Belgrade Media Report 31 May
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucevic: Security situation in north Kosovo highly risky, we defined the red lines (RTS)
• Petkovic: We demand urgent release of two protesters (RTV/Tanjug)
• Drecun: Quint pressuring Belgrade by supporting Kurti (Tanjug)
• Mojsilovic tours forward deployed units (N1/Beta)
• China extends support to Serbia amid latest conflicts in north Kosovo, Russia condemns the West (Beta/AP)
• Blinken: Kosovo government decision unnecessarily escalated tensions (Beta)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: ZSO formation the solution to crisis in Kosovo (FoNet/Sputnik)
• Dacic calls for unity in defending Kosovo Serbs (TV Pink)
• Improving political dialogue, overall cooperation between Serbia, UK (Tanjug)
• Stoltenberg condemns attacks on KFOR (Beta/Politika)
• Stano: Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is not dead (N1)
• Thousands of Serbs protest outside Zvecan municipal building (Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Two US bombers make low flight over cities of B&H; Murphy: This is demonstration of permanent partnership with B&H Armed Forces and firm commitment of the US to sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H (ATV)
• Ambassador Murphy: Dodik’s visit to Moscow was crazy, without sense (AJB)
• Dodik: If USA moves to make decisions about property through unrecognized High Representative, RS will decide on its status (Glas Srpske)
• Zvizdic: State property has to be solved in line with solutions in countries in the region (FTV/Oslobodjenje)
• Srna learns that OHR prepares changes to B&H Criminal Code which envisage criminal prosecution for non-compliance with HR’s decisions (Srna/ATV)
• Ambassador Sattler: B&H has to use historic chance; It is of outmost importance for country to demonstrate progress this year (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Defence Minister says Croatian troops in Kosovo are safe (HRT)
Montenegro
• Germany and France working on preparations for EU enlargement (CdM)
• Milatovic: I fully expect Montenegro to become EU member state during my term of office, new govt should be Europe-oriented and there is no alternative to that (CdM)
• Borrell: Montenegro first in line for EU membership (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Government set to submit draft-initiative on constitutional amendments to parliament (MIA)
• Xhaferi: Constitutional amendments procedure can begin, political dialogue in meantime (MIA)
• Kovachevski-Lajcak: North Macedonia a proven factor of stability in region (MIA)
• Ministry of Interior, US Embassy conduct tactical drill ‘Swan 2023’ (MIA)
Albania
• President Begaj meets KFOR Commander amid Kosovo clashes (ADN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 31, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti in Bratislava talks about tensions in north, expresses Kosovo position (Telegrafi)
• Kurti: I would be understanding if protests were peaceful (Koha)
• Osmani to attend summit of leaders of European Political Community (media)
• Konjufca on U.S. sanctions: This is bad for Kosovo (Nacionale)
• Lajcak on the situation in the north: If the crisis does not end, everyone loses (Koha)
• Police arrest two Serbs in north, seize weapons, flags, nationalistic symbols (Telegrafi)
• Konjufca on internationals: They are equalising police with gangs in north (media)
• “Disagreements to be resolved in dialogue; Serbia to stop war-inciting rhetoric” (Klan)
• Zubin Potok Mayor working from office of communities in Caber (Koha)
• Serb owner of bar in Zvecan threatened for sheltering reporters (Koha)
• Rama: Serbian army at Kosovo border has zero power (media)
• Joseph: Kurti deserved criticism, but the U.S. went too far (Kallxo/Al Jazeera)
Serbian Language Media:
• Lajcak goes to Moldova to meet Vucic (RFE)
• Arsenijevic: All responsibility lies with Kurti (KiM radio)
• Krstic: Kurti in the north is only interested in territory (KiM radio)
• Simonovic: “Terror by the instructions of the prime minister’s office” (KiM radio)
• Milovic: There are no criminal gangs at the gatherings (KiM radio)
• “KLA” graffiti in several places in Orahovac (KiM radio, Radio Gorazdevac)
• In Lipljan two incidents: Serbs threatened, and the SOC flag removed (KiM radio)
• EULEX on the arrested Obrenovic: We are following the case; we will ask the lawyer about the treatment of the detainee (Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic: Kurti’s fake mayors and angry special forces are the source of the problem (Kosovo Online)
• Jevtic: By leaving the session of the Assembly of Strpce, we express solidarity with the Serbian people in the north (Kosovo Online)
