LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: I asked for Greece to keep supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity (Politika/RTS/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said late on Wednesday he had had a very good and open conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and that he had asked him for Greece to continue its policy of supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity. At a joint press conference after the meeting, Vucic said Serbia would “always support the territorial integrity of Greece on land and at sea in line with international public standards”. “That has been and will be Serbia’s policy,” he said. Vucic said they had also discussed Serbia’s European path and regional affairs. “We express particular gratitude to the Greek government for its support for Serbia on the EU path, in particular, at the last inter-governmental conference, at which Cluster 4 was opened,” Vucic said. “We also discussed all regional affairs, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the situation in the region. Greece understands Serbia’s position, which is very important for us. I said we do not want frozen conflicts, but solutions that must be compromise solutions, and not ones imposed on Serbia,” Vucic said. Vucic said bilateral trade with Greece continued to grow and had totaled 636 million Euros last year, and added that he was confident it could reach 1 billion Euros in the period to come. He said there was enormous space for trade in services and noted that many Serbian tourists vacationed in Greece every summer and that Serbia wanted to attract Greek tourists. He announced that the President of Greece would soon visit Serbia. “I believe we can secure an even more significant number of arrivals by Greek investors in Serbia, just like I believe Serbian investors can go to Greece in more significant numbers in the near future,” Vucic said.

Mitsotakis: Greek stance on Kosovo unchanged (Politika/RTS/Tanjug)

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said late on Wednesday his country had not changed its stance on the Kosovo issue, but that it wanted to see normalization of Belgrade-Pristina relations and supported dialogue between the two sides. “As far as Kosovo and the dialogue are concerned, I want to make it clear that the stance of my homeland remains unchanged,” Mitsotakis told a press conference in Belgrade after a meeting with Vucic. “But we want to see normalization of Belgrade-Pristina relations and that is why we support dialogue, as well as the efforts of EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak. We want a legally binding agreement reached that would be in the interest of both sides and create a more favorable atmosphere of cooperation in the Balkan Peninsula,” he said. Mitsotakis also said that, albeit a brief one, his visit to Belgrade was a working visit that was rich in topics. He said he expected a High Council for Serbia-Greece Cooperation to meet soon, after its session had been postponed due to an emergency situation in Greece. Mitsotakis added that an upcoming visit to Serbia by the Greek president, scheduled for early March, was significant as well. “The visits will confirm that Greece and Serbia are countries connected not only by geography and history, but also by faith and a common vision of a European future of our region,” Mitsotakis said.

Serbian, Cypriot MFAs hold political consultations in Nicosia (Tanjug)

The ministries of foreign affairs of Serbia and Cyprus on Thursday held political consultations in Nicosia to discuss modalities of advancing the cooperation between the two countries as well as the most significant regional affairs. The Serbian delegation was headed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nemanja Starovic, while the Cypriot delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Cornelios Corneliu.

Starovic thanked Cyprus for tis principled stance and support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as for its active backing in Serbia’s EU integration process. The consultations were a follow-up to political consultations held in Belgrade last year. According to a statement released by the Serbian Foreign Ministry, Starovic also held separate meetings with Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots Fotis Fotiou. The traditional friendship between the two countries was reaffirmed at the meetings and the parties also discussed the Serbian and Cypriot diasporas and possibilities for establishing cooperation in that field, the statement said.

Esobar: US supports ZSO, but not to undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty or functionality (RTV/Tanjug/KoSSev/B92)

Western Balkans is a core of a free and prosperous Europe. That is the vital interest of the United States and the foundation of foreign policy, Gabriel Escobar said at the subcommittee session of the American Senate for Foreign Affairs for Europe and regional security cooperation. “The Western Balkans is a central part of the vision of a whole, free and prosperous Europe. That is the vital interest of the United States and at the core of its foreign policy”, Escobar said.

He answered several questions about Kosovo and the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. He supports the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), but does not want it to be Republika Srpska. The United States has asked Kosovo authorities to consider “compatible models” that would not “undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty or functionality”. He personally believes that the establishment of the ZSO would “strengthen Kosovo’s sovereignty”.

