Belgrade Media Report 30 July
LOCAL PRESS
Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania sign three documents for better regional cooperation (Tanjug/RTS)
Vucic: Kurti is wrong, but I have nothing against it (Tanjug/B92/Politika/RTS)
Vucic: Belgrade expects Berlin’s support in dialogue with Pristina (Beta/RTV)
Cadez: Economies got strong political support (FoNet)
Dveri: Union with Montenegro, RS in Serbia’s interest (Beta)
EC denies access to document about non-paper on Western Balkan borders (Beta/APA/N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H CoM’s session cancelled due to Serb political representatives’ boycott (O kanal)
EU officials from Brussels warn that blockade of B&H institutions is unacceptable (AJB)
B&H institutions faced with blockade as RS representatives in B&H institutions continue to boycott their work; Izetbegovic comment on current situation (N1)
Sarovic: Srebrenica should be place of reconciliation, we will never be opposition to RS (Dnevni list)
Stevandic says survey on 10,000 citizens of RS show that 95.7 percent of them do not support HR’s decision (RTRS)
Inzko says reactions from RS to his decision to prohibit genocide denial were even milder than expected (Dnevni list)
Covic: Inzko came to B&H as friend yet he is leaving as someone who significantly set back projects in B&H (FTV)
Dodik: I am willing to resign from post of B&H Presidency member but I demand that new Serb member is not elected (Nova BH/ATV)
Dodik causes uproar with statements about police and acting against SIPA (Nova BH)
RS government approves two law proposals ahead of RS parliament session (BN TV/BHT1)
Dzaferovic says facts established by courts cannot be punishable under any law (BHT1)
Ahmetovic: RS is genocidal trophy which lives on (Oslobodjenje)
Borenovic: Opposition does not wish to be part of SNSD-led government (BN TV)
Impact of HR’s decision on judiciary, journalists, security agencies (FTV/BHT1)
HR’s decision to impose law banning genocide denial causes confusion in B&H judiciary (RTRS)
Croatia
Grlic-Radman: Everyone ‘can be happy’ with Peljesac Bridge, including B&H (Hina)
Montenegro
Krivokapic: Staying in the Prime Minister armchair it not my interest (RTCG)
Janjic: I expect DF to stage political rebellion and overthrow the government (Dnevne novine)
Republic of North Macedonia
“Open Balkans” aims to contribute positively to the common future of citizens and the entire Western Balkans (Republika)
Mickoski: Mini Schengen can’t be an alternative to EU integration (Republika)
Macedonian parliament adopts the VMRO proposed resolution that draws red lines in the negotiations with Bulgaria (Republika)
Albania
OPEN BALKANS: no borders between three countries as early as 2023 (Tirana Times)
Economic Forum/ Vucic: “On 1 January 2023 we will have no borders” (Radio Tirana)
Balkans Schengen, DP’s Chair: Hypocrisy must end for free movement to work (ADN)
Mini-Schengen, SMI accuses premier of selling Albania and hating Kosovo (ADN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 30, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• President Biden to be awarded Kosovo medal on behalf of late son, Beau (media)
• Gervalla says ‘Open Balkans’ is a dangerous initiative (Kosovapress)
• Abdixhiku: Economic integration of the region to be preceded by political recognition (media)
• Haradinaj accuses Kurti of ‘selling’ patriotism while protecting Serbia’s products (media)
• Vitia: The pandemic is far from over, our only weapon is vaccination (media)
• COVID-19: 70 new cases, one death (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• EC on the Open Balkans Initiative: We support the leaders’ commitment to regional cooperation (Kosovo Online, Danas)
• Belgrade expects constructive Berlin’s support in dialogue with Pristina (N1)
• “Open Balkan” criticized in Pristina and Tirana (KoSSev)
• Vucic: Kurti mistaken in thinking he’ll win with chauvinistic messages and closing Pristina (KoSSev)
• Petkovic: We have delivered food and insulin to Dragica Gasic (Radio KIM)
International:
