Belgrade Media Report 30 June
LOCAL PRESS
• EU leaders demand an urgent de-escalation of the situation in the north of KiM, Borrell warns of the consequences (RTS)
• Dacic: Norway decided to close the embassy in Pristina (RTS)
• The EC withdrew the invitation to Pristina for participation in the Digital Europe program (RTS)
• US Ambassador says relations with Serbia complex (N1)
• Vucic: Serbs in KiM are denied the very rights that are enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence (RTS)
• Kosovo Govt: “Civil Defense,” “Northern Brigade” terrorist organizations (N1, Kossev)
• State Department: Pristina’s decision to declare terrorist organizations not made in coordination the US (Tanjug)
• Serb List: Kurti labelled non-existent organizations as terrorist (N1)
• Hovenier: We are surprised and worried about the actions of the government in Pristina (RTS)
• The case of Sladjan Trajkovic before the Supreme Court in Pristina (RTS)
• Vucic, Nehammer and Orban next week in Vienna (RTS)
• Two opposition blocs seek help from international officials in improving electoral conditions in Serbia (Beta)
• Socialist official: Without Socialists, People’s movement for the state would be meaningless (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik, Cvijanovic announce dealing with 14 priorities of European Commission at meeting with partners at B&H level (RTRS)
• Helez: There is plan B situation is not solved in line with constitution and laws of this country (N1)
• Okolic, Jovicic strongly criticize Helez’s announcement on ‘plan B’, remind decisions on activities of Armed Forces of B&H must be made with consensus within B&H Presidency (EuroBlic)
• Russian Embassy to B&H criticizes Minister Helez for his statements about adoption of law on non-implementation of B&H CC’s decisions in RS (BHT1)
• Cvijanovic confirms that at one of next sessions of B&H Presidency she will propose two agreements from Berlin Process which are indisputable in order to be adopted, while third agreement on movement with ID cards in region remains under veto (Glas Srpske)
• Bosniak Caucus in RS CoP will launch protection of VNI on Law on Non-Implementation of B&H CC Decisions in RS (O kanal)
• US State Department says Law on Non-Implementation of Decisions of B&H Constitutional Court in RS violates B&H Constitution, and runs counter to Dayton Peace Agreement (Nova BH)
• Dodik: Latest reaction of US State Department presents violation of B&H’s sovereignty (RTRS)
• Implementation of NATO support package worth more than EUR 50 million intended to strengthen defense capacities of B&H begins (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Plenkovic attends summit of the Southeast European Cooperation Process (HRT)
• Plenkovic: Croatia wants peace in Kosovo and elections with the Serbs (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Through Parliament consensus to judiciary appointments; Popa: Great progress made, but considerable time lost (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: Bulgaria to demonstrate its commitment to region’s EU integration at all political levels (MIA)
• Constitutional amendments vote not to be matter of daily politics, says PM (MIA)
• Kovachevski: No additional conditions in Negotiating Framework (MIA)
• Alliance for Albanians leader expects ‘hot summer’ full of political events (Telma TV)
• Mickoski: Early parliamentary elections only option as of today (Kanal 5)
• Deputy PM Grkovska meets with EU Commissioner Hahn (MIA)
• Grkovska holds meetings at EU Directorate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement (MIA)
• Deputy PM Bytyqi meets with Norwegian MFA’s State Secretary, Eivind Vad Petersson (MIA)
Albania
• Tensions in the north of Kosovo/ EC President: I support Rama’s idea for an international conference (Radio Tirana)
• The idea of an international conference for Kosovo and Serbia, Rama: Our region cannot be dragged into a pointless conflict (Radio Tirana)
