LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: The world hasn’t seen such political liars (Tanjug/Novosti/B92)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announces that he will insist on response to alleged poisoning of members of the Kosovo Election Commission in the next year. He added that he would speak about the alleged poisoning before the UN next year. The world hasn’t seen such political liars. That amount of recklessness to blame the normal country for something like that has not been seen yet. And then, expert Kurti talks about normalization with Serbia, Vucic said when asked by reporters to comment on the counting of election votes from Serbia in protective garments due to suspected harmful material allegedly found in the envelopes with ballot papers. He indicated that he had asked the EU what they in Brussels thought, whether it was anthrax or a novichok, and said that it seemed to him that they got infected by variola virus. “They haven’t informed me yet,” he said. The problem, he pointed out, was that he clearly understood why they made the entire farce. “I will not let them go, even though they will try to show that it is a pesticide, to think of some meaningful reason, although it is clear that it was nothing infectious. They did it for political reasons,” he stressed. Vucic said that nobody was offering Belgrade anything when it comes to the Kosovo issue, except to recognize Kosovo within the borders recognized by Western countries. Asked if it was true that US Presidential Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina negotiations Richard Grenell explicitly sought Kosovo’s recognition and in return offered investments, Vucic said he had a positive and good conversation with him and would not respond to the allegations and assumptions that appear in public. “You think someone else offered us something else, since I listen to stories of how the division means a betrayal …? Nobody offers us anything but to recognize an independent Kosovo as a whole, within the borders of an independent Kosovo. If you know someone who offered me something else, please point me to that person,” Vucic said. He also requested to be shown the person whom he allegedly promised to recognize Kosovo’s independence. “I have listened to these lies, as for seven years I have been listening to stories that something is wrong, while the whole world is admiring our economy. We were on the verge of an abyss, and today Serbia is a vibrant, fast-moving economy,” Vucic concluded.

3 questions for 3 answers from the Russian and the Deputy US Ambassador in Belgrade (Vecernje Novosti)

Russian Ambassador to Belgrade and US Deputy Ambassador to Belgrade agree that the solution to the Kosovo problem must be the result of a compromise. Russian Ambassador Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko and US Deputy Ambassador Gabriel Escobar answered the three same questions about the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue in their statements for Vecernje Novosti. The ambassadors emphasized that the solution must be found by two parties, with the help of international actors.

Asked whether representatives of the US, Russia and other world powers should be involved in the dialogue besides the European Union, Botsan-Kharchenko said that Russia does not see all the necessary preconditions for effective negotiations for now. He stresses that the Kosovo issue should be dealt with strictly within the international legal framework, on the basis of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. “Moscow could participate in the process, but only if there was an interest and an appropriate invitation from Belgrade”, the Russian Ambassador said.

Escobar believes it is important for the two sides to take the necessary steps to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible. He adds that they will undoubtedly need the support of the international community to achieve their desired goals and that the United States, together with European partners, is there to support them.

Escobar states that it is logical that Brussels has taken the lead in the dialogue, given that both sides aim to join the EU. He adds that others who want to support and push the process openly and transparently should also help to the extent to which negotiating parties want their assistance. “What I find concerning are the true intentions of some who offer assistance presently. Do they care about Serbia achieving its goal and joining the EU? Do they also see that status quo is making of Serbia a kind of bog that will contribute to the tragic departure of young people from the country continue indefinitely? Or maybe they see in the status quo and regional instability some political and economic opportunities for themselves? Are they ready to roll up their sleeves and do their best to help the two sides reach an agreement and advance their European aspirations?”, Escobar asked.

Asked if their countries would support border adjustment if agreed between Belgrade and Pristina, Botsan-Kharchenko points out that there can be no border correction between the two countries given that Russia does not recognize Kosovo. He reminds of the fact that Kosovo and Metohija is a province within Serbia.

Escobar says this is an issue for Belgrade and Pristina, and points out that the US will seriously consider any agreement that meets the requirements to be enforceable, sustainable solution, without producing instability in the country or in the region. He adds that the US is aware that a compromise solution is not easy to reach. “The essence of compromise is to give up something, but also to get something. As President Aleksandar Vucic often says, there is no other reasonable alternative” Escobar says.

Asked if it is necessary for Serbia to recognize the so-called independence of Kosovo, Botsan-Kharchenko reiterates that Moscow will support any option agreed between Belgrade and Pristina, and reminds that the UN Security Council can only approve a compromise solution.

