LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: Gratitude to Latvia for its contribution to security in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke today with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics about bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation and Serbia’s progress in the process of European integration. The Prime Minister said that Serbia is committed to joining the EU and underlined that it appreciates very much the support which Latvia gives to our country on its European path, and especially to the opening of Cluster 4 in December last year. She voiced hope that during the French presidency of the Council of the EU, Serbia will also open Cluster 3, which deals with competitiveness and inclusive growth. According to her, Serbia advocates progress of the Western Balkans on the European path, which is of essential importance for the region’s stability. She expressed gratitude to Latvia for its contribution to security in Kosovo and Metohija through significant participation in the KFOR and EULEX missions, assessing that the presence of these missions is still necessary and that it greatly affects the security of citizens. The Latvian Foreign Minister praised Serbia’s progress in the field of European integration and underlined that the successfully conducted referendum on constitutional changes made it possible to make significant steps in the field of judicial reform, which is key to further progress in the field of the rule of law. He assessed that there is significant space for improving economic cooperation and increasing the volume of foreign trade, adding that Latvia is open for direct contacts between businessmen of the two countries when epidemiological conditions allow it, which could contribute to stronger economic cooperation. Rinkevics conveyed Latvia’s support for the normalization of relations and progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, with full implementation of everything agreed, emphasizing that this country strongly supports respect for democratic processes and the position that it is necessary to allow Serbs living in Kosovo and Metohija to vote in the upcoming elections.

Gratitude to Latvia for support to Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics signed today a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Rinkevics, Selakovic announced that a Consulate of Latvia will be opened in Belgrade and that the Honorary Consul of that country to Belgrade will be Bojan Kostic. Selakovic said that the cooperation between the two countries to date has been at a low level and voiced hope that the relations and the exchange of knowledge, digital products, experiences and goods between the two peoples will improve in the future. Selakovic commended the readiness of Latvia to support the process of seeking a peaceful and compromise solution in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and at the same time, expressed gratitude to Rinkevics on the support which Latvia has given to Serbia in the process of European integration. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia pointed out that Serbia has made great progress in the process of European integration through the recently held referendum and stated that his country offers unreserved support to Serbia in its candidacy for EU membership.

Selakovic: There probably will not be any dialogue as long as Kurti is in Pristina (RTS)

European and American envoys Miroslav Lajcak and Gabriel Escobar will come to Serbia this week. The central topic will be the issue of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic told RTS that it is obvious that since Kurti headed the government in Pristina – there has been no dialogue and there probably won’t be. Selakovic said that the central topic during the talks with Lajcak and Escobar would be the issue of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and everything that burdens those relations on the path to normalization. “Our position, which cannot be changed, is that we are always ready to sit at the negotiating table and talk. Clearly since Kurti was put in charge in Pristina, there hasn’t been any dialogue, and there probably won’t be as long as he gets to decide,” Selakovic said, adding that Belgrade chose its moves carefully and was committed to dialogue and peace, stability and Serbia’s interests in Kosovo and Metohija.

Drecun: ZSO model agreed in Brussels the only acceptable one (Tanjug)

The Chair of the Serbian parliamentary Committee for Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun on Friday said the model of a Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) defined by the Brussels agreement was the only acceptable model to Serbia. Speaking to Tanjug, Drecun said that any other models, including the one mentioned on Thursday by Gabriel Escobar, the US presidential envoy to the Western Balkans, were unacceptable. Drecun said that, under the Brussels agreement, the ZSO was defined as having executive powers and did not imply the formation of another level of government. “Escobar said that defining the ZSO as having no executive powers may be something that needs to be considered, that there need not be another level of government and that there can be a different relationship of connectivity and cooperation between local self-government authorities,” Drecun said. “That is his framework view on how the problem of Pristina’s unwillingness to form the ZSO might be solved,” Drecun added.

He noted that, however, this was unacceptable to Serbia, reiterating that the ZSO was defined as having executive powers. The existing legal mechanism in Kosovo and Metohija does not include a mechanism that could guarantee worry-free survival, economic development and a future to Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, he said. “Pristina does not want Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija – it wants to complete the ethnic cleansing, and that is why it is avoiding the formation of the ZSO,” Drecun noted.

Lajcak: Experts from Belgrade, Pristina discuss license plates (N1)

EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak said that expert delegations from Belgrade and Pristina met in Brussels on Friday to discuss the vehicle license plate issue. Kosovo and Serbia formed a working group to deal with the issue on 30 September 2021 following Pristina’s decision not to allow vehicles registered in Serbia to enter Kosovo. The problem was solved temporarily using stickers to cover the Serbian coat of arms on license plates. The Working Group was given a six-month deadline to find a mutually acceptable solution. “Expert delegations of Kosovo and Serbia came to Brussels today for the 4th meeting of the WG on License Plates. Discussions brought more clarity about potential options and possible outcomes. I encourage them to continue working on options in view of the approaching deadline,” Lajcak wrote in a Twitter post.

Lajcak: ZSO agreement must be implemented; No one wants another RS in Kosovo (Beta/Politika/Gazetaexpress)

EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak said that the agreement on the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) has to be implemented, adding that no one wants another Republika Srpska (RS) in Kosovo. The EU special representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue told the Gazetaexpress portal that no reasonable person would even suggest anything like a RS in Kosovo, especially considering the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lajcak said that the narrative of the dialogue should be changed. “Instead of saying what we don’t want we should ask what we want,” he said and added that Kosovo is engaged in the process and has the right to make proposals as does Serbia, both as equals. “We are here to help you with ideas based on European standards and the European model but, at no time will you be forced to sign something that you believe is harmful to your country. You are in the process. You have the right to suggest and refuse and in the end whatever you agree on should be a compromise,” he said. Lajcak rejected claims that the dialogue was at a stalemate, adding that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti are strong leaders with strong mandates giving them the support of their people for an agreement. He said that the EU feels that something concrete should be prepared for the third Kurti-Vucic meeting. “We are working on it,” he said. The EU envoy said that his visit to the region with US State Department official Gabriel Escobar is aimed at showing that the EU-mediated dialogue has US support. He said they want to hear and talk to their partners to move the process forward and discuss topical issues.