The dialogue for the end result has the purpose of mutual recognition. The talks are therefore not about Kosovo’s status – but about “recognizing that Kosovo is a sovereign and independent state”. The potential of the Western Balkans has not been fulfilled, the US envoy for the Western Balkans stressed, noting that the Biden administration recognizes this challenge and remains committed to the region as “a historically, politically, culturally and geographically indivisible part of Europe”. “Our long-standing diplomatic engagement supports the full integration of the Western Balkans into Euro-Atlantic structures. A stronger Balkans, integrated into a stronger Europe, makes the Transatlantic Partnership stronger. To that end, the United States continues to deepen our longstanding partnerships in the region,” Escobar said. As evidence for that, he stated that the United States recently celebrated 140 years of diplomatic relations with Serbia, and that it held the first bilateral defense consultations after 5 years. He announced the headquarters of the special operational forces in Albania, welcomed the abolition of American visas for Croatian citizens, the temporary reception of Afghan refugees in Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, and economic and security investments in the region. “Regional initiatives such as the EU Common Regional Market, the Open Balkans and the Green Agenda show that deeper economic integration and cooperation is essential for sustainable growth and EU membership. There are huge opportunities for US companies, and we continue to encourage countries to strengthen their governance, laws, fight corruption and increase transparency in order to expand investment opportunities”, Escobar said in his introductory speech. He also said that on the one hand, serious efforts are being made in some countries to strengthen democratic institutions and fight corruption, as well as reforms such as Albania and North Macedonia, but not in others. On the contrary, there is a noticeable “setback”, which is the case, according to Escobar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), where there is a “political crisis and endemic corruption”. “Our warning to actors in the region who engage in corrupt, destabilizing or anti-democratic behavior is clear: there will be consequences,” Escobar said, citing recent US sanctions against a group of businessmen from northern Kosovo and Milorad Dodik for “corrupt and destabilizing behavior”. Escobar clearly pointed out the efforts to reach peace in B&H with the Dayton Agreement. We strongly support the EU-supported Dialogue for the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. The Dialogue is a forum in which both sides, as equals, must work to resolve their differences and find a comprehensive agreement, which both countries need for their European future. This effort should be focused on mutual recognition, Escobar said in his introductory speech. During a later discussion and answer to a question from US Senator Bob Menendez about whether he was worried that the formation of the ZSO could lead to destabilization of Kosovo, due to the danger of a new Republika Srpska, and that it is not in full compliance with Kosovo’s constitution, Escobar said he is not worried and added the following: “We support the establishment of the ZSO for a number of reasons. The first is that it has already been agreed. Despite the fact that the Constitutional Court ruled that certain parts of the proposal are not in line with the Constitution – it does not state that the Community itself is unconstitutional. Kosovo and Serbia are to decide what it will look like. It doesn’t have to be, and certainly it’s not that we want it to be something like Republika Srpska – but we – my colleague Miroslav Lajcak and I – have asked the Kosovo government to consider models that they believe could be compatible, which would not undermine their sovereignty or functionality as a way that would allow Serbs to continue to receive health care, certain benefits in education in the Serbian language. Personally, I think that an effort to loosen Belgrade’s involvement in the Serb community and transfer it to a domestic, transparent institution under the control of the Kosovo government would actually increase Kosovo’s sovereignty, not diminish it.” Asked by the same senator what concessions the United States is asking Serbia to make in order to justify the pressure on Kosovo to establish the ZSO, Escobar said: “The purpose of the dialogue is to turn everything in the direction of Kosovo. To be honest to the end – with the ultimate outcome of mutual recognition and normalization of relations – something they do not have now. So the dialogue is not about Kosovo’s status – but about recognizing its independence. Dialogue is a mechanism that has proven to be effective in resolving differences between the two countries, most recently last September – in resolving a European Union-sponsored license plate dispute, and we want to make sure that through dialogue, we can overcome all difficult challenges in order to ease the difficulties on both sides and to achieve a common European future”. Asked about the Washington agreement, Escobar said that he “specifically likes” the moratorium on recognition and derecognition campaigns, reminding that the two sides agreed with that. He especially emphasized the points on economic cooperation.

Rakic: Attacks on Serbs a message they are not wanted (Novosti)

The Head of the Serb List Goran Rakic stated on Thursday that the increased number of attacks on Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, for which no one has been prosecuted, is shameful for the Kosovo society and represents a clear message to Serbs that they are not wanted in those areas.