• Civil society demands an urgent de-escalation of the situation in the north of Kosovo (RTK2)
• Hill: Pristina will bear the consequences because it did not listen to the advice of the US (Tanjug, Blic)
Opinion:
• Petritsch: The dialogue failed; the EU waited too long for Pristina to fulfil its obligation to form the CSM (ZSO) (Kosovo Online)
International:
• What’s going on in Kosovo? (eurotopics.net)
• Macron Says Kosovo Bears ‘Responsibility’ For Tensions (barrons.com, AFP)
• What’s happening in the north? (Kosovo 2.0)
• Kosovo Olympic Committee Seeks IOC Disciplinary Proceedings Against Djokovic (RFE)
• Von der Layen presents 4-pillar plan to bring Western Balkans closer to the EU (EWB)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 31, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Blinken: Call all parties to take immediate actions to de-escalate tensions (media)
Kurti: Democracy cannot be suspended or held hostage (media)
Kurti to CNN: Not surrendering democratic republic to fascist militia (media)
US Penalises Kosovo After Unrest in Serb-Majority North (BIRN)
Opposition parties criticise govt for “cracking” relations with U.S. (RFE)
OSCE Secretary General condemns violence in north of Kosovo (media)
Kurti speaks with Peach, “in a democracy no place for fascist violence” (media)
Mehaj: Partnership with U.S. is forever, it will remain as such (RTK)
Police: Situation in north fragile but mostly calm (RTK)
Mehaj expresses great concern for KFOR members injured in north (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
Citizens arriving in large numbers in front of the Zvecan municipality building, KFOR strengthening the barbed wire (KoSSev)
A large number of Serbs today in front of the Leposavic municipality building, KFOR strengthened the ring with barbed wire (Kosovo Online)
Vucevic: The high-risk security situation in the north Kosovo (RTS)
Serbian List called Kosovo Serbs not to endanger safety of KFOR soldiers (N1, FoNet)
Protest in front of German embassy in Belgrade (N1)
Lazarevic: The international community should have prevented Kurti, the Serbs should have avoided clashing with KFOR, the special units to withdraw (KoSSev, Nova S)
Rajovic: KP blocked the work of Flotation Trepca in Leposavic, production is at risk (Kosovo Online)
The Eastern American bishop thanked Blinken: The violence is deeply disturbing, indicative of what happened after your warning (KoSSev)
International Media:
Kosovo: ‘Fascist mobs’ guided by Serbia causing violence, says country’s PM (The Guardian)
Nato deploys extra troops to Kosovo after violent clashes (Financial Times)
Journalists targeted for attack again on Tuesday (BIRN)
Kosovo’s Largest Serbian Party Vows To Continue Protests Until Demands Met (RFE)
Nato troops on guard in Kosovo town after clashes with Serb protesters (The Guardian)
Why did ethnic Serbs attack NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo? Here’s what we know (CNN)
Kosovo ‘Tactical Game’ Is A Strategic Blunder, Security Expert Charles Kupchan Warns Amid Balkan Violence (RFE)
What’s behind the latest Kosovo flareup? (DW)
Russia Tells West to Stop ‘Propaganda’ Over Kosovo Clashes (The Moscow Times)
Ethnic Serbs Gather In Northern Kosovo Amid Flurry Of Diplomatic Efforts To Calm Tensions (RFE)
Djokovic ‘raising Serbia and Kosovo tension’ after French Open statement (The Guardian)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 30, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 30, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Ongoing efforts to organise meeting between Kurti and Vucic (RFE)
• Kosovo Police: Situation in north fragile but quiet (media)
• Serbian protesters attacked journalists in Leposavic (Koha)
• Ministry denies agreement for withdrawal of special police units from north (Telegrafi)
• Osmani: Vucic’s gangs want destabilisation, their actions to be punished (Koha)
• Kurti talks to Peach: “A democracy has no place for fascist violence” (RTK)
• Borrell: Kosovo should withdraw Police from the municipal buildings in the north (Koha)
• Stano: Kosovo and Serbia are responsible for the violence in the north (Express)
• Lajcak tries to arrange an urgent Kurti-Vucic meeting (Koha)
• France: Kosovo and Serbia to return to dialogue with approach of compromise (media)
• Kearns: In north Kosovo, Serb gangs paid and armed by elements in Belgrade (media)
• Hungarian authorities give details about their soldiers injured in the north (media)
• Mayors of Leposaviq and North Mitrovica in municipal facilities, the one of Zvecan, works from the Office for Communities (Telegrafi)