• Tension in the north of Kosovo/ Lajcak: Rama is playing an active and constructive role in the whole crisis (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 30, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: We don’t strengthen army to attack others, but to defend ourselves (media)
• EU leaders demand de-escalation in the North according to Borell’s 3 points (Express)
• Germany: Designating of terrorist organisations in the north, not in coordination with us (Klan)
• Day two of EU Summit: Situation in Kosovo must be de-escalated fast (RFE)
• Gervalla on EU measures: Unnecessary and a dangerous message (Kosovapress)
• Two prime ministers from EU to visit Kosovo and Serbia next week (Express)
• North Mitrovica decides to join the Association of Municipalities of Kosovo (Koha)
• Kurti’s advisor reacts to Lajcak (Express)
• “If sanctioned, Kosovo first country in WB with measures from EU” (Klan)
• Buxhovi warns: If we refuse internationals, the north will declare autonomy (T7/Express)
Serbian Language Media:
• Bartolome: We support European plan, but stance of Spain on Kosovo remains unchanged (RTV)
• Weapons confiscated near Podujevo, suspect arrested (KoSSev)
• The SL reaction to declaration of the “Northern Brigade” and “Civil Protection” as “terrorist organisations” by Pristina (KiM radio)
• The EC with a measure against Pristina, withdrew the invitation to participate in the Digital Europe program (RTS, Tanjug)
• Lawyer: The case of Sladjan Trajkovic before the Supreme Court in Pristina (Kontakt plus radio)
• UK Embassy in Pristina: The United Kingdom was not consulted (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• FM Dacic announces “resetting of relations” with Israel (Beta, N1, TV Pink)
• Serbian Armed Forces contingent to join US troops in peacekeeping mission in Sinai (N1)
Opinion:
• Janjic: The decision to declare Northern Brigade and Civil Protection as terrorist is the “worst possible response” (KoSSev)
• AI Models-R-Us Has Big Implications for Democracy (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 30, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Kurti presents eight points for de-escalation in north (media)
Govt: Measures against Kosovo would be unfair, we insist on rule of law (Koha)
Kusari-Lila: EU is also responsible for old and new mistakes in dialogue (Koha)
Hovenier: Surprised why no positive response to our requests for north (Klan)
U.S: Designating two organisations in the north as terrorist, uncoordinated (RFE)
Plenkovic: Create conditions for new and comprehensive elections in north (Klan)
Rama: Kosovo must prove the region belongs to the Berlin Process (media)
Haziri: International conference can damage Kosovo (Klan)
Serwer: Vucic is rejecting agreements as soon as he leaves the meeting (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Reactions to Pristina decision to declare “Civil Protection” and “Northern Brigade” as “terrorist organizations” (KoSSev, Kosovo Online, social media)
State Department: Decision of Kosovo to declare two organizations in north as terrorist ones made without coordination with US (RFE, Kosovo Online)
Hill says US and Serbia friends with complex relations (N1, Kosovo Online)
Vucic: Serbs in Kosovo denied very same rights enshrined in US Declaration of Independence (RTS)
Patriarch Porfirije served memorial service at Gazimestan yesterday (Radio KIM)
Petkovic accuses Svecla of lying, says Kosovo police did stop Vucic’s son three times (Radio KIM, Kosovo Online, social media)
International Media:
Kosovo’s prime minister offers to hold new elections in tense Serb-majority municipalities (ABC News)
Kosovo designates two Serb groups as terrorist organisations (Reuters)
Kosovo Declares Serb Groups in North ‘Terrorists’ (BIRN)
Kosovo designates two Serb groups as terrorist organisations (The Irish Times)
Belgrade Media Report 29 June 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 29 June 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• In the north of KiM, calm but tense, Patriarch Porfirije in the Patriarchate of Pec (RTS)
• Vucic: Many difficulties await us in Kosovo (Beta)
• Kosovo Police order Danilo Vucic to remove “offensive” T-shirt (FoNet)
