LOCAL PRESS 

Serbia hands in protest note to Albania (Tanjug/RTS) 

The Serbian Foreign Ministry handed over to Albanian Ambassador to Serbia Ilir Bocka a note expressing the strongest protest regarding the statements given during the joint session of the governments of Albania and so-called Kosovo. The statement states that the mentioned session was held on 2 October this year in Tirana, and that the note refers primarily to the statement concerning the abolition of the border between Albania and Kosovo and Metohija. The statements that imply the unification of Albania and the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohija and the creation of a Greater Albania are a justifiable reason for concern, both for Serbia and other countries in the region committed to preserving stability and intensifying cooperation in the region. The note also points to the daily efforts that the highest officials of Serbia are making in order to develop bilateral political and all other relations with neighboring countries and to bring closer positions on which there is no agreement. In that sense, the expectation was expressed that the highest officials of Albania will refrain from giving statements in the future, which disrupt the bilateral relations between Serbia and Albania and may destabilize the region. “Regarding allegations in some media about a protest note being given by the Albanian Foreign Ministry to diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Serbia in Albania, the Serbian Foreign Ministry announces that the temporary charge d’affaires of the Serbian Embassy in Tirana was summoned to the Albanian Foreign Ministry on October 6 to be handed a protest note, but he refused to receive it due to the unacceptable views expressed in it,” said the statement.

Godfrey: I am an optimist, compromise solution between Belgrade and Pristina in a year or two (Kurir/Tanjug/RTV) 

US Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey says that the Kosovo problem is not small, but he is still an optimist, noting that it is possible to find a compromise solution between Belgrade and Pristina in a year or two. In an interview with Kurir, he said that the attention paid by US President Donald Trump to the signing of the agreement on normalization of economic relations between Belgrade and Pristina, combined with the leadership of President Aleksandar Vucic and his openness to new ideas, has given new energy and new impetus to US-Serbia relations. “Both leaders saw that it was time to do something bold, new and exciting,” Godfrey said. The US Ambassador also pointed out that helping Serbia to become a EU member is on the list of US priorities. “We are continuing intensive cooperation with Brussels on that, and there is no change in our position that the EU should lead an energetic and purposeful dialogue with Serbia and Kosovo on resolving political issues,” Godfrey said. “Our engagement on this issue is not new, nor is it related to the party election campaign. We believe in the importance of regional stability and prosperity. That priority will not change even after the November elections,” Godfrey said when asked whether the US was in a way it is competing with the EU in its engagement in finding a compromise solution between Belgrade and Pristina and whether that engagement is actually in the service of Trump’s election campaign.

Bilcik: European Commission report on Serbia objective (N1) 

The European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Serbia Vladimir Bilcik told N1 on Wednesday that the European Commission (EC) was objective in its annual report on Serbia’s progress towards EU membership. He said that he thinks the report clearly points out the areas where progress has been achieved, especially the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. In general, Serbia’s economic indicators are good news but in the long-term the main issues such as justice, rule of law, basic liberties and rights demand reform and those are issues that the EC pointed out, listed the facts and was critical on, the MEP said. He said that the new Serbian government should finally take decisive steps on reforms because the future of expansion will be resolved in the region, on the ground with the candidate countries. Bilcik said that the EU is there to encourage and help but can’t do the job instead of those countries. You have to take the decisive steps yourself in Serbia with a new government which has a very strong mandate, he said. According to Bilcik, the EC report clearly states what should be changed, what should be improved and adds that reforms have to be implemented. He said that means that progress is needed on the ground in terms of concrete problems. “We need results and they can be achieved, the reforms, relatively quickly, he said, adding that a legal framework can be made within months. He said that at least one country in the region could be ready to become an EU member within the four years in EC office. I think that is realistic but can be done if the government and politicians in Serbia are fully committed to accession to the EU,” he said, adding that Serbia has to fully align with EU foreign policy and achieve progress in relations with Pristina. It’s important for the new government to show that EU membership is a priority, he said. Bilcik said that the European Parliament is ready to engage with the Serbian parliament as soon as it is formed. He expressed regret at the fact that part of the Serbian opposition boycotted the elections because the parliament might have been different. We have the good will to have a dialogue with everyone, but we have political players who stood in the elections, won votes and have the support of the people and were elected and those are our key partners for a dialogue, Bilcik said.

