LOCAL PRESS

Vucic in Prague: They made up that I said Croatia is to blame, it simply did what it’s been doing for decades (RTS/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will today participate in a summit in Prague, and he spoke from there to deny that he said Croatia was to blame for stopping Serbia’s import of Russian oil via the JANAF pipeline. The president stressed that Croatia was only doing the work it has been doing for decades, and noted that he is very proud of the fact that Serbia is a free country, a freedom-loving country that makes its own decisions. The President also said that negotiations with the European Union would not be stopped. “Croatia has been doing its job for decades, it is up to us to find responses to that in the future,” said Vucic. Vucic added that people made up that he said Croatia is to blame. “It’s not their fault, they’re just doing their job, which they’ve been doing for decades, from 1941 on. Nothing has changed there. I don’t blame them. Croatia is just doing its job, what it has been doing for 81 years. As far as we are concerned, I will talk about certain deep, strategic and important economic and political decisions,” said Vucic. When asked by journalists why he blames Croatia when we did not impose sanctions against Russia, the President repeated that he does not blame Croatia at all. “I repeat, I do not blame Croatia at all. It was just doing its job, which it has been doing for 81 years. Why did your mind go to the NDH (“Independent State of Croatia”),” Vucic wondered. He said that Croatia itself boasted about this in its media. “As far as we are concerned, we will have to find another way to pay a higher price (for oil). As for the sanctions, it is not you from Croatia, neither you nor your authorities who will conduct the policy of the Republic of Serbia. The policy of Serbia will be led by the citizens of Serbia through freely elected representatives and against all those who think they can impose their will on Serbia,” stressed President Vucic and added that he is very proud of the fact that Serbia is a free country, a freedom-loving country, and one that it makes its own decisions: “I’m going in honorably and I’m not particularly afraid of all those who are threatening Serbia, and as you can see, I’m going in calmly and easily and I’ll answer everyone,” the President said in Prague. The President also said that there is no way that negotiations with the European Union could be stopped. “No… no way… What, you think because of Croatia… My response will be responsible, polite, far-reaching…”

No Russian oil for Serbia as of 1 November, Brnabic: Croatia’s ultimatum (TV Happy/FoNet)

The “introduction of sanctions” against Serbia by the EU in the energy sector, at Croatia’s “explicit request” and on the basis of “its ultimatum”, directly causes hundreds of millions of Euros worth of damages to Serbia and its citizens, FoNet reported. “The European Union allowed these sanctions at the expense of the lives and living standard of all Serbian people, including the members of the Croat national minority. This will costs us hundreds of millions of Euros,” Brnabic told TV Happy. In her opinion, Croatia requested these sanctions, “and brags about it” because Serbia is asking that persons responsible for the 1995 crime near Bosanski Petrovac, when Croatian aircrafts killed civilians, including children, be punished. Brnabic said the Croatian leadership made no effort to hide that they are responsible for this, and added: “This is Croatia’s open act of hostility towards Serbia.” She explained that, because of these sanctions, the oil coming via the JANAF pipeline, built also by Serbia and its people in former Yugoslavia with their money, will be at least 20 percent more expensive. “What they thought they would do to Russia they did to us on Wednesday, because we depend on the oil pipeline in Croatia. They are using energy for political blackmail and retribution. Croatia is, and the EU has allowed it. They are using energy for political goals,” said Brnabic adding that she cannot wait for an explanation from the EU.

Still no decision to start Kosovo’s CoE admission procedure (Tanjug/Beta/Politika/RTS)

The Council of Europe (CoE) on Wednesday concluded a discussion on the so-called Kosovo’s bid for admission to the organization, with no exact date set for another debate on the issue, says the Head of Serbia’s Mission to the CoE Aleksandra Djurovic. “The outcome of the meeting is that no decision has been made as yet to launch the procedure, and that we will revisit the issue at one of the next meetings,” Djurovic said. The CoE Committee of Ministers discussed Pristina’s official membership application, which arrived in Strasbourg in mid-May. In case the Committee, comprised of FMs of 46 member states, accepts to discuss Pristina’s application at one of the upcoming meetings, the CoE Parliamentary Assembly will vote on the matter. A final decision will be up to the Committee of Ministers. In both cases, a two-thirds majority is required. The procedure may take up to a year or even longer.

