Belgrade Media Report 25 Ju
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 25 July 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: Serbia appreciates Suriname’s de-recognition of so-called Kosovo (RTS/Tanjug/Politika)
• Brnabic: There have never been plans to privatise EPS (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orlic in Tehran at meetings with Iranian Ministers (RTV/Tanjug)
• Drecun: Pristina laying groundwork for further escalation (TV Pink)
• Vucevic thanks Angola for its firm position regarding Serbia’s territorial integrity (Beta/Politika)
• Office for KiM: Erden Atic continues to behave as occupation manager (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)
• Djuric: Kurti politically unwelcome in Washington (TV Happy)
• Russian Foreign Intelligence Service calls US sanctions against Vulin act of aggression against Serbia (RIA Novosti/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Meeting of B&H ruling coalition held (RTRS/BHT1)
• Proposed Law on Freedom of Access to Information in B&H Institutions causes heated debate at B&H HoR’s session (O Kanal)
• Zvizdic sends parliamentary initiative requesting establishment of Supreme Court of B&H (FTV)
• Dodik, Cvijanovic meet newly-appointed ambassadors and consuls generals of B&H from RS (RTRS/Glas Srpske)
Montenegro
• Martinovic: Veljovic suspected of having given information to Aleksandar Mrkic (CdM)
• Montenegro in the EU: View through a window (which is about to close) (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski to elaborate proposal for constitutional changes before Committee on Constitutional Affairs (MIA)
• Position against constitutional changes under Bulgarian dictate supported, says Mickoski after meeting MP group (MIA)
• Grubi: DUI to leave government once constitutional amendments adopted (Kanal 5)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 25, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 25, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti to meet the German emissary Sarrazin today (media)
• EU on Bislimi’s condition for elections in north: To be announced as soon as possible (Express)
• Szunyog and Abdixiku talk about situation in north and fight in Assembly (RTK)
• New policemen from communities, 45 of them Serb, start work in the north (Koha)
• Threats against Serb policemen who have just started serving in KP begin (Kosovapress)
• The Czech Republic appoints an ambassador to Kosovo for the first time (RTK)
• Kusari-Lila warns of criminal charges against Simic and media that published recordings (Koha)
• AAK asks opposition to support motion to overthrow government (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• “Unfortunately for Kurti, truth is slightly different” – Danas interlocutors on his statement that Serbs in Kosovo live better than those in Serbia (Danas)
• Arsenijevic reacts to Kurti’s interview for Vecernji list (social media)
• Haradinaj: After US sanctions on Vulin, Kurti fears he can become next (Radio KIM, BETA)
• Drecun: Pristina laying groundwork for further escalation (Tanjug)
• Vucic receives credentials of seven new ambassadors (Tanjug)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 25, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Bislimi: Elections in north shouldn’t be announced until penalty measures lifted (media)
Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry does not permit Petkovic visit (media)
War veterans suspend opposition to minimum wage law pending Court decision (Koha)
Kurti on wildfires in Greece: Our government ready to assist any way we can (media)
Osmani: Austria remains an important ally of Kosovo (RTK)
Products from Serbia being replaced with products from other countries in region (Koha)
Feith: U.S. is losing patience with Kosovo (Teve1)
Serbian Language Media:
N.Mitrovica Municipality, with police assistance, halts construction of at least one more building (KoSSev)
Office for KiM: Mitrovica mayor halts social projects because beneficiaries are Serbs (Kosovo Online, Novi Magazin)
Brnabic: Serbia to boost cooperation with Suriname in all fields (Tanjug)
Dacic thanks Al-Maliki for principled stance of Palestine on Kosovo (media)
New Kosovo police officers join service (KoSSev)
Pieter Feith: US losing patience with Pristina (Tanjug)
