LOCAL PRESS

Strategic partnership between Serbia, Egypt confirmed (Tanjug/RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and President of Egypt Abdel Fatah al-Sisi signed today the Joint Declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the Arab Republic of Egypt. In the presence of the two presidents, 12 more cooperation agreements were signed, including the Cooperation Program between the Government of Serbia and the Government of Egypt, which was signed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Branko Ruzic and Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Samih Shukri. Ruzic and Shukri also signed the Executive Program in the field of education between the two governments. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Branislav Nedimovic and Minister Shukri signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of the two countries on cooperation in the field of agriculture. The program of cooperation in the field of culture and art between the Egyptian and Serbian governments was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Maja Gojkovic and Minister Shukri, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between the Film Centre of Serbia and the Egyptian Film Centre of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia and the Ministry of Environment of Egypt on cooperation in the field of environment was signed by Minister Shukri and Minister of Environmental Protection Irena Vujovic. The memorandum of understanding on the mutual cancellation of visas for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports was signed by the heads of diplomacy of the two countries, Nikola Selakovic and Samih Shukri. General Director of RTS Dragan Bujosevic and Minister Shukri signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between Radio and Television of Serbia and the National Media Authority of Egypt, while Director of the Museum of African Art in Belgrade Marija Aleksic and Minister Shukri signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Museum in Belgrade and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo. The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Development Agency of Serbia and the Administration of Free Zones – GAFI on strengthening bilateral investment relations was signed by the Director of the Development Agency of Serbia Rados Gazdic and Minister Shukri, and the two initialed the Memorandum of Understanding between the RAS and the Agency for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises of Egypt. Director of the Institute for Standardization of Serbia Tatjana Bojanic and Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Nevin Gamea signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute for Standardization of Serbia and the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOC) – “Cooperation in the field of standardization and information”. Vucic previously presented Al-Sisi with the Order of the Republic of Serbia on a ribbon for exceptional services in developing friendly relations between Serbia and the Arab Republic of Egypt. Before that, a tete-a-tete meeting of the presidents of the two countries was held, after which the delegations of Serbia and Egypt also met.

Botsan-Kharchenko: Serbia could get additional gas supplies if necessary (TV Happy/Beta/Politika)

Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko has said that Serbia could receive additional gas supplies in the winter, if necessary. “Basic gas supplies are defined by the existing agreement, but there is a possibility for delivering more gas during the winter should Serbia need it. It would be settled in the same way as is defined in the existing agreement,” the Russian ambassador has told Belgrade media. “The basic matters are defined in the agreement, and the price is the best possible in the current conditions. It is favorable to Russia, but also enables Serbia’s development and a normal life,” Botsan-Kharchenko said. Speaking about gas transit, the Ambassador has expressed concern with the transit via Bulgaria as relations between Moscow and Sofia are very bad. “Gas transit is going well for now. Gas is transported via the EU countries, and we hope that everything will be done in an acceptable and decent manner also in the future,” the Russian Ambassador noted. Botsan-Kharchenko stated that Moscow was expecting an increase of pressure by the US and European Union on Serbia to join the sanctions against that country, or to make some other kind of concession concerning Kosovo or the Serbian interests in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said for the pro-government Happy television, that the sanctions to Russia were the most important matter for the West and that in this sense it would not consider much what kind of consequences this would have for Serbia. In the case that Belgrade resists the pressures and doesn’t introduce sanctions to Russia, Botsan-Kharchenko believes that in that case some painful compromise will be created concerning Kosovo and the Republika Srpska.

Martyniuk: Kiev would buy arms from Serbia (Nova/Beta)

Mark Martyniuk, the deputy chief of mission at the Ukrainian Embassy in Belgrade, has said that Kiev wants and is ready to buy arms from Serbia, but that Belgrade probably does not want to sell arms due to its military neutral status. “You know that Serbia has not been selling arms to Ukraine, but we see no obstacles,” Martyniuk told the Tuesday issue of Belgrade daily Nova. Speaking about a cargo plane, owned by a private Ukrainian company which had crashed in northern Greece en route to Bangladesh while carrying 11.5 tons of munitions produced in Serbia, Martyniuk said that according to his earlier information, it was “a mechanical failure”, adding that a full investigation was required. Martyniuk reiterated Ukraine’s stand that Serbia should impose sanctions against Russia and that his country was expecting much more support from Belgrade in various domains, but he also extended gratitude for the reception of the Ukrainians who had had to leave their homes.

