LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Russia will not leave Serbia in lurch (Tanjug/Politika/Novosti/RTS/RTV)

Russia will not leave Serbia in the lurch when it comes to things it can help us with, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said after meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, Vucic also said Putin could be expected to visit Serbia between May and September 2022. “I extended an invitation, and he confirmed by saying ‘Yes’, and said he will come to Serbia between May and September next year,” Vucic said. “He respects independent leaders. It does not matter whether he agrees with them or not, he respects them because there are not many leaders in the world who have a personality and who lead their countries in a way suited to the citizens. He rightly feels Serbia is such a country,” Vucic noted.

“He told me I can be sure Serbia will not be left in the lurch when it comes to things Russia can help with. That is an important message,” Vucic said.

Putin had 90 questions for me

Vucic said his meeting with Putin in Sochi had addressed topics including Kosovo and Metohija and the situation in the region, and that Putin had asked him 90 questions from various fields.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Vucic said that, in contrast, he had had just 10 questions for Putin, but that they had been the longest ones. “He (Putin) was the one who asked the more questions. Russia will continue to pursue the responsible policy of supporting international law. We discussed Kosovo and Metohija, the entire region, all external aspects and pressure, the (Kosovo) Albanians’ lack of desire for real dialogue, the most recent developments in the north of Kosovo-Metohija, our expectations, all external influences and the way some international factors see Serbia. We discussed that carefully and very thoroughly,” Vucic said. He said they had also discussed bilateral cooperation, railway construction and a BeoVoz urban train line, whose construction will complement that of a Belgrade metro. I expect an agreement on this to be signed soon. We also discussed radiopharmaceuticals and many important things on which agreements are expected to be signed in seven days,” Vucic said. “We discussed cooperation in military technology, and I informed him of various shifts in the region,” the Serbian President added. Vucic said he had spoken about developments in the region and ways for Serbia to maintain its own stability and security by maintaining peace. “Since we have signed an agreement on cooperation in military technology, I asked him for certain things to arrive in Serbia, and some of them we will have in our country before the end of the year. They are not strategic things, but important tactical things,” Vucic said. “They are Kornet anti-armor missiles and I believe they will arrive in Serbia soon. There will also be other, bigger things in the not-so-distant future,” Vucic explained. Serbia does not complain when neighboring countries acquire weapons, Vucic added. “We have to be responsible enough and keep ourselves from becoming the weaker side or a punching bag. By saying that, I mean that, besides the responsibility and the seriousness that we have, we must be very strong, and we are working on that and will continue to do so,” Vucic said.

Price of Russian gas to remain same for Serbia over next six months

Vucic announced the price of Russian gas would remain unchanged for Serbia over the next six months, at 270 Dollars per thousand cubic meters. Vucic said this after a meeting with Putin in Sochi. “We have achieved something we may have mentioned or tried once, and Putin demonstrated exceptional friendship towards Serbia – over the next six months, we will have an incredible 270-dollar price, so the price will not change for us, but remain completely the same,” Vucic said. Vucic said Serbia had also been granted an increase of gas supplies for the six-month period as well as flexibility he had particularly asked for. Expressing gratitude for Putin’s exceptional hospitality, Vucic said many topics had been addressed at the meeting. “It was one of our longest meetings, we discussed all important issues on our own for three hours,” Vucic said.

Putin: Russia’s position on Kosovo has not changed, Moscow supports Belgrade (B92/Politika/Tanjug/TASS)

Russia always supports Belgrade in resolving the Kosovo issue, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. “As for our efforts and joint steps on the international scene, even in resolving the Kosovo issue, you know that our position is principled. It is not subject to the current political situation,” Putin said during talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Sochi. “We support your position on the Kosovo issue,” Putin stressed. President of Russia expressed hope that the situation will eventually develop in a way that suits the interests of all people living in the region.

Putin invited Brnabic to Moscow

Russia expects Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to visit Moscow in December, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Sochi. “We are developing relations between the governments of the two countries. We expect your prime minister to come to Moscow in December,” Putin told Vucic, reports TASS.

Brnabic: Unchanged gas price gives sense of security to citizens, businesses (TV Pink/Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic on Friday said she could never even have dreamt that an arrangement under which Serbia was paying 270 Dollars per thousand cubic meters of Russian gas would be extended and that gas supplies to the country would be increased. In an appearance on TV Pink, Brnabic said the price Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had secured at Thursday’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin was around four times lower than what other countries were paying per thousand cubic meters of gas, with prices currently ranging from around 960 Dollars to over 1,000 dollars. “What President Vucic managed to agree with President Putin yesterday gives a great sense of security to our citizens and businesses as they now do not need to think about what is going on with the global energy sector,” Brnabic said.

