UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 14, 2022
• Kosovo’s Kurti, Gervalla meet Greek deputy minister Fragogiannis (media)
• PDK, AAK react to State Department’s report on Kosovo (media)
• Kosovo requests official information from Swiss authorities on Marty’s case (media)
• KLA veterans urge government to act on Marty’s allegations (Koha)
• KSC comments on whether Marty could be called in to testify (Express)
• Blic: West putting pressure for dissolving “Open Balkans” initiative (Koha)
• Osmani reviewing KPC’s proposed nominee for chief prosecutor (Klan)
• Property tax collection in 2021 reached €36 mil.; nothing from northern municipalities (Kallxo)
• COVID-19: 23 new cases, no deaths (media)
Belgrade Media Report 13 April 2022
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 13 April 2022
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic reacted: Leave Serbia alone (B92)
• Stefanovic: Kurti is the last man to have right to speak about the Serbian Army (RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic and Shieb about course of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug/RTV)
• Covic: They are constantly fixated on Serbia (Novosti/Tanjug)
• Portal Demostat: Azerbaijani SOCAR eyes takeover of oil and gas company NIS (Beta)
• US State Department Report: Serbia has issues with corruption, political pressure and limited freedom of expression (Beta)
• State Department: Serbia should beware of risks of doing business with China (Beta/VoA)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt suspends RS Law on Immovable Property until decision of B&H CC concerning state property issue; Schmidt: Only state can have right to disposal of state property (BN TV)
• US and UK Embassy comments Schmidt’s decision (FTV)
• Russian Embassy: Decision to suspend Republika Srpska law illegitimate (N1)
• Dodik: RS property is RS property, and not even Bonn Powers can change that (RTRS)
• Mazalica: Schmidt’s decision and move is in no way legally grounded (RTRS)
• Dzaferovic and Komsic welcome HR Schmidt’s decision to suspend RS Law on Immovable Property Used for Functioning of Authorities (BHT1)
• Bosniak officials welcome HR Schmidt’s decision to suspend RS Law on Immovable Property used for functioning of authorities (BHT1)
• DF submits to B&H HoR amendments to Constitution of B&H aimed to protect state property (Hayat)
• State Department: Tadic protected political allies in exchange for post; Media bring details of illegal activities of Tadic and Sarajlic (N1)
• Tadic reacts to US’ sanctions imposed against her (FTV)
• Linde pays visit to B&H (BN TV/Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Russian diplomats have until 25 April to leave Croatia (Hina/TASS)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: Serbia is arming itself from enemy countries of Europe and NATO (CdM)
• Ministry of Justice again requested Serbia to extradite Svetozar Marovic; Djukanovic: Serbia’s a major bottleneck (CdM)
• Minority government composition: Krivokapic, Konjevic and Adzic possible ministers (CdM)
• Djukanovic on minority govt: DPS is going to fill in most seats in parliament – what do you think, do we have impact or not? (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski and Djukanovic confirmed excellent relations between Skopje and Podgorica (Libertas)
• Pendarovski: I do not see anything disputable in Rama’s statement if the blockade from Bulgaria continues (Republika)
Albania
• Rama believes Serbia’s armament isn’t cause for concern (ADN)
• Rama: We still have doubts that Bulgaria will lift veto on North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)
• Baerbock: EU should start negotiations with Tirana and Skopje (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 13, 2022
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 13, 2022
Albanian Language Media:
• Kosovo government adopts draft law setting minimum wage at €250 (media)
• Kosovo bans export of certain food products (RFE)
• Political parties agree on formation of an Ad-hoc commission on electoral reform (lajmi)
• Haxhiu: Failed attempts by opposition to stain two important initiatives (Telegrafi)
• PDK calls on ERO to suspend decision for increased electricity tariffs (media)
• Association of Journalists expresses concern over report findings (Telegrafi)
• Inflation in Kosovo has reached 10 % (euronews.al)
• COVID-19: 23 new cases, no deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• State Department on human rights in Kosovo report presented (KoSSev, Radio KIM, Kosovo-online)