Petkovic: Decision on re-registration illegal (Tanjug/RTV)

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic announced on Wednesday night that the decision of the so-called government in Pristina to abolish Serbian license plates is illegal and contrary to the agreements on freedom of movement from 2011 and 2016, and anyone who supports that decision directly threatens the dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina.

Reacting to the statements of the German representative in Pristina Jorn Rode, that Pristina’s decision to re-register the vehicle was legitimate, Petkovic announced that if the German diplomat had read the previous agreements, he could have very easily seen that the problem with freedom of movement did not exist while status neutral KS plates were in force. “However, at the moment when Pristina forcibly abolished the status-neutral KS plates in 2020 and thus unilaterally shortened the time frame of the validity of those plates, not a single German representative came forward to say that this decision was illegitimate,” Petkovic stated in the statement. “One thing Mr. Rode must learn, and that is to respect the will of the Serb people who live in the north of Kosovo and Metohija and who clearly said what they think about the so-called Kurti’s re-registration. The fact that in a month only two people in the north of the province re-registered their vehicles, it is a clear indication that no one can force Serbs in the north of Kosovo to stop being citizens of Serbia and to use documents issued by the Republic of Serbia,”’ Petkovic adds in the announcement. “The Serb people will never allow such a vile plan. Peace, which we desperately need and which Belgrade insists on, is key to the normalization of relations, but unfortunately statements like this one by Mr. Rode do not instill hope that in fact everyone equally wants peace in the Western Balkans,” he concluded.

Stefanovic and Hill discuss Serbia’s EU path (Tanjug/RTV)

The Chairman of the Serbian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee Borko Stefanovic met on Wednesday at the parliament with the US Ambassador in Serbia Christopher Hill. Stefanovic stressed that full membership in the EU remains Serbia’s priority, which is why it has to harmonize its foreign policy with that of the EU. He went on to say that as the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee he would take the opportunity to call a Committee session to discuss the matter, after which it would be discussed at a plenary session. He also spoke about the successful visit to Washington D.C., during which the SSP delegation, headed by party president Dragan Djilas, had meetings in the State Department and the Senate, as well as the US National Security Council. Hill agreed that all the EU member states are obliged to follow its policy. He said that Serbia has the support of the US on the path to European integration, as well as that the US is trying to cultivate as close as possible cooperation with the European countries. The officials also discussed the repercussions that the possible imposition of sanctions on Russia would have on the Serbian economy, and in light of that, Stefanovic also touched on the Belgrade-Pristina relationship, saying that it can only be resolved through dialogue and that the frozen conflict is not a solution. He stressed that the comparison of the issues of Kosovo and Metohija and Ukraine is appropriate in terms of the international and security consequences of the conflict, as well as that Serbia would respect its Constitution and the will of the people regarding the status of Kosovo and Metohija.

