LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Serbia acting in line with principles of international law (Tanjug/RTS/Politika)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday he was proud that Serbia was acting in line with the principles of international law but was also capable of condemning their violations in a clear and unequivocal manner. Speaking in the parliament after taking the oath of office for his second presidential term, Vucic also said he was proud there was neither anti-Western nor anti-Russian conduct in Serbia. “Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, Goethe and Hemingway are all welcome here, and it is something Serbia can be proud of, even if it is one of the few such countries in the modern world,” he said. Before our eyes, the world is changing dramatically on a daily basis, he said, adding that the attack on Ukraine was a turning point in international relations. “Russia wants to see an end to Western domination, soft and hard power and the expansion of NATO, China does not want a status quo where the West is untouchable and others are without influence, and the West wants to maintain its global dominance while making references to violations of international public law by Russia and China,” Vucic said. It is true that international law was trampled by the attack on Ukraine, but the same thing has happened dozens of times in the modern world, and the key protagonists were the Western powers, who are today the big fighters for respect of international law, Vucic said. “We in Serbia can best confirm that because Serbia was attacked in 1999 without a UN decision, and our country occupied no other before that,” he said. Serbia will cherish its military neutrality, Vucic noted in a speech. Serbia is not politically neutral because it is on the European path, but its military neutrality must be maintained, Vucic said. “We must maintain our military neutrality, we are surrounded by NATO countries or territories where NATO is deployed. There is no territory or country in Serbia’s surroundings where there is no NATO. Serbia is like a small island and some analysts say that is a problem, but what is the problem with trusting your people and the heroic genes of your citizens?” Vucic said. “We have been and will be able to defend our country and we do not want to belong in any military bloc,” he said. We want to have the right to protect our borders and our country, Vucic said, noting that Serbia was now more financially capable of that than it had been in the past. “Today, Serbia would not be as easy a prey to anyone as it was in 1999, despite our brave hearts. That is something I am proud of – I am not attacking or jeopardizing anyone, but no one will have the brazenness to have a go at Serbia that easily anymore, out of geopolitical interests. Not only because they like us or not, but because Serbia is stronger, and it is stronger thanks to the people and the citizens of Serbia, who believed in their army and invested in it,” he said.

Serbia wants peace in Ukraine as soon as possible (Tanjug/RTS)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic met today with new Ambassador of Ukraine to Serbia Volodymyr Tolkach. Welcoming Ambassador Tolkach, Selakovic pointed out that Serbia attaches great importance to the development of overall relations with friendly and traditionally close Ukraine. He emphasized that our interest is to cooperate with Ukraine in all areas of common interest, which means improving and revitalizing political dialogue, as well as establishing more efficient cooperation in strengthening trade and economic relations, when the situation allows. Selakovic stated that Ambassador Tolkach is taking office at a difficult time for Ukraine and expressed regret over the situation in that country, emphasizing that Serbia wants peace in Ukraine as soon as possible, to enable the refugees and IDPs return to their homes, but also to Serbia and Ukraine continue to develop bilateral cooperation. Selakovic reiterated that Serbia is in principle committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes, and in that sense supports all efforts aimed at negotiations. He also expressed readiness for Serbia to provide all kinds of humanitarian aid to the endangered population and participate in the reconstruction of cities in Ukraine, as well as to provide the best conditions for refugees from that country, as well as the right to residence and work permits, in accordance with country rules. EU, but also at a higher level. Selakovic emphasized that Serbia is committed to respecting the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, as one of the basic principles of international law contained in the United Nations Charter, and in that sense respects the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Selakovic also stated that Serbia is exposed to the unprincipled position of one part of the world when it comes to the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, and thanked Ukraine for respecting the territorial integrity of Serbia, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Agreement on cooperation in field of energy improves relations with Azerbaijan (RTS)

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlovic met in Baku with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss political relations, improving economic and cooperation in the field of energy and comprehensive relations of the two countries. Mihajlovic conveyed the greetings of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to President Aliyev and pointed out that thanks to the good relations between the two presidents, there is a political dialogue at the highest level.

Serbia and Azerbaijan are two friendly countries. This year marks 25 years of diplomatic bilateral relations. “We are grateful to Azerbaijan for supporting our sovereignty and territorial integrity, and excellent bilateral and friendly relations based on strategic partnership give us the opportunity to improve economic relations, especially in the field of energy,” Mihajlovic said during the meeting. She stated that excellent political relations represent a perspective for further development of economic relations, since Azerbaijani companies are already engaged in the field of transport infrastructure. Aliyev said that the arrival of Mihajlovic is a good incentive for the continuation of excellent relations between the two countries, and thanked for the invitation to visit Serbia and returned cordial greetings to President Aleksandar Vucic. I am looking forward to joint projects that will bring our two countries even closer. I believe that I will soon visit my friend, President Vucic, and I ask you to convey cordial greetings to him, Aliyev said. During the meeting, they discussed energy security, but also the provision of cereals, and it was agreed to form a working group to improve cooperation in energy. Mihajlovic mentioned that trade cooperation between the two countries is growing, especially in the last two years, and economic relations have been raised to a higher level thanks to cooperation in the field of road infrastructure. She stated that the company Azvirt built the section of the Milos the Great highway Ljig-Preljina, and was also engaged in the construction of the bypass around Belgrade and the fast road Ruma-Sabac-Loznica. We intend to further develop cooperation, especially in the field of energy, in which the memorandum of cooperation will help us a lot. Of particular importance is the cooperation regarding the Southern Gas Corridor. Serbia has started the construction of the Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnection, which will be completed next year and will enable us to receive gas from other suppliers as well, she noted. We believe that more intensive cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of energy, primarily through the diversification of routes and natural gas suppliers, can significantly contribute to greater energy security of Serbia and the region, she said. She pointed out that there is a potential for improving cooperation in other areas, including renewable energy sources and the use of new technologies and opportunities for electricity procurement, which makes Serbia and Azerbaijan partners in the energy transition process. Today, Mihajlovic attended the opening of the “Energy Week” and the “Energy Forum”, in which she will participate tomorrow.

