LOCAL PRESS

SNS has 42.91 pct support with 98.73 pct of votes counted (Tanjug)

The Republic Electoral Commission (RIK) said on Wednesday that, based on 98.73 pct of votes counted, the coalition around the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) had won 42.91 pct support in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, which is equivalent to 120 seats in the parliament. The United for Victory of Serbia coalition follows with 13.69 pct (38 seats in the parliament) and the Ivica Dacic for PM of Serbia electoral list is in third place with 11.43 pct (32 seats in the parliament). The HOPE coalition has 5.38 pct of votes (15 seats in the parliament), and is followed by the We Must coalition (4.69 pct – 13 seats in the parliament), the Dveri-Movement for Restoration of the Kingdom of Serbia coalition (3.81 pct – 10 seats in the parliament), the Serbian Oathkeepers Party (3.72 pct – 10 seats in the parliament), the Sovereignists (2.28 pct), the Come on People coalition (1.67 pct) and the Kidnapped Babies electoral list (0.82 pct). When it comes to ethnic minority parties, for the time being, the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians has 1.58 pct support (5 seats in the parliament), and is followed by The Mufti’s Legacy (0.95 pct – three seats in the parliament), the Together for Vojvodina coalition (0.64 pct – two seats in the parliament), the Party for Democratic Action of Sandzak (0.54 pct – two seats in the parliament), the Coalition of Albanians (0.26 pct), the Russian Minority Alliance (0.25 pct), the Roma Party (0.17 pct) and the Alternative for Changes (0.09 pct). The commission also said the voter turnout in the parliamentary elections was at 58.71 pct.

Vucic has 58.54 pct support with 99.01 pct of votes counted (Tanjug)

The RIK said on Wednesday that, based on 99.01 pct of votes counted, Aleksandar Vucic had won 58.54 pct support in Sunday’s presidential elections. The candidate of the United for Victory of Serbia coalition, Zdravko Ponos, is in second place with 18.41 pct and the HOPE coalition’s Milos Jovanovic follows with 5.96 pct support. Dveri leader Bosko Obradovic is in fourth place with 4.36 pct, while Serbian Oathkeepers Party leader Milica Djurdjevic Stamenkovski won 4.23 pct of votes. The candidate of the We Must coalition Biljana Stojkovic is in sixth place (3.22 pct) and is followed by the Sovereignists’ Branka Stamenkovic (2.03 pct) and Serbian Right-Wing Party leader Misa Vacic (0.87 pct). According to the website of the electoral commission, the turnout in the presidential elections was 58.72 pct.

Brnabic: Only together can we build more prosperous region (Tanjug)

It is only by sticking together and by building business and infrastructure bridges that Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina can boost their economic cooperation and build a more prosperous region together, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said at the opening of an international business fair in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), on Tuesday. She said she was glad to be back in Mostar after six months to continue discussions about business and regional cooperation, economic and infrastructure ties and further joint efforts to build a stable, more prosperous region. Brnabic said bilateral goods trade between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina had doubled over the past decade and was seeing constant growth. She said the bilateral goods trade had totaled 2.34 billion Euros last year and that Bosnia and Herzegovina was Serbia’s fifth-largest external trade partner behind Germany, China, Russia and Italy. At the same time, B&H is Serbia’s third-largest export market behind Italy and Germany, she said. She said last year’s bilateral trade volume was up by 34 percent compared to 2020 and that Serbia was the third-largest foreign investor in B&H. All those results point to a trend of positive development in bilateral relations as well as to additional potential for cooperation, Brnabic said. She also said Serbia would make its fifth consecutive appearance at this year’s Mostar fair with 18 exhibitors, and added that she was confident the event would greatly contribute to the results of bilateral cooperation in the period to come. Brnabic said on Tuesday she did not know if she would remain in the post and noted that the distribution of positions in the new government was irrelevant at this time because the work to improve living standards and maintain peace and stability in the country must be continued. “I had a meeting with President Aleksandar Vucic yesterday. We discussed the electoral results with a team from the SNS, but we dealt more with what we can do for Serbia at this time, because the elections are behind us and we must focus on the crisis that is ahead of us,” Brnabic told reporters in Mostar. “I do not know if I will remain PM of Serbia and that is the least important thing right now,” she said. She said the SNS must ensure continued growth and development of the country, as well as job creation and higher wages and pensions. She noted that the majority of citizens had given their trust to Vucic and the SNS in Sunday’s elections and that, as early as on Monday, the party had continued to implement its political agenda that aimed to take the average monthly wage and the average pension in Serbia to 1,000 euros and 500 euros, respectively, by the end of 2026.

Vucic, Putin speak by phone (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who congratulated him on his convincing victory in the presidential elections and on the SNS’s very significant win in the parliamentary elections. Putin wished Vucic good luck and success in the responsible duty of head of state, also wishing progress to Serbia in the next five years, and expressed the confidence Serbia and Russia would maintain their truly friendly relations, the press office of the Serbian President said in a statement. Thanking Putin for the congratulations, Vucic said Serbia would continue to pursue a policy of a European path while maintaining its sincere and traditional friendly relations with the Russian Federation.

The two presidents analyzed the economic situation and bilateral relations in the energy sector and external trade, which grew in 2021 and in the first two months of 2022, which is a good sign of successful cooperation, the statement said. Vucic briefed Putin on the difficulties Serbia was facing in the process of crude oil imports and said he hoped the management of Gazprom Neft and the leadership of Serbia, as well as partners in the EU, would find a way out of the situation.

