LOCAL PRESS

Drecun: Banned bitcoin mining could be reason for incursion into northern Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)

We have entered a period of constant danger from possible new actions of Pristina, the Chair of the Serbian parliamentary Committee for Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun told Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS). They have now banned bitcoin mining, which could be a reason for special forces to invade northern Kosovo and Metohija to search the terrain, he believes. Drecun said that on the eve of Christmas, Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija fear possible unilateral actions by Pristina with the use of special units and violence, that they are disenfranchised and turned into second-class citizens, and that they do not have a safe life. “They are afraid because Pristina does not show an intention to change the situation for the better, to create conditions for the return of the expelled, which does not want to commit to dialogue with Belgrade, which does not want to implement what was agreed, especially when it comes to the Community of Serb Municipalities. Serbs justifiably fear for their survival and future in Kosovo and Metohija,” Drecun said. Although there are no signs that indicate that a larger concrete action of special units is being prepared, he adds, the possibility of escalation cannot be ruled out in any case, because the preconditions have been created, as he says, for something like that. “You can see that they have introduced a state of emergency in the field of energy, that there are constant restrictions on electricity. Albanians support that, because Kurti constantly goes with the story that northern Kosovo is to blame for these power shortages and Serbia, as well as the story of electricity billing in the north, which raises his rating among Albanians,” Drecun said. He points out that we have entered a period of constant danger from possible new, unilateral actions of Pristina, with the use of special units. “They banned the so-called bitcoin mining. We have been saying for a long time that there is a lot of electricity consumption in two villages, Vinarce and Suvi Do, where Albanians secretly consume electricity because of that bitcoin mining. Now they have banned it, which could be a reason for special units to storm north and search the terrain, to see who is still engaged in mining and uses large amounts of electricity,” warns Drecun. He points out that KFOR can only prevent the incursion of special units. “It is good that the commander of KFOR is a Hungarian general, that members of the Hungarian KFOR contingent are on standby in the next six months. I think they will have enough understanding,” said Drecun. Drecun states that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina also affects Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, because the issues on the agenda are related to their daily lives. “The issue of property is on the agenda of the dialogue. It is very important for the survival of the Serbian people and for the return of the expelled. Freedom of movement is an integral part of that, as well as the question of whether you will have regular electricity and jobs, whether you will be able to educate children normally…,” Drecun points out. He concludes that “provisional institutions in Kosovo and Metohija encourage extremists and discourage Serbs from staying in Kosovo and Metohija”, as well as that Pristina constantly undermines the dialogue.

Defense Ministry: Situation along administrative line with Kosovo stable (Beta)

The security situation in the land security zone along the Kosovo and Metohija administrative line is stable, the Serbian Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday, adding that the ongoing training of Serbian army members further improves their capability to carry out specific missions along the administrative line in association with other Serbian security agencies and KFOR.” The statement stressed that this was being done “to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for all citizens. The Ministry also noted that Army of Serbia members, who were spending their New Year and Christmas holidays on missions along the administrative line, were training to preserve and advance combat readiness. The statement further read that the focus is on training for combat situations and procedures in the event of an attack on the Army of Serbia forces, and on the tactics, techniques and procedures for preventing illegal crossings, action by extremist groups and organized crime.

Dodik: Nothing in B&H is self-sustainable except for RS (TV Happy)