Belgrade Media Report 24 July 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 24 July 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Brnabic: Suriname is the first country to have suspended recognition of unilaterally declared Kosovo (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Redefinition of decisions by certain countries on unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo began with de-recognition by Suriname (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic receives farewell visit from UAE Ambassador (RTS/Tanjug)
• Orlic in Tehran with Iranian President: Principled stand on non-recognition of Kosovo (RTV/Tanjug)
• Orlic with Iranian speaker (RTV/Tanjug)
• Office for KiM: Pristina bans Petkovic to attend commemoration of anniversary of murder in Staro Gracko (RTS)
• Brnabic: Inquiry Committee abolished based on request from victims’ families (N1)
• Lajcak compares April elections north of Kosovo to ‘land mine’ (Kurier/FoNet)
• Boskovic: Formation, arming of army of Kosovo a consequence of Brussels agreement (Beta)
• Joseph: Sanctions against Vulin turning point (Demostat/Beta)
• Arrested Kosovo Serb released from detention (Tanjug/RTV)
• 12th Serbia Against Violence protest held in Belgrade (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Cvijanovic says she suspects that B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in falsification of document sent to her by Guterres (RTRS)
• Media in RS carried comments to ‘diplomatic scandal’ and failure to deliver Guterres’ letter to Cvijanovic; Carried comments of RS politicians and analysts (RTRS)
• Dodik: Guterres is not competent to interpret Dayton Agreement, but his answer confirmed that Schmidt was not appointed as High Representative (RTRS/BHT1)
• Dodik: B&H must return to DPA’s foundation (ATV)
• RS opposition leaders announce they will continue united and strong political struggle against RS regime (BNTV)
• Minister Nesic to Minister Helez: You are fascinated by Dodik, if you want to wage war go to Afghanistan, Syria (Dnevni list)
Montenegro
• Veselin Veljovic arrested (TV Vijesti/CdM)
• Radonjic: Veljovic and three other people suspected of creating criminal organization, abuse of office and smuggling (CdM)
• Begovic: Election of supreme state prosecutor with full term in office crucial for continuation of reforms (Dan/MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi: Future solution can only be worse, to conclude constitutional changes for future generations (MRT/MIA)
Albania
• President Begaj visits Pustec together with Pendarovski (Radio Tirana)
• UK Home Secretary congratulates Balla on his new role as Interior Minister. Focus, boosting cooperation on illegal immigrants (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 24, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 24, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Norway is and remains our important partner (RTK)
• Sinani: A silent ethnic cleansing is taking place in the Valley (RTK)
• Interior ministers of Kosovo and Albania visit Vermice border crossing (media)
• AAK meets with representatives of associations emerging from war (media)
• Baraliu: 25 strange conditions on Kosovo’s path to the EU (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Iranian President says his country to continue respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia (N1)
• Dacic: Retractions of Kosovo recognitions started with Suriname (RTS)
• Djuric: Albin Kurti ‘persona non grata’ in political Washington (Tanjug)
• High US official said no one supported Kurti in his policy in northern Kosovo, his approach impaired relations (KoSSev)
• Drecun: Turkey’s behaviour indicates it will play significant role in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• Rasic: There are people interested to return to Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• Vucic receives group of Serb children from region (Tanjug)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Institutions do not take measures if family does not send child with disabilities to school (Klan)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 24, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Prime Minister Kurti’s interview for Vecernji List (media)
Lajcak describes meetings with leaders from Kosovo and Serbia (media)
AAK to hold new roundtable today on “grave political situation” (media)
Gap between opposition and government grows amid thirst for power (Koha)
Mustafa: Government can be ousted with a stronger opposition strategy (Kosovapress)
Demiri thanks European MP for “tireless engagement” in Kosovo’s processes (media)
