Belgrade Media Report 30 September 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 30 September 2021
LOCAL PRESS
Agreement reached; Vucic: ROSU to withdraw; “Such Albanian actions won’t be repeated” (B92)
We will not be granted EU membership until we resolve relations with Pristina (Beta)
Brnabic: Regional cooperation strong impetus for European integration process (Tanjug/Politika)
Stefanovic: Spain’s principled position on non-recognition of so-called Kosovo (RTV/Tanjug)
Stefanovic: Security situation does not permit reduction of KFOR troops (Beta)
Agreement on abolition of visas between Serbia, Guatemala (RTV/Tanjug)
Dacic meets with Venice Commission delegation (RTV)
Belgrade to EC President: ‘Herzlich Willkommen’ (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sarovic: Dayton gave RS autonomy, anything else is problematic (N1)
Dodik and Kalabukhov agree that solution to political crisis in B&H lies in revoking of law imposed by Inzko (RTRS)
Tegeltija denies RS opposition’s accusations of violation of RS parliament conclusions (RTRS)
Mektic: I believe we should return to institutions and introduce moratorium to difficult political topics (O Kanal)
Palmer: We would like to see limited changes of Constitution (FTV/VoA/Vecernji list/Hayat)
Domestic politicians present different stances on Palmer’s announcement on election reform (EuroBlic)
Delegation of UK parliament visits B&H, meets delegation of B&H parliament (Oslobodenje)
Croatia
Croatia is against simplification of Dayton peace accords (Hina)
Milanovic: I talked with Izetbegovic about relations between B&H and Croatia, primarily between Bosniaks and Croats (N1)
Grlic-Radman: Bosniak ethnic minority is ‘precious to Croatia’ (Hina)
Montenegro
Becic welcomes Ursula von der Leyen: Welcome to the next EU member state (CdM)
Von der Leyen: Montenegro not forced to do anything; Djukanovic: WB stability being tested (CdM)
Krivokapic, Von der Leyen: Montenegro remains unreservedly and consistently committed to its European path (Gov. Press service)
Montenegro is a leader in the region (Gov. Press service)
Republic of North Macedonia
Commissioner Varhelyi’s quiet visit to Macedonia (Republika)
Albania
An attempt of Serbia to dominate Western Balkans (ADN)
DP to submit request on continuing electoral reform to parliament (ADN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 30, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 30, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• Miroslav Lajcak: We have reached an agreement (media)
• Lajcak thanks Escobar: EU-US unity for Western Balkans success (RTK)
• Borell welcomes agreement reached between Kosovo and Serbia (RTK)
• Godfrey calls Brussels Agreement excellent news (media)
• Kurti: the era when Serbia gets used to reciprocity, begins now (media)
• Albania welcomes agreement reached between Kosovo and Serbia (Klan)
• LVV: Bislim’s statement was deliberately misunderstood (Koha)
• Vehicle Registration Center in Zubin Potok reopens (Klan)
• The EU confirms that there are meetings of dialogue delegations today (Klan)
• Special unit with patrols also on mountain roads around Brnjak (Klan)
• Konjufca receives KFOR Commander Franco Frederici (RTK)
• Hoti: Kosovo applied the agreement, but Kurti failed to coordinate with partners (euronews.al)
• Human remains from Rezalla massacre return to Kosovo (media)
• Kandic: Vucic and Brnabic are lying to Serbs in Kosovo (media)
• COVID-19: Four deaths, 45 new cases (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Covid-19: 34 new cases in Serbian areas in Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio)
• Vucic: Serbian side accepted the compromise proposal for de-escalation of the situation in Kosovo (media)
• EU welcomes Belgrade-Pristina agreement, “calls for ZSO implementation” (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic-Lajcak talks in Brussels ended, deal made (RTS)
• “Citizens suffer because of election games” (Radio KIM)
• Ursula von der Leyen: Important to find a sustainable friendly solution to the crisis in Kosovo (media)
• Protests in northern Kosovo continue (RTS)
• Ambassador Godfrey: Great news, anything is possible through a serious and dedicated dialogue (Kosovo Online)
• EC denied Reuters allegations: EC firmly committed to advancing the accession process of the Western Balkan countries (N1, FoNet, VoA)
• Dacic rejects possible foreign military engagement in Kosovo (N1)
• Principled position of Spain not to recognize Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
International:
• Von der Leyen urges end to Serbia-Kosovo border tensions (politico.eu)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, September 30, 2021
