Belgrade Media Report 23 June

By OSCPA S  /  23/06/2023  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 23 June

LOCAL PRESS
• Another Serb arrested; Office for KiM: Kurti shows that he does not want to ease the tensions (RTS)
• Borrell spoke with Kurti and Vucic in Brussels (RTS, N1)
• Borrell: I told the leaders – de-escalation must happen immediately and unconditionally (Dnevnik)
• Moscow: The West is escalating the situation in KiM, only a responsible approach by Belgrade allows peace to be maintained (RTS)
• Grenell in North Mitrovica: Meeting with representatives of Serbs in KiM (Novosti)
• Economy Minister: I am being dismissed for requesting sanctions against Russia (Danas)
• At the request of Dacic and Markovic, Minister Rade Basta was dismissed (B92)
• Hill: Great to see Serbian and American forces working side by side (FoNet)
• Croatian PM Plenkovic arrived in Belgrade (B92)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Hungarian PM Viktor Orban arrives in two-day visit to B&H; Kristo informs him of current situation in B&H (Nova BH)
• B&H Presidency members thank Orban for support to EU Council’s decision to grant candidate status for B&H (Nezavisne)
• Becirovic told Orban that Dodik is a threat to the peace in the region (Hayat)
• Orban holds meeting with Niksic; Discuss strengthening of economic cooperation (FTV)
• Hungarian delegation led by Orban visits Banja Luka to meet RS officials (BHT, N1)
• Cvijanovic announces veto on regional agreements on free movement after being outvoted in B&H Presidency regarding foreign policy (ATV)
• Dodik: Cvijanovic’s veto is responsible move; Other comments (ATV)
• Dodik: RSNA’s decision on non-publication of HR’s documents shows RS’ determination to defend its rights as well as the unity of authorities and opposition (ATV)
• Dodik: If B&H CC fails to change its latest decision by noon Friday, RSNA session will be scheduled same day to adopt law on termination of validity and publication of the B&H CC’s decision and on protection of persons who may be prosecuted for that (ATV)
• Becirovic asks Schmidt to sanction Dodik for continuous anti-Dayton and anti-constitutional activities (Nova BH)
• Cvijanovic: It is high time for Becirovic to stop endangering BiH and undermining internal dialogue (ATV)
• Dodik: Becirovic should resign for moral and political reasons (Glas Srpske)
• SDA calls out Office of the High Representative over lack of concrete reaction to decisions of RS National Assembly (FTV)
• US Embassy in B&H says that latest statements and actions of RS President Milorad Dodik are hypocritical and contribute to destabilization (N1)
• UK Embassy accuses RS authorities of undermining Dayton Peace Agreement and integrity of B&H (Klix.ba)
• Office of RS President says US Ambassador to B&H Michael Murphy and US Embassy in B&H are undermining B&H and Dayton Agreement (RTRS)
• B&H Presidency member Cvijanovic blocks participation of B&H FS in new NATO mission in Iraq, RS President Dodik says B&H will no longer cooperate with NATO (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• Plenkovic to visit Serbia for the first time in his prime ministerial mandate (Hina)
Montenegro
• Stoltenberg: NATO in Kosovo impartial, presence based on UN mandate (N1)
• Milatovic invited Stoltenberg to Montenegro: An opportunity to honor the innocent victims of 1999 (CDM)
• Stoltenberg thanks Djukanovic for his commitment to NATO (CDM)
• Milatovic: We are ready to complete the necessary reforms, we expect progress on the European path (CDM)
• Rising Reinke: Form the government as soon as possible,” For the future of Montenegro” is not our partner (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Not only would I resign, but I would also consider it my greatest defeat, says PM about US blacklist (MIA)
• Osmani: DUI demands comprehensive investigation into US allegations on Merko, his party functions frozen (MIA)
• Aggeler: Institutions to decide if they take action, Merko’s name not only one (Telma)
• Osmani: Should launch debate over constitutional changes instead of politicizing them (MIA)
• All responsible for constitutional revision, not giving up on dialogue: Deputy PM (MIA)
• Osmani: Let’s not repeat mistakes from 20 years ago – let’s enter EU before accession (MIA)
• Aggeler: Country leadership must find way to take right path, US to provide support (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: No room for real progress, unless the three officers are released (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka, numerous meetings at the Conference on the Recovery of Ukraine in London (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 22 June

By OSCPA S  /  23/06/2023  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 22 June