REGIONAL PRESS 

Sattler hands 2020 Report on B&H to B&H Presidency members; Dodik says it will be difficult to agree changes to Constitution of B&H; Dzaferovic: First step would be to adopt amendments to Law HJPC (Nova BH)

Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and EU Special Representative Johann Sattler handed over the 2020 Report on B&H to B&H Presidency members Sefik Dzaferovic and Milorad Dodik in Sarajevo on Wednesday. Nova BH noted that besides criticizing the judiciary in B&H, the 2020 Report on B&H also points to stagnation, failure to form the authorities, blockades, no concrete steps in the fight against corruption and organized crime and shortcomings in the rule of law in B&H. Dzaferovic told media that the Report says that in the first year, or ten months, there were blockades of institutions which did not fulfill their obligations during that time and that certain efforts were made in the last five or six months. Dzaferovic also said that comprehensive judiciary reform is necessary. According to announcements, members of the B&H Presidency will issue a joint statement next week towards all institutions in order to work on the 14 priorities on the road to the EU without any delays. In this regard, Dzaferovic mentioned adoption of changes to the HJPC. Dzaferovic told media that the first step would be to adopt amendments to the Law on HJPC “regarding the integrity of the HJPC members, and holders of the judiciary offices. I do not think there is a reason not to do it immediately. Finally, we have planned that for these eight months, by November 20”. Dzaferovic said he was aware of the little progress made in strengthening the rule of law in B&H. He reminds that B&H assumed the obligation of implementing a full reform of the judiciary system which, amongst other things, would return citizens’ faith in the system. He hopes that will ensure that B&H gets its candidate status by the next year. Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stressed that it will be difficult to agree changes to the Constitution of B&H which is expected in this phase. Dodik said that he agrees with the part of the report that mentions problems in the judiciary sector and the rule of law, arguing that B&H needs a comprehensive and not partial judiciary reform. He stated: “There is a problem in judiciary, the rule of law. I have told this to Ambassadors and I will tell it to everyone- they have created it, not us, a High Representative (Paddy Ashdown) created this. When a High Representative of the EU was here, he imposed solutions on the judiciary and now, he is telling us that it is not good. We have been saying this for 20 years and it really is not good. This is disaster and what we have got out of it? If our participation is required, then a comprehensive judiciary reform is necessary and not some segment like adoption of one, law on the HJPC. We should first talk about the position of the HJPC and then, adopt solutions. The HJPC was formed at the level of B&H contrary to the Constitution.“ Dodik also stated a serious political talk on many topics in B&H will be necessary in the upcoming period, including the 14 priorities from the EC’s Opinion, reform of the Constitution of B&H, departure of foreign judges from the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H and closing down of the OHR. He added: “It will be hard to change the Constitution, which is expected in this phase. This is unusual for the process of the EU accession. Usually in the end, before full membership itself, correction of the Constitution is demanded and it has been asked from us at the very beginning.” Dodik stated that the 2020 Report on B&H reads that many obligations are ahead of B&H and assessed that it is good that B&H might have open door for the status of the EU candidate next year. He added that they also discussed the package of assistance worth nine billion Euros.