• Office for KiM: West united in condemning Kosovo’s Kurti (Beta)
• Kurti unannounced in North Mitrovica; Serbian List: He failed to provoke the Serbs (RTS)
• The EU demands de-escalation in northern KiM, warns of negative consequences (RTS)
• Charles Michel: The time has come to take steps towards the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina (RTS)
• Scholz: Calm the tensions, hold the elections as soon as possible and implement the agreement on the ZSO (RTS)
• The American administration is worried about the heightened tensions in the north of KiM (RTS)
• Vucic: Freedom is a common name for the People’s Movement for the State and the Serbian Progressive Party (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RSNA adopts law not to apply decisions of B&H CC in territory of RS, Dodik announces possible ban of operating of SIPA and B&H Prosecutor’s Office in RS (BHT1)
• RSNA unanimously supports Cvijanovic’s veto (BHT1)
• B&H Presidency member Komsic slams international community for allowing Dodik to openly attack constitutional order, criticizes relevant local institutions for not reacting (Dnevni avaz)
• Konakovic: RSNA’s Law conveys bad message, but legally means nothing (FTV)
• Zvizdic: Law adopted by RSNA is direct attack on constitutional order of B&H (FTV)
• Troika: Adoption of Law on Non-Implementation of B&H CC Decisions is open attack on constitutional order of B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• SDA: Adoption of Law on Non-Implementation of B&H CC Decisions represents unilateral decision of the RS to terminate the Dayton Peace Agreement (Dnevni avaz)
• US Embassy to B&H reacts to RSNA adopting Law on Non-Implementation of B&H CC Decisions: RSNA carried out reckless attack on Dayton Peace Agreement (Dnevni avaz)
• EU Spokesperson Massrali: Decisions of B&H Constitutional Court must be respected (Federalna.ba)
• OHR: RSNA decisions are illegal; Dodik is first and foremost responsible for this (Nova BH)
• Dodik responds to US Embassy’s criticism: RS did nothing that would violate the Dayton Peace Agreement (Nova BH)
• Cvijanovic: Actions of Constitutional Court of B&H and position of US Embassy in B&H that decisions can be made without Serbs laid bare all secret plans (Nezavisne)
• Viskovic calls position of US Embassy in B&H that it is Serbs’ fault that there are no Serb judges in Constitutional Court of B&H as impudent (Nezavisne)
• UK Embassy: RSNA session endorsed an illegal and reckless move which has no legal standing (Nova BH)
• Russian Embassy says decisions of RSNA are logical (Nova BH)
Croatia
• Croatian President: EU decision-making must remain based on unanimity (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Region remains committed to cooperation and European future: Pendarovski: EU membership the main requirement for progress (CDM)
• Plenkovic: Croatia expects compensation for inmates, solution to be found for Jadran, the Prevlaka peninsula… (CDM)
• I’m going to visit Belgrade in early July, Milatovic (CDM)
• Constitutional Court strikes down amendments to President Law by unanimous decision (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Our path to Europe is clear, new Bulgarian demands not allowed (MIA)
• Marichikj: Copenhagen Criteria best way to reform, should remain only condition for EU accession (MIA)
• Gov’t determined to conclude constitutional changes process before second IGC, says PM (MIA)
• Kovachevski: New chapter has begun on country’s EU path, up to us to use this historic opportunity (MIA)
• Scholz: There shouldn’t be any new conditions for N. Macedonia’s EU accession talks (MIA)
• VMRO-DPMNE not accepting constitutional revision under Bulgarian dictate, says vice-president (MIA)
• Pentagon: Rule of law important for North Macedonia’s resilience, regional and global security (CDM, VOA)
Albania
• Borrell: Albania is making progress on its journey towards EU integration (Radio Tirana)
• Situation in the North of Kosovo/ Borrell: The parties to approve the roadmap put on the table in Brussels (Radio Tirana)
