Belgrade Media Report 13 January 2021
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 13 January 2022
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: I expect the government to terminate contract with Rio Tinto (RTS)
• Request to OSCE Mission for holding referendum in Kosovo and Metohija submitted on time (RTS/Politika)
• Drecun: Kurti’s provocations could create incidents (TV Pink/Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Political, economic relations with Egypt on the rise (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbian and French parliamentarians advancing ties (Tanjug/RTS)
• Government: Untrue writing of the media (B92)
• Three thousand people from Serbia filed lawsuits against NATO (TV Prva/B92)
• Escobar: Open Balkans to be open to everyone (VoA/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• US calls for investigation of nationalistic incidents and glorification of war criminals (FTV)
• Dodik comments on US request for investigation into celebration of RS Day (ATV)
• Salkic: US reaction important because of general influence of USA globally (Hayat)
• OSCE, UN and EPP concerned due to recent incidents registered in several cities in B&H (O Kanal)
• RS MoI: Persons that participated in incidents in Bijeljina region identified and will be sanctioned (Nova BH)
• Association of Generals of B&H calls for defending of constitutional order of B&H (Oslobodjenje)
• Politicians from RS request from B&H Prosecutor’s Office to react on marking of 29th anniversary of ‘Munja 93’ military operation organized in Buzim (FTV)
• RTRS analyzes calls for mobilization of Green Berets and incident in Buzim (RTRS)
• Dodik, Okolic, Majkic comment on proceedings initiated against Serb soldiers who attended RS Day (RTRS)
• Szijjarto, Schmidt have phone conversation (Glas Srpske)
• MEPs write to EC President von der Leyen calling for investigation of Varhelyi’s role in Dodik’s separatist escalation (AJB)
Croatia
• Plenkovic says Pupovac was in Banja Luka as SNV President (Hina)
Montenegro
• Zirojevic: New initiative to remove the government within a reasonable time (Gradski portal)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Dimitrov: “International friends” wanted to see me replace Zaev as Prime Minister (Republika)
• Zaev’s reaction: Dimitrov agreed with the Macedonian positions (Nezavisen.mk)
• US working with France to start negotiations with Macedonia, says Escobar (VoA/Libertas)
Albania
• Violence can’t be a political tool, US envoy to region says (VoA/Tirana Times)
• Meta – Kovacevski: Both our countries deserve opening of negotiations with EU as soon as possible (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 13, 2022
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 13, 2022
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Kosovo Serbs vote by mail or at the liaison office (DW Albanian, media)
• Hovenier meets Bislimi: Committed to mutual recognition through dialogue (RTK)
• British Embassy: Announcement of competition for Chief Prosecutor, surprising (RTK)
• Borrell on Serbia’s referendum: Citizens should be allowed to vote (media)
• From today, KSF can embark anywhere in the world (Klan)
• Von Cramon: Shocked that Serbia wiretapped Russian opposition (media)
• Kosovo Albanians Applying for EU Residency Reaches Over 70,000 (Exit)
• COVID-19: 427 new cases, two deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Covid-19: 138 new cases registered in Serbian areas, no deaths (KoSSev)
• Borrell spoke with Vucic on referendum, says people should be able to vote (B92)
• “REC ready for referendum in KiM, waiting for response of those in charge” (KoSSev)
• Serbian List, Municipality condemn police action in Gracanica, urge international community to react (Kosovo-online)
• Kosovo special police units raided Gracanica municipal building (Radio KIM)
• Gracanica: Organized transport for celebration cancelled because of special police action (Radio KIM)
• OSCE Mission confirmed it received Belgrade’s request regarding referendum (KoSSev)
• Odalovic: Voting took place during times of Haradinaj and Thaci (Radio KIM)
• “3.000 people from Serbia filed lawsuits against NATO” (B92)
• Threatening leaflet posted at church gate in Vitomirica village (Kosovo-online)
• Oliver Ivanovic’s family says investigation into his murder obstructed (N1)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 13, 2021
• Escobar reconfirms support for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (VOA/media)
• Hovenier, Bislimi discuss Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
• Kurti: Serbs in Kosovo can vote in referendum through mail or liaison office (media)
• EU wants Serbia’s referendum to be allowed in Kosovo (Koha)
• Vucic warns of consequences if Serbia’s referendum is not allowed in Kosovo (Koha)
• Stoltenberg: NATO intervened in Kosovo to stop atrocities (media)
• COVID-19: 424 new cases, one death (media)
• IMF projects 7.5 percent economic growth for Kosovo (Klan)