“It can also be a great incentive to investors because knowing that gas will be available and what its price will be is very important to them,” she added. Brnabic said she had spoken with Vucic immediately after his meeting with Putin and that what Russia had done for Serbia was a major gesture of friendship and partnership. She said the ruling Serbian Progressive Party had a clear vision of Serbia advancing towards EU membership as well as strengthening and developing its ties with Russia, the US, China, Turkey and other countries.

Mihajlovic: Gas price agreement great result for energy stability (RTS)

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlovic on Friday said an agreement on the price and quantity of Russian gas supplies to Serbia, reached by the presidents of Serbia and Russia on Thursday, was a great result for Serbia’s energy security and economic growth.

Speaking to RTS, Mihajlovic said the agreement on the gas price was big, very important news.

“This is not only about the good relationship between the two presidents and the good political relations between the two countries, it is important for the energy stability and security of our country,” Mihajlovic said. According to a statement released by her ministry, Mihajlovic said Serbia would have sufficient and secure gas supplies in the next six months and beyond. “That certainly also means the prices for households will remain unchanged and that the economy will remain competitive, and that we can expect further growth, which will definitely contribute to new investment,” she said. She said the price of 270 Dollars per thousand cubic meters of gas was 3.6 times lower than the current European stock market price and added that no other country has that. Mihajlovic also said Serbia would be working on an expansion of the Banatski Dvor underground gas storage facility and build a new storage facility.

Serbian parliament passes controversial Law on referendum (N1/Beta)

Serbian MPs passed on Thursday the Law on Referendum and People’s Initiative, which caused great concern among experts, NGOs, political parties and the general public because they believed it could abuse the people’s will and that it was adopted to enable the Rio Tinto lithium mine in the west of the country. Part of the opposition says that the government wants to use the Law to facilitate decisions concerning the resolution of the Kosovo issue. “This law has nothing to do with Rio Tinto or Kosovo,” said Minister of State Administration and Local Self-Government Marija Obradovic told the parliament, adding, it should be repeated constantly.

The central part of the Law is abolishing the census of half of the registered voters plus one for a successfully conducted referendum, so there is no longer a mandatory minimum of the number of people who turn out for the decision to be valid. Some opposition politicians sharply criticized such a provision of the Law, saying that the government could use the Law to impose its political will. Environmentalists said they would block motorways for an hour if the Law was passed, and then the whole of the country if President Aleksandar Vucic signed the Law. The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission welcomed the adoption of this Law. Still, in the urgent opinion forwarded to Serbia’s institutions, it expressed great regret that the Law came on the agenda ahead of the referendum on the Constitutional changes.

Dacic: Law on Referendum has nothing to do with Rio Tinto (TV Happy/Beta)

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic said on Thursday that the Law on Referendum that was examined in parliament has nothing to do with the Rio Tinto company or any other investment in Serbia but was necessary so as to change the part of the Constitution that deals with the justice system. “As far as I’m concerned, it does not need to be changed, I am happy either way – for the parliament to choose judges and prosecutors. The way it is now it looks like we want something while we are actually being forced by the EU to open negotiating chapters,” Dacic explained to TV Happy why the Constitution was being changed. He said that the Serbian parliament would review amendments to the Constitution on 30 November and that the amendments solely had to do with the justice system. “Changing the Constitution is not a ‘change what you want’ kind of thing. Adding something isn’t possible so the preamble on Kosovo is not on the agenda,” Dacic said when asked whether this too would be changed. Such claims, Dacic said, are a reflection of absolute ignorance, switching subjects and conspiracy theories.

Serbia, Hungary friendly and fraternal states (Tanjug)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic stated on Thursday in Budapest that the high level of cooperation between Serbia and Hungary, two friendly and fraternal states which mark the moments of the most developed relations in their history, has been once again confirmed. After talks with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Peter Szijjarto, Selakovic said at a joint press conference that the establishment of a strategic partnership is the crown of rapidly developing relations which are a true example of good neighborly cooperation and future orientation. He also referred to a number of infrastructure projects in the field of railways and energy that have been launched between Serbia and Hungary. We expect that for the first time this year, the level of trade exceeds two billion Euros. For us, when it comes to EU members, Hungary is the third largest partner after Germany and Italy, but with a tendency of constant growth, Selakovic stated. The Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his gratitude to Hungary for its firm and undoubted support for Serbia’s European path. The fact that Hungary is promoting Serbia everywhere as a key country in the Western Balkans, in terms of political stability, economic development and influence on peace and stability in the entire region, is something that is extremely important for us, underlined Selakovic. Szijjarto stated that the relations between Hungary and Serbia can be characterized as friendly, from which both nations benefit, and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries in combating illegal migration, adding that Hungarian police officers participate in protecting Serbia’s southern borders. The Hungarian Minister paid special attention to the railway connection between the two countries, specifying that the Hungarian section on the Budapest-Belgrade high-speed line will be completed by 2025, and that the section on the Szeged-Subotica route will be completed by the end of 2022. He expressed satisfaction with the intensification of economic cooperation with Serbia, noting that trade has increased by 39% so far this year, and that the value of Hungarian investments in Serbia is growing.

