Belgrade Media Report 31 January
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Zeman demonstrated how great, courageous people make history (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Zeman: We have not derecognised Kosovo, but we never sent ambassador to Pristina (Tanjug/RTV/RTS/Politika)
• Drecun: No continuation of dialogue and return of Serbs to Pristina institutions before formation of ZSO (RTS)
• Dacic welcomes Croatian President’s “principled” statement on Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Declaration of Saint Sava for salvation of Kosovo presented in Belgrade (Beta)
• Government submits proposal to parliament for special session on Kosovo (FoNet)
• Bilcik: EU often not treated fairly in Serbian public life (RTV/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik says Serbs should seek solution to Serb national issue in Balkans again, in same way German people have addressed theirs before (RTRS)
• SDP B&H Extended Collegium concludes that SDP B&H no longer wants ‘For New Generations’ as its coalition partner (BHT1)
• Efendic reacts to SDP’s position on ‘The Eight’ coalition: Very strange and unexpected reaction from that party (O Kanal)
• HR Schmidt addresses UK parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs responding to questions about formation of authorities and European path of B&H (BHT1)
• Novakovic-Bursac: Schmidt’s statements remind me of attempt to revitalize colonial organization (RTRS)
• Picula: Schmidt stands firmly on the ground and he has support of politicians within EU; Klokic: Schmidt is perhaps physically standing on the ground, but legally he is hovering in the air (ATV)
Croatia
• Plenkovic meets with Covic in Zagreb; says after formation of authorities in B&H, key political issues need to be resolved in order to make step forward for all reforms on B&H’s European path (AJB)
• Milanovic puts annexation of Crimea in regional context, saying that Kosovo has been taken from Serbia (HRT)
• Opposition parties in Croatia shocked by Milanovic statements; Argue that his statements benefit only Vucic and Dodik (Jutarnji list)
• Russian media, officials welcome Milanovic’s statements (Jutarnji list)
Montenegro
• Dejan Vuksic, a candidate for president of Montenegro, aims to reconcile Montenegrins and Serbs (CdM)
• Abazovic with Reinke: A functional Constitutional Court is the priority of all priorities, there must be no further delay and blocking of Montenegro’s European path (CdM)
• Becic: Montenegro has 100% compliance of its foreign policy with EU policy (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Messages before 4 February: Goce Delcev’s commemoration should be peaceful and dignified, Skopje and Sofia to calm down the rhetoric (Republika/VoA/MIA)
• Dimitrov: We have become a Bulgarian province, every morning the government is apologizing to Bulgaria (Telma)
• Bulgarian Ambassador Angelov to return to his diplomatic duties in N. Macedonia (MIA)
Albania
• Santos: Time has come for the reform process to be accelerated (Radio Tirana)
• Integration in the EU, Albania in the meeting of the presidents of COSAC (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 31, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Hovenier: We continue to advocate for implementation of all commitments (media)
• “It went very well” source says about meeting at U.S. Embassy (Albanian Post)
• EU comments on Kurti’s recent statement on Association (Reporteri)
• Vetevendosje MPs comment on Association of Serb-majority municipalities (media)
• Analysts: Association should be postponed; should be part of final agreement (RTK)
• Haxhiu: Our government is uncompromised in fight against corruption (Indeksonline)
• Hoxhaj in Vecernji List slams Milanovic’s statement about Kosovo (Express)
Serbian Language Media:
• American Embassy in Pristina: A critical element for the future of Kosovo is the formation of the ASM (ZSO) (Kosovo Online)
• The Serbian community was unanimous at the meeting on the ZSO at the US Embassy in Pristina (N1)
• Serbian Government submits proposal to Parliament for special session on Kosovo (N1, FoNet)
• Vucic: Why is only Serbia’s territorial integrity not respected? (Tanjug)
• Zeman: We have not derecognised Kosovo, but we never sent ambassador to Pristina (Tanjug)
• Dacic welcomes Croatian President’s “principled” statement on Kosovo (Hina, Tanjug, N1)
• Hill: Formation of ZSO is a legal obligation of Pristina (NMagazin, AP, Beta, TV Pink)
• Drecun: Political maneuvers to adapt the CSM (ZSO) to Pristina’s view (FoNet, Danas, RTS)
• Dacic to begin three-day visit to Washington (Tanjug)
• The editor of the show “Pravo na sutra” still prohibited from entering Kosovo (uns.org, KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio)
International:
• Bosnia, Serbia, Turkey, Hungary Corruption Worsening, Transparency Says (BIRN)
Read More →Correction: UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 31, 2023