• What does agreement with Serbia on license plates contain? (RTK)
• “Settlement on license plates reached, but no final deal” (Euronews.al)
• Stano: Negotiations to solve crisis in the north to continue (media)
• Talks on the license plates to continue, sources say (Radio Free Europe)
• Serbia withdraws armored vehicles from Kosovo border (Euronews.al)
• Protesters and Police maintain uneasy stand-off at Kosovo border (BIRN)
• Kosovo PM Kurti interview with HRT (media)
• Serbia helping Russia create trouble in the Balkans, Serwer says (Express)
• Visions of the dialogue (II) (Kosovo 2.0)
• PDK: Government to immediately approve U.S.-funded gas project (media)
• Kosovo FM Gervalla meets EC President von der Leyen (media)
• COVID-19: Two deaths, 66 new cases (media)
Belgrade Media Report 29 September
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic: Praise of Venice Commission regarding text of constitutional amendments (Tanjug)
China’s position on Kosovo issue consistent and clear (RTS/Tanjug)
Vucic thanks Russia for support on Kosovo and Metohija issue (Tanjug/RTS)
Serbs rejected the proposal (RTS/B92/Tanjug)
Lajcak: Separate meetings with Petkovic and Bislimi in Brussels (N1)
Escobar: Find a solution, urgently (RFE/Tanjug/B92)
Russia sends clear message: Exert pressure on Pristina (B92/Tanjug)
Escobar will not attend today’s talks in Brussels; Chizhov warns of risk of conflicts (Politika/Gazeta ekspres/TV Russia 24/Sputnik)
Serbia highly appreciates Guatemala’s consistent stance regarding Kosovo and Metohija and its non-recognition of unilaterally proclaimed independence (RTV/Tanjug)
Schieb: Western Balkans’ EU integration remain high priority for Berlin (Kurir/Beta)
Fajon: Many similarities between Serbia’s Vucic and Slovenia’s Jansa (N1)
Inzko’s laws not valid in territory of RS (Politika)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
B&H CoM adopts decision on temporary financing of B&H institutions for 2021 (N1)
RS opposition harshly reacts to RS ministers’ participation in work and decision-making in B&H CoM; Sarovic: By casting their votes at B&H CoM’s session, B&H officials from the RS practically recognized Schmidt as HR (BN TV)
SNSD Executive Committee: B&H CC’s and work of judges at this institution are intolerable; Dodik: Our proposal will be to reject all laws that were adopted beyond DPA and B&H Constitution (RTRS)
Komsic on Dodik’s threats: RS parliament cannot withdraw anything; Dzaferovic: Competencies of B&H remain permanent (N1)
Brkic: HR Schmidt will not allow borders of B&H to be redrawn (BHT1)
Sattler: I think it is high time to come back to table and start talks on issues of substantial importance (Hayat)
US envoy: B&H electoral law issue to be resolved by removing ethnic prefixes (N1)
Lovrinovic: If there is no legitimate representation, there is no B&H too; Djonlagic: Majority of people in B&H is for civic state (Dnevni list)
EU can no longer guarantee membership to Western Balkans countries (O Kanal/Reuters)
Croatia
Plenkovic: All statements that would lead to separatism or secession of one of entities in B&H are not productive or useful (N1)
Izetbegovic and Milanovic discuss relations between Bosniaks and Croats (Hina)
Montenegro
Varhelyi: The goal is for at least one country in the Western Balkans to join the EU by the end of my term (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
Von der Layen: Believe me, my goal is to start negotiations by the end of the year (Nezavisen vesnik)
Zaev insists that he won’t negotiate on national identity issues with Bulgaria (Republika)
EU Enlargement Commissioner Varhelyi in Skopje (Nezavisen vesnik)
Albania
EC president starts WB reassurance tour in Tirana (Tirana Times)
Meeting of the first intergovernmental conference / Rama: It does not depend on us, but on a state that rises in anger! (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 29, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Serbia draws EU funds while being militarised by Russia and China (media)
• Osmani: International community to condemn Serbia’s tendencies for destabilisation (media)
• Von der Leyen: Dialogue is the only way to move forward (media)
• Escobar meets Bislimi and Petkovic (RFE)
• Lajcak meets Kosovo and Serbia chief negotiators (media)
• Kosovo Ministry reacts to campaign against RKS plates (Koha/Telegrafi)
• “The Game” to be changed with U.S. at the Kosovo-Serbia negotiating table (Kallxo)
• Kosovo-Serbia border dispute ‘driven by internal politics’ (Prishtina Insight)
• United States appoint envoy for Europe (Klan)