OSCE: Number of acts targeting cultural heritage in Kosovo increasing (Beta)

The number of incidents in which cultural heritage and religious sites in Kosovo have been targeted has grown over the past several years, while the majority of these cases which were motivated by money involved churches and graveyards belonging to the Serbian Orthodox Church, the OSCE Kosovo mission’s latest report says. The report, which covers the period between January 2014 and December 2020, says that 247 incidents involving cultural heritage and religious sites were reported in that period, of which 112 incidents were instances of theft of money or property, while in the remaining 135 cases money was not a motive. “Of the 135 incidents in which money was not the motive, 57 percent were committed in churches and cemeteries belonging to the Serbian Orthodox Church, while 24 percent were directed against the religious property of the Islamic community. In 12 cases (10 percent) Catholic churches were targeted, while secular sites were targeted in only six cases. Three incidents involved Jewish sites and one a Protestant church,” the OSCE says in the report. In the majority of cases the culprits were not found and their motives remain unknown, says the report, which contains several recommendations for key institutions on how to improve protection and the valorization of Kosovo’s rich cultural heritage.

REGIONAL PRESS

Bauer is visiting B&H, meets B&H officials (O Kanal)

Chairman of the Military Committee of NATO, Admiral Rob Bauer started his official visit to B&H on Tuesday. On the first day of his visit, Bauer held a meeting Sarajevo with the highest-ranking military and political officials of B&H. On this occasion, Bauer stated that the security of B&H is key to the stability of the Western Balkans, as well as the rest of Europe, due to which NATO will continue to act to preserve peace in this part of Europe. Bauer said that he arrived in a critical period, in which stability and democratic order in the whole of Europe are being tested. “Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s war in Ukraine is an attempt to destroy the rule of law with the rule of force,” the Admiral noted. The Admiral warned that this conflict is more than war in Ukraine itself, because it represents an attempt to overthrow the system established on laws and the right of countries to decide their own fate. He stressed that the war in Ukraine has serious consequences for the world, including the Western Balkans, where this threat to security is reflected in terrorism and cyber warfare. In addition, Bauer stated that, at the NATO summit in Madrid, it was agreed to increase political and military support for allies and partners. “NATO will continue to provide support for the reforms adopted in B&H. There will be assistance package to the Armed Forces (AF) through military equipment, but not weapons, which NATO does not do. This can only happen if individual members have a bilateral agreement with B&H. There are talks about how we will help B&H. This assistance is reflected in the construction of infrastructures, institutions, etc.”, he added. Commenting on the possibility that Russia could veto the extension of EUFOR Althea mandate in the UN Security Council (UN SC) this fall, Bauer said that he believes that it is in everyone’s interest to guarantee the security of B&H, but if that is not the case, there are options in the event the Russian veto. Chief of Joint Staff of B&H Armed Forces Lieutenant General Senad Masovic, underlined that cooperation with NATO is at the highest level and that B&H belongs in this alliance. “It is important that we have a clear perception of future of B&H towards NATO”, Masovic assessed. Masovic said that this visit is significant for the defense system of BIH, as well as the citizens because of several reasons. He explained that this confirms NATO is present in B&H, that NATO and B&H cooperate at a highly efficient level and that B&H has its place and belongs to the NATO family. Bauer said that his visit is taking place at a significant and serious time. He stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed things, especially for the Western Balkans. Bauer added that the presence of NATO in B&H and support for the EUFOR Mission Althea serves as a proof of the long-term dedication to security in B&H. He said that they have a strong partnership based on dialogue and political cooperation. Bauer said that solutions are being explored in case of a veto on the prolongation of the EUFOR mandate in B&H in November.

Bauer meets with Dzaferovic, Komsic within his official visit to B&H (N1)

Within his official visit to B&H, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer met with B&H Presidency members Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic in Sarajevo on Tuesday, where they discussed past institutional cooperation between BiH and NATO and models of the progress of the integration processes of BiH into NATO in the context of official decisions, like the B&H Law on Defense is. On the occasion it was assessed that bilateral relations are intense, partner-like and at a high level. N1 reports that B&H Presidency member Milorad Dodik did not attend the meeting, but his representative did, and Bauer said that the representative “was not concrete but moderate”. In an exclusive interview for N1, Bauer said he is of view everyone he met and talked to on Tuesday support B&H’s NATO path. “I got the impression is that B&H is sometimes going through difficult times, but actually, everybody is working really hard to make sure they make progress. Everybody wants to work with NATO, and I think there is a positive attitude towards NATO, to actually get there, to become a member,” said Bauer in an interview for N1.

