Belgrade Media Report 19 July
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic meets with Lajcak in Brussels (Tanjug/RTV)
Selakovic: Serbia committee to dialogue with Pristina (TV Prva/Beta)
Serbia will not have to give up Kosovo for the sake of joining the EU (APA/Tanjug/B92)
Dacic: No extremely important results will be achieved in Brussels (TV Prva)
Petkovic: Vucic will insist in Brussels on formation of ZSO (Tanjug/RTS)
Stano: 19 July round of dialogue to focus on progress to date (Tanjug)
Dacic: SPS oldest political brand (Beta)
Lazanski: Montenegro refuses Belgrade’s request to allow the use of its ports for weapons donation (TV Prva/Beta)
Neu: Serbs can never be victims (Novosti)
Turks get weapon for Albanians in B&H (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
EU officials confirm that Resolution proposed by Russia and China to UN SC will not change agenda of the EU for B&H (FTV)
Russia and China propose that mandate of Schmidt ends in 2022; Izetbegovic: Proposal of Russia and China will not be accepted; Other reactions (Hayat)
Cvijanovic says attempts to appoint new HR are not in line with procedures, she sees Russian-Chinese draft resolution on abolition of HR’s powers as chance (RTRS)
Hartmann: B&H’s road to EU will close OHR; Austria’s interest in B&H and region is strong (Nezavisne)
Tegeltija: There is absolutely insufficient EU interest when it comes to enlargement (RTRS)
Dodik: New US Ambassador needs to respect Dayton Peace Accords (ATV)
B&H CC rejects Dodik’s motion for disputing Law on B&H Flag, partly grants motion of 24 B&H MPs regarding ‘Buk Bijela’ (Nova BH)
Dodik announces lawsuits against judges of B&H CC for violation of B&H Constitution and misuse of office; Other reactions (ATV)
Hadziabdic: B&H CEC prepared document with series of improvements to B&H Election Law (Fena/Dnevni list)
There will be no progress in terms of talks Law on Elections, Constitution of B&H until second half of September at least (Dnevni list)
Komsic: I will put forward my candidacy for B&H Presidency member in the next elections if current situation does not change; Croatian policy towards B&H is senseless (FTV)
Trivic: Cvijanovic defends Dodik’s idea about merging functions of RS President and Serb member of B&H Presidency without supporting arguments (BN TV)
Cvijanovic responds to Trivic’s accusing her of political illiteracy (RTRS)
Govedarica: Idea about merging functions of RS President and Serb member of B&H Presidency perfidiously aims to improve Dodik’s rating (BN TV)
Dodik on Djukanovic’s statements in Slovakia: Djukanovic is personal towards SPC because it is one of the reasons he lost power (ATV)
Croatia
Covic: 2022 elections cannot take place if there were no changes to B&H Election Law (Vecernji list)
Biden on meeting with Merkel: We also talked about importance of further integration of Western Balkans in European institutions (Jutarnji list)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: There are attempts to revive 1990s’ nationalist policies in region, Serb Orthodox Church bears responsibility for genocide in Srebrenica (GLOBSEC)
Korcok: Djukanovic is fighting for Montenegro (CdM)
EC warned: Maritime border dispute between Montenegro and Albania still pending (Dan)
Abazovic-Rama meeting: Let’s not change boundaries, let them be invisible (RTCG)
Abazovic in the parliament of Albania: We want to promote a policy of peace and cooperation in the region (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)
Abazovic meets with President Meta (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)
Abazovic meets with opposition leader in Albania: Region needs to change its image (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)
Albania
Deputy PM of Montenegro on official visit in Albania (ADN)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 19, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: Three new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti meets Lajcak ahead of meeting with Vucic (Kallxo)
• Kurti: Today we commemorate Rahovec massacre (media)
• Hoti: Serbia to open war archives (media)
• Serwer: Kosovo to walk away from a bad deal with Serbia, improve relations with China (Klan)