Tepic to spearhead opposition ticket in parliamentary elections (Nova/Beta)

Vice-president of the Freedom and Justice Party Marinika Tepic has said that an agreement has been reached for her to spearhead the ticket of an election bloc consisting of the Democratic Party, People’s Party, Free Citizens Movement, Movement for Change, and unions in elections. “I strongly believe that we can win elections in Belgrade and presidential elections with a good contender to Vucic and a person who can bring us into the runoff but also prevent Vucic and the Serbian Progressive Party from having a secure 126 MPs in parliamentary elections with a ‘superticket’ of parties and nonpartisan eminent figures,” Tepic told Nova on Thursday. She said that she personally believed that People’s Party vice-president Zdravko Ponos would be a great candidate for president because he could symbolize the unity of most citizens and has the potential to enter a runoff with Vucic and win. “In accordance with the agreement, the ticket for our capital will be spearheaded by a nonpartisan figure, a person deserving of the role of being the heartbeat of Belgraders and the entire nation,” Tepic said.

REGIONAL PRESS

FB&H celebrates B&H Statehood Day, many delegations visit memorials; Dzaferovic: B&H is stronger than retrograde forces; Izetbegovic: B&H will exist as long B&H’s patriots, those who want to defend B&H, want that (Nova BH)

The Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Statehood Day was celebrated on Thursday. Nova BH reminded that 77 years ago, a historic decision on renewal of the statehood was reached at the first session of the National Anti-Fascist Council of the People’s Liberation of B&H (ZAVNOBIH) in 1943. On this occasion, officials sent a message that B&H will survive as long as its citizens want this. Member of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic attended the ceremony at the Kovaci Muslim martyr’s cemetery, tribute was paid to the fallen defenders of B&H and the first president of the presidency of RBiH Alija Izetbegovic.  Addressing media, he said that this day is a message to retrograde forces that attack the integrity and sovereignty of B&H to finally give up on these policies. Dzaferovic added: “They will never succeed with these policies. B&H is stronger than the retrograde forces.” Dzaferovic said that B&H will exist as long as its citizens want B&H to exist. Dzaferovic said that all those who attacked B&H ended up in The Hague. Dzaferovic pointed out: “The best path for all of us in B&H is to build B&H in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement, (as) a multiethnic country, a country of equal peoples regardless of where they live, an efficient and functional state which will carry out overall social, economic reforms within itself, will move (forward) on its European and NATO path.” SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic said that B&H will exist as long B&H’s patriots, those who want to defend B&H, want that. According to Izetbegovic, B&H is currently in a crisis caused by those who are against certain changes. Izetbegovic stated that, at this moment, there are 58 percent of MPs in the B&H House of Representatives (HoR), who are members of pro-Bosnian political parties. Izetbegovic claims that this number can easily increase up to 70 percent with a smart policy, in addition to those who wish peace to B&H. Izetbegovic said: “B&H is definitely growing stronger and going in the right direction. They are slowing it (B&H) down, but they will not stop it, and it will, with God’s help, be a well-organized country, the country of rule of law and equal citizens and peoples.”

Dodik: 25 November means nothing historically (ATV)

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik commented on the marking of 25 November as Statehood Day of B&H, saying that for him this date is nothing and it is only a historical date during which the communist authorities decided to host a session of ZAVNOBIH in Mrkonjic Grad. He added that 25 November is not their holiday and the decisions made on this day confirmed something that did not exist in history. Dodik claims that the fact that this is used by Bosniaks to prove statehood means that they did not exist before it and it was an administrational region within the Austro-Hungarian kingdom. November 25 was celebrated only in parts of the Federation of B&H where (FB&H) Bosniaks live as majority and where Bosniak authorities see themselves as defenders of the state of B&H from Croats and Serbs as the two constituent peoples, noting that Thursday’s photos from Mostar where B&H flags were displayed only on the streets on the left bank of the Neretva River while the right bank has been decorated with ‘Herzeg-Bosnia’ flags also prove realistic attitude of the FB&H peoples towards this date.

