UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 25, 2023
• Three mayors of northern municipalities to swear in today in public buildings (media)
• Rasic on swearing in of mayors: I don’t see any obstacle (media)
• Hovenier: Government to urgently prepare draft statute of Association (RTV21)
• Varhelyi to visit Kosovo today, will meet leaders and opposition (media)
• Reactions to Aliu election as member of Independent Media Commission (media)
• Kosovo to invest €1.77 mil to improve railways, water infrastructure (SeeNews)
Belgrade Media Report 24 May
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Situation in Kosovo and Metohija extremely difficult (RTS)
• Further improvement of cooperation between Serbia, UNFPA (Tanjug)
• Dacic meets with Malawian Ambassador (Tanjug)
• Dacic thanks Vietnam for principled support of Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)
• Mojsilovic: KFOR the only legitimate security actor in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orlic: Gratitude for Cyprus’s principled position on non-recognition of so-called Kosovo (Tanjug/RTV)
• Polish parliamentary delegation: Strong support for Serbia’s EU membership (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Moscow: Dodik meets Putin; Putin thanks RS for friendship towards Russia and for neutral stance towards Ukraine; Dodik: The RS remains committed to its stance not to follow policies aimed to shift blame for conflict in Ukraine to one side (RTRS)
• US Embassy, Ambassador Murphy: Dodik’s meeting with Putin does not serve interests of the RS citizens (Dnevni avaz/Oslobodjenje)
• Dodik after the meeting with Putin: US Embassy will not decide what the RS will be doing (RTRS)
• Sulic: RS has had excellent relations with Russia for years, Russia as such is very important for RS (ATV)
• Varhelyi: Visit to Russia is not smart move and that the only acceptable move towards Russia is the implementation of sanctions; Other comments (BHT1)
• Stevandic to attend ecologic forum in Saint Petersburg: There is nothing disputable about this visit; It is in line with policy of neutrality the RS has been advocating (N1)
• Konakovic says opponents of EU enlargement on Western Balkans went silent after Russia’s aggression on Ukraine (Dnevni list)
• Forto meets Varhelyi; They discuss Ministry’s priorities (Dnevni avaz)
• Most recent appointments of US diplomats who served in the Clinton administration indicate Washington’s desire to solve pressing issues in Balkans with focus on Kosovo and RS (Glas Srpske)
• Joint Commission for European Integration: Prepare report that will name obstructionists of the European path (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Conference 10 Years of Republic of Croatia in the EU: Western Balkans is Croatia’s opportunity to have bigger influence in EU (Hina)
Montenegro
• Senators Murphy and Peters coming to Montenegro: There is still work to be done on the way to the EU (RTCG)
• Radulovic at the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council: Montenegro is fully committed to the European path (CdM)
• International military exercise in Montenegro: The army, together with NATO allies, invests in the development of combat units (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• VMRO-DPMNE leader concerned over constitutional changes and Preamble opening (MIA)
• Osmani: New path emerging for Western Balkans (MIA/TV 24)
• Pendarovski – De Croo: Belgium supports N. Macedonia’s EU integration and EU enlargement policy (MIA)
• Government decides to deploy Army members in NATO operation in Romania (MIA)
• MoD: Italian aviation for take part in North Macedonia air policing (MIA)
Albania
• US has no better friend in the world than Albania (Radio Tirana)
• President Begaj meets US Senators Murphy and Peters (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka after the meeting in Brussels: Maintain the pace of expansion with concrete actions from the EU (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka meeting Varhelyi, Albania is continuing intensively with the reforms (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 24, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Three mayors in the north will swear in tomorrow in public premises (media)
• Krasniqi: New mayors will exercise mandates in their municipalities (Albanian Post)
• Osmani on Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: There is more pressure on Kosovo (Dukagjini)
• Freedom House report: War deepens a regional divide (media)
• Senior western diplomat: If Kosovo doesn’t propose statute for Association, facilitators could seek solutions outside the Constitution (Albanian Post)