Pristina University to have course on Roma language soon (Radio Free Europe)
Serbian Language Media:
Commemoration of Staro Gracko crime held, families still wait for justice (RTS, media)
Pristina authorities banned Petkovic from attending commemoration of Staro Gracko crime (RTS, Kosovo Online, Radio KIM)
Jevtic: “Plainclothes officials” filmed those present at Staro Gracko crime commemoration ceremony (Tanjug, Radio KIM)
EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak compares April elections north of Kosovo to “landmine“ (N1, FoNet)
US delivers 66 Humvee light armored vehicles to Serbian Army (N1)
Serb arrested at Jarinje on Friday released after making statement (RTS)
Belgrade Media Report 21 July 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 21 July 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic: Stoltenberg understands situation in Kosovo and Metohija (TV Pink)
• Vucevic: Arms acquired by Pristina flagrant violation of UNSCR 1244 (TV Prva)
• Petkovic: Pristina wants no de-escalation, Brussels meeting just a show to it (TV Pink)
• Finalising negotiations in field of free movement of people, capital, goods and services (Tanjug/RTV)
• Potential World Bank investments in science, innovation in Serbia (Tanjug)
• Belgian Wallonia delegation visits Serbia to check sources of military equipment exports (Beta)
• Hunger striker in parliament (N1)
• Unclear appointment procedures go in favor of (il)legal Schmidt (Blic)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Guterres replies to Cvijanovic’s letter: UN is not signatory of DPA and it is not member of PIC, which is the only relevant body for the appointment of HR in B&H (Klix.ba)
• OHR: It is clear that Schmidt has been HR for two years (N1)
• Cvijanovic: If this is true Guterres’ response, then it merely proves that UN is instrumentalized (Srna)
• Stevandic: Cvijanovic’s letter is diplomatic victory of the RS (RTRS)
• Lukic: UN should know that the appointment of HR is the exclusive right of UN Security Council prescribed by Annex 10 of DPA (RTRS)
• Lawyer Ognjen Tadic confirms that Guterres’ response to Cvijanovic is forgery (RTRS)
• Other legal experts comment on appointment of HR (N1/BHT1)
• Russian Embassy: Guterres’ response is confirmation Schmidt’s candidacy for post of HR was not approved (Srna)
• US Embassy: PIC is body that appoints the HR, UN SC’s approval is not needed (BHT1)
• RS parliament adopts proposal of amendments to RS Criminal Code defining defamation as criminal offense (BHT1/O Kanal/AJB/BNTV)
• EU, UN, CoE and OSCE issue joint statement condemning criminalization of defamation in RS (Klix.ba)
• US Embassy on adopting law criminalizing defamation: Those who introduced and supported this repressive legislation have moved RS one step further down path toward authoritarianism (BHT1)
• UK Embassy: Criminalization of defamation stifles freedom of speech (Oslobodjenje)
• Joint statement not signed after EU-B&H Stabilization and Association Council meeting in Brussels; Kristo says she expects B&H to open accession negotiations by end of year (O Kanal)
• Zakharova: Demonization of Serbs as genocidal people is unacceptable, contradicts international law (RTRS)
• European Council extends mandate of EUSR in B&H Sattler for one year (BHT1)
Montenegro
• Becic after meeting with Spajic: We accept PES’ principles, Montenegro should have strong, stable, reform government (CdM)
• Djelosaj after meeting with Spajic: Basis of everything is from government to be stable and as long-term as possible (CdM)
• Spajic ends meeting with SNP-Demos delegation; Jokovic: We reached high degree of accord on priorities and principles (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mickoski: Draft constitutional changes dramatically worsening country’s position, too late for consensus (MIA)
• Aggeler: What you achieve is what matters most, not what Radev says (MIA)
Albania
• President Begaj hosts a farewell meeting with Hohmann (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla receives Hohmann, Albania is advancing with fast and determined steps towards the EU (Radio Tirana)
• EC, Albania is estimated to have made progress towards membership (Radio Tirana)
• Tensions in the north of Kosova, Rama: EU to act for the implementation of the Basic Agreement! The region cannot become a hostage of the Kosova-Serbia crisis (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 21, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 21, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti says that Kosovo embodies the same values as the Council of Europe (RTK)