B&H CEC bans ‘United Srpska’ from taking part in upcoming local elections in B&H (FTV)

At its urgent session held on Wednesday, the B&H Central Election Commission of B&H (CEC) adopted a decision to revoke the verification for ‘United Srpska’s’ participation in the upcoming local elections due to publishing a disputed promotional video. FTV carries that in the video, three young men represent stereotypical image of Albanians, Croats and Bosniaks, and their messages indicate hatred toward Serbs. FTV reports that using the language that may incite violence or spreading hatred is prohibited by the B&H Election Law. At the session, B&H CEC member Aida Jagar said: “After learning that the investigation is conducted due to publishing of this video, they continued to publish the disputed content; the proposal is to adopt the decision on revoking the verification of ‘United Srpska’ political party for participation in the 2020 local elections. It is hereby ordered that the disputable video is removed from the social media and the youtube channel and that party leader Nenad Stevandic, due to determined personal responsibility, is imposed a fine amounting to BAM 10,000. The B&H CEC initiated the procedure as soon as this video was published. After that, ‘United Srpska’ was given an opportunity to plead its case. Members of the party explained, in a written form, that their intention was not to present this as a pre-election video but it was meant to be a call for political parties and politicians to unite. This party denies that this violates the Election Law in any way. Stevandic said the CEC decision is unacceptable and he will submit a complaint to the Court of B&H. Stevandic said that there is no dilemma that member of the CEC Suad Arnautovic took part in reaching of this decision that is in his opinion, connected with the para-intelligence circles. Stevandic stated that Arnautovic proved that he belongs to intelligence agencies and that this was carried out upon the order of para-intelligence centers and political centers of power of DF, SDA and “those who act Serbs in Sarajevo”. ˝The decision is unsustainable, and everything will be legally clarified very quickly. &H CEC members do not know how to conduct elections and by creating affairs they are directing attention from their own incompetence,” said Stevandic.

Due to B&H CEC’s decision on ‘United Srpska’ SNSD leader Dodik will ask coalition partners to reexamine their participation on upcoming elections (ATV)

The B&H Central Election Commission of B&H (CEC) has decided to most severely sanction ‘United Srpska’ because of a controversial promotional video. Leader of SNSD and Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik also reacted by saying that this is a scandalous attempt to implement election engineering in the RS upon the order of leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic, leader of SDS Mirko Sarovic and leader of PDP Branislav Borenovic. According to Dodik, the three officials control the CEC. Dodik also warned that if ‘United Srpska’ remains prevented to take part in the elections under the same conditions as all other political subjects in B&H, SNSD will call on coalition partners to question their participation in the elections. Dodik said that the body in charge to fairly implement the election process (the B&H CEC) jeopardized its democracy and called into question trust of citizens of the RS in elections. Dodik also said that since illegitimate formation of the new convocation of the CEC, this body has been acting as a subject of the election process and not as a neutral institution in charge of implementation of the elections. In his opinion, the CEC already violated the Constitution of B&H by changing the deadline for holding the elections and now, the CEC is trying to change participants of the elections. Dodik ended up by saying that the only thing that the CEC is left to do is to change the will of the people in the elections which in his opinion, would be a total election circus and SNSD will not accept this.

PDP leader Borenovic responds to Dodik’s accusations (BN TV)

PDP leader Branislav Borenovic responded to recent accusations of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, stated against opposition leaders and SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic. Borenovic says that Dodik’s statements on electoral engineering, for which he blames the opposition and Izetbegovic, are “well planned”. “In that case, Dodik should first withdraw from the institutions of B&H, which he distributed with his coalition partner Izetbegovic”, Borenovic emphasized, adding that Dodik had no problem with the SDA leader when Izetbegovic “handed over the fourth delegate in the B&H House of Peoples (B&H HoP)” to Dodik. Borenovic asks why Dodik did not have a problem with Izetbegovic when they jointly formed the B&H Council of Ministers (B&H CoM), or when the Membership Action Plan (MAP) was adopted, and Dodik and SDA jointly paved B&H’s path towards the NATO. “He did not have a problem with him when his representatives voted in favor of appointment of some of Bakir’s most extreme candidates for ministers in the Council of Ministers. The ‘big eyes’ are afraid, obviously, and in a grounded way he is trying to divert attention from the fact that it seems like time of bully campaigns, in which he is only able to manage, is passing” Borenovic wrote in his response.