Serb member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Milorad Dodik sent his first messages in 2022 from Serbia during his appearance for TV Happy. Dodik said that there is no future for the Republika Srpska (RS) and Serb people within B&H. Dodik said he is ready to humiliate himself if it is in the interest of the RS. When asked what he would do for the RS, Dodik said: “If I have to kneel, crawl, I will do it too. To sacrifice every personal commodity, I will do it, but I must be convinced that it is in favor of the RS and not because someone wants to humiliate the RS through me. I have absolutely no dilemmas of that kind.” While not stating who he is referring to, Dodik said that ‘they’ have a problem exclusively with the RS because it has shown itself as self-sustainable. “Nothing in B&H is self-sustainable, neither the FB&H, nor B&H nor the cantons. Only the RS,” stated Dodik. Dodik pointed out that the conditions for the return of representatives from the RS to the joint institutions of B&H are the withdrawal of the decision on amendments to the Criminal Code of B&H made by Valentin Inzko without authorization and that forests and agricultural land are indisputably determined as the property of the RS, as it was before. “If they want to realize that, we will be in the parliament the day after. Everything else is out of question,” Dodik was quoted as saying. Dodik explained that according to the Constitution, no High Representative has the right to propose a law, and especially not to impose a law. “And they have done both. That is unacceptable,” Dodik was quoted as saying. Dodik also said that the last 30 years had been against the RS, and a lot had been taken from the RS. “This what has left from the RS, and it is enough, and we need to fight for everything that belongs to us, without hesitation; that will not be easy, and we will probably not be able to succeed in everything, but we will constantly make it clear that it is our right and we demand it. The RS has been preserved based on the love of people who live there. It is a fascinating story,” said Dodik. He said that one should wait for US President Joe Biden’s term to end and then start the process of separation of the RS from B&H and joining with Serbia. Namely, Dodik said that former US national security advisor Sandy Berger led a group of US officials back in 1995, who claimed that in case Bosniaks fail to convince Serbs to stay in B&H, and Serbs fail to express that wish within three years, then a referendum on their (Serb) status should be allowed and accept the reality that they should join Serbia, which would be a tenable and lasting solution aimed at preserving peace in the region. According to Dodik, the current situation is such that the Croats are completely dissatisfied with the situation in B&H and that the Serbs have no trust in the ‘good intentions’, foremost of the Americans and their allies, who first offered the (Dayton) agreement and then twisted it in order to centralize B&H. Dodik has announced that representatives of Serbia, Russia and China will attend the ceremony of marking the RS Day 9 January, as well as representatives of other countries. “They are all dedicated to the right of the RS to be what it is,” Dodik was quoted as saying.

REGIONAL PRESS

Intensive diplomatic activities aimed at resolving crisis in the country (Dnevni list)

B&H Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic spoke about results of work in 2021. Turkovic listed “very intensive diplomatic activities”, which resulted in increased attention and activities of the international community in solving imposed blockades and crisis in B&H. Turkovic said that last year, ‘we’ organized visits to key multi-lateral organizations in the world: the UN, the EU, NATO, the OIC, the World Bank, the OSCE etc. According to Turkovic, she had regular meetings with EC Vice Presidents and participated in key EU-Western Balkans conferences in Brussels, Berlin, London, Brdo kod Kranja and Vienna. Turkovic also said the year was ended with strong diplomatic offensive in the EU, the US, the UK and Russia the aim of which was to raise awareness about dangers of the RS’ separatist and anti-Dayton activities. “We expect to continue in that direction this year…,” she added.

Grlic Radman advocates changes to B&H Election Law (FTV)

Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman arrived in B&H on Tuesday. Grlic Radman was in Vitez on Tuesday and he will visit Sarajevo and Mostar on Wednesday. It was said that the reason for his visit to Vitez is, above all, support to the Croat people, without whom there is no stability in B&H. Grlic Radman began his two-day visit to B&H in central Bosnia, more precisely in Krizancevo Village near Vitez, where he laid flowers at the memorial and paid tribute to the Croat victims of the past war. After that, he visited the Franciscan monastery in Guca Mountain, where, among other things, he talked to the Franciscans about the need to renovate the building. He ended his visit to central Bosnia in Vitez with talks and meetings with local Croat officials from the Central Bosnia Canton (CBC). Grlic Radman said he comes with messages of support, peace and encouragement, like Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Grlic Radman said that he arrived as a true friend to B&H, as one of the rare European officials who actually does not avoid to visit Sarajevo. Grlic Radman said that Croatia supports B&H’s integrity and stability. Grlic Radman claims that Croatia will advocate for B&H’s European path and NATO membership. Considering that Croatia shares its longest border with B&H, it was said that Croatia’s goal is to have a stable and safe B&H. The topic of the B&H Election Law and the position of the Croat people was discussed. Grlic Radman said he advocates changes to the Election Law that would enable legitimate representation. Grlic Radman stated that the position of the Croat people in B&H is very important for the stability of B&H.