• LDK proposal for own source revenues will go to the Assembly (Koha)
• LDK’s Lumir Abdixhiku goes to party elections, certain of another mandate (Express)
• Faton Bislimi resigns from LDK presidency (Paparaci)
Serbian Language Media:
• Diplomatic corps visits Visoki Decani Monastery, recalls unimplemented Constitutional Court decision (KoSSev, media)
• Jevtic: The Constitutional Court assessed that Kostic, the defendant in the “Brezovica” case, was unjustifiably detained (Radio Mitrovica sever, Blic, KiM radio)
• Pristina: Ceremony of signing memorandum to organise European judoka championship without translation in Serbian (Radio KIM)
• General Mojsilovic met Brig Gen Romano (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Strong willingness of Serbs from Kosovo to come to Belgrade, despite Pristina’s threats (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Momcilo Trajkovic called on fellow citizens of Kosovo not to go to the counter rally on May 26 (N1, FoNet, KiM radio)
• Peci to take the oath at the “Tower of Isa Boletini”, Zeqiri in Cabra, Hetemi in Bistrica (Kontakt plus radio, Koha)
• Orlic receives Theophylactou (Tanjug)
• Vucic: Escobar should read Brussels Agreement again (Tanjug, RTS)
• Poll: Majority of respondents believe that BG and PR authorities benefited after Serbs withdrew from Kosovo institutions (KoSSev)
International:
• Germany’s Unique Opportunity to Locate Kosovo War Mass Graves (BIRN)
• Freedom House: Democratic institutions in the Western Balkans continued to falter in 2022 (EWB)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 24, 2023
• Extension of UK commitment to NATO’s Kosovo Force announced during ministerial visit to Western Balkans (gov.uk)
• 2 US Senators promote closer Serbia-Kosovo ties in Balkans visit (AP)
• Atic appoints four directors – one Albanian, one Bosnian, one Serb and one Egyptian (media)
• Mayors in northern municipalities expected to swear in on Thursday (media)
• June 1, “trap” for destabilization of the north (Radio Free Europe)
• Why is Mogherini silent about the letter she once sent to Mustafa? (RTK)
• Vucic: Kosovo has no competence to propose statute for Association (Reporteri)
• Decani Monastery says visit of diplomats is support for 24 hectares (Reporteri)
• Kosovo Ex-Guerrilla Leaders’ Trial Hears Allegations of Assault (BIRN)
• Director of Visametric in Kosovo Detained by Prosecution (Prishtina Insight)
• Inverted neon house installed in Kosovo pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale (Dezeen)
Belgrade Media Report 23 May 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 23 May 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia fully committed to reform process, EU membership (RTS/RTV/Politika/Tanjug)
• Dacic: There was no pronounced pressure on Serbia (RTV/Tanjug)
• Borrell: Either EU or Russia (FoNet)
• Dacic thanks Eswatini for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty (RTV/Tanjug)
• Lajcak: Discussions to continue again in weeks to come (Tanjug/Politika)
• Support of UNICEF through expert assistance to youth (Tanjug/RTV)
• Giaufret: Cooperation between institutions, civil society key to Serbia EU path (Beta)
• Situation in north Kosovo extremely difficult – former N. Mitrovica mayor (TV Pink)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Konakovic attends FAC meeting and EU Foreign Ministers – Western Balkans Foreign Ministers informal meeting in Brussels (BHT1/RTRS)
• Konakovic speaks to media after FAC session; EU member states are unanimous that EU enlargement should be accelerated and that enlargement to the Western Balkans is one of EU priorities (Oslobodjenje)
• Dodik meets with Patrushev in Moscow (ATV/BHT1)
• Dodik’s interview: I will convey message to Putin that DPA has collapsed so strongly that the big question is whether it exists at all (ATV)
• Varhelyi: Allies of Brussels do not travel to Moscow; Sattler: Dodik’s visit to Russia opens path to isolation of B&H (RTRS/BHRT)
• Viskovic on criticism of Dodik’s visit to Russia: EU, world officials also go to Moscow (Nova BH)
• Helez and Heappey discuss issues important for Euro-Atlantic integration of B&H (FTV)
• B&H Delegation to NATO Parliamentary Assembly attends plenary session of 69th Spring Session of NATO, meets US Congressman Turner (Oslobodjenje)
• US Ambassador addresses IGES Conference; Ambassador underlines that USA firmly stands by B&H on the path to EU and NATO (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• FM: It’s crucial for W. Balkans to align with EU foreign and security policy (Hina)