Escobar recalls US President Donald Trump‘s view that “mutual recognition should be at the root of any agreement.” He also cites a statement from Trump’s Envoy Richard Grenell, who said he made it clear that Washington is focused on helping the region unleash its economic potential. “Leading businessmen of the world’s largest economy reiterate their hesitation in investing and entering politically unstable areas. Why would any of them risk embarking on the thin ice of the frozen conflicts” Escobar concludes.

Kocijancic: EU goal is to resolve all issues in Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug/RTV)

The EU’s goal is to resolve all issues in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue once and for all, while it’s up to EU member states to deal with Kosovo’s status, EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told Tanjug. “The issue of the status of Kosovo is a question for the member states,” Kocijancic said, when asked whether the EU had changed its position regarding the outcome of the Belgrade-Piston dialogue, that is, whether Serbia will be required to recognize Kosovo’s independence, as has been suggested recently in diplomatic circles. Kocijancic pointed out that the EU-sponsored dialogue aims at achieving a legally binding and sustainable agreement. “That agreement should once and for all resolve all issues between Serbia and Kosovo, be in line with international law and EU criteria and be backed by EU member states and the region,” emphasized Kocijancic. Noting that the issue of the status of Kosovo is a matter for the member states, Kocijancic pointed out that it is precisely on this principle that the EU has developed its past relationship with both Serbia and Kosovo.

Bishop Maksim: Granting order to Vucic is not supported by majority in Church, division of Kosovo is treason (NIN/Beta)

The Bishop of the Diocese of Western America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Maksim, stated on Oct. 24, that the Order of St. Sava President Aleksandar Vucic recently received from Patriarch Irinej, was an oversight, adding that the Serbian Church sees the division of Kosovo as treason. “The Order of St. Sava has a symbolic meaning, and when a symbol is used properly it has the power to unite, not divide. I’m afraid there has been an oversight in this case,” the bishop said in an interview for the latest issue of NIN weekly. According to him, “while the current president of Serbia keeps reiterating he is in favor of a demarcation and division [of Kosovo], the Holy Assembly stands by its view that the partition and demarcation are treason.” “How to reconcile these two stands? At least one-half of the Serbian archbishops are incapable of comprehending this paradox, including a good part of our Church as well,” said Bishop Maksim.

He quoted a statement by one of the bishops who had said that “the Synod has the right to decorate whomever it wishes,” but, as he put it, when it is known that the majority of the Assembly disagrees, “then [the Synod] should change a decision that would bewilder the public and divide the Church leaders, and Church itself.” “Whether Vucic deserves the order should have been put before the Assembly. I believe that many would have been surprised by the outcome of the vote. This year, the Order should’ve been given to the real defenders of Kosovo and Metohija, our holy territory, and that are the people who live there,” Bishop Maksim pointed out. Commenting on the reasoning behind the decision to decorate Vucic which said that the president was granted the order for his active love of the Church – the bishop said that “those members of the Synod who have recognized this “active love” should be asked to elaborate on that.” When asked about the Synod’s decision to remove him from the teaching staff at the School of Theology, the bishop said that he would “like to believe it was a misunderstanding that will be resolved at the next Assembly session.” He said that he had noticed that certain media outlets link the Synod’s decision with his criticism of Vucic. “I hope and believe, however, that the relationship between the two is non-existent. If it were true that these two are related, that would pose a great problem for our Church, the School, the country, and society as a whole,” the Bishop said.

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dodik: Palmer continuing practices of his predecessors (Srna)

Serb member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Milorad Dodik told Srna that Matthew Palmer, the US special representative for the Western Balkans, maintains the practice of his predecessors from the State Department by reporting to the Senate about events in Bosnia and Herzegovina according to a well-established pattern, without identifying the actual problems or persons responsible for such problems. “Matthew Palmer would definitely not be able to pronounce before the Senate the famous sentence that witnesses say before American courts, which goes – I will speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth – and then say everything he said,” Dodik told Srna when asked to comment on Palmer’s testimony before the US Senate where he stated that “Milorad Dodik is the main obstacle who is blocking everything that could lead to progress”. The B&H Presidency Serb member pointed out that Palmer’s testimony before the Senate was not truthful, because if it were, he would have to tell members of the Senate why the United States or anyone else from the outside had to put pressure so that authorities are formed, when the formation of authorities after democratic elections is a common procedure in every country. “Had he just told the truth why B&H has no authorities one year after the elections, I don’t think anyone in the Senate would believe him that one man, one people, one Republika Srpska (RS) could be an obstacle to anything, to progress to say the least. Progress of RS and B&H, to the extent progress refers to RS, is in our interest, not primarily in the interest of the US, Russia, Turkey, or any other great power,” said Dodik. If Matthew Palmer does not want to hear what legally elected representatives of the people in B&H are saying, Dodik underlined, it is a pity that he does not listen to his president, who said not so long ago that the future belongs to sovereign and independent nations which protect their citizens, respect their neighbors and differences that make every country special and unique. “I am not doing anything other than what the US President Donal Trump said,” said the Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik.