SNS, SPS to run separately in elections, will continue to cooperate (Tanjug/Novosti)

Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) leader and President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday the SNS and the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) – the main parties of Serbia’s ruling coalition – had decided to run separately in the upcoming elections but would continue to cooperate within the Serbian government and the Belgrade city authorities after the elections if they won the citizens’ trust. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of SNS and SPS delegations, Vucic said they had primarily discussed strategic cooperation and that the decision to run separately was aimed at helping the parties maximize their election results and attract more voters for what was best for the country. “We are ready and our commissions will work on creating a strategic, program and planning document that we will sign together,” Vucic said.

SPS leader Ivica Dacic said his party would support Vucic as a joint presidential candidate.

“Various people say the SPS should have its own candidate. We do have a candidate of our own, we also had one in 2017 – it is Aleksandar Vucic. I do not want to interfere in decisions by the SNS, but as far as we are concerned, if Vucic is the (SNS) candidate for president of Serbia, then he is our joint presidential candidate,” Dacic said.

Brnabic talks with mediators in inter-party dialogue (Tanjug/RTS)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked on Friday with the mediators of the European Parliament in the inter-party dialogue – MEPs Tanja Fajon, Vladimir Bilcik and former MEPs Knut Fleckenstein and Eduard Kukan about the recent referendum on constitutional changes and listened to their suggestions regarding the elections to be held in Serbia in early April. The officials congratulated Brnabic on her successful visit to Brussels, as well as on the fruitful cooperation during the inter-party dialogue. Their common assessment is that the April elections are very important for the further development of democracy in Serbia and that in that sense it is important to implement the agreement, but they are also ready to do so if there is still space and need for their help, given that their expertise is available to the government of Serbia.

Improving the pre-election atmosphere is equally important, along with the effort to reach concrete results in a timely manner, they assessed. Among other things, the officials discussed the manner of representing the parties during the election campaign in public service programs and the training of observers who will be at the polling stations. Brnabic told the MEPs that their mission was successful, which is confirmed by the fact that no party will boycott the elections, and that the referendum results show that Serbia is determined to continue reforms, in line with its strategic choice to join the EU. Brnabic concluded that the independence of the judiciary is one of the pillars of democracy.

Vucic meets with European Parliament mediators (Tanjug/RTS)

At Friday’s meeting with European Parliament mediators in the inter-party dialogue in Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic pointed to the many and constant obstructions whereby, in a manner contrary to all democratic standards and European values, the Pristina authorities are trying to keep the Kosovo Serbs from exercising their right to vote in the April elections in Serbia. With Tanja Fajon, Vladimir Bilcik and former MEPs Knut Fleckenstein and Eduard Kukan, Vucic discussed suggestions regarding the processes related to the upcoming Serbian elections, as well as difficulties faced by the Kosovo Serbs in the exercise of their right to vote, the presidential press office said in a statement. Vucic said that, since the beginning, he had been demonstrating a readiness and a will to listen to all well-argumented proposals and that much had already been done to improve the electoral conditions to create an atmosphere of trust and a sense of responsibility among all participants in the elections, the most serious democratic process in a country. The EP mediators said their discussions with opposition representatives had been constructive, and informed Vucic of certain suggestions regarding the electoral process as well as of proposed amendments to the law on election of MPs and the current work of a temporary supervisory body overseeing the media. The mediators noted the significance of a free, fair and transparent electoral process and said they would continue to make a full contribution within the framework of their competencies and expertise with the aim of overall improvement of the pre-election atmosphere in Serbia while striving to reach specific results in a timely manner, the statement said. Reflecting on the results of a recent Serbian referendum, the mediators welcomed the completion of that significant step in the constitutional reform, aimed at strengthening judicial independence, in line with Serbia’s strategic choice of EU accession. Work on judicial independence must be continued as judicial independence remains one of the strongest pillars of any modern democracy, the statement also said.

Inter-party dialogue concludes, 16 measures adopted (RTS/Tanjug/Politika)

The process of inter-party dialogue, launched in 2019, has provided an effective platform for exchange and consensus-building among different political forces on issues crucial to the future of Serbia’s democracy, the Serbian parliament said late on Friday following the conclusion of the second phase of inter-party dialogue ahead of the upcoming local, parliamentary and presidential elections in Serbia. “Sixteen concrete measures were agreed in the course of the process, in line with international recommendations, to improve election conditions and the media space. It is regrettable that not all participants of the dialogue felt they were in a position, for different reasons, to subscribe to these measures,” an official statement said. “It is crucial for all measures to be fully implemented. Any unnecessary delay in implementation endangers the effectiveness of the agreed measures ahead of the upcoming elections,” stressed the European Parliament co-facilitators in the dialogue. “The fact that the non-parliamentary opposition remains critical about implementation of the measures is a matter of concern,” they said. “Concluding this round of the inter-party dialogue, we also want to stress the constructive, open and to-the-point exchanges we had with all interlocutors and the positive attitude towards dialogue and consensus-building. However, further reform is needed to consolidate Serbia’s parliamentary democracy and we stand ready to support these efforts following the elections,” they also said. “The inter-party dialogue was an important experience. It has demonstrated that we are able to work across party lines to achieve progress in the overall interest of Serbia’s democracy. This has also been a very positive example of cooperation between Serbia’s National Assembly and the European Parliament, which bodes well for the future. The Serbian National Assembly will continue to make all efforts to adopt the necessary legal changes for the implementation of the measures jointly agreed in the inter-party dialogue,” Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic said following discussions with the EP co-facilitators – MEPs Vladimir Bilcik and Tanja Fajon and former MEPs Knut Fleckenstein and Eduard Kukan. “The co-facilitators of the inter-party dialogue agreed that the good cooperation and dialogue facilitation should continue following the elections with the aim to strengthen parliamentary democracy and improve political culture. They also look forward to the international observation mission that will closely look at the conduct and outcome of the upcoming elections, which is also a priority mission for the European Parliament,” the statement said.