• Balkan ‘Mini-Schengen’ Leaders Eye Open Borders by 2023 (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• US State Department again lists BIRN as a resource for fighting corruption (Prishtina Insight)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 30, 2021
• Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania Push Forward On ‘Open Balkans’ Initiative (RFE)
• Government of Kosovo reiterates position against Open Balkans initiative (media)
• Analysts support Kosovo’s position on Mini-Schengen (Kosovapress)
• LDK: Berlin Process should be the starting point for Kosovo (Telegrafi)
• Kosovo Dismisses ‘Visionless Mini Schengen’, Urges for Trade Deal with the EU (Exit)
• Over 55% of respondents consider rejection of “Open Balkans” will not negatively affect Kosovo’s economy (Telegrafi)
• Demi: Easy for Rama and Vucic to make calls for not keeping hostage to the past (Koha)
• Spahiu: Kosovo loses politically by not joining Open Balkans initiative (Klan)
• Osmani, Kurti, and Konjufca pay respects to the victims of bus crash (media)
• Kurti: Ireland, an important voice in speeding up the visa liberalization (media)
• President Osmani has telephone conversation with Israeli President Herzog (media)
• Gervalla to pay an official visit to North Macedonia today (media)
• Four laws in four months (RFE, media)
• COVID-19: 72 new cases, no deaths (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 29, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 29, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• Rama, Vucic and Zaev sign cooperation agreement in line with Open Balkan initiative (euronews.al)
• In 2023 there will be no borders between our countries, Vucic says (euronews.al)
• Zaev: A new wind of cooperation is blowing today in Skopje (euronews.al)
• Rama: Regional cooperation brings us closer to the EU (euronews.al)
• Vucic: If you consider Asterix a disgrace, put Serbia with a square sign (media)
• Concept Paper on justice vetting proceeded for public consultation (Telegrafi)
• Health Ministry: Compatriots living abroad can be vaccinated in Kosovo (media)
• COVID-19: 72 new cases, no deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• “Open Balkans” new name for “mini-Schengen” (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Vucic, Rama and Zaev today at the economic forum in Skopje (media)
• Serbia-US friendship and alliance in 140 years of diplomatic relations (N1)
• Bishop Teodosije met German diplomat Berger (Radio KIM)
• Non-paper: European Council definitively rejects access to document (N1 Slovenia, N1 BiH)
• OSCE on burglary of Dragica Gasic’s flat (KoSSev, media)
International:
• Kosovo Faces Uphill Fight in Claiming Yugoslav-Era Property (Balkan Insight)
Read More →Belgrade Media Report 29 July 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 29 July 2021
LOCAL PRESS
If we succeed, from 1 January 2023, no borders for Serbian citizens; Mini Schengen becomes Open Balkans (Tanjug/B92/RTS)
Whoever thinks decisions can be imposed, does no good to anyone (RTS/Tanjug)
Serbia-US friendship & alliance in 140 years of diplomatic relations (FoNet/N1)
Petkovic: We will ask for additional security for Dragic Gasic (RTS/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
HR explains he waited for final verdicts to Karadzic and Mladic after which he informed PIC about intention to impose the law (O Kanal)
Zvizdic welcomes amendments to Criminal Code: B&H joined group of civilized countries (Oslobodjenje)
Marinkovic-Lepic: Inzko’s decision is not aimed against Serb people (Oslobodjenje)
Serbian parliamentary majority assesses that Inzko’s decision raised tensions in B&H, but that RS will have Serbia’s support (Glas Srpske)
Prosecutor’s Office of B&H confirms some cases related to Inzko’s decision on amendments to B&H Criminal Code have already been formed (Nova BH)
Dodik confirms he filed report with Prosecutor’s Office of B&H against himself (Nezavisne)
Dodik: RS MoI will be instructed to protect RS citizens from SIPA, OSA and arrests (ATV)
