UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 29, 2024
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, 29 March , 2024
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: Kosovo is strengthening as preferred destination for energy investments (media)
• Osmani remembers massacre of Beleg, demands clarification of fate of the missing (RTK)
• Konjufca: Majority do not want country to go to elections with resignation of government (media)
• Maqedonci meets Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetton (media)
• Lajcak from September with a new post (RTK)
• Svecla and Balla agree for Kosovo Police to join Joint Migration Taskforce (media)
• Abazovic: Montenegro’s vote against Kosovo shows a new reality (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• People’s Party claims closure of EPS branch offices planned in Kosovo, treason of national interests continues (KoSSev)
• Starovic: Adoption of PACE Committee recommendation for Kosovo to become CoE member represents expression of injustice and arrogance (Kosovo Online, RTS)
• Stosic: Kurti’s signature worthless for Serbs; membership in CoE should be conditioned on formation of CSM (Kosovo Online)
• Ambassador Djuric says US concerned by Pristina (N1, Politika)
• Barbano: We follow cases of property disputes of Serbs in Kosovo, a large number of cases are returned by the Court of Appeal for retrial (Kosovo Online)
International:
• ‘It’s Devastating’: BIRN Maps Illegal Landfills Blighting the Balkans (Balkan Insight)
Read More →UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 29, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
• PDK proposes June 9 as date for early parliamentary elections (Kosovapress)
• Haxhiu: We can go to elections whenever the opposition wants (media)
• Limaj: We shouldn’t go to elections when Kurti wants (media)
• PACE to debate Kosovo’s membership on April 18, agenda published (RTK)
• Russia fails in initiative for debate at Security Council on NATO intervention (VoA)
• Osmani: Kosovo has a long tradition of cooperation with the Holy See (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Li: China dissatisfied with CoE decision on Kosovo (Tanjug, media)
• Dacic on Kosovo and CoE: They can make whatever decisions they want, but we do not accept that (Kosovo Online)
• Serbian List: PACE Committee decision reward to Pristina for its terror against Serbian people (media)
• Radakovic on Kosovo and CoE: I am worried about EU monitoring, how credible it will be (Kosovo Online)
• Gouillon meets with Bundestag member (Tanjug, media)
• Vucic: Political situation to become increasingly complex (media)
• Attempt to hold UNSC session on NATO bombing of Yugoslavia unsuccessful (KoSSev)
• Three states, one labor market: What has the Open Balkan initiative brought to citizens and the region? (Kosovo Online)
• US KFOR soldiers helped complete works at Brnjak Monastery complex (media, social media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 28, 2024
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 29, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: The fundamental values of CoE naturally fit our government (RTK)
• Kurti: We are not stopping aid to Serbs, but they should be in euros (media)
• Kurti called on prosecution to do more about Podujeva massacre (RTK)
• Maqedonci: “Bayraktar” drones fly in the skies of Kosovo every day (media)
• Serbian Minister of Defense says they are strengthening military capacities (Klan)
• Bujar Osmani expects Kosovo to be admitted to CoE in April (RTK)
• Tahiri: Single-source contracts were signed without any transparency, figure goes up to €200 million (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• “Evidence Death”, “Permission Funeral”, “Certificate Ofcitizensip” – Linguistic nonsenses in Kosovo official documents in Serbian (KoSSev, Media Center Caglavica. Radio KIM)
• Dacic: Recommendation of Kosovo admission to CoE represents violation of Serbia’s interests (Tanjug, media)
• Petkovic: Those deciding should think if Pristina membership to CoE would contribute to peace, stability or whether it would have opposite effect (KoSSev, media)
• Dveri: Council of Europe violates its own fundamental principles (Danas, BETA)
• Tadic: In negotiations on Kosovo, Serbian authorities are giving everything (Radio KIM)
• Vucevic: We are strengthening defense capabilities to protect our sovereignty (Tanjug, media)
• Stojanovic: Closure of three EPS branch offices in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• KFOR: There were no joint activities with the KSF (Kosovo Online)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 28, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
Council of Europe approves report on Kosovo’s membership (media)