Bilcik: Progress noted, along with delays in implementing pre-election steps (Beta)

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Vladimir Bilcik said at the end of a visit to Belgrade on Saturday that progress had been noted ahead of Serbia’s next election in April, adding that implementing the measures agreed on in a series of meetings was key, as certain delays had been reported as well. “Regrettably, we have noted delays in the implementation of certain measures,” Bilcik said at a news conference hosted by the Media Center, explaining that the work of an interim body for supervising the media was absolutely crucial. Bilcik warned that the media in Serbia remained polarized, but that improvements were noticed in the work of public services – the Serbian and Vojvodina’s broadcasting corporations, RTS and RTV, respectively. “Our mission is not over, we are prepared to keep going after the elections as well,” Bilcik said, adding that as the European Parliament’s rapporteur he would submit his first report after the vote, and that the had been given assurances that all of the measures agreed upon previously would be implemented. Another MEP involved in the talks supposed to help Serbia meet the requirements of a free and fair election Tanja Fajon said that the international community would be monitoring the polls, which she described as yet another test for Serbia in the effort to provide a better life to its citizens, ensure democracy and the freedom of the media.

Escobar: US, EU don’t decide on distribution of power in Serbia (FoNet/Nova)

US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar said that the United States will be increasingly engaged in the region, mainly focusing on the fight against corruption. In an interview with Nova, he pointed out that it is necessary to improve election conditions in Serbia and improve access for the media but also pointed out that the opposition should participate in that process. Escobar stated that the United States, together with its European partners, demands from the authorities in Belgrade to implement reforms that will make the political space more open, put an end to attacks against civil organizations and create adequate conditions for independent media and the opposition. He rejected the assessment that the US tolerates the authoritarian regime of President Aleksandar Vucic, pointing out that neither the US nor the EU decide on the distribution of political power in Serbia, but the citizens in the country do. Escobar also expressed his belief that Serbia is on the road towards EU membership, saying that this is the official position of the government and the clearly expressed desire of the people, as this is the place where Serbia has been throughout its history and culture and where it is now economically.

Obstructions in processing of crimes against Serbs in B&H (Politika, by Dusanka Stanisic)

With the passing of time, it gets increasingly clear that war crimes against Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) will never be fully processed in line with the Revised Strategy for Processing of War Crimes. This was more or less confirmed by President of B&H High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) Halil Lagumdzija who said that the deadlines set by the Strategy will not be med and that they are unrealistic. However, comments the daily, Lagumdzija failed to mention that the deadlines cannot be met because Bosniak representatives obstructed the adoption of the Strategy for years, and now they object the appointment of members of the Supervisory Body overseeing the implementation of the Strategy who were selected to represent the RS. Director of the RS Centre for War and War Crimes Research and Search for Missing Persons Milorad Kojic stated that B&H judiciary institutions which are obviously controlled by the Bosniak side continue to obstruct processing of war crimes against Serbs. He underlined that Bosniaks do not want the truth because it would change the perception of the war crimes they created in the public, and that is why they are doing everything in their power to prevent implementation of the Strategy. The daily notes that representatives of the international community never comment the obstructions by Bosniaks, and they do not mention them even when they speak about the rule of law as the key condition for B&H’s progress on the path to EU.

REGIONAL PRESS

Schmidt calls on all political forces in B&H to work constructively on new Election Law, says 2022 elections will be held no matter what (O Kanal) 

High Representative Christian Schmidt called on Friday on all political forces in B&H to work constructively on a new Election Law, while emphasizing that general elections will take place in autumn 2022 with or without a new Election Law. Schmidt’s statement reads: “Elections must reflect the will of the voters and a modern election law that ensures transparent elections according to established democratic standards and in line with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is in everyone’s interest. At the same time, I wish to emphasize: there is a valid election law that regulates the elections precisely. In case there is no amendment to the Election Law, then elections will take place in autumn 2022 according to the provisions of the existing law.” The HR added that holding of elections is non-negotiable. “Democracy works according to predetermined rules and in particular, the elections must not become the subject of political maneuvers. Free, equal and fair elections are at the heart of democracy,” Schmidt stated.

Komsic comments negotiations on Election Law (Hayat) 

Chairman of the B&H Presidency and President of DF Zeljko Komsic explained on Friday why representatives of his party did not attend the negotiations on changes to the B&H Election Law in Neum. He said that DF believes nothing needs to be discussed while a coup d’état is underway. Komsic said that the negotiations are drawing attention away from the real issues and they serve as a cover for the separatist activities of President of SNSD Milorad Dodik. He stressed that it is bizarre to discuss constitutional changes while the RS authorities are undermining the constitutional order and if this goes on it will represent the end of B&H as we know it and an introduction to events that no one wishes to happen. “Shifting the political focus to the talks on the Election Law in Neum shows that it is nothing but a cover for Dodik’s separatist activities. It is simply bizarre to calculate with limited amendments to the Constitution and the Election Law while the entire government in the other entity is destroying the constitutional order,” said Komsic. He called on the Prosecutor’s Office of B&H to finally react and stop the attack on institutions. Komsic also called on pro-Bosnian representatives in the institutions for talks and consultations related to the institutional response to separatist activities.