• Vucic reacts to Kurti, Djukanovic’s statements on armament of Serbia (Tanjug)
• Politicians and media key to the (mis) understanding of the two peoples (KiM radio)
• Valdete Daka on State Department report relating to her dismissal (Kosovo-online)
• Dimitrijevic resigns post of UNS branch in Kosovo president (Radio KIM)
• Petkovic met Ambassador Schieb: Not a slightest willingness in Pristina (Kosovo Online)
• State Department notes human rights issues in Serbia 2021 report (N1)
International:
• The ‘Awakening’: American Right-Wing Extremist Finds Allies in the Balkans (BIRN)
Humanitarian/Development:
• NDI hosts a two-day conference against misinformation (Klan Kosova)
• Fact-checking is Crucial in Combating Fake News, Panel Says (BIRN)
• Kosovo’s first medical aid package reaches Ukraine (media)
• President of Serbian Chamber of Commerce calls for aid for Ukraine (N1)
• ‘Food diplomacy’: EU plans to counter Russia in MENA, Balkans (AlJazeera)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 13, 2022
• Kosovo government with over €100 million of aid to citizens (media)
• State Department: Impunity for corruption in Kosovo continues (media)
• Government expected to adopt draft law on minimum wage today (Indeksonline)
• Kurti meets Israeli Minister of Regional Cooperation (media)
• Qalaj: Heads of state are keeping silent about Specialist Chambers (Koha)
• Limaj: Serbian Secret Service planned to kill me and Rexhep Selimi (media)
• COVID-19: 14 new cases, no deaths (media)
Belgrade Media Report 12 April
LOCAL PRESS
• New president of Presevo municipality elected (RTS)
• Djilas: New elections only solution for Belgrade (Tanjug/N1)
• Drecun: Threats to Marty not coming from Belgrade, aimed at compromising Serbia (Politika/Tanjug)
• Macron for Serbia continuing on road to EU, restoration of peace in Europe (Beta)
• German President congratulates Vucic on presidential win (Beta)
• Propaganda war against Serbia? Procurement of Chinese air defense agreed 3 years ago (Novosti)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• UK imposes sanctions against Cvijanovic an Dodik; UK Foreign Secretary Truss: Dodik and Cvijanovic are deliberately undermining hard won peace in B&H Ambassador Field: Sanctions were imposed after detailed legal consultations (O Kanal)
• HR Schmidt: UK’s sanctions are result of Dodik and Cvijanovic’s repeated violation of B&H Constitution and rule of law; They are directed against individuals, not against the RS as a whole (FTV)
• Dodik on UK sanctions: This is attempt to politically eliminate me and Cvijanovic; Cvijanovic: PDP and Bosniaks demanded and UK delivered sanctions (ATV)
• RS ruling coalition condemns UK sanctions against Dodik and Cvijanovic (ATV)
• RS opposition denies accusations that their people are involved in decision on UK sanctions against Dodik and Cvijanovic (ATV)
• Dzaferovic, Komsic welcome sanctions against Dodik and Cvianovic; Komsic calls on HR to immediately put out of force anti-constitutional laws that undermine B&H (FTV)
• FB&H opposition parties welcome sanctions against Dodik and Cvijanovic (N1)
• RS parliament fails to support Dodik’s veto to five decisions of B&H Presidency (ATV)
• Law on immovable property is supposed to come in effect in RS on Thursday, there are two possible solutions – reaction of HR or adoption of state-level law on immovable property (FTV)
• SDA, SDP, Our Party and SBB B&H send proposal of technical changes to Law on Elections to B&H HoR (Dnevni list/Klix.ba)
• Karamatic: Croats have possibility to make Donetsk and Lugansk within the FB&H if another outvoting of Croats takes place in elections (Nezavisne)
• SDA delegate in B&H HoP Sarajlic, former Chief B&H Prosecutor Tadic included in list of sanctions of US Department of the Treasury’s OFAC (FTV)
Croatia
• Plenkovic with Sarrazin, stresses importance of electoral reform talks (Vecernji list)
• Grlic Radman prior to EU FAC meeting: B&H is in deep political crisis (Vecernji list)
• Croatia expels 18 Russian diplomats (Hina)
Montenegro
• US imposes sanctions on Svetozar Marovic (CdM)
• US Embassy: Marovic to return to Montenegro to face justice and public from which he stole (CdM)
• Vukovic: We expect minority government to be formed these days (CdM)
• The SDP will be part of the minority government, scheduling a session soon (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Gruevski and Mijalkov blacklisted by the United States (Nezavisen vesnik)
• Gruevski: The State Department succumbed to incorrect information (Nezavisen vesnik)
Albania
