LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Serbia should not recognize Kosovo in any way (TV Prva/B92)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told TV Prva on Friday that he believes that Serbia should not recognize Kosovo in any way. “I don’t think we need to accept or recognize independence in any way, but we need to work with Albanians from Kosovo on mutual cooperation. However, that is impossible because independence is all they want to talk about,” Vucic added. “I think that the Open Balkans is the best idea, it is a way to overcome our differences and bad relations. As far as justice is concerned, there is no doubt that Serbia has suffered great injustice. How is it possible that everyone has the right to secede from Yugoslavia?” And afterwards, there’s no place for the Serbs to live,” he explained. Apart from Vucic, the talk show hosted playwright Biljana Srbljanovic and journalist Nikola Tomic. “I think it is terribly important for the recovery of the nation to accept facts: We fought a war and we lost it. Healing process will be finished when we learn true facts in school”, Srbljanovic replied. The right to stronger oppression is not international law, it is primarily based on the UN Charter. Everything that happened to our country and people was done contrary to the UN, aggression was carried out against our country against the law. The question is – why would it end? Where would that end? I don’t think we lost wars, nor were we responsible for all those wars. Serbia is always perceived as a hegemon in the Balkans in the eyes of great powers,” he said. “And there is no Serbia small enough that they would not call it great, they want to always weaken Serbia. Today, Serbia is apt to respond to all pressures, even when they do not exist, they are present every day on Kosovo and RS, and if you have all this in mind, it raises the question of what we can do,” Vucic said.

Srbljanovic: “For me, Kosovo is an independent state”

Srbljanovic said that for her, Kosovo is an independent state and that Serbia should recognize its independence. “Kosovo has been an independent state for 15 years, our neighbor with whom we must have a good relationship. Serbia should recognize it and I hope that everything is moving towards that,” she said. “There are large number of people of our nationality who want to stay there, all the wealth and roads are in vain if we are in a creeping war with the Albanians,” said Srbljanovic. “From 2018 onwards, there is only one criminal procedure for violence on sports events,” Srbljanovic added. “This is much more than a sport and an isolated show of fans. I feel uncomfortable when I see Ratko Mladic‘s graffiti. I care for the young people and the values ​​they grow with. As for Kosovo, emotionally, I would say that Serbian army should be present in every Serbian enclave and every Serbian monastery”, said Nikola Tomic. “I am in favor of the model of two Germanys – membership in the UN without formal mutual recognition, in return – Serbs there must be protected,” Tomic said. “In Brussels in 2013, during the most difficult pressures, we managed to reject the UN members, even though everyone in the government was in favor of it. Only because I was against it, we managed to remove point 14,” he said.

“Terrible crime in Srebrenica”

Speaking about Srebrenica, Vucic mentioned that he was in Potocari to mark the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre to lay wreaths. “I bowed my head and that was the only moment when I bowed my head, even though I was present at the event that was worse than the worst lynching. We need to show reverence and respect for the victims,” ​​Vucic said. Vucic said that it had become a language and a political matrix for the attack on Serbia. “Go to any Sarajevo portal, you will see ‘genocidal Serbia’, ‘Chetniks’ a thousand times… It is much more dangerous than seeing a dozen graffiti. What is happening on the Internet is 1000 times more dangerous than what you will see on some wall. Even after 30 years, we have not managed to overcome that and show elementary respect for others,” he added. “Even they talk about many times more victims in Jasenovac than in Srebrenica, I consider it a horrible crime, everything else is legal wording”, he continued. “Don’t tell us one thing and something else in the background. One word from me could cost our country dearly in politics, both legally and in every other way. I can’t stand chauvinism either, it’s important for us to show respect for Bosniak victims”, Vucic said. “I am very tired of these topics and I am not saying that they are not important, but they are not the only ones. I think that there are topics of the future that we should deal with. I do not want to declare myself out of spite, because unfortunately one legal definition has turned into a means of political manipulation. If you do not say that it was genocide, you are a Chetnik and the worst in the world, if you say no, then you are destroying RS,” Tomic said. “Seven thousand scattered bones, it is important, certain mothers out there are still looking for their own sons. I think that this is a topic that must not be trivialized and that we must face what we did and what we did not do,” Srbljanovic replied.

“We should not change the leadership of RS under EU’s request”

“Citizens of Serbia vote here, you have procedures that are very strict and you have to complete 7 procedures to be able to obtain Serbian citizenship. Some 10-11 percent of Serbs from RS have Serbian citizenship, and about 4.000 of them voted, for example. The Serbian government sent an invitation for the event in Orasac and invited the ambassadors, I did not even invite them to the reception I am organizing. Minister Darja Kisic Tepavcevic wrote on the invitations that Serbia is organizing it in cooperation with RS and Dodik because for years, we have a joint reception, as our people, the same people live in two different countries. I don’t know why that would bother anyone”, Vucic said, adding: As for me, European Union ambassadors were wrong to refuse to come to a celebration of Serbia’s Statehood Day on 15 February because of the announced presence of Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency member Milorad Dodik. “I think they are wrong because we are organizing this, we are the hosts… We have no intention to exclude Republika Srpska leadership just because EU is asking for it,” Vucic said.

“We don’t want to join NATO”

“Serbia is military neutral and wants to safeguard the country on its own, protect its skies, keep its people safe and has a 10 fold stronger military today, not to threaten anyone but to be able to keep its children safe to prevent any attack by the more powerful,” Vucic said. He said that Serbia wants freedom, cooperation with everyone, but does not want to join NATO.

About lithium

“Ponos said that it is a question for the future, it only speaks of the hypocrisy and untruths they took to, there will be some moments when you cannot speak with rational arguments, it is not politics,” he said.

“I tried not to offend anyone”

“When you talk about responsibility, I accept that the government must be more responsible, but I think that is shown. When you look at the level and number of insults that come, those things are not comparable. I will not talk about who insults someone’s family and children, without being offered any response. I tried not to offend anyone, I certainly exaggerated a few times, but I never exceeded the elementary code of decency”, says Vucic. “I heard more than once, my son was portrayed as a member of the Kavac clan. And today they report that the same Kavac clan wants to kill me. My response to all that was full of peace and tolerance,” he said. “When brutal lies were spread about the Jovanjica affair, I watched in amazement for ten days and didn’t say a word. Then they say I’m silent, I’m hiding. When I respond to the accusations, then they find fault with my answering,” he said.