Vucic and Putin took note of the fact a long-term contract on supplies of Russian natural gas to Serbia was set to expire on 31 May and that discussions about the price, quantity and other conditions for procurement of the significant fuel must begin as soon as possible. At the end of the conversation, Putin informed Vucic of developments in Ukraine and the reasons for what he said was a Russian operation in Ukraine, while Vucic referred to Serbia’s positions – already very well known to Putin – and the conclusions of the National Security Council, and said he hoped the conflict in Ukraine would end as soon as possible, the statement also said.

Borrell, Varhelyi call on Serbia to continue work on wide political spectrum dialogue (Beta)

In a joint statement, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and Neighborhood and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi have called on Serbia to continue working after the elections on a wide inter-party consensus on key reforms for Serbia’s EU path. The EU has welcomed participation of all political parties in the elections in Serbia following inter-party dialogue mediated by the European Parliament, stressing that appropriate functioning of democratic institutions in Serbia is the pillar of the country’s EU accession process. The EU, according to the statement, is waiting for a final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and recommendations for future elections for all political stakeholders and relevant institutions. Such work will require transparent, inclusive and decisive dialogue of all interested parties. “We encourage the new Parliament and the Serbian political leadership to continue working towards a genuine and constructive dialogue across the political spectrum, with a view to forging broad cross-party consensus on EU-related reforms, which is vital for the country’s progress on its EU path,” said the joint statement.

Xi Jinping congratulated Vucic: Ready for deeper relations with Serbia (Tanjug/B92)

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Aleksandar Vucic on his re-election as President of Serbia. He pointed out in the message that in recent years, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Serbia has maintained a strong development momentum, with the two sides seeing strong political mutual trust and fruitful bilateral practical cooperation. “Faced with great global changes that have not been seen for centuries, the two sides firmly respect each other, treat each other as equals and join hands in building a community with a common future for humanity, making a positive contribution to preserving international equality and justice,” he said. He also said that he attaches great importance to the development of Sino-Serbian relations and that he nurtures a good working relationship and friendship with President Vucic. He added that he was ready to work with Vučić on strengthening strategic communication, strengthening political mutual trust, expanding and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields of the two countries, and directing China-Serbia ties towards new achievements.

Mihajlovic: I don’t know if I will be in the government, but Dacic won’t be prime minister (TV Happy)

Member of the SNS Presidency Zorana Mihajlovic said on Tuesday that she expects a strong, powerful and open government, that unity is needed, as well as that “Ivica Dacic will not be the prime minister” and that she is generally against a coalition with his SPS. “I don’t know if I will be in the government, but it seems to me that I can say with certainty who will not be the prime minister. Ivica Dacic will not be the prime minister. I am generally against a coalition with the SPS, I think many are riding the coattails of the SNS and President Vucic, and the time has come to see who is in favor and who wants to work together in the interest of the country, and who only says they are, and work differently,” said Mihajlovic. According to her, only President Aleksandar Vucic has the right to celebrate, because he achieved a historic result. “Winning twice in the first round of direct elections, and with a larger number of votes the second time is a historic result,” Mihajlovic said. “I was campaigning locally, visiting Serbia, and I think we as a party should talk to see what happened. I think we could have done much better, especially when it comes to the results of the parliamentary and Belgrade elections. We are still the strongest party in the parliament, but we wanted more and we should talk and see where we went wrong and what message the citizens have sent us,” she said. The Deputy Prime Minister in the outgoing government and also said that many parties have abused the crisis in Ukraine during the campaign, while the SNS and President Vucic made decisions in the interest of the state, not the party. “Many parties abused the feelings of the citizens of Serbia when it comes to the friendship with Russia. While we suffered blows from political opponents, while they attacked us and while we fought, some watched from the sidelines,” Mihajlovic believes. As for Dacic’s SPS, they are happy, “but I am not sure that they have achieved a real victory”. “I think they stood aside lighting patriotic fires, and they are our coalition partners, and if the state makes difficult decisions that are not popular, but are important for the state, then those decisions should be respected. It was easier for the SNS not to make any decision regarding the war in Ukraine and we would have done better, but we looked at the interest of the state, not the party. That’s why President Vucic won, because people trust him, they know he will think things through and make wise and brave decisions,” Mihajlovic said while appearing on TV Happy.

Palestinian Ambassador: Stand on Kosovo remains unchanged (Beta/Kosovo Online)

Palestinian Ambassador to Serbia Mohammed Nabhan has told website Kosovo Online that his country’s position on Kosovo remains unchanged, adding that a recent meeting of Kosovo Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki will not have any influence on the country’s stance. “The fact that the (Kosovo) minister had a meeting on the sidelines of a gathering in some Turkish town does not mean anything to us and does not mean a change of our position,” Ambassador Nabhan said, adding that in the context of Kosovo, Palestine was guided by two principles – respect for UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and advocacy of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. “This lady does not have enough understanding of what Jerusalem means for Palestine and the Arabs. She should first learn about the stand of Palestine and Palestinian Muslims and Christians and only then say something about it,” Ambassador Nabhan said, stressing that for Palestine, Jerusalem was a red line which could not be crossed.