Opposition slams Vucic for taking oath before pre-election parliament composition (Beta)

Some opposition representatives on 31 May accused President Aleksandar Vucic of being “a political coward” for not “daring” to take the oath of office before a new parliament composition, which comprised opposition representatives. “This is not a parliament, but a farce. This is the Steering Committee of the Serbian Progressive Party with their satellites,” Democrat Party official Srdjan Milivojevic told reporters. People’s Party deputy leader Miroslav Aleksic said that “for the first time in Serbia’s history,” a president was sworn in before a dissolved parliament, which he described as illegitimate as the opposition had boycotted the 2020 elections. He called on the regime to form a new parliament and a cabinet as soon as possible rather than prolong it until October. Radomir Lazovic from the Don’t Let Belgrade D(r)own movement said that proclamation of final election results and formation of a new cabinet had been delayed “indefinitely,” because, he said, it was how Vucic had been “buying time.”

Dacic: Postponement with constitution of government over complaints (TV Prva/FoNet)

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic stated today that the delay in constituting the government and the beginning of the new parliament is the result of the request of European institutions and parliamentarians in the inter-party dialogue between the government and the opposition, to extend the deadlines for submitting various complaints, lawsuits and complaints. In the morning program of TV Prva, Dacic said that everyone now has 72 hours to consider whether to file an appeal, lawsuit or objection to each decision. “It is certain that there will be pressure, and when the parliamentary session will be scheduled, that is a bigger dilemma at the moment,” Dacic said. He pointed out that the 72 hours are still waiting to expire, because objections have been sent to the repeated elections in Veliki Trnovac.

Yesterday’s session had to take place

Yesterday’s special session of the Serbian parliament, at which Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic took the oath, is provided by the Serbian Constitution and would be a violation of the Constitution if it had not been convened, because the previous term lasted until 31 May and the session had to be held. He explained that the current convocation of the parliament is the only one we have, that he cannot pass laws, but that he can perform other activities outside the adoption of laws. Regarding the criticism of the opposition that the president took the oath before the deputies of the old convocation, Dacic said that the fact that we do not have a new parliament yet is the result of annulling the elections and asking to vote again. Answering the question about the deadlines for constituting the parliament and forming the government of Serbia, he said that when the voting in Veliki Trnovac is over, then the Republic Election Commission must announce the final results, for which there is a deadline for appeal, and when it is over, there’s 30 days deadline to hold a constitutive session of parliament, after which there is the deadline of 90 days to form a government.

Escobar urges Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia (Beta)

US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar has expressed hope that after the formation of a new cabinet, Serbia will join other Western Balkan countries and impose sanctions against Russia. “Almost all Western Balkan countries have agreed on a way to make Russia pay the price (for the invasion) through sanctions and support to Ukraine and its people. I hope that Serbia will be joining this group and will align with the sanctions, once a government is formed,” Escobar said in an online address to the Southeastern Europe Democracy Summit, held in Montenegro’s coastal town of Budva. Escobar stressed that the Western Balkan countries had achieved “enormous progress and impressive reforms,” expressing hope that Europe would realize in practice what it was saying today in relation to EU integration of the Western Balkans. “I think it is important that the EU has reconfirmed its open door policy. This policy does not only refer to Ukraine and other countries at risk, but also reminds us that another six countries are in line ahead of Ukraine,” Escobar noted. The topic of the summit, which brought together officials of the EU, the US, Great Britain, and the region, was: “War in Europe: Influence on the Balkans”.

London and Moscow in clinch over B&H (Politika, by Mladen Kremenovic)

Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Milorad Dodik’s Advisor Radovan Kovacevic reacted to statements presented over past several days by UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Stuart Peach, who claimed that there is a malignant influence of Russia in the region. Kovacevic claimed that attacks on Republika Srpska (RS) and Serb people in B&H were launched at the same time the conflict in Ukraine started and he argued that “these attacks have been synchronized and carried out by Sarajevo with assistance of the West”. Kovacevic also claimed that the United Kingdom is openly carrying out a policy against the RS. The daily reminded that Truss stated in Sarajevo that there are signs in B&H that Russia is interfering, and this needs to be stopped. The daily also reminded that Truss assessed that it is necessary to stop B&H from returning to conflicts and she added that London will do everything in its power to “prevent Russia’s malignant influence in B&H”. Truss also drew a parallel between B&H and Ukraine and Minister of Foreign Affairs of B&H Bisera Turkovic took an advantage of her meeting with Truss to say that “there is a joint understanding that the crisis in Ukraine can spill over to this part of Europe and there are intentions to do that”. The first reaction to such claims came from Dodik, who said that “B&H is dysfunctional and failed state because there is great meddling, even by their (UK) government”. Dodik also argued that former High Representative Paddy Ashdown destroyed the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) with assistance of the UK Government. Commenting on Truss’ statements that Moldova, Georgia and B&H have been jeopardized and need to be defended, Dodik said that he has no information that B&H has been jeopardized. Montenegrin media reported that Peach stated in Budva that “Russians want to make problems in the region”, while security expert Dzevad Galijasevic said that UK “is planning aggressive operations” and they want to exploit the story on “great threat coming from Russia” to destroy the political and constitutional position of the RS and DPA. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Maria Zakharova reacted on claims presented by Truss and said that activities of the UK in the Western Balkans were “more destructive than gunpowder and bombs and more lethal than plague”. Zakharova wrote on Telegram that the UK, during 1990s, “was covering up trade in organs that was carried out by Kosovo Albanians, as well as trade in all kinds of prohibited goods, including weapons”. Zakharova concluded by saying that the influence of the Alliance in the region is “unscrupulously destructive” and she reminded of the NATO aggression in former Yugoslavia when projectiles containing depleted uranium were used during the bombardment.