LOCAL PRESS

• Serbs continue their protests, goods from central Serbia still cannot go to KiM (RTS)
• Escobar: We asked Vucic to remove troops from the border and encourage the Serbs to return without setting conditions, he agreed to both (FoNet)
• Vucic: I’m going to Brussels, but I won’t talk to Kurti (RTS)
• Borrell with Vucic and Kurti separately in a series of meetings (Beta)
• At the summit in Brussels, EU leaders will condemn the violence in the north of KiM and call for immediate de-escalation (RTS)
• Kosovo’s Kurti addresses Kosovo citizens in Serbian via Facebook (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Cvijanovic outvoted at B&H Presidency session on one point from domain of foreign policy (RTRS)
• RSNA adopts 10 conclusions: Serbs representatives to leave BiH institutions if Law on B&H CC is not adopted (RTRS)
• RSNA MPs adopted Draft Law on Amendments to Law on Publication of Laws and Other Regulations of RS; Decisions of OHR and Schmidt not to be published in RS Official Gazette (RTRS)
• Dodik: RS cannot cooperate with High Representative in B&H, because he currently does not exist (O kanal)
• Reactions to RSNA Session/RS Stances on B&H CC (BHT1, Nova BH)
• Slovenian top officials issue joint statement on occasion of marking of anniversary of EU-Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki: Western Balkan countries that want to join EU can count on Slovenia (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Military helicopter crashes in Dalmatian hinterland (N1)
• Banozic: We expect an investigation into the crash of the Hungarian helicopter soon (HRT)
Montenegro
• Election results won’t be announced within legal deadline, by 26 June (RTCG)
• Abazovic: Montenegro unreservedly stands by the Ukrainian people (CDM)
North Macedonia
• FM Osmani at Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, reaffirms support as response to common security challenges (MIA)
• Escobar: US State Department’s decision on Merko to aid Gov’t in fight against corruption (MIA)
• N. Macedonia grateful for three decades of UK support, Osmani tells King Charles III (MIA)
• FM meets Azeri, Moldovan counterparts in London (MIA)
• President Pendarovski meets delegation of France’s Parliamentary Friendship Group (MIA)
• Spasovski – Predoiu: Continuing together for a safer Europe (MIA)
Albania
• Rama in Tel Aviv, visiting the company known for cyber security (Radio Tirana)
• Ambassador Kim: Justice reform and eradication of corruption, request of the USA! Proud of Albania’s progress (Radio Tirana)
• Meeting on the implementation of the National Strategy for Migration (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 21 June

By OSCPA S  /  21/06/2023  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 21 June

LOCAL PRESS

• Peaceful night in Kosovo, citizens continue to gather in front of municipalities in the north (RTS)
• Petkovic: There was no kidnapping, an absolute lie by Kurti and Gervala (RTS)
• Bishop Teodosije: Arrests, threats and abuse of arrested Serbs lead to an even greater conflict (RTS)
• Lajcak: The Kosovo issue should be resolved by the end of the year; Escobar: The crisis in Kosovo has the potential to become a regional conflict (RTS)
• Biden ordered: Extend the state of emergency; The Balkans poses threat to the USA (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: I am asking you, dear friends from the EU, to help us preserve the peace (RTS)
• Vucic: We can always count on the support of Cuba; Diaz-Canel: We want to improve economic ties (RTS)
• Dacic: Gratitude to Algeria for not recognizing the unilaterally declared independence of KiM (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS institutions representatives and ruling coalition party leaders hold meeting on B&H CC’s decision, demand from B&H CC to reverse its decision until noon Friday (Nova BH)
• Opposition leaders fail to attend Dodik’s meeting; Milicevic: There is no B&H CC without Serb judges (BN TV)
• Tegeltija says B&H CC’s latest decision changes nature and character of this institution (Nezavisne)
• FB&H HoR Commission on Election and Appointment postpones session to discuss appointment of B&H CC judge (Nova BH)
• Ambassadors Sattler and Murphy stress importance of having most competent people in B&H Constitutional Court (Nova BH)
• RS Govt discusses amendments to law on publishing laws that stipulate decisions of HR not to be published by Official Gazette of RS (RTRS)
• US Embassy: By refusing to publish High Representative’s decisions in RS Official Gazette, RS is violating its obligations under Dayton Peace Agreement (Dnevni avaz)
• Zvizdic: We are ready to submit a motion to the Constitutional Court of B&H (FTV)
• Orban to pay visit to RS on Thursday and Friday (RTRS)
• B&H CoM and Croatian Government hold joint session in Zagreb, discuss cooperation and open issues between two countries; Minister Kosarac expresses concern over Croatia’s position on Trgovska Gora (Nova BH)
Croatia
• PM: Bosnian and Croatian governments’ joint session will boost bilateral ties (Hina)
Montenegro
• Six years have passed – Montenegro has not closed a single EU chapter (RSE)
• Report of the European Parliament: List to be implemented by the end of the year in accordance with EU standards (RTCG)
North Macedonia
• Osmani: All parties to work towards de-escalation of situation in Kosovo (MIA)
• Osmani in London: Stable and prosperous region in United Kingdom’s focus (MIA)
• Government endorses text of EC agreement on North Macedonia-Serbia cross-border cooperation programme (MIA)
• U.S. designates Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko for significant corruption (MIA)
• Aggeler: United States to continue to call out anyone who undermines rule of law (MIA)
Albania
• DoS supports Albanian Police’s action in Mujahideen camp (ADN)
• MEK’s violence against the Police is unjustified, we have offered them everything according to the agreement (Radio Tirana)
• E.U.-Western Balkans Summit of Thessaloniki/ Twenty Years of Hopes and Dreams (Radio Tirana)