In an interview for Novosti, Rakic pointed out that at all meetings with relevant international representatives, he pointed out the need to strengthen the security of our people, but he also asked them to clearly oppose this kind of attitude towards the Serbs. He confirmed that Serbs are afraid of new incursions of ROSU special forces into the North and points out that every incursion of armed special forces into purely Serb areas leads to instability and tensions that undermine the fragile peace in those areas. As the culprit for such a situation, Rakic sees the international community, which, as he says, does not find a way to convince Pristina to fulfill its obligations and implement what was agreed on the ground, primarily the ZSO. Asked whether the ZSO could look different from what was agreed in Brussels, Rakic said that he had not heard such proposals, but that the Serb people would not agree to less than what was agreed, and that they knew it well in Pristina and Brussels. Regarding the messages coming from Pristina that they will not allow the elections in Kosovo and Metohija that are slated by Belgrade, Rakic stressed that there is still enough time and that international representatives need to send a clear message to Pristina to allow the OSCE to organize elections, as before. “Everything else leads us to uncertainty, instability and deepening of the gap between Serbs and Albanians, and above all between Pristina and the North. We have clearly conveyed that to everyone and I hope they will not force us to react,” he said.

SNS first submits list for Belgrade elections; Sapic: Belgrade is better than ever (Tanjug/B92)

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) handed over on Wednesday the list for Belgrade elections “Aleksandar Vucic – Together we can do everything”, supported by 12.500 citizens. Earlier, the SNS was the first to submit the list for the parliamentary elections. The list was handed over by the first on the SNS list for the Belgrade elections, the vice president of the SNS Aleksandar Sapic, and the president of the Executive Board of the party Darko Glisic. After the commission determined that everything was fine, those present applauded, while Sapic and Glisic shook hands with the representatives of the city authorities. “First of all, I would like to thank all our friends and these young people who came today to hand over the signatures we collected last night,” said Sapic. He thanked all those who back Belgrade’s progress for their support. “Those who have not been to Belgrade for a long time say it is unrecognizable,” he said. Sapic added that they can always do better and that we must work on making it even better, but that Belgrade is going in the right direction in the way that many have wanted for years. “We are convinced that Belgrade is going in the right direction, and it is interesting that those who are not SNS voters are satisfied with the development of the city. I believe that Belgrade is New York of Southeast Europe, and that our city has long become the center of the whole region. We are here to try to gain the trust of the citizens in the elections in order to make Belgrade even better,” said Sapic.

SPS submits election lists (Beta)

The coalition of parties rallied around the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) submitted lists of candidates for the parliamentary and Belgrade City Assembly elections on Wednesday. The SPS is running in the elections with the United Serbia (JS) and Green Serbia parties. SPS leader Ivica Dacic said that his party collected the required number of signatures faster than ever before for the Ivica Dacic – Prime Minister of Serbia election list for parliament and Ivica Dacic – Prime Minister of Serbia, Toma Fila – Mayor of Belgrade election list for the Belgrade City Assembly.

Parliamentary list of United Serbia coalition (Nova/Beta)

The first ten figures on the parliamentary list of the United Serbia coalition, besides the already announced vice-president of the Freedom and Justice Party Marinika Tepic, who is heading the list, will include the president of the Democratic Party Zoran Lutovac, the vice-president of the People’s Party Miroslav Aleksic, a former minister in the government of Zoran Djindjic Gordana Matkovic, and professor Vladeta Jankovic, the Nova.rs portal reported on Tuesday. Also among the first ten will be the deputy president of the Freedom and Justice Party Borko Stefanovic, the deputy president of the Democratic Party Dragana Rakic, the Democrats’ vice-president Sinisa Kovacevic, and a professor of the Faculty of Organizational Studies Vladimir Obradovic, while the tenth place is designated for the Movement of Free Citizens, although they have still not nominated their representative. The coalition’s list for the Belgrade elections will be titled “Vladeta Jankovic – United for the Victory of Belgrade”.

Recommendation to citizens of the Republic of Serbia residing in Ukraine (mfa.gov.rs)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia recommends to Serbian citizens who are currently residing in Ukraine to consider the possibility of temporarily leaving the territory of that country. It is also recommended that citizens of the Republic of Serbia who are planning to travel to Ukraine consider postponing their journey. We urge Serbian citizens who are still in Ukraine to please remain in permanent contact with the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Kiev.