World officials congratulate B&H Statehood Day (O Kanal/FTV)

US President Joe Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the B&H Statehood Day. The US Embassy to B&H conveyed parts of Biden’s message to the B&H Presidency in which Biden stated the US stands with B&H to support sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the continuation of democratic reforms and enhanced commitment to the rule of law. Blinken confirmed the commitment of the US to B&H in his message and added that the B&H Statehood Day is a moment for all leaders and citizens to leave dangerous policies aside and secure trust, compromises and reconciliation. “Happy B&H Statehood Day! As President Biden noted in his message to the B&H Presidency, ‘on this day of celebration, know that the US stands with you to support continued democratic reforms, a recommitment to the rule of law, and B&H sovereignty and territorial integrity”. US State Secretary Blinken stated: “On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of B&H as you celebrate Statehood Day. B&H is a country brimming with potential.  Your history includes long periods of harmony and peace, but also times of great tragedy.  Your Statehood Day is a moment for all leaders and citizens to put aside political brinkmanship and to engender trust, compromise, and reconciliation.  The United States remains a steadfast partner and friend in helping to advance a brighter future for all in B&H. On this special day, I wish all the people of B&H a safe, secure, and prosperous future”. The UK Ambassador to B&H Matthew Field conveyed the message from the Queen of UK via Twitter on the occasion of B&H Statehood Day. B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic conveyed the congratulations sent to B&H delegations by the President and the Prime Minister of Montenegro, the President of Germany, the Sovereign of Saudi Arabia, the Sovereign of Sweden, Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the ministers from Belgium, North Macedonia and Azerbaijan. The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau paid tribute to B&H while the Assembly building in Hamilton was symbolically illuminated with the colors of the B&H flag. The President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent his congratulations with the desire to confirm his support for the territorial integrity of B&H. ] Turkish President Erdogan stated: “It is my true desire for the friendship and brotherly relations between our countries to develop even more and for our cooperation to get even stronger”. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also congratulated Statehood Day: “Germany undoubtedly advocates European perspective of B&H and in the future will provide your countries with support in implementation of reforms, necessary for the path towards EU membership.”

Varhelyi discusses Election Law and political situation in B&H with Covic in Mostar (BHT1)

After his visit to Sarajevo and Banja Luka, European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varhelyi met with speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic in Mostar on Thursday. Varhelyi and Covic discussed the EU integration and the current political situation in B&H. Varhelyi told media after the meeting that he spoke to Deputy Speaker of the B&H HoP and SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic, Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik, and Covic as the leaders of political parties from the ruling majority in B&H about the need to move forward. Varhelyi confirmed that he heard from the party leaders that they propose solutions and have will for moving forward. “They showed readiness to agree on the state ownership, the Criminal Code, and the amendments to the Election Law”, Varhelyi specified. Covic posted on his official Twitter account that work on reforms is necessary, while it is crucial to amend the Election Law by the end of 2021. “Stability and progress are necessary”, tweeted Covic. Covic explained that the model proposed by the Croat parties offers one which implements the verdicts issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Varhelyi stressed that his key message for B&H is that it is necessary to unblock B&H institutions and return to the European agenda. He stressed that the EU perspective of B&H is real and credible, while the EU is fully dedicated to the stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H. Varhelyi conveyed a message that the EU will help launch processes in B&H. “My main message was that leaders must take steps to deescalate tensions, avoid further rhetoric and actions that undermine trust and prevent state institutions from returning to full functioning. This is a critical moment for the country, people and jobs. Reforms are on hold and the country risks BAM 1.5 billion for integration. Unless certain actions are taken, a lot could be lost in the future. I saw readiness when it comes to the state property, the Criminal Code of B&H and the electoral and constitutional reforms. I also saw willingness for return to institutions in order to move forward in all these issues. I can confirm our readiness to help and assist and I entrusted this job to (Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Ambassador Johann) Sattler. This will be done urgently so that B&H can easily overcome this crisis,” Varhelyi concluded. According to Varhelyi, the focus must return to the EU agenda and implementation of the 14 key priorities so that B&H can finally begin progressing on the EU path and in order to become a candidate for the EU membership.

Dodik says he conveyed RS stance at meeting with Varhelyi, Covic, Izetbegovic that current crisis in B&H can be resolved only through withdrawal of imposed law banning genocide denial in B&H, resolving issue of B&H CC (RTRS)