Opposition: Vucic will no longer rule Belgrade (N1)

We Must coalition leader Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta said after a meeting of opposition leaders that an agreement had been reached not to allow the SNS to take over the Belgrade City Assembly. He told N1 that they agreed that “SNS leader Aleksandar Vucic will no longer rule the city”. According to Jovanovic, the opposition is investing effort to document all election irregularities and submit them to the City and Republic election commissions to force them to repeat the vote in some places. Opposition parties met in the headquarters of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP). “Even without this agreement, which is a great thing, Vucic does not have a majority in Belgrade. He has 70,000 fewer votes even with Dacic,” he said and added that 100,000 votes hang in the balance at the disputed polling stations. He said that the preliminary results released by the RIK did not include some 100 polling stations with about 100,000 votes. His words were echoed by SSP leader Dragan Djilas who told reporters outside his party offices that polling station records show that 916,960 people cast ballots with just over 412,000 voting for the SNS and SPS while 485,000 voted for the opposition. Djilas said that the vote would be repeated in a number of places due to irregularities. He called the public to turn out to vote and help the opposition take control of the city parliament. Djilas said that none of the parties present at the meeting would form a coalition with the SNS. Former Serbian president Boris Tadic, whose election ticket did not cross the 3 percent threshold, said objections would be filed for some polling stations, adding that his list would win in many of the polling stations where the vote should be repeated. The NADA coalition’s Vlada Djordjevic told reporters that the city authorities should be changed so that Belgrade can breathe again. The conservative nationalist Oathkeepers’ Nikola Dragicevic said that his party’s view is clear – defend every opposition vote in Belgrade in line with the law. Dveri spokesman Slavisa Miletic said that the opposition should form the city authorities.

NADA coalition leader exchanges messages with pro-European opposition to compare data, election results (Danas/Beta)

Milos Jovanovic, the leader of the Democratic Party of Serbia which is the backbone of the NADA (HOPE) coalition, has said that he has so far received no invitation from the opposition or the incumbent authorities for talks on a possible post-election coalition in Belgrade, noting that he will wait until the final results of the Belgrade local elections are published. “I have exchanged messages with colleagues from the pro-European opposition in Belgrade to compare our data and results. That is all. It seems that the regime has secured a majority, though a slim majority of 55, or 56 aldermen,” Jovanovic told Danas. The City of Belgrade has a 110-seat assembly. According to Jovanovic, “it seems that it is more or less, certain I will not say, that the incumbent authorities can form a majority.” “Several people have informed me that Bosko Obradovic (the Patriotic Bloc) and Milica Djurdjevic (the Oath Keepers) have said they do not want to cooperate with (Dragan) Djilas (the Freedom and Justice Party leader). With reservation about the accuracy of this information conveyed to me, it tells us that changes in Belgrade are unlikely to happen,” Jovanovic noted.

Ponos quits People’s Party (N1)

The People’s Party (NS) said on Tuesday that Zdravko Ponos, the United for Serbia’s Victory presidential candidate, had left the party. “Zdravko Ponos whose candidacy for Serbian President was supported by the NS announced today that he is leaving the party,” a press release said.

Ponos sent the party an e-mail saying: “This is to inform you that I am leaving the People’s Party.” “We thank him for everything that he did and wish him luck in future political activities,” the party press release said. Ponos was a deputy leader of the NS since its formation in 2017. He withdrew from the party presidency in November 2021, saying that he would not run for the post again. His explanation was that some things happened which mean that he finds remaining in the leadership of the party unacceptable but he remained a party member.

REGIONAL PRESS

Szijjarto opens fair: Brussels needs to get off high horse and end arrogant claims about Balkan (BHT1) 

International Economy Fair Mostar, the event that gathered the leaders from B&H and the region and 800 exhibitors and entrepreneurs from more than 20 countries, was opened in Mostar on Tuesday. Political leaders held a number of meetings on the sidelines of the fair, discussing the economic and current political topics including the electoral reform and the EU path of B&H. Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto opened the fair given that Hungary is this year’s partner country of the fair. He reminded that the level of trade between Hungary and the Western Balkan countries amounted to some EUR 5.5 billion in 2021 and all sides made profit from this. Szijjarto stressed that 24 companies from Hungary participate at the Mostar fair and the goal is to additionally improve the economic cooperation with the countries of the region. B&H officials, the political leaders of countries of the region and Szijjarto as the representative of the partner country all conveyed optimistic messages, stressing that peace, stability and economic development are interests of all countries represented at the fair. Szijjarto stated in Mostar on Tuesday “we, the citizens of Central Europe, understand the importance of the EU integration of the Western Balkans”. Szijjarto stressed “we are sorry that certain EU members and Brussels do not always share this understanding.” Szijjarto stated that Hungary considers the Western Balkans’ EU integration unacceptably slow. “Brussels is making a strategic mistake when it is not accelerating the integration process enough. Such behaviour of Brussels is extremely harmful in terms of regional stability. Therefore, the time has come to tell Brussels – you should get off your high horse and it is no longer time for arrogant statements. Our goal is to accelerate the EU integration in this area. Serbia should be admitted to the EU without delay, and B&H must be granted a candidate status,” Szijjarto pointed out. During his opening speech, Szijjarto also said that they do not need to talk about leaders of the Western Balkans, but lead discussions with them. Szijjarto said that they cannot solve things with a wave of the hand and they need to get to know the situation. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic also sent political messages and talked about trade between Croatia and B&H. Plenkovic called on the politicians to agree on changes to B&H Election Law. He said that he believes that the political crisis in B&H should not be deepened further and that the Croat people should have legitimate representatives. Szijjarto was quoted as saying: “From our side, we fully support the Croat national community in exercising all rights guaranteed to them by international agreements. When our Croat friends raise these issues in international forums, they can always count on the support of the Hungary”. President of the Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) Dragan Covic said that he is sure they will have a fruitful day during the fair through many contacts that they would have. Covic stated: “Once again, welcome and thanks to the government of the Republic of Hungary for what it is doing, so that we can create an orderly society in B&H and so that we can encourage economic cooperation”. On this occasion, Szijjarto also said that Hungary considers Covic a friend. Szijjarto stated: “It is clear to us that for peace and stability, it is necessary for all constituent peoples to find their place in B&H. For our part, we support the Croat ethnic community in exercising all the rights guaranteed by international agreements.” Covic thanked the Hungarian government on partnership and expressed hope that the cooperation in economy will intensify in Hungary. On the occasion, Chairperson of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Zoran Tegeltija said: “This event is important for the whole B&H, as well as the region, because during these several days, the Fair succeeds in gathering the most important representatives and individuals, primarily from the economic, but also from social, and as we can see, political life of B&H, region and the whole Europe, that is for all of us present here exceptional pleasure. Exactly because of that, this event is very important, because all efforts made by the authorities are actually directed towards improving business environment, strengthening economic cooperation, enabling easier movement of people, goods, services and capital, strengthening connections and mobility so that we enable our economic growth and improve citizens’ living standard”.