• Repatriation of 11 Kosovo citizens from Syria carried out with U.S. support (EO)
Serbian Language Media:
• New round of talks – Vucic vs. Kurti; Borrell will present his expectations first (B92, Tanjug)
• Serbian FM hopes Greece will not change its stance on Kosovo (Beta, N1, TV Prva)
• Selakovic believe that Serbia will not have to give up Kosovo for the sake of joining the EU (APA, media)
• Dacic: International community should pressure Kosovo Albanians (FoNet, N1, TV Prva)
• Mini Schengen and the politics of the “Serbian world” do not go together (N1)
• The trial of Risto Jovanovic from Podgorica, arrested in Gazimestan, begun (Novi Magazin, Beta, RTS)
• Memorial service in Velika Hoca: ”23 years spent in pain, fear, waiting and uncertainty” (KoSSev, RTK2, Beta)
Opinion:
• ”Courageous Kosovo ”, ”criminal Serbia ” and history left unsaid (KoSSev)
International:
• Western Balkans region gets endorsement from Merkel on path to EU integration (eureporter.co)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 19, 2021
• COVID-19: Seven new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti and Vucic set to meet today in Brussels (media)
• Calendar of events does not guarantee a quick agreement (Koha)
• PM Kurti attends Cannes Festival (media)
• Svecla: Kosovo repatriates 11 citizens from Syria (media)
• Situation in Decan improving, number of persons treated declines (Kosovapress)
• Prosecution investigating two Serbs sighted in Decan over health crisis there (media)
• Odalovic was not allowed to enter Kosovo (Koha)
• KSF, interior ministry raise level of alertness following recent rainfall (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 16, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 16, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 11 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Osmani: We will oppose those who aim to destabilise the region (media)
• Rama received by Chief of U.S. National Guard Bureau in Pentagon (media)
• Aliu: Buildings in “Sunny Valley” in the north are illegal, political issue (Koha)
• Another three bacteria found in Decan water tests sent abroad (media)
• Water supply system in Decan is not protected, minister says (EO)
Serbian Language Media:
• Stano: Vucic and Kurti on July 19 in Brussels with a focus on what has been achieved so far (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Assembly relieved Milena Popovic from membership at Constitutional Affairs Committee (Radio KIM)
• Miroslav Ivanovic regarding Simmons’ allegations: The story has some background (KiM radio, KoSSev, Nova.rs)
• Ranko Bacic discharged from Pec hospital (Kosovo-online)
• Simic: Osmani forgets thousands Serbs from Kosovo deleted from voters’ lists (Kosovo-online)
• Janjic: Something must be delivered in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (Danas, Beta)
Opinion:
• When the only success of a meeting is the meeting itself (KoSSev)
• Serbia’s Narcissistic President Loves Giving Medals – to Himself (Balkan Insight)
International:
• Political scientists say EU has lost the battle for the Balkans (Euractive)
• Albania’s EU Path Held Hostage by ‘EU Nationalisms’, PM Says (Balkan Insight)
• Freedom of Information in Balkans: ‘No Will, No Optimism’ (BIRN)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection calls on MPs to react (media)
Read More →Belgrade Media Report 16 July 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 16 July 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: Serbia in a complex environment (Beta/RTS)
Vucic briefs Botsan-Kharchenko on Serbia’s stances ahead of Monday’s resumption of discussions in Brussels (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
Pristina’s attempt to appropriate Serbian cultural heritage (Tanjug/RTV)
Serbian authorities, opposition meet without EU mediation (N1)
Djilas: We will not take part in elections if EP proposals cater to Vucic (Nova/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Softic: There is campaign against OSA (Oslobodjene)
Dodik: Apprehension of Mehmedagic is entertainment of Bosniak political and police circles (Srna/O kanal)