• Germany supports Albania’s negotiations (ADN)
• Albania expected to receive the green light in June (Radio Tirana)
• Ylli Ndroqi, Aqif Rakipi declared non grata by US (ADN)
• Ylli Ndroqi convinced his name will be removed from non-grata list (ADN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 12, 2022
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Marty’s allegations exceed individual dimension; Serbia’s armament not undangerous for the region (media)
• Osmani: Kosovo is an example of a genuine democracy (RTK)
• Government of Kosovo introduces economic recovery measures (media)
• Hoti: 100 euros assistance does not solve the problem of price increases (Klan)
• PDK calls Government’s decision a “populist” move (Koha)
• Haradinaj: Kurti cannot hide his failures with 100 euros (media)
• Ministers: Israel and Kosovo to increase cooperation (media)
• Rama on Serbia’s purchase of arms: It is for defense, I am not worried (media)
• Prosecution: Swiss expertise found no DNA of anyone else in things near Dehari (media)
• COVID-19: 9 new cases, no deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Almost 6000 refugees from Ukraine staying in Serbia (Kosovo-online)
• Drecun: Threats to Marty not coming from Belgrade, aimed at compromising Serbia (Tanjug)
• Kosovo’s Specialist Chambers about threats to Marty: Focus on fairness of proceedings (Kosovo Online)
• Rama: I am not concerned with Serbia’s armament (Kosovo-online)
• Pendarovski says Serbia is not a threat, Djukanovic concerned (Tanjug)
• China confirmed it delivered regular military shipment to Serbia (Kosovo-online)
• Petkovic reacts to Kurti’s statement on Serbia’s armament (Radio KIM)
• State Department: To understand the risk and price of doing business with China (VoA, Beta, N1)
• Prosecution invites B.B. for interview on allegations about Ivanovic’s murder (Radio KIM)
International:
• US sanctions Western Balkan figures, citing ‘threat to regional security’ (Politico)
• Baerbock: It is our responsibility to finally open the accession negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia (EWB)
• Suspicion in Serbia after Opposition Leader Meets President (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Kosovo’s Street Kids: Neglected at Home, and by the State (Balkan Insight)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 12, 2022
• Kosovo PM Kurti’s interview to Greece’s Kathimerini, euronews (media)
• Mehaj reacts to reports of Serbia’s purchasing Chinese missile systems (media)
• Israeli Minister Esawi Frey begins his official visit to Kosovo (RTK)
• Former KIA chief: Serbian secret service attempted to assassinate Thaci in 2014 (T7, Klan)
• Swiss government: Serbian authorities knew of Marty’s assassination attempt claims (Albanian Post)
• Inauguration meeting of the Democracy and Human Rights Council to take place today (media)
• U.S. imposes sanctions on seven individuals in Balkan countries, accusing them of corruption (RFE)
• Rama in Berlin, urges lifting visas for Kosovo: All criteria have been met (media)
• Sinani dismissed from the post of Presevo Valley mayor (media)
• COVID-19: 14 new cases, no deaths (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 11, 2022
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 11, 2022
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti meets Albanian representatives of Presevo Valley, discuss Serbia’s elections (media)
• Kusari-Lila expresses scepticism over progress in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (EO)
• Citaku: Serbia continuing attempts to stain the truth about Kosovo and KLA (media)
• KCB governor complains to a Quint ambassador of political pressure (Kallxo)
• COVID-19: 14 new cases, no deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Escobar: Serbia more and more interested in relations with Europe than with the East (N1)
• Unfulfillment of the Brussels agreement provisions should lead to consequences, says Petkovic (Kontakt plus radio, Kosovo online)
• Serbian security agency refutes allegations on Marty’s murder threats (Tanjug, Danas)
• Office for KiM: Church in Ropotovo robbed (Radio KIM)
• Petkovic reacts to Kusari Lila statement on dialogue (Radio KIM)
• Djuric in White House: We highly appreciate gesture of respect towards Serbia (N1)
• Civil society: KP and EULEX to clarify the murder of Selver Haradinaj (KiM radio)
• Selakovic speaks with Chinese counterpart Wang (Tanjug)
International:
• BIRN Offers Grants to Explore War Crimes Archives (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Rukiqi warns of economic recession threat, calls on Government to take measures (EO)