• COVID-19: Two deaths, 66 new cases (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Protests in northern Kosovo continue (RTS)
• Vucic met Ambassador Chen Bo: ”China’s position on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is consistent and clear” (RTS)
• Vucic met Russian Ambassador Kharchenko (media)
• Tadic: Situation in northern Kosovo consequence of Vucic and Kurti pre-election interests (N1)
• Serb mayors: ”We do not want northern Kosovo-Metohija to become ghetto” (media)
• Elek: Epidemiological situation in northern Kosovo alarming (Radio KIM)
• Selakovic: Consistent stance of Guatemala on Kosovo issue (Kosovo-online)
Opinion:
• Reciprocity is right, and making it stick is vital (Peacefare.net/Kallxo)
International:
• Differing interpretations of Open Balkan brought up again during von der Leyen’s visit to Albania (EWB)
• German Parliament Gets 24 New MPs with Balkan Roots (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, September 29, 2021
• Osmani meets US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Nicholas J. Giacobbe (media)
• “Special Police presence is unnecessary if barricades are removed” (media)
• Hoxhaj: Backed by Russia, Serbia threatening entire region (Euronews Albania)
• Threats at the borders as means of political pressure (Radio Free Europe)
• Visions of the dialogue (Kosovo 2.0)
• Phillips: China, not Russia, is the greater threat to Kosovo (BIRN)
• ICRC refutes media report that Ukshin Hoti remains were found (Kallxo)
• EU no longer agrees on Balkan membership guarantee, diplomats say (Reuters)
• COVID-19: Eight deaths, 68 new cases (media)
Belgrade Media Report 28 September 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 28 September 2021
LOCAL PRESS
We won’t allow humiliation of Serbia (TV Prva/B92/Tanjug)
Stefanovic: Serbian Army hasn’t trespassed anywhere where it shouldn’t be (TV Pink/Beta)
Moscow calls on NATO, EU to get Pristina to withdraw forces from north and prevent escalation (Sputnik/B92/Tanjug)
Drecun: If KFOR wants to be a stability factor, let it act like that (RTS)
Starovic: Whether they will go to Brussels depends on the development of the situation (RTS)
Selakovic: Serbia and Mexico committed to same values (RTV/Tanjug)
Serbia highly appreciates Mexico’s consistent position not to recognize so-called independent Kosovo (Tanjug/RTV)
Office for Kosovo and Metohija: Serbs will not be a target for extremists (Tanjug/Kosovo Online)
EU expects chief negotiators of Belgrade, Pristina in Brussels by end of week (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Schmidt and Turkovic call on B Tegeltija to convene B&H CoM’s session; Tegeltija: We will respect RS parliament’s conclusions and act in interest of RS (Nova BH/Oslobodjenje/BHT1)
Arnaut: If Tegeltija fails to organize holding of B&H CoM session in two consequent weeks, deputy chairs from SDA and HDZ B&H have right to organize it (O Kanal)
Cenic: It is not legally possible that salaries for 7,000 civil servants from the RS are paid from the RS budget (Nova BH/BHT1)
Tegeltija meets UK, Russian Ambassadors to B&H, points out that policy of imposing solutions is unacceptable (RTRS)
Dodik: RS will withdraw consent from agreements on B&H AF and HJPC (FTV)
RS CC finds amendments to RS Criminal Code and Law on non-implementing decision of HR do not violate vital national interest of Bosniaks (BHT1)
Our Party proposes constitutional reforms, including abolition of B&H Presidency (Nova BH)
Our Party’s proposal of constitutional changes unacceptable to SNSD (ATV)
US Embassy: None of B&H’s two entities has right to secede (Fena)
Messages about EU enlargement sent after meeting of speakers of parliament of Western Balkan countries in Slovenia (AJB)
Dzaferovic visits N. Macedonia: EU not complete without Western Balkans (N1)
Croatia
Milanovic: There is a government in Belgrade that talks about a “Serbian world” (HRT)
Plenkovic: Croatia is ‘keeping its eyes open’ to events in the region (Hina)
Montenegro
Abazovic on government reshuffle: I am not sure we are close to a solution (TV Vijesti)
Minority or government of electoral trust as the way out of crisis (Pobjeda)
The enlargement of the Western Balkans is the path to stability (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
Zaev concedes that early general elections are possible if he loses the local elections in October (Republika/Sitel TV)
Zaev began the election campaign in Bitola (Republika)
VMRO-DPMNE begins the election campaign – Mickoski promises change and new values (Republika)
Albania
Rama in Kosovo as tensions rise, Serbia threatens military intervention (Tirana Times)
Rama: Disputes should be resolved through dialogue (Radio Tirana)