• Kurti: Kosovo is becoming a worthy partner for consolidation in NATO (Koha)
• AAK sent the Law on the minimum wage to the Constitutional Court (media)
• Hoti: Reporting to the Assembly, a constitutional obligation (RTK)
• Haradinaj suspects that PDK and LDK are serious about overthrowing government (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• Petkovic: Pristina does not wish de-escalation, meeting in Brussels only performance to them (Tanjug)
• Dacic: Stoltenberg understands situation in Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Vucic handed over eight documents to Stoltenberg on “Kurti’s terror against Serbs in Kosovo” (Kosovo Online, Novosti)
• DefMin: Pristina arming its forces (N1, BETA)
• Arsic: Kosovo authorities started direct attack on University, they promised us construction of a new building (Kosovo Online)
• Zaporozac: By banning school reconstruction in Mitrovica North, they ban our right to education (Kosovo Online)
• New team of Danish KFOR soldiers donates 8.000 euros to school in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)
• Vujovic on Escobar’s testimony in Congress: Too late for advice, Serbia can only do damage control (KoSSev)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 21, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Dialogue goes on “break” without implementation of Agreement (Koha)
PDK asks Court to rule on decision to hold Assembly session on July 13 (media)
Osmani meets Hovenier, discuss developments and dialogue process (media)
Haradinaj: We will not keep silent about situation Kurti has brought us in (Kosovapress)
Kadrijaj: When we secure vote from majority MPs, we’ll initiate no-confidence motion (KTV)
Krasniqi: Violence in the Assembly was a scenario of the Kurti government (RTV21, media)
Serwer: A well-briefed committee, but Administration isn’t listening (media)
U.S. Embassy hosts reporters and camera crews that reported from the north (media)
Mitrovica North stops constructions; Mayor: Laws must be respected (media)
Indictment against two Serbs for attacking reporters and KFOR soldiers (Kallxo)
Serbian Language Media:
Indictment raised against two Serbs arrested at Jarinje crossing point on May 31 (KoSSev, RTS, media)
Mitrovica North inspection department halts construction of projects financed by Serbia (KoSSev)
Serbian List: Kurti seizes Serbian land and bans reconstruction of social buildings and school in Mitrovica North (Kosovo Online)
Vucic discusses key national issues with Patriarch, Dodik (N1)
Milorad Djokovic pleaded not guilty for allegedly committed war crimes in Pec (RTS)
International Media:
Bislimi: EU Plan Gives More Attention to Serbia’s Demands Rather than Kosovo’s (BIRN)
Kosovo Serb Pleads Not Guilty to War Crime Charges (BIRN)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 20, 2023
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 20, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• Konjufca meets French President of the National Assembly Yawl Braun-Pivet (media)
• Stoltenberg: 93 KFOR troops were injured by the violence in the north (Klan)
• Szunyog: The EU’s priority is the de-escalation to the north (RTK)
• Hovenier: We support KSF as it transforms into territorial defence force interacting with NATO (media)
• Rama appeals to EU: We cannot allow north of Kosovo to become a small Donbas (media)
• Krasniqi meets Hovenier: Elections have no alternative (Express)
• Borrell extends Tomas Szunyog’s mandate as EU head in Kosovo for another year (Express)
• Milorad Djokovic’s trial for war crimes in Kosovo begins today (Koha)
• Specialized Chambers on summer break, KLA leaders’ trial continues in August (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucevic: We want dialogue with Pristina, not war (Radio KIM, Nova)
• Ledwidge at Thaci’s trial: KLA in 1998 kidnapped and murdered 47 Serbs, Roma and couple of Albanians in Orahovac (KoSSev, BETA)
• Why are some defendants in the Brezovica case in detention for 19 months? (VoA, KoSSev, Radio KIM)
• Vucic: We are prepared for any surprises, people need not worry (Tanjug)
• Milivojevic: KFOR to influence Pristina immediately so de-escalation can happen (RTV)
• Dacic: Kurti’s plan is escalation, Pristina dissatisfied with negotiations (Kosovo Online, Kurir)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 20, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