• Situation in Kosovo should not escalate, Kurti and Vucic mustn’t leave without an agreement (Radio Tirana)
• Rama in Brussels, meeting with the EC President, Ursula Von der Leyen (Radio Tirana)
• Rama at NATO conference talks about Kosovo: Any escalation there can bring a catastrophic end! (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 29, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 29, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• “Civil Protection” and “Northern Brigade” declared terrorist organisations (media)
• Kurti on measures: EU finds in Kosovo most honest ally and partner in region (media)
• Kusari-Lila reacts to the measures that the EU may eventually impose on Kosovo (RTK)
• Borrell: If there is no contribution for de-escalation, there will be costs (media)
• Stoltenberg: Situation in Kosovo demonstrates importance of NATO-EU cooperation (Koha)
• Charles Michel supports Rama’s idea for an international conference (RTK)
• Svecla: Kosovo’s borders are being protected better than ever before (media)
• Scholz calls for new elections in the municipalities of northern Kosovo (DW, media)
• Svecla: Vucic is a chronic liar; his son was stopped only once (Koha)
• Explosive device thrown at KP in north, a static point/container burned (Express)
• Abdixhiku: We’ll soon present LDK plan to overcome isolation and crisis (media)
• Haradinaj: Government should listen to Secretary Blinken’s advice (media)
• Weapons and licence plates of Novi Pazar in North Mitrovica confiscated (Kallxo)
Serbian Language Media:
• Situation in northern Kosovo calm but tense, Patriarch Porfirije visits Pec Patriarchate (RTS)
• Serbian List reacts to Kurti’s visit to north (Radio KIM, media)
• Molliqaj: Kosovo police arrested Serbs without court order (Kosovo Online)
• Pristina declared “Northern Brigade” and “Civil Protection” as “terrorist organisations” (KiM radio, Danas)
• Arsenijevic: “Civil Protection” and “Northern Brigade” do not exist in the north of Kosovo (KiM radio)
• NGOs Aktiv and KIPRED published report on institutional responses to incidents targeting non-majority communities in Kosovo (media, social media)
• Pyrotechnic device with “inflammable material” thrown at police kiosk in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)
• Kosovo special police pursued a car in Mitrovica North, disturbing local residents (KoSSev)
• Vucic says guns pointed at his son, his jersey was not taken off (Kosovo Online, social media)
• Lawyer: The Pristina court extended Dusan Obrenovic’s detention for another two months (NMagazin, Beta, Kosovo Online)
• The EU demands de-escalation in northern Kosovo, warns of negative consequences (Radio Mitrovica sever, RTS)
• A new international conference on Kosovo? (Danas, FoNet)
• Ilazi: Equating protests with criminal gangs means you don’t know the situation in the north (KiM radio)
International:
• BIRN Presents ‘Telco Accountability Research Using Ranking Digital Rights Methodology’ (Balkan Insight)
• Balkan Mobile Users Roam Freely – Unless They’re in Kosovo (BIRN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 29, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Kosovo government responds to EU on penalty measures (media)
EU leaders: Failure to de-escalate tensions will have consequences (RTK)
U.S. administration shares Congress’ concerns on tensions in north Kosovo (VoA)
Kurti visited the north of Kosovo on Wednesday (media)
Osmani: There’s a solution for the north; we are contacting internationals (RTK)
Kurti concludes his visit to London: I met the supporters of Kosovo (RTK)
Lajcak: Kurti and Vucic agreed on elections, but not on extension (media)
Stoltenberg: Kosovo and Serbia must return to dialogue (media)
KFOR calls for de-escalation, reiterates its mission (RTK)
Palokaj: Albania is joining the dance for Kosovo’s isolation (Koha)
Police stop Vucic’s son to remove his jersey with anti-Kosovo slogans (media)
Hate speech against Albanians and calls for Vucic’s resignation (RFE)
Serbian Language Media:
Lajcak: Vucic and Kurti agreed on new elections, Blinken and Von der Leyen deal with solving the crisis (Euronews Serbia)