Serb member of B&H Presidency and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated on Thursday that he conveyed a clear stance of the RS at a meeting with EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic and SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic in Sarajevo on Wednesday evening that the current crisis in B&H can be resolved only through withdrawal of the law banning the genocide denial in B&H that was imposed by former High Representative Valentin Inzko and by resolving the issue of the Constitutional Court of B&H, including termination of mandate of foreign judges at B&H CC and the annulment of B&H CC’s decisions that have an aim to seize the RS’ property. “Those who imposed this should withdraw their decisions, and only after that we can discuss possible new laws in B&H parliament”, Dodik stressed. He reminded that one of the proposals on how to find a solution is that the two entities and Brcko District create a special agreement and recognize the ownership of property in their territories, and then B&H parliament would confirm this agreement. Dodik added, however, that Izetbegovic’s ideas presented at the meeting are non-implementable as his proposal regarding the issue of property stipulates that schools, hospitals and other public institutions are part of the state-level property in B&H. He assessed that there is a permanent crisis in B&H, and it is not easy to resolve it, stressing that those who use rapid solutions are wrong. Commenting on Varhelyi’s message that B&H could lose significant assistance from the EU if the crisis continues, Dodik stated that the RS has an alternative and it will not accept political conditions. He said that it would be good to have the EU’s funds at disposal, but it is a problem if this assistance is politically motivated. Dodik said that Izetbegovic is not giving up on the unitary B&H and he proposed the idea for B&H to handle schools, the medical sector and everything else that is a public institution. He added that if the issue of property is not solved urgently, B&H will remain in a standstill. Commenting on the dinner, Dodik stated that: “Mr. Commissioner finds the need to solve these issues related to the Inzko’s decisions and we discussed some modalities.” According to Dodik, he informed them that the decision must be withdrawn and until then, there are no conditions for talks.

Izetbegovic assesses as successful working dinner with Varhelyi, Covic and Dodik (Nova BH)

On Wednesday evening, the Head of the EU Delegation Johann Sattler hosted a working dinner in Sarajevo and EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varhelyi was present, as well as leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic and leader of SNSD Milorad Dodik. No one addressed media following the dinner, but Izetbegovic and Dodik gave some comments for media on Thursday. According to Izetbegovic, they discussed “old topics”. Izetbegovic noted, among other issues, that these kinds of meetings are sometime more aimed just to sit down with each other. He said: “For example, Milorad Dodik sitting with me and Dragan Covic and in a way relaxing the atmosphere in order to enable some progress…” Izetbegovic assessed the meeting as successful only because they sat down and talked and because the readiness to resolve the crisis in B&H was expressed during the meeting. Izetbegovic stated: “A way out of the crisis was sought of course, what to do with Inzko’s law that could be possibly adopted in the parliament along with possible amendments that suit the Serb side, such as mentioning the genocide in Jasenovac, not to go into details.” Izetbegovic added: “Of course, before Mr. Varhelyi, who is not familiar with the situation in detail, we also discussed the demands of the HDZ (B&H), our counter-conditions relating to the reduction of the House of Peoples”. Izetbegovic announced that, after 29 November, talks on the Election Law will intensify and US Special Envoy for Electoral Reform in B&H Matthew Palmer will arrive in B&H. “Perhaps that will be the most intensive visit so far and it might last for days,” Izetbegovic noted.

Schmidt says that Dodik gave up on his plan to establish RS Army under pressure from regional leaders (O Kanal/Guardian/VoA/N1)

High Representative to B&H Christian Schmidt said in a conversation for the Guardian that the Serb member of the B&H Presidency and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik gave up on his plan to call into question the existence of the B&H Armed Forces and to establish the RS Army under pressure from regional leaders. Schmidt did not reveal who managed to dissuade Dodik from that dangerous idea, but it is known that Dodik recently held meetings with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban and Prime Minister of Slovenia Janez Jansa, commented the presenter. Schmidt also warned that Dodik’s separatist rhetoric and his announcements to challenge the system of collecting taxes and customs duties at the B&H level of judiciary will drive B&H towards a severe crisis. Schmidt concluded that if there is dissolution of B&H, it will be a scenario that will have consequences for the entire region. Schmidt also gave an interview to the Voice of America (VoA) several days ago, on which occasion he said that he would think about whether there are things in the construction of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) that could be changed. “Dayton construction has very balanced controls and balance. The idea was for these controls and balance to guarantee the influence of the three people and two entities so that they can work together. Now we can see that the control and balance result in blockades” Schmidt explained. The daily speculated that Schmidt was referring to mechanisms for protection of vital national interest in decision making process and wondered whether this means that Schmidt advocates “breaking apart the basic postulates of the DPA”. Schmidt also said that he is hesitating to use the Bonn powers in spite of numerous requests for him to do so and to remove someone from positions. “This was used in past. This can be done only with help of ‘carrot and stick’. Stick could be annulment of laws or replacement of laws which do not meet the criteria of the DPA. I have the ultimate right to interpretation. I said that instruments are in my drawer and I hold the key to the drawer. We could get in such situation, but this is not the moment,” Schmidt stated.  “We see that after many talks, including the talks in the neighboring countries, he got a message that no one will accept a path that leads to the increased potential of a political and hopefully not a military conflict. Dodik’s separatist rhetoric and promises that he will interrupt legal and taxation system lead the country into a severe crisis. Dodik has reached a point from where he cannot go back without losing his dignity,” Schmidt assessed. N1 commented that Schmidt did not specify who has succeeded to persuade Dodik to give up on his plans in the defense sector, reminding of Dodik’s recent meeting with Vucic and his meetings with Jansa and Orban somewhat earlier. N1 noted that there is an impression that right after these meetings Dodik relaxed his stances, so he now finds it acceptable to reduce the scope of B&H AF and he no longer insists only on abolition of B&H AF.

