LOCAL PRESS 

EU sources: Macron, Vucic to reveal innovative plans for Kosovo (Beta)  

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron should explain what ‘innovative ideas’ and suggestions they thought could cut Kosovo’s Gordian knot, while the European Union (EU), as the mediator in the Belgrade-Pristina talks, had set as an ultimate goal the normalization of their relations, which no one will be able to get around, Beta learned on Feb. 3 from sources at the EU headquarters in Brussels. “Recognition is inevitable, because neither Serbia nor Kosovo will be able to join the EU without it,” officials at the EU headquarters said to Beta, when asked for a comment on Vucic’s words during a visit to Paris that he was prepared to listen to Macron’s innovative ideas as to how to reach a compromise between Serbia and Kosovo, as well as the French President’s statement that he was ready to support some new solutions his Serbian counterpart had offered. The EU sources also said that what can be ‘innovative’ is a new approach, a new way to end the process, but it’s still a mere framework, not the essence of it. “As to the innovative solutions, the two presidents should explain what they had in mind,” the sources in Brussels underlined. They made it very clear that the normalization of relations is the only solution, and no one can get around it, adding that final recognition is, too, because neither Serbia nor Kosovo will be able to join the EU without it.

Chrysostom on election of Patriarch: We’ve done everything to prevent foreign factor interference; Enthronement in the Serbian Patriarchate of Pec (Tanjug/RTS/B92) 

The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), at which a new patriarch will be elected, will be held on 18 February and will last until a patriarch is elected. The SPC Holy Synod will probably be held in the crypt of the Temple of Saint Sava, the Dabar-Bosnia Bishop and guardian of the patriarchal throne of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Chrysostom, told Tanjug. However, he notes that the final decision on where Synod will be held will be made on 10 February. “We discussed this at the Synod session, because the epidemiological conditions are different than usual,” explains Bishop Chrysostom, adding that three locations are possible for holding the assembly – two places in the patriarchate where the assembly has been held so far, or in the crypt, which would be the first way so far. He believes that the new patriarch will be elected on the same day, and as he explains, the election comes three months after the death of Patriarch Irinej, as provided by the Constitution of the Church. According to Chrysostom, the holding of the Assembly could be called into question only in the case of a worsened health situation, which would prevent a larger number of archbishops from coming. He reminds that until 1968, the then Council, headed by Patriarch Herman (German), passed an amendment to the Constitution that the patriarch be elected only by diocesan archbishops and active vicar bishops. When it comes to the procedure of electing a patriarch, he says that first the bishops choose three candidates from among themselves, and then the chosen names are placed on the gospel, and one of the three envelopes with the name of the elected patriarch is chosen by a monk from a monastery who is considered to be a great clergyman, and whose name will be known on 10 February. Until now, those were monk Antonije from the monastery of Tronosa and father Gavrilo from the monastery of Lepavina, when Patriarch Pavle and Patriarch Irinej were elected. “The church did that in order to protect itself from possible influences of foreign factors and other non-church factors of the then regime in the election of the patriarch of the SPC,” he explains, emphasizing that the role of the patriarch in Serbian society is great. “It has an ethnic dimension and all Serbs in the world belong to the Serbian patriarch, the Serbian patriarch is also a symbol of the unity of the Serbian church, which is why it is called the autocephalous church,” says the metropolitan. He reminded that the patriarch is enthroned in the Cathedral Church in Belgrade on the second or third day of his election, and that, as he says, is a functional enthronement, when he takes over all the competencies of the patriarch and the president of the Synod and the parliament. When asked whether the new patriarch will be enthroned in the Patriarchate of Pec, as was usual, the metropolitan said he would. “The enthronement will follow in the Patriarchate of Pec, and the Synod will decide when – maybe in September, October…,” he explains. Asked to comment on speculations that there is “lobbying” among the bishops for the election of the patriarch, he said that he had heard about it. “These are speculations, but it is certain that the archbishops are discussing the election of a new patriarch. I would not say that they belong to certain clans. There should be a discussion about who should be the patriarch. In our church, it is not a tradition for anyone to stand for candidacy. The hierarchs will give their proposals through their conversations, reflections, judgments,” said Bishop Chrysostom. It is interesting to note that Patriarch Pavle was shortlisted as the third candidate after the ninth vote. “We express our will, and God will say who it will be,” he states. He explains that 30 archbishops of our church who have at least five years of diocesan service can enter the election for patriarch, adding that 39 of them have the right to vote, because nine do not meet the conditions for election. When asked if he sees himself as a candidate for patriarch, he says: “I leave that to the council and the judgement of God. I am currently acting as the patriarch of the patriarchal throne until the patriarch is elected,” Bishop Chrysostom concluded.