REGIONAL PRESS

Dodik: Komsic’s congratulation to Kosovo is provocation (Srna/RTRS) 

Congratulating the Independence Day to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Chairman of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Kosmic has sparked reactions among officials in Republika Srpska (RS). Serb member of B&H Presidency, Milorad Dodik, told Srna that the latest provocation by side of Zeljko Komsic could be described as “congratulations to a false state by a false member of B&H Presidency, accompanied by a lie that he is doing this on behalf of B&H”. “A tiny, little fraud and manipulator, a small-town crook, cannot get to the political scene in any other way but with provocations. Komsic yesterday also demonstrated his political goals when it comes to coexistence in B&H,” said Dodik. He noted that Komsic does not care for Kosovo, but his sole intention was to provoke Serbs.

Vulic: It is evident that Komsic worries about his post, which is why he does things like this  (ATV) 

ATV comments that Chairman of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic made another scandalous move. He sent a congratulatory note to President of “the self-proclaimed Kosovo” Vjosa Osmani on the occasion, as he said, “the Independence Day of the Republic of Kosovo”. B&H, which gives Komsic his salary, has never recognized Kosovo – remind RS officials. Serb representatives in the joint institutions agree that Komsic made this move just to provoke Serbs. They believe that the main reason why he sent this congratulatory note to Osmani was because he fears changes to the Election Law of B&H, as he would no longer be elected to the state Presidency thanks to votes of Bosniaks. SNSD MP in the B&H House of Representatives (B&H HoR) Sanja Vulic says it is evident that Komsic worries about his post, which is why he does things like this. She emphasized that Komsic only spreads hate and negativity in B&H, and frequently makes warmongering statements. “He will forever be known as a man without identity, and as a hybrid, because he did not achieve anything else in all these years,” Vulic concluded. Leaders of SDS and PDP, Mirko Sarovic and Branislav Borenovic respectively, stated for B&H media that they believe Komsic’s move is contrary to the policies of B&H. Delegate in the House of Peoples (HoP) of B&H Dusanka Majkic (SNSD) said that Komsic is doing nothing to calm down tensions in the country but, instead, is only trying to find ways to stir up tensions. “He is afraid of changes to the Election Law, which would put him in a very unfavorable position in which he would not be able to pretend to be a Croat President as he has been doing up until now”, Majkic said and added that Bosniaks will have to sacrifice Komsic unless they want to sacrifice B&H. Member of SDS Main Board Aleksandra Pandurevic said that Komsic violated the official stance of the state which he represents and she added that the congratulations note “was not a slap in the face of Serbia, as he intended it to be, but a major slap in the face of B&H”. Former minister of foreign affairs of B&H Igor Crnadak said that Komsic’s move is scandalous and provocative and he said that “he showed that he is an integral part of the problem in B&H”.

European Parliament calls for sanctions against Milorad Dodik (N1) 

The European Parliament adopted an amendment by three lawmakers in its annual report on the Foreign Affairs Committee calling for sanctions against B&H Presidency member Milorad Dodik. The amendment was submitted by MEPs Pedro Marques, Tonino Picula and Thijs Reuten, with 504 MEPs voting in favor of it. The amendment strongly condemns the unconstitutional secessionist measures of the RS authorities, which aim to establish parallel institutions in the fields of medicine and medical devices, justice, defence, security and taxation. The amendment also condemns the influence of external factors on the stability of B&H and Russia’s interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Escobar testifies before US Senate: B&H most corrupt country in Balkans (Dnevni avaz)

US Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation held a hearing on Wednesday about the Western Balkans, during which participants underlined the US support to peace and prosperity of the region. Deputy Assistant to US State Secretary and US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar addressed the hearing and stated that “a long-term diplomatic engagement of the US supports full integration of the Western Balkans into the Euro- Atlantic structures”. “Europe, free, whole, prosperous, and at peace remains the United States’ vital interest and at the core of our policy. The Western Balkans is central to this vision, although its potential remains unfulfilled. The Biden Administration recognizes this challenge and remains committed to this region,” said Escobar in his testimony. He added that stronger Balkans, integrated to stronger Europe makes the stronger trans- Atlantic partnership. “Our partners in the Western Balkans are set on integrating more closely with the EU single market, and we continue to support them. Regional initiatives such as the EU Common Regional Market, Open Balkan, and Green Agenda show that deeper economic integration and cooperation are indispensable for sustainable growth and the EU membership,” said Escobar. He further added that indicators of progress toward European integration of the Western Balkans include deeper regional cooperation and increasing democratic and economic development.