REGIONAL PRESS

Dodik on Vucic’s speech: I am convinced that successful cooperation will continue (RTRS) 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated that he listened carefully to the speech of the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, and noted that he is convinced that the successful cooperation will continue. Dodik noted that part of that is certainly the call for a constitutional and legal order in B&H, the Dayton Agreement and the status of RS, without insulting others. “What is a problem for us and has nothing to do with today’s event is that the international factor ruined the Dayton Agreement and that it now lives in some debris, and they are trying to tell us that the ruin they made of B&H should be a commitment to Dayton”, Dodik pointed out. Dodik also stated that international factors have knocked down the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA), stressing that Serbs see B&H sustainable only within the Dayton framework. He reminded that Serbia also advocates for the Dayton-based B&H and that it is very important that it supports the stance that any change of the DPA must be agreed on by the three peoples instead of camouflaged by the international community.

Cvijanovic: Political Sarajevo does not respect fact that Serbia recognizes territorial integrity of B&H (RTRS) 

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic said that “the political Sarajevo” does not respect the fact that Serbia and its institutions recognize the territorial integrity of B&H. Cvijanovic noted that Serbia has been in the way of “political Sarajevo” and Bosniak politicians who wish to unitarize and centralize B&H. “That is why they are against Open Balkans project,” the RS President noted. She added that some of the projects have been obstructed due to being carried out in cooperation with Serbia are construction of the hydropower plant Buk Bijela, which she referred to as “a historic project”, the highway Belgrade-Sarajevo, and the Trebinje airport. Cvijanovic wished Serbia further progress. Cvijanovic stated: “What we wish Serbia is progress, the way they have been doing it for several years, thanks to the government of President Aleksandar Vucic. These are complex, difficult times, there will be more challenges and it is important for Serbia to be stable, and also to continue to be an important support for us in the RS.” Cvijanovic also stated that there is no possibility for riots in B&H unless they are produced from outside. She stressed that untrue statements of some of the world officials that B&H could see a similar scenario as Ukraine and statements on the alleged malign impact of Russia in the Balkans have nothing to do with security concerns.

HJPC disappointed by failure of B&H HoP to amend Law on HJPC; Lagumdzija: I will not hesitate to request from HR Schmidt to impose amendments to this law if that is necessary (N1) 

At its session on Tuesday, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) discussed the fact that the Law on the HJPC was not adopted by the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) as well as the upcoming appointment of the Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office of B&H. When it comes to the Law on the HJPC, members of the HJPC expressed disappointment over the failure to adopt this law in the B&H HoP, and the HJPC announced it will contact B&H Minister of Justice Josip Grubesa to discuss this issue with him and ask him to help with speeding up the amending of the law. The HJPC is considering a possibility of talking to High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt about this matter, as well, in case the authorities fail to amend the law. According to part of the HJPC members, these amendments were supposed to systematically resolve the problems in the judiciary. The HJPC reminded that a new Law on the HJPC is one of the EU requirements defined in the European Commission (EC)’s Opinion on B&H’s EU Membership Application. Addressing media after the session, President of the HJPC Halil Lagumdzija stated that the amendments to the Law on the HJPC should be adopted as soon as possible. Lagumdzija added that, if the law is not adopted by the authorities of B&H and in case the HJPC assesses that “this has been affected by some bad energy and is moving in the bad direction”, then he will not hesitate to request from the HR Schmidt to impose the amendments to this law. Lagumdzija confirmed that the HJPC also discussed the peer review analysis, conducted by legal experts from the EU, and noted that the analysis reads that the communication between police agencies and judiciary in B&H is not good. With regard to the position of the Chief Prosecutor, the HJPC President stressed that it is necessary to take into the account the capability of the candidates, but if there are some candidates with the same level of capability, then ethnic representation in the judicial institutions should be a factor in the decision-making on the appointment. Member of B&H HJPC Slavo Lakic said that a thorough reform of the Law on B&H HJPC must be launched without any delays and he suggested that B&H HJPC should address the Ministry of Justice of B&H with regard to this matter. Member of B&H HJPC Mustafa Sabic said that he is afraid it will not be possible or realistic to adopt the Law on B&H HJPC in the upcoming period of time because of the elections and he added: “It will not happen this year and after the elections, by the time new authorities are formed, perhaps the next year will be lost too. Maybe we should address the Office of the High Representative (OHR)”. Vice President of B&H HJPC Biljana Simeunovic commented on the peer review analysis and said that this is one of many reports that were delivered, yet there was no major progress in fight against corruption. “We need to do something to improve the situation, but it is difficult to expect only B&H HJPC and prosecutors to do something alone,” Simeunovic added.

White Armband Day Marked/Reactions (Hayat/FTV) 