Novakovic Bursac: Mehmedagic’s arrest speaks a lot about state of B&H; Majkic: Statements of senior SDA officials who protect Mehmedagic say enough about situation (Glas Srpske)
Stevandic: SDA is interfering in judicial process, Niksic needs to convene session of Joint Commission on Supervision of Work of OSA (Nezavisne)
Russia, China submit draft resolution to lift High Representative’s mandate to UN Security Council; Russian Embassy to B&H: It is being worked on resolution (ATV)
RS officials welcome draft resolution of Russia and China delivered to UN SC (Nezavisne)
Softic: I am optimistic Schmidt will bring certain changes and new turn (Oslobodjenje)
EU Integration (Dnevni list/Glas Srpske)
Croatia
Milanovic attends trilateral meeting with his Austrian and Slovenian counterparts (HRT1)
HNS Main Council: Change Law on Elections in line with principle of status of constituent people of three peoples (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
Welcoming Djukanovic with the highest state honors (CdM)
Krivokapic meets with IPU President Pacheco (Gov. Press service)
Republic of North Macedonia
Pahor: Compromise acceptable for Macedonia and Bulgaria needed (Republika)
Mickoski-Jan Kop: Netherlands supports the need for rule of law reforms (Republika)
Albania
Catching the Big Fish: Low-Grade officials at the MoI responsible for 28 million USD scandal (Tirana Times)
Kim: US assistance is bringing Western Balkans closer to EU (ADN)
DP publishes conclusions on elections (ADN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 16, 2021
• COVID-19: Four new cases, no deaths (media)
• NIPHK detects presence of bacteria in water that could indicate contamination (media)
• Mayor: Regional water supply company will no longer manage Decan (media)
• Government pledges to take measures towards “Hidrodrini” water company (Koha)
• Prosecution: Police to provide report on water contamination suspicions (media)
• Decan health crisis: U.S. Embassy calls on media to ignore rumours (media)
• Ministry of Health delivers medical aid to Decan clinic (media)
• Government of Kosovo reveals topics of upcoming Kurti-Vucic meeting (Kallxo)
• Kosovo to set up commission for assessing damage to cultural heritage during 1998-99 (media)
• Helsinki Committee condemns passivation of addresses as form of ethnic cleansing (media)
• Osmani reacts to Helsinki Committee report (media)
• Kosovo offers assistance to Germany following deadly floods (media)
• Op-ed: Kosovo’s Klecka War Crimes Trial was No Joke (BIRN)
Belgrade Media Report 15 July
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We are going to Brussels in best faith to discuss and solve concrete problems (Tanjug/RTS)
IPA funds very important for accelerating reforms in Serbia (Tanjug/RTS)
Braathu informed about violation of right to free movement of Serb returnees in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
Molina: Spain not to change stance regarding Kosovo (RTV/Tanjug/Beta)
Tadic and Dacic differ on election process (RTS/Beta)
Inzko under new pressure of Bosniaks (Politika)
Bakir’s plan was ‘seen through’ in Croatia (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Trial in ‘Novalic et al.’ case continues before Court of B&H (Nova BH/AJB)
Director of OSA Mehmedagic arrested due to abuse of office, forgery of documentation and money laundering (Hayat/AJB)
Izetbegovic and Dzaferovic on Mehmedagic’s arrest (Haya/AJB)
SNSD: Mehmedagic and OSA have no credibility, least he can do is to withdraw from position (RTRS/AJB)
International, regional media report about Mehmedagic’s arrest, reminding of wide-spread corruption in B&H (Dnevni avaz)
Russia and China submit UN SC with text of resolution which limits competencies of HR Schmidt and demands closing down of OHR by 31 July 2022 (Oslobodenje)
Dodik comments on reactions to Milanovic’s visit to B&H: This shows Bosniak political Sarajevo cannot find joint stance with anyone who does not support their stances on unitary B&H (ATV)
Komsic: Milanovic insulted me and B&H (FTV)
Covic, HNS defend Milanovic and his latest statements (O kanal)
Turkovic and Podzic meet with Stoltenberg; Stoltenberg: NATO remains strong partner to B&H institutions (Hayat)
Croatia
