for peaceful dissolution of B&H was made in DPA (Srna)
Brdo-Brijuni Process will take place on Monday; Pahor: This may be chance to make something new for peace, stability in region; Dzaferovic: No talks about B&H outside of B&H; Pejanovic: Change of borders will not be on agenda (RTRS)
Cubrilovic does not expect concrete solutions from meeting of Brdo-Brijuni Process (Nezavisne/N1)
Kalabukhov says Russia’s principled position is that OHR should be closed and that Russia will not support Schmidt’s appointment to post of HR (N1)
Brkic holds phone conversation with Palmer and Murphy to discuss current political situation in B&H, B&H’s NATO path and changes to election legislation (Oslobodjenje)
Covic: B&H Election Law will be adopted by end of June with limited corrections of Constitution of B&H; There will be compromises but not about legitimate representation of peoples (RTV HB)
CoE, EU Delegation to B&H, OSCE Mission and UN to B&H say more has to be done in B&H (Oslobodjenje)
US soldiers who will participate in ‘Immediate Response 21’ military exercise arrive to Sarajevo (Nova BH)
‘Immediate Response 21’ military exercise serves as topic of political clashes in RS (Nova BH)
Netanyahu thanks B&H and other countries for supporting Israel in latest conflict with Palestinians; Dzaferovic, Turkovic: B&H does not and cannot support killing of innocent civilians in Gaza (O kanal)
Croatia
Citizens elect representatives in local elections (Hina)
Milanovic supports EU integration of Western Balkans as soon as possible (Hina)
Montenegro
Krivokapic to Lajcak: I believe Montenegro will be next EU member state (CdM)
Albania
April elections, first boxes to be reopened amid manipulation claims (ADN)
Conflict with Palestine, Israel’s PM thanks Albania for support against ‘terrorist attacks’ (ADN)
Plane with 267 American soldiers arrived at Rinas Airport (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 17, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 17, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 25 new cases, one death (media)
• Hoti: About 10 thousand citizens were vaccinated during the weekend (media)
• Kurti: For 55 days of government, we have done a lot of work (media)
• Trendafilova: KSC is not an ethnic court, victims are of different ethnic backgrounds (Klan)
• President Osmani met with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic (RTK)
• Gresa Caka-Nimani elected president of the Constitutional Court (media)
• Protest in front of Ministry against violence of girls in schools (media)
• Kosovo authorities seize over 2 tons of cocaine? (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Seven new cases of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas on Saturday (Radio KIM)
• Vucic: Serbia has always advocated for inviolability of UN recognized borders (Kosovo-online)
• Stano: The dinner will be a sign of wider political engagement of the EU and the Western Balkans (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Western Balkans leaders’ summit today in Brioni, Vucic after that in Brussels with Stoltenberg (Radio Mitrovica sever, RTS)
• Brnabic-Kurti meeting in Brussels tomorrow, geopolitics on the “menu” of the working dinner (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Serbia’s Vucic will skip Western Balkans leaders’ working dinner in Brussels (N1)
• All municipal boards of the SNS in Kosovo for the removal of Stefanovic from party and state functions (KoSSev)
• Vucic: I would rather lose my head than give up Serbia, seizure of Kosovo is end of everything (KoSSev)
• Enthronement of Patriarch Porfirije in Pec Patriarchate postponed (KoSSev)
• Bishop Teodosije requested OSCE support for survival of Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo (RTS)
• Montenegro is not sending infantry platoon to KFOR (KoSSev)
• Dacic: Request for KFOR withdrawal more threat, than it is realistic (Kosovo-online)
• Health ministry official: More than 42 percent fully vaccinated in Serbia (N1)
• Petkovic: Kurti deceives public with statements on lawsuit against Belgrade (Kosovo-online)
International:
• Catalysing anti-corruption in the WB achievable only by an alliance of stakeholders, latest report highlights (EWB)
• Montenegro Scraps Plan to Join NATO Mission in Kosovo (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Another “weekend” series of domestic violence and violence against women (KoSSev)
• PM Brnabic: Celebrations as of June 21 if 50 pct of population is vaccinated (N1)
• How IDAHOBIT came to Kosovo (Kosovo 2.0)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 17, 2021
• COVID-19: 47 new cases, 3 deaths (media)
• Kurti to travel to Brussels this week (media)
• Osmani to participate in Brdo-Brijuni process (media)
• Dialogue and regional cooperation, criteria for approximation with EU (Koha)
• Haziri: Dialogue, only way to resolve problem with Serbia (media)
• “Serbia demanding broad autonomy for Serb-majority areas in Kosovo” (RFE)
• Serwer: Serbia can still be sued for genocide in Kosovo (Telegrafi)
• LDK slams Kosovo Government’s foreign policy strategy (media)
• Kosovo Government says Israel has a right to defend itself (Express)
• Palokaj: We dream about the day when NATO would leave Kosovo (Koha)
• Robelli: Russian and Serbian special war through “Zuerst” (Koha)
• Protest today for safety of girls in schools (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 14, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 49 new cases, 2 deaths (media)
• Decisions on UNMIK are “made by the Security Council” (RFE)
• German Ambassador on genocide lawsuit against Serbia (Koha)