• Barbed wire is placed near the facility of the Municipality of Zvecan (media)
• Kurti postpones participation in Bratislava Forum, due to developments in the north (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic with Quint ambassadors: Unilateral Pristina acts lead to violence against Serb community (Tanjug, media)
• Vucic met Botsan-Kharchenko (Tanjug)
• Vucic met Chen Bo (media)
• Petkovic says Kurti sole responsible for what happened in north yesterday (RTS)
• Lawyer says Dusan Obrenovic arrested in Zvecan beaten up (Kosovo Online, RTS, KoSSev)
• Szijarto: Hungarian soldiers within KFOR performed duty under Italian command (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: KFOR should have protected Serbs, not assisting ROSU units (N1, BETA)
• Todic with US KFOR commander, tells him life in Leposavic paralyzed (Kosovo Online)
• Serbs asking Petrovic and Obradovic release, otherwise announce more massive gathering (Danas, Kosovo Online, Kontakt plus radio)
• New Zvecan mayor went to local office in Lipa village (Radio Mitrovica sever, Danas)
• Leposavic: Incident with journalists, fewer citizens at the protest (KiM radio)
• New flag of Serbia placed near monument to Milos Obilic in Gracanica (KiM radio)
• Mural of Serbian tennis star Djokovic destroyed in Orahovac (N1, Radio Gorazdevac, KiM radio, Srna)
• UNS, DNKiM condemned ban on Serbian journalists entering Zvecan municipal building (KIM Radio, Kosovo Online)
• NUNS appealed to employers to provide journalists with protective equipment (Beta, Danas)
• Nedeljkovic: Four arrested will be released, withdrawal of Kosovo police expected by 3 p.m. (KoSSev, Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Chinese MFA on situation in northern Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
International:
• EU Urges Kosovo To ‘Immediately De-Escalate’ Situation After Violence In North (RFE)
Read More →Belgrade Media Report 30 May 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 30 May 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Quint countries to urgently implement measures that would guarantee safety of Serbs (RTV/Tanjug)
• Vucic: Serbia to demand urgent measures that would guarantee safety to Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic appeals to China to help end violence against Kosovo Serbs (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic: Serbs gathered to express dissatisfaction, KFOR did not protect them (RTS)
• Petkovic: We will not allow expulsion of our people (RTS)
• International community called on to protect Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija (Politika)
• Executive Board of SANU: Deep concern (RTV)
• Borrell condemns violence in Zvecan: Immediately de-escalate the situation (FoNet)
• Clashes between KFOR, citizens in Zvecan, NATO, EU condemn violence against peacekeepers (Beta/KoSSev)
• Opposition: Protests until demands are met, SNS to blame if there are incidents (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: The entire Serbian corps stands behind the Serbs in Kosovo (ATV)
• Dodik: KFOR does not guarantee security for Serbs in KiM (Nezavisne)
• US Embassy says two US Air Force bombers will make low flight over Sarajevo and other cities on Tuesday (FTV)
• Crnadak: B&H Presidency had to give approval for US Air Force aircrafts to fly over B&H (BHT1)
• B&H Ministry of Defence, B&H Ministry of Traffic and Communications and B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved the request for low flights of US bomber aircrafts (ATV)
• Dodik: Any flight of foreign aircrafts – especially the US ones – over the RS airspace represents classic example of provocation, intimidation and pressure (RTRS/N1)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: Belgrade is burdened by Croatian media, we have no agenda to overthrow the government (Index.hr)
• Israeli Foreign Minister visits Croatia (HRT)
Montenegro
• Kankaras: SNP condemns the brutal beating of Serbs in Kosovo, Montenegro will be with the brotherly people (CdM)
• Dialogue to continue after elections; Milatovic: For progress, cohesion around key major directions of development is important, Montenegro is our common destiny (CdM)
• Kaludjerovic: The “Open Balkans” initiative is just what Montenegro needs (CdM)
• Presidency of Ukraine: Montenegro to support the special tribunal for Russian aggression (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Petrovska: Violence does not lead anywhere, believe Kosovo-Serbia dialogue will continue (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Opposition’s stance on constitutional changes cause for concern among strategic partners (MIA)