Vucic: Many difficulties await us in Kosovo (N1, Beta)
Petkovic: West united in condemning Kosovo’s Kurti (N1, RTS, Beta)
Patriarch in Gracanica on St.Vitus: Kosovo is a holy land where there is room for everyone and for every type of prayer (KoSSev)
Gathering for Kosovo Serbs in central Belgrade (N1)
Pasalic: St. Vitus determined the path and destiny of the Serbian people throughout history (NMagazin, Beta)
Journalist Svetlana Vukmirovic’s appeal on the ban on entering Kosovo rejected (KiM radio, UNS)
The Serbian National Council invite individuals and parties to participate in its constitution (KiM radio)
Trajkovic: Excessive caution spreads defeatism and apathy among our people (KoSSev)
International Media:
Kosovo Convicts Wartime Guerrilla of Kidnapping Suspected Collaborator (BIRN)
EU warns of punitive measures against Kosovo (European Western Balkans)
Belgrade Media Report 27 June
LOCAL PRESS
• Protest of Serbs in the north of KiM to continue today; No traditional gathering for st Vitus day (RTS)
• Defense Minister: Security situation complex, we will protect Serbs in Kosovo (Novosti)
• Borrell: New measures if the situation does not calm down (RTS)
• Blinken to Vucic: US supports European plan (N1)
• Lajcak: EU’S expectations of Pristina, Belgrade clear (Beta)
• U.S. Senators expressed concern about the worsening situation in the north of KiM (Tanjug)
• UK calls on Kosovo to stabilize situation in the north (FoNet)
• OSCE Chairman welcomes release of Kosovo police officers, calling for implementation of OSCE roadmap (Beta)
• Orban: Decision to release Kosovo police officers clear evidence of strategic cooperation between Serbia and Hungary (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RSNA will discuss law on non-application of decisions of CC of B&H in urgent procedure on Tuesday; Stevandic: If Proposal Law is adopted under urgent procedures, then will not be able to abolish decisions we adopt in RSNA, especially decisions on property (O kanal)
• Media carry details of proposal of Law on Non-Application of B&H CC’s Decisions in RS (Nezavisne)
• RS Government: Law on non-application of B&H CC’s decisions in accordance with RS Constitution and RS legal system (Vecernji list)
• RS President Dodik says legislation can last for a month, a year, or it can be permanent, and it will stay in force until B&H Parliament adopts law on B&H CC (N1)
• Dodik: US attempts to transform political system in B&H, Schmidt has not been appointed by any international institution (ATV)
• Heated debate on agenda of FB&H House of Peoples’ session, FB&H Government requests postponing item on set of laws on energy (BHT1)
Croatia
• EU foreign ministers meet in Luxembourg to discuss the war in Ukraine (HRT)
Montenegro
• DIK: No conditions for announcing final parliamentary elections results (MINA)
• Mugosa explains why the final election results cannot be announced (RTCG)
• In the European Parliament on Montenegro: A stable pro-European government and an EU-oriented majority are necessary (RTCG)
North Macedonia
• SDSM executive board decides to resume dialogue with VMRO-DPMNE over constitutional amendments (MIA)
Grubi – Terlecki: North Macedonia should use momentum for EU membership (MIA)
• Polish support for a quicker EU accession of North Macedonia (MIA)
• Borrell: No obstacles for N. Macedonia’s EU integration, bilateral issues will not be binding (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Kosovo and Serbia should return to dialogue, they cannot hold in hostage the entire region (Radio Tirana)
• Rama in Brussels, meeting with the President of the European Council, Michel (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi in Israel, the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of defense and security is signed (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 27, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: I call on Serbia to cease its incitements to violence before lives are lost (media)
• Von der Leyen talks to Kurti, requests de-escalation and return to dialogue (media)