RS parliament to discuss amendments to RS Criminal Code sanctioning persons who show public disrespect for RS, and Law on non-implementation of decision by Inzko (RTRS/ATV)
Dodik proposed formation of RS government of National Unity, but got rejected by opposition (Oslobodjenje/BN TV)
Crnadak: After our appeals Dodik gave up on several radical proposals, such as banning SIPA from working in RS (Dnevni list)
Sarovic says all should jointly participate in protection of RS’ interests (RTRS)
Dodik says over 40,000 RS citizens signed petition against Inzko’s decision (ATV)
Novakovic-Bursac says if Inzko already dared to pass laws, then let him interfere in everything else; Osmanovic says if blockade of institutions by representatives, delegates and ministers from RS continues, that would mean serious violation of Constitution, Dayton Agreement and law (Nezavisne)
Kalabukhov: Russia can in no way be considered threat to B&H, because it is committed to all-round development of equal and mutually beneficial relations with B&H (Glas Srpske)
Croatia
Peljesac Bridge joined together (Hina)
Montenegro
Montenegro needs compromise (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
Zaev: Balkans is our common European home (Republika)
MPs to discuss Resolution on red lines in negotiations with Bulgaria (Republika)
Election code changes stuck in parliament committee (Republika)
Albania
Rama meets with Zaev, here is the agenda of the Economic Forum for Regional Cooperation (Radio Tirana)
OSCE-ODIHR final report/ US Embassy: We urge all relevant institutions to review the final report and its recommendations (Radio Tirana)
US Embassy on the side of the Supreme Court: Reduce the backlog of High Court cases, Albanians waiting for justice! We support the Reform (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 29, 2021
• Families bury victims of tragic bus crash (media)
• Germany’s state secretary Berger meets PM Kurti, President Osmani (media)
• Hasani: EU and U.S. could ask for a break in dialogue (Klan)
• PDK warns it will not vote international agreements (media)
• Haxhiu: Four prosecutors to join Special Prosecution of Kosovo (media)
• Rama, Vucic, Zaev meet today at Skopje’s Economic Forum (media)
• Renowned Serb returnee to Gjakova suffers break-in (Prishtina Insight)
• COVID-19: 58 new cases, no deaths (media)
Belgrade Media Report 28 July
LOCAL PRESS
Stefanovic: Grateful for Indonesia’s consistent stand on Kosovo and Metohija (Novosti)
Economic cooperation between Serbia, Azerbaijan to be upgraded to higher level (RTS/Tanjug)
Dacic: Inzko’s decision is aimed against interests of Serb people (TV Pink/Tanjug)
Fabrizi on Serbia’s path to EU: It takes time (RTS/B92)
Lompar: Government has created monstrous concoction of elitism, primitivism; the national facade serves to abandon national interests step by step (Beta)
It takes three for happiness in B&H (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H Criminal Code amendments published in B&H Official Gazette (Nova BH)
B&H HoR’s session cancelled due to Serb representatives’ boycott of work of state institutions (Nova BH)
OHR comments blockade of B&H institutions (Nova BH)
Komsic: I understand difficult emotions that hit parties from RS because some of their basic ideas are defeated (Hayat)
Dodik will not attend sessions of B&H Presidency (RTRS)
Niksic asks Inzko to suspend salaries for RS representatives who boycott state institutions (Dnevni avaz)
RS parliament set to hold special session (Nova BH/RTRS)
Inzko: RS representatives will start work in B&H institutions soon (AJB)
US Embassy in B&H says US fully supports essential role and mandate of OHR and looks forward to working with new HR Christian Schmidt (FTV)
Croatia
Plenkovic: Croatia will do everything to help B&H (HRT)
New location announced for Operation Storm celebrations (HRT)
Plenkovic: Not all cabinet members will go to Knin this year (Hina)
Montenegro
DPS and SDP: Two extraordinary own goals (CdM)
SDP and URA silent about the Serbian World in Tivat (Gradski portal)
Meeting of ruling majority unlikely to happen until mid-August (Dan)
Republic of North Macedonia