• Kovachevski to put forward all decisions needed for continuation of North Macedonia’s EU path (MIA)
Albania
• PM Rama urges Kosovo to finalize dialogue with Serbia (ADN)
• Begaj: No pretexting can be used to prevent the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreement (Radio Tirana)
• Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs strongly condemn violence against KFOR troops (ADN)
• Peleshi: We strongly condemn the violence used against KFOR troops (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 30, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 30, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: “Protests not peaceful; mobs of extremists directed from Belgrade” (Koha)
• Konjufca: Serbs again showed they want north separated from Kosovo (media)
• KFOR confirms: About 25 Italian and Hungarian soldiers injured (RTK)
• NATO spokesperson statement on unprovoked attacks against KFOR (media)
• Osmani: Attacks by criminal gangs must be condemned by everyone (media)
• Hovenier: Kurti to take steps to improve the situation (Koha)
• Ziadeh strongly condemns attacks on KFOR and injuries to troops and civilians, urges immediate de-escalation (media)
• International community on attacks on KFOR and journalists (media)
• Zvecan Mayor: I’ll go to work today with help of KFOR, I have meetings (Koha)
• Bislimi: Mayors can only work from municipal buildings (media)
• Kupchan: Government to withdraw from installing mayors in the north (RFE)
Serbian Language Media:
• Situation in Zvecan calm this morning, gatherings in north continue (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Vucic blames Kosovo PM Kurti for unrest (N1)
• Violent clashes between KFOR and Serb protesters in Zvecan, dozens injured (RTS, KoSSev, Tanjug)
• Marko Djuric presents chronology of events in Zvecan yesterday (media, social media)
• Bishop Teodosije served prayer for peace in Zvecan (KoSSev)
• Raska-Prizren Diocese statement following violent incidents in northern Kosovo (social media)
• Serbian flag in Gracanica set on fire (Tanjug)
• Part of Serbian opposition: Vucic should resign because of events in Kosovo (RTS)
International Media:
• NATO-Led Force Moves To Disperse Crowds As Tensions Rise In Standoffs With Serbs In Northern Kosovo (RFE)
• Kosovo: Fresh clashes as Nato troops called in to northern towns (BBC)
• Protesters, Peacekeepers, Injured as Violence Erupts in North Kosovo (BIRN)
• Lavrov: Situation in Kosovo may provoke new conflict in Europe (euronews)
• Kosovo ex-president on trial for war crimes allowed to visit his sick mother (AP)
• Back to the Abuser: Kosovo Women Struggle to Escape Domestic Violence (BIRN)
Belgrade Media Report 29 May
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Situation in Kosovo and Metohija has never been more difficult (RTV)
• Vucic issues new invitation to talks, calls for unity, solving problems (Beta)
• Dacic: This must not be happening and Serbia will not allow this (RTS)
• Vucevic expects political solution of the crisis (RTS)
• Serbian army to remain in full combat readiness until further notice – Council (Tanjug)
• Vucic no longer leader of SNS, Vucevic takes his place (Beta)
• Vucevic: Kosovo seemingly calm, I expect more decisive action by KFOR (RTS)
• International community calls for de-escalation of tensions amid tensions in Kosovo (RTS)
• Increased KFOR presence in north of Kosovo (KoSSev/N1/RTS)
• Serb List asks Vucic to end the dialogue with Pristina (KoSSev/N1)
• Protesters form ring around state TV, demand resignations (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Vucic, Dodik address rally in Belgrade, convey messages on Serb unity (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic: Events in Kosovo are a shame for America and the EU (Srna/RTRS)
• Viskovic: Security of Serbs in Kosovo is threatened for the umpteenth time, but Serbia will protect them (RTRS)
• Dodik meets with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan to discuss economic, political issues (RTRS)
• Dodik says his recent meetings in Russia and Azerbaijan were very successful, notes he consulted Putin regarding Russia’s stance on possibility that Schmidt might impose solutions for RS such as property issue (ATV)
• Stevandic attends Nevsky Environmental Congress in Saint Petersburg, says Banja Luka is in focus of joint projects of RS and Russia (RTRS)
• SDA Main Board holds session; Izetbegovic criticizes Schmidt’s interventions, current authorities (FTV)
• Brkic, NATO Political Committee discuss Information on implementation of activities from B&H Reform Program for 2021 and 2022 (BNTV)
• RS officials claim NATO membership is not one of foreign policy goals of B&H (Nezavisne)