Belgrade Media Report 20 June 2023

By OSCPA M  /  20/06/2023  /  UN Office in Belgrade Media Report  /  Comments Off on Belgrade Media Report 20 June 2023

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 20 June 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Orban: We see what is being done to Serbs in Kosovo (B92)
• Hungary “defended” Serbia (Tanjug)
• Vucic calls for release of Kosovo Serbs before crisis meeting (B92)
• Protest march in northern Kosovo in support of arrested Serbs (N1)
• Odalovic: KFOR must order the withdrawal of special units from northern Kosovo (RTS)
• Truck drivers from Jarinje and locals blocked the Kosovska Mitrovica-Raska road (RTS)
• Stoltenberg: Belgrade and Pristina to cease escalating, return to dialogue (Beta)
• Grenell: A plan has been made for the NATO troops to withdraw from Kosovo (Kosovo online)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Constitutional Court of B&H changes rule on postponing sessions if there are not enough judges, condemns political pressure exerted on judge Knezevic (O kanal)
• Cvijanovic: B&H Constitutional Court has undermined its own constitutional position and purpose (RTRS)
• Dodik’s Advisor Tegeltija: Constitutional Court of B&H struck at the foundations of the Dayton Peace Agreement (RTRS)
• Konakovic: Dodik’s opposition to appointment of new judges from the RS to B&H CC causes the most damage to RS citizens (BN TV)
• Dodik reacts to Konakovic’s criticism of him (ATV)
• Schmidt: Parties to Annex 10 of Dayton Peace Agreement, including RS, have obligation to fully cooperate with High Representative (BN TV)
• Russian Embassy to B&H reacts to OHR’s statement (RTRS)
• Ambassadors Sattler and Murphy to meet FB&H officials on Tuesday and hold political dialogue (Dnevni avaz)
• UN coordinator: We are worried that hate speech in Bosnia goes unpunished (Fena)
• B&H CoM and Croatian Government to hold joint session Tuesday in Zagreb; Minister Konakovic: Session will not resolve issues, nor it will be historic, but it clearly indicates willingness to open some topics (Nova BH)
Croatia
• Presidency of Croatian HDZ discusses upcoming joint session of B&H CoM and Croatian Government; Grlic Radman reminds Croatia strongly supports B&H’s EU path (HRT)
Montenegro
• Janovic: We won’t support minority government or some other experiments – either we are in government, or we’ll be constructive opposition (CDM)
• Milatovic and Maddocks: It is necessary to form a stable government as soon as possible (CDM)
• Abazovic with Maddocks and Gerasimenko on the eve of the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine: Montenegro is a recognized and valued partner (CDM)
• Milatovic spoke with Gerasimenko: Montenegro will continue to support Ukraine (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Spasovski: Prespa Forum takeaway – dialogue solves problems (MIA)
• Mickoski: No constitutional changes under Bulgarian dictate, elections only way out of political crisis (MIA)
• Marichikj: Mickoski’s demands within scope of negotiating framework worth contemplating (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Leaders’ meeting a good basis to take next step and make right decisions (MIA)
• Crvenkovski promotes initiative for Western Balkans’ access to European single market (MIA)
• Xhaferi – Norlen: Accession a benefit for future, not a return to past (MIA)
• Osmani and Cleverly discuss British support, North Macedonia’s European file (MIA)
Albania
• The EU-Albania Stabilization-Association Parliamentary Committee meets in Tirana (Radio Tirana)