Montenegro
• Biden congratulates Milatovic: Use the moment to implement reforms necessary for EU membership (CdM)
• DIK confirms: 15 lists in election race (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: Strategic determination needed over accelerated EU integration for region (MIA)
• Osmani – Varhelyi: EU to remain fully committed to faster integration of Western Balkans (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: “Defender 2023” for the second time in Albania, a special privilege for the Albanian Armed Forces (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj: Albania, a stabilizing factor in the Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• Assembly delegation participates in the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 23, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 23, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Konjufca: No Association without Serbs returning to institutions (Koha)
• Kurti: Judicial and prosecutorial system must be freed from political influence (Koha)
• Gervalla: The region doesn’t need another Republika Srpska (media)
• Krasniqi: Elected mayors will exercise their mandate according to law (media)
• New mayors of northern municipalities expected to swear in this week (RTK)
• EULEX on swearing-in of mayors: We are on standby 24 hrs to react (Front Online)
• Citaku: This government acts as a weak administrator of our taxes (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Radio Gorazdevac: House of a returnee in Vitomirica demolished despite Supreme Court ruling in his favour (Radio Gorazdevac, KoSSev, Kosovo Online)
• US Senators: Good faith should be a demand of negotiations, while joint action is key to the implementation of the agreement (KoSSev)
• Dacic: There was no pronounced pressure on Serbia (Tanjug)
• Former North Mitrovica mayor: Situation in north Kosovo extremely difficult (Tanjug, TV Pink)
• KP: Three minors arrested for shooting in Ugljare (Kosovo Online)
International:
• UK Ambassador Urges Kosovo to Draft Statute for Association (BIRN)
Humanitarian/Development:
• From the fields of Nivokaz (Kosovo 2.0)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 23, 2023
• Murphy: Association will lead to mutual recognition (RFE)
• Kurti: We have strengthened partnership and alliance with USA (media)
• Borrell: Tensions and mutual provocations have to reach an end (media)
• Mehaj met with US Senator, discuss about advancements of KSF (Euronews)
• Abbott: Vucic’s statement that Kurti plans to expel Serbs from north is ridiculous (Kallxo)
• Kosovo towards completion of genocide lawsuit against Serbia (media)
• Balkan Countries Host ‘Immediate Response’ NATO Exercise (BIRN)
• Witness at Thaci Trial ‘Found Body of Victim of Kosovo Guerrillas’ (BIRN)
Belgrade Media Report 22 May
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Nothing that happens today is accidental. I won’t give you independent Kosovo (B92)
• Vucic: Serbia will always be a sincere friend and a good partner to Montenegro (Beta)
• Vucic congratulates Mitsotakis on election results (Tanjug/RTS)
• Office for KiM: Pensioner arrested at Jarinje crossing released (KoSSev/Beta)
• Citizens of Belgrade march in protest against violence in Serbia on 19 May (Beta)
• Jaksic: US administration issues warning to Vucic over crime (Beta)
• Milanovic: I’d like to cooperate with Milatovic just like I did with Djukanovic (RTCG/Tanjug)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: RS’ position that property is regulated by B&H Constitution remains unchanged (ATV)
• Dodik: I am not intimidated by US threats and I will continue to respect Constitution of B&H (BHT1)
• Izetbegovic: Stances of Escobar do not really match truth (O Kanal)
• Dodik: RS resumes to cooperate with Russia because we have right to authentic policy (ATV)
• Viskovic: Dodik does not go to Russia exclusively to see Putin, but also to attend the gathering where there will be over 500 guests from the highest level of the Russian Federation (BN TV)
• RS Representation Office in Moscow expects Dodik’s visit to have political, but also economic significance for the RS as well as for B&H (RTRS)
• Newly elected President of Montenegro Milatovic takes oath; Cvijanovic expects good cooperation with Montenegro and its new government; Becirovic: B&H and Montenegro do not have open issues (ATV)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: It’s a privilege and greatest responsibility to run the country I was born in and that I love endlessly (CdM)
• Many challenges lie ahead for Milatovic (RTCG)