Dacic: EU diplomats don’t have to come to ceremony if Dodik bothers them (FoNet/Blic)

EU diplomats do not have to come to the ceremony marking Serbia’s Statehood Day and the beginning of the First Serbian Uprising in Orasac, if they are bothered by the presence of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency member Milorad Dodik, Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic said Saturday. Blic announced Friday night that the ambassadors of EU countries will not attend the gathering on the occasion of the Serbian Statehood Day in Orasac, because Bosnia’s Serb Presidency member Milorad Dodik announced his presence. “We don’t interfere in decisions on who will come to commemorations,” Dacic told reporters at the headquarters of the Socialist Party of Serbia which he is a leader of, hinting at the commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the ceremony in Paris when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was seated near representatives of the countries which had started the war. “I did not hear,” Dacic added, that the European Union reacted when Erdogan held an election rally in Sarajevo. He said that it was not the ambassadors’ job to interfere in Serbia’s internal affairs, stating that if the information that the ambassadors of EU countries will not come to the ceremony in Orasac is correct, then it would not be a reasonable move. We are a sovereign and independent country and it is not up to them to decide on that, Dacic added, noting that if it was up to them, we would not have started the uprising. Asked whether Dodik’s moves are already harming Serbia, Dacic said that everyone in B&H was creating a problem for Serbia, as a whole, not just Dodik. He added that if Dodik is the one undermining the constitutional order of B&H, then Bosniaks are undermining it as well by undermining the RS entity.

Selakovic: Support of Sao Tome and Principe on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is of great importance for Serbia (RTS/Politika)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic met on Saturday with the Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe Jorge Bom Jesus and conveyed him an invitation to visit Belgrade this year, on the occasion of marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Noting that the two countries provide mutual support for each other on the world stage, Selakovic pointed out that Sao Tome and Principe’s support in terms of preserving territorial integrity and sovereignty was of great importance for Serbia. “We are very grateful for this support which represents an excellent prerequisite and potential to intensify our cooperation,” said Selakovic. Selakovic informed his interlocutor that this year we provided four scholarships for students from Sao Tome and Principe as part of the “World in Serbia” Program and invited a delegation of this country to participate in the upcoming Belgrade International Tourism Fair. Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe thanked Selakovic for coming on an official visit and expressed confidence that the two countries, which had been linked for decades, would have the opportunity to renew cooperation.

Selakovic: Cooperation between Serbia and Sao Tome and Principe continues to deepen (RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic stated on Saturday that his official visit to the Central African island country of Sao Tome and Príncipe was an opportunity to continue and deepen the political dialogue between the two friendly countries. Noting that Sao Tome and Principe was the first country to withdraw its recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, Selakovic said that this year’s 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations was an excellent opportunity to further intensify the cooperation between the two countries. Selakovic added that he had engaged in productive discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sao Tome and Principe Edite Ramos da Costa Tenjua and Prime Minister Jorge Bom Jesus. The discussion was, among other matters, about the ways to help eliminate the consequences of floods that had affected Sao Tome and Principe this year. Emphasizing that Sao Tome and Principe’s economy is based on agriculture, fishery and tourism, Selakovic highlighted, as something very important for the future cooperation between the two countries, the fact that one of the intergovernmental agreements signed today was an agricultural cooperation agreement. According to Selakovic, the hosts expressed great interest in scholarships under the project “World in Serbia”. He stressed that Serbia would increase the number of scholarships for students from Sao Tome and Principe. Selakovic stated that he hoped that Serbia would have its first honorary consul in Sao Tome and Principe by the end of spring. The person in question is a former student of the Belgrade University on a scholarship awarded to him by our country. At a prior press conference, Selakovic had highlighted the historical significance of the visit, as this was the first time that a senior official from Serbia had visited Sao Tome and Principe.

Selakovic: Strengthening political, economic cooperation with Gabon (Tanjug/Politika/RTS)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic met on Friday, as part of his several-day official visit to the countries of Central Africa, with President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba. Selakovic stated that Serbia is committed to improving the overall cooperation with Gabon and added that he conveyed to President Bongo Ondimba greetings from the Serbian President, as well as Serbia’s readiness to hold a meeting of the presidents of the two countries in the coming period.

He noted that the two countries have a long tradition of friendly relations, and it is precisely this friendship that should be used as a basis for further development of the political and economic cooperation. Selakovic said that Gabon set serious plans of economic development and that there is space for cooperation in the industrialization of the country, agriculture, building of food industry, and in exchange of experiences in various fields. In the continuation of his visit, Selakovic also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Pacome Moubelet-Boubeya, Minister of Agriculture Biendi Magangda-Moussavou and Minister of Defense Michael Moussa Adamo. After the meetings, the Serbian Minister said that he discussed with his interlocutors in Gabon the possibilities of deepening cooperation in various fields, such as agriculture, industry, modern technologies, health care and defense. According to him, representatives of various departments want to come to Serbia, and in March we will have a visit from representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will come for political consultation, but also from representatives of the Gabonese Agency for the Promotion of Economic Cooperation. During Selakovic’s visit to Gabon, the General Cooperation Agreement between the governments of the two countries was signed, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture.

Selakovic: Serbia to continue to strengthen ties with US (Novosti)

Serbia is ready for fresh diplomatic action and will continue to advance its relationship with the US, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said after a group of US congressmen sent a letter of support for Serbia to US President Joe Biden earlier this month. Speaking to Novosti, Selakovic said the relationship with the US was one of Serbia’s foreign policy priorities and that diplomatic efforts to take it to a higher level would not end with the letter. “I am confident that there will soon be good and positive surprises for our entire public. The letter of support from the congressmen shows that some things really can be changed if you work seriously, diligently and with commitment,” he said. Positive changes do not happen overnight, Selakovic noted, adding that Serbian diplomats were ready to continue to work to strengthen the relations with the US.

Novosti writes that half of the 16 congressmen had significant influence on policy-making in US foreign affairs and that the letter, published on 4 February, had unsettled Pristina, whose lobbyists have in the past often exerted a great leverage in Capitol Hill. The major change is a result of efforts by Serbian diplomats, cooperation and the good connections of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Selakovic as well as Serbian Ambassador to the US Marko Djuric, who has held separate meetings with all signatories of the letter, the paper said. The letter calls for advancement of US-Serbia relations, noting the long history of diplomatic relations between the two countries and their strong defense, security and economic ties.

Petkovic: Osmani’s statement is absurd (Tanjug)

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic says the statement of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani that Pristina has fulfilled its dialogue obligations is absurd. “In the torrent of absurd statements of Pristina politicians, Vjosa Osmani’s message that the so-called Kosovo has fulfilled all its obligations and agreements from the dialogue, and followed by the statement that it will never form the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), as agreed in Brussels is ranked first,” Petkovic said in a press release. According to him, the statement, in addition to being completely meaningless, shows the true face of politicians in Pristina, who think that the Brussels agreement is a buffet from which they can take what suits them and whose provisions they can change and interpret arbitrarily. “It is Belgrade that has fulfilled all its obligations and is a credible and patient partner in the dialogue process, while Pristina, in addition to the ZSO, refuses to implement agreements in the field of energy, refuses to cooperate in resolving the fate of the missing and sets new conditions which has made dialogue meaningless as a process for resolving all open issues and a path towards the normalization of relations”, Petkovic emphasized. However, as he added, it is important that Osmani finally admitted that the ZSO in Brussels has agreed with all executive powers and a clear structure, and that this is the reason why Pristina has refused to form it for almost nine years. “I hope that Osmani heard during the previous days and the visits of high EU officials to the USA and Great Britain that the agreements must be respected and that when she processes that information, it will be clear to her that she cannot flee from fulfilling her obligations forever,” Petkovic concluded.

