Belgrade Media Report 26 July
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic: Inzko’s decision further complicates the situation in B&H (Tanjug/RTS/Politika/Novosti)
Vucic: I am not supporter of imposed decisions, we have to build brotherly relations with Bosniaks (TV Pink)
Selakovic favors stability in B&H after law on banning genocide denial (Beta)
Selakovic thanks Azerbaijan on clear position of non-recognition of Kosovo’s independence and support in international organizations (RTS/Tanjug/Beta/Politika)
Vulin: Inzko decided to take revenge on all in B&H and to create tensions and divisions (Beta/RTV)
Jovanovic: Unitarization of B&H is goal (Blic/RTV)
Serbian human rights activists welcome ban on genocide denial imposed in B&H (N1)
Bosniaks call Inzko to suspend Dodik (Politika)
Revenge (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dodik: RS will reject all decisions that were imposed (N1)
Dodik starts petition against Inzko’s decision (ATV)
Dodik and SNSD present video calling for citizens in RS to gather and defend themselves (O Kanal/BN TV)
Dodik: B&H can return to previous situation only in case of withdrawal of HR’s decision (ATV)
Sarovic: I see no future for B&H without urgent abolition of High Representative (Nezavisne)
Judge Blagojevic resigns after Inzko imposed amendments to Criminal Code, stresses OHR cannot impose laws (Dnevni list)
Viskovic: RS institutions will undertake number of moves that will make it clear B&H can no longer function in this way; Cvijanovic: B&H that functions on dialogue is unsuitable for HR (ATV)
Izetbegovic says relativizing truth, attempts to equalize sides in war is preparation for linking rights of Albanians in Kosovo with rights of Serbs in B&H (Hayat)
Head of B&H’s Islamic Community welcomes ban on genocide denial (N1)
US Embassy to B&H: Threats related to dissolution of B&H are unacceptable and contrary to DPA and B&H Constitution (O Kanal)
EU: Revisionism and genocide denial are contrary to fundamental European values (Oslobodjenje)
German Embassy to B&H: Denial or even glorification of war crimes and genocide are unacceptable (N1)
NATO HQ in Brussels: Denial of genocide is unacceptable; support to territorial integrity of B&H and urged B&H leaders to refrain from divisive rhetoric (Fena/N1)
Zakharova: We are disturbed with interference of HR in internal issues of B&H as sovereign and independent country (N1)
World media report about Inzko’s decision and remind of genocide committed in Srebrenica (N1)
Schmidt: I am going to B&H with clear expectation to restart development process that stopped (Oslobodjenje/FAZ)
IAWG holds session, discusses changes to Law on Elections proposed by HDZ B&H and DF (BHT1)
Croatia
Grlic Radman and Schallenberg both express support to Inzko’s decision (HRT1)
Serb National Council commemorates Serbs killed by Ustasha in 1941 (Hina)
Montenegro
Krivokapic: I reckon I will be prime minister by 2024 (RTCG/BBC)
Djonovic: “Becic’s resolution” immoral because it brings discord (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
State Department warns potential investors in Macedonia about high level corruption (Republika)
Zaev’s government pledges to get serious about fighting corruption after the highly critical State Department report (Republika)
Albania
Charges pressed against 171 policemen (ADN/Abc news)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 26, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 14 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti, Gervalla return to Kosovo, Vitia and Svecla stay on in Croatia (media)
• Svecla: Some of the passengers will travel to Kosovo, others will return to Germany (Klan)
• PM Kurti pays tribute to Enver Zymberi on anniversary of his death (media)
• Gervalla called on EU to stop “Mini-Schengen” initiative (Telegrafi)
Serbian Language Media:
• One case of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas in Kosovo on Saturday (Radio KIM)
• Presidential, and Belgrade elections, possibly parliamentary in Serbia in spring, official says (N1, Beta, Vecernje Novosti)
• Serbian List expresses condolences to families of those who died in bus crash (Kosovo-online)
• Raska-Prizren Eparchy expresses condolence to families of victims, prays for recovery of those injured in bus crash (Kosovo-online)
• Vucic will get closer to Moscow, but he will not “grow cold” towards Erdogan (Danas)
• Joksimovic: Regional initiatives enable stability (RTS)
• “International community does not see difficult position of Serbs” (Politika)
• Bayramov: Azerbaijan respects principles of international law when it comes to Kosovo issue (Kosovo-online)