Joanikije: Basic Agreement will be signed (RTV Niksic)

After the announcement of Serbian Patriarch Porfirije that the signing of the Basic Agreement with Montenegro could take place soon, but on the other hand the Bishop of Backa Irinej Bulovic, who thinks it will not while Zdravko Krivokapic is at its head, the Bishop of Montenegro and the Littoral Joanikije, in an interview with RTV Niksic says that, as far as he is concerned, that initiative will last until the Basic Agreement between the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) and the government of Montenegro is signed. “I can’t talk about deadlines, when the agreement could be signed. What is important is that the church lives with and without the agreement, but I repeat it is a civilizational achievement and I see no reason why this initiative should be terminated and why the Basic Agreement would not be signed. From a legal point of view, this document is important. It is certain that our position would be even better defined, because the state and the church would adopt a joint document on mutual respect and division of competencies. Such as it is regulated with the Roman Catholic Church. Every civilized state needs that,” said Bishop Joanikije.

Pendarovski holds phone call with UK’s Special Envoy to Western Balkans (Republika)

Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski held Tuesday a phone call with Sir Stuart Peach, the UK’s Special Envoy to the Western Balkans. Congratulating him on his appointment, Pendarovski said that the appointment of a Special Envoy to the Western Balkans by Prime Minister Boris Johnson was a clear confirmation of the United Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining stability and prosperity in the region. During the conversation, views were exchanged on the current security challenges in the region, as well as on the harmful consequences of high-level corruption and organized crime on the economic and democratic development of the region. Peach announced a visit to Macedonia.

Kostadinovska-Stojcevska: New government composition to be known at the beginning of next week (TV24)

At the beginning of next week, the prime minister-designate will submit the composition of the new government to the Parliament. Shortly before that, that composition will be submitted to the Central Board of the party, where it will have to be voted, the vice president of SDSM, Bisera Kostadinovska Stojcevska told TV24. She refused to comment on the speculations that she will replace the parliamentary position with a ministerial one, adding that the agreements and negotiations in the party are currently ongoing, and the final decisions will be announced by Prime Minister-designate Dimitar Kovacevski. Kostadinovska Stojcevska noted that Kovacevski’s new cadres in the party could contribute to the progress of the country with their expertise and rejected the accusations of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE that some of those elected to the Executive Board were illegally appointed.

Agreements that are being applied from the Open Balkans summit (Radio Tirana)

At the December meeting of the Open Balkans initiative held in in Tirana, several agreements were signed between Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia. Among them is the agreement on cooperation in the field of veterinary medicine, food safety and sanitary policy. According to the leaders of Open Balkans, it offers easier access and simpler customs procedures, reduction of physical controls and laboratory tests for the import of food, animals, animal feed, plants and other products. In order to facilitate trade between the three countries (Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia) and to facilitate the movement of goods, according to the agreement, at the border crossing points during import, only the control of documentation is performed, i.e. the identification inspection of shipments. Physical control is performed at the place of unloading or at the inland customs terminal. The agreements are based on the intensification of cooperation with EU standards and the recognition of laboratory analyzes performed with accredited methods.

Mazi: France’s reasons for not separating Albania from North Macedonia on the road to the EU! (Radio Tirana/Euronews Albania)

Interview with Zef Mazi, Chief Negotiator of Albania for EU Integration

Question: In an interview with Euronews Albania, the Ambassador of France in our country said that “in the integration process Albania cannot be separated from North Macedonia. The idea that countries can be segregated must be overcome.” What is your comment?