• Borrell thanks Rama for engaging in dialogue: Happy to work with you on this issue (Klan)
• Osmani: I am in Podgorica to reaffirm Kosovo’s peace efforts (RTK)
• Atic reacts to hand grenade attack: “organised terrorist attack” (media)
• Rama: Kurti and Vucic should not leave next conference without an agreement (Klan)
• Serbian reporter seeks help from KP, says he was assaulted at Gazivoda Lake (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• The Vidovdan declaration read in Gracanica and Mitrovica (RTS)
• Vucevic: Security situation complex, we will protect Serbs in Kosovo (Beta, Vecernje Novosti, N1)
• Vucic: Everybody knows who wishes war at any cost, Serbia does not want it (Kosovo Online)
• Serbs gathering today in North Mitrovica, Gracanica on St. Vitus; a declaration expected (Kosovo Online, Blic)
• Drecun: I do not rule out new provocations by Pristina (Kosovo Online, TV Pink)
International:
• Bajrami: Our strategic orientation is Euro-Atlantic integration. We have no doubts about this (Diplomatic World Institute)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 27, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Kurti, Blinken agree on regular communication for purpose of peace (media)
Borrell: Ready for new measures if situation in north does not deescalate (media)
Varhelyi welcomes release of three Kosovo policemen (media)
UK asks Kosovo to de-escalate the situation in the north (media)
Kurti informs British MPs on constructive engagement in the dialogue (RTK)
8 U.S. senators call on Biden to take measures against Kosovo and Serbia if there is no de-escalation (Koha)
Krasniqi: New elections can’t be organized in north without Referendum Law (Koha)
Explosion at Mitrovica North municipal building, two police cars damaged (Telegrafi)
Serbian Language Media:
Protests of Serbs in northern Kosovo continues, without traditional gathering for Saint Vitus Day (RTS)
Vucic talks to Blinken, tells him Serbia acts seriously, while Kosovo police arbitrarily arrest Serbs (RTS, media)
Belgrade liaison officer report on treatment of Serb detainees in Gnjilane prison (KoSSev)
Hill: We now expect additional efforts to further de-escalate situation (media)
Vlajic: Appeal to decision on detention measure for Dragisa Milenkovic from Kisnica filed (Kosovo Online, media)
Grenell on release of three Kosovo special police officers (Kosovo Online, social media)
International Media:
Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Kosovan Prime Minister Kurti, 26 June 2023 (gov.uk)
Serbia releases three detained Kosovo policemen, easing crisis (Reuters)
Serbian court releases three Kosovo police officers charged with illegal possession of weapons (euronews)
Serbia releases detained Kosovo police officers (DW)
Serbia releases three captured Kosovo police officers (24 France)
Serbia frees Kosovo police officers but tensions persist (Politico)
Kosovo more than a local flareup (European Leadership Network)
Belgrade Media Report 26 June 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 26 June 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• The court in Kraljevo confirmed the indictment against Kurti’s special forces, detention terminated, policemen released (RTS)
• Vucic: Kurti does not want ZSO, he wants war and conflict, I will meet with Serbs from KiM (RTS; Pink TV)
• Director of the Office for KiM Petkovic, addresses the public regarding the latest developments in the north of KiM (Tanjug)
• Mojsilovic urgently: If the army receives orders, it will carry it out fully (B92)
• Borrell: EU will not tolerate alarming situation, escalation in northern Kosovo (AA)
• Lajcak: I had productive talks in Washington about the situation in the north of the KiM (RTV)
• Drecun: The goal of Kurti is that the Serbs do not live in KiM at all (RTS)
• Serbia’s FM: I’m surprised Russia let the paramilitary become this important (FoNet)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RSNA Collegium session on Monday to determine agenda and date of 8th emergency RSNA session (ATV)