Podzic meets NATO’s Bauer, he thanked for NATO support to B&H (Srna/N1)

During a meeting with Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, B&H Minister of Defense Sifet Podzic expressed gratitude to the NATO and its partners for its selfless help to B&H adding that the B&H Ministry of Defense and the B&H Armed Forces could not operatively function without their assistance. The B&H Ministry of Defense stated that Podzic commented on the current developments in Europe and he emphasized that “B&H feels consequences of the conflict in Ukraine harsher than other countries of the region.” Bauer expressed content with the visit to Sarajevo and he added that leaders of the NATO countries pointed out in Madrid that the NATO will continue to support B&H’s progress and prosperity.  Addressing the press conference after the meeting with Bauer held on Tuesday, Podzic said: “This is another opportunity to meet with Admiral Bauer after the Summit in Madrid to remind, i.e. provide guidelines how to carry out all the task we obliged to, and how to implement all assistances planned for B&H.”

Okolic informs Bauer abut ‘Serb stance’ (ATV)

B&H Deputy Defense Minister Mirko Okolic told ATV Banja Luka that he met with Bauer on Tuesday and informed him that there are many topics on which the officials in B&H have mutual opposite stances, especially of disagreements between political factors that represent a relevant decision-making force such as B&H parliament, B&H Council of Ministers and B&H Presidency. He stressed that he had an opportunity to explain Bauer other side of the story and tell him that Serbs do not obstruct anything in B&H but that political Sarajevo blocks the progress. ATV Banja Luka reminded that Bauer paid a visit to B&H invited by Chief of Joint Staff of B&H Armed Forces Lieutenant General Senad Masovic, who has been usurping the Serb post for four months now in attempt to bring B&H closer to NATO, regardless of the fact that he knows very well the RS’ stance on the NATO integration and that no agreement has been reached in B&H on this issue.

Dodik meets Israeli President, ministers in Israeli government, reps of World Zionist Organization in separate meetings (RTRS)

Within his official visit to Jerusalem, Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik attended on Tuesday memorial ceremony in honor of Theodore Herzl, founder of Zionist movement and the idea of Jewish state, where he met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Ahead the ceremony, Chairperson of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel presented Dodik with an award. RTRS reports that, on the occasion, Dodik said that such meetings, especially the meetings of two peoples are not only natural and necessary, but also irreplaceable in times of challenges, because although “geographically distant, our people share almost identical destiny of persecution, mistreatment, mass killings, destiny of being declared a second class citizen, denial of rights, liquidation and never-ending political struggle for peace and future”. Addressing the media, Dodik said: “I am especially honored by the opportunity to receive a present, a recognition exactly here at this gathering, from the World Zionist Organization, and in that regard it is very important that today, on a very important day for Jewish people, for their state, I will attend the ceremony of marking the anniversary of death of the creator of modern Israel, who first informed of that idea, Theodore Herzl, exactly at this important mythical, holy hill.” Hagoel expressed gratitude to Dodik “for his support to state of Israel, and it is of great importance that we have support at times when we have the crisis, the support of your peoples, and I thank you for that”. RTRS reports that Dodik also met with Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem Theophilos III who presented Dodik with the Medal of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for his contribution to the reconstruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Addressing the media, Dodik reminded of his conversation with Theophilos III about the reconstruction, after which “I decided that the RS Government will allocate a donation, that I will present personally, and the Patriarch presented me with a medal intended for people who contribute to the reconstruction of the Holy Sepulcher. It is a special honor for the RS and for me’’. RTRS reports that Dodik announced that the RS government will donate EUR 100,000 to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the upcoming month, and Theophilos III said the RS’ donation is of great importance, noting he understands very well the situation Serb people is in, and the challenges they face. “I know the Serb people is under great pressures from different powerful people. Our faith is what preserves our identity and culture, and globalization is trying to destroy every form of identity. Globalization is attacking Orthodox faith the most. These are challenging times and we all need to be unified in Christ,” Theophilos III was quoted as saying. RTRS reports that Dodik also met with Israeli Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage Ze’ev Elkin.