Palestinian Foreign Ministry disappointed by Kosovo (Beta) 

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed disappointment over the establishing of diplomatic relations between Kosovo and Israel and Pristina’s intention of opening an embassy in Jerusalem. “The step taken by Kosovo with the signing of the agreement with the occupier state and declaration of its intent to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem is a step which is completely counter to all efforts by Kosovo to convince the states of the world to recognize it,” the statement sent to the media in Serbia by the Embassy of Palestine said. It said that the agreement signed by Kosovo and Israel on 1 February is disappointing because it called Kosovo “which is trying to find a place among independent states is expected to literally abide by international legitimacy and international law”. According to the statement, Kosovo has shown that it is ignoring and openly violating international law and resolutions complicating the position of any state that is considering recognition. “The Ministry hopes that the decision-making institutions in Kosovo will reconsider the step and quickly annul the decision,” it said.

Economist’s Democracy Index: Serbia given lowest grade since 2006 (Beta/EWB) 

In the Democracy Index for 2020, published by Britain’s magazine The Economist, democracy in Serbia was given the average grade 6.22, which is the lowest grade since 2006, when the Index was established. According to the Index, Serbia is still in the category of “flawed democracies,” and the drop compared with the previous year is 0.19, which is also the biggest drop for Serbia since 2006, the portal European Western Balkans (EWB) reported. The Democracy Index grades 167 countries for 60 indicators in five categories: electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, democratic political culture and civil liberties. The countries are divided into four categories: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes and authoritarian regimes. Norway, with the best grades, is still at the top of the list, while North Korea is at the bottom with the worst grades.

REGIONAL PRESS 

Inzko requests RS parliament to annul awards presented to war criminals (N1)

The High Representative (HR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Valentin Inzko has sent a letter to the Republika Srpska (RS) parliament requesting from the RS parliament to annul awards presented to persons convicted for war crimes within next three months. In a letter addressed to speaker of the RS parliament Nedeljko Cubrilovic, Inzko wrote that the Organizational Board, formed to organize marking of the 25th anniversary of the RS parliament, awarded on 24 October 2016 a number of institutions, organizations and individuals. Among the awarded ones were all former speakers of the RS parliament, members of the first RS Presidency, including Radovan Karadzic, Momcilo Krajisnik and Biljana Plavsic “whose actions during the armed conflict shocked the world and caused unimaginable suffering of the people”. Inzko added that their glorification “in the form we witnessed on 24 October 2016” directly affects and provokes those who suffered the consequences of the war and it damages the remembrance of the victims. The deadline expires with April but it is unknown what will happen if Inzko’s demands are not complied with. Inzko said that the removal of the plaque with the name of convicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic from the student dormitory in Pale was a first step in the right direction. “This creates an excellent opportunity for the RS parliament, with you at the helm, to continue in that direction and show political maturity, moral responsibility and focus on the future; by revoking the charters with decorations which were awarded to convicted war criminals Karadzic, Krajisnik and Plavsic. This would place you personally and the institution under your leadership on the right side of history. I give you and the RS parliament a deadline of three months,” stated Inzko.

RS officials react against Inzko’s request (BN TV)

The RS officials reacted to the the HR Valentin Inzko’s demand. Speaker Nedeljko Cubrilovic said that the leadership of the RS parliament and Heads of Caucuses in the RS parliament will issue their opinion on the request made by Inzko. BNTV reminds that the awards were given to Radovan Karadzic, Momcilo Krajisnik and Biljana Plavsic on 24 October 2016. The awards were given out by the Organizational Board for Marking 25th Anniversary of RS parliament. Cubrilovic explained that the Board was an ad hoc one consisted of previous Speakers, leadership and Heads of Caucuses of the ninth convocation of the RS parliament. He added that the awards were given to individuals, institutions and international organizations which contributed to the work of the RS parliament. Head of the SNSD Caucus in the RS parliament Igor Zunic said that Inzko accuses the whole Serb people and RS institutions and imposes collective responsibility for the events in the 1990s war with his request. He added that no RS MPs will condemn the founders of the institutions that make up the RS. Zunic said: “Mr. Inzko came here to implement peace, but intensively and on daily basis brings unrest among citizens of B&H. I do not know if it is his assignment.” President of SDS Mirko Sarovic said that it is tragic for the High Representative to impose the tag of collective responsibility to an entire people like Inzko did in his letter to the RS parliament. He added that he does not see why the High Representative would be interested in this issue at all. Sarovic believes that the RS parliament has the sovereign right to decide who they will award. President of PDP Branislav Borenovic said that the High Representative remembered to do something four years after it happened. He added that the move of Inzko is an attempt to justify his position in B&H. Borenovic said that the situation is the result of the relation between the ruling coalition and the High Representative, which has its positive and negative intensities and he does not wish to interfere in these special relations. President of DNS Nenad Nesic assessed that Inzko liked the results of his previous ultimatum that worked and he is trying another one now. He believes that Inzko should not interfere in the work of the RS parliament. Deputy Head of the NDP-NPS Caucus in the RS parliament Darko Banjac said that Inzko cannot meddle in the decisions of the RS parliament and every attempt to impose something will represent an attack against democracy. Head of the ‘United Srpska’ Caucus in the RS parliament Kostadin Vasic said that Serb political representatives need to stop listening to statements made by Inzko.