• Used To Free Electricity, Kosovo’s Bitcoin Miners Are Now Facing Difficult Times After Ban (RFE)
Belgrade Media Report 12 January 2022
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 12 January 2022
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic in Priboj: We have to live together (Tanjug/B92)
• SNS Presidency calls citizens to vote for the changes on referendum (B92/Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Stefanovic: Kurti still dreams of sowing chaos (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Belgrade & Ankara: Solution for B&H only through dialogue (FoNet/Beta)
• Jovanovic calls citizens to say “No” to constitutional changes in referendum (TV Prva/Beta)
• CRTA claims did not receive answer to whether referendum is safe because of Covid (Beta/N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• EU strongly condemns negative, divisive and inflammatory rhetoric used by RS leaders during celebration of RS Day on Sunday (BN TV)
• Stano confirms EU countries discuss possible sanctions against individuals in B&H; Schmidt, Sattler condemn celebration of RS Day (O Kanal)
• Petkovic: No need for international sanctions, sharp reactions; Sokol: Chances to reach consensus about sanctions against Dodik is unreal (Nova BH)
• Linde: Sweden condemns inflammatory rhetoric used by RS leaders (FTV)
• Izetbegovic says sanctions are just beginning and there will be more of them; Dodik responds (O Kanal/ATV)
• Podzic launches proceedings against members of AF, Ministry of Defense who attended ceremonies marking of 9 January (FTV)
• Cvijanovic: Destiny of B&H depends the most on behaviour of Bosniak political representatives and their policy; Turkovic is known for not respecting of Constitution of B&H, as she constantly makes decisions on her own (RTRS)
• Majkic: Turkovic does not respect Constitution or laws in B&H; Kovacevic: Turkovic is always against those people that declare themselves Serbs in B&H (RTRS)
• Pandurevic reacts to Turkovic’s protest notes to Serbia, Russia and China (N1)
• Vulin: Diplomatic note to embassies of Russia, Serbia and China is arrogance of Sarajevo (ATV)
• Banja Luka Mayor Stanivukovic reacts to protest note issued by Croatia for unveiling memorial plaque to JNA Major Milan Tepic (BN TV)
• Dodik on announcement that ‘Zelene Beretke’ will recruit new members: While we celebrate peace, radical elements in FB&H call for revitalization of paramilitary units (ATV)
• Izetbegovic on B&H Election Law: In order for change to happen, everyone has to give something in order to get something (FTV)
Croatia
• Izetbegovic: It’s imperative to mend relations between Bosniaks and Croats (Hina)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: Political retirement for those infected with ‘90s virus (MINA)
• Vesovic: Relations with govt will get better once Krivokapic is not a prime minister (CdM)
• Joanikije: SPC and government of Montenegro are harmonizing details of the Fundamental Agreement (RTCG)
• Srzentic and Escobar: USA and Montenegro friends and allies (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• VMRO-DPMNE: Zaev composed the next government and DUI will have a commanding influence over it (Republika)
• The session for electing a new government on Saturday (Nezavisen.mk)
Albania
• Rama: The political situation in Albania is critical (Radio Tirana)
• Basha’s message for future of Albania (ADN)
• Berisha excluded by Democratic Party forever (ADN)
• Meta in official visit in North Macedonia, meets with his counterpart Pendarovski (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 12, 2022
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 12, 2022
Albanian Language Media:
• Bühler: The American base in Albania is evidence of strategic importance of the region (media)
• KPC announces vacancy for Chief State Prosecutor, Lumezi’s term ends in April (Albanian Post)
• Government decision: No more pensions under 100 euros (media)
• 12,000 Presevo Valley Albanians still without Kosovar citizenship (euronews.al)
• Swiss analyst sharply criticizes EU: You are terrified of Vucic (Express)
• Zaharova ironically asks if America has given up supporting Kosovo’s sovereignty (ekonomiaonline)
• COVID-19: 424 new cases, one death (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Office for KiM: By spinning Pristina authorities attempt to ban Serbs from voting in referendum (Kosovo-online)
• Serbian Defense Minister says Kosovo PM planning to destabilize region (N1)
• Diplomats: Kosovo will more and more become topic in Russian-US negotiations (Kosovo-online)
• Court of Appeals upheld indictment against Dejanovic (Radio KIM)
• “Kosovo government did not receive any request from Serbia regarding referendum” (Radio KIM, Radio kontakt plus)
• Brnabic: Serbia, Qatar have begun new stage of cooperation (Tanjug)
International:
• World Bank lowers Kosovo’s 2022 GDP growth projection to 4.1% (SeeNews)