Vulin: Migration pressure on borders rising (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbia, Austria and Hungary are very concerned over migration pressure on their borders because the numbers have exploded and can even be compared to the outbreak of the migrant crisis in 2015, Serbian Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin said on Thursday after a trilateral ministerial meeting on efficient migration management. Serbia will not become a parking lot for migrants, Vulin said at a joint press conference at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade. He said the leaders of the three countries had identified the problems and set specific tasks to be implemented. He said the migrant crisis was no longer a humanitarian one because criminal gangs were taking advantage of the difficult situation migrants were in and violating all international regulations. “We must abide by our own laws to protect not only our territories, but also our citizens’ way of life,” Vulin said. “Serbia cannot be on its own, just like Austria or Hungary cannot be on their own in this struggle,” he noted. It is important that Serbia is recognized by Hungary and Austria as a partner, he said. “We have specific agreements and tasks for every ministry and this is a good day for all those who believe there is no alternative to rule of law and the safety of our citizens,” Vulin said. The meeting was chaired by Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali and the Serbian delegation also included Vulin, FM Nikola Selakovic, Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic and Security and Information Agency Director Bratislav Gasic. The Austrian and Hungarian delegations were headed by FMs Alexander Schallenberg and Peter Szijjarto. The ministerial meeting was a follow-up to an 3 October trilateral summit in Budapest, attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Szijjarto: We will defend Serbia-N. Macedonia border together (Tanjug/RTS)

Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday Hungary, Austria and Serbia had agreed to join forces to bolster further the border between Serbia and North Macedonia. Speaking to reporters after a Serbia-Hungary-Austria trilateral meeting on migration management, Szijjarto noted that the three countries were not defending only their own borders, but the EU as well. “Moving that defense line to the south is our common interest, and that is why we agreed to join forces and secure and bolster even better and more seriously the border between Serbia and North Macedonia in terms of personnel as well as equipment,” Szijjarto said. “The Austrians are helping us and Serbia, and we are helping Serbia,” Szijjarto said, adding that, until now, only a few dozen border guards had been involved in that cooperation but that it must now assume a completely different dimension. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said immigration and people smuggling were a matter of respect of human rights because smugglers were violating those rights. “We have seen the extent to which smugglers are violating those rights and to which people are suffering and losing their lives due to being in the hands of smugglers, and that is why we must fight to preserve lives,” Karner said.

Dveri submits four parliamentary initiatives on Serbia’s foreign policy (Beta)

The Dveri Movement leader Bosko Obradovic said on Wednesday that he had submitted to a parliamentary committee four initiatives presenting “a completely new concept for Serbia’s foreign policy,” appealing that they should be on the agenda of the next sitting. “The first document is a proposal including instructions as to what Serbia’s foreign policy should look like. The next is a resolution on the neutral military and political status of Serbia. The last two are two declarations – one of the establishment of a Serbian mini-Schengen, and the other on a new migrant policy,” Obradovic said at a press conference held in the parliament building. The Dveri leader described as “disastrous” Serbia’s path to the European Union, and that in the past years Serbia was “more successful in joining the NATO.” “Serbia should come first. We need to preserve Kosovo and halt the harmful European integrations. The migrant policy needs to be changed immediately as well. Many strange people are entering Serbia without documents. LGBT rallies are contrary to our beliefs. It’s obvious that Serbia’s accession to the EU is not working,” Obradovic said.

REGIONAL PRESS

Media carry latest update of results of general elections in B&H for all levels of authority (N1)