Cvijanovic meets US Office for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs’ Brooks on situation in B&H and RS (ATV/RTRS)

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic met with Director of the US Office for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Robin Brooks, in Washington on Tuesday. They discussed the current political and economic situation in the RS and B&H and the improvement of cooperation with the US institutions in the field of human rights protection. Cvijanovic and Brooks discussed the current political and economic situation in the RS and B&H, as well as advancing cooperation with the US institutions in the field of human rights protection. RTRS reports that, during the meeting, Cvijanovic stressed the importance of intensifying internal dialog in B&H, consistent respect of the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) and the constitutional status of the three constituent peoples and all citizens in B&H.

Consultations with NGOs and parliamentary parties on changes to FB&H Constitution and Election Law of B&H starts in OHR building (O Kanal/Istraga.ba)

O Kanal carried that consultations with the NGO sector and parliamentary parties on changes to Constitution of the FB&H and the Election Law of B&H have started in the OHR building in Sarajevo. Portal Istraga.ba received a confirmation from diplomatic sources that the OHR is considering imposing amendments to the Election Law of B&H. According to the same sources, there are two possible courses of action for High Representative Christian Schmidt. Istraga.ba reported that the first direction implies the imposition of a solution or so-called technical issue in the Election Law, while the second direction leads to election of delegates in the House of Peoples (HoP) of the FB&H in favor of HDZ B&H’s demands where the principle of legitimate representation would be accepted. The latest information from Istraga.ba shows that there is no consensus among the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) members regarding the mentioned proposals. Commenting on the mentioned proposals, Croat member of the B&H Presidency and DF leader Zeljko Komsic said he is sure that citizens of B&H are not willing to accept “anti-European solutions that deepen ethnic divisions in the Election Law”. Komsic was further quoted: “HR Christian Schmidt should think carefully about what he is considering, and be sure that the decision to the detriment of the citizens and the state of BiH cannot pass without consequences.” SDP B&H’s representative in the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Sasa Magazinovic posted on his social media confirming that everything that appeared in the media is true and that there were frequent calls from various international circles. “The HR is consulting on the intention to grant the HDZ B&H’s amendments related to the formation of the authorities. Value-wise, that is completely wrong. Introduction of new discrimination is on the horizon,” specified Magazinovic.

Sattler: B&H needs to work on fulfilling priorities from EC’s Opinion and Election Law is among them (FTV)

In a statement to FTV, EU Special Representative (EUSR) and Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H Johann Sattler commented the issue of the Election Law of B&H and said that B&H needs to work on fulfilling the 14 priorities from the European Commission (EC)’s Opinion on the B&H’s EU Membership Application and the Election Law is among these priorities. Sattler said: “Reform of the Election Law is one of the 14 priorities – the implementation of rulings as well as the integrity package. We are here to help, but we also need your involvement. So, next week, the Law on Public Procurement will be in the parliamentary procedure. I hear that it is well on its way to being adopted. The Ministry of Justice should also do its part when it comes to the Laws on Conflict of Interest, and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of B&H and refer these laws to the Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H. So, this is what you need to do as a signal to our capital cities that you are ready to carry out the tasks.”

Djukanovic-Abazovic: Professional and scientific public will check conformity of Agreement with SPC with Montenegro’s constitutional and legal system (RTCG)

President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic and Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic had consultations on overcoming problems in the functioning of the executive power caused by the adoption of the agreement on issues of common interest of the government of Montenegro and the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC). “It was jointly assessed that it is in the interest of Montenegro and its European future to preserve political stability and improve the functionality of the institutions of the system, so that the candidate country for EU membership, in the shortest possible time, fulfills the priority obligations from the European agenda,” it is stated in a joint statement. In this context, as stated in the press release after the meeting, the idea of presenting the text of the Agreement once again to the professional and scientific public of Montenegro, i.e. representatives of the University and civil society with competences in legal matters, before proceeding with further procedures related to the Agreement and provide an additional check of the compliance of the current version of the Agreement with the constitutional and legal system of Montenegro and thereby remove all doubts that have been brought up to date on this topic.

Varhelyi: There must be changes to the Constitution (Republika)

Constitutional changes must happen, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi told the opposition, which is determined that it will not vote for changing the Constitution, to prove that they are committed to Macedonia’s membership in the European Union. Regarding the constitutional amendments, I think it is clear that they must happen. There is a clear commitment, not only from the government but also from the parliament. That is exactly why I said that this is the most democratic way to get a mandate for the government. Because the arrangement of the French proposal includes part of the competences of the parliament. That is why it was important to listen to the parliament and the parliament clearly showed that they are ready for something like this, said Varhelyi. He expressed hope that the opposition parties, VMRO-DPMNE and Levica, which said they will not vote on constitutional amendments, without which there is no majority, will join the work for the European future. I sincerely hope that all parties, including the opposition, will work for the European future, that they will not start controversies and stir up emotions that will not take the country forward. Emotions that will not result in anything important in the country. I call the opposition, and I had the opportunity to see how the boundaries of European values ​​were exceeded. But I hope that with this decision today, we can turn a new direction and work for Macedonia to become a member state. I have read the statements of the opposition, they always claim that they are committed to making this country’s membership happen. Let’s prove it, Varhelyi added.