Escobar added that certain countries of the region demonstrated serious efforts for strengthening of democratic institutions and fight against corruption: “This is not the case in all countries of the Western Balkans, and there have been setbacks. In B&H, the ongoing political crisis and endemic corruption hurts its citizens, and jeopardizes regional stability, its Euro-Atlantic trajectory, and the progress achieved since the Dayton Peace Accords. We continue to make clear to all leaders that de-escalation of rhetoric and the resolution of differences through established constitutional processes are the only viable paths to a democratic, European future”. He underlined that the need for dialogue, compromise, and reform applies across the region. “Conversely, our warning to actors in the region who engage in corrupt, destabilizing, or antidemocratic behavior is clear: there will be consequences. In December, we utilized Global Magnitsky authorities against an organized criminal group operating in the region. In January, the Treasury Department designated Milorad Dodik for his corrupt and destabilizing behavior and a television station under his control using the new Western Balkans sanctions authority. The State Department also imposed visa restrictions under our Section 7031(c) authorities against corrupt officials in B&H. The United States will continue to use all available tools to hold accountable those who block the region’s progress for their own financial or political gain”, said Escobar. Commenting the sanctions to Dodik, Escobar noted that even though Dodik is difficult to work with, he is not the only one who is making problems. “Our activities are directed toward him, not toward Serbs or the RS. The main problem in B&H is not ethno-nationalism, but corruption. This is the most corrupt state in the Balkans and third in Europe and this is the biggest reason for departing of young people and the biggest obstacle for Euro-Atlantic integration,” said Escobar. Addressing what needs to be done in order to stabilize the situation in B&H, Escobar noted: “By solving the electoral reform improve the relations between Bosniaks and Croats, and continue the dialogue so the Serbs would return to state institutions. Also, prevent Dodik to inflict additional damage to institutions.” Escobar noted that B&H is the country which causes the most concern in the Balkans. He addressed the issue of the OHR and underlined that the US strongly support the role of Christian Schmidt, underlining that they deem that use of Bonn powers is the final resort. Speaking about support to HR Schmidt, Escobar noted: “I understand the concern of those who would like to see the imposed solutions but they are not an answer to democratic challenges. We hope we will be in possibility to be in partnership with European orientated, democratically focused political parties and leaders in order for them to be able to solve problems of their country on their own. This does not mean that we do not support the Bonn powers of the HR, but we deem this to be the final resort, nuclear tool and the one that would leave the responsibility for the international community to implement it. We deem that political system and majority of political leaders in B&H are mature enough and democratically focused to be able to solve their own disagreements through their own processes.”

Cvijanovic meets Mecacci; Cvijanovic: Overcoming current political crisis in B&H requires mutual understanding and internal dialogue of domestic political actors (RTRS) 

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic met with Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Matteo Mecacci. Cvijanovic informed Mecacci about the constitutional position of the RS and the general situation in B&H. She emphasized that overcoming the current political crisis in B&H requires mutual understanding and an internal dialogue of domestic political actors. The RS President stressed that stances of the RS in regards to electoral legislation are clear. She pointed out necessity to respect the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and principles of the constituent status of peoples in B&H.

Zvizdic meets President of the UN General Assembly Shahid: It is necessary to secure functionality of B&H institutions (Oslobodjenje) 

Speaker of the B&H House of Representatives Denis Zvizdic met on Wednesday with the President of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, during which they discussed the political situation in B&H, as well as anti-constitutional blockades of work of state institutions. Zvizdic noted that it is necessary to secure functionality of institutions as soon as possible. Also, Zvizdic underlined huge importance of the UN organization when it comes to protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H. The officials agreed that in the following period it is necessary to end the destructions, which are harmful for all B&H citizens and it is necessary to offer better perspective to young people so they would stay in the country.  Zvizdic and Shahid agreed that in the time of great global challenges and political crisis, it is necessary to work on intensive improvement and strengthening of the role of the UN. The meeting was also attended by B&H Ambassador to UN Sven Alkalaj.