N1 carries the latest update of results of the general elections in BiH published by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of B&H on Wednesday afternoon. Based on nearly 93 percent of the counted ballots, SDP B&H’s Denis Becirovic won 57.26 percent of votes for the Bosniak member of B&H Presidency, followed by SDA’s Bakir Izetbegovic who won 37.53 percent of votes and ‘Platform for Progress’ Mirsad Hadzikadic who won 5.22 percent. DF’s Zeljko Komsic won 54.39 percent of votes for the Croat member of B&H Presidency, followed by HDZ B&H’s Borjana Kristo who won 44.02 percent of votes. SNSD’s Zeljka Cvijanovic won 52.59 percent of votes for the Serb member of B&H Presidency, followed by SDS’ Mirko Sarovic who won 35.99 percent of votes, DNS’ Nenad Nesic who won 5.55 percent of votes, SDP B&H’s Vojin Mijatovic who won 4.55 percent of votes and ‘Zivot’ Borislav Bijelic who won 1.33 percent of votes. As for the race for the post of the RS President, SNSD’s Milorad Dodik won 48.30 percent of votes, followed by PDP’s Jelena Trivic who won 43.36 percent of votes – based on over 95 percent of the counted ballots. As for the results for B&H House of Representatives (HoR) based on over 86 percent of the counted ballots, political parties from the FB&H that entered the parliament are SDA (25.06 percent of votes), HDZ B&H-led coalition (15.54 percent of votes), SDP B&H (13.29 percent of votes), DF-GS (10.6 percent of votes), NiP (8 percent of votes) and NES (4.97 percent of votes). Political parties from the RS that entered the parliament are SNSD (42.13 percent of votes), SDS (18.42 percent of votes), PDP (11.84 percent of votes), ‘Justice and Order (5.35 percent of votes), DEMOS (5 percent of votes) and United Srpska (4 percent of votes), SP RS (3.79 percent of votes), SDA (3.76 percent of votes) and DNS (3.49 percent of votes). As for the FB&H House of Representatives (HoR), based on over 84 percent of the counted ballots – SDA won the highest number of votes (24.48 percent), followed by HDZ B&H-led coalition (14.64 percent), SDP B&H (13.29 percent), DF-GS (10.64 percent), NiP (6.68 percent), NS (4.83 percent), NES (4.29 percent), SB&H (3.72 percent), HDZ 1990 (3 percent) and SBB B&H (2.8 percent). As for the RS parliament, based on over 86 percent of the counted ballots – SNSD has strong lead ahead of SDS and PDP, followed by SP RS, DEMOS, ‘United Srpska’, ‘Justice and Order’, DNS, ‘Pokret za Drzavu’, NPS and SPS.

PDP, SDS and List ‘For Justice and Order’ request recount of votes and repeating of elections for RS President (BNTV)

Representatives of SDS, PDP and Nebojsa Vukanovic’s Party for Justice and Order submitted a demand with the B&H CEC to recount all ballots at all polling stations in the RS and abolish elections for the RS President due to brutal stealing of votes. Leader of PDP Branislav Borenovic emphasized that the demand to repeat counting of ballots for the RS President was submitted because the opposition registered some 65,000 contaminated ballots, i.e. misused to change election will of citizens. Borenovic underlined that probably the number of contaminated ballots is higher, because the official web site of the B&H CEC reads that there are almost 35,000 invalid ballots with names of candidates for the RS President. He went on to saying that difference in number of won votes between SNSD’s Milorad Dodik and PDP’s Jelena Trivic in Doboj, Zvornik and Prijedor is officially around 20,000, which is completely in opposition to first results they were receiving from these electorates. Borenovic stressed that criminal reports will be submitted against hundreds and maybe more than 1,000 people, adding that those, who are prepared to be jailed for listening political parties’ order to steal votes on their behalf at polling stations, will go to prison. Trivic stated that the election night and counting of ballots at many polling stations was equal to the state of war.  She stressed that many observers succumbed to threats of strongmen engaged by some political parties. Trivic underlined that she will not admit defeat to those who have been doing abovementioned things. Reporter noted that the BiH CEC is obliged to establish all irregularities that occurred on the election night. Representatives of opposition parties claim there were many such irregularities. Trivic reminded that at 1:30 AM on the night of the elections, the B&H CEC stated that results in the race for the RS President are not clear enough, because they are not receiving updated information from polling stations. She stressed that this means counting process was stopped, because someone received order to brutally steal. Leader of SDS Mirko Sarovic stressed that there was stealing of votes for all levels of authorities. He underlined that they submitted several criminal reports, including one against a President of Municipal Election Commission in Doboj. Sarovic underlined that they consider Doboj to be a symbol of corruption, adding that there is mafia-like organization that was stealing before and during the election process. He emphasized that they will be insisting on processing of these illegal activities for the sake of truth and justice. The RS opposition leaders announced a protest for Thursday in Banja Luka due to the election irregularities. The protest should start in Mladen Stojanovic Park at 6 pm, and gathered participants should hold a walk towards the Krajina Square. The CEC responded by stating that it is still too early to recount the votes, given that the final results are yet to be published.