The White Armband Day was marked in Prijedor on Tuesday. The White Armband Day is marked in memory of 31 May 1992, and crimes committed in Prijedor. Namely, on 31 May 1992, Bosnian Serb authorities ordered non-Serbs in Prijedor to mark their homes with white sheets and to wear white armbands when they are walking around town. After that, persecution, taking of non-Serbs to concentration camps and killing of non-Serbs in Prijedor started. More than 3,000 non-Serbs from Prijedor were killed, including 102 children. On the occasion of the White Armband Day, several hundred citizens of Prijedor, B&H and citizens from all over the world Tuesday gathered at the main square in Prijedor to pay tribute to the victims of the crimes in Prijedor. Several non-governmental organizations held a peaceful walk through the city despite the ban of the RS Ministry of Interior (RS MoI) on other planned activities. Members of organizations and family members of victims said that there is no ban that can stop them from remembering the suffering of their loved ones every year. The peaceful walk was banned by the RS MoI, but the attendees walked through the city center in smaller groups spontaneously. US Embassy to B&H fiercely condemned Prijedor authorities for banning peaceful gathering in Prijedor, on occasion of marking the White Armband Day. US Embassy posted a statement on their Twitter: “The right to assemble peacefully is a fundamental right guaranteed in the B&H constitution, and the United States strongly condemns restrictions on peaceful gatherings. Today, as we join those honoring Prijedor civilian victims, we are especially concerned that Prijedor authorities are limiting parameters of a peaceful, annual gathering that is dedicated to commemorating civilian victims of the 1992-1995 war. Prijedor and RS authorities have the institutional responsibility to promote tolerance and respect for victims. Limiting victims’ ability to commemorate their suffering erodes mutual trust and undercuts prospects for reconciliation, which is necessary to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for all B&H citizens. The United States continues to call on B&H authorities at all levels to promote acceptance of judicially established facts about the 1992-1995 war, honor all civilian victims, assist survivors, promote respectful commemoration, and seek justice.” The decision of the Prijedor Police Administration to ban peaceful walk in the city on the occasion of 31 May, the White Ribbon Day, has sparked reactions. Reacting to the ban, UK Ambassador to B&H Matthew Field wrote on his Twitter account that remembrance is important for the survivors, for victims’ families, but also for the future generations. “It is everyone’s obligation to enable this day to be marked with dignity”, wrote Field on his Twitter account. Chairperson of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic has stated the decision represents “unacceptable political pressure on victims’ families, as well as on the associations that preserve the memory of crimes committed in this city”. Dzaferovic also said that the Prijedor authorities have been obstructing the construction of the monument in the city for years and Tuesday’s ban is done in order to subside the memory of the crimes. B&H Presidency member Zeljko Komsic has stated the decision of the current local authorities in Prijedor is “nothing other than the continuity of policy that finds its foundation in crime”, and that attempts in the direction of prohibiting the memory of the victims are “attempts to additionally insult the survivors”. Komsic stated that 31 May marks the day when mass crimes, concentration camps and extermination of Bosniak and Croat people in Prijedor started 30 years ago. The underlined that these operations, along with SDS’ illegal taking over of local authorities in Prijedor carry all marks of fascistic operation. “Decision of Prijedor local authorities from 1992 to label non-Serb citizens with white armbands, presented introduction into extermination which will end in mass graves. The fact that part of victims has not been found to this day and that local authorities do not want to reveal remaining locations of mass graves, present crime in continuity,” said Komsic. ‘Our Party’ (NS) stated that this decision is an act of humiliation and intimidation of victims. “We will show we are not afraid, we will show that in a dignified manner, we will pay respect to victims all over B&H, all over the world, including in Prijedor. For one day, at least at symbolical level, we will be one with Prijedor victims,” NS statement reads. SBB B&H also criticized “concerning, shameful and in the end inhuman decision” of Prijedor authorities. Stressing that Prijedor authorities have banned something that is fundamental human right, i.e. right to peaceful gathering, adding that this also means that authorities in Prijedor are conveying a message that they still refuse to admit the crimes, which resulted in death of 3,176 Prijedor citizens, including 102 children. SBB B&H stated that Prijedor authorities, and Serb people in general will one day have to face with crimes committed by RS Army against non-Serbs and they will have to accept the verdicts of international courts.

Osmanovic: HDZ B&H is not only obstructing elections, but also exerts pressure on B&H CEC (Oslobodjenje) 

B&H Central Election Commission warned that funds for elections have to be operational by 2 June, but until now the Council of Ministers has not adopted the special decision on financing of elections nor they have scheduled a session to adopt the Draft Budget. The daily learns that the riskiest situation for B&H CEC in this moment is the fact that they are not able to sign the contracts with selected company for printing and packing of ballots. The daily further reminded that B&H CEC earlier asked Council of Ministers to adopt a decision on approving of funds for elections from the accumulated funds from earlier years. However, HDZ B&H ministers rejected this decision, stating it would be “illegal”. However, daily comments, not only domestic experts, but also OHR, EU Delegation and US Embassy confirmed in their reactions that this is not the case. B&H MP in B&H House of Representatives Adil Osmanovic (SDA) stated that HDZ B&H is not only obstructing the elections, but they are also exerting pressure on B&H CEC, being that they are discontent with B&H CEC composition. Osmanovic noted that this proves that HDZ B&H and SNSD have had full control over the earlier composition of B&H CEC, underlining that Court of B&H confirmed that B&H CEC was appointed legally. “This is an additional attempt of pressure on B&H CEC, so they would make a wrong step and enter the process of public procurements without securing the funds before that, in order to initiate criminal reports and responsibility. Therefore, this is perfidious game of HDZ B&H with desire to accomplish some unachieved goals,” said Osmanovic.

EPP adopts document on Western Balkans and B&H (Dnevni list) 