Other reactions to statements made by US Special Representative for WB Palmer (RTRS/N1)

Commenting on the statements made by US Special Representative for the Western Balkans (WB) Matthew Palmer before the US Senate’s Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, officials in the RS said that the time will show for whose interest Palmer is lobbying. Commenting on this issue, leader of SP Petar Djokic told RTRS that he is very disappointed and surprised with Palmer’s words. Djokic added that the B&H Council of Ministers  (CoM) was not formed because there is a basic problem in relations between Bosniaks and Croats, arguing that the Annual National Program (ANP) – that Palmer and others mention – has nothing with formation of the B&H CoM.  Leader of the ‘United Srpska’ Nenad Stevandic also commented on this issue for RTRS. He stated: “Dodik was targeted only as an alibi in order to desecrate the RS. It is not about whether someone likes him or not. It was estimated that it is easier to destabilize the RS if he (Milorad Dodik) is removed or weakened”. Head of the RS Representation Office in the US Obrad Kesic commented on this issue over phone for RTRS. Kesic stated that during the official testimony, Palmer spoke about B&H in a moderate way without threats, condemnations and calling on someone, adding that during a discussion in the Senate, his distorted views on the situation in the Balkans popped out to the surface, as well as frustrations with Serbs although he is a Serb son-in-law. Kesic said: “Of course, this is directly contrary to the position of the President Trump who said that in the future, there is no room for globalism, but only for national (ethnic) states. Therefore, it is very important that we bear in mind that there is a conflict of interest here, between the official standpoint that he presented in written and what he responded as his personal views of the situation in the Balkans. What he personally wants does not of course mean that this aggressive policy enjoys certain support”. SDS leader Mirko Sarovic said that he has no comment on Palmer’s statements, adding that SDS advocates formation of authorities at the level of B&H. Vice President of SDA Adil Osmanovic commented on this issue for N1 and welcomed Palmer’ stances. He said that as many others, he could have given a diplomatic statement adding that it is good that Palmer pointed out to Dodik as the culprit bearing in mind that he is one who never said what he wants, while continuing to say what he does not want. Political analyst Dragomir Andjelkovic said that Palmer’s statements are groundless and a part of previous US administration’s legacy. “Palmer is the spokesperson of the old policy. His statement is groundless, as it is clear that the RS is not responsible for blockade, but structures in Sarajevo which want to impose their own will on RS,” Andjelkovic said.

Brkic: Croats will vote for ANP, it should be immediately sent to Brussels (Vecernji list)

B&H Deputy Foreign Minister Josip Brkic who recently took part in a NATO conference on arms control and disarmament in Brussels, asked to comment about the meeting he had with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (during the conference), said it was a brief meeting with the NATO Secretary General and that they talked about NATO path of B&H and other countries in the region. “It was not an opportunity for a detailed and long conversation, but the Secretary General knows well what is exactly happening with the NATO road of B&H” said Brkic. He went on to say that as far as NATO is concerned, their position is clear and direct. Namely, Brkic reminded that NATO Foreign Ministers invited B&H in December of last year to submit the first Annual National Program (ANP), however B&H has not replied in 11 months. “But they respect the right of a sovereign country to decide on its own when it will submit it,” said Brkic. “One knows there are different opinions, but if the issue of sending of the first ANP is the matter of the rule of law, earlier decisions and the Constitution, then I do not see a reason why the Council of Ministers Chairman, by abiding by the rule of law, does not put it on the agenda” he added. Asked how the Croats will vote in case the ANP is put on the agenda (of Council of Ministers of B&H), Brkic said: “Croat representatives in the authorities expect the document to be on the agenda and to be sent to Brussels. Croats will vote for it. One should not be stalling it anymore”.

