LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: I am worried over their intention to take Valac (B92/Tanjug/RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says that the Albanians plan to take Valac in the municipality of Zvecan in the following period. That would be catastrophic, terrible news for our people,” said Vucic. He added that he was very worried about their words, and that the Kosovo Albanians showed that international agreements did not apply to them. Vucic said that those who plan to do that were grossly deceived. “I’m not sure it will be good news for them either. He has to think well about his decisions. We have nowhere to go, we can only make forced moves, not through our own fault,” he said on Tuesday evening after the meeting with the Socialists.

In the previous days, there was an announcement in the media that there is a danger that Kurti will use the situation to control the Valac substation, through which more than 85% of the electricity comes to the north of Kosovo and Metohija and to the Gazivode reservoir. They could try to take those stations with such an operation as was carried out at the crossings. As for other threats, he says that he is sure that they are planning that, as they are waiting for 6 November for a ‘certain’ reason, planning to take over Valac. As he says, the Brussels agreement is important, precisely so that they would not be in a situation like today, but they were grossly mistaken if they think it suits them. Vucic replied to a journalist question to comment on the fact that the US says that Pristina must fulfill its obligations, including the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), while the assistant Prime Minister of Kosovo Beslimi said that there will be no formation of the ZSO and announced in a conversation with Borrell that Pristina and the Kosovo police continue with operations. “I am worried about their words, first of all because I can freely say that no agreements are valid even if they are not interested in international legal acts that are valid even according to their normative system, because international agreements are above national legislation and the international community does not react or it reacts very gently, then we are in trouble,” Vucic pointed out. He also reminded that Beslimi was always louder than Kurti in that, he always said that it did not cross his mind to fulfill the norms from the Brussels agreement.

German Ambassador hadn’t always spoken like this

Vucic stated that he personally did not see a problem in the participation of boxers from Pristina in the championship in Belgrade, and that the objections of the German Ambassador in Pristina on that occasion show how little some need to express their devotion to some and dislike for others. Concerning the fact that Albin Kurti protested because of the boxer from the so-called Kosovo was stopped on the administrative line, and the German Ambassador in Pristina commented on that, saying that it was ‘a closed rather than an open Balkans’, and that Serbia should be punished, Vucic replied: “It’s nice that the German Ambassador didn’t react when Red Star juniors were forbidden to cross the boundary, the youth of the clubs, who just wanted to play football.” He said that he did not know what the problem was, since they came to Serbia proper and there were no special problems, and that people from the Boxing Association told him that boxers from Pristina did not register or they just made a performance at the administrative crossing. “It does not matter. If they had asked me, I wouldn’t have any problem for them to participate in the sports competition,” said Vucic. “I want to thank German Ambassador for warning us. That is why we will insist even more on the Open Balkans, even though some ambassadors from Pristina would like to create a Closed Balkans,” Vucic said.

He added that in a few days, upon his return from Glasgow, he would meet with Edi Rama and Zoran Zaev, in order to continue the cooperation within that initiative. “It all shows how little it takes for some to show political commitment to one side or dislike for another side when it comes to petty, unimportant things,” Vucic said.

Serbia’s ruling coalition continues cooperation (Beta/N1)

The leaders of the ruling coalition in Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic and parliament speaker Ivica Dacic agreed on Tuesday their parties would continue together ahead of the following elections next spring. After the meeting of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) delegations, Vucic addressed reporters briefly and said, “our cooperation continues. We will inform you about the modalities in the next period”.

Vucic meets Covic, agreement of all three people in B&H is necessary (Tanjug) 

President of HDZ Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Dragan Covic met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday in Belgrade. The two officials discussed the dialogue and progress of the Western Balkans. Covic stated that he stressed how changes to the B&H Election Law and limited changes to the B&H Constitution cannot endanger the foundations of B&H. He stressed that people with constituent status and their rights need to be respected and discrimination needs to be eliminated. Following the meeting, Vucic commented on the meeting on social networks and he called Covic a representative of the Croat people in B&H. Vucic wrote that Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks are the constituent peoples in B&H who can reach decisions on their future only via consensus. Vucic wrote: “Therefore, our response to all crises is totally clear: an agreement of the three peoples.”