Dodik: Schmidt tells lies, initiatives launched by RS will not be devalued (RTRS)

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated on Thursday that “German citizen” Christian Schmidt is telling lies and efforts and initiatives launched by RS parliament will not be devalued, but the RS parliament will hold a special session on return of the RS’ competences. Dodik said that Schmidt facedly represents himself as the High Representative and that he should stop telling lies because he thus causes even bigger confusion in the public discourse. Dodik stressed that his plan remains unchanged, that the necessary documents were delivered to the RS parliament and date of the RS parliament’s special session is expected to be set. He added that the RS has six months to accept talks on reducing B&H military forces, halving their costs and using the saved funds for development projects, otherwise the next step will be the adoption of a law on demilitarization of the RS or a law on formation of the RS army. According to Dodik, Schmidt is absolutely wrong if he thinks that he is competent to comment on any issue. Dodik expects the special session of the RS parliament to take place between 8 and 10 December. Dodik said that decisions will be made soon and there are no changes in this plan.

Sarovic states Dodik is withdrawing from his plans and entering negotiation phase; He has no true intention to do something (BN TV)

SDS leader Mirko Sarovic said that Milorad Dodik had no plans to return the RS army, as well as for everything he had earlier announced. “It is clear there is some sort of withdrawing of Dodik on the scene in relation to robust policy from one month or two months ago, when he announced a lot (…) I think we are entering a negotiation phase, in which Milorad Dodik frequently enters,” said Sarovic. He went on to say that Dodik humiliated the RS parliament, “because it was announced that the RS parliament would adopt everything in relation to that, that it is the key body. In the end, it all came down to that, that outside the RS parliament, without any decisions by the RS parliament, without discussion at the RS parliament, he opted for a defensive approach and complete withdrawal. Now, he is pushing through the back door some minor, irrelevant options related to the B&H Armed Forces (AF) and state property in meetings with different Ambassadors. “I think that holding the RS parliament session is meaningless now, because what we in a way predicted has happened, i.e. that, in a specific phase, Dodik will make a key turn to try to maintain the crisis for as long as possible with an attempt to take it to 2022, and if he is lucky, to take it to the elections. Those are those notorious six months related to his attempt of return of competencies. So, this is a small political game to gain political points for his political party, while I think there will be nothing in regard to strategic issues, or his intention to do truly do something,” said Sarovic.

Szijjarto says European politicians who criticize Dodik do not understand his stances (RTRS)

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated on Thursday that European politicians who criticize Milorad Dodik do not understand his stances and they need to talk to him in order to create their opinion. Szijjarto reminded that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has visited Banja Luka and other European leaders should do the same thing before threatening with sanctions, in order to understand Dodik’s stances. He added no effects of destabilization were seen in Dodik’s stances, but his stances were in line with respect of international obligations.

Anonymous diplomat claims USA intends to impose sanctions against Dodik and those who support him to weaken them ahead of 2022 elections (EuroBlic)

An anonymous diplomat told the daily that diplomatic circles believe that the RS and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik are blocking the progress of B&H and that this situation “must be solved”. The daily reminded that USA already imposed sanctions against Dodik back in 2016, but he was later invited by former US President Donald Trump to attend a presidential reception at the White House. Although the sanctions were imposed for violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), the daily added, it has never been explained how exactly he violated it. The daily learned that a new set of sanctions is being considered and that this set too will be imposed for violation of the DPA but also Dodik’s alleged corruptive activities: “The intention is to prepare grounds for 2022 elections so that Dodik and those who support him would be weakened”. The source told the daily that freezing of assets and ban of entry to the USA might be applied to Dodik’s closest associates and also officials of other political parties Dodik might be counting on. USA also expects that some European countries might join sanctions as well, but not all of them because there is no consensus within the EU on the RS and sanctions. At the same time, the daily added, the RS is of the stance that the western countries with USA at the helm favor one of the peoples, i.e. Bosniaks, over Serbs in B&H. The daily reminded that US diplomat Gabriel Escobar paid visits on several occasions to the region, including B&H and Montenegro, and it reminded that Escobar talked mostly about fight against corruption, but he also mentioned political intentions of Washington. Namely, the daily explained that Escobar delivered a political message to Montenegro – “red line for USA is Democratic Front (DF)” because Americans do not want current leaders of DF in the executive authorities.