Dnevni list daily reads that speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic is attending the Congress of the European People’s Party (EPP) in Rotterdam (31 May-1 June), which should elect new EPP leadership. The Congress is also attended by SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic who, during the first day of the Congress, attended a discussion titled ‘Western Balkan Coffee: Russian War and Its Effects for Western Balkan Region’. Izetbegovic reminded that, 15 years ago, there was consensus in B&H regarding joining NATO and the EU, however there was not enough will on the other side, which could have accelerated the accession to the associations, which B&H deserved. According to Izetbegovic, the EU’s response was not good, arguing that “we need new enthusiasm and support”. “The Union cannot leave the vacuum in the Balkans because other, destabilizing forces, will fill it. And that is happening,” said Izetbegovic. Speaking about Russia’s role in the region, the SDA leader reminded of recent threatening messages coming from the Russian Ambassador to B&H. “We need a clear message that all countries in the Western Balkans will become member of the Union. B&H needs status of (EU) candidate. The EU Council will decide about these issues next month and I call it to support our efforts,” said Izetbegovic. According to the daily, the Congress was also attended and addressed by High Representative Christian Schmidt, RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu and Head of the Western Balkans Task Force in the Strategic Communication Division of the European External Action Service Jasna Jelisic, who all paid attention to the European perspective of the Western Balkans and Russia’s influence to the security situation. Covic told Fena news agency that in all the talks he has had and will have during the Congress, he will stress the position of B&H, B&H’s Euro-Atlantic path “and the fact that the EU membership has no alternative and that we believe we did not deserve to be treated differently that other countries in the region in the accession process”. Covic also said, among other issues, that he hopes that the state budget will be soon adopted by the Council of Ministers of B&H and the Parliament of B&H, so the situation could stabilize in the next five or six month. The HDZ B&H leader also said that he wants to use the EPP Congress to draw attention to all the issues pertaining to legitimate representation of peoples after the elections in order to avoid political blockade or instability. He also noted that interest in B&H has grown, from the situation in which B&H was in the ‘shadow’, whilst nowadays the issue of B&H is on the table, there are talks about the Law on Elections of B&H and political stability of B&H. The EPP leadership adopted a document about the Western Balkans and B&H, which encourages the European integration of B&H with full respect for the Dayton agreement and implementation of electoral reform that would enable equal position of constituent peoples. Daily further reads, among other issues, that the EPP called on the Council (presumably the EU Council) to demonstrate resolute and continuous support to the EU perspective of the country. The EPP also confirmed its support to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H and peace heritage of the Dayton agreement: one state, two entities and three peoples, Others and all citizens. The EPP condemned contesting of territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty of the country, arguing that any unconstitutional secessionist actions, departing from the constitutional and legal framework, must cease, while the current blockade of institutions must end immediately to allow B&H to tackle necessary reforms and further pursue its EU perspective. Daily further reads that the EPP’s document calls for the electoral reform and implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court of B&H. According to the EPP’s document, the electoral and constitutional reform will push B&H towards the status of (EU) candidate. Despite the fact the general elections in B&H have been called, the EPP has called for electoral reform that would secure implementation of principles of equality and non-discrimination. The document also supports the work of the High Representative in line with the Dayton agreement on “the road towards Brussels”. The EPP discussed the situation in the Western Balkans and B&H, condemning the inciting rhetoric in the country. According to FTV, HDZ B&H proposed the request for legitimate representation to be added into the resolution of EPP adopted at the end of the congress. Croat member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic commented on the decision of EPP to reject this request, saying that this is proof of the failure of HDZ B&H and the ridiculous ethnic policy. Izetbegovic said that any secessionist activities that leave the framework of the Constitution need to end in order to enable B&H to dedicate itself to necessary reforms and to follow its European perspective.

Milanovic: Croatia asks little in regards to rights of Croats in B&H (Dnevni list) 

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic commented on the situation in B&H on Tuesday. He assessed that if Zagreb was united in its political stances, things would be solved quickly. Milanovic repeated his proposal to condition the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland with changes to the B&H Election Law. He said that Croatia, if it does recognize them at all, does not advertise its interests. Milanovic believes that they are scared of asking for something and they are ashamed of Croats in B&H. Milanovic said that there is still time and the Croats are forced to wait for a possible conflict among Bosniak candidates for the B&H Presidency to see if they can achieve any rights. Milanovic accused Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic of the situation Croats in B&H found themselves in. According to Milanovic, the Croats in B&H are like the last poor people, who collect crumbs from the table, waiting if something will fall from the table and if the Bosniak candidates quarrel among each other so (Zeljko) Komsic is not re-elected again.

President Milanovic says EU citizens will bear the brunt of the sanctions (HRT) 

European Union leaders have reached an agreement on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia. The sanctions are focused on Russian oil but also cover Russian banks and include an expanded list of Russian citizens whose assets have been blocked by western institutions.

The sanctions were fiercely debated in recent days, as some EU member states fear that an all-out embargo on Russian energy would collapse their economies. The sixth package of EU sanctions includes a ban on Russian oil but only oil transported by sea. This represents about 75% of the total amount of Russian imported by EU member states. Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, which have opposed an oil embargo over concerns it would destroy their economy, have been given a transition period during which they will still be able to import Russian oil. Croatia, in coordination with the European Commission, offered to increase oil transport through the Adria-pipeline to Hungary and other neighboring countries, in a bid to get the sanctions passed. At Budapest’s request Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto was received by Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Davor Filipovic in Zagreb today. The focus of discussion was on ensuring a secure energy supply. The ministers agreed that only joint efforts and greater use of European energy infrastructure, such as the LNG terminal on the island of Krk, refineries, gas pipelines and the Adriatic Oil Pipeline, can facilitate the transition to new energy supply routes. Here’s what Minister Filipović said after their meeting: “I explained to the Hungarian minister that JANAF’s existing capacity of 11.4 million tons can meet in its entirety Hungary’s needs. So, Croatia is here to ensure Hungary a secure energy supply, but also for other countries in the European Union.” However, President Zoran Milanovic opposes the sanctions against Russia, saying that they are ineffective. Ultimately, he says, European citizens will bear the brunt of the sanctions: “The citizens of the European Union will pay the price. Putin will smile with pleasure and that’s that. And that oil and gas will go to other markets, because the demand is high and there are plenty of buyers. That’s the reality. You asked if Croatia is the key; no it’s not. Croatia is unimportant in this regard. We’ll earn a few Lipa on the transfer of this oil and that’s that.” Since the beginning of the Western sanctions against Russia, the Russian Ruble has risen to record highs after an initial drop. Meanwhile, fuel prices in Croatia have jumped yet again. Simultaneously, the State Statistics Bureau announced today that industrial production in Croatia dropped by 1.5 from the previous month, and 1.3 percent year-on-year.