Dodik: RSNA will make decisions on the Constitutional Court of B&H which will be respected (BHT1)
• Crnadak: Main precondition for taking any RSNA law or conclusion seriously, is for past decisions to be implemented first (Nezavisne)
• Cvijanovic says Crnadak is trying to avoid voting in RSNA on B&H CC, veto raised in B&H Presidency (Nezavisne)
• Dodik: Nobody will arrest anyone from RS leadership for defending RS; Kosarac slams Helez (Dnevni avaz)
• OHR: Acts that the RSNA will discuss, but also already adopted laws, are attempts at undermining the integrity of B&H and weakening its institutions (Nezavisne)
• US Ambassador Murphy accuses Covic of blockade of Southern Natural Gas Interconnection, daily wonders if this will accelerate things or maybe new sanctions will be imposed (Dnevni list)
• Dodik supports Putin in his efforts to preserve peace and internal stability in Russia and restore order in military and other force (RTRS)
• Hungarian PM Orban concludes visit to RS; RTRS argues RS-Hungary relations are based on understanding and respect; Unlike majority of EU, Budapest understands situation in Western Balkans (RTRS)
Croatia
• Officials in region concerned about Serbia-Kosovo relations (N1)
• Prime minister on first visit to Serbia (HRT)
Montenegro
• Thimonier: Judiciary appointments a prerequisite for real progress towards the EU (MINA)
• Milatovic to host: Osmani, Dacic, Plenkovic, Varhelyi arrive in Montenegro (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Kyuchyuk: Constitutional amendments in Macedonian parliament in two weeks (MIA)
• Drexler: Corruption and organized crime deserve more attention in coming weeks (MIA)
Albania
• Rama from Brussels: The release of the policemen from Serbia, delayed but good news; Begin de-escalation immediately (Radio Tirana)
• Rama letter Macron and Scholz: Implement the Franco-German plan. Albania is at risk from the Kosovo-Serbia tension (Radio Tirana)
• Prime Minister Rama to meet with the EC President in Brussels (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 23, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 26, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• The three Kosovo policemen released from Serbian prison (media)
• Kurti: Despite the joy, Serbia’s serious offense must be reprimanded (media)
• Osmani thanks the USA for releasing the policemen (Koha)
• Svecla after release of policemen: Serbia continues to play its games (media)
• The EU considers the release of the policemen as a de-escalation step (Albanian Post)
• Krasniqi welcomes release of policemen, “now time to defuse tensions in north” (media)
• Rama: Release of Kosovo police officers paves way to de-escalation (media)
• Bujar Osmani welcomes release of three Kosovo policemen (media)
• Kearns: Release took too far, without evident repercussions for Serbian govt (Telegrafi)
• Hungary takes the credit for the release of Kosovo policemen from Serbia (Koha)
• Rama in Brussels with a new proposal for reach of Kosovo-Serbia agreement (RTK)
• Kosovo and Iowa sign agreement to further cooperation (Radio Free Europe)
• Kurti meets Foreign Secretary Cleverly in London (media)
• The new EULEX chief takes office (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Belgrade liaison officer report on Serb detainees in Podujevo and Gnjilane prisons (KoSSev)
• Court in Kraljevo confirmed indictment and released Kosovo police officers pending trial (Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic: A judicial, not a political decision – we will fight for the release of all arrested Serbs (Radio Mitrovica sever, Tanjug)
• House of Miladinovic family in Donja Brnjica robbed (Radio KIM)
• Wigemark: People in north feel unsafe, urgent de-escalation and new elections needed (Kosovo Online)
• Drecun: Situation in northern Kosovo can only be defused by withdrawal of special units and cessation of arrests (Tanjug, RTV, RTS)
• Serbian Ombudsman: All acts of maltreatment and torture against arrested Serbs in Kosovo to be investigated (Kosovo Online)