Representatives of RS ruling coalition: Losers have the right to be angry (RTRS/BHT1/O Kanal)

Representatives of the SNSD-SPRS-United Srpska-DEMOS-NPS-NDP coalition in the RS held a press conference in Banja Luka on Wednesday. Commenting on the RS opposition’s decision to file a request with the B&H CEC for recount of votes and annulment of the elections for the RS President and the protest walk announced for Thursday, representatives of the coalition stated that “losers have the right to be angry” and that everyone has the right to express dissatisfaction. They stressed that it is well-known that B&H CEC is under direct control of the RS opposition and that B&H CEC members are party staff from SDA, DF, PDP and SDS, assessing that the request for annulment of the elections is unrealistic. SPRS leader Petar Djokic reminded that B&H CEC assessed during the election night that there are no visible irregularities, noting that there the election process in the RS should not be doubted. DEMOS leader Nedeljko Cubrilovic said that street protests cannot resolve anything and that creating tensions is unnecessary, but things should be normalized as soon as possible in order to complete the election process in line with citizens’ will expressed on 2 October. Serb member of B&H Presidency and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik assessed that the elections were implemented in a fair manner, adding that possible irregularities at some of the polling stations will not affect the election results. Commenting on the possibility of recount of votes, Dodik said that SNSD’s data on election results is consistent with the data of the B&H CEC. According to the SNSD leader, the RS opposition lost half of its credibility and then lost its reputation the next day, due to declaring victory of Jelena Trivic for the RS President. In his opinion, the demand for a recount is unrealistic. Representatives of the coalition parties believe that the protest, which was announced by the representatives of the parties gathered around SDS and PDP, cannot bring anything good, but that everyone has the right to express dissatisfaction. Dodik said that it is very important for everyone to respect the law. “We will respect the law, absolute respect for the provisions of the law for the new counting, everything must be in accordance with the law,” Dodik said. Dodik also stated that they will respect regulations of law on recounting of ballots where it is necessary, adding that conditions to annul elections have not been met. Dodik emphasized that it is possible irregularities were made at some polling stations, adding that competent authorities should establish it.

Borrell issues statement commenting elections in B&H; EU expects quick formation of authorities; EU takes note of HR Schmidt’s decision (Avaz)

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell issued a statement commenting the elections in B&H. “According to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, the elections were overall competitive and well organized, but marked by mistrust of citizens in public institutions and ethnically divisive rhetoric,” noted Borrell. Borrell further noted: “The EU encourages the relevant authorities to address allegations of irregularities in order to ensure the highest confidence in the election results and the election administration… Following the verification of results of the elections, the EU expects all political actors to take full responsibility and cooperate to swiftly set up functioning legislatures and governments at State, entity and cantonal levels to focus on reforms on the EU path,” stated Borrell. Borrell stressed that ensuring that elections are conducted in line with European standards is a key priority set out in the Commission Opinion on the EU membership application of B&H. He noted that EU encouraged competent bodies to deal with allegations on irregularities: “Citizens of B&H exercised their democratic right to vote for the authorities, who will now have the responsibility to deliver on the people’s aspirations, including on EU integration and economic prosperity and coping with the negative global impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”. Commenting the decision of High Representative Christian Schmidt regarding changes to Election Law and amending of FB&H Constitution, Borrell stated: “The EU takes note of the decision of High Representative for B&H Christian Schmidt to amend the Constitution of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the election day. We recall that his executive powers should be used solely as a measure of last resort against irreparable unlawful acts.”