Croatian President does not believe that EU sanctions have any effect (Hina) 

President Zoran Milanovic said on Tuesday that the European sanctions against Russia “are not working” since Moscow could sell oil to others. During its summit meeting in Brussels on Monday, the European Union agreed on a new set of sanctions whereby seaborne oil imports from Russia would be immediately banned. Two-thirds of the Russian oil imported by the EU comes via tanker and one-third by the Druzhba pipeline. The embargo on seaborne oil imports would therefore apply to two-thirds of all oil imported from Russia. Milanovic said in his ironical comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin could now have a self-complacent smile on his face, and gas and oil supplies could be redirected from Russia to other destinations “where there is a high demand for them”. Milanovic went on to say that European citizens will pay a high price for the sanctions that are not working. “Perhaps one day, they will start producing some effect. Currently, neither has the rouble depreciated nor is Russia feeling the financial effects (of the sanctions). Once it starts feeling them, the war will be already over.” Milanovic, therefore, thinks that Europe should introduce “an all-out energy embargo” against Russia. He wonders why no embargo has been put on the gas imports from Russia. As part of the agreement to ban the import of Russian oil delivered by ships, Hungary will be able to procure oil via Croatia in case of problems with the Druzhba pipeline. Milanovic finds this to be good for Hungary, while Croatia is “irrelevant” in this case and it can only earn a pittance in this arrangement. “I would like to see Croatia playing a crucial role. However, Croatia is not a key player. Croatia is no player, at all,” said Milanovic, calling for being engaged in a tug of war in trade.

PM says Milanovic is acting to advantage of Russia (Hina) 

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic rejected in Brussels on Tuesday President Zoran Milanovic claim’s that sanctions against Russia were ineffective and only did harm to European citizens, accusing him of acting to the advantage of the Russian aggressor. Earlier on Tuesday, the Croatian President said that the European sanctions against Russia were not working since Moscow could sell oil to others. He made the statement after the EU decided to impose a partial embargo on the import of oil from Russia. “It is incorrect that the sanctions are not helping, thanks to its energy sources, Russia is financing war operations in which a large number of soldiers and civilians die every day,” Plenkovic said after a EU summit in Brussels, at which the sixth package of sanctions against Russia was hammered out. Plenkovic added that sanctions were a moral matter and that one should be on the right side of history and law. “The government is, I am, and the Croatian public should ask themselves whether mister Milanovic is,” Plenkovic said. “We are pursuing a policy in the interest of Croatia and in the interest of the EU, in the interest of justice and solidarity, and if he’s pursuing a policy… to the advantage of the Russian aggressor, he should explain that to citizens, because we aren’t. Unfortunately, that has been happening for months and is no longer a coincidence, it’s a great pity and shame for Croatia,” he added. Plenkovic also rejected Milanovic’s claims that Croatia was no energy hub. Denying Croatia’s strategic role in our neighbourhood, all the activities we do, the fact that the LNG terminal was realized during our term of office, and the fact that investments in critical infrastructure would give Croatia a completely different position can be called either ignorance or jealousy. All of that is human and I’m sorry he gives such statements, said Plenkovic. During its summit meeting in Brussels on Monday, the European Union agreed on a new set of sanctions whereby seaborne oil imports from Russia would be immediately banned. Two-thirds of the Russian oil imported by the EU comes via tanker and one-third by the Druzhba pipeline. The embargo on seaborne oil imports would therefore apply to two-thirds of all oil imported from Russia. Since Germany and Poland announced that they would completely give up Russian oil by year’s end, the import of Russian oil will drop by 90%.

SDP and DPS: Open Balkans would involve the adoption and amendment of a number of laws (City portal) 

Although the Prime Minister said yesterday that he does not need special support for deciding on the Open Balkans, the DPS believes that there are enough ministers in the government who will be against. The SDP claims that the Open Balkans is far from being considered by the government. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the main department from which these initiatives should come, proposals related to this corpus of issues. Our position on the Open Balkans has been clear and has been stated several times, that we believe that Montenegro should not deal with this issue as a priority at this time. It can be seen as any other initiative, but we believe that it is counterproductive and harmful to place it in the public as a topic of key importance,” said the Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party Ivan Vujovic. “Joining this initiative would mean adopting and amending a number of laws in the Montenegrin parliament. In that sense, it would be a matter for parliament. Since this is a law on foreign trade, some laws concerning the labor market and labor relations. We, neither as the public, nor as political actors, have entered into what is the depth, essence and content of the initiative,” explains Vujovic. The DPS is explicitly against. “It is up to the DPS to decide how it will be. We said a long time ago that we are against that initiative. We said a long time ago that this is something that cannot deserve the support of the DPS,” explains the MP of the Democratic Party of Socialists Predrag Boskovic. According to them, the foreign policy of the state is no one’s private jurisdiction and no one, not even Prime Minister Abazovic, can lead it in such a way. “It is not just a decision of the government that joining this initiative is exclusive, because it should result in hundreds of laws that would implement that initiative, and that is again in the parliament. So, I would not rush with that, maybe it is his personal belief, personal perception, but politics is much more than personal,” adds Boskovic. The Governor of the Central Bank Radoje Zugic also warns of the danger to the state and the economy, due to the ignorance of the content of the initiative. “Montenegro is a small and consequently open economy with a high degree of import dependence, so we are flexible enough in economic terms. I don’t think we should rush without adequate analyses on that basis as well. If it is a political decision then it is not good. If it is useful from the economic point of view, why not, but on the basis of analysis,” says Zugic. The Bosniak Party is not one of the constituents of the current government for the Open Balkans, which was confirmed by the party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic. Interlocutors conclude that it is unnecessary to spend energy on dubious and problematic initiatives, but that attention should be focused on Montenegro’s European path.