• U.S.: Kurti and Osmani’s offices confirmed attendance in discussion (RFE)
• U.S. presses Kosovo on municipal body in Serb-majority areas (AP)
• German ambassador insists on establishment of Association (media)
• Kusari-Lila: Bigger pressure on Kosovo, because only govt is resisting (T7)
• Haradinaj meets Escobar: Final agreement must be a joint victory (media)
• Schlee: According to statute, Association won’t have executive powers (KTV)
• Gorani: This government has not said no to the Association (media)
• Walker: It is not good to form the Association (Telegrafi)
• TI: Despite the fight, Kosovo has yet to control corruption (RFE)
• Croatian Prime Minister reacts to President Milanovic: Kosovo is an independent state, no one has annexed it (Koha)
Belgrade Media Report 30 January
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Meeting with Zeman historic, special for Serbia (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Resolution based on perceptions and not on facts (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Bilcik, Nemec discuss stronger role for parliament in Belgrade (N1/Beta)
• Dacic, Grlic Radman: Serbia and Croatia must find ways to cooperate (Beta)
• Dacic: Serbia’s position on French-German proposal very clear, responsible (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Dacic defends Brussels agreement: It was the maximum Belgrade could achieve (Politika/Beta)
• Serbia’s strategic commitment to improve cooperation with US (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Djuric: Kurti wants at all costs to avoid discussion on ZSO (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbian President was told: If you accept, you’ll join EU till 2030 (Demostat/Beta)
• Strengthening military cooperation with North Macedonia (Tanjug)
• Mali meets with Damjanovic (Tanjug/Beta)
• Right-wing opposition urges President not to accept EU proposal for Kosovo (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: Whether they reject or accept Franco-German proposal for Kosovo, Serbs must be united (RTRS)
• Surprise on B&H political scene after the session of the FB&H HoP (BHT1)
• Mijatovic comments fact that SDP did not get any delegates in B&H House of Peoples on Friday (Face TV)
• Izetbegovic: The FB&H government structures cannot be formed without SDA (Hayat)
• Galijasevic says SDA will hold talks on formation of new majority with political parties that respect capacity of SDA (Hayat)
• Mesalic says ‘The Eight’ project is actually yet another unsuccessful project of international community that wanted to create Montenegrin scenario in B&H (Hayat)
• Schmidt seems to be optimistic authorities in FB&H will be formed soon, but current situation is not optimistic (N1)
• Becirovic: Some personnel solutions in B&H CoM could have been better (Hayat)
• French Ambassador ends visit to Banja Luka; Confirms that EU requests from B&H to introduce visas to Russia (O Kanal)
• Russian Embassy to B&H: B&H is one open country that EU is striving to turn into colony (BHT1)
Montenegro
• Djurovic: Position of all EU ministers is that Montenegro is a big disappointment (Pobjeda)
• Damjanovic: Government should be reshuffled; early parliamentary elections not in sight (CdM)
• Vucurovic: Mandic to run for the president of Montenegro (CdM)
• Abazovic: Mandic’s candidacy for the president would increase chances for Djukanovic (CdM)
• Europe Now presidency: Spajic candidate for president (CdM)
• Uljarevic: It’s certain that SPC will be more actively involved in presidential elections (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: Many third factors will welcome escalation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia (MIA/RFE)
• Kyuchyuk: There are external factors that don’t want Bulgaria and North Macedonia to have good relations (MIA/BTV)
• A declaration is being drafted in Sofia’s parliament after disruption of relations with Skopje (MIA)
• Spasovski: Ohrid case a scenario and part of hybrid warfare (Utrinski Pechat)
• Pendarovski: We condemned violence in Ohrid, certain entities in Bulgaria used case for political purposes (Telma TV)
Albania
• The leaders of the Western Balkans should work more towards improving the political situations (Radio Tirana/A Plus TV)
• Dhuka: Negotiations, excellent opportunity to transfer EU standards (Radio Tirana)
• Santos: It’s high time you sped up reforms (Radio Tirana)
• Spiropali: Albanian government will keep on with the efforts to country’s full EU membership (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 30, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kusari-Lila: The association can only be formed by the institutions of Kosovo (media)
• LVV MPs after the U.S. position on the Association: Zajednica does not pass (media)
• LVV against the establishment of an association on ethnic grounds (RTK)
• LDK confirms it will attend discussion on Association (Telegrafi)