In a written statement, Komsic commented for Hayat talks on changes to the Election Law of B&H held in Neum. Among other things, Komsic said that leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic remained loyal to positions they discussed earlier. Komsic added that a more radical approach of HDZ B&H could be expected in the upcoming period because they cannot accept defeat which cause are they in general. Komsic believes that he doubts HDZ B&H has democratic capacity to understand their own mistakes. He commended political consensus among pro-Bosnian parties when it comes to priorities in this process. Komsic emphasized that reduction of competences of the FB&H HoP should be agreed first and even its abolition that would be in line with recommendations of Venice Commission. Komsic stressed that once this is done, discussion on method of election of members of B&H Presidency can start. He added that even solution in this case has to be in line with the ECHR rulings.

Dodik rejects Komsic’s claim: RS acts responsibly and in line with Constitution (Nezavisne) 

B&H Presidency member and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik reacted to the statement of B&H Presidency member and DF leader Zeljko Komsic who stated that the talks on electoral reform only serve the purpose of covering up Dodik’s secessionist activities. According to Dodik, such view on the issues at hand is ridiculous. Dodik underlined that the RS has the right to defend its status and constitutional competences. He explained that this statements on possible peaceful dissolution in case that B&H fails to resolve its problems were hypothetical. He underlined that the RS officials constantly reiterate that they want constitutional order in B&H which allows the RS to exercise its competences stipulated by B&H Constitution and which refer to judiciary, defense, finances and similar competences. He underlined that the RS focused its activities in the way that it withdrew its consent for formation of B&H Armed Forces, Indirect Taxation Authority and High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council. Dodik emphasized that the RS is acting responsible and in line with B&H Constitution.

RS politicians did not take part in Election Law talks in Neum (FTV) 

None of the RS politicians went to participate in the Election Law talks in Neum, and they are not interested in negotiations as long as the Serb member of the Presidency of B&H is directly elected from the ranks of the Serb people. The ruling majority and the opposition in the RS share the views in this regard. SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that it is necessary to ensure election of “authentic representatives of the Serb community” in the Federation of B&H (FB&H) House of Peoples (HoP). SDS leader Mirko Sarovic assessed that SDS considers the proposal of part of the amendments, which they gained insight into, are a step forward although they are not enough. “Still, they represent progress and we will support them,” he added.

Dodik: Only direct election of Serb B&H Presidency member and authentic representation in parliaments is acceptable (ATV) 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik said that only direct election of the Serb member of the B&H Presidency is acceptable. Dodik stated: “What will bring us to the table is that which will clearly show that transparent election and transparent representation of the authentic Serb community will be prescribed for the election of the Serb delegation in the FB&H House of Peoples (HoP), and in this regard we will try and give our consent, if it is so”. Speaking about the B&H Election Law, Dodik reiterated that the RS finds only direct election of a Serb member of the B&H Presidency acceptable. According to Dodik, the election reform in B&H must be based on rights and this means respect for principles of the two entities and the three constituent peoples. He said that the RS will support only this kind of a solution. He reiterated that the RS and SNSD reject the option to elect a member of the B&H Presidency in the B&H Parliament in an indirect way, adding that they insist on direct election.

Overview of proposed amendments to B&H Election Law related to strengthening electoral process integrity in seven areas (Hayat) 

Hayat carries that a proposed amendment to the B&H Election Law, with 74 pages, was presented to the media on Friday, and the document refers to changes in the existing Election Law in terms of strengthening electoral process integrity, in seven areas. The document was developed by the Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) members and representatives of the OSCE and non-governmental organizations. The said package for electoral process integrity includes seven areas, i.e. financing of elections if the Budget is not adopted, appointment of polling station committees, definition of prohibited speech and premature election campaign, revision of constituencies’ borders, determining the number of mandates in accordance with the current number of voters in individual constituencies, increased transparency of the voters’ register, and transparency of financing of election campaigns. According to the proposed amendments in the part of financing of political parties, a special bank account will be opened for costs of financing election campaign. The said bank account is opened by the political party’s Main Board, and the bank account and funds must be transparent. The reporter notes it is interesting that the said amendments to the B&H Election Law envisage electronic voting, and state that ballot must include instructions on optical scanning, that implies the implementation of electronic voting that have earlier been requested by SDA and SDP B&H. The role of online and social media has been defined, as places where election campaign is carried out. The proposed amendments additionally define premature election campaign, prohibited speech and hate speech, i.e. online space is included as well. According to the IAWG members, manner of financing in case the Budget is not adopted has been defined. The B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) develops draft Budget and submits it to the Commission on Finance and Budget of the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) for approval. After the approval is obtained, in accordance with deadlines from the Law on financing of the institutions of B&H, the B&H CEC submits the draft Budget to the B&H Ministry of Finance and Treasury to be included in the B&H Budget. The BiH Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) and the B&H Presidency may provide their opinion on the B&H CEC’s draft Budget without the possibility to amend the Budget that was priory approved by the Commission on Finance and Budget. The B&H Parliamentary Assembly, the FB&H parliament, and the RS parliament will review the number of mandates in every constituency every four years, to ensure they have been determined, taking into account geographical limitations in line with democratic principles, especially proportionality of number of mandates and voters registered in the central voters’ register. If they fail to do so, the B&H CEC is authorized to, by special decision, redistribute mandates to the constituencies within the existing borders in accordance with the number of registered voters.