Cvijanovic: Problem with CEC is its political involvement (ATV)

The B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) has decided to most severely sanction ‘United Srpska’ because of a controversial promotional video. Commenting on the decision of the CEC, Republika Srpska (RS) President Zeljka Cvijanovic (SNSD) said that the problem with the CEC is its political involvement and the fact that the CEC is looking for the smallest things to sanction those who do not belong to the parties that installed members of the CEC and those who do not work in their interests. She characterized the sanctions against ‘United Srpska’ as too harsh saying that this was basically a party, propaganda material. Cvijanovic said that she disagrees with the decision of the CEC and other issues related to the CEC in general. Cvijanovic said that the sanction against ‘United Srpska’ is revanchist behavior of a politically colored institution. She believes the sanction imposed against the party is too high and such sanctions need to be saved for the most serious violations.

Covic sends letter to international officials to warn on lack of progress in implementation of SDA-HDZ B&H agreements (FTV)

HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic sent a letter to US Ambassador to B&H (Eric Nelson), UK Ambassador to B&H (Matthew Field), Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H and EU Special Representative (Johann Sattler), the OSCE and the High Representative in B&H (Valentin Inzko) saying that SDA and HDZ B&H leaders signed two agreements 17 June. Covic noted that the Agreement on the principles of the amendments to the B&H Election Law has not been implemented “and taking into consideration the circumstances, it is unlikely to happen at all. The lack of will is proven by the statements and the media processes in which it is openly being talked against the values of the Agreement and Croats are called a national minority, threatened by new ‘Komsics’ and imposing of political representatives at all levels that is also contrary to the B&H Constitution, the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and rulings of the B&H Constitutional Court on constituency and legitimate representation,” reads Covic’s letter. Covic demanded reactions from international officials who took part in creation of the political agreement on principles of changes to the B&H Election Law and the political agreement on the local elections in Mostar. According to Covic, aside from the formal initiation of the agreement, there is still no progress in implementation of a verdict of the Constitutional Court of B&H and representation of the constituent peoples. In a letter sent to Ambassadors, Covic said that the society in B&H is now even more divided than four months ago when the agreement was signed and argued that chances for its implementation are quite low. The letter also reads that local elections in Mostar were excluded from regular election cycle, adding that it conveys wrong message and opens additional room for electoral manipulations in Mostar.

SDA calls upon HDZ B&H to behave responsibly and in line with Constitution of B&H, to complete their obligation after which negotiations on Election Law of B&H can resume (Hayat)

HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic wrote a letter to the international community officials. In his letter, he informs them about implementation of the political agreement on holding local elections in Mostar and warns that, apart from the formal initiation of negotiations, there is still no progress in the implementation of the decision of the Constitutional Court of B&H on the representation of the constituent peoples. SDA responded, saying that HDZ B&H conducted an attack on the democratic process in B&H by blocking appointment of the new Federation of B&H government which needs to reflect the will of the voters. SDA called upon HDZ B&H to behave responsibly and in line with the Constitution of B&H, to complete their obligation after which negotiations on the Election Law of B&H can resume.

Dodik objects behavior of Minister Turkovic because B&H signed joint statement of 39 countries condemning violence of Chinese authorities over Uighur Muslims (Dnevni avaz)

Member of B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik sent a memo asking for B&H Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic to explain why B&H joined the joint statement of countries which condemned the violence of Chinese authorities over Uighur Muslims. In statement to the daily, Turkovic said that she will answer Dodik’s memo, adding that based on strategic documents adopted by B&H Presidency, it is clear that B&H could and had to join this statement. Turkovic noted that she does not understand what Dodik finds disputable in B&H advocating protection of human rights, together with the US, Germany and other countries and added that she will answer the memo in an official capacity, confirming that she acted in line with the law and her competencies. Dodik allegedly asked for holding of a special session of B&H Presidency. Dodik’s advisor sent the letter to Turkovic on Wednesday and accused Minister Turkovic of serious violation of the Constitution of B&H adding that he received the protest letter of the Chinese Embassy to B&H because of the fact that B&H joined the mentioned statement. Daily learns that Dodik also noted that B&H Presidency is the one authorized to deal with the foreign policy and the Presidency did not take the official stance on this matter and thus Turkovic abused her position. The daily reminded that B&H, as part of the UN joined the joint statement signed by 39 countries, including US, UK and Germany, which warns of serious violation of human rights.