SNS Presidency and Main Board sessions: Vucic to be the holder of all SNS lists during elections (B92/RTS/N1/Beta/Novosti)

Sessions of the Presidency and the Main Board of the Serbian Progressive Party were held on Sunday in the Belgrade Kombank Hall. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic addressed the media. “Vucic is the holder of all lists, this is the motto under which we go to the polls, this is the message we all stand for, because everything we did in Serbia, we did together with the people, we can be proud of the results and we showed that together we can really do everything so that Serbia can become a victorious country,” said Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. “Dana Grujicic will be first on the list for the parliamentary elections, while Aleksandar Sapic heads SNS list for Belgrade.” As she pointed out, she is especially proud that we have many famous people who have proven themselves in their fields. “Besides Dana Grujicic, it is Stojan Radenovic, the most quoted Serbian scientist, then Jelena Begovic, a woman who is the greatest expert in her field, molecular biology. She also helped open the Fire Eye laboratories in Belgrade and Nis,” said the Prime Minister. She added that the list also includes people such as Lazar Ristovski, Dr Marija Zdravkovic, Professor Zika Bujuklic, table tennis player Borisava Peric Rankovic. “There is also Prof. Dr Dejan Ilic, a man who returned from Germany and who lives for Serbia and our progress. There are also Jovan Kolundzija, Lepomir Ivkovic, Marko Keselj, Ivan Antic, a fighter from Kosare, and many others,” Brnabic said. She pointed out that the elections will be extremely difficult. According to the media, the list of progressives was adopted at the session of the SNS Main Board. “This is important, this list shows that we are fighting for Serbia. We are not fighting for the party or party interest. The elections will be extremely difficult. We have results that we are presenting to the people,” Brnabic said. She pointed out that the elections will be extremely difficult. “As President Vucic says, there are no easy elections. Elections are easy only for those who lose. We have results that we present to our people. Infrastructure, roads, we have done a lot for education, we have invested in schools and kindergartens. We have excellent results in culture, we opened the renovated National Theater, the National Museum”, she said. She said that the SNS differs from all other movements and parties because they do not think about functions, when asked whether non-party figures from the SNS list will be highly positioned after the elections. “We are going to have a majority on our own, because everyone is uniting against us. We will look to put people who have the most knowledge, energy and fighting spirit, to continue on the path we have traced. Positions are not important, but knowledge and a will to fight. Whoever has the most energy to dedicate himself to the job will get the position. We are one team as we have been one team so far. The party is not important, Serbia is important. If you have people who will support you, and none of them needs positions, because they are successful and accomplished people, that’s a big deal”. She stated that only the elections were discussed today, and that they hadn’t discussed the protests of environmental activists who are camping in front of the Presidency building. They have the right to protest. Including Sava Manojlovic, whose demands were all met. Not only demands but also whims. As for the people in “We will not give Jadar” and “We will not give Radjevina”, they had one request, and we fulfilled that. We put an end to Rio Tinto project. Afterwards we had meetings, and I showed them all the documentation, she said.

Dacic to head SPS list in parliamentary, Belgrade elections (Beta)

Socialist Party of Serbia president Ivica Dacic said on Saturday that he would head the party’s lists in the coming parliamentary and Belgrade city elections, and that he would be a candidate for prime minister. Ahead of a session of the Socialist Party’s steering commission, Dacic said the party would endorse President Aleksandar Vucic if he decided to run for a re-election. “The results that we have achieved with the [Serbian Progressive Party] over the last ten years have received the people’s stamp of approval. That is a good basis to continue cooperation in the coming period,” Dacic told reporters at the party’s headquarters in Belgrade. “As a separate ticket, we will offer our policy, whose foundation is Serbia and patriotism and in parallel the issue of social justice and everything related to your classic left themes,” he stressed.

Ponos: The fact that authorities are attacking means I pose a threat to them (FoNet)

As in 2000, Serbia is capable of choosing between something that is far from good, someone would even call it evil and something that should be good, the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition United Serbia Zdravko Ponos said Sunday and announced his election victory, despite predicting that “the regime will try to steal it”. After ten years in power, no one has the right to blame another government, Ponos noted in the conversation series Kvaka 23 for FoNet assessing that everything that is either good or bad is done by this government, and there are too many bad things. I preach the truth and what I believe in, he pointed out, describing himself as a supra-party candidate and adding that he would try to be convincing, while those who are now in power must pretend. “I have a biography behind me, I think it is credible, but it will be a problem for citizens all over Serbia to hear what I believe in and what I advocate,” Ponos pointed out. According to him, the president has great power of the spoken word, because he was directly elected, but in order for that word to have weight, it must be someone whom the people trust, who did not lie to them. “Now we have a president who has mostly done the opposite of what he preached, who has often deceived these people,” Ponos said, convinced that his word would have the weight to make people believe in it. “I will call for unity,” he announced and said that the voters of the Serbian Progressive Party have nothing to fear when things change in Serbia.

Godfrey: When I had to, I conveyed harsh messages, my successor will not be a ‘bad cop (RTS)

In an exclusive interview for Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) before leaving our country, US Ambassador Anthony Godfrey says that during his tenure in Belgrade there were difficult moments and talks, and that when it was time for that, he conveyed harsh messages to the government of Serbia. He also says that his successor will not be a ‘bad cop’. When it comes to the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, he emphasizes that a lasting agreement must be reached by the parties in the negotiations. It cannot be imposed from the outside and must be something that people accept, Godfrey adds.

I had in mind the Washington agreement. Is still valid?

The values and goals defined by the Washington agreement are very important. We are still working on their realization. We are proud of what we do.

Are you working on all or just some of the goals?

Almost all goals are a priority. The position of the administration is that their relationship with Israel depends on Belgrade and Pristina. We believe that Serbia and Kosovo should decide on that.

Is that quite strictly defined in the agreement?

I am glad that Serbia and Kosovo have fulfilled a large part of their obligations, and a sovereign state decides on that. Many issues are still being worked on. We have almost completed the work on launching the low-risk Development Finance Corporation program. We are proud of the cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and the National Bank of Serbia on that project, and we hope that the development program in Serbia will soon be very dynamic.

I mentioned that you speak Serbian very well, but do you understand it? You have heard many times from Serbian officials, and even a good part of the opposition, that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo as an independent state. What is unclear here?

I hear that and here is my opinion. We support dialogue under the EU auspices. We strongly support that. You could see that during the joint visit of my good friend Gabriel Escobar and Miroslav Lajcak. It was supposed to be a symbolic move that shows the support of the United States for that process. The United States has a clear position that without a solution through negotiations, without the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, Serbia’s path to EU membership in the European Union is blocked. The United States believes that a lasting agreement between Belgrade and Pristina can best be achieved through mutual recognition, but we are also aware that a lasting agreement must be reached by the parties themselves in the negotiations. It cannot be imposed from the outside and must be something that people accept. Honestly, if the two sides agree on something that is not full establishment of diplomatic relations and reaching a compromise, I am sure that Washington will welcome that. We would like to see the achievement of short-term goals regarding the implementation of the Brussels agreement, return to the negotiating table and the meeting of the leaders with Mr. Lajcak.