Serbia strongly committed to Charter, principles of UN; UNSCR 1244 still remains in force (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said on Tuesday at the celebration of the United Nations Day and the 76th anniversary of this international organization and noted that this day is an opportunity for all of us to remember the basic UN principles. He said that our country attaches special importance to the UN in the context of preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, thus defending not only its own national interests, but also international law and key principles of the Charter. We emphasize at every opportunity that UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which confirms the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, still remains in force, Selakovic emphasized. He added that Serbia remains committed to preserving stability and peace in the region, as well as finding a compromise solution to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, through dialogue. Serbia strongly supports the principle of multilateralism, he pointed out, adding that only by joint action, mutual harmonization and respect can answers be found in facing extremely complex contemporary global challenges. Selakovic diplomacy stated that Serbia highly respects the role of the UN system in preserving peace and preventing conflicts in the world, adding that our commitment to that is reflected in our participation in UN and EU peacekeeping missions. He also mentioned that Serbia is strongly committed to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Selakovic: Partnership cooperation of Serbia with OSCE (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic stated on Tuesday, at an annual meeting of heads of OSCE missions in the region of Southeast Europe, that Serbia attaches great importance to the OSCE field presence, given that we have been hosts of two field missions in Belgrade and Pristina for two decades already. Selakovic underlined that we are especially proud of the fact that cooperation with the OSCE Mission in Serbia has been based on partnership relations since its establishment and that the activities of this mission and our institutions have served in this Organization as an example of successful relations between the host country and the field mission. Serbia also supports the work of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and Metohija, as a visible international status-neutral presence in the province, which operates in line with the mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244, he said. The Minister pointed out that Serbia is dedicated to the improvement of regional cooperation, that it actively contributes to solving open issues and strives to place emphasis on economic cooperation through the Open Balkan initiative. Speaking about the importance of the OSCE in the whole of Southeast Europe, Selakovic highlighted the Organization’s role in supporting the promotion of respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the strengthening of trust in the reconciliation process in the region.

Selakovic: More than ten states ready to withdraw recognition of Kosovo (Novosti)

Many more than ten countries are ready to reconsider their decisions on Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said. “A year has gone by in which Serbia, as a small but proud country, was determined to jealously guard its political independence and military neutrality, and was forced to fight for its interests in a complex and problematic political environment,” Selakovic told Novosti. “We will not make the first move because we would immediately be branded as provocateurs. Moreover, we were prepared to continue the moratorium on lobbying for recognitions and derecognitions, agreed under the Washington Agreement, but, in Pristina, there is no good will to respect any agreement,” Selakovic said.

He warned that anyone who believed the Kosovo and Metohija issue could be solved by twisting Serbia’s arm and forcing it to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo was badly wrong. “However small and narrow the maneuvering space for our state may be, the greater is our resolve to fight for the protection of the state interests in Kosovo and Metohija with our full strength, for the rights of Serbs and other non-Albanians, the rights of the Serbian Orthodox Church and for the protection of our religious, cultural and historical heritage,” Selakovic said. Asked if reports that the big Western powers, in particular the US, wanted the Kosovo issue solved by the end of 2022 were true, Selakovic said anything anyone saw as a solution was subject to Belgrade’s consent. “If anyone thinks a compromise solution is one where we will accept something as a solved status, that is neither a compromise solution, nor a solution at all. And we will not consent to that,” Selakovic said. When asked if new US Ambassador Christopher Hill was coming to Belgrade to finish an unfinished job from the 1990s – to complete the secession of Kosovo and blend Republika Srpska into B&He, Selakovic responded that these are not the 1990s and that the people who had been in power then were no longer in power. “Today, Serbia is not only one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies but also a state that is an anchor and a pillar of stability in this part of Europe. Besides staying on the European path and cherishing and advancing old friendships and partnerships, for Serbia it is important to take the relationship with the US to a higher level,” Selakovic said.