Covic meets Szijjarto; Szijjarto: Hungary will support Croats’ demand regarding their rights guaranteed by international agreements every time that is initiated in international forums (FTV) 

The Mostar Economy Fair was officially opened on Tuesday and numerous bilateral meetings took place on its sidelines. According to FTV, the meetings included guests and lobbying along with discussions on political blockades, sanctions and amending of the Election Law of B&H. On this occasion, Speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto, during which Covic congratulated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on another election victory in the parliamentary elections in Hungary. Covic expressed hope that thanks to friendly relations between B&H and Hungary, “a much stronger infrastructure in terms of economy will be built”. Szijjarto expressed support to peace and stability in B&H, noting that this is Hungary’s interest. According to Szijjarto, it is clear to Hungary that all constituent peoples must find their position in B&H. Szijjarto stated: “It is clear to us that for peace and stability, it is necessary for all constituent peoples to find their place in B&H. For our part, we support the Croat ethnic community in exercising all the rights guaranteed by international agreements.” According to Szijjarto, Hungary will support Croats’ demand regarding their rights guaranteed by international agreements every time that is initiated in international forums.

Plenkovic, Covic discuss issues regarding Election Law in B&H (BHT/Nova) 

Following the failure of the last Sarajevo talks on changes to the Election Law, the B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) is preparing for the elections. That was the main topic of the meeting of the Croatian delegation led by the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic with the President of the B&H Croat People’s Assembly Dragan Covic. Covic reiterated that there are no conditions for holding the elections in B&H without changes to B&H Election Law for the Croat side. Plenkovic expressed support to the efforts of the Croat side in B&H to ensure its constituent status though changes to Election Law. He also mentioned the European document ‘Strategic Compass’, which implies one state, two entities and three constituent peoples, noted the reporter. Accordingly, the ruling of the B&H Constitutional Court in the B&H Parliament needs to be implemented so that Croats can elect their political representatives, added the reporter. Covic stated that the Constitution of B&H is their framework for action and that it is needed to change the Election Law. Plenkovic stated: “I urge the leaders of Bosniak political parties and Croat political parties in the Federation of B&H (FB&H) to make additional efforts, to restore trust, renew alliance and partnership in order to reach an agreement on changes to the Election Law, because the house is built from the ground up, and democracy is the way we are represented and the way we represent our citizens and our peoples.” Covic stated that it is necessary to create an environment in which partnership with the Bosniak People will be created and efforts will be made to amend the Election Law of B&H in its minimum part regarding B&H Presidency and the House of Peoples as concluded at the latest meeting on the electoral reform in Sarajevo, with an aim to try to create a democratic election process and create a chance for B&H to get the EU candidate status. Covic said that conditions for the continued negotiation on the changes to the B&H Election law need to be created. He added that the current legislative framework does not enable the conducting of elections which are supposed to take place in October of 2022. Covic said that there will be statements and pressure made to enable the continuation of these negotiations. He said that if it was not for Plenkovic, this would not have happened. Plenkovic said that he does not want prolonging of crisis in B&H regarding the electoral reform, which is why it is necessary to establish the alliance again. He noted that there is readiness to organize the continuation of the negotiations at the highest EU level, adding that Croatia is doing this as a well-intended friend, who wants to assist functionality of B&H. Stressing that this can be achieved with assistance of the international community, Plenkovic said: “This is why it is important for B&H to function well, to make a step forward with assistance of the IC and for Croats to be legitimately represented in central institutions and in the FB&H.”

Dodik meets Szijjarto in Mostar; Szijjarto says stability in B&H cannot be achieved without peace among constituent peoples (ATV) 

After the meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Mostar, Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik thanked Hungary for understanding the situation in B&H and the country’s intention to provide economic assistance. ATV reports that Szijjarto underlined the importance of stability in B&H, noting it would be good if everyone understands that stability cannot be achieved without peace among the constituent peoples, who are not satisfied with their status. The reporter comments that Szijjarto conveyed an interesting message from Mostar to European friends of Hungary stating “make effort and understand thinking of people who live in B&H, instead of giving impotent statements”. ATV reports that Szijjarto said in Mostar that peace and stability in the Western Balkans cannot be achieved with sanctions. “For that, I ask the politicians in the EU not to talk about the President Dodik, but to talk with him, because it will allow them to better understand the situation here. It is necessary for the European politicians to understand as well as possible the policy of the Western Balkans”, said Szijjarto for the media. Szijjarto also said, in addition to peace and stability economic prosperity of the region is also important, and he announced an economic development project for B&H and Republika Srpska (RS), valued at around EUR 30 million. Addressing the media, Dodik said: “Today, we confirmed that we will continue the implementation of all agreements we had, that we will look for the new ones, implement new projects and cooperate on those things. I am grateful to Hungary for its commitment in regard to the stabilization and peace”. Dodik used the opportunity to congratulate on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his political party’s convincing victory in the elections, and said it is a good “wind in the sails” for the continuation and improvement of the cooperation between Hungary and the RS. Dodik referred to Hungary as “a very good friend of B&H, whose interest is to lift up the economy”. Dodik assessed the meeting in Mostar as the right path to the right direction. He stressed that Hungary is dedicated to the preservation of peace in the Western Balkans and understand the situation in B&H. Dodik said that he can talk to Szijjarto about their relations and cooperation which is very intensive. He said that the victory of Fidesz at elections in Hungary is important for the RS due to important agreements with the authorities. Szijjarto confirmed this, saying that Hungary leads responsible policy towards neighbors with good intentions. The officials agreed that for peace and stability in the Balkans, good economic conditions are necessary. Dodik said that they confirmed the realization of agreed projects and are planning new ones. He added that Hungary is a good friend of all people who live in B&H and their interest lies exclusively in the improvement of economy and understanding, as well as stable political relations and policies that are agreed on with consensus.