• Kosarac discusses cooperation and foreign trade with Momirovic; Kosarac: Next month I will initiate holding of conference on ‘Open Balkans’ in Sarajevo (O Kanal)
• Bleiburg events commemoration held in Radimlja near Stolac under auspices of HNS; OHR: Commemorations of victims must never be used to relativize or minimize crimes committed by Nazi forces and their allies during World War II (AJB)
• Schmidt: Highlighting Ustasha and fascist symbols is offensive (O Kanal)
• Borenovic: Except for Croatia, B&H is only place in world where glorifying of Ustashahood and Nazism is allowed (BN TV)
• RS PDP Caucus proposes Resolution to declare Croatian President Milanovic persona non grata in RS (FTV/BNTV)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman: Croats survived despite Bleiburg, other predicaments (Hina)
• Milanovic: Albania will probably continue negotiation process separated from North Macedonia (Hina)
Montenegro
• Jokovic condemned the violence against Serbs in Kosovo (CdM)
• Some ignore invitation: Milatovic starts dialogues with election participants (CdM)
• Ibrahimovic: It won’t be possible to form a European and stable govt without Bosniak Party (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani calls for defusing of tensions in Kosovo’s north (MIA)
• Osmani in Pristina: Dialogue and cooperation to be imperative for all (MIA)
• Osmani – Kurti: Regional cooperation crucial for boosting security (MIA)
• Senator Murphy: Constitutional amendment a clear opportunity for N. Macedonia to join EU (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Brave decisions ahead, which we have US support for (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Messages coming from US to be taken seriously, country to stagnate if European path stops (MIA)
Albania
• The situation in the north of Kosovo does not help normalization and mutual recognition, says Albanian Prime Minister (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 29, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Implementation of basic agreement, situation in north to be calmed down (media)
• Hovenier after meeting Osmani: Situation is very concerning (media)
• Szunyog : We asked them to show restraint, not to escalate situation further (Reporteri)
• Kurti: Important to intensify dialogue for full implementation of Basic Agreement (media)
• KFOR: We have increased our presence in north, ready for necessary actions (RTK)
• Media teams attacked in the north: tires slashed, and symbols sprayed (media)
• Protesters in Zvecan throw empty bottles at SL leader Goran Rakic (media)
• Serbian flag placed on Kosovo Police armoured vehicle in Zvecan (Koha)
• Von Cramon calls on Kosovo to withdraw special police units from north (Koha)
• Atic: I have asked to be connected to network and to start paying electricity (Kallxo)
• Hyseni: Kurti, Osmani definitely bringing back 1244 and UNMIK in north (Nacionale)
• Prosecution files charges against Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla (media)
• Haradinaj: We thank U.S. soldiers that served and still serve in Kosovo (Klan Kosova)
Serbian Language Media:
• Rakic: We presented our demands, mayors to leave and special police forces to withdraw (Kosovo Online)
• Milovic: Protests are peaceful (RTS)
• Protests in the north: We gathered in peace, with request that police and new mayors go home (Radio Mitrovica sever, TV Most, Kontakt plus radio)
• KFOR Region North Commander arrived to Zvecan (Kosovo Online)
• Brnabic: Situation in Kosovo tense, we must preserve peace (Tanjug)
• Dacic on situation in northern Kosovo (RTS, media)
• Mayors from Self-determination Movement didn’t attend meeting with US Ambassador (RTS, KoSSev)
• KFOR: We increased presence in north, we will ensure safe environment (Kosovo Online)
• Von Cramon visited Zvecan and Leposavic yesterday (KoSSev)
• Grenell: From peace and progress we went to chaos and occupation (N1, social media)
• Vucic no longer leader of SNS, Vucevic takes his place (BETA)
• Vucevic: By 2:00 p.m. we will finish deploying the units, we hope for a political solution (N1)
• Detention of Sladjan Trajkovic extended for two more months (Radio KIM)
• Albanian journalists for a brief time in the municipal building in Zvecan (KiM radio)
Opinion:
• Palokaj: Could it really be that Serbia met all obligations and Kosovo didn’t (Koha)
International:
• NATO troops form security cordons in Kosovo as Serbs protest (Al Jazeera)
• Kosovo Serbs trying to take over municipality building in north clash with police (AP)
• Embassies of Quint and EU condemn Kosovo decision to force access in north (BIRN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 29, 2023