Djukanovic: Steinmeier praises Montenegro’s role as promoter of European values (CdM)

We are even more assured how important it is that one of the most important addresses in Europe understands the need for the Europeanization of the Western Balkans, Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic pointed out following the meeting with German President Frank Walter Steinmeier. Djukanovic said that dialogue with Germany was important for every country in the world. “This is the time of turmoil on the global and political stage, we are all facing difficult consequences of the pandemic and talks at highest political addresses in Berlin is of utmost importance for Montenegro”, Djukanovic pointed out. He emphasized the importance with the conversation with Steinmeier. “It was conversation full of recognition for Montenegro’s role in the WB as promoter of European values in the region. He also praised actions of the former and the present government after the elections. Internal political topics were of course dominant. I heard positive assessments and recommendations that can serve as guiding ideas for creating state policies in the future,” Djukanovic said.

Djukanovic in Germany: New government will have my absolute support for everything aimed at adopting European values (CdM) 

New governing majority will have my absolute support for everything that is aimed at adopting European values, said Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, during the meeting with the President of Bundestag Wolfgang Schauble, held in Berlin. Djukanovic congratulated on 30th anniversary of Germany’s reunification and expressed his gratitude for the reception. President reiterated that adoption of European values and EU integration remained main priority of Montenegro’s state policy. The President acquainted Schauble with the development of affairs in Montenegro after parliamentary elections. “Montenegro is entering new chapter in political life, it is about to experience co-habitation and I believe we’ll respond to that in the best possible way,” Djukanovic said. The Bundestag President congratulated Montenegro on elections that expressed democracy. “Change of government, that Montenegro experienced for the first time, is always a challenge,” he said. He added that every change of power was a test for political maturity. Interlocutors briefly touched on the enlargement policy and relations in the region, expressing concern over the progression of the pandemic.

Mass: Western Balkans will remain one of Germany’s priorities (CdM)

Germany remains committed to cooperation in leading response to COVID-19 consequences beyond EU borders, said German Minister of Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas, during the meeting with Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic. He thanked Germany for continuous support for WB and Montenegro. He underscored the importance of cooperation in the area of judiciary and expert support in the area of rule of law. Mass expressed satisfaction with the meeting and confirmed Germany’s great interest in the current situation in Montenegro. “Germany emphasizes the importance of the formation of the new government and expects it to stay committed to European perspective,” Maas said. Djukanovic agreed that Berlin process was the best framework for dynamization of cooperation.

Becic: Democrats will accept everything partners and religious communities find acceptable (Pobjeda.me)

Citizens expressed their view on the Law on Freedom of Religion on 30 August. We signed the statement and said we would change every discriminatory law, including that one, said Montenegrin parliament speaker Aleksa Becic. Commenting on the differences in views regarding this Law, Becic said that Democrats will accept everything that is acceptable to partners and religious communities. “Agreement is the best solution, we don’t want to provoke problems”, he said. Becic pointed out that media reporting about the functions in the new Government were just mere speculations. Becic said that Oana-Cristina Popa, EU Ambassador to Montenegro, had handed him annual report of the EC. Becic considers this report a true detection of problems. “It’s a friendly warning that tapping in place is not an option and that EU doors will be wide open for us when we complete reform processes,” Becic said. “Parliament should be place of respect, tolerance and search for consensus on solutions that are prerequisite for further integrations. That’s the place that should convey messages of stability and harmony,” he said. “The Parliament’s task is to have reformed election legislation in the next elections. We are ready for that,” Becic said. He added that dynamic process related to the adoption of the budget lied ahead.