Brnabic meets with Dodik, Tegeltija in Mostar; Dodik discusses projects airport Trebinje and hydroelectric power plant Buk Bijela with Brnabic (ATV) 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic met in Mostar on Tuesday with Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik and Chairperson of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Zoran Tegeltija. ATV reports that Dodik stated Serbia’s continued support to the Serb community in Mostar and the other entity was agreed with Brnabic, and he announced potential construction of a multi-functional Serb house in Mostar. ATV reminds that Mayor of Dubrovnik Mato Frankovic requested for the project to be suspended until environmental impact study is conducted, and B&H Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic blocked signing the Memorandum on cooperation and understanding between B&H and Serbia. Asked by the journalist to comment on the obstructions of the Trebinje Airport, Brnabic said: “I have to say honestly, I was surprised, because I think it is an excellent project for the whole region, an excellent project for B&H, because it is another airport that will directly, even during the construction, influence the GDP increase, economic development, and development of the building sector in the times of crisis. On the other hand, it is very good for the Republic of Croatia, as well as for Dubrovnik, because it will enable higher influx of tourists, not only for Dubrovnik, but also for Montenegro.” Dodik commented on the projects of the airport in Trebinje and the hydroelectric power plant Buk Bijela. Dodik was quoted as saying: “The Muslims stopped it unnecessarily at the level of joint institutions”. Dodik pointed out: “We talked, of course, about those projects, the stalemate, which we see at the level of B&H. Unreasonable. But the very fact that we have been working on the Bratoljub Bridge in Bratunac and the surrounding infrastructure for seven years speaks volumes about the role of joint institutions. I believe we can fix that. I absolutely see no reason for anyone in Sarajevo to stop anything”. He added: “I also said that to the Prime Minister, that if we enter into a general blockade of everyone, then there really will be nothing here.”

Dodik and Plenkovic meet in Mostar; Dodik: Issues of one people with constituent status in B&H are the issue of all peoples (RTRS) 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Mostar on Tuesday. Dodik said that the issues of one people with constituent status in B&H are the issue of all peoples and it is time for everyone to understand this. The two officials discussed economic cooperation, construction of the hydro power plant ‘Dubrovnik 2’ and infrastructural connection of B&H and Croatia, primarily the bridge in Gradiska.

Mehmedovic on visit of Szijjarto and his meeting with HDZ B&H and SNSD officials: Meeting was convention of politicians who are pro-Russian President Putin (N1) 

MP of SDA in the B&H parliament Semsudin Mehmedovic commented on the visit of Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and his meeting with HDZ B&H and SNSD officials in Mostar. He assessed the meeting as a convention of politicians who are pro-Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mehmedovic called on Szijjarto to learn on examples of Bucha, Srebrenica and Vukovar about the situation in B&H and the Balkans. He said that those are places where the EU needs to learn too. Mehmedovic said that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Szijjarto are giving Putin the sign to go for Georgia, Moldova, Poland, Finland and the Balkans. Meanwhile, former B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Zlatko Lagumdzija said that the claims of Hungary that Serbia needs to become an EU member and B&H should receive the EU candidate status are ridiculous.

Escobar: DPA is roadmap for B&H’s EU path (FTV/Srna) 

FTV reported that part of the Western officials’ messages to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) include that they will do more for B&H, that the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) is the roadmap for B&H’s EU path, and that civic concept is possible only when B&H becomes member of the EU. According to Western officials, there will be no conflicts in B&H. During his visit to Zagreb, US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar touched on the situation in B&H, assessing that B&H is currently not a functional state, because its institutions have not been efficient for a longer period of time. According to Escobar, this is not a consequence of the DPA but rather of a lack of will of political leadership of B&H. Escobar noted that the problem lies in irresponsible leadership, corruption, and politicians who insist on remaining in power at all cost. “It is possible to discuss a civic concept for B&H only once it becomes a member of the EU. Until then, the framework is the DPA”, the US Special Envoy specified. The US Special Envoy added that the DPA remains a roadmap for B&H’s EU path, until it becomes the EU member, and the electoral reform are necessary. In addition, Escobar dismissed any possibility of conflicts in B&H, saying that Serbia and Croatia are not interested in a war on its borders. Escobar reminded that there are peacebuilding forces in B&H, NATO, as well as the High Representative (HR) of the international community with Bonn powers. “That is why I see no possibility for conflicts. It is possible for some violent acts to happen, but all responsible politicians and public officials are working to prevent that. That is why I think war is not possible”, he concluded. Escobar has confirmed there will be no new sanctions against B&H politicians, instead he expects that citizens of B&H punish the politicians in the elections. Escobar confirmed that negotiations about the electoral reform are still ongoing and that he is not involved in the talks, expressing hope they will end successfully. Escobar stressed the problem lies in irresponsible leadership, corruption and politicians who insist on staying in power no matter the cost. He further noted that B&H is an exception from all the good news from the Western Balkans and that according to independent analyses it is one of most corrupt countries in Europe, with the country’s private sector shrinking to only one third of the GDP, which is why B&H has the biggest emigration in the Western Balkans. “Political leaders with such figures would be fired in the private sector”, added Escobar. Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik said for Srna that due to US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar and “brokers similar to him, who built their careers and increased their wealth on B&H”, B&H found itself in a situation to be among “bad news from the Balkans”. Asked by the Srna news agency to comment on Escobar’s statement that B&H is an exception to all good news about the Western Balkans, Dodik said all international representatives and envoys did everything they could to “keep B&H disabled, so that they come with aids for it to walk”. Dodik also said that numerous foreign officials and envoys did everything to keep B&H in the shape that it is in and to be able to show up with aids to support the country.