REGIONAL PRESS

Media report on EU countries cancelling attendance at Serbia Statehood Day ceremony due to announced Dodik’s presence; Dodik: There is no reason why I should not be there, as well as RS leadership (N1) 

According to reporting by a number of the media, some of the European Union (EU) countries have cancelled their presence at the ceremony of marking the Serbia Statehood Day in Orasac, due to the presence of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency member Milorad Dodik. Commenting on this, Dodik said for the media: “For seven or eight years now, the Republika Srpska (RS) government and the Serbian government have marked together important dates. One of those dates is the First Serbian Uprising, and so far, that has not been an issue. I do not know what EU countries are those, and how it is happening, but I did not even familiarize myself with the issue. Of course, I will be at the ceremony, because I simply do not see any reason why I should not be there, as well as the RS leadership.” The reporter notes that Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said he does not know who said they would not come to Orasac because of Dodik, but it is important that Dodik is present at the ceremony. Addressing the media, Dacic said: “It is not a reasonable move, because they cannot condition who will be present at ceremonies in Serbia, especially because I did not notice that they conditioned their participation with the presence of others”. Dacic added that representatives of the Eastern and the Western countries did not participate in the uprising itself, “thus, their absence will not be really felt”.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that Serbia will always be a hegemon in the Balkans for at least two world powers, no matter how small it is. “Serbia today, seeks to respond to all pressures it is exposed to. Even when they are not direct, they are present every day, and are present in every conversation, in relation to Kosovo and Metohija, as well as in relation to the RS. Despite our highly principled position on respecting the integrity of B&H, you face that every day. Now when you have all that, the question is what we can do; to give up and say Kosovo is independent? There is no problem, we do not care about the RS at all, we do not care if any Serb lives in Montenegro, because they will treat them wonderfully. They will treat them wonderfully in a way that they will take away their Church,” said Vucic. Vucic said that it does not occur to him not to invite Dodik. Vucic pointed out that such thinking of the ambassadors is completely wrong, adding that there is no one, neither from the east nor from the west, who can condition him with that. “For us to change and exclude the leadership of the RS because the ambassadors asked for it, it does not occur to me to even consider something like that. Serbia is a country of proud people, dignified people and Serbia is a serious country,” Vucic emphasized.

Borrell discusses B&H crisis with political leaders (ATV) 

EU High Representative Josep Borrell talked to President of SNSD Milorad Dodik, President of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic and President of HDZ B&H Dragan Covic via telephone on Friday. He highlighted the need for serious and useful dialogue in order to solve the long-lasting crisis in B&H. Izetbegovic stressed the need to find a solution during the negotiations for changes to the B&H Election Law. Covic stressed that legitimate representation of Croats on all levels of authorities is key for B&H. Borrell expects all sides to find a compromise and that they will contribute to the stabilization of the situation in B&H. Dodik said that his talk with Borrell was good. He commented on the statement of Izetbegovic, who said that the general elections may be postponed. Dodik said that SDA does not decide on this, but everything is possible. He claimed that foreigners offered him to remove sanctions if he changes his policy. Dodik said that SNSD is against the postponement of elections and they support the search for a solution for the election system. RS representatives have stated that there is no turning back when it comes to the story of the establishment of high judicial and prosecutorial council (HJPC) of the RS, noting that everything in that story is in accordance with the Constitution and that there is no dilemma about it. Dodik said that during a phone conversation that lasted almost an hour and a half, he successfully explained to Borrell that the RS is protecting the constitutional order of B&H, not violating it, as it is claimed. The European Commission stated that he held separate talks with the three leaders in B&H. The focus of the talks was on the unified and integral B&H. The European Council will discuss the situation in B&H on 21 February. During his phone conversation with Borrell, Dodik explained that RS is defending the constitutional order of B&H. Dodik stated that the main focus were stereotypes assigned to statements like the attack against the B&H Constitution, which he assessed as untrue. He called on Borrell to present proof of the RS undermining the constitution. Dodik said that it is not stated anywhere that B&H has the right to manage judiciary and if this is found somewhere, they will accept it. He added that the only defined B&H competence in the area of judiciary is the B&H Constitutional Court (B&H CC).

Dodik: Schmidt cannot annul law adopted by RS parliament (Nova BH) 

Leader of SNSD Milorad Dodik reiterated on Saturday his stance that he does not recognize law banning denial of genocide that was imposed by former High Representative Valentin Inzko. Dodik emphasized that this law is not valid and is not being applied in the RS thanks to law passed by the RS parliament.  He went on to saying that no one can annul this law passed by the RS parliamnent. Dodik stressed that Christian Schmidt cannot annul this law, because he is physical person. “If he does it, we will sue him everywhere in the world. Then it will turn out he is serious international criminal if he does anything, because he does not have authorizations. Even if he was appointed as High Representative, he would not have right to do it,” stated Dodik.

Stevandic: RS must be ready for provocations and incidents because policy denying Serbs right to decide on their interests has experienced total failure (Nezavisne) 

‘United Srpska’ leader Nenad Stevandic stated that the RS must be ready for possible provocations and incidents because the policy of Sarajevo which had the goal of denying the rights of the Serb people and its institutions to make legitimate decisions about its interests experienced a complete failure. “This led to the vulgar and hysterical rhetoric from the official political centers in the Federation of B&H which are used to interventionism. This time, they turned their disappointment over its absence into angry and uncivilized reactions,” said Stevandic. In his opinion, unity regarding key issues always brings victory and paves path to stability and survival of the RS, regardless of all political differences and pre-election quarrels.

SDA: Laws on HJPC, property and medicines direct attack on B&H Constitution and DPA and must be annulled (Hayat) 

SDA issued a statement in regards to recent developments in the  RS parliament, including adoption of draft law to form the RS high judicial and prosecutorial council (HJPC). SDA said that appeals and condemnations are not sufficient, adding that every postponing of necessary activities the international community should conduct only encourage SNSD to resume with attacks on the Constitution of B&H that can lead to undermining of stability and peace. They added that IC should not repeat mistakes from 1990s when it failed to react on time and stop Radovan Karadzic. SDA emphasizes that consequences of passivity of the international community were tragic. SDA stated on Friday that the laws on the high judicial and prosecutorial council (HJPC), property and medicines adopted by the RS parliament are a direct attack on the B&H Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and must be annulled and repealed. SDA called on High Representative Christian Schmidt to annul the abovementioned laws without delay.