• Dacic to attend inauguration of Iranian president (N1)
• Bolton: Pristina has the right not to accept territorial changes, but then there is no progress in the negotiations (Kosovo Online, B92)
International:
• Enmity and Neglect Take Toll on Serb Churches in Kosovo (Balkan Insight)
• Enkel Demi: We Need to Know Each Other’s Literature (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Nora Gjakova wins Kosovo’s third Olympic gold medal (Prishtina Insight)
• Montenegro Makes History With First Same-Sex Marriage (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 26, 2021
• COVID-19: 25 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kosovo bus crash leaves 10 dead, 45 injured (media)
• Condolences extended to families of victims that died in bus accident (media)
• President Osmani declares day of mourning in Kosovo (media)
• Government fears mini Schengen gives rise to Russia and China influence (Koha)
• Osmani meets with the Prime Minister of Japan (media)
• Judge rejects Thaci’s request for interim release (media)
• Janjic warns that Belgrade’s campaign could lead to armed conflict (Koha)
• Kosovo Wins Women’s Judo Olympic Gold (RFE)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 23, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 23, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 19 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti calls on Kosovo population to vaccinate (Klan)
• President Osmani received by Japan’s FM Motegi and Emperor Naruhito (media)
• Beqaj: Kurti’s approach to dialogue is right but unrealistic (Telegrafi)
• Questions regarding Kosovo’s international organisation membership bids (RFE)
• Thaci’s lawyer provides guarantee for his release from detention (media)
• Unwavering trust between Ankara and Belgrade (RFE Albanian)
Serbian Language Media:
• 22 years since the murder of 14 Serbian harvesters in Staro Gracko (media)
• Odalovic: It is certainly known who committed the crime in Staro Gracko (RTS, N1, Beta, KiM radio)
• Petkovic with Veselinovic: Mistreatment of Serbs must end (Kosovo-online)
• Rakic: We’ll continue to provide assistance, as it is only way to save our people (Kosovo-online)
• Serbian pilgrims banned from entering Kosovo (Radio KIM)
Opinion:
• Should Kosovo recognise Serbia? (Prishtina Insight)
• 11 years since the opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo’s independence (KoSSev)
• Non-Papers and the elephant in the room: Rule of law in the Western Balkans (EWB)
International:
• Montenegro Rules out Changes to Kosovo Border Agreement (Balkan Insight)
• Serbian interior minister in Madrid to discuss police cooperation, Kosovo (Euractive)
Belgrade Media Report 23 July 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 23 July 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic on Kosovo, cooperation with Albania and North Macedonia (Beta)
Twenty-two years since the murder of 14 Serb reapers (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
Serbia, Cyprus for strict respect for international law (Tanjug/RTV)
Joksimovic: Slovenia friend of Western Balkans region (Tanjug)
Lutovac: Citizens have a right to rebel if there are no free elections (Nova/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
UN SC rejects resolution on closure of OHR proposed by Russia and China (BHT1)
B&H officials presented their expectations from UN SC’s session before session took place on Thursday; Sattler welcomes arrival of Schmidt (Nova BH)
Izetbegovic explains to Chinese Ambassador Ping why OHR is still needed in B&H (Nova BH)
Dodik says he will come to meeting with new HR to tell him that he is irrelevant for RS (FTV)
High Representative in B&H imposes ban on genocide denial (N1)
Inzko explained: Why I decided to use the Bonn powers (OHR Press service)
B&H prosecution announces case against anyone who denies genocide (N1)
Tegeltija: Inzko’s decision is a revenge on the new HR (Srna)
Dodik: Inzko’s decision on genocide denial is the last nail in B&H’s coffin; RS has no other option but to start the process of dissolution (N1)
Dodik: I am ready to declare independence next week (Nezavisne)
Izetbegovic: Inzko is leaving B&H with dignity (Fena)
Sarovic: Inzko’s decision is an introduction to strengthening the OHR (Nezavisne)
Borenovic: A politically disastrous move by the outgoing High Representative (Srna)
Niksic: Inzko’s decision is correct and necessary for reconciliation in B&H (N1)
Politicians in FB&H: A great day for B&H (N1)
US Embassy welcomes HR’s decision: Srebrenica genocide is historical fact (N1)
Weber: I think it’s a personal decision of Inzko, it will not yield expected results, a deeply counterproductive move (N1)