Ahmetovic met with Djukanovic’s advisors: Germany wants to see WB in EU, no alternative to Berlin Process (CdM) 

Germany wants to see the Western Balkans in the EU, as it’s the only guarantee of the stability, Adis Ahmetovic, Bundestag’s rapporteur for the Western Balkan, said. Ahmetovic wants to believe that Montenegro’s going to make the best use of what it built over the previous period, thus becoming the first next EU member state. Ahmetovic hosted the advisors to the President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic – Amer Halilovic and Natasa Pesic – in the seat of his party in Hanover.

Lajcak: Montenegro shouldn’t be nervous about Macron’s proposal (MINA) 

The EU has been more open to the enlargement process since the start of the war in Ukraine, says EU Special Representative for the Western Balkans Miroslav Lajcak. He adds that Montenegro could and should take advantage of the political moment. In an interview for the MINA agency, Lajcak says that the statement of French President Emmanuel Macron, that countries that are not members of the EU should unite within a new political organization, does not apply to Montenegro. “Macron gave a statement in principle, he should speak at the European summit in Brussels, but it is already clear from what he said that this is not an alternative to enlargement,” Lajcak says.

Krivokapic and Peach: Montenegro is recognized as a reliable ally (CdM) 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ranko Krivokapic met with the Special Envoy of the British Prime Minister for the Western Balkans Stuart Peach, and during the talks it was assessed that intensive foreign policy activities build new trust of Euro-Atlantic friends and that with the arrival of the new Government, Montenegro is recognized as a reliable ally… According to his cabinet, Krivokapic said that commitment and unity are becoming especially important today, when we are witnessing Russian aggression against one sovereign state, i.e. the biggest security and humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War. “The head of diplomacy warned that the repercussions of aggression in Ukraine are also reflected in the Western Balkans, and that this war calls for caution, since the influences of various actors in the region have increased,” the statement said. The important role of Montenegro in preserving stability in the region was emphasized at the meeting, with special reference to Bosnia and Herzegovina, bearing in mind our country’s unequivocal commitment to strongly advocate democratic values ​​and the Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans. “In that line, the UK’s commitment to regional stability and security, as well as to strengthening political dialogue with the countries of the region, was welcomed,” the statement concluded.

Abazovic and Peach: Montenegro and Great Britain are permanently committed to preserving regional stability and security (CdM) 

Montenegro and the United Kingdom are permanently committed to a common goal – preserving regional stability and security, it was assessed during the meeting of the Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazovic, Special Envoy for the Western Balkans of the British Prime Minister, Sir Stuart Peach and the British Ambassador to Montenegro Karen Maddox, announced the Prime Minister’s Office. Abazovic thanked for the support of the United Kingdom in the fight against organized crime and transnational smuggling, emphasizing that cooperation in customs cooperation and cyber security is at a very high level. “Montenegro and the United Kingdom have excellent cooperation in the field of defense. That is of fundamental importance for Montenegro in the context of the growing security challenges and risks that the region of the Western Balkans and the whole world is facing,” Abazovic concluded. The interlocutors agreed that intensive and close cooperation between the two countries in the security system should be continued, in order to prevent the influence of third parties and jeopardize the stability of Montenegro and its full commitment to EU values ​​and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Russia expels one Montenegrin diplomat (CdM) 

Russia has declared a persona non grata an employee of the Montenegrin embassy in Moscow, it was published on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that country. Montenegrin Ambassador Milorad Scepanovic was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia in Moscow, where he was handed a note on the expulsion of the Montenegrin diplomat. The decision was reportedly made in response to the Montenegrin Foreign Ministry’s 7 April decision to expel several diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Podgorica.

Vasilevska: Xhaferi’s arbitrariness causes violation of human rights and freedoms, new parliament speaker is needed (TV 24) 

We filed the non-confidence motion, today we have been officially informed by the parliament speaker that the motion has been accepted. And we expect whether according to the rules of procedure, the same will soon be put at the plenary session whereas the opposition we will publicly present our arguments and demands that Talat Xhaferi succumbs to the motion and be replaced, Ivanka Vasilevska, MP and a member of the EC of VMRO-DPMNE said in an interview with TV 24. Vasilevska added that VMRO-DPMNE has a request which is supported by several serious arguments, primarily as an important point that should be taken into account is the disruption of interpersonal relations within the parliament as an institution. For that reason, we need and through our argumentation we will try to get support within the ruling majority so that we can reach a situation where the parliament speaker returns to normal, i.e. to elect a speaker who will be representative. And I say this not because the person of Talat Xhaferi is attacked, here his behavior and his results from his way of running the Parliament are attacked, explained Vasilevska. Vasilevska pointed out that Xhaferi’s arbitrariness causes violations of human rights and freedoms.

Besa Movement: Early parliamentary elections is the right option (Republika) 

The central leadership of the BESA Movement held the first meeting at which the party bodies were elected. According to the party, Fatmir Limani, Blerim Sejdiu and Besa Kadriu have been elected vice presidents, Abdush Demiri has been elected secretary general, and Faruk Avdiu has been elected party spokesman. According to Besa, the meeting also discussed the political situation in the country and what actions should be taken further. The BESA movement believes that early parliamentary elections is the right option because, as they point out, the current government does not have the credibility to lead the future of the country and that the country should hold parliamentary elections as soon as possible.