Ahmeti: Kosovo’s membership in CoE without any additional preconditions (media)
Kurti: Kosovo has fulfilled all prerequisites for Council of Europe (RTK)
Gervalla: Today’s vote confirms that Kosovo fulfills the conditions for CoE (media)
Osmani received member of German Bundestag, Florian Hahn (RTK)
Plenkovic: Croatia will support Kosovo in all international organizations (media)
Serwer: I fear USA has promised Serbia the Association (media)
Krasniqi introduces Hamza as candidate for prime minister (RTK)
Hoxha: Serb criminal groups are preparing an attack in the north (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
PACE committee recommends Kosovo be invited to become CoE member (N1, FoNet)
Dacic slams decision to accept recommendation for CoE membership for Kosovo (Tanjug)
Grubjesic: CoE undermines its own integrity, becoming political organization more and more (Tanjug, media)
Aleksic: Vucic’s disastrous policy lead Kosovo to Council of Europe (Danas, FoNet)
Gogic: Vote in PACE Committee sends message that precedents are being set again because of Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
Djukanovic sends protest letter to NATO PA president (Tanjug, media)
Von Cramon: VV digital army limits freedom of speech (KoSSev)
International Media:
Kosovo Edges Closer to Council of Europe Membership (Balkan Insight)
Serbia Uses ‘Amber Alert’ for First Time After Girl Disappears (Balkan Insight)
Kosovo Guerrilla Leadership Didn’t Order Abductions, US Diplomat Testifies (Prishtina Insight)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 27, 2024
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 27, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
• Osmani: Serbia’s dark forces are still very active today (ekonomia)
• Osmani on Association: Commitment also made with Basic Agreement (Koha)
• Hovenier: NATO had moral imperative to act, use of force was necessary and legitimate (Klan)
• Kurti: Waiting period for review of Law on Office for Confiscation of Unjustified Assets continues for more than a year (Ekonomia)
• Davenport visits Lajcak in Brussels, discusses “expectations for coming months” (Klan)
• Memli Krasniqi expected to propose Bedri Hamza as candidate for prime minister (Klan)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucevic: Kosovo CoE application breaks all rules (Tanjug, media)
• Who decides on Kosovo’s admission to the Council of Europe and when – procedure, precedents and principles (RTS)
• Why is the path to membership in the Council of Europe being paved for Kosovo? (Kosovo Online)
• Surlic: Criticism of Lajcak, preparation for parliamentary elections, Pristina suspended dialogue already (Kosovo Online)
• Vucic: I had long, open discussion with Quint and EU representatives (Tanjug, media)
• Brnabic meets with Hill (Tanjug, media)
• Lajcak meets Davenport, discusses latest developments in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, social media)
Belgrade Media Report 27 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 27 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Vucevic: We have a ready answer to what will happen in the Council of Europe, the new government will have new energy and new faces (RTS)
• President Vucic with ambassadors of Quint (RTS)
• Vucic: Difficult days ahead for Serbia, the vital interests of Serbia and the RS are directly threatened (RTS)
• Vucic: The time of challenges is ahead, we have to take care of ourselves and strengthen the army (Tanjug)
• The bombing of the FRY is a forbidden topic, the absence of discussion in the UN Security Council does not change the historical facts (RTS)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: The West hysterically blocked the SB session on aggression against the FRY (RTS)
• Dacic: We are disappointed that the truth about NATO aggression was prevented from being heard in the UN Security Council (RTS)
• Russia again requests UN SC meeting on NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (FoNet)
• Brnabic: During my presidency in Geneva, they talked about the anniversary of NATO aggression (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt uses Bonn Powers and imposes changes to B&H Election Law (N1)
• B&H CEC President Arnautovic: We have made all preparations for organizing the pilot project (N1)
• The Troika’, FB&H Politicians on HR Schmidt’s Decision (Dnevni avaz, Klix.ba)
• Dodik gives statement prior to Schmidt’s decision: The RS cannot accept to live in conditions of imposed regulations; Schmidt has nothing to do with election process in B&H (O kanal)
• Cvijanovic says Schmidt does not have right to impose decisions and change laws (RTRS)
• Viskovic: By imposing the law, B&H’s European path is probably over (RTRS)