HDZ B&H presents its proposal of amendments to Election Law of B&H focusing on election of B&H Presidency members from FB&H and formation of FB&H HoP (Hayat)
Komsic: HDZ B&H’s proposal of Election Law is twilight of democracy, its ultimate goal is to block holding of general elections in 2022 (Hayat)
Mahmutovic: HDZ B&H’s proposal of amendments to Election Law of B&H
tricks key international obligations of B&H to implement ECHR rulings and creates new type of discrimination (FTV)
Other B&H politicians comment on HDZ B&H’s proposal (BHT1)
DF submits its proposal of amendments to Election Law of B&H into procedure defining elimination of all discriminations related to ethnic affiliation, place of residence and value of vote (Hayat)
Sattler: EU will support amendments to Election Law that fully and adequately implement ECHR rulings (Hayat)
OSCE Mission to B&H: Amending Election Law of B&H is necessary in order to ensure integrity of election process and remove previously identified shortcomings (O Kanal)
Dodik: I will advocate implementation of ‘Serb World’ idea, which is very attractive (FTV)
International Independent Commission on Suffering of All Peoples in Srebrenica Area from 1992 to 1995 concludes that there was no genocide in Srebrenica (ATV)
Croatia
NBS objects to Croatia’s intention to put Tesla on Euro coins (Hina)
Montenegro
Pisonero: Professional education system in Montenegro’s interest (RTCG)
Medojevic: Protests should prevent unprecedented betrayal and voter fraud (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
North Macedonian, Albanian and Serbian Presidents hold virtual meeting (MIA)
Vucic wants to rename the Mini Schengen initiative (Republika)
Parliament will discuss the “red lines” resolution next week (Republika)
Ruling majority gives up on its attempt to push ahead with the identity cards bill (Republika)
Albania
Rama, Vucic and Zaev meet online, ”This is the new Balkan” (Radio Tirana)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 23, 2021
• COVID-19: 28 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Government: PM Kurti has been open and transparent about dialogue (Telegrafi)
• EU: Kosovo and Serbia agreed to hold monthly meetings at negotiators’ level (Kallxo)
• Everything changing for the better in Kosovo, Kurti tells Diaspora members (KP)
• Serwer: International community to react to “Serb World” idea (media)
• RAEPC: Text messages in Decan from MTS operator will not be sent again (Koha)
• LDK’s candidate for Pristina pelted with eggs at event (media)
• Kusari-Lila comments on possibility of running for mayor in Gjakova (Telegrafi)
Belgrade Media Report 22 July
LOCAL PRESS
If they make a decision on recognizing Kosovo, we will launch a derecognition campaign (Tanjug/B92)
Office: Persecution of Serbs continues (RTS)
Dacic: We are grateful for Italy’s support in EU integration (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
Attempts of Sarajevo to prevent construction of hydropower plant Buk-Bijela (Politika)
He is “buying” Bosniaks by attacking Serbia (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
US Embassy expresses full support to newly appointed HR Schmidt (Nova BH)
Cvijanovic says Russian resolution on OHR’s closure is solution that could save reputation of international community (RTRS)
Borenovic says key goal of everyone is to close down OHR in B&H as soon as possible (BN TV)
Dodik: With his statement Izetbegovic attempts to restore political influence that SDA has lost; Other RS officials condemn Izetbegovic’s statement (RTRS)
Dunovic to Vulin: Leave B&H alone (Dnevni list)
Statements of politicians from region cause new tensions in B&H (EuroBlic)
HDZ B&H presents proposal for changes to B&H Election Law in IAWG (FTV)
Komsic: HDZ B&H proposal is discriminatory (FTV)
Colak: ‘Civic B&H’ as advocated by Bosniak parties is unacceptable (Dnevni list)
Media carry comments to Covic’s announcement of blockade of elections (Oslobodenje)
RTRS investigates why Erdogan lobbies for Kosovo; Dodik: Key to solution on this issue lies in dialogue – not in interference by foreign factors (RTRS)
Golic, Petrovic from Elektroprivreda RS and Serbian Mrdak meet to discuss issues related to construction of hydropower plant Buk Bijela (Nezavisne)
SDA: B&H CC confirmed SDA’s stance regarding concessions for construction on Drina River (Oslobodjenje)
Report of Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Sufferings of All People in Srebrenica Region between 1992 and 1995 published online (ATV)
Croatia
Croatia’s Euro coins to feature Nikola Tesla (Hina)
Montenegro