Rama stresses Kosovo won war, Serbians fly around in helicopters (ADN)
Rama considers Berlin Process too slow (ADN)
Kurti: We should remove barriers between our countries, to boost cooperation (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 28, 2021
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 28, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• Situation in the north, Kosovo and Serbia meet tomorrow in Brussels (RTK)
• Von der Leyen: Increase of tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, worrying (media)
• US confirms Escobar will take part in Bislimi-Petkovic meeting in Brussels (Kallxo)
• MEPs concerned over recent tensions at the Kosovo-Serbia border crossings (media)
• Stano to Escobar: Dialogue is between Kosovo, Serbia and EU (Express)
• Germany requests removal of special forces and barricades from north (Express)
• Nehammer: Kosovo is acting carefully and positively (media)
• Vetting proceeded to government (Express)
• European Union election observers visit CEC (RTK)
• COVID-19: Eight deaths, 68 new cases (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Covid – 19 in Serbian communities: 40 new case, three deaths (KiM radio)
• Protests in northern Kosovo continue (RTS)
• “Meetings just to have meetings, unnecessary” (KiM radio)
• Dialogue depends on the situation in the north (KiM radio, RTS)
• Group of Serbs attacked in South Mitrovica, ten suspects arrested (Radio KIM, Kontakt plus radio)
• Drecun: If KFOR is stability factor, it should act like one (Tanjug)
• Defence Minister Stefanovic: “KFOR arrived at the crossings according to the agreement between Vucic and Stoltenberg” (Blic, TV Pink)
• North Mitrovica citizens on license plates reciprocity: We want the same thing Pristina wants – autonomy (KoSSev)
• Selakovic: Serbia highly appreciates consistent stance of Mexico not to recognize Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• Borrell: EU, Western Balkans share responsibility for united Europe (N1)
International:
• Ordinary Serbs, Albanians Pay Price of Serbia-Kosovo Vehicle Row (Balkan Insight)
• Are Serbia and Kosovo Ready to Open Their War Archives? (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, September 28, 2021
• Bislimi and Petkovic to meet in Brussels, agreement on license plates expected (Koha)
• EU: Chief negotiators to come to Brussels soon (Klan)
• President Osmani meets heads of security institutions (media)
• KFOR’s proposal for resolving situation in the north accepted by Kurti but not by Vucic (Koha)
• KFOR meets Kosovo institution representatives and mayors of northern municipalities (media)
• NATO-led mission increases patrols on Kosovo-Serbia border (AP)
• Osmani’s office denies claims U.S. criticised Kosovo over actions in the north (Kallxo)
• Closing border point not to allow Albanians from Presevo movement deemed discriminatory (media)
• Milanovic: Kosovo responded to Serbia with same standards (media)
• Women candidates fight for gender equality in municipalities (BIRN)
• Court rejects university’s lawsuit against municipality regarding Orthodox Church building (media)
• COVID-19: Three deaths, 23 new cases (media)
Belgrade Media Report 27 September
LOCAL PRESS
Brnabic: Pristina seriously jeopardized regional stability (Tanjug/RTS)
Brnabic: US forming teams for Western Balkans (Tanjug)
Brnabic: Guterres told me Kosovo is not a state (RTV/Tanjug/Politika)
Brnabic: Nothing nice can be said about EU behavior (TV Pink/RTV/RTS/Tanjug)
Selakovic: Countries worldwide seeking cooperation with Serbia (Tanjug/RTS)
Selakovic: Great importance of selfless, principled Russian support for Serbia (Tanjug/Politika)
Vucic: In case NATO does not react, Serbia will (TV Pink/Politika)
Stoltenberg calls for dialogue; Belgrade, Pristina need to show restraint (Beta)
Borrell: Additional provocations in northern Kosovo unacceptable (Beta)
Michel urges Belgrade and Pristina to resume dialogue (FoNet)
Escobar: Serbia, Kosovo should not militarize situation (Beta)
Stefanovic visits Raska and Rudnica bases in company of Mojsilovic and Botsan-Kharchenko (Beta/Politika)
Russian Embassy: Serbia acts with greatest responsibility in Kosovo and Metohija (TASS/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dodik threatens with new withdrawal and ban on work in B&H institutions over B&H CC decision on RS Law on Forests (FTV)
Cvijanovic deems B&H CC’s decision as coup and anti-Dayton attack on RS and its competences defined by Constitution (RTRS)
Dzaferovic: B&H CC’s decision is in accordance with Constitution of B&H (N1)
Izetbegovic: B&H’s path to EU blocked by RS (Hayat)