Schmidt: Election Law needs urgent reform, implementation of rulings of ECHR and B&H CC should be first tasks of newly-elected officials (Al Jazeera Balkans)

HR Christian Schmidt addressed media in Sarajevo on Wednesday for the first time after imposing amendments to the FB&H Constitution and the B&H Election Law on Sunday. Al Jazeera Balkans reports that, on the occasion, Schmidt said he hopes that, with the amendments, he opened the path for B&H towards the EU membership, and that he was guided by courts’ decisions, noting that the B&H Election Law is not his law, and that a major reform is ahead of it in the new convocation of the B&H parliament. Schmidt also said that by increasing the number of delegates in the FB&H House of Peoples (HoP), the disproportionality issue is resolved and that for him, the ruling of the B&H Constitutional Court (CC) in the Ljubic case is finalized, adding that all prior negotiations did not bring solutions but blockades, due to which, he also imposed deadline for individual processes. “My position is clear in relation to rulings in Sejdic-Finci and Zornic cases and others we had, they must be implemented as soon as possible. There can be no more delay, that remains as a task of the parliament. I congratulate all who will receive the notification in the upcoming days that they have been elected in the parliament. Their first obligation is that we together ensure implementation of these rulings that have been waiting for that for 12 years,” said Schmidt. Al Jazeera Balkans reports that HR Schmidt also said that from the legal perspective he cannot implement the rulings in the Sejdi-Finci, Zornic and other cases. Referring to appointment of delegates in the FB&H HoP, Schmidt said that will be “taken care of” by the B&H CEC, that will have a mechanism available for the Caucuses in the FB&H HoP – the same mechanism used before – explaining that in case a delegate from the rank of one constituent people is lacking, the next candidate from the candidate list with the highest number of votes will be elected. The B&H CC ruled in 2015 that the Constitution of the FB&H deprives Others of the right to be elected President and Vice-Presidents of the FB&H, but the OHR’s decisions that have been imposed so far do not eliminate this problem. With regard to that, the HR explained: “Problem is that I cannot carry out changes to the Dayton Constitution, the Annex Four, that is job of the parliament. That needs to be done. I am here to supervise implementation of the Dayton Agreement and the Dayton Constitution, not to change it.” Schmidt also said he did not wish to influence the will of B&H voters, which is why he announced his decision after the polling stations closed on Sunday evening. The HR emphasized the importance of respecting deadlines. One such deadline he placed before FB&H authorities for appointing the judges to the FB&H CC. Explaining the changes to the Election Law of B&H and the Constitution of the FB&H, Schmidt said there was an imbalance in number of delegates to the FB&H HoP, and his decision raised the number of delegates in each caucus from 17 to 23.

Consensus on appointment of FB&H CC’s judges reached (O Kanal)

O Kanal carries that after an ultimatum of High Representative Christian Schmidt, a consensus was reached on the proposal to appoint judges of the CC of the FB&H. After FB&H President Marinko Cavara announced earlier that he will not appoint judges of the FB&H CC before the general elections, approval was given Wednesday for the candidates Ajsa Softic from the Bosniak people, Mirko Milicevic from the Croat people and Branimir Orasanin from the Serb people. O Kanal has learned that Cavara gave in under pressure from the international community. If the FB&H House of Peoples (HoP) confirms appointment of the judges, blockade of the FB&H CC will end. FB&H VP Milan Dunovic said that he presumes that the fourth judge will be appointed directly by the FB&H HoP in accordance with the changes to the Constitution of the FB&H passed by the High Representative. Schmidt set Friday as the deadline for the appointment of the judges.