Plenkovic comments on Milanovic’s visit to B&H and issues related to B&H Election Law: B&H is friendly, neighboring country that we help and we will continue to do so (HRT1)
Croatia again stops NATO’s joint statement on B&H because of Dayton (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
Steinmeier to Djukanovic: Rest assured that Germany will continue to be with Montenegro (CdM)
Adzic on Krvokapic’s attempt to deceive the public (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
VMRO-DPMNE will not add “North” in the Resolution on the red lines of the Republic of Macedonia! (Republika)
Mucunski: SDSM is not really serious about supporting the VMRO resolution on Macedonia’s relations with Bulgaria (Republika)
Albania
Soreca: Justice institutions should offer the integrity and independence of the system! Rebuilding trust in the judiciary reform EU top priority (Radio Tirana)
Rama: We are making our own reforms, not because someone imposes it on us, but because we have to do it for future generations (Radio Tirana)
Premier criticizes Bulgaria for blocking EU talks for Albania, N. Macedonia (ADN)
Rama, assessed that the EU is not fair to Kosovo, which fulfilled all the conditions, and did not receive visa liberalization (ADN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 15, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: Four new cases, no deaths (media)
• Vitia: Situation in Decan completely under control (media)
• Kosovo intelligence chief says Decan residents should have no security concerns (media)
• Decan: 252 citizens sought medical assistance in last 24 hours (media)
• Ceku: Kosovo officially begins process for seeking compensation from Serbia (media)
• Kosovo Police operation results in 10 arrests (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• No new cases of Covid -19 in Serbian communities, one death (KiM radio)
• Vucic: They were not even 500 meters from the well (media)
• Office for KiM: They are trying to hold Serbs responsible for water poisoning in Decani without any evidence (media)
• Simic: Dangerous false accusations against Serbs, pogrom in 2004 also started with slanders (Kosovo-online)
• Covic: With story about poisoning they create environment for attacks against Serbs (Kosovo-online)
• Serbian Ministry of Culture: Pristina’s another step further in the escalation of nonsense (KiM radio)
• Gracanica Mayor requested KFOR to increase patrols (RTS, Politika)
• “Kurti’s statements encourage the worst part of Kosovo society” (Radio KIM, media)
• Prosecution: Thac’s release from detention would be disastrous for further proceedings (Radio KIM)
• Rakic and Wigermark on security, returnees and rule of law (Kosovo-online)
• Ranko Bacic attacked on Monday near Klina suffered broken ribs (RTS, Radio kontakt plus)
• Várhelyi: EU wants to accelerate enlargement; Serbia has key role in region (N1)
International:
• Avant-garde proposal for EU enlargement to the Western Balkans (euractive.com)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Igor Čoko: Photography is there to leave a mark (Kosovo 2.0)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 15, 2021
• COVID-19: 12 new cases, no deaths (media)
• New wave of pandemic may be inevitable, Kosovo Health Minister says (media)
• Working women and the pandemic (Kosovo 2.0)
• Samples of some persons poisoned in Decan will be send abroad (Koha)
• Intelligence Agency chief to report to Assembly today on Decan situation (media)
• Kosovo Minister of Trade insists Mini-Schengen is a trap (Koha)
• Kosovo, Serbia leaders to discuss future of dialogue next week (Exit News)
• Von Cramon: Public hearing for Simmons, regretful (Klan Kosova)
• LDK leader: Anton Cuni will run for Prizren Mayor (media)
Belgrade Media Report 14 July 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 14 July 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: We will inform Turkey, but I want people to know (TV Pink/B92)
Selakovic: Serbia supports values, goals of Non-Aligned Movement (Tanjug/RTS)
Selakovic thanks Kenya for principled position on non-recognition of Kosovo (RTV/Tanjug)
Serbian, Egyptian Ministries of Defense pen Memorandum of Cooperation (Beta)