REGIONAL PRESS

Dodik informs Milanovic about causes of political crisis in B&H (RTRS) 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik met with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic in Zagreb on Tuesday. Prior to the meeting, Dodik confirmed to RTRS that the current situation in B&H is the main topic of their discussion. Dodik informed Milanovic about causes of the current political crisis in B&H. The Cabinet of the Serb member of the B&H Presidency issued a statement noting that Dodik emphasized that B&H lacks real institutional sovereignty for decades “because four foreigners, three foreign judges in the B&H Constitutional Court (CC) and the High Representative (HR) are destabilizing B&H”. The statement reads that Dodik reiterated that he advocates territorial integrity of B&H as well as return to the original Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), which – as the Cabinet reported – implies restoring the competences that were taken away from the Republika Srpska (RS) through unconstitutional activity of the OHR. In a statement issued by the Cabinet of the Croatian President, Milanovic confirmed that his meeting with Dodik represents a continuation of activities that are for the sake of stability and functioning of B&H as well as of achieving legitimate representation of all three constituent peoples in B&H in line with the DPA.

Izetbegovic plans meeting with Vucic; Reactions (O Kanal) 

B&H House of Peoples (HoP) speaker and SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic plans a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, following the meeting between Serb member of B&H Presidency and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and Vucic on Saturday. Izetbegovic has announced that he will hold talks with Vucic in the upcoming period and stressed that it is unimportant in which capacity he will hold a meeting, but that dialogue that will lead to resolution of conflicts is the most important. The statement given by Vucic after his meeting with Dodik on Saturday, when he said that dialogue between Serbs and Bosniaks is necessary, and Izetbegovic’s announcement have caused reactions in political circles in B&H. B&H Presidency Chairman and DF leader Zeljko Komsic suggested that Izetbegovic should not hold talks with Vucic. SDP B&H representative in B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Sasa Magazinovic said that Izetbegovic makes mistake with his decision to meet with Vucic on the current situation in B&H, stressing that holding talks is not disputable but the main question is who will hold talks on behalf of B&H. PDP representative in B&H HoR Branislav Borenovic stated that any talks that would produce solutions are welcome. NS representative in B&H HoR Sabina Cudic reminded that there is no institutional basis for Izetbegovic’s visit to Belgrade, assessing that therefore the only reason for this visit is Izetbegovic’s title of the leader of Bosniaks – which is humiliating for the state of B&H, Bosniaks and Izetbegovic himself. She explained that such a stance gives legitimacy to Vucic’s title of the leader of all Serbs and Izetbegovic’s visit would make Vucic the biggest pacifists in the Balkans in the eyes of the international community. Vice President of SDP B&H Denis Becirovic said that Izetbegovic would make a big mistake if he agreed to discuss relations between Bosniaks and Serbs with Vucic because, by doing so, he “would degrade B&H institutions” and he argued that the Presidency of B&H should meet Vucic instead. Becirovic underlined that B&H’s relations with Serbia should be regulated in a manner appropriate for two neighboring countries which are members of the UN, and not in a manner based on ethnic tribes. According to him, the concept of Serb-Bosniak relations and Serb-Bosniak dialogue is not acceptable for the state of B&H.

Izetbegovic: What Dodik is doing suits HDZ B&H (Dnevni list) 

SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic said that everything that Milorad Dodik and SNSD are doing suits HDZ B&H. According to Izetbegovic, HDZ B&H likes that the temperature rises, that crisis is created so one would say “let’s finally finish this story, give Covic and HDZ what they want and let’s at least calm that side down and that we do not have them against us”. According to the SDA leader, “this is why they both cooperate and keeping quiet now”. Izetbegovic further noted that HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic is “playing with Dodik, with Belgrade, with Zagreb, instead of cooperating with the Bosniak factor” and that Covic believes that he can achieve something by applying the pressure, and by doing so Covic has decreased chances of getting something. “It is necessary that mister Covic realizes that he must give something in order to get it,” added Izetbegovic. The SDA leader went on to say the Houses of Peoples must be reduced to protection of vital national interest, which is the concession Covic should make.

Izetbegovic’s statements about war cause harsh reactions in RS (RTRS) 