Toudic: France supports constitutional and electoral reform in B&H (Dnevni list) 

French Ambassador to B&H Christine Toudic has stated that constructive dialogue about the electoral reform should continue and that there needs to be compromise of all participants in order to adopt changes to the Law on Elections in the Parliament of B&H. According to a statement issued by the French Embassy to B&H, time is running out for reaching an agreement in order for the reform to be implemented for the next general elections in October. “We support joint efforts of the EU and the USA to reach compromise with that regard”, reads the Embassy’s statement. It further stressed that France supports constitutional and electoral reform in B&H, which must enable just representation of all components in B&H, as well as equality and non-discrimination of all citizens. “France has no particular election model on its mind, the only imperative is that the reform is not against the European norms”, reads the statement, which also stressed the importance of adoption of the integrity improvement package. In addition, the Embassy reminded implementation of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdic-Finci case, the ODIHR recommendations and relevant recommendations of the Venice Commission are among 14 key priorities of the European Commission.

Prosecutor’s Office of B&H launches investigation into Buzim events (ATV) 

The Prosecutor’s Office of B&H has launched an investigation into the events in Buzim. The investigation covers several people who in January this year, with war cries ‘Allahu Akbar’, waved the war flags of “the so-called” Army of the Republic of B&H (RBiH). The reports further read that the parade, which included those in war uniforms of “the so-called” Army of the RBiH, but also of the Armed Forces (AF) of B&H, spread fear among the Serb and Croat population. “The Prosecutor’s Office of B&H received a report related to the events in Buzim in January, and it refers to several people. After the checks, a prosecutor’s decision will be made”, said Boris Grubesic, spokesman for the Prosecutor’s Office of B&H. ATV reports that shameful scenes from Buzim arrived only two days after the celebration of RS Day. The international community sent many warnings due to the 9 January celebration in the RS, but almost no reaction came to the Buzim events, the reporter notes. Some reacted to the warmongering statements from Buzim, only at the request of ATV, but without specific condemnations. The report comments that the judiciary in B&H is mostly silent, but this time it could not ignore the pressure of the public and the media from the RS. “Everyone is silent on this event. Security agencies are silent, judicial institutions are silent, the (B&H) Ministry of Security, foreign embassies are silent, representatives of the international community in B&H, although they react and send poison arrows only when the representatives of RS come out with any information”, underscores Second Deputy Chair of the B&H parliament’s Joint Commission on Defense and Security of B&H Dusanka Majkic. The prosecution had a good reason to react earlier, security experts say. The investigation in this case, they add, can have a preventive effect. “To warn the youth that what the elders are persuading them to do is a very dangerous path and that it cannot go unpunished. Ideologues, instigators should be sanctioned. Those who rattle their weapons, and do so in public. And they secretly wish for the second half (of the match)”, warns Predrag Ceranic, Dean of the Faculty of Security Sciences at the University of Banja Luka.

Defense Minister: Croatia hasn’t defined its participation in NATO operations (Hina) 

Croatia is working on its plans at the moment, and for now there are no concrete conclusions on where its army will be at a given moment, Defense Minister Mario Banozic said in Brussels on Wednesday, responding to questions from the press about how Croatia will participate in bolstering NATO forces. Banozic is participating in a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers. NATO said that it would consider bolstering its forces along its eastern flank, and the defense ministers tasked the competent military services to identify possible options. “We have shown by participating in operations and missions, in which Croatian soldiers have been given the best grades, that we are allies who can be counted on. Naturally, everything that happens in the future must be defined in our plans,” Banozic said. He said there had been no talk at the meeting about any deployment of military ships and aircraft in Croatia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the defense ministers had ordered military commanders to work on details for further reinforcing NATO on the eastern flank and that they would submit reports in a few weeks. He said NATO had already reinforced deterrence and defense with more troops, aircraft and vessels, noting that those were defense forces and that NATO was not a threat to Russia.

Becic at the protest: Majority of the 49 deputies fell apart like a tower of cards (CdM) 