Answer: France, which has just taken over the Presidency of the European Council, has set its priorities as the next President. We hope that enlargement will be high on the agenda of this Presidency. We wish success to the French Presidency of the EU. In the priorities presented by the President of France, it does not seem that the integration of the current candidates is mentioned. It is only a conference on Balkan regional cooperation. I am not able at the moment to unravel what is meant by it, whether it is complementary to integration or instead, the idea remains unclear. Meanwhile, it speaks of increasing EU autonomy as a possible new mechanism. It is unclear how this will stand, broken down into details of the content, how far it goes, what it includes in relation to NATO. There are many elements in those priorities that need to be carefully and slowly analyzed, to be discussed among member states, to reach a common consensual denominator of 27 members. Regarding the interview, I can say that the ambassadors act with instructions from their centers. Integration is a process that lasts for years, even decades, until the membership of the candidates. I do not understand on what legal, legislative, EU directive or other basis the position of “separation / non-separation” of countries like Albania and North Macedonia is based upon! It is clear that in the EU, there are member states that are not enthusiastic about integration, about bringing new members into the EU. The rhetoric repeated over the years must now give way to works that we are not yet seeing. Albania has met all the requirements and criteria to start technical negotiations with the First Intergovernmental Conference. For this point, for Albania, as far as I know, and I believe I am correct, it has the unanimity of the 27 member states, including Bulgaria. There is no unanimity for North Macedonia from the 27 countries. This is a political problem. The EU itself must do what is possible to achieve the unanimity of the 27 states for North Macedonia. This effort, until the stalemate is resolved – which may take a long time – should not hinder Albania’s progress. Integration must continue. It is a big strategic mistake of the EU if the process stops. Credibility, rhetoric about integration, would be significantly devalued.

Question: Why do you specifically insist that France, referring to this interview, but also beyond it, does not separate Albania from North Macedonia, when Albania has met the requirements and criteria?

Answer: France should be asked about this. We are in a real world. Everyone understands well. It is time to give clear thoughts, without semantic embellishments. I do not want to avoid giving my opinion. Albania has come a long way, has made a lot of progress in the future, without stopping. It pursues all reforms intensively. It has been officially stated, institutionally, in writing, by the EC, that Albania has met all the requirements. I am aware, I hope correctly, that the idea of ​​non-separation was first used by a member state, when Bulgaria and Romania were getting ready to join. One of them was ahead of the other. To ensure that one country did not lag behind for a long, indefinite period, that member country insisted that the two candidates shouldn’t be not separated, but join the European Union together. This attitude marked the precedent of using “separation” and “non-separation”. I underline that I do not know of any document, decision or directive, or anything else, unanimously approved, officially, in the European Council, to request the integration or inclusion of candidates in the group! If true, this would be a major change in the EU enlargement  itself: enlargement is based on individual (candidate) merit. Neither more nor less. Otherwise, this basic principle of EU enlargement would suffer a major erosion. Enlargement would no doubt be seen as not insignificant. The EU must state clearly, with legal arguments, like the Council, to be credible on this point. How do the people and the candidate countries think about these fluctuations, attitudes? I repeat, it is obvious that today there does not seem to be an appetite from everyone for enlargement. Some do not like the process. The reasons are different. Some have choices on the horizon. For them, this is the preoccupation, the number one priority. The whole administration seems to work in their function. In the EU it is noticed that there are leadership efforts; there are problems with the perspective and interpretation of the rule of law, EU legislation in relation to the national constitution, migration, budget, etc. It is not excluded that any member might be hidden behind “non-separation” for one or more of the above reasons. Ideally, Albania and North Macedonia should both sit at the table of the First Intergovernmental Conference earlier. The situation is not the best. Our Prime Minister made it clear that if the stalemate continues unresolved, we will consult with the people and seek separation from North Macedonia. This is a completely legitimate step, a completely legally and politically justifiable request. I can only hope that we can get a date for the Conference. We will continue the work, however, having in mind not to slow down the pace of work, to continue the reforms for the good of our country and people, by doing patience, patience!