• Unseen, Unpunished: The Endurance of Economic Violence in the Balkans (Balkan Insight)
• World Bank warns of economic decline in Western Balkans (N1)
Belgrade Media Report 11 April 2022
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 11 April 2022
LOCAL PRESS
• RIK announces revoting in presidential, parliamentary elections (Beta)
• Vucic: Our army is many times stronger (B92)
• Vucic on Serbia’s vote in the Human Rights Council: Serbia acts responsibly (B92)
• Brnabic: It is not end of the world if we don’t win Belgrade elections (Beta/FoNet)
• Djuric meets with US President (Beta)
• Serbian, Chinese Foreign Ministers: Both states prepared to strengthen ties (Beta/Politika)
• Minister: Serbia proud of Kosare heroes (Beta)
• BIA reacted: We are not planning anyone’s assassination (Tanjug/RTS)
• Stano: Serbia must align with EU sanctions on Russia (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Kurti: The RS has become kind of Russian Kaliningrad in region and it is threat to stability in Western Balkans; Dodik: Kurti should stop destabilizing Kosovo and Balkan region will be peaceful (O Kanal/ATV)
• B&H CEC sends another request for securing funds for holding general elections in B&H (N1)
• Sattler: I cannot single out anyone as champion of European values; Elections will take place (OBN)
• RS parliament to hold special session to discuss B&H Presidency’s decisions adopted without consensus (ATV)
• Radmanovic: Entire political circle in the FB&H is violating the Constitution (Glas Srpske)
• Schmidt says he will react if RS authorities do not annul illegal laws (FTV/Oslobodjenje)
• Zvizdic calls OHR to stop illegal and unconstitutional behavior of RS (Oslobodjenje)
• Schmidt calls on RS authorities to put Law on Immovable Property out of force, Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP announces motion to review constitutionality of Law (BHT1)
• Murphy: Russia does not participate in work of PIC anymore; Russian Embassy: Russia participates in work of PIC (Nova BH)
• Russian Embassy to B&H: Russian response to suspension from UNHRC will follow after thorough analysis (Oslobodjenje)
• Dodik files criminal charges against B&H Foreign Minister and B&H Ambassador to UN after B&H’s vote in favor of Russia’s suspension from UN human Rights Council (Srna/RTRS)
• Escobar: Argument of national interests is used to cover up corruption (N1/BHT1)
• Tegeltija at Delfi Economic Forum: B&H issues need to be solved through internal dialogue (RTRS)
Croatia
• 30th anniversary of formation of HVO marked in Mostar; Croatian President Milanovic attends ceremony (N1)
• War Veterans Ministry and the Social Democratic Party distances itself from envoy’s statement (Hina)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: Government adopts package of restrictive measures against Russia (CdM)
• Ambassador Maslennikov: Russia will respond adequately (RTCG)
• Nikolic: Our Western allies now see what changes following 30 August 2020 have caused (CdM)
• It’s harmful to delay minority government formation due to petty party interests (Pobjeda)
• Montenegro can’t count on positive EC report if its institutions are blocked (CdM)
• Lajcak didn’t mention elections to Krivokapic, EU: We don’t want to interpret what others believe we told them (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Bulgaria and Macedonia hold intensive talks, concrete results expected soon, says Bulgarian Ambassador to Tirana (Republika/MIA)
Albania
• Rama on official visit in Berlin (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 11, 2022
• In Greece, Kurti has meetings with Lajcak, Escobar (media)
• Escobar: Western Balkans countries belong in the EU (media)
• Kurti urges Greece to recognise Kosovo (media)
• No Solution in Sight as License Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia Set to Expire (Exit)
• Kosovo Government writes to EU, requests visa liberalisation (Koha)
• Vela, Hoxhaj react after reports that China has shipped weapons to Serbia (media)
• Dodik: Kurti to stop destabilisation of Kosovo (Koha)
• Murder threat against Dick Marty, Swiss politician to Vucic: Stop inciting violence and hatred (media)
• Court suspends ERO’s decision on new electricity tariffs (Kosovapress)
• COVID-19: 34 new cases, no deaths (media)
Belgrade Media Report 8 April
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Pristina undermines regional stability (FoNet/N1)
• Vucic with Putin: Serbia’s threatened with a ‘nuclear strike’ (RTS)