• Police: Protesters threw teargas in Zvecan, we responded with spray (Express)
• Situation in northern Kosovo this morning, increased presence of KFOR (media)
• Police withdraw from cordon in Zubin Potok, KFOR members remain (Nacionale)
• Rakic asks KFOR that Zvecan mayor should not enter municipal building (media)
• Zeqiri: We will meet Hovenier in Pristina at 09:00 (Koha)
• Dacic: Albanians cannot be mayors in Serb municipalities (RFE)
• School classes in northern Kosovo suspended until further notice (Tanjug)
• Serbian List asks Vucic to end dialogue with Pristina (N1, KoSSev)
• EU and QUINT: Unilateral actions negatively affect our relationships (media)
• Borrell announces talk with Stoltenberg about situation in the north (media)
• NATO head urges Kosovo to ease tensions with Serbia (Reuters)
• Sarrazin: We do not allow chances offered by Ohrid agreement to collapse due to reckless decision (Koha)
• PM Kurti meets Rapporteur for Kosovo in European Parliament (euronews.al)
• Von Cramon: Situation in the north is tense, wise solutions must be found (Koha)
• Kusari-Lila: Von Cramon’s statements about Kosovo Police offensive (Koha)
• Von Cramon to hold press conference in Pristina today (media)
• Vucic says he fears the conflict in Kosovo (media)
• US, EU allies scold Kosovo for escalating tensions with Serbia (politico.eu)
• US rebukes Kosovo for escalating tensions, Serbia puts army on alert (euraactiv)
• Serbian border police on high alert amid ethnic clashes inside Kosovo (France24)
• Serbia blasts NATO forces over inaction during Kosovo clashes (Aljazeera)
• Serbian border troops to maintain highest state of alert after ethnic clashes inside Kosovo (AP)
• Russia blames US, EU for escalating tensions in Kosovo (Reuters)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 26, 2023
New mayors in the north swore outside their offices (BIRN)
Varhelyi: Support for Kosovo’s European path (RTK)
Murphy calls for swift implementation of agreement (media)
North Macedonia Foreign Minister to visit Kosovo today (media)
Grenell: I managed to convince Thaci and Vucic to undo Special Court (media)
UNDP Pulse: Lower satisfaction with work of Kurti, Osmani, Konjufca (Kallxo)
Serb reporter: Besnik Bislimi will visit Mitrovica North on Monday (media)
Administrator: USAID to continue supporting Kosovo (Euronews)
Belgrade Media Report 25 May 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 25 May 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic to US senators: Establishment of Community now a priority (RTS/Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic with Theophylactou: Mutual support for territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)
• Mojsilovic thanks Theophylactou for Cyprus’s firm support to Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucevic: Serbia will not comply with attempts of Pristina authorities to establish Community (RTV/Tanjug)
• Drecun: They are preparing for the occupation. It’s all Kurti’s plan (TV Pink)
• Office for Kosovo and Metohija links Kurti policies to threats (Beta)
• Orlic receives Cypriot Ambassador in farewell visit (Tanjug)
• Political messages of Pristina’s military drill pessimistic for Serbia – expert (Tanjug)
• Dveri suggests new opposition deal to topple SNS government (Beta)
• Opposition: Next protest to include ring around RTS (Beta)
• Freedom House: Democracy in Serbia at standstill (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik takes part at security forum in Moscow, meets Lavrov; Putin: Russia will do everything to prevent the Western hegemony, Dodik: B&H has become experiment, colony (RTRS)
• Dodik: I am not the one who will be leading the US’ wars against Russia; RS will remain committed to the policy not to introduce sanctions against Russia (FTV)
• State Department: No government at any level should be extending cooperation with Russia while this country is carrying out aggression against Ukraine (FTV)
• US Embassy to B&H: Allegations of Dodik are absurd and malicious; US and West do not represent threat for the RS (ATV)
• Russian Embassy to B&H: Being friends with America is the same as buying a ticket for the ‘Titanic’ (ATV/RTRS)
• EUD condemns Dodik’s meeting with Putin: B&H belongs to the EU, and it is expected from B&H to align its policies with those of the Union (Nova BH/N1)
• Becirovic meets Ambassador Kyrylych; Becirovic condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine (BHT1/Avaz/RTRS)
• NATO HQ SA hosts press conference dedicated to partnership between NATO and B&H (BHT1)