Last night, Democratic Montenegro organized the second protest in Podgorica against the announcement of the formation of a minority government. The leader of the Democrats Aleksa Becic said at the protest that there would be no postponement of the local elections, and that we would “witness the most convincing victory of the people in the history of Montenegro”. He said that “the alleged majority of 49 deputies was scattered like a tower of cards”. The next protest in Podgorica has been announced next Wednesday, and on Saturday, Becic announces, he will organize a protest in Niksic. The slogan of the protest is “Stand up, defend, win”, and those gathered carry banners – “Elections are the only solution”; “We need people who keep their word,” and tricolours and Montenegrin flags are flying. Among those gathered are Democrat MPs Danilo Sharanovic, Vladimir Martinovic, Momo Koprivica, Dragan Krapovic, the leader of the Right of Montenegro Marko Milacic, as well as ministers Milojko Spajic and Jakov Milatovic. Democrat MP Danilo Sharanovic said that “there is no change in the electoral will.” “There is no betrayal, no surrender, no return to the old, no government to be remotely controlled by the DPS,” he said. Becic addressed the gathered, saying that “nothing can stop them in defending the will of the people”. “Thank you for defending our principles. “Montenegro needs reconciliation, victory over crime, a happy future for our children,” Becic said. He said that there would be no postponement of the elections on 27 March in Bar and Ulcinj, and at the end of May in Podgorica and over ten other municipalities. “We will witness the most convincing victory of the people in the history of Montenegro,” he said. According to Becic, the third big victory is the removal of the DPS from power in Cetinje. “Our capital city has shown that Montenegro, Cetinje, Podgorica simply do not want the DPS. People will not return to imprisonment, revenge, degradation of the value system, anti-democracy, crime and corruption. People are fed up with the anti-democratic system of government. That is why these are great and significant victories,” said Becic. He also said that he would not stop with the protests, which, according to Becic’s estimates, will be more and more massive.

Konjevic: DPS unacceptable for Old Guard, Djuraskovic’s reaction hasty and unnecessary (Antena M) 

It would be good for the DPS to support the coalition government of the Social Democratic Party and the Old Guard of the LSCG in Cetinje, says SDP leader Rasko Konjevic. Asked whether there is a possibility to find a place for the DPS in the formation of the government, Konjevic said that it would be good for that party to support the program of the coalition government SDP – Old Guard LSCG.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Kosovo’s Independence Day (CdM) 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro sent congratulations on the 14th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence. “Montenegro sends its warmest congratulations to our dear neighbors and friends from Kosovo on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of independence,” it was stated on the Twitter account of this department.

Zabrcanec named as coordinator of the Mini Schengen initiative – Macedonia’s consolation prize after the EU prospects grew more distant (Republika) 

The Kovacevski government appointed its former spokesman Marjan Zabrcanec as coordinator for the Open Balkans/Mini Schengen initiative. Zabrcanec is a former left wing NGO activist who was elevated by Zoran Zaev as his spokesman. As prospects for Macedonia actually joining the EU continue to face, the Open Balkans initiative was endorsed by the US and by the influential George Soros led foundation as an alternative solution. It would link Macedonia, Serbia and Albania – and possibly other non-EU countries in the region as well – in a sort of a trade union.

Constitutional Court rules in favor of President Meta in impeachment case (Tirana Times) 

Albania’s Constitutional Court has ruled that President Ilir Meta has not committed “serious violations” of the country’s constitution and thus he is to stay on as head of state despite the parliament’s decision to impeach him, according to a decision made public on the court’s website shortly before midnight Wednesday. In a first ever move of its kind, the ruling Socialist Party decided to remove the president from office in June last year, benefiting from the opposition’s boycott of parliament and using substitute MPs to get 105 out 140 to dismiss the president. Shortly after midnight, the president’s spokesperson issued a statement saying: “There is zero surprise for the Presidency! This case should have never even been started.” The ruling Socialist Party accused the president of serious violations of the constitution, arguing the head of state was involved in the April 25 parliamentary elections, campaigning for the opposition and inciting “hate and violence,” according to arguments sent to the court by the SP parliamentary group leader, Taulant Balla. As per Albania’s constitution, the president is largely an honorary figure meant to represent the unity of the people and not be an active political figure, but most presidents have been political and pushed the boundaries of what is defined by the constitution, constitutional experts have noted. During the April electoral campaign, Meta accused the government of using money from criminal groups to buy votes and of working to distort the will of the voters. The President’s legal team challenged the entire parliamentary procedures that led to the Constitutional Court trial, saying things were done in a hurry without respecting proper procedures so the previous parliament, which the elected opposition had abandoned, could vote on the impeachment to get the needed numbers of votes. Meta’s original five-year mandate ends in four months. He says he will not seek a second term. No president in modern Albania has ever been impeached by parliament and this is the first case of its kind to come to the Constitutional Court, which has had difficulties in recent years to reach a quorum due to the justice reform’s vetting process. Meta is a former Socialist prime minister who split from today’s ruling Socialist Party and created his own party which has then been in power in coalitions with both the main opposition Democratic Party as well as the ruling Socialists of incumbent Prime Minister Edi Rama. Meta is one of Albania’s most seasoned politicians and a key figure during the post-communist transition. He says he will return to his Socialist Movement for Integration party, currently led in opposition by his wife, Monika Kryemadhi, as soon as his presidential mandate ends.