Salkic: HR’s action is commendable but only if it truly means change in position of international community towards RS politicians (N1)

N1 reports that Bosniak political officials from the RS welcomed the request, but fear the initiative may have come too late. In an open letter, RS Vice President Ramiz Salkic wrote that Inzko’s action is commendable “but only if it truly means a change in the position of the international community towards politicians from the RS”. Salkic expressed fear that irreparable damage had already been inflicted on Bosniak returnees in the RS. Salkic reminded that the Bosniak political officials in the RS have been warning for years the international community about discrimination of Bosniaks in all segments of life in the RS and noted that the international community had warned about continuation of the genocide, i.e. denying the genocide and glorifying war criminals. RS MP Edin Ramic (SDA) said Inzko’s letter is encouraging, but it may have come too late, since the awards would not have been presented if Inzko and the international community had reacted sooner. Ramic expressed hope the RS parliament would act in accordance with Inzko’s instructions and that the letter is not symbolic action by Inzko who is leaving the post of HR.

FB&H officials welcome HR’s letter (N1)

N1 reports that political officials from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H) welcomed the letter Valentin Inzko sent to the RS parliament, but refused to discuss potential sanctions that may be imposed on individuals. SDP MP at the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Sasa Magazinovic said for the media he supports such initiative “having in mind it has become clear the issue of replacement of the High Representative should have been introduced sooner so that the current one ‘wakes up’.” Magazinovic added he is optimistic with regard to Inzko’s request and believes that certain things are happening “far from the public eye, being a warning to those who use hate speech, dominant in the political life in the past days, that this could be the beginning of their end”. Deputy speaker at the B&H HoR Denis Zvizdic said that the period of “little political games will ensue” as in the case of the student dormitory named after Radovan Karadzic, noting “it will not happen in the first month or two, but I am certain it will happen on the 89th day”.

BH Bloc and Coalition for Mostar fail to reach agreement on candidate for post of Mayor of Mostar (N1)

N1 reports that at the first meeting of the BH Bloc and the ‘Coalition for Mostar’, the agreement with regard to a candidate for the post of the Mayor of Mostar could not be reached, with HDZ candidate Mario Kordic being the most likely ne Mayor. After the meeting, BH Bloc candidate for the post of Mayor of Mostar Irma Baralija said for the media that BH Bloc and the ‘Coalition for Mostar’ will continue with their candidates for the post and “it was discussed what would happen if one of the candidates goes to the second or the third round, who will be given the support. We did not agree on that”. ‘Coalition for Mostar’ candidate for the post of the Mayor of Mostar Zlatko Guzin said that the candidate with the majority of votes should have the priority. N1 reports that the ‘Coalition for Mostar’ is ready to support Baralija in the third round of voting, while BH Bloc called on the ‘Coalition for Mostar’ to give up on their candidate in the first round so that Baralija has a chance. According to the relevant rules, two-third majority is necessary for the election of the Mayor and currently none of the candidates has sufficient number of votes. In the third round, the simple majority is necessary and according to the current situation, HDZ B&H, with 13 seats, may elect the Mayor. N1 reports that the simple majority rule was imposed after the election of the Mayor of Mostar was waited for over a year at the last local elections. Commenting on this, SDA’s Salem Marilc said that such scenario is not likely because “no one at the City Council would allow themselves such irresponsibility of not giving support to one of the candidates”. SDP’s Aner Zuljevic said that the OHR in B&H is in the position whether to insist on the simple majority rule in the third round, noting “the crises cannot be resolved by reducing the number of necessary votes”. N1 reports that BH Bloc will remain in the opposition even if Baralija is elected the Mayor of Mostar, which means SDA will not be given support for amendments to the Statute, priory agreed with HDZ B&H, i.e. greater competences of the President of the City Council and forming of a city commission in six city areas that would get the competences of the city. Zuljevic explained it would mean that the city would be divided into two parts ruled by SDA and HDZ B&H, with the City Administration “functioning as two cities under one roof”.