The flag of the European Union was raised in the Prime Minister’s building in Tirana (Radio Tirana)

Through a special ceremony attended by members of the government, the majority, diplomatic corps, representatives of religions and other guests, the flag of the European Union was raised in the Prime Minister’s building in Tirana one day after the opening of negotiations with the EU.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during his speech, said that this moment marks another level for Albania. “The raising of this flag today at the headquarters of the Prime Minister’s Office marks the rise of Albania to another level not only in the relationship with the EU but also with its future, institutions, freedoms and rights, security and its development in every direction. But this moment also marks the rise in another moment of the obligations of society’s relations with the values, principles, standards, rules and spirit of European democratic coexistence.” Representatives of the opposition were absent from this ceremony, and in this regard, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that he would like them to be present. But this was impossible, he said, because of the position the opposition is in. The Prime Minister did not leave without thanking the partner countries that have contributed to the development of Albania. “This arduous path has made me witness more than once the fact that this historical achievement would not be thought without the help of our partners, without the help of our strategic allies. I know that among the representatives of friendly countries present here there are some who rejoice at this historic achievement. That’s why I want to thank them for everything they did. I remember here Ambassador Vlahut, Ambassador Donald Lu and Ambassador Luigi Soreca.”

Opening of negotiations/ “We are ready”, Xhacka in Brussels: A demanding process awaits us! (Radio Tirana)

Albania officially opened negotiations with the European Union. At the meeting of the analytical review of the legislation in Brussels, Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka said that they are aware of the demanding and challenging work that awaits them. However, she states that they are ready to move forward until the country’s full membership. Among other things, the Albanian chief diplomat said that Albania has worked hard to reach this historic moment. “I am very happy to be here today with you. In this matter, I believe that I speak on behalf of the vast majority of Albanians. It has been a real challenge. I would also like to congratulate our friends from North Macedonia. We have started this path together. We have worked hard to reach this historic moment. EU membership has been one of Albania’s objectives since the fall of the regime. It has been the inspiration and motivation for the dramatic change. This transformation process has truly left no stone unturned. As for the content of the review process. We have developed a long process with the Commission. The discussion of the chapters has been in focus. Our efforts to strengthen administrative capacity. Although we know that a very demanding process awaits us, we are ready, our determination is unwavering. In the context of the new methodology, we implemented an unprecedented reform in justice. We still have a lot to do, but the formal opening of negotiations generates motivation and determination,” declared the Minister.

Biden: We welcome important steps towards EU integration for Albania and North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)

American President Joe Biden has reacted after the opening of negotiations of Albania and North Macedonia with the EU. He welcomed the European Commission’s decision to open negotiations for membership in the European Union with Albania and North Macedonia. “The United States welcomes the important steps the European Union is taking to advance the integration of the Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic community by opening EU accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia. In a moment when Russia has shattered peace in Europe, it is more important than ever to support the aspiration for a Europe whole, free, and at peace. A democratic, secure, and prosperous Western Balkans remains essential to this vision. The United States will continue to be a strong and reliable partner as those nations work to defend human rights, strengthen democratic reforms, and uphold the rule of law. The steps that the EU, Albania, and North Macedonia have taken in recent days should inspire all EU aspirants in the region to increase their commitment to strengthening their democracies,” reads the message of the American President Joe Biden.

Opening of negotiations / Yuri Kim: A historic step, the US will strongly support Albania for justice reform (Radio Tirana)

The US Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim has reacted to the opening of negotiations between Albania and the EU. As he shared the message of US President Joe Biden, Kim wrote that this is a historic step. The Ambassador says that the US will continue to support Albania in the reform of justice as well as in other steps necessary for full membership in the EU. “Congratulations to Albania for today’s First Intergovernmental Conference, a historic, long-awaited step towards full membership in the European Union family. The US will continue to strongly support your justice reform efforts and other steps necessary for membership. Forward,” writes Kim.