• EU reacts to Schmidt’s decision: Extensive international supervision is incompatible with European future of B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• US, UK and Nederland welcome HR Schmidt’s decision (Dnevni avaz)
• Working version of RS election law published (BNTV)
Croatia
• Interior Minister visits border with B&H (HRT)
Montenegro
• Montenegro will vote against the admission of Pristina to the Council of Europe (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• North Macedonia a factor of stability in Western Balkans, says PM on NATO membership anniversary (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj: National Guard of New Jersey, contribution to the modernization of the Armed Forces (Radio Tirana)
• Speaker Nikolla meets the rapporteur for Albania in the European Parliament (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: EU accession, a process that concerns everyone, not just the government (Radio Tirana)
• President Begaj at the Baku Global Forum: Need for a unified response to address global issues (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 27, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
Osmani talks with French envoy about Kosovo’s membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions (Koha)
Gervalla: No tension in Kosovo’s relations with the United States (VoA in Albanian)
Konjufca: Kosovo unwavering in efforts for European integration, democracy and equality (Klan)
Association and elections in U.S. possible catalysts of early elections (RFE)
Maqedonci: Javelin missiles will arrive soon; payment is being done (Koha)
LDK denies meeting between Konjufca and Abdixhiku (media)
Government allocates over 31,000 euros to Albanians of the Valley (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Surlic: Through Postal Savings Bank, material security for Serbs can be institutionally ensured (media)
Botsan-Kharchenko: West hysterically blocked UNSC session on NATO attack against Yugoslavia (Tanjug, media)
Russia requests new session of UNSC on NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (Kosovo Online)
Drecun: Support for Kosovo aimed at getting it into NATO (Tanjug, media)
NATO Parliamentary Assembly: Final decision on Kosovo associate membership expected by end of May (Kosovo Online)
SRSG Ziadeh met new British Ambassador, reaffirmed support to EU-facilitated dialogue (Kosovo Online, social media)
British Ambassador visited Gracanica Monastery (Radio KIM, social media)
French diplomats visited Visoki Decani Monastery, Pec Patriarchate and Gorazdevac village (KoSSev, Kosovo Online, social media)
Orlic: New government to be formed within legal timeframe (media)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 26, 2024
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 26, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
• Gervalla: Russia alone in its effort to distort the truth (media)
• Haradinaj on letter to Bakoyannis: Big pledges, concrete obligations (Telegrafi)
• Burning of properties in the north of Kosovo remains unpunished (RFE)
• COMKFOR meets Montenegrin interior minister, discuss Kosovo (RTK)
• Shea: There will be no war in Kosovo (media)
• Bajrami to Kurti: You announced departure, better resign (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Dacic: We are disappointed with silencing of truth about 1999 NATO bombing (Tanjug)
• Dacic: Council of Europe session aimed at securing “independence of so-called Kosovo” (Tanjug)
• Pantic-Pilja on vote of PACE Political Committee on Kosovo: Serbia’s maneuvering space narrowed (Kosovo Online)
• Bystron: There is immense pressure for Kosovo to join Council of Europe (Kosovo Online)
• Patriarch Porfirije: There is room for everyone in Kosovo, we invite Albanians to dialogue (Radio KIM, media)
• Surlic: Without international pressure one can not expect Pristina to change stance (Tanjug)
• Court hearing of four special police officers in relation to wounding of Serb at Bistrica bridge held (KoSSev)
• Vucic to meet Quint ambassadors tomorrow (Tanjug)
Opinion:
• It’s Time Kosovo’s Govt Condemned its Army of Cyber-Bullies (Balkan Insight)
International:
• In Wartime Village Massacre, Kosovo’s Ashkali Minority Suffered Too (Balkan Insight)
• Serbia ‘Disappointed’ as UN Security Council Rejects NATO Bombing Debate (Balkan Insight)
Humanitarian/Development:
• Involvement of Youth in Crime and Extremism in Kosovo: Community Challenges and Solutions (Prishtina Insight)
• Shahini: 400 companies closed in three months, Kosovo unattractive for new businesses (Kosovo Online)
Belgrade Media Report 26 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 26 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• NATO bombing of FRY was violation of international law (Tanjug/RTV)