• PDK’s Tahiri: Kurti has brought Kosovo to miserable position vis-à-vis USA (media)
• Kurti’s advisor publishes 1999 documents when the EU had sanctioned Vucic (RTK)
• According to the FES statute, the Association will have its own official symbols (RTK)
• If the Basic Agreement is not signed, integration process will be blocked, support frozen, and there will be a setback in the relations with the West (Albanian Post)
• Serbian national arrested driving truck with 107 kg of drugs in Kosovo (Nacionale)
Serbian Language Media:
• Chollet, Escobar: The Time for Establishing the ASM is Now (KoSSev)
• Vucic: Serbia wants a compromise, but it also has principles and expectations (FoNet, N1, media)
• Councilors of the CI “For Zubin Potok” took over their mandates, then submitted their resignations (Kosovo Online)
• Djuric: CSM (ZSO) is a condition for continuation of talks with Pristina (KiM radio, KoSSev, Beta, TV Pink)
• ‘Kreni-Promeni’ movement launches a petition for the withdrawal of Kosovo special forces and bases from the north (KoSSev)
• Dacic defends Brussels Agreement: It was the maximum Belgrade could achieve (Politika, Beta, N1)
• Office for KiM: Stoned vehicle with ‘KG’ plates in Suvi Do (KiM radio)
Opinion:
• The solution to the Kosovo problem suggests political retirement for many (euractive.com)
International:
• Italy Seeks Higher Profile Role in Western Balkans (Balkan Insight)
• KFOR: It is important to refrain from provocations and seek solutions through dialogue (EWB)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 30, 2023
• Kurti: The European proposal is not a final agreement (Radio Free Europe)
• Kurti: I didn’t receive satisfactory explanations for Association formation (RTK2)
• U.S. reiterates necessity to form Association of Serb municipalities (Koha)
• Hoti: Because of Kurti’s actions, Association is asked right now (Kosovapress)
• Krasniqi: Most difficult days since liberation; people want to leave (media)
• Petritsch: Kurti cannot avoid Association (media)
• Abazovic supports Kurti on Association (Top Channel/Koha)
• KFOR: Refrain from provocations, seek solutions through dialogue (EWB)
• How Investigators Found the Yugoslav Wars’ Disappeared (BIRN)
• Rama: Vucic and I, completely different views on Kosovo (Albanian Daily News)
Belgrade Media Report 27 January 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 27 January 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic: Turkey supports respect of previous Belgrade-Pristina agreements (Tanjug/Politika)
• Dacic: Serbia-Turkey relations at historical high point (Tanjug/Politika)
• Vucic receives farewell visit from Palestinian Ambassador (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Pristina’s violence against Serbs strongest argument that ZSO is necessary (RTS)
• Cochard: Implement part of the agreement on ZSO, that is in Pristina’s interest too (Tanjug)
• Brnabic postpones meeting with MEPs (N1)
• Nemec: EU-Serbia trust high, as are challenges (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orthodox priest found dead in north Kosovo (KoSSev/N1)
• Demostat: Vucic is not going to sign agreement on dialogue with Pristina (Beta)
• Panel: Franco-German proposal is not a final agreement (Beta)
• Forty-three percent of people support Serbia’s EU membership, 32 percent against (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Newly appointed Ministers Helez, Tegeltija hold first working meetings with Ambassadors Murphy (Dnevni list)
• Ambassador Sattler meets Minister Konakovic and Deputy Brkic (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik, Toudic talk about formation of authorities in B&H (RTRS)
• HR Schmidt: I reached decision to impose changes to Election Law on my own (N1)
• Chargé d’affaires meets von der Leyen, thanks for support in granting candidate status (Dnevni list)
• EU expects B&H to impose visa regime for citizens of Russia (Nezavisne)
• FB&H HoR adopts FB&H budget for 2023 in amount of BAM 6.7 billion (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Election Law, Croat member of Presidency, House of Peoples and ECHR judgements is the first exam for new authority (Vecernji list)
• Belarus’ exiled opposition leader welcomed in Zagreb (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Thimonier: Don’t open topic of elections without operational institutions (RTCG)
• Stano: EU invites political actors to build a consensus on the selection of judges (CdM)
• Matuella: Urgently elect judges of the Constitutional Court and the Judicial Council (CdM/TV E)
• Peach: Ensure a functional Constitutional Court and conditions for presidential and parliamentary elections (CdM)
• Djukanovic-Reinke: Support for the election of judges is unquestionable if the election procedure of the Constitutional Committee is fully respected from the start (CdM)