Rift between VMRO and Levica grows wider (Republika)
Zaev denies claims from Sofia that he is violating the rights of ethnic Bulgarians in Macedonia (Republika)
Government meets to prepare the events marking the Ohrid Framework Treaty (Republika)
Meeting of the three Mini Schengen countries in Skopje (Republika)
Albania
Ruci received the Ambassador of Kosovo: Albania is by your side to face today’s and future challenges; the EU is the only destination (Radio Tirana)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 28, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• UNDP poll finds significant increase in people’s satisfaction with Kosovo institutions (media)
• “Kosovo has investment potential but political instability and corruption hinder it” (Klan)
• Kosovo Assembly adopts budget review (media)
• Muja: For the first time in Kosovo, revenues exceed €2 billion (Kallxo)
• Bodies of bus crash victims arrive at Kosovo (media)
• COVID-19: 58 new cases, no deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• OSCE report on assessment of community rights in Kosovo presented (KiM radio, RTV Puls, RTK2, N1)
• Fabrizi expects Serbia’s progress in talks with bloc before end of 2021 (N1)
• Dragica Gasic after robbery at her flat: I am staying in Djakovica (Radio KIM)
• “Absence of reactions and tendentious reporting on incidents constitute their silent approval” (Radio KIM)
• Petkovic to seek additional security for Dragica Gasic (Kosovo Online)
• Cadez: It is important that political leaders realize importance of “mini-Schengen” (Kosovo-online)
• BSN: New weapons strengthen operational capacities of Serbian Army (N1)
Opinion:
• Is the Decani Monastery really endangered? (Kosovo 2.0)
International:
• Balkan trio push ‘mini-Schengen’ as they hit out at EU membership delay (Financial Times)
• ‘Genocide’ Controversy Erupts over WWII Massacres in Montenegro (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 28, 2021
• Osmani, Kurti and Konjufca meet the survivors of accident in Croatia (media)
• Ministers Vitia and Svecla give update on the bus crash developments (media)
• Kusari-Lila: We expect reviewed budget to be approved (Koha)
• Abdixhiku: LDK’s rightful place is at the top, current government made of interns (G. Express)
• PDK’s Tahiri slams Government for not submitting 100-day report (media)
• Haradinaj: Kurti’s government will not last long (RTV Dukagjini/Telegrafi)
• Spain awaits dialogue’s epilogue to decide on recognition of Kosovo (RTV Dukagjini)
• A bakery opens in the Kosovo Correctional Center in Lipjan (T7)
• Dragica Gasic claims her flat was broken into (RFE)
• OSCE issues report on assessment of community rights (Telegrafi)
• NGOs: Assembly will disable work of organizations and deprive public of right to be informed (media)
• COVID-19: 42 new cases, no deaths (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, 27 July 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 27, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: The government will help reduce the gap between communities (Koha)
• KIA Chief Petrit Ajeti reports to the supervising committee (media)
• Minister Mehaj gives details about the released from the hospital in Croatia (Zeri)
• Croatian Court sentences driver of crashed bus with one month detention (media)
• Economy committee votes proposal for ERO board members (media)
• Maas: A German citizen among the victims of the bus crash (media)
• 55 patients are being treated with oxygen therapy, one in serious condition (Koha)
• COVID-19: 42 new cases, no deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• 58% of Serbian citizens support the EU-mediated BG-PR dialogue (KoSSev)
• Stefanovic: Serbia grateful to Indonesia for support and non-recognition of Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• In Serbian communities in Kosovo one Covid-19 case (KoSSev)
Opinion:
• The genocide campaign (Danas, KoSSev)
International:
• Minuto-Rizzo: Balkans has regained a priority status for NATO (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Summer School on Transitional Justice in Prizren (RTK2)