FB&H parties comment RS parliament decisions; Call on Schmidt to react (N1) 

Commenting the recent developments in the RS parliamenr and adoption of the Draft Law on RS HJPC, the FB&H political parties asked High Representative Christian Schmidt to react to the unconstitutional behavior. “The High Representative received a clear support of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) for using his powers and instruments, which are at his disposal, and we expect him to do so without delay, not waiting for public discussions or possible publishing of the law in the Official Gazette (of the RS)”, reads the statement of political parties from the FB&H. Leader of ‘People and Justice’ (NiP) Elmedin Konakovic is convinced all RS parliament decisions will be annulled by the decision of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H, as they are unconstitutional. That is simple, he says, adding that the RS cannot unilaterally break an agreement which was adopted by the decision of the B&H parliament. Konakovic said that unfortunately Dodik is turning “towards the dark side of politics” and he is also dragging the RS citizens with him. SDP B&H MP in the B&H parliament Denis Becirovic is more precise in his stances – he called on HR Schmidt to urgently react to the RS’ moves, or to simply resign his post if he is unwilling to do his job.

Power: RS is playing with fire (Dnevni avaz) 

USAID Administrator, Samantha Power posted on Twitter, commenting the RS parliament adoption of Draft Law on High Judiciary and Persecution Council (HJPC), stating that forming of parallel judicial institution, would serve the interest of corrupt politicians. “RS people, but also the people of entire Bosnia and Herzegovina would be exposed to even higher instability. RS legislators, who support divisions, are playing with fire” wrote Power.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call on RS parliament to withdraw Draft Law on RS HJPC (O Kanal) 

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid have called on the RS parliament to withdraw the Draft Law on HJPC of the RS. Rau and Schmid also called on all leaders in B&H to work together to create the conditions necessary for constructive political dialogue, for the benefit of all citizens across the country. “The unilateral withdrawal from state-level institutions is against B&H’s constitution and undermines the overall security and stability of the country. The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of B&H is a fundamental safeguard in upholding the rule of law in the country. The establishment of a parallel structure at the entity level would undermine the achievements made so far in reforming the rule of law in the country and would endanger further progress in this field. The OSCE reaffirms its support for the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and its values. Withdrawing from the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of B&H would go against the letter and spirit of the Agreement, jeopardizing the independence, impartiality, and professionalism of the judiciary in B&H, while widening the space for criminal impunity,” the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General said in a statement.

Della Vedova pays visit to B&H: We talked to Dodik about overall situation and we expressed concern due to decisions passed in the RS (Oslobodjenje) 

Benedetto Della Vedova, a Deputy Foreign Minister of Italy, who paid an official visit to B&H on Thursday and Friday, has expressed support to the EU integration of B&H and he gave recommendations for development of the package of reforms regarding the 2022 general elections. He stressed that relations of the two countries are extremely positive, especially in the area of economy.  He also said: “The goal of the visit is to express concern of Italy or the EU due to possible developments which could damage the process of the EU integration… Italian entrepreneurs who are operating in B&H express a certain dose of concern due to developments in B&H, which can reflect on their longer presence. All those who invested, they want to keep their investments in the country where steps ahead will be guaranteed, where transparency of the administration would be secured, as well as concrete steps in terms of prevention of corruption.”

He stressed important cooperation of Italy and B&H also in the area of culture with an accent on project ‘Ars aevi’. It was also stated that separate meetings were held with Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik, High Representative Christian Schmidt, B&H House of Peoples’ speaker Bakir Izetbegovic, Sarajevo Canton Prime Minster Edin Forto and Deputy B&H Foreign Minister Josip Brkic, while the meeting with Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Johann Sattler was canceled due to health-related problems. Della Vedova stated: “We talked with Mister Dodik about the overall situation in B&H and we expressed concern due to decisions passed on the RS territory. Our stance is that reforms mist be implemented, respecting the things guaranteed by the Constitution. We have said in a very open manner that the steps, that are being taken, can additionally complicate the situation. We have reiterated the support to the HR who was elected in line with envisaged procedures.”

Dodik on video recording from Buzim: SDA is gathering veterans to mobilize them but there will be no war; Dodik accuses IC and West of supporting Islamic extremism in B&H (RTRS) 

New provocations were seen in Buzim, as well as disturbing footage of people marching in war uniforms and green berets under the flags of the so-called B&H Army, noted the presenter. The Bosniak associations gathered their supporters at the Hasin Vrh site. Shots that were fired into air and shouts of ‘Allahu Akbar’ were heard in Buzim during the marking of, as the organizers called it, the collapse of the Serb-Chetnik offensive. Children were seen in the footage. Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik clearly stated that there will be no war. He said that this is about the SDA’s political plan to create B&H for only one people, Bosniaks, by promoting Muslim nationalism. Dodik stated: “It is something that is organized. It is an insidious activity that is obviously present on the territory of the entire FB&H. We know that the SDA gathers its war veterans, that they are trying to mobilize them and of course they are trying to organize them in some misleading story that they will eventually be needed for something. There will be no war here.” Dodik commented that there will be no reaction from the international community. Dodik claims that the West gives full support to radical Islamism and that their partnership with Bosniaks strengthens the ultimate goal which is the majorization of Serbs. Dodik emphasized that Serb will not accept to be a civic minority in B&H and will continue to fight for their rights in a peaceful way instead. Dodik said that Muslims have been trying since 1995 to achieve in peace what they did not succeed in war, i.e. to make B&H a Muslim state, all under the pretext of creating a functional state. Dodik pointed out that the world has easily gone over the fact that the mujahedin fought on the side of Muslims, as Dodik said, in the civil war in B&H. Dodik stated: “The international community is in the background of Muslim extremism here. Whether they wanted to or not, what the US administration or the Brussels administration is doing, they of course have their explanations for that, but by creating the story of centralized Bosnia, they are creating a unitary state in which there should be a state for one people and one majority.” Dodik said that SDA is trying to gather their war veterans in order to mobilize and organize them for a cause they believe is necessary. Dodik added that the gathering is not spontaneous or a reaction to something, but it is organized. He stated that there will be no war and this event is an example of Muslim nationalism represented in SDA and all other political parties which promote the story of one state for one people in B&H. Dodik said that the US and EU administration are helping create a unitary state by supporting centralization of B&H. He recalled a conversation he had at some occasion with an unnamed US State Department official who told him that he needs to get used to the fact that B&H has the majority people called Bosniaks who have the right to B&H, while Serbs can only be guaranteed the status of a minority.

Becirovic addresses Ambassadors and international organizations in B&H on attempts of Vucic to deny B&H CC’s decisions on state property (Dnevni list) 

SDP MP Denis Becirovic has addressed Ambassadors and international organizations B&H with regard to “aggressive and frequent attempts of Serbian President Aleksnadar Vucic to deny the decisions of the Constitutional Court of B&H on the state property”. Becirovic stated that he wants to clearly stress that according to B&H Constitution, B&H is a titular of the state property in total. He added that unfortunately, Vucic has been interfering in internal issues of B&H for months in the harshest possible way and contrary to all norms of international and B&H laws. Becirovic added that just like in the 1990ies when he fought was a Greater Serbia projects, Vucic has started again to deny final and binding decisions of the B&H CC. According to Becirovic, this is an international scandal without precedent since this is the first time that a President of one of three countries, which are signatories of the DPA, publicly does not recognize the essential parts of the international agreement. Becirovic also stated: “Encouraged by restauration of Greater Serbia ideology, Vucic’s political marionette in B&H Milorad Dodik more and more openly threatens that he will register the state property of one part of inseparable B&H state territory as the property of the B&H entity, RS. This is about continuation of toxic policy and an attempt to create political pressure with a goal of anti-Dayton and unconstitutional taking away the state property from the country which is a full UN member.” Among other things, Becirovic asks if it is true what Vucic claims that foreigners promised that they will illegally take away the agricultural land and forests from B&H and allocate them to the RS contrary to the B&H Constitution and the B&H CC’s rulings. Becirovic also wonders of there is any president in any country in Europe and the world, who deals with the agricultural land and forests of the other country. Becirovic concludes that citizens of B&H, region, Europe and the world must get answers to these questions. Becirovic argues that there cannot be the rule applied on Vucic that no rule is in force when he is in question.