Varhelyi calls on Macedonia and Bulgaria to resolve their dispute (Republika)

European Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi called on Macedonia and Bulgaria to resolve their differences as Bulgaria threatens to block the opening of EU accession talks. Varhelyi said that the issue should not be “overly dramatized”, even as Bulgaria sent out a strongly worded memorandum to the European Council, outlining numerous demands on historic and national identity issues. Varhelyi acknowledged that it will be difficult to move things forward if the issue is not resolved. “Now is the time to reach agreement”, the Commissioner said during a joint press conference with Zoran Zaev. Zaev is due to travel to Bulgaria soon for a meeting with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, after Bulgaria hardened its position. The immediate issue is the Bulgarian demand that Macedonian historians agree that legendary VMRO leader Goce Delcev was a Bulgarian, but many other issues are being raised by the memorandum sent to the EU. Varhelyi expressed hope that the first inter-governmental conference, which marks the start of EU accession talks, would be held before the end of the year. He said that the modified methodology for enlargement has helped to restore trust in the process and that it helped have all EU member states give their agreement, in principle, to open the accession talks, after France and the Netherlands led a group of opponents of enlargement in 2019. Varhelyi also presented the outlines of the economic, investment package which the EU is preparing for the Balkans, that should amount to 30 billion Euros in total, to be used for infrastructure and protecting the environment. The Commissioner said that in return, the EU needs to see fight against corruption, respect for the rule of law and dedication to EU enlargement. He called on Macedonia to greatly reduce emissions and air pollution which he said is greatly disappointing the country and urged reforms that would lead to greater engagement of the Roma community in the workforce. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev insisted that the report shows a positive picture of Macedonia. We are grateful that many important projects in “North” Macedonia will be supported. I express my gratitude to the European Commission for its selfless help it gave us during the on-going Covid crisis. Yesterday we received 80 million Euros in our budget with 80 million more to come. The EU solidarity motivates us to work in the future, Zaev said.

Varhelyi: I have brought good news for Albanians, we are serious about enlargement policy (Radio Tirana)

During a joint conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi stated that the EU has a very serious enlargement policy for Albania. Varhelyi said that he had brought good news for Albanians, while emphasizing the economic investment plan. “We have come or are coming to the end of the renewal of what is called enlargement policy. When we started working as a commission, we made it clear from the first day of duty. We really have it and we will continue to work with the Western Balkans. We will do the same with the enlargement policy. We take it seriously. We were able to reach an agreement on opening negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. We now turn to the third segment of this great work, and that has to do with the economic investment plan. The plan should speed up the work the region needs to do to catch up with the EU. We had the COVID crisis, and that was the big challenge. So we helped with funds the countries of the Region. This is a plan we have built with the countries of the region. We are not here to tell you that this is the best thing to do, but to listen to you. Ideas, projects have come to us, so that the recovery is faster. We have compiled and designed this package, given what has been said by the region. We think that the plan we are here today, can change the landscape of the region for the next 4-5 years. We are receiving 9 billion euros in grants for this plan. We want to get an additional fund of 20 billion euros. We are talking about a major plan, which will bring jobs and economic growth. There is a huge gap between internet availability, with business needs. We are here to help. In case you want to have digital economy, you will need the world. Albania will supply gas to the entire region. We are ready to bring all projects to the forefront. We are ready to talk about the blue corridors, on the coastal part to work on the pipeline, to work for two hydropower plants in Albania. These are major projects that will improve the investment climate,” Varhelyi said.