• Pristina does not want solution for use of Dinar in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Lajcak: We will reconvene next week to find solution for cash operations (Tanjug)
• Brnabic discusses cooperation at Geneva meetings (Tanjug/Beta)
• Drecun: Support for so-called Kosovo aimed at getting it into NATO (TV Pink)
• Djukanovic: NATO PA associate membership for Pristina scandalous (Tanjug)
• Orlic says new government will be formed soon (TV Pink/Beta/RTV)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt: Agreement has not been reached and the time is running out. Citizens want to see that their vote counts, and if there is no agreement, we will undertake measures (Dnevni avaz)
• US Embassy on Ministry of Justice’s proposal of B&H Election Law: HDZ B&H cannot reach solution it prefers by force (O Kanal)
• Dodik criticizes US Embassy’s reaction to HDZ B&H’s proposal of changes to B&H Election Law (RTRS)
• Niksic: Domestic authorities should have another chance for agreement on Election Law (Nova BH)
• Konakovic meets Fajon; Fajon: OHR will not be needed when B&H is in the EU (O Kanal)
• Konakovic meets Swedish Minister Roswall: B&H belongs to Europe (AJB)
• Dodik responds to Roswall: There can be no EU path with OHR and foreign judges present (Glas Srpske)
• EU officials made contradictory statements during visit to B&H (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic meets Roswall: There is no place for impositions on B&H’s European path (ATV)
• Dodik: Serbs will never forget what NATO did and B&H will never join NATO (BNTV)
Croatia
• Ethics Commission appointed to monitor upcoming elections (HRT)
Montenegro
• Gorcevic with Sarrazin: Tangible results, then membership in the EU (CdM)
• Mandic organized a meeting of the leaders of the parliamentary majority (RTCG)
• Radinovic rejects Knezevic’s proposal to be a candidate for Montenegro’s ambassador to Russia; DNP proposes Bojovic (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi – Silvestri: North Macedonia to continue on European path (MIA)
• Mitreski – Silvestri: North Macedonia and Italy deepening friendly relations, support for Euro-Atlantic aspirations (MIA)
• Dashtevski: Preparations for double elections proceeding smoothly (MIA)
• Four parties sign agreement to take part in European Front (MIA)
UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 26, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
No agreement on dinar, next meeting on April 4 (media)
Lajcak: Important details were clarified, we will meet again next week (media)
Government: Content of CBK Regulation is not being discussed in Brussels (Koha)
Kurti remembers 25th anniversary of Serbian massacres in Gjakova and Rahovec (RTK)
Russia’s proposal for an UNSC extraordinary session for Kosovo does not pass (RTK)
Gervalla: Security Council session, attempt at absurd parallels (media)
Konjufca on elections: It remains to decide whether summer or autumn is better (RTK)
Von Cramon to Brnabic: Agreements do not affect Kosovo’s path to CoE (RTK)
Civil society against registration of portals in IMC, demands ownership and financial transparency (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
Petkovic: Other side wants no solution, dialogue to continue on April 4 (Tanjug, media)
Lajcak: We will reconvene next week to find solution for cash operations (Tanjug, media)
Discussion on NATO bombing of Serbia not included on UN Security Council agenda (Tanjug, media)
Nebenzya: Shameful day for UN SC, those who bombed Yugoslavia did not wish to hear truth (Tanjug)
Ambassador Shuang on UNSC session and refusal to include 25th anniversary of NATO bombing of FRY in agenda (Kosovo Online)
Council of Europe session on Kosovo membership bid on Wednesday (Radio KIM)
Montenegrin DNP supports head of delegation to vote against Pristina admission to Council of Europe (RTS)
International Media:
Council of Europe Rapporteur Backs Kosovo’s Membership Bid (Balkan Insight)
Cyberattacks and Ethnically-Fuelled Harassment Mark Start of Year (Balkan Insight)
Belgrade Media Report 25 March 2024
United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 25 March 2024
LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia does not accept occupation, orders from outside (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucic: NATO showed it worked with Pristina all the time (Politika/RTS/Tanjug)
• Quint Ambassadors, Norway on 25th anniversary of NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (Beta/Politika)
• Dacic: Security situation in Serbia stable (RTS/Tanjug)
• NATO bombing of Serbia of 1999 warning to humankind (Tanjug/Politika/RTV)
• Response to Kurti: Head of Commission for Military-Technical Agreement reacts (Tanjug/Politika)