Negotiations on changes to B&H Election Law conclude in Neum without concrete agreement (O Kanal) 

The negotiations on changes to B&H Election Law concluded in Neum with some progress but without a concrete agreement, noted the presenter. The negotiations will continue in Sarajevo between domestic officials. It was confirmed that the format of negotiations with mediation of foreigners was finished on Sunday. The general assessment is that it will be difficult for domestic politicians to reach an agreement, but there are encouraging messages from outside that there will certainly be elections, noted the reporter. The participants only agreed on changes that will make the election process more credible but it was not specified when such changes could enter parliamentary procedure, added the reporter. Head of the OSCE Mission to B&H Kathleen Kavalec specified what it was about, and stated, among other things, that there was talk of depoliticizing polling stations, and strengthening control over the election process. Kavalec was quoted as saying: “One of the most important items is the introduction of new technologies. The participants in the negotiations agreed on an explicit ban on abuse for the purposes of the campaign and hate speech, i.e. authorizing the CEC (B&H Central Election Commission) itself to determine if such violation has occurred.” Other major political issues have not been agreed upon or, as domestic officials said, have not been fully negotiated, added the reporter. Representatives of the US and the EU have clearly stated that the West remains a partner to the parties in B&H, but that the agreement must be the result of domestic forces. They agreed that the talks were constructive, and that they provided an opportunity for all parties to present what they would like the election system to look like, but also what they do not want the Election Law contains in any case. They warned that there was not much time left for the final agreement.

US Envoy for Election Reform Matthew Palmer said that the fact that political leaders talked about difficult issues openly and constructively shows their commitment to solve these issues. Palmer was quoted as saying: “We have ended this round of talks but have not reached the end of this process. The issues we talked about and addressed in Neum will not simply disappear from the scene and will have to be resolved. We, the US, as well as the EU, will be there as partners in this process, but it is up to the political leaders of this country to bring these issues to a final agreement and implementation.” Palmer emphasized that enabling of just democratic process and election process in B&H is something they aspire. He stressed that it is necessary to find a model that will enable proper representation of Croats and make sure that institutions of authorities in the FB&H are strong enough. Palmer expressed content with the fact a progress was made in regards to improvement of integrity of the election process. Eichhorst stated that talks in Neum were quality and constructive. She explained that discussed issues were complex, adding that she believes talks will be resumed. Eichhorst stressed that they had only three days to discuss crucial issues, adding that it is just not enough time and talks will be resumed. The EU Delegation in B&H (EUD) stated on Twitter that they expect political parties to continue to seek a solution. They called on the Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) to finalize a package concerning the integrity of the election process. The EU Delegation to B&H also stated that progress has been seen during the negotiations. “We have seen progress during the negotiations on constitutional and electoral reform these past few days. We expect political parties to continue searching for solutions on pending issues and call on the Inter-Agency Working Group to finalize the integrity package,” reads EUD statement.

Covic: HDZ B&H will not allow concept of constituent peoples to be erased from B&H Constitution; Izetbegovic believes that they were not far from solutions regarding the part related to transparency and integrity of election process (FTV) 

FTV stated that the agreement on changes to B&H Election Law was not reached in Neum although there was no lack of optimism and they agreed only on outlines, commented the presenter. HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic stated: “There is a good basis because this is the first time that we have put concrete proposals and initiatives on the table, because they were only put by HDZ (B&H) or the representatives of Croat people so far”. Covic added that they made very concrete proposals regarding the solution of the problem of the FB&H House of Peoples (HoP) and the B&H HoP. There were old and new models and proposals, from the electorate, through modified ethnic determinants to the reduction of the FB&H HoP, but there were no concessions for the final agreement, added the reporter. SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic believes that they were not far from solutions regarding the part related to transparency and integrity of the election process, and that this issue was resolved and there will be good progress there. Izetbegovic added: “Regarding the HoP, I think the matter is resolved. We were also very close when it came to the functioning of the FB&H and the election of a member of B&H Presidency. Everyone put in a lot of effort”. Izetbegovic added: “I was pleasantly surprised by the attitude of the leaders of NiP (People and Justice), SBB and NES. So, we had a common position. We were ready to boldly step forward in relation to the expectations of the Croat side.” New negotiations are needed for compromise, added the reporter. Covic stated: “How to proceed, that is the real question. Now I will not talk about my optimism, because I think it has been spent in these six months, or a year and a half, but the fact is that with the people who have negotiated and led these processes, we said a moment ago, it no longer makes sense to do it.”  Covic pointed out that HDZ B&H will not allow the concept of constituent peoples to be erased from B&H Constitution. Covic stated: “The wish was to implement the agreement from Mostar. In a way, to give a very clear answer about the legitimate representation in the Presidency and the HoP in order to implement all the judgments of the Strasbourg Court, i.e. the Constitutional Court of B&H. There is a certain step forward. Some will say that there are still a few differences. This still needs to be harmonized, but in any case there is a good basis because this is the first time that we have put concrete proposals and initiatives on the table.” Izetbegovic concluded that the talks are not completed and it is possible they will resume in Sarajevo or elsewhere. Covic stated that this there is possibility to resume the talks in next seven to ten days, without moderation of the international community and to bring stances concerning the FB&H HoP and members of B&H Presidency closer. Covic stated that if an agreement on changes related to the election of B&H Presidency members and on the FB&H HoP was reached, it would be much easier to reach an agreement on other issues.

Dodik: The fact is that negotiations in Neum have failed, optimism in Neum was not grounded, and another attempt of the US and Europe has brought no results (Nova BH) 

Commenting on the negotiations, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said the fact is that the negotiations in Neum have failed, the optimism in Neum was not grounded, and that another attempt of the US and Europe has brought no results. Dodik also said that Bosniaks want domination and outvoting and they train it on Croats in B&H. “So, there was fiasco there. None of those models, if you are interested, have succeeded. They left this moment, and they have no agreement on anything,” said Dodik. Commenting on the position of the RS, Dodik said: “Our approach was it is a Federation issue, relations between Muslims and Croats, and we from the RS have nothing to do there. Although, they have been trying in different variants, at the highest level, and at the, as they call it, technical level, to win over the delegation from the RS. We have not obstructed that issue, but we were of view that we have nothing to discuss in regard the election of the Presidency member in the FB&H”. “The general impression is that the Muslim representatives did not want a political agreement; they have a good option, according to them, to re-elect (DF leader Zeljko) Komsic and to give a definite political blow to the Croats as a constituent people in this area. I do not believe that is good. The problem of one people is the problem of all three constituent peoples” Dodik stressed. Dodik stressed that Bosniak politicians are not giving up on majorization of Croats which, according to him, is not good. Dodik underlined that the fiasco of negotiations in Neum is bad for overall relations in B&H. Dodik said that what he learned from Covic is that Bosniak political representatives did not want an agreement. Dodik noted that he believes that minimizing Croats by the Bosniak side is not good.