Schmidt with Lambrecht: War in Ukraine affects stability of Western Balkans (Dnevni list) 

High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt met with German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht with whom he talked about the war in Ukraine and its impact of the Western Balkans. The German Ministry of Defense (MoD) posted on Twitter: “The war in Ukraine also affects the stability of the Western Balkans – territorial integrity remains the goal. We want to further strengthen our local commitment”. The MoD’s statement further reads that Minister Lambrecht stated that Germany and the EU would not allow Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) to be surrendered to opponents of democracy and stability in Europe. “Lambrecht stressed that any attempt of destabilization of the Western Balkans, especially promotion of secessionist movement in B&H, must be prevented on time”, reads the MoD’s statement, adding that in light of the war in Ukraine, B&H must be strengthened and supported against possible Russian activities. The Minister expressed concern regarding tensions in the Balkans, assessing efforts of Republika Srpska (RS) to establish its high judicial and prosecutorial council as special reason for concern. According to the article, HR Schmidt also visited the Center for International Peace Operations in Berlin. HR Schmidt talked to Director of the Center Almut Wieland-Karimi and members of the staff about the situation in B&H and perspectives for peaceful development of the country.

Schmidt meets Szijjarto; Schmidt on 30 years since the siege of Sarajevo: OHR and EUFOR are guarantee of B&H’s security (N1) 

High Representative Christian Schmidt met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto in Sarajevo on Tuesday. It was stated that this visit shows the clear determination of Europe to support B&H. Schmidt said that at the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Sarajevo siege and the violation of international law at the borders of Europe, it is important to stress that one believes in international law and rights. He stressed that no one should try to generate any uncertainty in B&H, since a situation similar to the one 30 years ago would be shut down immediately by the international community. Schmidt said that the path from Dayton to Brussels will be continued together. He said that the current crisis in B&H caused by blockades cannot continue. Schmidt said that he is confident in the B&H parliament and the international community to support constructive dialogue. Ahead of the meeting with Szijjarto, Schmidt said that he does not fear the possibility of a new conflict in B&H, but that he will work to ensure that what happened during the past war in B&H is not repeated. “His (Szijjarto’s) visit shows, just like other visits of high-ranking officials, such as the visit of the German Foreign Minister and the Austrian Chancellor, that the international community is aware of B&H’s significance for the stability in the region. The success of the Dayton is that the years after it brought peace. I am not saying this because I am afraid that peace is in danger, but I say this as a message to all those foolish people who think they can play with people’s inviolability. The current crisis caused by mutual blockades in the country cannot stay that way anymore. That is why we will continue to monitor what is happening and we will continue with the discussions. I trust the Parliament, and I trust that the international community in B&H is also ready to support the constructive forces,” Schmidt emphasized. “Now that the international law is being violated at the EU border, Russia leads a cruel aggressor war and obvious war crimes are being committed, we must clearly show that we believe in rules and inviolability of human rights and international treaties”, Schmidt stated.

Turkovic sends letter to world officials; Peace and reforms are endangered (Oslobodjenje) 

On occasion of the 30th anniversary since beginning of Sarajevo siege, B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic sent on Tuesday a letter to world officials, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, EU officials, Foreign Ministers of member states of the UN Security Council, EU and members of Peace Implementation Council. Among other issues, Turkovic underlined that “peace, which in last 26 years was built with hard work, difficult reforms and compromises, is endangered by serious, systematic and coordinated attempt of illegal change of constitutional- legal system of B&H”.

RS officials react to Turkovic’s letter to international organizations (RTRS) 

B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic sent a letter to EU, NATO and other international officials in which she asked them to react to the undermining of the internal constitutional organization of B&H done by RS. She reminded in the letter that 30 years have passed since the Sarajevo Siege, during which the RS Army bombed the city. RTRS notes that Turkovic did not mention the suffering of Serbs in Sarajevo which was determined by the Independent Commission formed by the RS Government to investigate this. Inspector of the RS Ministry of Interior (RS MoI) for investigation of war crimes Simo Tusevljak said that during the 1990s war, Serbs of Sarajevo exclusively defended their own homes and they were held in a double cordon. He said that Turkovic is going back 30 years and this will lead her to the wrong side of history. Reporter stated that the goal of mentioning war in Turkovic’s letter is to cause concern among the international organizations and to point the blame the RS leadership. She stated that the RS leadership is illegally changing the constitution. MP of SNSD in the B&H parliament Sanja Vulic said that Turkovic is undermining B&H which she advocates so often. She said that Turkovic is not a minister, but just a spokeswoman of SDA and she is a Serbo-phobe. Vulic said that she can only send the message of late Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) Pavle who said that only love exists, saying that the RS is love and it will last, while Turkovic can only write. Turkovic noted in in her letter that the RS leadership is leading a public campaign against B&H, calling it an impossible state. She cited a memorandum adopted by the Serbian Academy for Arts and Sciences (SANU) from 2011 which instructs everyone to refer to BiH as a community of two territories instead of a state. Advisor to Serb member of the B&H Presidency Ana Trisic Babic said that the letter of Turkovic is taking B&H back by 30 years. She said that this is proof that the Bosniak elite is unable to turn back from events in the past and to look into the future. Trisic Babic said that outside of B&H it is well known that letters of Turkovic are an expression of her own policy and policy of SDA.