UN Security Council seat, US relations focus of PM visit to New York, Washington (VoA/Tirana Times) 

Albania’s new role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and its strong coordination with the United States were the focus of a visit by Prime Minister Edi Rama in New York and Washington this week. Rama led a special ceremony in New York on Tuesday to mark Albania’s first ever two-year term on the UN Security Council and met with several UN officials, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. “We have committed to bring our voice, our values and norms in the shared work of the Security Council, as a contribution to peace. We wish to share with others our lived experience, our lessons learned,” Rama said at the ceremony. Attending the event, President of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid congratulated Albania on its maiden election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2022-2023. “I have no doubt that Albania will build on its longstanding commitment to peace and security, and on its history of robust engagement with multiple UN organs, to strengthen the work of the Council,” Shahid said in his remarks. On the second day of his visit, Prime Minister Rama headed to Washington to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Wednesday. The meeting aimed, among other pressing issues, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of U.S.-Albanian diplomatic relations. “Looking forward to the next 100 years,” Blinken said on Twitter as he shared photos of the meeting. According to a statement issued by US Department of States Spokesperson Ned Price, Blinken “praised Albania’s continued tradition of providing safe harbor to those in need by hosting at-risk Afghans.” Price’s statement added that Blinken “noted our strong cooperation at NATO and on the UN Security Council, and thanked Prime Minister Rama for Albania’s clear support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.” Lastly, Blinken “reiterated U.S. support for Albania’s EU accession and regional economic integration, while emphasizing the need to fully implement justice reform and combat corruption.” Asked about a meeting in an interview with VoA’s Albanian Service, Rama said the meeting “discussed cooperation in the Security Council, the bilateral relations, the region, and progress of the reforms in Albania.” He added other topics that are important to the Albanian-U.S. relationship were also discussed, including coordination at NATO.

US-Albania to have coordinated role at UN 

The United States and Albania have agreed to be joint pen holders at the UN Security Council, a practice that allows the two countries to co-sponsor and promote initiatives. “This is a well-known process in the tradition of the Security Council, where two countries come together to address one or several specific files. And the United States proposed to us this union. We accepted it with much pleasure, definitely, and responsibility. And of course, this gives us the opportunity to play a special role at the Security Council,” Rama said.

Rama receives decoration in US for Afghans’ sheltering (ADN) 

Prime Minister Edi Rama was received at Georgetown University in Washington. Rama was thanked for the reception of Afghans, while he also received a decoration as a sign of gratitude. The head of government has mentioned religious coexistence as one of the most precious things in Albania. Referring to the Afghans, Rama said that they can stay in our country as long as they want, and if they are not provided with American visas, they can stay forever. “Those who are in politics are afraid of events. But to have events coming this way I welcome them. I tell you honestly every time I hear nice words about what we have done in relation to Afghans, I have a sense of embarrassment that, what is so special should be the norm for everyone. It is said that such a small country is praised so much when many more powerful countries fled in the face of the need of these people from Afghanistan facing the threat of death. Only that they trusted us and worked with us. With the whole NATO community and just because they dreamed of another future backed by our promises. My presence here makes me think how much that regime suppressed trust and the right to believe. How much suffering it caused just because it had to do with the west. I feel humbled to hear the praise of the women community. I am a Catholic, my wife is a Muslim. Our two grown children are Orthodox. We have a little that, I can make the decision to become a Jew. I say this because this is the most beautiful part of Albania. Our ancestors saved the Jews and made the country with more Jews after the war. We opened the doors for half a million Kosovars. But here we are, we survived and we got richer,” said Rama.

Meta congratulates Kosovo on Independence Day (ADN) 

President of Albania Ilir Meta congratulated Kosovo on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of its Independence. Through a Facebook post, the Head of State expresses his gratitude to the martyrs, fighters and fathers of Kosovo’s Independence. Meta says that Albania and Kosovo will always stand side by side. “Happy Independence Day dear Kosovo! Eternal gratitude to the Heroes, Martyrs, fighters and fathers of Kosovo Independence! Albania and Kosovo are always next to each other!”