No language, people, history: If the Bulgarian demands are included in the negotiating framework with the EU, the Macedonian ones will be excluded (Republika/BGNES) 

The Bulgarian BGNES agency, which is considered one of the best informed, published shocking information about the dispute with Macedonia. In particular, French President Emmanuel Macron promised Radev and Petkov that all Bulgarian demands would be included in the negotiating framework, ie would become an integral part of negotiations with the EU. In other words, no matter how long the negotiations with the EU last, Macedonia will not become a member if it does not meet the requirements contained in the Declaration of the Bulgarian Parliament, which is backed by all parties. It clearly emphasizes that the Macedonian language is a dialect of Bulgarian, that until 1944 we had a common, which in Bulgarian translation means Bulgarian history and that Macedonians do not exist. Here is the content of the Declaration that should be included in the negotiations with the EU. Real progress in fulfilling the spirit and letter of the Good Neighborly Agreement. Real Progress, Sofia means giving up support or requesting recognition of the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria; beginning of a process of rehabilitation of the victims of the “Yugoslav communist regime who suffered repression because of Bulgarian self-consciousness”; a new lustration process that should shed light on the collaborators of the former Yugoslav security services in present-day Macedonia; and systematic removal of the qualification “Bulgarian fascist occupier” from all texts on monuments and memorial plaques.

There should be harmonization for personalities and events from the “common history until 1944”, and among them are listed Goce Delcev, VMRO and the Ilinden Uprising. They should also be reflected on information boards and other signs of historical and cultural monuments. Specific dates for celebrating joint events and personalities will have to be agreed, but “political representatives, representatives of state institutions in Macedonia, as well as state-funded media” will have to “base their statements and comments on the texts which will be agreed by the Commission.” The term “Macedonian language” should not appear anywhere in the EU documents, i.e. if there is an absolute necessity, the term “official language of the Republic of Macedonia” should be used. If, as it is stated, “there is an absolute necessity to use the term ‘Macedonian language’ in EU documents and positions, there should be a  footnote to clarify that it is” in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, it should be clear that the language norm, which has been declared a constitutional language in the Republic of Macedonia, is related to the evolution of the Bulgarian language and its dialects with its codification in 1944. By the second intergovernmental conference, historians will have to agree on another set of personalities and events from history up to 1944 (no specification). To harmonize the school curricula in history and literature in both countries, and additionally:” historical and literary sources from the 19th and 20th century, in parallel with the adapted texts, to be presented and studied in the original form in which they were written. Bulgaria will insist that Macedonia submit a “curriculum in history, geography and literature” from primary schools to universities where all agreed decisions of the History Commission will already be implemented. The same goes for the monuments in the country. Overcoming hate speech in public, especially towards people who identify themselves as Bulgarians, but also greater transparency in the ownership and financing of the media.

Rama meets Guterres, discussing about program and priorities of Albanian Presidency of UN Security Council (Radio Tirana) 

During his stay in New York, Prime Minister Edi Rama was received in a meeting by the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres. They discussed about the program and priorities of the Albanian presidency of the UN Security Council. “Proud of Albania taking over the presidency of the UN Security Council tomorrow, for the first time in history and beyond any single imagination until a few years ago. With the Secretary General for the program and priorities of the Albanian Presidency of the UN Security Council,” Rama says. Rama and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhacka are in the US, within the Presidency of Albania in the UN Security Council (1-30 June 2022). Albania has joined the United Nations Security Council, as a non-permanent member for the period 2022-2023, where it has taken over the responsibility of co-host with the United States, on the issue of Ukraine. On the morning of 2 June, Rama will lead the open high-level debate of the Security Council on international accountability, as one of the priorities of our country in the Security Council, further emphasized due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Rama meets Linda Thomas Greenfield (Radio Tirana) 

During his official visit in New York, Prime Minister Edi Rama had a meeting with the US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield. Rama shared on social networks moments from the meeting with Ambassador Greenfield. “With Linda Thomas Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, who expressed the highest considerations for Albania’s performance in the Security Council,” Rama said.

Nikolla in Germany, meets with the head of Bundestag (Radio Tirana) 

The speaker of the Assembly Lindita Nikolla is paying an official visit to Berlin, where she was received by the President of the Bundestag. President Barbel Bas and Nikolla discussed the progress of bilateral and parliamentary cooperation, the process of integration of Albania and the Western Balkans into the European Union, regional cooperation and the impact of the war in Ukraine in the Western Balkans. Nikolla underlined that Albania and Germany have an excellent political cooperation. “Germany’s contribution through grants, soft loans and technical assistance in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, sustainable development, environment, vocational education, etc., is an important resource for the development of Albania. We highly appreciate Germany’s commitment and support on our path to the EU, as a strong promoter and supporter of the opening of membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. We are confident that this support will continue for the holding of the First Intergovernmental Conference within the French Presidency of the EU. “The merit-based enlargement approach, for both aspiring countries and member states, should separate the bilateral problems from the framework of the negotiations with the EU,” said Nikolla. Nikolla also focused on Albania’s achievements in fulfilling the recommendations of the EC and the Bundestag, mentioning in the justice reform, electoral reform, the fight against organized crime and corruption and the public administration reform. “Joining the European family is a popular desire. It is important that the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans work together to accelerate the integration process to avoid non-Western and undemocratic influences in the region. With the return of the opposition to the Assembly, parliamentary activity has normalized. I am doing my best for the opposition to have its space, role and voice in the Assembly because a strong opposition is the premise for a healthy government, for increasing transparency, accountability and parliamentary control,” said Nikolla. The President of the Bundestag said that Albania has met the conditions and recommendations for the integration process and that the First Intergovernmental Conference should be held “once and for all”. She reiterated Germany’s support for our country in this process. “Albania has met the conditions and recommendations for the integration process and the First Intergovernmental Conference must be held immediately. You have the constant and unstinting support of Germany, the Bundestag and mine. When a country performs its tasks, it is the EU’s duty to take the decision to hold the Intergovernmental Conference immediately. You are moving forward with the advancement of reforms and good governance, and the Bundestag encourages you to continue to do so. “The Bundestag is ready to assist the Assembly with expertise to increase transparency, accountability, parliamentary oversight, the functioning of committees of inquiry and the modernization of parliamentary services,” said the President of the Bundestag.