• Demiri: All Kosovars living in Israel are safe (Albanian Post)
Serbian Language Media:
• Nine new cases of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas (KoSSev)
• NATO: We remain committed to the region; we make all decisions by consensus (Kosovo Online)
• Zakharova: Only one state does not decide on the withdrawal of KFOR, it is a collective decision (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, KiM radio, Beta)
• Vucic with Pahor: High level of cooperation, Serbia for respecting borders as determined by UN decision (RTS)
• Odalovic: Excavations will begin at several locations in Kosovo (RTK2)
• PM Brnabic: Only dialogue, compromise can ensure long-term solution (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Osmani either does not want dialogue, or doesn’t understand concept of politics of peace (TV Most)
• Petkovic: None of international community models for return of displaced persons made significant success (Kosovo-online)
• State Department on religious freedom: Decision on V. Decani’s land still ignored, 57 incidents targeting religious sites (KoSSev)
• HLC: No chance of ICJ ruling against Serbia for genocide in Kosovo (FoNet, N1)
• Office for KiM calls for investigation into all missing persons (N1)
Opinion:
• Western Balkans economic integration – why is it needed? (EWB)
International:
• Israel-Gaza Fighting Leaves Balkan Migrants Vulnerable (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• A special budget line for shelters for victims of domestic violence (Koha)
• Ivanusa: Serbia shows how mass vaccination could affect epidemic (N1)
Belgrade Media Report 14 May
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: Withdrawal of KFOR and UNMIK would be a disaster (Politika/Tanjug/B92)
Zakharova: Decision on withdrawal of KFOR from Kosovo can’t be made by only one state, but collectively, in accordance with international law (Sputnik/NSPM)
Vucic: Serbia insists on respect for UN-defined borders (Tanjug/RTS)
Pahor: Faster EU enlargement in Western Balkans a geopolitical necessity (Tanjug)
Only dialogue, compromise can ensure lasting solution to the Kovoso issue (Tanjug/FoNet)
Petkovic: Osmani as if incapable of understanding concept of peaceful politics (RTV/Tanjug)
Petkovic and Botsan-Kharchenko agree on the need to fully respect UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (Tanjug/RTV)
Advancing cooperation with Montenegro in field of education, science (RTS/Tanjug)
State Department says anti-Semitism rising in Serbia (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Inzko: Borrell will be informed about RS parliament’s decision and we will discuss joint steps together (BHT/FTV)
Dodik claims RS will know how to respond if HR Inzko decides to use his illegal powers (RTRS)
Stevandic warns that Great Britain and others are preparing sanctions due to latest conclusions adopted by RS parliament (RTRS)
SDA Presidency: RS parliament’s conclusions on dialogue on possible solutions for B&H contain series of inaccurate and arbitrary claims (Hayat)
FB&H officials on RS parliament’s conclusions: There is no point in dialogue initiated by the RS (O kanal)
Does SNSD have anyone to talk to in Sarajevo (EuroBlic)
International reactions to the RS parliament conclusions (O kanal/FTV)
Day of RS Army and Third Infantry RS’ Regiment of B&H AF marked; Dodik announced that he will correct a mistake accepting to abolish the RS Army (BHT1)
Dodik: RS Army can be mobilized soon; Reactions (N1)
Dodik meets Greek officials; Dodik: EU integration of B&H is supported but B&H is under international protectorate and cannot count on fulfilling conditions of sovereignty and stability (RTRS)
SDP B&H convenes new meeting of opposition parties from RS and FB&H for 18 May (RTRS)
Balkans countries are losing trust in EU enlargement strategy (Dnevni list)
Croatia
Three equal and constituent peoples are crucial concept for B&H (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: We think region needs experience of living in a European value system; Orban: We’ll always be on your side (CdM)
Djukanovic: I warn you that 18 years after Thessaloniki, we are witnessing fatigue of a very successful European policy (CdM)
According to first draft, Fundamental Agreement was to be signed by Orthodox Church in Montenegro (Pobjeda)
Despite criticism from EU and VC, ruling majority members voted to amend prosecutorial law (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Zaev promised Tusk that he will fight corruption and work with the opposition (Republika)
Dimovski: Prespa Treaty led to the dispute with Bulgaria (Republika)
Albania
Democrats seek to overturn election results (Tirana Times)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 14, 2021
• COVID-19: 112 new cases, 1 death (media)
• EU’s Balkan strategy losing local support, internal paper warns (Reuters)
• Pahor: Western Balkans must join EU, this avoids border changes (media)
• Osmani: Full coordination on genocide lawsuit against Serbia (media)
• Rohde: Mutual recognition must be part of final solution in dialogue (Koha)
• Kosovo government pledges not to allow a monoethnic association (Koha Ditore)
• Vucic says great power to demand withdrawal of KFOR, UNMIK (N1)
• Greek Foreign Minister and Lajcak discuss Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
• Israeli ambassador’s defence of Kosovo recognition riles Belgrade (BIRN)
• Muslims throughout Balkans gather for Eid al-Fitr prayers (BIRN)
• Kosovo war video collector seeks to preserve evidence of crimes (BIRN)
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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