Need for changes to B&H Election Law mentioned during Macron’s visit to Croatia (Jutarnji list)

French President Emmanuel Macron paid an official visit to Croatia ahead of the beginning of France’s EU presidency. Contracts for the purchase of French fighter jets have been signed. Macron announced greater focus on the countries of the Western Balkans. Macron was quoted as saying: “I believe that one of the most crucial issues for peace, stability and strategic independence of the EU will be our ability to start a new stage in the Western Balkans. I believe you are committed to this. I also know that strengthening our relationship will help our progress on that path”. France could speed up Croatia’s accession to Schengen, which is Croatia’s strategic goal, but also launch EU enlargement, commented the reporter. It is known that France was a great opponent of EU enlargement to the countries of Southeast Europe, and from 2022, France’s presidency of the European Council will begin, added the reporter. Macron was quoted as saying: “We talked about the international situation, the problems of Bulgaria and North Macedonia, and the necessary reform of the Election Law in B&H. We need to work together here, and we will do so in the next few months”. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic as saying: “We explained Croatia’s position. We want legitimate representation of all peoples in B&H.” Macron also met with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and that Macron said there needs to be a new stage in the Western Balkans.

Djeljosaj: Minorities ready to support Abazovic as PM, government should be without DPS (Antena M)

Minorities are ready to support Dritan Abazovic as Prime Minister. We ask the DPS to support us in that, and we should form the Government, without the DPS. Give us one year and then let’s go to the elections, said the leader of the Albanian Alternative, Nik Djeljosaj. As he said, that would create long-term stability. “Minorities should go with URA and then we would have two civic parties. But the DPS would not be part of that government. They can support it, but not like DF supports this one, because we don’t need such support. Support us to achieve legal solutions and everything that the EU asks from us. We would close Chapters 23 and 24, and never have such an EC report again,” says Djeljosaj.

Omeragic: Djeljosaj’s proposal one of possible solutions, but we still have a lot of talks ahead of us (CdM)

In his comment for CdM on the statement by the leader of the Albanian Alternative, Nik Djeljosaj, that minorities are ready to support Dritan Abazovic as the Prime Minister, and that the government should be without the DPS, Bosniak Party spokesman Adel Omeragic has stated that this is one of the possible solutions, but that there is still a long way to go in terms of talks about the political decisions that await us in the coming period. According to him, at this moment, it is much more important for us to make an agreement on the model of the future government, on the goals that the government should achieve, on key state policies, the continuation of Montenegro’s European path, and on creating an environment that will be much more favorable to minorities.

PM: Minority government a high-risk move, I don’t know where that would take Montenegro (CdM)

The minority government is a high-risk move, I don’t know where that would take Montenegro, PM Zdravko Krivokapic believes. He has said that commenting on the statement of the leader of the Albanian Alternative, Nik Djeljosaj, who said that minorities are ready to support Dritan Abazovic as the Prime Minister, but that they ask the DPS to support them in that, but that they would form the government without the DPS. “Good luck with that, only if it’s for the benefit of Montenegro,” he says. According to him, the masks must fall to the end. “It would not be good not to adopt such a budget. It is less important who will implement it,” he adds. Krivokapic says he can’t understand that an MP would not support the proposed budget.

Abazovic, Abdrakhmanov: Minority rights are best protected through strengthening the rule of law (Gov. Press service)

Minority rights are best protected through strengthening the rule of law. The political changes that took place in 2020 showed that democracy in Montenegro is still developing, and in order to reduce tensions, it is necessary to shift the focus to topics related to the living standards, said Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic at the meeting with OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov. Speaking about the importance of participation of minority parties in the government in Montenegro, as a multiethnic and multi-confessional state, Abazovic pointed out that the 42nd Government of Montenegro has done more for municipalities with predominantly minorities than the previous government in three decades. Thanking for the warm welcome, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov stressed the need to protect the rights of minorities and their greater inclusion in social processes. Abazovic and Abdrakhmanov also discussed the position of religious communities in Montenegro and the importance of contribution of political entities to calming tensions in society.

SDSM Central Board to discuss Zaev’s resignation (Republika)

The SDSM Central Board is to hold a session on Friday to discuss the resignation of party leader Zoran Zaev. The session was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed after the government declared three days of national mourning due to the fatal bus accident in Bulgaria.

If the resignation is accepted, a procedure for electing a new party president begins. According to the Statute of the party, a deadline of 15 days is provided for announcing intra-party elections for a new president of SDSM. The elections are direct, by secret ballot for all registered members. As announced by Zaev himself, the new president should be the prime minister-designate of the new government. Unofficial names for a future prime minister are already circulating in the public. Part of the SDSM membership does not support Zaev’s resignation announced after the local elections, when the party lost most of the mayoral seats. Alternative’s Central Presidency is also meeting, which should decide whether to accept Zaev’s offer, the party to be part of the government in the coming period.