Turkovic condemns Zakharova’s statement on genocide in Srebrenica; SBB asks Turkovic to declare all Russian diplomats personas non grata (Hayat) 

In a reaction to a statement of the US President Joe Biden that the Russian President Vladimir Putin must answer for the crimes in Bucha, Spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova posted a message on social media which reads: “Great idea, let them start with the bombing of Yugoslavia and the occupation of Iraq. They can also add to that the directors of the Srebrenica production.”  B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic said that “it is absolutely unacceptable and historical falsification that some officials of the Russian Federation have been denying court-proven and internationally recognized facts about the genocide in Srebrenica in public appearances for a long time”. In her reaction, Turkovic said that misuse of genocide in Srebrenica for propaganda purposes deserves to be condemned. SBB issued a press release condemning Zakharova’s statement and asking Turkovic to declare Russian diplomats in B&H personas non grata. “We most harshly condemn the statement of the spokesperson of Putin’s criminal and aggressor regime. Claiming that the court-proven genocide in Srebrenica was staged, claiming that the Ukrainian forces brutally murdered their own citizens and civilians in Bucha which reminds strongly of Slobodan Milosevic and Radovan Karadzic’s propaganda from the 1990s, when they claimed in a similar fashion that the honourable Army of RB&H shelled Sarajevo – this can only be done by a person or a regime that has completely lost its moral, humane and civilizational compass”, reads the SBB press release. SBB also stated that Russian Ambassador Igor Kalabukhov openly threatened B&H and its citizens, and he abandoned the norms of good diplomatic relations, underlining that shameful actions and statements of Putin’s officials and associates must not remain without consequences. SBB noted that due to the expected opposition by B&H residency member Milorad Dodik, B&H cannot declare Kalabukhov persona non grata. However, Turkovic could use the same strategy as Germany and declare all other Russian diplomats and staff of the Russian Embassy in Sarajevo personas non grata, SBB stated.

US envoy: Civic B&H can be discussed only after EU accession; Komsic: Then he should press the EU to accept B&H as a full member right away (N1/Hina) 

The civic concept for B&H can be discussed only after it joins the EU and the Dayton Peace Agreement remains the framework until then, US special envoy to the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar said on Tuesday. B&H is not a functioning state at the moment because its institutions have not been effective for a long time, which is not because of the Dayton agreement, but the lack of goodwill by the political leadership, Escobar said in Zagreb during his visit to the U.S. Croatia Forum, according to the Hina news agency. The agreement, which ended the 1992-1995 war in B&H, has been successful in keeping the peace in the country for 25 years and it is not the cause of B&H’s problems, he added. The problem is the irresponsible leadership, corruption, politicians who insist on staying in power at all costs, said Escobar. According to him, the Dayton agreement is a good compromise which recognised the interests of the three constituent peoples and a good signpost for European integration, but has not been used like that. The civic state concept advocated by part of the international community can be discussed perhaps in the future, after B&H joins the EU, Escobar said. Until then, Dayton is the roadmap to European integration and must remain so, he said, reiterating the US support for the concept of one state, two entities and three constituent peoples. Escobar said he understood the concern about the high tensions in B&H and saw the analogy with 1991 because politicians in the country do not talk and threaten to withdraw from state institutions. However, there are peacekeeping troops in B&H, NATO’s presence and the international community’s high representatives with Bonn powers, he said, adding that Serbia and Croatia are not interested in a war on their borders and that young people in B&H don’t want to fight for the ruling structures and political corruption. He said that was why he did not see any chance of a conflict. There might be violent acts, but all responsible politicians and public officials are working so that it does not happen, which is why he thinks a war is not possible. If the statement of US Special Envoy Gabriel Escobar is true and B&H can enter the European Union with its current constitutional setup, then he should press the EU to accept B&H as a full member right away, B&H Presidency member, Zeljko Komsic, said on Wednesday. Komsic was referring to a statement Escobar made on Tuesday when he said that the civic concept for B&H can be discussed only after it joins the EU and that the Dayton Peace Agreement remains the framework until then. Komsic argued that Escobar himself is well aware that “with such a constitutional arrangement and this kind of discrimination that is built into the Constitution towards the citizens of our own country, we cannot join the EU.” He also said that, if Escobar’s statement that B&H can become a member of the EU with its current constitutional setup is true, then he should “press the EU to accept us immediately” as a full member. “If we are going to enter the EU with such a constitutional arrangement, let us enter immediately. What are we negotiating about then? What reforms, what human rights judgments? Let us enter the EU and start doing the right things,” he said. “Or maybe the message is “you will never enter the EU.” Komsic added.