Spiric: Complaints about Vucic begin when he comments on state of B&H, but not when he donates funds (ATV) 

Deputy speaker of the B&H House of People (B&H HoP) Nikola Spiric commented on the letter sent by delegate of SDP in the B&H HoP Denis Becirovic to the international community in which he complains about the activities of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Spiric said that the extreme radicalism has moved from the right side of the Bosniak political spectrum to the left one and no one questions Vucic when he finances schools, hospitals and even vaccinates B&H citizens against COVID-19. He added that when Vucic comments on the state in B&H as a president of the country that guarantees the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA), then the complaints reach the UN. The letter of Becirovic was sent to ambassadors of the EU, USA, UK, Germany, France, as well as High Representative Christian Schmidt.

State Department: Now is the time to focus on fundamental but meaningful and achievable reforms of rule of law, election and economic reforms (Dnevni avaz) 

The US State Department, asked if a different approach can be expected when the election reform in B&H is in question, the State Department’s Spokesperson stated for the portal: “As Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in his letter to B&H Presidency last spring, now is the time to focus on fundamental but meaningful and achievable reforms of the rule of law, election and economic reforms. The USA, EU and other partners in the IC support B&H in its efforts to secure that all its citizens can vote and put forward their candidacy in elections without discrimination.” The spokesperson added that together with the OSCE, they are united in support to timely adoption and implementation of crucial technical reforms in B&H, which are necessary to secure that election results truly reflect the will of people. The Spokesperson also stated: “The agreements ultimately demand the political will of the parties involved, and any kind of mediation cannot bring success if the politicians do not have enough trust in each other to make compromises in good will, in wider interest of the country. We believe that January discussions in Neum represent the ground to the sides for further talks and we encourage leaders to continue a dialogue for the sake of de-escalation of political tensions and improving functionality of B&H institutions. Reforms for improving integrity of the elections are also of crucial importance for maintaining the trust of voters and prevention of election frauds. We expect from all parties to fight against corruption and support adoption of laws in regard to this in the parliament.” Asked if it can be expected that the US will insist that talks on reforms are held within B&H institutions from now on, the spokesperson stated: “We have always insisted that elected and appointed officials meet through B&H institutions their commitments and implement crucial election, economic reforms and reforms in the area of the rule of law.” The spokesperson expressed regret that over ten years after the ruling in Sejdic-Finci case was passed, constitutional changes which would make possible to all B&H citizens to put forward their candidacy for the highest posts in the country have not been adopted yet. It was added that this failure is not in accordance with the EU path that B&H chose. It was also stressed that no matter what kind of reforms the parties agree upon, they must be developed with full and true consultations with all interested parties, which means that they must pass a public debate as well. The spokesman for the State Department commented on position of Palmer, who caused different reactions in B&H. However, the State Department is giving Palmer its full support, arguing that Palmer continues to be engaged in the issues, helping the political parties to find a solution in line with democratic principles around which all political parties in B&H can agree with. “The State Department fully supports him and his work in this area”, reads the State Department’s reply. Asked if the answer to growing influence of Russia, and to crisis in B&H, lies in B&H’s quick accession to NATO, the Spokesman for the State Department said it is the right of sovereign nations to choose their partnerships and alliances. “Partnership between NATO and B&H is the matter only for B&H and 30 NATO allies,” added the spokesman.

B&H CEC: There are no legal grounds for postponement of elections (BHT1) 

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of B&H stated on Friday that there is no legal basis for the postponement of general elections in 2022. This statement was a reaction to claims made by certain political representatives who assessed that the elections could be postponed and that this is supported by the international community. The B&H CEC stated that the B&H Election Law clearly defines when and how the elections can be postponed. The elections can be postponed if the elections cannot be conducted for certain reasons in any constituency and that case, they can be moved by 30 days. In the case of lack of funds, elections can be moved as well. President of the B&H CEC Zeljko Bakalar said that there is no legal basis for the postponement of elections and the law is strictly defined in this matter. Former member of the B&H CEC Vehid Sehic said that the mandates of elected officials last four years in accordance with the constitution and with the postponement of the elections, the authorities that would remain would be illegal. He said that with the expiring of the four years their mandates would end and the question is who will adopt the changes to the B&H Election Law. Sehic assessed that this would be unacceptable.

The B&H Ministry of Finances stated that they will not stop the conducting of elections in 2022 in any way. They also stated that the B&H CEC filed a request for the payment of one fourth of funds necessary for the conducting of elections.  BHT1 reminds that the first request was rejected due to irregularities in the planning of the expenses. It was announced that expert teams for changes to the B&H Election Law will continue the negotiation process during the weekend. The US State Department stated that the negotiation process on changes to the election system have reached a dead end and there is no kind of mediation that can lead to success if politicians have no trust to make compromises in good faith. They believe that the Neum negotiations represent a basis for all sides to continue the dialogue.

Picula: Forming pact with Dodik means you would get ‘Greater Serbia’ on Croatia’s doorstep (Vecernji list) 

Vecernji list carried an interview with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Croatia Tonino Picula (SDP) who was asked, among other issues, to comment on the daily’s remark that B&H has kept on failing to reform the Law on Elections and whether he believes that an agreement can be reached at the eleventh hour. Picula replied by saying it is difficult not to notice that a good part of the political elites in B&H are fine with this situation “because they are the real owners of B&H”. According to Picula, the situation is not somewhat different because we have Milorad Dodik, who made certain political moves that could result in death of B&H if the moves materialize. Picula explained it is about proposals of laws that the RS parliament should adopt by June 2022, stressing they are an open call for the secession of the RS, which in turn must force the international community to very seriously think about the consequences.

Asked to comment on the daily’s remark according to which Dodik enjoys support from (HDZ B&H leader) Dragan Covic, (Croatian President) Zoran Milanovic and perhaps indirect support from (Prime Minister Andrej) Plenkovic, Picula said he thinks it would be better to have hard negotiations with the Bosniaks because such negotiations, if successful, could strengthen B&H and transform it into a better state. According to Picula, the current situation is not good because Croats are being side-lined and because weaknesses of the Dayton system have been abused, stressing the fact is that member of the Presidency of B&H was imposed to the Croats. MEP Picula went on to say that entering pact with Dodik, who openly advocates the secession, would mean that sooner or later you would get ‘Greater Serbia’ on Croatia’s doorstep. “I am convinced that that sort of alliance with Dodik in B&H is very limited and could cost the Croats dearly” added Picula.