New developments on Zaev’s resignation expected on Friday (Republika)

PM Zoran Zaev is postponing his decision on resigning as Prime Minister and SDSM party leader for Friday. Zaev was supposed to activate the two resignations on Tuesday, but the move was understandably postponed after the devastating bus accident in Bulgaria that killed over 40 Macedonian citizens. Zaev’s resignation was announced after he lost the local elections in the second half of October, but he qualified it with his intent to first solidify his coalition in Parliament and for this reason he is supposed to meet with Alternative party leader Afrim Gashi, who could help Zaev get a majority of 61 votes again. Sloboden Pecat reports that Gashi’s party officials will meet on Friday afternoon and to decide whether to continue their talks with Zaev. The party has been split over whether to remain in the opposition or enter Zaev’s government, and it’s expected to ask for a heavy price from Zaev to support him. After the meeting of the Albanian party, SDSM will hold meetings of its Central and Executive Board and will make a decision on Zaev’s proposed resignations. When Zaev actually resigns, SDSM would need to organize a party wide vote to elect its new leader. Zaev hopes that this new party leader will then be elected Prime Minister, avoiding the need for early elections. But this will depend on the outcome of his talks with Alternative, the will of many other coalition partners, and on the growing pressure SDSM is feeling both from factions within and from the emboldened opposition parties.

Bulgaria expects dialogue with Macedonia to produce concrete results, Radev tells Varhelyi (MIA)

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said Thursday in a phone call with European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi that Sofia expects dialogue with Macedonia to produce concrete results, MIA reports from Sofia. Radev stressed that Sofia is open for dialogue, has asked clear questions and expects answers and real actions from Macedonia. The Bulgarian President also believes that the agenda of bilateral relations between Sofia and Skopje should not be subordinated to external influences but should be conducted openly with engagement from both countries, which will move forward the process of Macedonia’s EU integration. As the main emphasis in that dialogue, the Bulgarian President pointed out the respect of the rights of the Bulgarians in Macedonia, the permanent eradication of hate speech and the respect of the Bulgarian history and cultural heritage in the Republic of Macedonia.

Albania-Kosovo governments’ meeting to be held in Elbasan (ADN)

The two governments of Albania and Kosovo will gather this Friday in Elbasan. The meeting is expected to start at 09:45 am, while according to the public agenda at the end of the govts meeting will be realized a meeting between the two Prime Ministers Edi Rama and Albin Kurti.

Governments of Albania and Kosovo are expected to sign agreements to ease the provision of residence permits and recognize social security contributions in their respective countries. Kosovo citizens will be able to get a five-year residence and work permit in Albania through a single application, requiring a reduced number of documents, Albania’s Minister of Interior Bledi Cuci had previously announced. Albanians living in Kosovo will also face fewer requirements to get the respective permits. Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Finance, the mutual recognition of social security contributions will benefit those on maternity leave, people who have suffered accidents at work, as well as those on disability pensions in both countries.

This will be the seventh joint meeting between the governments of Kosovo and Albania. While a number of agreements have been signed between the two throughout the past eight years of the Rama Government, their concrete benefits have been questionable. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called on Rama to prioritize bilateral relations with Kosovo instead of pushing to establish controversial regional initiatives like Open Balkan, which Kosovo, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina refuse to join.

Sixteen agreements expected to be signed between the governments of Albania and Kosovo in Elbasan (Radio Tirana)

The joint meeting of the government of the Republic of Kosovo and the government of the Republic of Albania will be held in Elbasan. Sixteen agreements are expected to be signed. The focus of the two governments will be in the field of free movement, education, justice, infrastructure, culture and facilitating cooperation and trade exchange. The agreements are on social security, where the authorization for signing was requested from the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani and the agreement on residence permits for a period of 5 years, through a simple application and that to facilitate the procedure of recognition of diplomas. A memorandum of understanding will be signed for the feasibility study for the construction or rehabilitation of the Durres-Pristina railway segment. It is also expected that there will be agreements in the field of security. Kosovo and Albania have so far held 6 joint meetings, so far about 130 agreements, memoranda and cooperation protocols have been signed.

Integration process/ Bulgaria officially demands that Albania be separated from North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)

Bulgaria has formally asked EU member states to separate Albania from North Macedonia in terms of the integration process. Klan News reports that Bulgaria wants Albania to be judged on its own merits and to continue on the path to integration. “North Macedonia still does not meet the criteria for holding the first Intergovernmental Conference,” reads a reaction from the Bulgarian government. This proposal was also made by the Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi. The decision to open negotiations with North Macedonia has stalled in the EU Council, as Bulgaria has vetoed disagreements with official Skopje. However, despite the idea of splitting the two countries for the integration process, some EU member states have opposed the opening of negotiations only for Albania.