Varhelyi from the rostrum of the parliament: The future of the whole region is in the EU and our strategic interest is to bring you closer (Radio Tirana)

The European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi addressed the Albanians with a message from the rostrum of the parliament immediately after arriving in Tirana for an official visit after the presentation of the Progress Report. Varhelyi promised that the European Commission will stay close to the countries of the Western Balkans and will work hard for the countries of the region to be EU member states. “I want to convey a clear message that we will bring these days to the Western Balkans. We will stand by you, we are with you and we will be with you, we will work hard to be EU member states. The Western Balkans has been a priority for this commission. From the first day we started work, we have been committed to bringing results. The future of the whole region is in the EU and our strategic interest is to bring you closer. Regarding the first two objectives, we have taken some important measures,” said Varhelyi. Referring to the progress report, Varhelyi stated that the country has made crucial progress and is close to meeting all the conditions needed before the intergovernmental conference. “I congratulate the vetting institutions and the IOM. Proceedings have been opened for vacancies in the Constitutional Court. The creation of new troops has been completed. Electoral reform is a condition for the first intergovernmental conference. The continuation of these reforms by Albania will be important for the negotiating framework. Institutions need to work with each other. Albania has gone through a difficult period, the earthquake and the COVID crisis. We have stood by you and continue to stand by you. We are at that key moment, at the moment that Albania is closer than ever to the EU. “Your contribution is key and decisive for the future, let us take that next step for the future of Albania,” declared Commissioner Varhelyi.

Rama Vulin Twitter spat: Albanian PM asks Vucic to react (Tirana Times)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the words of the Serb Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin who in a Twitter post denounced the projects and commitments undertaken jointly by Albanian and Kosovar executives, which he described as a project to establish ‘Greater Albania” After the joint governmental meeting between Albania and Kosovo, Vulin took to Twitter to write that “Greater Albania is a news of great catastrophe, of destruction of states in the region. Only united Serbs can stop Greater Albania.” Vulin reacted more specifically to the engagement of using Durres as a port customs for Kosovo saying the international community cannot deny Serbia what is allowing for others.  Rama called on President Aleksandar Vucic to denounce the declarations of Minister Vulin. “Is it real or it is a meme making fun of drained brains and dirty mouths that kept all our region in darkness for centuries?” Rama twitted, adding, “I very much wish it is a meme, otherwise this would be a despicable show of miserable thinking that you should condemn without any doubt.” Another matter of contention was the declaration made in a news conference on Sunday when Rama made a contrast between the KLA fighters as liberators and the perpetrators of the war crimes. “As for me, the KLA are liberators, the killers were in Belgrade and for me, there are still killers there,” Rama noted. Serbia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ivica Dacic on the other side said during a TV interview that there are, “Serbs “showing where Albanians are buried across Serbia” and that people in the Serbian War Crimes Prosecution are cooperating with the Albanians, a statement that was described as an attempt to intimidate potential collaborators of justice by Kosovo’s Speaker of Parliament, Vjosa Osmani. Osmani added that that the leadership of Serbia hasn’t changed since the times of Milosevic. EU spokesperson Peter Stano said that the bloc expected the leaders in Western Balkans to restrain from the statements which affect good neighborly relations and reconciliation.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES 

Berlin hosts Montenegrin autocrat Djukanovic (Deutsche Welle, by Keno Verseck, 7 October 2020) 

Montenegrin President Djukanovic has visited Germany for talks with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, among others. Yet critics say the timing could not be worse. 

President Milo Djukanovic, who has ruled Montenegro for decades, has long been celebrated by the West. Djukanovic, once a communist in the former Yugoslavia, had an inkling early on that Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic’s policies would end in a hellish fiasco. He skillfully, if at times unscrupulously, maneuvered his way through the Yugoslav wars. At the same time, he nurtured his relationship with the West, which perceived him as a guarantor for stability and ethnic peace. However, diplomats and officials in Washington, Brussels and Berlin were willing to turn a blind eye to the fact that Djukanovic was one of the early adopters of the corrupt and autocratic state model with touches of democracy that has since become so popular, long before Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Poland’s Jaroslav Kaczynski, Bulgaria’s Boiko Borisov and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic. Over the years, Djukanovic’s family and a clique of allies have amassed enormous wealth by appropriating public assets in Montenegro, which has been holding accession talks to join the EU since 2012. Illegal financing of parties, election fraud and abuse of power are standard in the country, not to speak of lesser corruption, smuggling and money-laundering affairs.