While the RS representatives distance themselves from warmongering rhetoric and advocate seeking a solution to preserve peace in B&H, the Federation of B&H (FB&H) representatives – latest once again being speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic – have been frequently coming out with statements about readiness to wage war. Izetbegovic’s statement along these lines, made in an interview for FTV on Monday, caused harsh reactions in the RS. Namely, Izetbegovic stressed that he considers that conflicts will not occur, but that it is necessary to be ready for such a situation. Izetbegovic said: “If people want to live, then they should be prepared to die, if they want peace, they should be prepared to a war. That is inevitable.” Izetbegovic argued that conflicts would “inevitably start first in Brcko and then along inter-entity boundary lines, wherever there are returnees because it is likely they would be exposed to unpleasant things, so we would have to protect both them, the state and Brcko”. Izetbegovic thus spoke about a possibility of a war breaking out and such statements caused disturbance of the public. In her reaction to Izetbegovic’s statements, RS President and SNSD Vice-President Zeljka Cvijanovic assessed that Izetbegovic is trying to use “bombastic statements” to mobilize the international factor. Cvijanovic pointed out that the RS is not interested in Izetbegovic’s ideological plans, but rather exclusively in the Constitution and what belongs to the RS in line with it. “Those are sick, ideological statements that show that war is in that Izetbegovic’s head and other such heads, and that they would be willing to wage war only to achieve the concept of unitarianism and dominance, which the Dayton Peace Agreement precisely prevented. The fact that he is scaring the international public by speaking of some ‘Greater Serbia’ is a cheap trick so that there would be no stories about creation of a Muslim state disguised in the concept of some, so-called functional B&H, and in which multiethnicity would be reduced to a décor for external presentation,” Cvijanovic stated. RS Minister of Interior Dragan Lukac warned that whoever participated in the war, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, know very well that this area does not need war. “This generation of politicians must not lead the people into a new war,” Lukac stressed.

Cvijanovic: RS opposition should not falsely hide behind RS parliament conclusions (RTRS) 

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic commented on the RS opposition’s refusal to attend the session of the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) on Tuesday, which led to rejection of the request for the removal of Sifet Podzic from the post of a B&H Minister of Defense. Cvijanovic said that this means that SDS, PDP, and DNS agree with Podzic’s decision to act contrary to legal procedures and, at his own will and in the spirit of what political Sarajevo proclaims, cancel the joint military exercise with Serbia. “It is not necessary for them to falsely hide behind the conclusions of the RS parliament, because the conclusions clearly defined how to act and when to take part or not in the decision-making in joint institutions,” Cvijanovic stressed.

Schmidt to address B&H HoR on Thursday; Stevandic claims Schmidt will address FB&H representatives because decision was made without RS representatives (BHT1) 

It was decided at a session of the extended collegium of the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) that the High Representative to B&H Christian Schmidt will address members of the B&H parliament on Thursday, during the session of the B&H HoR. While some welcomed such a decision, the others believe Schmidt’s address at the session is not welcome because they never accepted Schmidt’s appointment, noted the presenter. Speaker of the B&H HoR Denis Zvizdic said Schmidt will have the opportunity to address the representatives of the B&H HoR to present his view of the current political situation. Zvizdic said: “We hope that in some way he will present his strategy for his further work and activities in B&H.” “We do not have any information. We will see if our colleagues from the RS will appear at the session. For the umpteenth time, I call on them to act in accordance with the Constitution, the law, the rules of procedure of the HoR. Their right and obligation is to attend HoR sessions. For that, they receive the highest salaries in B&H. Of course, it is extremely incorrect not to attend HoR sessions in the Parliament, which is the only, real, truly democratic place to discuss all topics and to reach generally accepted solutions.” The representatives of the RS parties did not attend the session of the B&H HoR Collegium. The SNSD Caucus and their coalition partners pointed out that the extended collegium made this decision beyond its jurisdiction. Representative of the United Srpska in the B&H HoR Nenad Stevandic said that it could be freely called the extended collegium of the FB&H HoR because no one from the RS attended it. “Mr. Schmidt will address FB&H representatives, plus Adil Osmanovic, so I do not see the purpose of addressing the B&H Parliament that the RS representatives will not attend,” stated Stevandic. Stevandic said that one knows that all crises in B&H are caused by the action of the HR and the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H. “That those are the only two institutions where there is no entity and peoples’ protection and that the consent of the entities and the peoples is the basis on which B&H functions, the basis of the constitutional system, the basis of political agreement and that these two institutions are constantly generating a crisis,” Stevandic emphasized. SDP representative in the B&H HoR Sasa Magazinovic commented that the FB&H parliament is on a different address while Schmidt asked to talk to the representatives at the address where the B&H Parliament is. Magazinovic added: “I really do not know who will attend the session.” The RS opposition said it will make the decision on their attendance of the session before the session itself. Chairman of the SDS-PDP-DNS Caucus in the B&H HoR Mirko Sarovic stated: “Our position on this issue has not changed at all. I think that Mr. Schmidt also has a problem when addressing the (UN) Security Council. Depending on whether it is acceptable for us, we will decide on that before the session”. President of PDP Branislav Borenovic said that they would be willing to recognize Schmidt if he would withdraw the amendments to the B&H Criminal Code. He assessed that Schmidt is the only one who can withdraw or suspend the unacceptable legislative solution. The opposition leaders said that they do not know whether Schmidt will address the B&H parliament and added that they were not informed about this.