Picula: Croatia should have developed a lot more active policy towards its neighborhood (Slobodna dalmacija) 

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Croatia Tonino Picula (SDP) asked, among other issues, to comment on his recent statement that the EU and the international community have no answers to possible escalation of constant crisis in B&H, which triggered reporter to ask if it is an opportunity for a more important role of Croatia and a new foreign policy agenda. Picula replied by saying he expected more from the Croatian diplomacy and the Croatian policy in general after Croatia has joined the EU nine years ago, stressing that Croatia should have developed a lot more active policy towards its neighbourhood that is not yet a part of the EU. According to him, B&H is additionally exposed to ever so strong dissolution processes, whilst the Croats in B&H, “due to erosion of the Dayton order and their low numbers are strongly feeling conflicts of interests of local political elites”. Asked to comment on the daily’s remark, according to which Milorad Dodik announces secession of the RS once a week, that negotiations on changes to the Law on Elections of B&H are stuck and whether he is optimistic or pessimistic regarding B&H’s near future, Picula said that B&H is unfortunately a “post-conflict, conflict society, and one should certain prevent it from developing into pre-conflict (society)”. According to Picula, the biggest danger during the election year is to have merger of several crises, arguing that Dodik, who may appear as the main character due to his theatrical appearance, is in fact somebody else’s tool in terms of influence on B&H and the region.

Croats in B&H, as least numerical people, must have special treatment (Vecernji list) 

Head of the European People’s Party (EPP) Group in the EU Parliament (EP) Manfred Weber asked to comment on the fact he had several meetings in Sarajevo (last week) and whether B&H is facing a danger of war and dissolution, replied by saying that meetings they (EPP delegation) had created an impression that the tensions are really big and that the development of the situation is worrying. According to Weber, that is why his and the EPP’s message to all responsible politicians in B&H is to unite, find common understanding and solution. Asked to comment on the daily’s remark that the Serb secessionism and the Bosniak hegemony are in collision and that the consequences are most felt by Croats, who are least numerical people in the country, Weber said that “to us, the state of B&H, to put it clearly, comprises of three people components” adding that “we know Croats are least numerical people”. “That is why we asked from other to show special sensitivity for the least numerical. To us it is very normal,” said Weber, who went on to say he has observed a lot of readiness to respect the fact during the meetings with politicians. Asked if Milorad Dodik is the only problem in B&H since many people portray the country in a simplified way, Weber replied by saying that all the moves coming from the RS and Dodik “are simply unacceptable”, arguing that “they must understand, if they see things through, then it would have consequences, further consequences that will follow after the American moves”. In this context Weber said he must stress the EU is investing a lot of money in the region and is trying to be a partner, arguing that it is no longer simple to explain to the taxpayers that a lot of money is invested in the region and at the same time there is no progress. “That is why I would say the future financing of projects will be conditioned”, added Weber. Asked whether the Bosniak and the Croat politician could resolve their differences, Weber replied by saying, among other issues, that without solution to the electoral reform, which would also mean a functional state, all doors to Europe will be shut down. “And the EPP and I want to open the doors, we want to fight for the status of (EU) candidate for B&H. B&H deserves it.” Asked if the Western Balkans could remain outside the EU integration forever now Angela Merkel has left (the politics), Weber replied by saying “not at all” and that there is a common feeling “that we must integrate the Western Balkans into the European Union”. “There is no doubt that the Western Balkans is a part of the EU,” added Weber.

Plenkovic welcomes continuation of electoral reform talks between Croat and Bosniak parties in Sarajevo Thursday (HRT) 

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic welcomed on Friday the continuation of the electoral reform talks between the Croat and Bosniak parties, which were held in Sarajevo on Thursday. He stated that the Croat side will do its best to reach an agreement on the amendments to the Election Law of B&H before the general elections in October. “There is a wish to discuss the situation in the Southeast Europe and B&H, as well as talks on constitutional changes and the Election Law of B&H at high level. (European Council President Charles) Michel has expressed understanding that these topics need to be discussed at the level of heads of states and government, at a meeting he will schedule when the most appropriate moment comes given that the European Council’s session has not been formally scheduled for February yet,” Plenkovic stated.

‘Hrvatska matica’ wants from Presidents Biden, Macron, Chancellor Scholz, Pope Francis and UN SG Guterres to defend Croats in B&H (Vecernji list) 

‘Matica hrvatska’, which is the oldest Croat(ian) cultural association formed more than 180 years ago and which gathers Croats from Croatia and outside Croatia, has sent US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Pope Francis and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres an appeal, asking them to use their authority and make sure that Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) do not lose their equality and status of constituent people, and that Croats are not brought to verge of extinction in the country where they have lived for more than one millennium. The appeal insists that Croats in B&H elect their own representatives into the Houses of Peoples and the Presidency of B&H, and that no important decision cannot be adopted without consensus of all three equal peoples.

No quick deal: Becic’s successor and the new government in March (Vijesti) 

The ruling coalition “Black on White” (GP URA and CIVIS) and the opposition did not send an initiative to the Assembly to hold an extraordinary session at which a new head of parliament would be elected, until midnight last night, when the deadline was set for that. According to the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly (Article 128), an extraordinary session – which may be requested by the President of Montenegro, the government or at least 27 deputies – cannot be scheduled within 15 days of the request. The same article states that the head of state can exceptionally request a shorter deadline. In this case, as some lawyers explain, he cannot do that, because the initiator of the session and the proposer of the acts that will be considered at it must be the same, and the candidate for the head of parliament is proposed by deputies (at least ten of them). The MP of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) Dragan Ivanovic told Radio Montenegro that an extraordinary session, at which a new government would be elected, should be held by the end of the month, Vijesti.me reports. However, no request was submitted last night. Former MP Snezana Jonica explained to Vijesti that the president can initiate an extraordinary session in less than 15 days only for sessions whose agenda would include the act he is proposing. “And since he cannot be the proposer of either the government or the parliament speaker that possibility is also excluded,” she states. President Milo Djukanovic will most likely start consultations with parliamentary parties this week on forming a new government, after which he should propose a prime minister-designate to the Assembly. It is not excluded that the election of the president of the parliament will go together with the vote on the new government, after the current one was “overthrown” in the Assembly by the votes of the coalition “Black on White” (CnB) and the opposition. In that case, the deputy speaker of the parliament Strahinja Bulajic (Democratic Front), would convene a session at which new heads of legislative and executive power would be elected. Vijesti announced that the Black on White and the opposition are preparing an initiative for an extraordinary session at which the successor of Aleksa Becic (Democrats) would be elected, who was dismissed from the position of the first man of parliament. According to the Rules of Procedure (Article 16), in case of termination of the function of the head of the Assembly before the expiration of the term for which he was elected, the deputies will start the procedure of electing a new president at the same, and at the next session at the latest. The position of the head of the parliament could belong to the SNP, in case he is part of the new government package. The initiative for the extraordinary session was allegedly withdrawn because the decision of the Main Board (GO) of the SNP on the potential entry of that party into the future government is pending. The session of the CSO of that party will be held until the end of the week, and as Vijesti unofficially finds out, most likely on Friday or Saturday. Until then, the party’s leadership, led by leader Vladimir Jokovic, will try to secure the support of local committees for participation in the minority government. As Vijesti finds out, the SNP leadership will have meetings with the boards in Niksic, Pljevlja, Herceg Novi, Bar and Ulcinj before the session of the CSO. On the other hand, the Democratic Front (DF), which expressed readiness to be part of the consultations on the minority cabinet if the DPS is not in it, said that they intensified activities aimed at blocking Montenegro, as a non-institutional model the fight against betrayal of the electoral will. “DF leaders are holding talks with the presidents of the municipal boards in order for this action to enlighten all those who planned to make a treacherous arrangement with the DPS.” SNP MP Ivanovic said he was surprised by the DF’s announcement “of a state blockade”, adding that he expected the political alliance to “accept a minority government in case the parliamentary majority does not agree”. GP URA announced that consultations regarding the formation of a minority government are going in the right direction and will continue, and pointed out that they believe that the government will be formed, despite the DF’s messages about the blockade. Protests were announced last night in Pljevlja against the announcement of the formation of a minority government, from where the leader of the Democrats, Becic, said that the citizens must not allow “one of the biggest betrayals that Montenegro remembers”. A new protest by the Democrats is scheduled for Wednesday in Podgorica.