Bratic’s Ministry accuses public of unfair treatment: Dismissed headteachers should seek justice in court (CdM)
Protest: We want neither fascism in Montenegro, nor Serbian World through our children (CdM)
Is wide-eyed Brussels turning a blind eye to unprecedented revanchism in Montenegro? (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Mickoski: The resolution should be accepted by all parties without excuses and conditions, thus we will strengthen the state positions (Republika)
Zaev: I wish Albania good luck on its EU path if Bulgaria’s blockade continues (Republika/DW)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 22, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 28 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti: Dialogue in Brussels is about status of Kosovo-Serbia relations (media)
• Osmani: Time to recognise irreversible reality of independent Kosovo (media)
• Kosovo Assembly ratifies IPA 2020 agreement (media)
• PDK initiates parliamentary debate on 100 days of Kurti government (Koha)
• VV MP: We are eradicating corruption (Ekonomia Online)
• PDK leader: Kosovo coordination with US, vital and irreplaceable (Klan Kosova)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic: We are changing the name “mini Schengen”, fast lanes for people from the region (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• “KLA” graffiti written on a church in Brod village, children’s playground in Susica
• Veselinovic transferred to Prizren for further interrogation (Radio KIM)
• Trajkovic: Kosovo institutions do not react to prevent pressure and do not condemn frequent incidents against Serb community (KoSSev, JUGpress)
• Danas: US delighted with Kurti’s democracy, shocked by Vucic’s authoritarianism (Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic on two-day visit in Kosovo (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Popovic received a summons to testify at the trial for Ivanovic’s murder (Beta, N1, KiM radio)
• Vucic spoke with Zaev and Rama ahead of Skopje Forum (Kosovo-online)
International:
• Balkan Athletes Hunger for Glory at Olympics Marred by COVID-19 (Balkan Insight)
• Vucic: Serbia will protect interests if Kosovo campaigns for independence (Euractiv)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Checkmate! Kosovo Elderly Find Solace – and Rivalry – in Ancient Game (Balkan Insight)
• Childbirth Often Traumatic in CEE, But Few Women Seek Redress (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 22, 2021
• COVID-19: Five new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti: We would welcome recognition from Greece (media)
• Political commentators discuss Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Klan)
• LDK’s Halimi criticises Kurti’s approach to dialogue with Serbia (Kallxo)
• Hyseni: Kurti to implement Washington agreement in entirety (T7/G. Express)
• Gerxhaliu, Blakaj discuss missing persons, exhumation efforts (Koha)
• KSC holds status conference against former KLA leaders (media)
• Kosovo Sentences Montenegrin for Chanting Serb Nationalist Slogans (BIRN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 21, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 21, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 5 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Government convinced it will immunise 60% of population (media)
• Abazi: Non-recognition of Kosovo is a threat to the EU security umbrella (media)
• KDI: Assembly should ratify four international agreements (media)
• Assembly without quorum, agreement with European Bank postponed (media)
• Hoti reacts to Murati on budget review: do not deceive the MPs (media)
• Who and what loses from the failure of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (RFE Albanian media)
• Srpska Lista re-elects ‘North Kosovo’s real ruler’ Radoicic as VP (Prishtina Insight)
• A greater involvement of women in decision-making is required (Kosovapress)
Serbian Language Media:
• Serbian areas without new Covid-19 cases (Radio KIM)
• Why did Erdogan start the “battle for Kosovo” from Cyprus? (B92, Sputnik)
• Vucic reacts to Erdogan’s statement on working to increase recognitions of Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Miftaraj: Borrell and Lajcak are unable to control the dialogue process (KoSSev)
• Mrdalj: Vucic’s concern over position of Kosovo Serbs could encourage new attacks (KoSSev)
• Serbian List with the same leadership in the next four years (RTS)
• Dacic: Recognizing Kosovo is red line Serbia won’t cross (N1)
• SOC Patriarch Porfirije congratulates Eid al-Adha: Holidays should bring us closer (N1)
• Risto Jovanovic sentenced to six months in prison, can be released on EUR 6.700 bail (Kosovo-online)