Nelson meets Covic: Forming of FB&H government must not be blocked (Dnevni avaz)

US Ambassador to B&H Eric Nelson met on Wednesday with deputy speaker of B&H House of Peoples (HDZ B&H leader) Dragan Covic. According to the statement from the Embassy, Ambassador Nelson stated that “forming of the FB&H government, elections integrity reforms and state function must not be blocked and should proceed in parallel”. “The Ambassador met with Second Deputy Speaker of the B&H HoP Dragan Covic to convey that demonstrating seriousness on the EU path means dialogue and action on limited but meaningful improvements to the electoral process, judicial integrity, and rule of law,” reads the tweet posted on Embassy’s Twitter account.

Croatian PM protests to EP President over incident involving Italian MEPs (Hina)

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Wednesday protested to European Parliament President David Sassoli over four Italian Socialist MEPs’ recent private visit to the green border between Croatia and B&H, who, he said, wanted to cause an incident. The four MEP are members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament. The press release issued by the government said that Plenkovic had spoken via video link and underscored that the purpose of the visit by the Italian MEPs was to cause an incident and undermine Croatia’s international reputation by disrespecting its laws and institutions. Croatia sent a message to the MEPs through diplomatic channels saying that they cannot of their own free will cross the border where that is not permitted and directed them to the official border crossing, however, they ignored that. Plenkovic expects that that type of provocation will not be repeated. Plenkovic informed Sassoli of the efforts of Croatia and its law enforcement authorities to protect the country’s borders and prevent illegal entry. He also notified the EP president of Croatia’s final preparations to access the Schengen Area. During the video conference, it was mutually confirmed that the visit by the Italian MEPs was of a private nature and that it was in no way organized or approved by the European Parliament. Croatia’s role in protecting and managing the European Union’s external border was especially highlighted. Sassoli expressed his support to Croatia’s bid to enter the Schengen Area and said he would like to see the continuation of excellent cooperation between the European Parliament and Croatia, which Plenkovic also confirmed, the press release said.

Thousands protest in the capital against Covid restrictions on businesses (HRT)

Thousands of people gathered in Zagreb’s main square for a protest organized by business owners claiming the government’s Covid-19 restrictions were untenable. The most recent restrictions on businesses – enacted just before the Christmas holidays – closed bars, restaurants, and gyms. The owners of these businesses say the rules are discriminatory. “Enough, enough!” the crowd chanted, demanding the government allow them to reopen. “Everyone else is open. Only the bars, restaurants, and gyms are closed. We just want an explanation why,” one business owner told Croatian Radio. Another protester told Croatian Radio that the minimal salary the government was covering for the employees of these businesses helped workers but provided no relief for the company. “They don’t give any relief for our business and we have to keep them afloat. If this goes on, everyone will go out of business,” she said. The protest was not limited to bar, restaurant, and gym owners. There were people who own travel agencies, souvenir shops, car service agencies, and many others whose businesses have suffered because of the pandemic.  The protesters placed much of the blame on Economy Minister Tomislav Coric, demanding his resignation. “Resign, resign!” the crowd shouted. The protest was organized by the Entrepreneur’s Voice Association, a group representing small businesses. The organization’s president Drazen Orescanin explained what business owners wanted from the government. “We want to stop the discrimination against certain businesses. We want fair relief for everyone who has been negatively affected and thirdly, we want regular and scheduled payment of minimal salaries,” he said. Protesters were asked several times by Covid monitors to mask up and keep a distance. Although a majority of them complied, there were some among the crowd who were openly flouting prevention measures. The protest ended without incident. Estimates of how many people attended the protest ranged from 5 to 10 thousand. Organizers said they hoped the government heard their message and that they would not have to repeat the event. Economy Minister Tomislav Coric said he was aware there were calls for his resignation at the rally. “Protest is an accepted form of expressing one’s dissatisfaction in a democracy. Don’t expect me to comment further. As far as the demands of the organizers go, I have already said everything I have to say. I believe these are not legitimate demands and some of these people have their own political agenda. That agenda was made quite clear by the number of opposition politicians who attended the protest,” Coric said when asked to comment by reporters.