URA: We’ve talked to DPS, DF, SD, SNP and minority parties, for now only Democrats aren’t taking part in talks (CdM) 

URA leader Dritan Abazovic, together with the party’s executive director Zoran Mikic, held talks on Friday with a number of parliamentary parties on forming a European government, which the party presented as one of the models for overcoming the political crisis. Meetings were held with the DF and the leaders of that political alliance – Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic, with representatives of the SNP – Vladimir Jokovic and Dragan Vukic, the representatives of minority parties – Fatmir Djeka, Nik Djelosaj and Ervin Ibrahimovic, and the representatives of the SD – Damir Sehovic and Boris Mugosa. A meeting was organized with the representatives of the DPS, who previously announced their support for the European government without participating in it. “The meeting was held in the building of the Presidency, with Milo Djukanovic, Danijel Zivkovic and Ivan Vukovic, who were presented with the priorities of the European government” URA points out. During Friday’s meetings with all stakeholders, it was concluded that there was a high level of harmonization regarding the formation of this government.

Koprivica: Abazovic a bridge to DPS, we continue protests (CdM) 

It is scandalous for the Democrats that the URA Civic Movement had a meeting with the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), i.e. Milo Djukanovic, Ivan Vukovic and Danijel Zivkovic, in the presidency building on Friday, says the MP of this party, Momo Koprivica.

“That meeting was secret. The announcement came out only after the information leaked through one portal,” Koprivica has stated at the press conference. He points out that it would be good for the URA deputy leader to say what the DPS gets from the fact that Dritan Abazovic is counting on the support of its 30 MPs.

Mandic: If someone from For the Future of Montenegro coalition or three coalitions makes a deal with DPS, DF’ll block entire Montenegro (CdM) 

The Democratic Front (DF), after having a conversation with the president of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) Vladimir Jokovic, has said that if someone from the For the Future of Montenegro coalition or three coalitions makes a deal with the DPS, the DF will block the entire Montenegro. One of the DF leaders, Andrija Mandic, has stressed at the press conference that they needed to convey to Jokovic the message that as far as the coalition For the Future of Montenegro is concerned, it is unacceptable for any subject of that coalition to make any DPS deal. In the 2020 parliamentary elections, the SNP was part of the For the Future of Montenegro coalition, whose list was led by Zdravko Krivokapic.

Abazovic: I’d sign fundamental agreement; I don’t see it being a problem (Pobjeda) 

We haven’t set up a new government yet, said the leader of URA Dritan Abazovic, noting that he’s satisfied with preliminary talks they had with representatives of the parties. “I’d like Montenegro to get the 43rd government and that government to contribute to abatement of polarization in the society and accelerate the EU integration process. I think we’re close to making a political reset in a very short period of time, let it be a year, which would bring many good things to our country,” Abazovic said. He reiterated he was ready to be a prime minister. Asked whether it was realistic to expect that government to last a year, that is, until the presidential election, which would be merged with extraordinary parliamentary elections, he said that it was their plan. As for the cabinet members, he noted that they didn’t agree on it. Abazovic is satisfied with preliminary talks he had with representatives of other parties, believing that the situation in Montenegro would be much better after next elections. He didn’t have the opportunity to speak to Zdravko Krivokapic following the fall of the government. “I think it’s not good that the technical government makes some important decisions. There’s no time for drama, the government has fallen, another one will be elected or not, and in that specific case, we’ll have early polls,” Abazovic noted. On the fundamental agreement, he said: “Of course, it has to be aligned with the Constitution, but I don’t see it being a problem. There’s no reason for drama. I discussed it with Patriarch Porfirije. Everyone in this country wants to complicate things, and in my opinion, things are being quite simple. Everything has to be in line with procedures.”

Fourth expert meeting between Macedonia and Bulgaria ends without result (BNR/Republika) 

The fourth expert meeting between the ministries of foreign affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria ended without result. The talks focused on the so-called package of political issues, BNR reported. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said the dialogue took place in Sofia in a constructive and open atmosphere. The latest proposals of N. Macedonia, sent last year in response to the package of requests from the Bulgarian side, presented at the previous third round of expert consultations held in September 2021 in Skopje, were discussed, said the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry. The next round of expert talks, which is expected to take place soon, will be held in Skopje.

Rama-Blinken meet after decision to co-draft Russia-Ukraine issue stance (ADN) 

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has gone to the US on the occasion of the start of Albania’s mandate in the United Nations Security Council and this Monday, he will participate in the meeting of the UN Security Council. After his visit that started yesterday, Rama will have today a meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. This meeting of Rama will take place tomorrow and comes after the decision of the US for Albania to be co-authors of the positions on the issue of Ukraine in the United Nations Security Council. During a press conference a few days ago, Rama announced that the United States has chosen Albania as a co-creator of positions on the issue of Ukraine, in the United Nations Security Council. Since the beginning of this year, Albania is a non-permanent member of this Council. For Rama, the selection of Albania is a new and very big responsibility, but also a confirmation of another position of the country in the international arena. Albania will be a special partner of the United States in the Security Council, for perhaps the hottest global issue at the moment, which according to Rama is an appreciation for the attitudes and the role it’s to play. With its position as a non-permanent member, relations with the United States, as he stressed, have taken on a new dimension, which is enriched with this new fact. “The creation of this US-Albanian couple in the Security Council to be co-sponsors of the Ukraine issue has been undertaken to guarantee an active and continuous engagement with concrete initiatives that both countries, already close partners in this process, will undertake,” has said Rama a few days ago.