• Djukanovic: There’s no eternal government, only Montenegro is eternal, I will be an honorary president, the real test will follow after the elections (CdM)
• Vucic: I wanted to show respect for Montenegro (Antena M)
• Osmani: It’s important that this day gathered the leaders of the region (CdM)
• Escobar: There’s concern at Russia’s interference in the parliamentary election (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• EP calls for national consensus on EU integration towards goal of meeting criteria for EU membership by 2030 (MIA)
• Aggeler: You either support doing what is necessary to move towards EU or against it (MIA)
• Coalition partners voice support for continuation of EU path, says Kovachevski (MIA)
• Kovachevski rules out resignation (MIA)
• Petrovska-Drexler: Excellent military-political cooperation, strong German support for Euro-integration process (MIA)
Albania
• Escobar: Albania and North Macedonia have made many sacrifices and deserve to advance in the EU membership process (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj: Albania and Montenegro active contributors to peace and security in the region (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 22, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Osmani: Membership in EU and NATO remain our common objectives (EO)
• Gervalla to take part in meeting of EU foreign ministers (media)
• Exclusive details for swearing-in of the other three mayors in the north (Indeksonline)
• Tahiri: Meeting of Assembly Presidency failed because there was no quorum (Klan)
• PDK: Government doesn’t care that parliamentary agenda is blocked (Klan)
• Kosovo leaders commemorate anniversary of Dubrava Prison massacre (media)
• Court extends for two months detention measure for Nagip Krasniqi (Kallxo)
Serbian Language Media:
• Petkovic on arrest and subsequent release of a Serb at Jarinje (RTS)
• Milan Radoicic and Danilo Vucic visited Serbs from Kosovo who took on foot to attend gathering in Belgrade (Danas, KoSSev, Politika)
• Atiq started appointing directors of departments in Mitrovica North municipality (Kosovo Online)
• Kurti on “cultural wealth of Kosovo“, shares photo of Gracanica monastery: “We restored mosques, Catholic and Orthodox churches” (KoSSev)
• Starovic: Military exercise in Kosovo is violation of SC Resolution 1244 (N1, RTS)
• Dacic to meet with EU and Western Balkan FMs in Brussels (Tanjug)
International:
• Assessing Kosovo-Serbia Agreement: Implementation Challenges and Potential Benefits (Prishtina Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Work begins on 150 MW capacity solar thermal power plant in Gjakova village (media)
• Rasic attends laying of foundation for house of Jovanovic family (Klan)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 22, 2023
Osmani: Implementation of agreements should be complete (RTK)
Escobar: Agreement should be implemented by end of summer (media)
Quint with an urgent call regarding Decani Monastery land (media)
OSCE calls on institutions to “register land in Monastery’s name” (media)
Institutions silent to the calls of internationals for Monastery of Decan (Koha)
Kurti to host US senators Chris Murphy and Gary Peters today (media)
Osmani attends inauguration of newly elected Montenegro President (media)
Largest military exercise “Defender Europe ‘23” starts in Kosovo (Euronews)
Lajcak: Our discussions will continue again in the weeks to come (media)
Serb Ex-Policeman Charged with Wartime Rape of Kosovo Man (BIRN)
A Flourishing Oasis: Unveiling Botanical Garden Amidst the Historic Walls of University of Prishtina (Prishtina Insight)
Belgrade Media Report 19 May 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 19 May 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Government continues implementing measures to combat violence (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Brnabic: There will be no caretaker government or violent media shutdowns (Tanjug/RTS)
• Opposition protest as Brnabic speaks (N1)
• Petkovic: Occupation started today, Kurti wished to provoke war (RTV/Tanjug)
• Serb List: We managed to preserve peace by superhuman efforts (N1)
• Boosting regional cooperation in field of defence (Tanjug)
• Chollet: Avoid provocation in northern Kosovo (N1)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt: State-level law on property must specify what is owned by state and what by entities and Brcko; I agreed with Commissioner Varhelyi that something constructive is happening in B&H (FTV)
• ATV learns who are members of OHR’s team working on state property issue; RS Attorney General’s Office: There are no decisions at B&H level when it comes to property (ATV)