• Andric Rakic: Causes of weak anti-corruption institutional framework in Kosovo need to be discovered (EWB)
• Kosovo continues crackdown on crypto (Euractiv)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 12, 2021
• Kosovo bus slides off road in Serbia, nine injured (media)
• Konjufca, Hovenier vow to strengthen Kosovo-U.S. relations (media)
• Appointment of Hovenier-Hill duo to boost dynamic of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Koha)
• Kosovo to have liaison officer at State Department (media)
• Kosovo Veterans’ Deputy Leader: ‘Nothing New’ in Leaked War Court Files (BIRN)
• Kosovo’s former chief negotiator charged for inaccurate declaration of assets (media)
• COVID-19: 356 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Covid: Half of Europe to be infected with Omicron within weeks – WHO (BBC)
Belgrade Media Report 11 January 2022
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 11 January 2022
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: This referendum is important for the future of our country (B92)
• Dacic on alignment of Serbian legislation with EU acquis (TV Happy/Beta)
• SPS MP: I will vote against constitutional change in referendum (Beta)
• Dveri: Referendum first chance to defeat regime (Beta)
• Stefanovic wonders why Brnabic said nothing about offensive claims (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Protest held in Sarajevo, due to current political situation in B&H; Schmidt addresses protesters: We will not accept that territorial integrity of B&H is brought in question, and I am working to gain great support for that (N1)
• Schmidt condemns RS authorities’ continued disregard for final and binding decisions of B&H CC (BHT1)
• EU firmly condemns negative, divisive and inflammatory rhetoric used by RS leaders during marking of unconstitutional RS Day (FTV)
• German Embassy: We followed with great concern ceremony held on the occasion RS Day, which B&H CC declared unconstitutional (BHT1)
• France distances itself from two MEPs who attended unconstitutional January 9 celebration of RS Day in Banja Luka Sunday (BHT1)
• Dacic: RS is heritage of Serb people; Vulin: People in the RS chose 9 January, it cannot be disputed by any court (ATV)
• Turkovic sends protest notes to embassies of Serbia, China and Russia due to attendance of officials at RS Day marking (Nova BH/Glas Srpske)
• ‘Drzava’ coalition has filed two criminal reports before Prosecutor’s Office of B&H for corruptive activities, attack on B&H’s constitutional order and marking unconstitutional RS Day (N1)
Croatia
• Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs sends protest note to B&H regarding ‘Milan Tepic’ memorial plaque in Banja Luka (HRT1/N1)
• Plenkovic and Izetbegovic discuss current political situation in B&H and reform of B&H Election Law (HRT1/AJB)
Montenegro
• SDP support for a sovereign and integral B&H (RTCG)
• BS supports the integrity and sovereignty of B&H (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovacevski announced the nominations for new ministers (Republika)
• Meta: I would not like Albania to separate from Northern Macedonia on the EU road (TV 21/Nezavisen.mk)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 11, 2022
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 11, 2022
Albanian Language Media:
• COVID-19: 356 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti: Government committed to modernization of army (Telegrafi)
• Kosovo moves to address concerns of Serbia’s Presevo Valley Albanians (BIRN)
• After U.S., EU doesn’t rule out sanctions in Western Balkans (Express)
Serbian Language Media:
• Covid-19: 100 new cases registered in Serbian areas (Kosovo-online)
• Milivojevic: New US ambassadors to bring stronger pressure on Serbia (Radio KIM)
• MAT Magazine: China to become top five export destination for Serbian products (Tanjug)
• Vucic: Referendum important for future of our country (B92)
• Kosovo Serbs and referendum: Deafening silence of Belgrade (Radio KIM)
• Jevtic requests permanent presence of police at Brezovica ski center (Kosovo-online)
• Hodges: Serbia today is not Serbia of 1999 (Kosovo-online)
International:
• Kosovo Intensifies Hunt for Banned Crypto-Mining Machinery (Balkan Insight)
• Bulgarian President Reconfirms Hardline Stance on North Macedonia (Balkan Insight)
• EU funds have little impact in Western Balkans, auditors say (Politico)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 11, 2021
• Kurti meets new U.S. Ambassador: We will stand in unshakable alliance (media)
• Hovenier’s mission in Kosovo, to complete unfinished business (Koha)
• Kurti: We will take Kosovo Telecom out of the crisis and put it on the development tracks (media)
• European Parliament President David Sassoli dies at 65 (media)
• Can Serbs from Kosovo vote in Serbia’s referendum? (RFE)
• Specialist Chambers confirm Kadri Veseli was granted custodial visit to Kosovo (Express)
• Under tight security measures, Veseli concludes visit to Kosovo (media)