Zvizdic, Izetbegovic send joint letter to representatives of EU, US institutions, they warn of current situation in B&H and potential escalation of tensions (Hayat) 

Speaker of the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Denis Zvizdic and speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) Bakir Izetbegovic sent a joint letter to representatives of the most important institutions of the EU, the Council of Europe and the US. The letter warned of the current situation in B&H and potential escalation of tensions created with unconstitutional and illegal activities of part of political forces in the RS. The officials said that B&H would have been way stable and more successful nowadays if it was not for activities of SNSD led by its leader Milorad Dodik. Zvizdic and Izetbegovic stated that over the past 12 years, Dodik and his associates blocked progress of B&H on its Euro-Atlantic path. The letter reminded that the EU and the US signed the Dayton Agreement which is why they are obliged to react in case of violation of its provisions and in this regard, they expect concrete activities that will confirm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of B&H. The letter is addressed to President of the European Parliament David Sassoli, EC President Ursula Von der Leyen, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell, President of the European Council Charles Michel, member of the Council, speakers of House of Representatives and Senate in US Congress Nancy Pelosi and Joseph Leahy respectively, all the MEPs, EU member states foreign ministers and other relevant representatives of the EU, CoE and USA.

Cvijanovic criticizes letter that Zvizdic and Izetbegovic sent to hundreds of addresses in EU and US (RTRS) 

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic reacted on Tuesday to the letter that speaker of the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Denis Zvizdic and speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) Bakir Izetbegovic sent to hundreds of addresses in the EU and the US and called for urgent reaction to the crisis in B&H they claim to have been caused by RS authorities. In her reaction, Cvijanovic said that this is the common maneuver of Bosniak politicians who are incapable of coexistence and dialogue, which they are trying to conceal with such writings. Cvijanovic pointed out that asking for help from other countries or organizations instead of talking with the country they refer to as theirs is pathetic.

Russian Ministry calls for constructive dialogue on B&H issues and halt in foreign meddling (AJB) 

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the situation in B&H on Tuesday. They stated that a new spiral of tension in the country is reaching a new level and they blame former High representative Valentin Inzko for this. The ministry assessed that this is causing uncertainty and threatens the stability in B&H and in the region. The Ministry stressed that they expect a constructive discussion regarding debates in the UN Security Council (UNSC) which will take place on 2 November. They called for constructive dialogue regarding all issues in B&H, including the reform of the election legislature. The Ministry highlighted that the application of methods and solutions from the outside cannot have a positive effect. They strongly condemned the anti-Dayton nature of the demonization of the Serb people by certain B&H and foreign forces. The Ministry added that such provocations lead to the most negative consequences which will be faced by those who cause them. They called for the halt in the destructive meddling into the internal affairs of B&H and stated that the wish of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) to solve non-Dayton issues will damage the multilateral institution, which is already discredited.

Plenkovic meets with Palmer, says it is important that all three constituent peoples are legitimately represented in highest institutions of B&H (HRT1)