• Djukanovic-Muller: Early parliamentary elections would contribute to clarifying the situation and obtaining a pro-European government (CdM)
• Novakovic Djurovic with Bilcik and Picula: Use the opportunity, the key to further progress on the EU path is in the hands of Montenegro (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski meets extra-parliamentary coalition partners for talks on support to citizens amid crisis (MIA)
• Mickoski: We are in a cold war with Bulgaria (Sitel)
• Osmani: We must put an end to provocations, no official confirmation over Bulgarian Ambassador’s withdrawal (Telma/RFE)
• MFA: Latest activities from Bulgaria not in accordance with agreed practice to enhance relations (MIA)
• Milkov: Sofia takes measures in Pendikov case, no room for analogies and shared guilt (MIA/BNT)
• Pendarovski responds to Bulgarian FM Milkov comments (MIA/Telma TV)
• EU negotiations to stop without constitutional changes (MIA)
Albania
• President discusses Albania’s EU membership with MEP Santos (ADN)
• Peleshi in the USA: Excellent cooperation in the field of defense between Albania and our strategic ally the USA (Radio Tirana)
• Veliaj welcomes the new OSCE ambassador: Presidency of B40, a unique opportunity for Tirana. De Sanctis: Tirana, a very dynamic city (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 27, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 27, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Austria, a great friend of Kosovo and an important partner (media)
• Osmani welcomes the friendly delegation of Austria and MEP Mandl (media)
• Without recognition, EU proposal is unacceptable for the opposition (RFE)
• Serwer: Association was included in second version of proposal (media)
• British MP: An article of the French-German proposal, is disturbing (Reporteri)
• German MP advises Kurti for compromise regarding EU and Association proposal (media)
• Murati: Property tax increase was initiated by former governments (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Serbian List announces complaint on decision on land expropriation in Leposavic (Radio KIM, media)
• Leposavic: Municipality to meet residents affected by expropriation of land (Kosovo Online, Radio Mitrovica sever, media)
• Plazma biscuit again in the campaign – the American one: “Open market, open mind” (KoSSev)
• Dacic: Serbia’s position on French-German proposal very clear, responsible (Tanjug)
• Dacic: Turkey will insist on honouring of Belgrade-Pristina agreements (Beta, N1)
• Demostat: The PM, not Vucic, will sign the future agreement (Beta, N1)
• Vucic receives farewell visit from Palestinian ambassador (Tanjug)
• Ambassador of Greece to Serbia: We are not changing our position on Kosovo (Blic, Tanjug)
• Danas: West expects normalisation of Belgrade-Pristina relations by year end (N1, FoNet)
• Borko Stefanovic: To solve the Kosovo problem without recognizing independent Kosovo (NMagazin, Euronews, Beta)
• Jeremic: No normal person should sign the agreement that takes Kosovo to the UN
• Petkovic: Kurti’s attacks on ZSO cynical (Radio KIM)
International:
• Kosovo’s War Rape Survivors Scheme Hindered by Enduring Stigmas (BIRN)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 27, 2023
• Donfried: Kosovo and Serbia must make difficult decisions (VoA)
• Kurti: Constitution, independence don’t tolerate monoethnic Association (Koha)
• Osmani meets with Hovenier, discuss about latest developments (media)
• Government: Request for Association, against the state of Kosovo (KTV)
• Rohde: No guarantee that Kosovo will be recognized by EU’s non-recognizing five at the end of dialogue (media)
• The EU 10-point plan that West envoys presented to Kurti and Vucic (Reporteri)
• Sign deal or face consequences, EU envoy tells Kosovo, Serbia (Reuters)
• US Urges Kosovo to Accept EU proposal (Prishtina Insight)
• Dare we hope agreement between Serbia and Kosovo is possible? (Emerging Europe)
• Konjufca: Kosovo, strong support from MEPs for CoE membership (media)
• The north, topic for which Kosovars are misinformed the most (RFE)
• Kamberi writes letter to Escobar about Presevo Valley (media)
• Serbia asks Turkey to influence Kosovo (Armenia News)
Belgrade Media Report 26 January
LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic urges Turkey to use its leverage on Pristina (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Serbian delegation appeals with PACE not to admit Pristina into that body (RTV/RTS/Tanjug)
• Dacic thanks Romania for principled stance on Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orlic receives Palestinian Ambassador in farewell visit (Tanjug/RTV)
• Miscevic: Rule of law, reforms crucial for EU integration (Tanjug/RTV)
• Hill: Serbia pays too high a price for refusing to introduce sanctions against Russia (Beta)
• Djilas calls for publication of EU proposal for Kosovo (TV Nova/N1)
• Opposition preparing unpleasant questions for President at Kosovo session (Tanjug/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H HoR endorses appointment of B&H CoM led by Chairwoman Kristo (Hayat)