• Kosovo will probably join CoE; Serbia could leave organization (TV Prva)
• Dacic and Brnabic’s fierce reaction to von Cramon’s statement regarding CoE (N1/FoNet)
• Pantic Pilja: Bakoyannis has recommended CoE admission for so-called Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Security Council meeting scheduled to mark anniversary of NATO bombing (RTS)
• Trilateral discussions conclude in Brussels, bilateral meeting underway (Tanjug)
• Opposition on government’s call for dialogue: Talks necessary (Danas/Beta)
REGIONAL PRESS
Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Minister Nesic confirms precautionary measures were strengthened in B&H following attack in Moscow (BHT1)
• Sattler says EU Council’s decision historical achievement of B&H (FTV)
• RS officials hold press conference, Dodik says European Council’s decision is confirmation that Dayton structure of B&H is functioning and that its composition of two entities and three constituent peoples can be propulsive (ATV)
• Becirovic: We are facing transformation process in which B&H legislation needs to be harmonized with EU acquis (O Kanal)
• Dodik – Cvijanovic: Europe has to answer question how come that “false HR can ban legally elected RS President from having talks and deciding on fate of country he lives in” (RTRS)
• Dodik: There is no EU path of B&H without RS, B&H Constitution will not be changed (Nezavisne)
• United States Congress passes law entitled ‘Maintaining Dayton Peace Agreement through Sanctions’ (N1/FTV)
• Nesic, Milicevic, Banjac condemn NATO for bombing FRY in 1999 (Glas Srpske)
• Dodik: Serbs and Russians are close to each other thanks to Orthodox faith, as well as preservation of their own identity (ATV/RTRS)
• Konakovic meets Croatian officials: Compromise and dialogue in B&H paid off, European narrative comes first (FTV)
Croatia
• Plenkovic reminds of Croatia’s assistance to B&H, expresses support to Covic’s stances on Southern Interconnection (HMS)
• Milanovic: Accession negotiations with B&H should have started long ago (N1)
• Plenkovic rejects Milanovic’s accusations (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Rakocevic tells NATO partners: Montenegro needs both elections and pro-Western majority (CdM)
• DNP: We fully encourage Vukicevic to vote against Kosovo’s entry to the Council of Europe (CdM)
• Montenegro officials express deep regret for the innocent victims in Moscow (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Presidential candidates allowed to hold one public event until beginning of campaign (MIA)
Albania
• 25 years since the NATO started the airstrikes against former Yugoslavia, Begaj: They saved Kosova and stabilized the Balkans, Osmani: The hope began for us (Radio Tirana)
• NATO’s intervention in Kosovo, decisive in undoing genocidal ambitions (Radio Tirana)
• EU membership, Begaj meeting with his Montenegrin counterpart (Radio Tirana)
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 25, 2024
UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 25, 2024
Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti: A rule of law governance for all and without difference (media)
• Kurti commemorates Kosovo Albanian civilians killed in Kacanik in 1999 (media)
• 25 years since the massacre at Krusha e Madhe (Albanian Post)
• Meeting about the dinar has started in Brussels (media)
• German ambassador demands full implementation of agreements (RTK)
• Joseph: CoE membership would be a start for both Serbs and Albanians (media)
• Kusari-Lila: We do not support motion of no confidence (RTK)
• The PDK demands investigative commission for single-source contracts (media)
• AAK demands parliamentary debate and Kurti’s resignation (media)
• Hovenier meets leaders of economic chambers of Kosovo and Serbia (Reporteri)
Serbian Language Media:
• Meeting of Belgrade, Pristina delegations begins in Brussels (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• UN SC session on NATO bombing anniversary scheduled, format still unknown (RTS)
• Mijacic on Pristina’s letter to Bakoyannis: They promised to implement everything that should have been implemented already (Kosovo Online, social media)
• CBK decision makes lives of persons with disabilities additionally difficult (Radio KIM)
• Movable fence in front of Zvecan municipality removed, Cyrilic signboard as well (Radio KIM, Radio konakt plus)
• Vucic: Pristina and international community worked together all the time (Kosovo Online, media)
Opinion:
• Recalling a Bombing 25 Years Ago (RealClearPolitics)
International:
• Love Under Fire: How an Ethnically-Mixed Couple Survived the Kosovo War (Balkan Insight)
Read More →LINKS
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