EP adopts resolution that Albania and North Macedonia met conditions for beginning of EU accession negotiations (N1)

The European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution on Thursday, according to which Albania and North Macedonia met the conditions for the beginning of the EU accession negotiations, which is completely opposite to the European Commission’s (EC) decision to postpone setting the date until the end of October. The EP also expressed deep concerns over the failure to reach an agreement. The resolution was adopted with 412 positive votes, 136 negative votes and 30 neutral votes. Members of the EP voiced disappointment over the decision of France, Denmark and the Netherlands to veto the decision, stressing that Albania and North Macedonia put a lot of effort to fulfill the criteria. EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said that this is not a moment of glory for the EU. “After our failure last week, we need to think well how we are going to answer the question of where our commitment and support to those who take the biggest political risks is,” Hahn told the EP. Praising North Macedonia’s efforts to settle difficult bilateral issues with its neighboring countries, MEPs also welcomed recent judiciary reforms in Albania. Parliament stressed that the “non-decision” by EU leaders is a strategic mistake, which damages the EU’s credibility and sends a negative message to other possible candidate countries. MEPs also added that it could also allow other foreign actors – whose activity might not be in line with EU values and interests – to engage more closely with both Albania and North Macedonia.

Montenegro

Montenegro’s army maintains its presence on the border with Russia (CDM)

Armed Forces of Montenegro will maintain its presence in NATO mission in Latvia by the end of 2021. The mission was undertaken in 2016, as a way of deterring Russia from exerting pressure on the Baltic states. As balkansec.net reports, one reconnaissance division from Montenegro, one engineer pioneer division and staff officers will be rotating in the six-month long mandate in a “Enhanced Forward Presence” mission (EFP). EFP battalion in Latvia consists of soldiers from Canada, Montenegro, Slovenia, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Albania and Poland. “The first rotation sent from Montenegro between December 2018 and June 2019 was a reconnaissance division that had eight people in it and one staff officer. Engineer division is in Latvia now, and in December, it will be replaced with a reconnaissance group”. Elements of the Armed Forces of Montenegro are part of the multinational battalion fight group “Latvia”, in which Canada plays the role of a country-leader. Battalion units are allowed to move all over Latvia for the purposes of training and fulfillment of tasks. However, Montenegrin soldiers are required not to enter the area of 5 km from the Russian border. Montenegro relies on Slovenia’s partner support in the preparation and engagement of its national element in the EFP and that’s why the training is done in Slovenia. EFP mission was undertaken in order to protect Eastern European countries and deter Russia from exerting pressure on Baltic States. Four multinational battalions have been formed and they have been deployed in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, one battalion in each country. Battalions are led by forces from the USA, Great Britain, Canada and Germany.

Republic of North Macedonia

Thimonier: The Prespa Agreement isn’t the sole precondition for starting accession talks (Nezavisen vesnik)

French Ambassador Christian Thimonier said that he has informed French top officials of North Macedonia’s disappointment following the EU Council meeting in Brussels. Thimonier added that geopolitics surpassed realistic expectations, giving the public “the impression that the Prespa Agreement is the sole precondition for starting accession talks.” The French ambassador said the Bundestag wasn’t ready to make a decision in June, elections were being held in the EU and over the summer “an idea arose mysteriously that the decision will compensate for the Prespa Agreement.” “A strange shift in perspective occurred. As an observer I often wondered how we managed to get from an objective evaluation of the agenda to debating the rewards for reaching an agreement, from discussing fundamental aspects to dealing with geopolitical issues. That was never the French perspective. Geostrategic aspects are important, but this strange shift in perspective was more akin to political marketing than diplomatic discussion,” Thimonier said.

He added that the situation in North Macedonia has been closely observed and French authorities are aware of the public disappointment in the country. Thimonier said certain parties made promises they left to others to see through. He added that everyone should take responsibility for the situation, not just France. Thimonier said that public expectations to get a date posed an added pressure for member states to make a positive decision. In answer to a reporter’s question on why France was the only country to disregard the implemented reforms, Thimonier said that with the Zagreb Summit approaching nothing is set in stone, and that president Macron had acknowledged reforms, but called for new enlargement methodology to prepare EU member states for the process. “Member states support France on this issue, and I hope it will be resolved quickly,” said Thimonier. The ambassador added that Macron underlined that things weren’t as clear as they had been made out to be, and EU leaders had an in-depth discussion on the topic.

“Discussion was tense, there were different positions on North Macedonia and Albania and whether their accession should be discussed separately. Member states rejected one French-German suggestion for being too minimalist. I regret that this suggestion was unsatisfactory, and forced to postpone reaching a decision at the Zagreb Summit,” Thimonier said.