• Ministers in B&H CoM take oath, Kristo announces reforms; Statements of B&H Ministers (BN TV)
• US Embassy congratulates on formation of new B&H CoM (FTV)
• EUD welcomes formation of B&H CoM (FTV)
• Ambassador Reilly welcomes appointment of B&H CoM (Dnevni avaz)
• Kristo meets Murphy, Sattler, Schmidt, discuss formation of CoM, EU integration of B&H (FTV)
• Strik criticizes HR Schmidt’s addressing AFET behind closed doors (N1)
• Dodik: Schmidt not only falsely presents himself as HR but also blatantly lies (RTRS)
• Dodik says there will be no talks on status of RS’ property (Nezavisne)
• Dodik: Remaining neutral regarding Russian-Ukrainian war is the right policy at this moment (Glas Srpske)
• Ambassador Kalabukhov: Russia is guarantor of Dayton agreement, Russia will open consulate in Banja Luka (Glas Srpske)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: Montenegro wholeheartedly supports B&H’s European path (CdM)
• Novakovic Djurovic – Varhelyi: Blocking negotiations with Montenegro is not an option, strengthening institutions is a condition for entering the final phase (CdM)
• Fajon: Extraordinary parliamentary elections are the best option two to three months after the completion of the Constitutional Court (TVCG)
• Jokovic calls for agreement: Joint presidential candidate, God’s justice would be if it were Lekic (CdM)
• Kordic: DF’s candidate will be Mandic if DPS’s is Djukanovic (RTCG)
• Abazovic: We can’t get judges from a Kinder Surprise egg (CdM)
• Milicevic conveyed Vucic’s message in Berane: We would like to see Montenegro in the Open Balkans (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Spasovski to decide whether to ban Dzhambazki from entering the country on 4 February (Republika)
• I am coming to Skopje for sure, Dzhambazki tells Pendarovski (Republika)
• Milkov: We are withdrawing the ambassador from Skopje for an indefinite period, and we are freezing Macedonia’s EU negotiations (Republika)
• Kyuchyuk: Reimposing veto would be major mistake (BNR)
Albania
• Assembly to cooperate with OSCE presence for the completion of the electoral reform (Radio Tirana)
• Hohmann meets Dumani: EU fully supports an independent and effective SPAK (Radio Tirana)
• Greece supports Albania’s European integration process (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 26, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti on meeting with Lajcak: Agreement must be centred on mutual recognition (media)
• Miroslav Lajcak’s interview with Klan Kosova (Klan)
• Kurti: Government is working on digital transformation (EO)
• Haradinaj wants Kurti to explain what he agreed with Lajcak (media)
• Vacancy for new police officers in the north extended to February 10 (RFE)
• Petritsch: Kosovo to fulfil its obligations and establish the Association (Klan)
Serbian Language Media:
• Serbian Parliament on February 2 on Kosovo, Vucic to attend (Tanjug)
• Lajcak: 11-point plan to normalise Belgrade-Pristina relations (N1, Kosovo Online)
• Djilas calls for publication of EU proposal for Kosovo (N1)
• Aleksic: Serbian parliament to adopt red lines on the Kosovo issue (NMagazin, Beta, N1)
• Dacic thanks Romania for principled stance on Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Protest against EU proposal for Kosovo in Mitrovica North (KoSSev, N1)
• Mijacic: Franco-German plan aims at Slovakia, Greece and Romania to recognize Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• CI For Zubin Potok assumed their councillor’s mandates in MA (KoSSev)
• Euronews Serbia: Fragility of agreement on licence plates
• Kurti: There are no Serbian municipalities in Kosovo (KiM radio)
Opinion:
• Analyst on intimidation of Serbian public and “boiling frog” (Nova S)
International:
• US Urges Kosovo to Accept EU proposal (Prishtina Insight)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 26, 2023
• Lajcak: With European proposal, Kosovo gains a lot and loses nothing (Klan)
• Lajcak meets Kurti and Bislimi in Pristina (media)
• Price: Kosovo, Serbia want rapid progress in dialogue to avoid escalation (Klan)
• Howell: Kosovo should be accepted to the Council of Europe (RFE)
• What is happening in Kosovo? The U.S. invites politicians to the embassy, journalist shares details (euronews.al)
• PDK’s Krasniqi confirms he will attend discussion on Association (media)
• FES to present draft statute of Association on January 30 (Nacionale)
• EU and Germany help improve waste management in Kosovo; invest additional €49 mil in the sector (eeas.europa.eu)
• UN Committee: Switzerland shouldn’t deport Turkish couple to Kosovo (BIRN)
• Plisi shouldn’t exist only in museums (Prishtina Insight)
• Serbia Jeopardises EU Integration Path If It Rejects Kosovo Plan, Vucic Says (schengenvisainfo)
• Serbian parliament to debate Kosovo, Vucic calls opposition for talks (Euractiv)