Austria’s Foreign Minister calls for stepping up Western Balkans’ EU integration (Hina) 

Russia does not have only Ukraine in its sights but other regions like the Western Balkans as well, so it’s necessary to step up these countries’ EU integration, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said on Tuesday. Now it’s about whether the six Western Balkan countries will stay on the path of democracy and peace or not, he said in Berlin on the fringes of a donor conference for Moldova. Schallenberg pushed for opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible, saying he expects it to occur during the French EU presidency, which ends at the end of June. He said Bosnia and Herzegovina should be given a membership perspective and that visas should be waived for Kosovo’s nationals. Schallenberg said previous accession processes had contributed to democratic development and that East European countries, in the wake of Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, would probably be in an entirely different and more difficult position today had they not joined the EU.

Djukanovic: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine awakened and strengthened European unity (CdM) 

It’s encouraging what I heard from the President of Cyprus, that in the wake of this really unpleasant situation we all feel in Europe, through Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, European unity has awakened, that we reinforced our decisiveness and efficiency in joint actions. This raises hopes that with additional attention and generous support, the European Union will turn to the Western Balkans, continue with its enlargement policy and provide what we have in common – a united Europe. We think that is the path to more reliable European stability and that this is the path to European competitiveness on the global stage, the Montenegrin President, Milo Djukanovic, said earlier today following a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades. The President of Cyprus noted that due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, there would be a new policy of the EU concerning the region. “The European Union will have to overcome personal interests and turn to the candidate countries,” he added. Djukanovic said that this was the first visit of the President of Cyprus to Montenegro and came several days before the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to him, when it comes to the cooperation beyond bilateral frameworks, we’re very grateful for the support Cyprus provides to both Montenegro and all countries of the region in achieving their European goals. Anastasiades invited the Montenegrin President to visit Cyprus, noting that he would be the best role model on Montenegro’s European road.

Kovacevski-Donckel: Now is the time Macedonia and Albania to start EU negotiations (Republika) 

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski met Tuesday with Philippe Donckel, non-resident Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Macedonia, who was joined by Petar Arsovski, honorary consul of Luxembourg in Macedonia. The meeting reaffirmed Macedonia’s good friendly relations with Luxembourg and the joint commitment to enhance cooperation at all levels. At the same time, a greeting was conveyed to Prime Minister Kovacevski by the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bethel and full support for the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia. It is assessed that our country in practice applies European values, which was shown by the implementation of policies in line with the European Union, which was set in relation to the situation in Ukraine. It is also considered that the country has made great progress in the reform processes in a short time, which is respected and due to which, as it was announced, the strong support for the soon opening of the negotiations of the Republic of Macedonia with the EU continues. It was jointly concluded that the beginning of negotiations between Macedonia and Albania with the EU is in function of the stability of the Western Balkans and that now is the time for that. Kovacevski thanked for the great support from Luxembourg and for the sincere friendship with Macedonia that is intensifying.

Osmani and Bregu voice expectation for sooner approval of Macedonia’s negotiating framework, start of EU talks (Republika) 

Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani met Tuesday with Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Osmani and Bregu voiced expectation for sooner approval of Macedonia’s negotiating framework, holding the first Intergovernmental Conference, which will mark the beginning of the negotiation process for EU membership. The talks focused on regional cooperation and activities within the Regional Cooperation Council – the Economic Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, the socio-economic transformation of the region of Southeast Europe, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and other topics that contribute to fruitful and rich regional cooperation. The interlocutors also exchanged views on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the process of rounding off the European future of the Western Balkan countries and the effects of the war on regional cooperation in our region and beyond.

State Department prods Macedonia and Bulgaria to sign a new treaty (Republika) 

The US State Department said that it welcomes efforts by Bulgaria and Macedonia to finalize their agreement on the latest historic disputes that block Macedonia from opening EU accession talks. In its statement, the State Department insists that there are Russian efforts to spread political discord in the Balkans and that now top priority should be peace and security in the region. The statement comes as both Governments are alleging that Russian agents in the two countries worked against the proposed secretive new treaty that would likely include a new historic narrative to be imposed on Macedonia and changes to the Macedonian national identity.

Meta reveals details from meeting with Radev (ADN) 

Albanian President Ilir Meta has revealed details from his visit to Bulgaria where he met with counterpart Rumen Radev. The head of state declared that during the meeting with Radev, they confirmed that Albania and Bulgaria are in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Meta says that as NATO member countries, they demonstrated their commitment to democracy and a stronger European perspective. “Together with the President, Rumen Radev, we confirmed today that Albania and Bulgaria are in full support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemn the unprovoked and unjustified aggression of Russia. I condemn the barbaric crimes with which we are all familiar, and for which an international investigation is required and we are for an immediate cessation of this aggression, but also for the resolution of all issues, through dialogue and agreement. At the same time, as two NATO member countries, we are more committed than ever to demonstrating our commitment to democracy and to the strongest European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of our continent”, stressed Meta.

Haradinaj in Tirana, thanks Rama for helping Kosovo during the energy crisis (Radio Tirana) 

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama received in his office the chairman of AAK Ramush Haradinaj. The news was made public by the Prime Minister himself through an announcement distributed on social networks. “The Prime Minister, with the chairman of AAK Ramush Haradinaj,” Rama wrote while posting photos of the meeting. It is learned that among the topics discussed between them and the delegations that accompanied them was the cooperation between Kosovo and Albania in economy, infrastructure, security and foreign policy. Of particular interest was the Pristina-Durres Railway project, as well as the granting of citizenship to citizens of both countries. I thanked Prime Minister Rama for the assistance of the Albanian state during the energy crisis in Kosovo and expressed the need to find ways of close cooperation between the two countries at this not at all normal time,” said Haradinaj.