Dodik: Test for return of RS representatives into B&H institutions will be proposed law (ATV) 

Milorad Dodik stated on Saturday that the first test for the participation of B&H officials from the RS in the work of B&H institutions will be the proposal of the law which will ban the assessment of the RS and Serb people as genocidal. He reminded that the RS parliament concluded that the B&H officials from the RS will work in accordance with interests of the RS. Dodik said that the special session of the RS parliament is necessary to discuss the situation six months after it was decided that they will not participate in the work of B&H institutions. He added that the reasons for this decision did not disappear and they are still there. Dodik said that the ruling coalition believes the law which they plan to propose to the B&H parliament can be a solution for the crisis.

Granic: Serb separatist and Bosniak centralist policies are equally dangerous for B&H (Hina) 

Mate Granic, Special advisor to the Croatian Prime Minister, said that in talks in B&H the Croats will not go below that they elect their representative into the Presidency of B&H and that they are represented in the House of Peoples (HoP). According to Granic, it was agreed in the Dayton agreement that the issue of status of constituent peoples is secured by means of election of member of the Presidency of B&H and the HoP. However, owing to decisions of the High Representatives who have the Bonn powers and the ‘crawling’ changes, the Croats have lost the status of constituent people. Granic noted that the High Representatives should have not changed the Constitution of B&H and that Serb separatist and Bosniak centralist policies are equally dangerous for B&H. In addition, Granic said it is the last moment to save the essence of the Dayton agreement and that in case Croats and Bosniaks reach an agreement, Milorad Dodik and the RS would lose the maneuvering space.

President Milanovic: I am neither enemy of Ukraine nor friend to Russia (Hina/RTL) 

Following his recent statements about Ukraine that sparked widespread criticism in Croatia and abroad, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic said on Friday that he was neither an enemy of Ukraine nor a friend to Russia, and accused Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic of behaving like a Ukrainian agent. Milanovic’s words about Ukraine not belonging in NATO and depicting the country as one of the most corrupt in the world prompted the Croatian government to distance itself from those views and apologize. In an interview with RTL commercial broadcaster, Milanovic said he did not think he had gone overboard. Commenting on his claims about widespread corruption in Ukraine, he went on to say that reports made by the EU also state that Ukraine is corrupt, and that he does not intend to apologize. “Ukraine has a problem and must start solving it, it has a problem also with the separatists whom Russia has not recognized either. So, negotiations should be resumed and one should not ignore the fact that there are some negotiators who are not nice guys, but talks should be held with them, rather than insisting on confrontation with the nuclear and hyper-sonic power Russia,” Milanovic said. He criticized the EU, saying the bloc was behaving irresponsibly towards Ukraine. “Ukraine has got nothing from the EU. Billions and billions have been promised” Milanovic said, insisting that he is neither an enemy of Ukraine nor a friend of Russia. Milanovic also accused Ukraine of glorifying heroes from the World War II who “were mass executors of Poles and Jews”. He went on to say that, while Plenkovic behaves like “a Ukrainian agent”, he himself acts as the Croatian president. He described Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman as “a disgrace” and someone who is incapable of performing the job of a minister. He said that it was Grlic-Radman who paid a visit to Moscow recently and invited President Vladimir Putin to visit Croatia. On the other hand, “I am not siding with the Russians,” said Milanovic. I have never paid an official visit there (Russia) and I never drank coffee with the Russian ambassador, he added. After his recent statements about Ukraine, Milanovic was denounced as a pro-Russian collaborator on Ukraine’s online blacklist. Milanovic ended up on the Ukrainian name-and-shame list for saying that Ukraine does not belong in NATO and that the European Union triggered a coup d’etat in Ukraine in 2014 when the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted, and that Croatia will not in any way get involved in the Ukraine crisis in case of its escalation and that it will not deploy its troops there. Asked about that list, Milanovic said that he did not fear for his own security. “Why should I be afraid… They will end up on my list… I expect the Ukrainian government, which is allegedly pro-Western, to deal with such people,” he said.

MEP: Milanovic’s statement for internal face-off, but damage is in Foreign Affairs (Hina) 

Although President Zoran Milanovic‘s statements on Ukraine, EU, NATO, and Russia were intended for his face-off with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in the home policy, they have done damage to Croatia’s credibility in the global affairs, Member of European Parliament Tonino Picula says. The Croatian MEP said in an interview with Hina before his departure for Ukraine at the helm of the European Parliament’s delegation, that he could see Milanovc’s claims about Ukraine not belonging in NATO and his understanding for Russia’s arguments in the Russia-Ukraine crisis as his statements serving primarily the purpose of his conflicts on the internal policy scene. The president and the premier are so deep in the conflict that some of the topics that are supposed to reflect a minimum of state unity such as foreign affairs topics have also fallen victim to that conflict, the Croatian MEP told Hina. Picula said that at the moment no one is considering the deployment of NATO’s troops in Ukraine. “I am against the policy that undermines the credibility of Croatia as a member of the European Union and of NATO. Milanovic’s pro-Russian attitudes undermine that credibility and I also hold that PM Plenkovic, too, undermines Croatia’s credibility primarily through toleration of corruption in his own ranks.” Picula calls on the head of state and the head of government to refrain from spilling their conflicts over to foreign affairs. “This story should be closed as soon as possible. Croatia needs definitely a higher degree of consent between top leaders for the sake of its credibility abroad,” said Picula who was the foreign minister in the coalition government led by Prime Minister Ivica Racan of the SDP party in the early 2000s.