• COVID-19: 236 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Great Britain’s Special Envoy, Stuart Peach: We support ‘Open Balkan’ (euronews.al)
• Kosovo protesters urge Serbia to free war crimes defendant (BIRN)
• ‘Active Citizens’ Charge Officials With Destroying Mirusha Waterfall (BIRN)
Belgrade Media Report 10 January 2022
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 10 January 2022
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: We will not join sanctions against Serbs in B&H (Tanjug/RTS)
• Brnabic: Serbia committed to preserving stability in region, B&H (TV Pink/Tanjug)
• Judicial reforms major steps for Serbia – Quint ambassadors (Tanjug/RTS)
• Selakovic: Intensifying cooperation with diaspora (Tanjug/Politika)
• Djuric: We have boosted Serbia’s influence, presence in US Congress (Pink/Tanjug)
• Road blockades continue (Beta)
• Activist: All of Serbia is coming to Belgrade to protest next week (Nova)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Pisonero says political crisis in B&H needs to be resolved urgently (Hayat)
• Dodik: American sanctions are farce and reflection of powerlessness (ATV)
• Ivanic: US sanctions could have a real effect if they were also expanded to Dodik’s associates, other corrupt politicians in B&H (AJB)
• SDA welcomes US’ decision to introduce sanctions to Dodik (Nova BH)
• Marking of RS Day: US Embassy calls RS leaders to act in line with B&H CC rulings (BHT1)
• Dodik: No one has invited US Embassy representatives to RS Day or asked for their comment (ATV)
• Dodik: I would never admit that RS is genocidal creation or that Serbs are genocidal peoples, if RS authorities accept to mark RS Day on any other date except 9 January those who are labelling RS as genocidal creation will be proven right (ATV)
• Numerous events organized across RS on occasion of 30th birthday of RS (ATV)
• Brnabic: Republic of Serbia will never implement sanctions against members of its people and representatives of Serb people in B&H and RS (ATV)
• Dacic: Thirty years of RS represents great historical achievement of Serb people (ATV)
• Reactions of Bosniak officials to the celebration of RS Day (BHT)
• Covic calls for dialogue (HRT1)
• Izetbegovic: Situation will deteriorate in B&H this year, there is no dialogue with Dodik (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Picula: International community likely to push-back election law reform deadline for B&H (HRT)
• Croatia’s county head accuses Bosnian Serb capital of glorifying war criminal (Hina)
• Bjelovar Mayor: As long as politicians live on myths, Bosnia will remain in past (Hina)
Montenegro
• Possible new government with a new majority (Pobjeda)
• No serious future government can be built without BS (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• New government by the end of the week (MIA/Nezavisen.mk)
• French Ambassador to Bulgaria: France is ready to offer mediation between Sofia and Skopje (MIA)
Albania
• Opposition factions, police clash during attempt to take over DP headquarters (Tirana Times)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 10, 2022
Albanian Language Media: Health Institute: Avoid gatherings; situation with pandemic can get worse (media) COVID-19: 236 new cases, no deaths (media) Osmani: U.S. won’t find more trusted ally than Kosovo (Telegrafi) Haradinaj: Police must eliminate Serbia’s surveillance devices in Kosovo (media) There can be no monoethnic associations, government minister says (Klan Kosova) “If there is […]
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 10, 2021
• New U.S. Ambassador arrives in Kosovo (media)
• Rizvanolli on action in Leposavic: We saved over €50,000 per month (RTK)
• Finance minister on crypto ban: One man’s gain is everyone else’s burden (euronews.al)
• Kosovo Police Seize Crypto-Mining Equipment After Govt Ban (BIRN)
• Focus on final settlement overshadows implementation of other agreements (Koha)
• Minister Haxhiu sees undoing of Specialist Chambers as “impossible” (EO/media)
• Gervalla: Unlawful decisions taken in last years to be invalidated (media)
• Abrashi: Declaration of UNMIK officials “persona non grata” is inapplicable (Koha)
• Haradinaj to Kurti: Weren’t you the government of hope? (media)
• Meir: Turkey’s influence hinders Kosovo’s EU integration process (Lajmi)
• Police Errors Blamed for Woman’s Murder by Husband (BIRN)
• Mothers’ Stories Highlight Tragedy of Kosovo’s Disappeared (BIRN)
• Serbia’s back-door bid to embed Chinese snooping tools in Kosovo (RFE)
• COVID-19: 304 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kosovo braces for new wave of COVID-19 as it records over 1,000 cases in nine days (Express)
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- Saudi, Kosovo officials discuss parliamentary ties - Arab News 25/05/2024Saudi, Kosovo officials discuss parliamentary ties Arab News
- Kosovo's population declines amid census boycott - Türkiye Newspaper 25/05/2024
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