Reinke to Djukanovic: I do not want to see foreign influence on Montenegrin process (CdM)

Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic met with the US Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke who said she would continue to support democratic principles based on the Constitution, electoral will, and the vision of Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic future, and that she did not want to see the foreign influence on a Montenegrin process. “The Ambassador expressed concern over possible internal conflicts preventing the attainment of overall goals, and said that the United States have appreciated receiving the inputs that help them provide the best support to democratic stability of Montenegro on its Euro-Atlantic path,”  Djukanovic’s office stated. The President expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Reinke for such an attitude, saying it was valuable for Montenegro to have familiarized the US administration with the new reality in the Balkans, that is being in danger of repeating the mistakes and ideas of the 1990s on great-state projects and thesis about unfeasibility of multiethnic democracies. He reiterated, the statement said, full readiness for a constructive relationship in conditions of cohabitation for all decisions and policies that were in the interest of Montenegro and its clear Euro-Atlantic path. “In the context of current events, the two parties agreed that independence of judiciary and prosecution was essential for a balanced government,” the statement said.

Kordic-Presker: Montenegro determined to accelerate reform processes toward EU membership (CdM)

The government of Montenegro is determined to speed up the EU integration process by accelerating reform processes in all areas, especially the rule of law. Obligations in Chapters 23 and 24 are our priority this year, while also finalizing work in all other negotiating chapters”, said the chief negotiator Zorka Kordic at a meeting with the Slovenian Ambassador Gregor Presker, the government announced. She pointed out that plenty of work remains to be done in the domain of rule of law, especially in the fight against corruption and organized crime, but that there was strong determination of the government to achieve significant and measurable results in those areas, as such progress would particularly affect the dynamics of our accession to the EU. The chief negotiator expressed appreciation of the political, expert, and technical support Slovenia had provided to Montenegro’s reform efforts in the accession to the EU to date.

Presker pointed out that he was pleased with every progress made by Montenegro towards the EU membership and said he expected the accession negotiations to be intensified in the coming period, and reforms accelerated, which would ensure Montenegro be the first next EU member. He said that the enlargement policy would have an important place in the agenda of the country’s presidency of the EU Council in the second half of this year and that Montenegro and other countries in the region could count on Slovenia’s full support in the EU accession process. Presker pointed out that he was pleased with every progress made by Montenegro towards the EU membership and said he expected the accession negotiations to be intensified in the coming period, and reforms accelerated, which would ensure Montenegro be the first next EU member. He said that the enlargement policy would have an important place in the agenda of the country’s presidency of the EU Council in the second half of this year and that Montenegro and other countries in the region could count on Slovenia’s full support in the EU accession process.

Dimitrov survives no-confidence vote (Republika)

Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov survived a vote of no confidence in Parliament brought by the opposition over his handling of foreign policy issues. After debating for almost 12 hours on Wednesday, the parliament voted 53-55 in favor of the no-confidence motion just before midnight. The discussion in Parliament was dominated by the ruling majority and the opposition trading barbs on a slew of issues. It was the third motion of no confidence against Dimitrov in the past 3,5 years. He survived the first two while serving as foreign minister.

Kim: Party leaders should clean up candidate lists (Radio Tirana)

US Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim said that party leaders should clean up the candidate lists. She explained that it should not be done because the ambassadors say so, but because politicians have a duty to implement Albanian law, with respect for voters. Kim’s reaction comes as a result of statements by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who stressed that candidates for MPs who lie about their past have individual responsibilities and that no ambassador “needs to show his duty”.

Kim says that the non-inclusion of candidates with criminal records is what Albania, NATO and EU partners expect. She also emphasizes that the cleaning of the lists by problematic candidates is a sign of respect for Albanian citizens. “Party leaders should not clean up their lists simply because some ambassadors say so or because the US has made it clear that fighting corruption is a priority. “They have to do this because it is required by Albanian law, it is what is expected from a NATO ally and EU aspirant, and this is a basic sign of respect for voters,” wrote Kim on social media.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES 

Putin reaffirms Russia’s position on working out balanced solution over Kosovo to Vucic (TASS, 3 February 2021) 

MOSCOW. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic reiterated Russia’s principled position that a balanced solution should be worked out to the Kosovo issue to be then approved by the United Nations Security Council, the Kremlin said on Wednesday after the two leaders’ talks. It is noted that the Serbian president informed Putin about his assessment of the situation in the Kosovo settlement, with regard to his contacts with foreign counterparts. “The Russian side confirmed its principled position on working out a balanced solution to the Kosovo issue, which should be approved by the UN Security Council,” the Kremlin said in a statement. The Russian president pointed out that Serbia could count on his country’s support in this and other crucial issues further on.

Serbia’s Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija unilaterally declared independence in February 2008. In recent years, it has not stopped attempts to become a member of international institutions, including UNESCO and Interpol. Over 60 countries oppose Kosovo’s recognition. Among them are Russia, India, China and five EU member states.