Hahn: The consequences for both countries and the region could be catastrophic (Nezavisen vesnik)

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn again sharply criticized France’s negative position and the refusal of the EU leaders to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania, saying the consequences for both countries and the region could be catastrophic.

Hahn in the interview with APA news agency said that negative decision of EU leaders raises the question whether it is a permanent veto by France for enlargement. “Honestly speaking after European Council’s decision, we are helpless. However, it should be taken into consideration that 25 states have voted for opening negotiations,” Hahn noted, criticizing the principle of unanimous decision-making in the European Council, which showed to be repeatedly ineffective.

Hahn said that French President Emmanuel Macron wants first the EU to implement internal reforms, which is supported by some other member states. However, Hahn said that this could be done in parallel with the accession process of candidate countries. “Both will last for years and if we follow the Macron line and go one after the other, in practice it would mean that the prospect of EU membership can become a reality after 30 years. And that would be no prospect or impetus for reform,” he said. EU Enlargement Commissioner considered that France apparently doesn’t want any EU enlargement at present, while the announcements that this issue would be re-examined during Croatia’s EU presidency is “endless story.” “You can postpone once and then there may be arguments. It may even be postponed for a second time, as was the case with the deadlines in the German Bundestag in June. However, honestly speaking, there are no arguments anymore, and confidence in the EU on this issue is extremely shaken,” said Hahn.

He also sent message to official Paris that the admission of new member states is not a reversible process, citing the Copenhagen criteria. Negotiations may be suspended, if a candidate country regresses. Hahn also warned that the EU leaders’ negative decision carries the risk of instability in both countries and entire Western Balkans. The announced early elections in North Macedonia show how sensitive the internal political situation in the countries of the region is. It will also affect the future of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo and reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina that will lose motivation after the EU’s decision not to open accession negotiations with Skopje and Tirana,” said Hahn.

Albania

McAllister: The optimal solution, green light for North Macedonia and conditional green light for Albania (Radio Tirana)

MEP David Mcallister has issued accusations against Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and French President Emanuel Macron regarding their stance at the European Council summit, where EU countries refused to open negotiations on Albania and North Macedonia. Mcallister has given an optimal solution where, in his view, the best one would be similar to the resolution adopted by the German Bundestag that is green light for North Macedonia and conditional green light for Albania. “Some EU countries are responsible for not opening negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia. I am very critical on the final effect of the talks at the European Council summit and I think this is a historic mistake. This is not only an eloquent signal for the Western Balkans in general, but also for undermining the credibility of the European Union. How much do our promises cost if we do so? North Macedonia has come a long way, even having to change its name. To be honest, I don’t understand the Council’s decision. The political group to which I belong in the EP has ensured that all heads of government of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the Council stand on the side of North Macedonia and Albania. We are very disappointed that some governments were able to influence the Council’s final decision on the matter,” McAllister said. Asked if it would be better for foreign affairs decisions to follow a qualified majority procedure, McAllister said that; “To create a strong common foreign and security policy, we need to become more flexible and resolute. There are some opportunities in which we can start using the qualified majority, for example, when imposing sanctions. We have no chance of strengthening our position in the international arena if a member state is able to block any foreign policy decision. First of all, we are only talking about starting negotiations. Their completion would take many years, so just starting talks with North Macedonia and Albania does not mean that these countries will become part of the European Union tomorrow. Secondly, the French President in his argument stressed that he was against accession talks because he believed the EU should first review the enlargement process. I agree there are things we can do better in this area. At the same time, however, I hope that the 27 EU leaders will be able to agree on this issue during the next presidency, when the Western Balkans summit is scheduled for May 2020. Perhaps then there will be a breakthrough in the talks and a green light for North Macedonia and Albania will be negotiated. I hope so. Even if these states were divided, President Macron would still have reservations for North Macedonia. So, I’m not sure if the split procedure will help. In my opinion, the best solution would be the one similar to the resolution adopted by the German Bundestag – green light for North Macedonia and conditional green light for Albania. It is noteworthy that enlargement policy arouses much suspicion in Germany, and the German Bundestag has decided to follow this way,” McAllister said. He stressed out that he was disappointed that Germany, which has shown leadership in this area, has failed to convince its French partners. “It is worth noting that the enlargement policy arouses much suspicion in Germany, and the German Bundestag has decided to follow this way. This is another reason why I am so disappointed that Germany, which has shown leadership in this area, has failed to convince our French partners,” McAllister was quoted as saying.