• Serbia consistently committed to respecting principles of international law (Tanjug)
• Serbia determined to strengthen cooperation with Iran (Tanjug)
• Mihajlovic, South Korean ambassador discuss bilateral economic ties (Tanjug)
• Lajcak writes on experts of Kosovo and Serbia (RTS)
• Djilas: No word from Vucic (N1)
EU-Serbia JCC chiefs concerned over election shortcomings (N1)
• Opposition We Must challenges Belgrade election results (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H supports Russia’s suspension from UNHRC in voting at UNGA session (O Kanal/BHT1/Nova BH)
• Dodik on information that Germany is considering sending military troops to B&H within EUFOR Althea: No foreign armed forces needed in B&H, no RS’ consent for Althea in coming period (ATV)
• EUFOR: EUFOR remains 100% dedicated to European future of all citizens (Dnevni avaz)
• Izetbegovic criticizes latest statements of Escobar: Dayton Agreement is straitjacket (N1)
• Lovrinovic submits proposal law on registration of affiliation to constituent people in personal identification documents (FTV)
• RS officials support Lovrinovic’s initiative (Nezavisne novine)
• US Senate confirms appointment of James O’Brien as Head of Office of Sanctions Coordination at State Department (Oslobodjenje)
• Cvijanovic discusses political and economic situation in RS and B&H with Murphy (ATV)
• IRMCT Chief Prosecutor Brammertz and Turkovic discuss war crimes related issues (BHT1/BNTV/FTV)
• US Ambassador Murphy pays respect to victims at Kazani Memorial (FTV)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: Minority government model on the table, two or three individuals undecisive (CdM)
• Krivokapic: Minority government formation would directly lead Montenegro into unrest and instability (CdM)
• Montenegro declares four Russian diplomats persona non grata (CdM)
• Savovic: Abazovic’s hearing about recording in near future (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Petkov ignored Von der Leyen’s comment about minority rights (Republika)
• Milososki: Majority of citizens want early elections (Republika)
• Ahmeti wants the opposition parties who called for boycott of the census to be held responsible for its failures (Republika)
• “I see Zoran Zaev’s hand in Dimitar Kovacevski’s pale leadership” (Alsat TV)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 8, 2022
Albanian Language Media:
• Mehaj: Kosovo’s objective is NATO membership (media)
• Operation against Kosovo Police and Customs officers suspected of bribery (media)
• PIK: police superiors who participated meeting with Vucic, will be interviewed (Kallxo)
• Minister Krasniqi: Advancing the rights of communities is a priority (RTK)
• Kosovo union members protest demanding higher wages (media)
• Kosovo Police anti-smuggling operation in the north (Express)
• COVID-19: 26 new cases, no deaths (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic met UNMIK Head, the continuation of cooperation discussed (Tanjug, media)
• Russia suspended from the UN Human Rights Council; Serbia voted yes (media)
• Serbia to be exempted from EU sanctions on Russian oil, gas (Tanjug)
• Serbian PM Brnabic met the new UNMIK chief Ziadeh (Tanjug, media)
• Escobar, Lajcak and Cadez at the economic forum in Delphi (KiM radio, FoNet)
• Petkovic: Kurti again trying to intimidate the Serbian people in Strpce (KiM radio)
Opinion:
• The War in Ukraine and the Western Balkans (visegradinsight.eu)
International:
• Did Serbia’s Elections Signal a Further Tilt to the Right? (Balkan Insight)
• Opinion poll: Leading EU countries want Ukraine more than Western Balkans (EWB)
Humanitarian/Development:
• International Roma Day (KiM radio, KoSSev)
• KWN presents report on gender-based discrimination and labour in Kosovo (media)
• Food prices hit record high in March, U.N. agency says (Reuters)
LINKS
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From Google News- Russian hackers target Kosovo over support for Ukraine - bne IntelliNews 08/05/2024Russian hackers target Kosovo over support for Ukraine bne IntelliNews
- Russia launches hybrid cyber attack on Kosovo over Ukraine support - Türkiye Newspaper 08/05/2024Russia launches hybrid cyber attack on Kosovo over Ukraine support Türkiye Newspaper
- One in three UK women are sad - worse than Saudi Arabia and Kosovo - The Telegraph 08/05/2024One in three UK women are sad - worse than Saudi Arabia and Kosovo The Telegraph
- Russian hackers target Kosovo over support for Ukraine - bne IntelliNews 08/05/2024
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