Ukraine crisis exposes weaknesses of EU 

While Kiev and Western countries are bracing themselves for a potential invasion of Russia along its border with Ukraine, where Russian troops are being amassed, Moscow refutes claims that it is preparing attacks on its southwestern neighbor, and insists that the West provides it with guarantees that NATO will not be expanded further eastwards. On Sunday, the eight-member EP delegation, which includes Picula, is set to fly to Ukraine to meet the Ukrainian leadership. In the European Parliament, there are different views on the Ukrainian crisis. Picula said that a majority of the MEPs express solidarity with Ukraine, and support the respect for that country’s sovereignty and right to choose which associations it would like to join. Different approaches of the EU member states to the response to the Russia-Ukraine crisis have an effect on the EU’s political strength, he said. “This crisis also exposes the EU being stuck halfway in its integrations, and this half of unfinished integrations prevents the Union from responding to ad hoc crises, notably when they are external shocks.” The Ukrainian crisis also juxtaposes much wider geopolitical interests, he said adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin would like to avoid EU leaders in efforts to settle the current crisis. “He wants to talk with the Americans and not with EU leaders, and this is part of his strategy to disintegrate the West.”

Krivokapic: This goverment likely to be overthrown, all parties register rating falling except Democrats (RTCG) 

This government has cleaned and prepared the field for plowing. When it did that, why should it leave the political scene, PM Zdravko Krivokapic wonders, answering the question whether this government is counting its last days. “This is the government that has tried to be civic and democratic in order to bring democracy to life in Montenegro. We did everything we could, the rest is all up to MPs. If the initiative was submitted and postponed once, it’s rather unlikely that it will not be supported the second time. That would be a disgrace for the largest party – DPS, and the main submitter of the initiative – URA,” he said.

Konjevic after opposition meeting with EU, USA and GB diplomats: Elections the best solution (CdM) 

After the meeting of the parliamentary opposition with the diplomats of the EU, the United States and Great Britain, when they discussed the political situation, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Rasko Konjevic has said that they sent a message that they want Montenegro to solve every political challenge by strengthening and maintaining stability. Konjevic believes that elections are the best solution to overcome the crisis. “We expect that the old parliamentary majority will do what the Democratic Party of Socialists did on 30 August 2020, and that is to hand over power to those who will have a majority – the majority that is constituted in Parliament. I think the partners had an understanding for that,” Konjevic told reporters after the meeting.

Radulovic: Krivokapic and some ministers demanded closure of embassies in region; sending protest notes to EU and UN (CdM) 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Djordje Radulovic is concerned about the tendency of PM Zdravko Krivokapic that someone else is to blame for the evident fall of the government. He rejects the Prime Minister’s accusations that he has been working on forming a minority government since September, and points to some non-sense demands of the Prime Minister and some ministers – closing embassies in the region and neighboring countries and sending protest notes to the European Union and the United Nations because the Prime Minister was not invited to the Western Balkans/EU Summits and the UN General Assembly. Radulovic adds that he was required to appoint an intern without a day of diplomatic experience as an ambassador of a European country. Referring to the baseless allegations that he “has worked with DPM Dritan Abazovic on the minority government since September”, he points to the fact that he has never belonged to the echelon of “key ministers” who apparently had the legitimacy to negotiate such matters, nor has he ever met with any representative of a political party.

Experts to set up a political party called ‘Europe Now’ (CdM) 

Certain ministers of the outgoing government call on respect of the will of citizens expressed in the latest parliamentary elections even though no will of citizens brought them to power ever. The truth has come out. ‘Europe Now’ is first of all a political move, and ministers Jakov Milatovic, Milojko Spajic and maybe Jelena Borovinic Bojovic are going to name a political party after this project. If this is true, then they used state funds to promote their political project while holding “expert” positions, because, the government is about to fall, they’re about to set up a party and name it after the economic program they themselves prepared while being ministers.

One may conclude that the two planned a political campaign thoroughly, being fully aware that the tenure of this government was limited and that they will have to establish a party. Recall, ministers Spajic and Milatovic were telling that they were not politicians but were only interested in ensuring better standard of living for citizens.

Picula on situation in Montenegro: I’m worried (CdM) 

The rapporteur of the European Parliament for Montenegro Tonino Picula, in a conversation with CdM, clearly says – the outcome of the crisis in Montenegro must be a consequence of the agreement of internal political stakeholders in Montenegro, especially without pressure from Serbia. “Whether it is a minority government that will have stable support in implementing reforms that strengthen the independence of institutions or a transitional government that will ensure the implementation of new elections without disinformation campaigns and reruns of last year’s riots, both should be able to ensure that political processes in Montenegro are carried out peacefully and that the Montenegrins are really those who decide the direction in which the country will go,” says Picula for CDM. He notes that as a rapporteur for Montenegro, he monitors what is happening daily and intensively, talks to political stakeholders, representatives of NGOs and the media. “And yes, I’m really worried,” he points out.

Porfirije: The basic agreement will be signed as soon as the political situation in Montenegro normalizes (CdM) 

The Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) Porfirije is sure that the Fundamental Agreement will be signed as soon as the political situation in Montenegro normalizes, the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) announced. “Patriarch Porfirije talked, at their request, with responsible political figures from Montenegro, Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports Vesna Bratic, President of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) Vladimir Jokovic, leaders of the Democratic Front (DF) Nebojsa Medojevic, Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic, as well as the Minister of Agriculture Aleksandar Stijovic and the former Minister of Justice Vladimir Leposavic” it is stated in the announcement of the SPC. Porfirije listened to their view of the situation and the situation in Montenegro with full respect and esteem. ” Porfirio expressed to each of his interlocutors the only possible position, that the Church should not interfere in party competitions in any way, but that it should direct its care and prayers to the Savior, for the good, peace and progress of all Montenegrin citizens,” the SPC said in a statement.  The interlocutors of the Patriarch, added the SPC, were especially interested in signing the Fundamental Agreement between the SPC and Montenegro. “The Patriarch is pleased that all his interlocutors understand that the issue of equality of churches and religious communities is of a civilizational and democratic nature, and he is sure that the Fundamental Agreement will be signed as soon as the political situation in Montenegro normalizes,” the SPC said in a statement.