Falconi: Continuity in Belgrade-Pristina dialogue important (Tanjug/RTV)
Cadez: EAEU trade deal does not block access to EU (Tanjug)
Srebrenica new condition for EU (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Tegeltija meets Borrell in Brussels, Borrell says there is no room in EU for deniers of genocide and verdicts of ICTY (Nova BH)
Dodik’s advisor Kovacevic: B&H does not have High Representative, so there is nobody to impose any law (Dnevni list)
Viskovic: Inzko’s home country itself committed genocide at the time, so he can take law banning genocide denial with him to his home country (Nova BH)
EU-B&H Stabilization and Association Council holds fourth meeting in Brussels (RTRS)
IAWG for Amendments to Election Law discusses need to shorten deadlines during election process (N1)
Milanovic says concrete solution on election of B&H Presidency members must be achieved by B&H political officials (FTV/AJB)
Izetbegovic on Milanovic’s visit: Arrogance and lack of respect for B&H, its institutions, its Capital City and Bosniaks (Hayat)
Cardinal Puljic: I do not understand international community’s weird moves, which persistently denies our survival and identity (Dnevni list)
Final conference of project ‘EU4Justice: Support to Fight against Organized Crime and Corruption in B&H’ held in Sarajevo (N1)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: 13 July is our bulwark against rewriting history and signpost for European future (CdM)
Erakovic: Bedrocks of Montenegro haven’t been shaken despite all that effort, money and propaganda (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Zaev signals he will reject the VMRO-DPMNE resolution on Bulgaria, because it doesn’t include the name “North Macedonia” (Republika)
ID cards with country’s new name to be issued in several languages, ethnicity will not be included so far (Republika)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 14, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 14, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 12 new cases, no deaths (media)
• “Kurti talked on the phone with Decan mayor, we are doing the utmost” (media)
• KIA Inspector General reports to Assembly Committee (media)
• The PSD “launches” Kurti’s campaign promises (media)
• The U.S. assists KSF with modern equipment (media)
• Abbott: Kosovo benefits when it embraces its minority communities (RTK)
• Number of patients in Decan increases, possibility of viral infection not ruled out (Koha)
• CDHRF: Dragica Gasic’s return to Gjakova should not be politicised (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic: Easier to bring investors through progress in the dialogue (media)
• Vukcevic: EULEX did not send cases of Serbs suspected of war crimes to Belgrade (NMagazin, Danas)
• Falconi: What has already been agreed must be implemented (KiM radio, Politika)
• Serbian FM invites Non-Aligned countries to Belgrade for anniversary (N1)
• Arlov requests ban on his entry in Kosovo be revoked (Radio KIM)
• Abbott: Kosovo benefits when it embraces its minority communities (Kosovo-online)
• Milena Ivanovic says she was not summoned to testify (Beta, N1)
• Kusari-Lila condemned attack against Serb boy in Gojbulja, petition against return of Dragica Gasic (Radio KIM)
• Petkovic: Bacic visited in hospital (Kosovo-online)
International:
• Kosovo to Restore Reciprocity Measures Against Serbia, Minister Says (Balkan Insight)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 14, 2021
• COVID-19: Eight new cases, no deaths (media)
• Government vows to support Decan, opposition accuses it of negligence (media)
• Hajdari: Government preparing for reciprocity measures (Kallxo)
• Dragica Gasic’s case to be raised in Brussels, U.S. Embassy reacts too (Koha)
• Former EULEX judge sparks controversy over Ivanovic war crimes trial (BIRN)
• Former Judge Simmons’s allegations, EU says it stands by EULEX and its achievements (Kallxo)
• Borrell: Genocide denials have no place in Europe (RFE, media)
• Kosovo buys 14 military vehicles from Turkey, Vucic expresses reservations (TV Pink, media)
• IREX: Kosovo and Albania with sustainable information system (RTK)
LINKS
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