• Antonijevic: Torture of detained Serbs from the north is an alarm for everyone (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, Twitter)
• Varhelyi welcomes release of three Kosovo police officers (Kosovo Online, social media)
Opinion:
• Zoran Ostojic: Serbs in Kosovo are hostages of the West’s struggle against “Greater Albania” (KiM radio, medijacentar.info)
International:
• Serbia releases 3 Kosovo police officers whose arrest fueled tensions between the Balkan foes (AP)
• Serbia Releases Three Seized Kosovo Policemen (Balkan Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 26, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Kurti: Amount of armament indicates size of the planned action (RTK)
Svecla: “Civil Defense” and “North Brigade” should be declared terrorist organizations (media)
KFOR and EULEX were present when the arsenal was found in north (Klan)
Svecla reacts to suspicion that officer published video of an arrested person (Kallxo)
Claims of mistreatment of arrested Serbs, EULEX: We’re monitoring 108 cases (Nacionale)
Lajcak lists EU demands for Kurti and Vucic (media)
Wigemark: Criminality in north concerning; no other long-term solution but dialogue (AP)
British MP criticizes West for “unfair approach” to the Kosovo-Serbia crisis (Klan)
Rama in Brussels in Brussels today, to meet Charles Michel (Albanian Post)
Abazovic: Turkey’s mediating role, very important (Klan)
Congressman Torres: EU dialogue weaponized against Kosovo (euronews.al)
Mother and her young child died after Kosovo floods (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Vucic: Kurti does not want ZSO but war and conflict, weapons in Zvecan planted by Kosovo authorities (RTS, N1)
Petkovic about Zvecan case: Special units planted explosive in order to arrest Serbs, BIA informed foreign services (KoSSev)
Serbian List says Pristina constantly attempts to criminalize entire north (Kosovo Online, social media)
Petkovic: Nemanja Orlovic arrested in Mitrovica North on Friday without court order (KoSSev, Kosovo Online, media)
Belgrade liaison officer: Arrested Serbs brutally mistreated by Kosovo police (RTS, Novosti)
Memorial service on Saint Vitus Day to be served in Gracanica, instead of Gazimestan, because of security concerns (media, social media)
Bishop Teodosije met KFOR commander, expressed concerns over escalation of tensions (Radio kontakt plus, social media)
Rados Petrovic arrested in Zvecan released on bail (Kosovo Online, N1, media)
Serbian military chief: We demand KFOR’s immediate reaction to protect Serbs (N1, media)
International Media:
Police seize multiple weapons in northern Kosovo (TVP)
Serbia again threatens armed intervention in Kosovo as tension escalates (AP)
The race for Balkan influence amid Serbia-Kosovo tensions (Arab News)
Serb Official Accuses Kosovo Police Of ‘Planting’ Weapons In Restive North (RFE)
Kosovo PM wants to drag Serbia into open war with NATO: President (TRTWorld)
Kosovo Arrests Another Suspect for Attacks on KFOR (BIRN)
Serbia army chief urges NATO, international agencies to protect Kosovo Serbs (Reuters)
Serbian army commander urges NATO to increase protections to minority Serbs in Kosovo (Jurist)
NATO-led peacekeepers guard medieval monastery in Kosovo (Yahoo)
Serbia Threatens Military Intervention in Kosovo, Calls on NATO to Protect Serb Minority (Bloomberg)
LINKS
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UN News Center
From Google News- Serb majority in N.Kosovo shuns vote on ethnic Albanian mayors - San Francisco Examiner 29/04/2024Serb majority in N.Kosovo shuns vote on ethnic Albanian mayors San Francisco Examiner
- Ex-Slovenian President plans to revive Kosovo-Serbia dialogue - Türkiye Newspaper 29/04/2024Ex-Slovenian President plans to revive Kosovo-Serbia dialogue Türkiye Newspaper
- Slovenia President Backs Predecessor as New Kosovo-Serbia Envoy - Prishtina Insight 29/04/2024Slovenia President Backs Predecessor as New Kosovo-Serbia Envoy Prishtina Insight
- Serb majority in N.Kosovo shuns vote on ethnic Albanian mayors - San Francisco Examiner 29/04/2024
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