Abazovic: I did not want Porfirije to be persuaded by manipulation into attitudes contrary to mine (CdM) 

I just didn’t want anyone else to try to convince me with manipulation and propaganda that my views are the opposite of what they are, said Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic, talking about a private visit to Serbia, where he spoke with Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Porfirije. He said that they had a pleasant conversation, but he did not want to give details of that, as he pointed out, private conversation. “The least we can do is lead a dialogue,” Abazovic said.

The majority 

According to him, whoever reaches the majority of 41, they are ready to join the opposition, but they are not ready to sell Montenegro. When asked why the initiative for a vote of no confidence in the government is being launched now, he said that we have a crisis of the parliamentary majority in the extended duration. “The fact that some people have amnesia is their business” Abazovic said. He added that we had a boycott of the parliamentary majority party. We could not vote for the Prosecutorial Council, says the Deputy Prime Minister, “because of Democratic Montenegro at the end of July.” Then the ministers in the government offered the minority parties to enter the government and replace the URA. I have not heard from any other party that they is ready to go in to opposition,” Abazovic pointed out. He said that it was necessary to reach number 49 in the Assembly – with or without the Democratic Party of Socialists. That number is important, as he explained, because of the appointments in the judiciary and the prosecutor’s office, which requires two-thirds or three-thirds support of members of parliament. “I am just trying to find a compromise. I believe in my vision, but I respect everyone’s opinion. If anyone has a better model, let them suggest it, but we must reach a broader consensus” Abazovic pointed out. He believes that the problem of 41 deputies should have been solved by Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic. “What is built on lies cannot be permanent,” said Abazovic. He points out that this government will end on 4 February “if the Prime Minister does not resign in the meantime”. He does not rule out the possibility of a technical government. Unlike his colleagues from the Democrats, as he said, they adhere to democratic principles. “If the majority says that we should go to the polls – let’s go to the polls. If the majority is for the technical government – then let’s do it,” stated Abazovic. He said for himself that he is a habitual optimist who believes that Montenegro can be reconciled, but that it must get out of the matrix. Blackmailed people, he said, cannot do what he does – offer a model for a minority government. He points out that only people with a clear conscience can do that. I have a clear conscience.

Mickoski: We will propose reduction of number of MPs and one constituency (Alsat M) 

We are thinking of proposing a concept that we believe, if some of the parties in Parliament are really honest, they could accept it, and on the other hand I think the citizens will welcome it, and that is reducing the number of MPs. Since maybe 120 MPs is too many, let’s say 90 according to the Slovenian model and one constituency, said Hristijan Mickoski, leader of VMRO-DPMNE for Alsat M. Mickoski added that according to the Constitution, the number now ranges from 120 to 140 MPs. We need to intervene here, to reduce it to 90. We believe that maybe this bulky system as it is with 120 is too big. The costs are too high, the accumulated power is too big, let’s reduce it all to 90. Reduce the number of privileged MPs, said Mickoski. Mickoski also pointed out that VMRO-DPMNE will support the proposal of smaller political parties for one constituency.

Mickoski: United anti-DUI/SDSM front is needed against corrupt politicians if we want to have a modern state (Republika) 

VMRO-DPMNE leader, Hristijan Mickoski, addressed Sunday’s training on “Political Campaigns and the Goals of Women’s Organizations” organized by VMRO-DPMNE’s Women Union and the “Jarl Hjalmarson” Foundation. First of all, I would like to thank the foundation that has continuously supported VMRO-DPMNE in recent years at different levels and for different structures. That support means a lot to us because through this type of training we, of course, have the transfer of knowledge and experience from countries that are more experienced than us and of course older democrats. We can learn things from them that we cannot learn here and that is why this type of training is very important and I think that it should continue in the future, said Mickoski. He added that the party leadership would facilitate the same training. The option for leading Macedonia in the future is VMRO-DPMNE. Naturally, I do not expect this political reality that is now in the country to be as it is for a long time. It depends on us how we will position ourselves in the coming period, said Mickoski. He also greeted the president of VMRO-DPMNE’s Women Union, Zaklina Pesevska and all members of the Women Union.

Members are an integral part of the party. And I take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent cooperation so far, for everything they did during the local elections, here I mean the municipal committees of the Women Union, the Executive Committee, the President. I think they added great value to the great result in both the first and second rounds across the country. And I think they are extremely credited for having a historic result in these 30 years of independent Macedonia, he said. The VMRO-DPMNE leader reminded that his party supported a woman candidature for president, who lost due to election fraud. The party also supported a woman candidate for mayor of Skopje. And Arsovska succeeded and won the local elections and now the capital has a woman mayor. During his address, Mickoski said that today in Macedonia there are corrupt politicians who supported politicians who unfortunately captured the country. Politicians who in a militant way, what they failed to do a few decades ago, now manage to destroy the institutions from within the system. Mickoski added that because of that we should do our best to change that reality, so that Macedonia can move forward, and the citizens of Macedonia can feel safe in their own country regardless of their ethnicity. We need to create a front and unite against corrupt politicians and an anti DUI /SDSM front, if we want to have a modern state, a state that will follow the modern trends of digitalization, artificial intelligence and a real green agenda, said Mickoski.