• Kristo meets McGaha; They discuss cooperation and modernization of B&H AF (Oslobodjenje)
• Becirovic, Peach discuss B&H-UK cooperation, transfer of knowledge and technology (N1/RTRS)
• Peach: Security of B&H is European security; Kremlin does not want to see secure and stable Western Balkans, on the contrary (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman meets Schmidt, Sattler, Murphy: Croatia is the most important partner and country that strongly supports B&H and its further development and progress (HRT/N1)
• Milanovic: Borrell rejected Croatia’s request to join EUFOR Althea Mission in B&H (Hina)
• Freedom House report: Croatia stagnating for 6th year in a row (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: There’s room for deepening economic relations between Montenegro and USA; Murphy: Montenegro a success story, but there’s still a lot of work to be done (CdM)
• Milatovic: Dialogue with list holders starts on Monday (CdM)
• Spajic meets German Finance Minister: Fiscal stability a prerequisite for economic progress, as well as sustainable growth of salaries and pensions (CdM)
• Maddocks: Government and citizens decide on the Open Balkans (TVCG)
• Freedom House: Montenegro regressed in field of democracy, generational change a potential (VoA/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• AFET postpones vote on North Macedonia report (MIA)
• Osmani: New path emerging for Western Balkans (MIA/TV24)
• Xhaferi has audience with Pope Francis on St. Cyril and Methodius Day (MIA)
• Freedom House: Democracy in Macedonia slightly improved, but there is “political dysfunction” (Sloboden pecat/VoA)
Albania
• Albania is an important geopolitical ally and a trustworthy partner (Radio Tirana)
• Implementation of Albania-Great Britain agreement on the transfer of prisoners kicks off (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-Montenegro, a new border crossing point in Pulaj as part of the bridge project over River Buna (Radio Tirana)
• Freedom House report: SPAK, a promising sign in the fight against corruption (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 25, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 25, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Varhelyi: Parties to implement reached agreements, including Association (Koha)
• New mayors of northern municipalities sworn in (Radio Free Europe)
• Kurti calls for full, swift and unconditional implementation of agreement (media)
• Exclusive: These are four steps of implementation of the agreement, needs to end by autumn, otherwise “consequences will be immediate” (Albanian Post)
• Haxhiu: Kosovo needs a professional and brave state chief prosecutor (media)
• Radoica Radomirovic appointed Deputy Minister for Communities and Returns (media)
• AJK: Sami Kurteshi’s language against us is very dangerous and unacceptable (Klan)
• Who is Srdjan Jurisevic, Montenegrin arrested in Gjilan on international warrant (Kallxo)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic receives US senators (Tanjug, media)
• ‘KLA’ graffiti appeared on children’s playground in Ugljare village (Tanjug, RTS, N1)
• Freedom House: No change for Serbia (N1)
• Radoica Radomirovic appointed as Rasic’s deputy (KoSSev)
• UNS: In four months 43 cases of attacks, pressure on journalists in Serbia (Beta, N1)
• Without presence of Serbian councillors, with flags of Kosovo and Albania: Mayor of Zubin Potok took oath (Danas)
• Hetemi took oath as Leposavic mayor in Saljska Bistrica (Kosovo Online)
• Zvecan Mayor, Ilir Peci, after taking oath, made statements next to grave of Isa Boletini (Kosovo Online)
• Vucic receives farewell visit from Cypriot ambassador (Tanjug)
• Dacic: Serbia wishes more active presence of OSCE in Kosovo (RTS)
International:
• Kosovo Ruling Party Criticised for Electing Supporter to Media Regulator Board (BIRN)
• Activists Advocate for Lower Taxes on Menstrual Products in Kosovo (Prishtina Insight)
LINKS
UNMIK
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From Google News- Kosovo sells 15 mln euro worth of 2-yr T-notes - SeeNews 19/04/2024Kosovo sells 15 mln euro worth of 2-yr T-notes SeeNews
- Witness to Violence: Photojournalist Recalls Decades of Documenting Kosovo's Turbulent Times - Prishtina Insight 19/04/2024Witness to Violence: Photojournalist Recalls Decades of Documenting Kosovo's Turbulent Times Prishtina Insight
- Kosovo, World Bank sign 90 mln financing agreement - SeeNews 19/04/2024Kosovo, World Bank sign 90 mln financing agreement SeeNews
- Kosovo sells 15 mln euro worth of 2-yr T-notes - SeeNews 19/04/2024
Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General
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