Looking the other way 

Djukanovic’s visit to Berlin on Wednesday can be perceived as an example of turning a blind eye again. He was scheduled to speak with members of the German parliament’s committee on European affairs. but more importantly, he was invited to official talks with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This is surprising to say the least, at a time when many such events have been taking place by video link because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Montenegro’s rate of infection is one of the highest in Europe. So is Djukanovic a particularly welcome guest? The German president’s office did not answer DW’s detailed questions. Instead, a spokesperson issued a statement saying that Steinmeier was looking forward to discussing “the current situation in Montenegro, the political situation in the region and Montenegro’s accession talks with the EU with his Montenegrin counterpart.” What can be said for sure is that Djukanovic’s visit and his meeting with the German president could not come at a more unsuitable time. Montenegro’s parliament has just experienced a peaceful and democratic transition of power — for the first time in its history. Despite numerous irregularities ahead of and during the elections on August 30, Djukanovic’s Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) lost after three decades in power.

New coalition is pro-European  

Now the winners — a platform comprising three opposition alliances — are trying to form a coalition to begin Montenegro’s transformation into a democracy under the rule of law. Though the platform is very heterogeneous, featuring politicians ranging from puppets of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin to pro-European ecologists and liberals, its leaders, including the prime minister-designate, Zdravko Krivokapic, have made a credible case that it wants Montenegro to continue to be pro-European.

It is unlikely that Montenegro will turn towards Serbia and Russia and revoke its recognition of Kosovo, or that there will be ethnic violence. Though there are already fault lines in the coalition with regard to certain draft laws, and the road to reform will be rocky, there is no doubt that the majority is interested in a real democratic process. Now, several generations of Montenegrins will be able to experience a democratic transition of power for the first time, an experience that should not be underestimated.

Tables have turned  

Djukanovic, for his part, has been reluctant to accept the results and the transition of power. He and others in his circle face criminal investigations and possibly jail. The tables have turned. In the past, it was the activists and journalists who revealed corruption that had to fear landing in hospital, such as investigative reporter Olivera Lakic, or in jail, like her colleague Jovo Martinovic. He has spent months in prison on trumped-up charges and his retrial has been a farce. The country’s Supreme Court is scheduled to make a decision this coming Thursday. Zdravko Krivokapic told DW that Djukanovic’s visit to Berlin was inappropriate. “The democratic and legitimate winners of the election in Montenegro welcome all attempts to strengthen relations between Podgorica and Berlin,” he said. “But in no way can the modernization and Europeanization of Montenegro be achieved by Milo Djukanovic, a man who symbolizes the corrupt and autocratic system that was voted out.”  Some diplomats and political advisers who spoke to DW on condition of anonymity expressed outrage about President Steinmeier receiving Djukanovic.  Manuel Sarrazin, spokesman on eastern European affairs for the Green parliamentary group, told DW that it was important that Steinmeier “clearly log” the failures and shortcomings in Montenegro with regard to rule of law and corruption. The political scientist Florian Bieber, who has just published a book about the rise of authoritarianism in the Western Balkans, said that the visit was a sign of the “devil’s pact” that the EU has made with authoritarian and corrupt “stabilocrats” in the region. “By doing this, the EU is losing its reputation for standing up for democracy and the rule of law and putting off the opposition,” he said. Dusan Reljic from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) had a similar view. “Djukanovic has been involved in countless scandals since coming to power, sometimes as a nationalist and warmonger, sometimes as the best friend of numerous Russian oligarchs, and now he’s trying to come across as a democrat and loyal ally of the West,” he said. “If rule of law is to be strengthened in the Western Balkans and European values are to be promoted, then it would be an important step in the right direction if politicians of his kind finally disappeared from the scene.”

This article was translated from German.