• Srboljub Veselinovic, an IDP from Prizren, detained at Jarinje crossing (Kosovo Online, Radio Mitrovica sever, KiM radio)
Opinion:
• Greece and Kosovo’s budding relationship (Prishtina Insight)
• “Erdogan doesn’t say anything by accident, such as lobbying for Kosovo independence” (B92, Kosovo-online)
International:
• What Progress Has the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue Made? (Balkan Insight)
• Second Vucic-Kurti meeting ends with no agreements (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• The Kosovar scientist at the cutting edge of architecture (Kosovo 2.0)
Read More →Belgrade Media Report 21 July 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 21 July 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We will oppose lobbying for recognitions of Kosovo (TV Pink/Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
Vucic: I thought it was impossible to have a worse meeting than the previous one (RTS/Tanjug/TV Pink/B92)
Vucic: Pristina came up with 11 points seeking recognition (RTS)
Petkovic: We remain devoted to dialogue with Pristina (Beta/RTV)
Borrell: Some progress in continued Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Beta)
Lajcak: Only agreement between Vucic and Kurti to continue dialogue (Beta)
Dacic: Kosovo wants recognition of independence to be formalized (TV Prva/Beta)
Vucic briefs Dacic on Brussels meetings (RTS)
Presidential, legislative elections to be held in April 2022 (Politika/Beta)
Dacic says Vucic will attend inter-party dialogue next week (TV Happy/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Statements by Vulin spark strong reactions of B&H politicians; Vucic fails to distance himself from Vulin’s statements (O kanal)
B&H politicians strongly condemn statements of Serbian Minister Vulin about creation of “Serb world”; Dzaferovic: Statements on “Serb world” are reminiscent of the 1990s; Izetbegovic: “The Serb world” is another name for Greater Serbia (N1)
Komsic takes over as Chairman of B&H Presidency (Nezavisne)
Ahead 2022 General Elections announcement of candidates for B&H Presidency starts (O Kanal)
EU extends mandate of EUSR in B&H Johann Sattler for two years (Hayat)
EU expects OHR to continue working on meeting of ‘5+2 Agenda’ set as condition for closing down of the OHR in 2008 (Dnevni list/RFE)
Russia requests UN SC to vote on Resolution on OHR in B&H by July 31, 2022 (RTRS)
Tegeltija: B&H ready to be part of Mini Schengen (BHT1)
Kovacevic: We will not give up on Law on CC B&H and replacing foreign judges with domestic experts (Glas Srpske)
B&H CC’s decision on ‘Buk Bijela’ causes reactions; Petkovic: Legitimacy of B&H Concessions Commission questionable; Other reactions (ATV)
Collective funeral for 12 Prijedor victims held at Memorial Center ‘Kamicani’ in Kozarac; Izetbegovic: There was no unfortunate conflict, but aggression, genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by Serb side; Dzaferovic: Crime in Prijedor has elements of genocide (O Kanal)
Croatia
Grlic Radman for shedding light on fate of missing, killed Bugojno Croats (Hina)
Plenkovic meets with Bosnian Croat leader Dragan Covic (Hina)
Grlic Radman: Croat people in B&H is indigenous people and this will be reflected in new B&H Election Law (HRT1)
Maas, Di Maio send letter to EU HR Borrell underlining importance of EU integration of Western Balkans and implementation of limited constitutional and electoral reform in B&H (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
DPS returns to parliament (CdM)
Democrats don’t want to dismiss Kovacevic, although he denied Srebrenica genocide (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Zaev is on collision course with Ahmeti over the mayoral race in Tetovo (Republika)
Sela’s party is also opposed to postponing the municipal elections (Republika)
Albania
Border Changes? WB would end up in mess (ADN)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 21, 2021
• COVID-19: 15 new cases, one death (media)
• Kurti and Vucic cross swords at second Brussels meeting (BIRN)
• Kosovo publishes Declaration of Peace, Serbia talks interrupting dialogue (Koha)
• Erdogan wants joint work with Biden for more Kosovo recognitions (media)
• Serwer: Time for EU and NATO to get real with Serbia (media)
• Former KLA leaders to appear before court today (Klan Kosova)
• Biserko: Passivization of ethnic Albanian addresses in Serbia, political (media)
• Kosovo war rape survivors tell stories of pain and courage (BIRN)
• Vucic fails to rebuke call for unification of all Serbs in one state (Exit News)
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