• US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hears Special Envoys for Western Balkans, Derek Chollet and Gabriel Escobar; Chollet says we will not allow Dodik to break up B&H (N1)
• Dodik: B&H can survive exactly as it is written in Dayton Agreement and Constitution, and not in way that certain ambassadors interpret it (RTRS)
• According to Cvijanovic’s instructions B&H was neutral regarding register of damage for Ukraine (RTRS)
• Mehmedovic wants establishing of register or war damage caused by Serbia’s and Croatia’s aggression of B&H (Dnevni list)
• NATO views energy as security issue; USA and EU emphasize importance of ‘Southern Interconnection’ for diversification of energy supply in B&H (Nezavisne)
• US State Department’s Report on Religious Freedoms addresses issue of Dodik’s rhetoric and agreement between B&H and IZ B&H (Dnevni avaz)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: We agreed that there are many challenges; Milatovic: We are political opponents, but we are committed to state position (CdM)
• CEDEM survey: Europe Now supported by 29.1% of citizens, DPS 24.1%, DF 13.2%, Democrats 11.1%, URA 4.4% (CdM)
• Abazovic on CEDEM survey: Commissioned, it has its purpose (CdM)
• Abazovic: Ukrainians make up about 5% of the population in MNE, and in terms of that, we are the first in EU (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski-Aggeler: US support ahead of next steps in Euro-integration process (MIA)
• President Pendarovski meets EC officials Koopman and Matuella (MIA)
• Marichikj meets Koopman and Matuella, agree on importance of continued reforms (MIA)
• Kovachevski meets Koopman and Matuella: Firm support and expectations over N. Macedonia’s next step in EU integrations (MIA)
• Kovachevski – Sarrazin: Strong support from Germany over next steps, N. Macedonia should be part of EU (MIA)
• Marichikj – Sarrazin: Political parties to reach consensus, be proactive so country can make progress toward EU this year (MIA)
• New request for military aid has arrived from Ukraine: Defense Minister (MIA)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 19, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 19, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• New Mitrovica North mayor swears in, deputy mayor from Serb community (RFE)
• Mitrovica North deputy mayor: Time to sit down together and work (Kallxo)
• Krasniqi: We’ll have new mayors who will engage on daily basis to improve lives of citizens regardless of their ethnicity (Telegrafi)
• Decision on opening Iber Bridge is at Ministry of Local Government (Gazeta Express)
• Howell: Kosovo very close to joining CoE; needs some lobbying (TeVe1)
• Osmani meets Wieland, expresses gratitude for continuous EP support (media)
• Kurti after Italy floods: Ready to extend our help where needed (media)
• Kurti: Next meeting of Kosovo and Albania governments in June (media)
• Surroi: Everyone entitled to baptise their children in Kosovo churches (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Serbian List calls for institutional violence against Serbs to stop (RTS, Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic on situation in northern Kosovo, says Vucic talks to Lajcak (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Kosovo police confiscates KM licence plates, issues 150 EUR fine (Kosovo Online)
• Atiq’s first meeting as mayor with Sladjan Trajkovic’c wife (KoSSev)
• The new mayor of North Mitrovica sworn in, his mandate officially began (N1, KoSSev, RFE)
• Diocese on Ceku’s message to Djokovic: What messages for peace and understanding are being sent in Kosovo by such an inappropriate comment? (KoSSev, KiM radio)
• Vucic to attend several meetings because of situation in Kosovo (RTS)
• Party of Kosovo Serbs: West decisive to preserve peace in Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Jovovic family robbed several times in Gorazdevac, preparators still remain unknown (Radio KIM)
• Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox Church: There must be no indirect or direct acceptance of Kosovo independence (NMagazin, Beta, N1)
International:
• US Senate: Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue Remains Key Issue in Western Balkans (Balkan Insight)
• Chollet and Escobar remain optimistic about Western Balkans progress towards the EU (EWB)
LINKS
UNMIK
Peacekeeping
UN News Center
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- RBI's Q1 after-tax profit in Kosovo grows 5% y/y - SeeNews 02/05/2024
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