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic met with US Special Envoy for Electoral Reform in B&H Matthew Palmer in Zagreb on Tuesday. Plenkovic and Palmer discussed the activities of the US and the EU in terms of reaching an agreement of political actors in B&H on the B&H Election Law. Plenkovic pointed out that Croatia wants to help constructively. Plenkovic also stressed that it is important that all three constituent peoples are legitimately represented in the highest institutions of B&H. Palmer said that Croatia wants to help B&H with changes to the B&H Election Law. Plenkovic said that the position of Croatia towards B&H is clear and it is a friendly one. He stressed that B&H can function better if all people with constituent status are satisfied. Palmer again stressed in Zagreb on Tuesday that ‘they’ want to see limited changes to the Constitution, which would remove ethnic prefixes from the elections for the Presidency of B&H and the Federation of B&H House of Peoples, and the electoral reform in line with recommendations issued by the OSCE, the GRECO and international courts. Palmer also described Croatia as ‘reliable partner’. Palmer said that USA still advocates erasing of the ethnic prefix for members of the Presidency of B&H. “It will be complicated, but it is possible to achieve a sustainable election model which will be in line both with rulings of the ECHR and mantra on a single state, two entities and three constituent people” Palmer added. Palmer noted that USA “will push this plan strongly” but will not use the policy of “stick and carrot”. “Threats by USA and EU are not needed because there are already too many bad outcomes should divisions get deeper and B&H fails to make progress on the EU path,” Palmer concluded.

Plenkovic: B&H can function better only if all its peoples are satisfied (Hina)

B&H can function better only if all its constituent peoples are satisfied, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said in Zagreb on Tuesday, stressing that it is necessary to ensure that the Croats choose their own representatives at all levels of government by themselves. “Our position towards B&H is clear and friendly,” Plenkovic told reporters after a meeting of the ruling coalition. B&H can function better, it can be easier for it on its reform path and it can be faster on its EU journey only if all its constituent peoples are satisfied, he said. Plenkovic met in Zagreb with the US State Department’s special envoy for electoral reform in B&H, Matthew Palmer. “We presented our position and listened to his,” Plenkovic said, adding that Croatia’s position is that the constituent peoples should elect their own legitimate representatives to the highest representative bodies and the presidency. “The legitimate representation of the Croats as a constituent people is of particular importance. There should be no anomalies such as that representatives of another people in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely the Bosniaks, choose a Croat member of the presidency for the Croats. This has been going on since 2006 and we are not pleased with this situation,” the Croatian PM said. The existing electoral law makes it possible for the more numerous Bosniaks to choose a Croat member of the tripartite state presidency and Croat delegates to the upper house of the parliament of the Bosniak-Croat Federation entity. To prevent such practice, Bosnian Croat leaders demand that electoral legislation be changed in accordance with a Constitutional Court ruling, while Bosniak parties give priority to ensuring compliance with the European Court of Human Rights ruling, which says that B&H discriminates against members of its non-constituent peoples because they cannot run for the state presidency. Plenkovic said that the US and the EU should help the political parties and leaders in B&H to reach an agreement on amending the electoral law before the end of 2021.

B&H Ambassador to Croatia Vranjes informs Palmer about current political situation in B&H: RS uses only legal means to fight for its constitutional rights (Vecernji list)

B&H Ambassador to Croatia Aleksandar Vranjes informed US Special Representative for B&H Election Reform Matthew Palmer about the current political situation in B&H. Vranjes told Palmer that the RS uses only legal means to fight for its constitutional rights, while calls for war can only be heard from Sarajevo. He added that the imposed laws of the Office of High Representative (OHR), attempts to change the constitutional organization of B&H by the B&H Constitutional Court (B&H CC) and attacks against the RS forced the RS authorities to do something to preserve the constitutional position of the RS achieved through the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA). Vranjes confirmed that he informed Palmer about the RS’ stance that it is using legal means to fight for its constitutional position. Vranjes noted: “So many imposing coming from the High Representatives (HRs), attempts to retailor political system, from the CC of B&H to the constant depriving the RS of its competences, has brought the Serb authorities with Milorad Dodik at helm into a situation where they need to do something to preserve the constitutional position from the Dayton and defined in the Constitution of B&H.”

Palmer: I believe it is possible to find way to preserve interests of all three constituent peoples without disturbing political arena (HRT1)