Lajcak meets Kosovo and Serbia chief negotiators in Brussels (media)
Kosovo joins International Committee for Missing Persons (media)
Lajcak meets Vucic; “agreed on importance to urgently take steps to de-escalate” (media)
Stoltenberg after meeting Vucic: Parties to refrain from tensions (RFE/Klan Kosova)
Kurti meets Bakoyannis and Papandreou during stay in Greece (media)
Haradinaj: High time for Kurti to properly read messages of Kosovo’s friends (Kosovapress)
Mehaj: Our military capacities are built in cooperation with the U.S. (Koha)
Abdixiku: Kusari-Lila committed criminal offense by talking to a terrorist like Radojicic (Klan)
Szunyog writes to Konjufca, asks him to send new draft law for KPC to Venice (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Vucic: I requested that NATO take control to ensure life worthy of humans to Serbs (Tanjug, media)
Vucic: Latest round of Belgrade-Pristina technical dialogue discussed with Lajcak (media)
Brussels meetings on dialogue conclude, no trilateral meeting held (Tanjug, media)
Uros Vukasinovic from Leposavic released on bail (Kosovo Online, media)
Serbian List: Silence about Serbian victims done on purpose (Kosovo Online, social media)
International Media:
U.S. Envoy Optimistic About Progress On Normalization Between Kosovo And Serbia (RFE)
Distant Goal: Balkan Women’s Football Struggles to Get Ball Rolling (Balkan Insight)
Belgrade Media Report 19 July 2023
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 19 July 2023
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic to meet with Stoltenberg, Lajcak in Brussels (Tanjug)
• Vucevic: Vucic-Stoltenberg meeting opportunity to make Serbia’s views heard (TV Pink)
• Dacic: We know that Turkey favors Kosovo, but we call for neutrality (TV B92/Beta)
• Economic cooperation to accompany significantly improved political relations with San Marino (Tanjug)
• Escobar: Violence in the north of Kosovo unacceptable (Beta)
• Twenty-five years marked in Velika Hoca in Kosovo since killings of Serbs and Romani in the municipality of Orahovac (Politika)
• Parliament’s inquiry committee on two mass shootings holds inaugural session (Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H Presidency adopts conclusions proposed by Becirovic regarding attack on constitutional order of B&H; Cvijanovic votes against conclusions: B&H Presidency adopts two agreements in regards to Berlin Process (BHT1)
• Amendments to RS Criminal Code cause heated debate in RS parliament between MPs of ruling and opposition parties (BNTV)
• Dodik: People wanted public slander to be regulated, EU member states have even stricter regulations (Nezavisne novine)
• Sources from Brussels confirm no discussion on sanctions against RS, individuals (RTRS)
• Lukic confirms he was interviewed in SIPA in capacity of suspect (Nova BH)
• Anti-Dayton activities (Avaz)
• Helez meets Varhelyi; Helez: Varhelyi and I also exchanged opinions about the biggest problem in B&H – the attack on constitutional order of B&H (FTV)
• Dodik: RS’ proposal for resolving situation in B&H sent to Brussels ahead of B&H-EU Stabilization and Association Council meeting (N1/Glas Srpske)
• ‘The Troika’ fails to offer their proposal for de-escalation of political situation in B&H (RTRS/BHT1)
• Escobar addresses House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Europe: Dodik remains focused on undermining of DPA and Constitution of B&H; Wagner: B&H is facing attacks on its Constitution (FTV/BNTV)
• Dodik’s reaction to Escobar’s statement (ATV)
• Dodik: Lagumdzija should be held criminally liable because B&H joins EU statement on Russian operation in Ukraine (RTRS/ATV)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: After 2020 democracy in Montenegro maybe practiced for the first time; new parliament most likely next week (CdM)
• Spajic’s 10 principles for new government formation (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Weimar Triangle in parliament: Constitutional changes only prerequisite for opening of negotiating chapters (MIA)
• Ademi: Two MPs no longer part of DUI’s parliamentary group (MIA)
• Slovenia and Croatia agreed on application of compromise upon Zagreb’s EU accession: VMRO-DPMNE MP (MIA)
Albania
• Tabaku meets Commissioner Varhelyi, focusing on economic reforms (Radio Tirana)
• Balla meets Ambassador Bucci: Close and strategic cooperation with the Italian law-enforcement structures (Radio Tirana)
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