Cubrilovic: Izetbegovic thinks democracy is what he says or what his political option dictates (RTRS)
Dodik claims that declaration of RS’ independence would cause loud reaction across globe but nothing more than that (RTRS)
Komsic meets Osmani and Djukanovic in New York; Dodik: This meeting shows what kind of state B&H is; Other comments (Glas Srpske)
Croatia
Milanovic: My words will be superfluous when Croats are equal people in B&H (Hina)
Croatian Security and Intelligence Agency: Western Balkans remains burdened by unfinished stabilization processes (HRT1)
Montenegro
Djukanovic: Stability of the Balkans and EU integrations should be treated equally (Pobjeda)
Escobar: Russia destabilizes Montenegro (CdM/VoA)
Abazovic: Those who don’t believe changes are possible but based on clear principles should find other partners (CdM)
Krivokapic’s Op-Ed: The facts we don’t hear due to their noise (The PM press service)
Republic of North Macedonia
EU needs to step up decision-making process (Republika/Der Standard)
Zaev and Mickoski again at the same table, but in a relaxed atmosphere (Republika)
Zaev to respect the resolution proposed by VMRO-DPMNE in parliament, and supported by SDSM, not to defocus the public (Republika)
1.824.864 citizens are eligible to vote in upcoming local elections (Republika)
Albania
Rama calls for recognition of Kosovo at UN General Assembly (Tirana Times)
Rama visits Kosovo amid tensions with Serbia (ADN)
The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania: We call on Serbia to withdraw its armed forces (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 27, 2021
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: No information that KFOR is preparing to intervene in north (Telegrafi)
• KFOR confirms increased patrolling in the north (Koha)
• Sources: Kosovo, Serbia chief negotiators could meet in Brussels this week (RFE)
• Rama: Serbia must stop theatrical military maneuvers (RFE)
• Over 10,000 provisional license plates administered since reciprocity (media)
• COVID-19: Three deaths, 23 new cases (media)
• Kosovo, Albanian governments to meet in late November (Klan Kosova)
• EC President to visit Kosovo on Wednesday as part of Balkans tour (Express)
Serbian Language Media:
• The EU expects Kurti and Vucic by the end of this week in Brussels (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Protests in north enter second week, positions unchanged (RTS)
• KFOR members arrived at Jarinje (Kosovo-online)
• Armored vehicles of the Serbian Army near Jarinje (N1)
• Vucic: NATO to react within 24 hours if violence breaks out (N1)
• Stefanovic and Mojsilovic accompanied by Russian Ambassador visit army units in Raska (RTS)
• Brnabic on EU, current situation in northern Kosovo (TV Pink, media)
• Brnabic met UN SG Guterres in New York, reacted to Rama’s statement on Kosovo recognition (Tanjug, RTS)
• Gabriel Escobar in Brussels on the situation at the administrative crossings (Blic, Tanjug, RFE)
• Zubin Potok municipality: Old installation possible cause of fire (KoSSev)
• Vucic to meet Quint ambassadors today (RTS)
• Europol: Balkan drug cartel broken up (N1)
International:
• Albania defends Kosovo sovereignty, criticizes Serbia’s military maneuvers (Exit)
• NATO, EU call for deescalation in the north of Kosovo as tensions continue (EWB)
• Can Selling Weapons to Serbia Create Peace in the Balkans? (The National Interest)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, September 27, 2021
• Registration centres in Zubin Potok and Zvecan attacked on weekend (media)
• Kurti: Dialogue is the only way to find solutions (media)
• Kurti and Svecla hold press conference following attacks in the north (media)
• Kosovo’s Security Council convened in light of recent incidents (media)
• President Osmani cuts short New York visit following events in the north (media)
• Opposition leaders support Kosovo institutions in upholding rule of law (media)
• International community calls on Kosovo and Serbia to de-escalate the situation (media)
• Vucic to Stoltenberg: Serbia did not violate agreements or jeopardised peace (N1)
• CDHRF: Serbia’s objective is the destabilisation of the situation (media)
• Serbian troops on heightened alert at Kosovo border (France 24)
• Police: Reciprocity with license plates continues to be implemented at border crossings (RTK)
• Russian ambassador inspects Serb military troops near Kosovo border (media)
• Albanian PM Rama to visit Kosovo today (media)
• Court concludes ruling on registration of land to Decan Monastery is not enforced (media)
• COVID-19: Five deaths, 77 new cases (media)
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