US Special Envoy Matthew Palmer, asked what conclusions he draw from his meetings in B&H and whether he believes that it is possible to reach an agreement on reform of the B&H electoral system by the end of the year, said that he believes that all those taking part in the political life are dedicated to finding solutions because there are growing tensions in the entire region of the Western Balkans. “And in that sense, one is trying to come up with a solution to make it easier to manage everything that is happening,” Palmer underlined. Asked to comment on the media reports that he is proposing abolition of ethnic determinants in the election of members of the Presidency of B&H and how in that case can the equality of the three constituent peoples in B&H be ensured in the future, Palmer said that “it looks like it will have to be done because it is in line with the verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).” “I am primarily referring to the Sejdic-Finci case. I believe that it is possible to find a way to preserve the interests of all three constituent peoples without disturbing the political arena, that is, in a fair way, through a mechanism that we already know, and that is the so-called Fuele model, which we have already seen in action in the past, which in a way ensures what (HDZ B&H leader) Dragan Covic is talking about and that is legitimate representation of Croats in the House of Peoples (HoP). I believe that this is possible and that in this way the pillar of the Dayton Agreement will not be shaken, and that is the two entities and three constituent peoples,” Palmer underlined. Speaking about SNSD leader and Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik‘s claims that secession of the RS from B&H is possible and whether US sanctions are possible, Palmer said that this has already happened because of Dodik’s claims, adding that the US has clearly warned Banja Luka that it sees such rhetoric as a threat to the functionality of B&H’s entire political system and state apparatus. “My role is certainly to promote constitutional changes that would lead to electoral reform in B&H and that would allow us to more purposefully and more powerfully manage situations that have spawned tensions in the political environment so far. If there is no reform, that will be harder for us to do,” Palmer emphasized.

Asked whether the fact that US President Joe Biden is sending influential diplomats to the region, such as Christopher Hill who co-wrote the Dayton Agreement, is a sign that the US is trying to regain its influence, Palmer said that he would not describe it that way. “But, in any case, Mr. Biden is interested in this region. He is particularly interested in it because he believes that it is an important contribution to the vision of a free Europe that is whole and that lives in peace. We see this situation as a call to help B&H on its path to EU membership with limited constitutional changes,” Palmer concluded.

Palmer: We see that 2021 offers opportunity but that window closes quickly (N1)

In a brief interview for this news report following the meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Matthew Palmer was asked to provide his views on how he sees the fact that, this Wednesday, Milorad Dodik held meetings with officials in Zagreb while deputy speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) Dragan Covic held meetings with officials in Belgrade. Palmer replied that this shows that political officials understand the urgency and seriousness of the situation in B&H. Palmer noted: “We in the US see the urgency to finally start with the electoral reform, as well as the limited and targeted constitutional changes that will follow that constitutional reform. We see that 2021 offers an opportunity, but that window closes quickly. We are working together with all sides to encourage them to make the necessary concessions for the sake of achieving the agreement as soon as possible.” Commenting on Dodik’s rhetoric, Palmer assessed that Dodik’s rhetoric certainly does not help, and instead it creates tension and undermines the Dayton Peace Agreement. The US Special Envoy stressed that the US continues to believe that agreement on electoral reform – which would be consistent with the principle of having one state, two entities, three constituent peoples and ‘Others’ and that also deals with the court rulings – will help with calming down the tensions. The envoy warned that failure to reach agreement could make things difficult. “I hope that all participants, especially those in the Federation of B&H, will bring their stances closer together and reach agreement and implementation. That could help the overall political dynamics in B&H currently concerning,” he concluded. Addressing media in Zagreb, Plenkovic said that it is important that all three constituent peoples are legitimately represented in the B&H institutions, also to prevent Bosniaks from electing Croat member of the B&H Presidency, and confirmed that he informed Palmer about this stance.

Krivokapic meets with US Ambassador (Gov. Press service)

Montenegrin Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic met with US Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke. Reinke congratulated Krivokapic on Montenegro’s membership in the UN Human Rights Council, emphasizing that the membership of the United States and Montenegro in the Council represents a chance to further strengthen the fight for human rights in the world.

The Ambassador also announced that Krivokapic would soon receive an invitation to participate in the virtual Summit for Democracy, which will be held on 9 and 10 December and hosted by the US President Joseph Biden. As the esteemed Ambassador emphasized, the invitation will at the same time represent an act of respect for Montenegro and the path it follows. This Summit is a significant opportunity for the world’s democracies to present their ideas on three key themes: defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption and promoting respect for human rights.

Krivokapic expressed satisfaction with the announced invitation and the opportunity for Montenegro to contribute to this important Summit with its ideas, adding that he sees this news as support for the European and Euro-Atlantic orientation of the government of Montenegro.