Read More →Belgrade Media Report 27 July 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 27 July 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We cannot leave the RS without support (B92/Tanjug)
Mutual support with Azerbaijan for preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty (RTS)
Potentials for strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan in numerous areas (RTS)
Dacic ready to work on strengthening parliamentary cooperation with Iran (Beta)
Verbal offense from Racak to Srebrenica (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
RS parties launch boycott of institutions over HR’s decision (RTRS)
RS parties adopt conclusions and platform for joint reactions towards HR’s decision (Glas Srpske)
Two opposing petitions – one on rejection of Inzko’s decision and other calling for Dodik’s arrest – currently being signed in B&H (N1)
OSCE calls for zero tolerance for inflammatory and divisive rhetoric (Fena)
No representative of RS shows up at session, but B&H HoR Commission for Finance and Budget adopts proposal of budget for 2021 (N1)
MPs in B&H HoR from FB&H expect a good part of their colleagues from the RS to come to B&H HoR’s session on Tuesday and be constructive (Oslobodjenje)
Izetbegovic: Collective annual leave of B&H institutions commences on 1 August and RS representatives just started with vacation seven days earlier; Serb World idea presents threat for entire region (Hayat)
Komsic, Izetbegovic, Kojovic: RS parties will calm down, Dodik is responsible for Inzko’s decision (Oslobodjenje)
Initiative launched in FB&H parliament to start implementing Inzko’s decision to ban genocide denial at lower authority levels in FB&H (Nova BH)
UN’s Nderitu welcomes Inzko’s decision on Criminal Code (Oslobodenje)
HNV welcomes decision of Inzko to amend B&H Criminal Code (FTV)
Croat Party of B&H commends Inzko’s decision to amend Criminal Code (Dnevni list)
RS political representatives, legal experts: Outgoing HR Inzko imposes decision that cannot be implemented and lacks legal grounds (RTRS)
RS officials, Kristo criticize Inzko’s latest decision (EuroBlic)
Croatia
SNV leader says ‘Ustasha will not be allowed to enter Srb’ (Hina)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: Serbia trying to prove that Montenegro is Serbian state (Pobjeda/TA3)
Republic of North Macedonia
Dimitrov: Deepening cooperation for a more stable region (MIA)
Radev in Austria: Bulgaria is strongest supporter of EU enlargement (Republika)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 27, 2021
• COVID-19: 14 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Ministry: So far, 20 percent of people in Kosovo have been inoculated (Telegrafi)
• Only 30 percent of Kosovo teachers have been vaccinated (RFE in Albanian)
• 10 victims of Kosovo bus crash identified, funeral arrangements underway (media)
• Ministry: 26 persons to be discharged from hospital, 15 to continue treatment (media)
• Kosovo mourns 10 compatriots killed in Croatia bus crash (AP)
• Due to the terminology on Kosovo, Serbia failed four regional agreements (Koha)
• Kosovo expects GDP growth to exceed projected 7.9% this year (intellinews.com)
• 60 films in 6 days, female directors prominent in Prishtina Film Festival (euronews.al)
LINKS
UNMIK
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UN News Center
From Google News- Foreign remittances to Kosovo up 5% y/y in Q1 - SeeNews 26/04/2024Foreign remittances to Kosovo up 5% y/y in Q1 SeeNews
- The Meeting of the chief Negotiators of Kosovo and Serbia ended without concrete Results - Sarajevo Times 26/04/2024The Meeting of the chief Negotiators of Kosovo and Serbia ended without concrete Results Sarajevo Times
- War in Kosovo and sexual violence, a painful legacy - Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso 26/04/2024War in Kosovo and sexual violence, a painful legacy Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso
- Foreign remittances to Kosovo up 5% y/y in Q1 - SeeNews 26/04/2024
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