The Prime Minister pointed out that he was pleased with yesterday’s statement by the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Mr. Gabriel Escobar, who emphasized the importance of the fight against corruption, which will be one of the main topics of the said Summit. The Prime Minister reminded that one of the basic preconditions for success of democracy, in societies where the change of government was a rare occurrence, is actually economic development. Therefore, the Government is particularly focused on economic development aimed at improving the living standards of all citizens of Montenegro. In that sense, the Prime Minister used the opportunity to present to the Ambassador certain elements of the Government’s economic program – “Europe now!”. Reinke also expressed satisfaction with the recent successful visit of members of the government of Montenegro, the Deputy Prime Minister and three ministers, to the United States. The two officials expressed satisfaction with intensified bilateral cooperation between Montenegro and the United States, and a desire to further strengthen relations between the two countries in the future.

Djukanovic: WB needs more decisive protection from malignant influence of third parties (CdM)

The Western Balkans needs more decisive protection from the malignant influence of third parties, said President Milo Djukanovic at a meeting with members of the delegation of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) who are on a study visit to Montenegro and the region. Djukanovic’s Cabinet points out that the Council members, current and former political officials, MEPs and prominent personalities of the socio-political life of Europe are focused on international foreign relations and the countries of Southeast Europe.  Djukanovic, with gratitude for the visit and interest of the respected members of the Council, confirmed that the topic of the region is extremely important for the stability of Europe, but also for the further strength and prestige of NATO. “Assessing a certain disturbance at a wider global level, he said that the current situation in the Western Balkans is a consequence of two circumstances – the halted process of enlargement and the disturbance in the East-West relationship,” the statement reads. In that context, the Cabinet notes, he pointed to the need for a more decisive and clear incentive for the Western Balkan countries to join the EU, and “more determined and thoughtful protection of the region from malignant influence of third parties, which is not only in the interest of the Western Balkans, but also Europe”. “He expressed concern that with the revival of retrograde policies, the Western Balkans has been more the issue of stability than integration in recent months. Nevertheless, he expressed Montenegro’s readiness to fight for the values it believes in, noting that Montenegro has achieved all its strategic achievements thanks to the functionality of the state, which is now in question and must be addressed in accordance with public opinion expectations,” the Cabinet’s statement says.

Popa: All stakeholders to find consensus and work together on key European reforms (CdM)

All stakeholders in Montenegro need to find a consensus and work together on key European reforms in order to ensure further progress of Montenegro towards the EU, the EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa said. She met earlier with the EU member states’ ambassadors, whereas Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazovic was in attendance as well. The meeting tackled the current political situation in Montenegro, the progress report as well as numerous concrete activities planned for the coming period.

Albania-Kosovo, strengthening cooperation in priority areas (Radio Tirana) 

The Minister of State for Relations with the parliament Elisa Spiropali received in a meeting the new Ambassador of Kosovo in Albania Skender Durmishi. Spiropali talked with Ambassador Durmishi and the Coordinator for the implementation of agreements between the two countries, Gentian Sala, on the importance of strengthening cooperation in priority areas between Albania and Kosovo. Spiropali stressed that, this cooperation has had and will have the full commitment of our governing force, in the Albanian Parliament and government, for any initiative, agreement, policy or project that serves the future and the people on both sides of the Nation.

Kim and Soreca meet with Celibashi: Investigate electoral crimes (Radio Tirana) 

US Ambassador in Albania Yuri Kim, together with the EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca, met with the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Ilirjan Celibashi to discuss ways to further improve the elections in Albania. The news was announced by the US Embassy through a post on the official Facebook page, which states that the US and EU ambassadors asked the relevant authorities to address the recommendations of the final ODHIR report, as well as to prosecute electoral crimes, including vote buying.  “It is essential that the authorities investigate irregularities and prosecute electoral crimes, including vote-buying, voter intimidation and other attempts to deny voters the right to vote freely, without fear, pressure or illegal seduction.

The United States will continue to strongly support all efforts to ensure that elections in Albania meet the highest standards, so that the will of the electorate is fully respected. Citing the latest ODIHR report, Ambassadors Kim and Soreca expressed appreciation for the competent administration of the April 25 elections by the CEC, the US Embassy announced.

The ambassadors underlined that it is now the responsibility of all institutions, authorities and parties to work with the CEC to address the recommendations of the ODIHR final report,” the statement said.