Plenkovic: HR brought certain safeguards for participation of Croat people and legitimate Croat political parties in authorities (HRT1)

At the beginning of the Croatian government session, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic commended the decision of High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt on changes to the Election Law of B&H and the Constitution of the FB&H. Plenkovic emphasized that, unfortunately, once again, there was an outvoting and a man won that is a Croat, but was not chosen by Croats in B&H to represent them. “We believe that is bad, that that is the fourth time, and that, practically, 20 years will pass in which 16 of those years were marked by the situation in which Croats are represented by a man that is a Croat from B&H, but he did not receive majority of votes from Croats that live in B&H. Such injustice really does not contribute to the good relations, both within B&H, and it is not a good signal for strengthening relations between Croatia and B&H. I say this as a Prime Minister that really tries to help B&H in a maximum amount, for us to improve our relations – to be both friends, allies, and partners”, Plenkovic told a press conference. Plenkovic said it is deeply unfair and harmful situation where Croats do not have their legitimate representative in B&H Presidency. He welcomed the decision of the HR on the amendments to the B&H Election Law and the Constitution of the FB&H with which, as Plenkovic said, he brought certain safeguards for the participation of the Croat people and legitimate Croat political parties in the authorities at the level of the FB&H, but also during the formation of the authorities at the central level.

Abazovic at SDT: We’re doing state affairs, things will be known in coming days (Antena M/CdM)

Prime Minister in technical mandate Dritan Abazovic had a meeting with acting Supreme State Prosecutor Maja Jovanovic and Chief Special Prosecutor Vladimir Novovic. The meeting was held in the premises of the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office of Montenegro, CdM learns.

After the meeting, Abazovic said that they were doing state affairs, and that in the coming days, more will be known about why he was at SDT today. He said that in the coming days it would be known whether his visit to SDT had anything to do with cigarette smuggling. He was unwilling to talk about the director of the Revenue and Customs Administration Rade Milosevic.

What Milosevic’s resignation delivered to Abazovic says (CdM)

The director of the Revenue and Customs Administration (UPC) and the URA official Rade Milosevic has resigned from that position. He has resigned from the post of UPC director for, as he states, moral reasons. Milosevic submitted his resignation to the Cabinet of the Prime Minister in the technical mandate of Dritan Abazovic. “I am convinced that my work did not violate the law under any provision, and that the media on the one hand and the political frenzy, on the other, are aimed at discrediting me. It was designed and instructed by certain interest groups threatened by my conscientious and professional work”, the resignation says, among other things.

North Macedonia-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee convenes in Strasbourg (MIA)

The 20th meeting of the North Macedonia-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee (IPC) began on Wednesday. MP Sonja Mirakovska heads the Macedonian delegation that also includes several lawmakers. Mirakovska expressed satisfaction from the fact that North Macedonia’s status has finally changed into a country that has launched the EU accession negotiations. “As a result of the statehood decisions and steps undertaken by Macedonian institutions in recent months, the EU Council decided to adopt the Negotiating Framework on 18 July, followed by the Intergovernmental Conferences with North Macedonia and Albania on the next day,” said Mirakovska. She added that adoption of the negotiating framework traced the path for the start of the accession talks, which represents the final stage of the decades-long process. “Many politicians, experts and citizens worked for this, many sacrifices, compromises and concessions have been made, lots of energy and efforts have been invested without thinking about our political careers and the consequences of these decisions. Nevertheless, one vision that unified us on this journey is the vision for a better life of our citizens and the second strategic objective that our citizens opted for since the country’s independence – full-fledged EU membership,” said Mirakovska. Considering the reactions in the public over the content of the negotiating framework, the JPC co-chair said the parliament has adopted conclusions that obligate the incumbent and future authorities to respect “our red lines over the course of the negotiations’ process.” “This includes the government abiding by the commitment for unconditional observance of the linguistic, identity, historic and cultural peculiarities of the Macedonian people as elements that are non-negotiable with the EU, as well as conducting the negotiations on an equal and principled basis while respecting the principles of international law. In addition, issues related to bilateral agreements that are not directly linked to the EU law and the Copenhagen criteria will not serve as benchmarks that determine the opening and closing of chapters and clusters during the accession negotiations,” said Mirakovska. According to her, the accession talks are not a simple technical operation but a complex set of reforms, adaptation of the institutional infrastructure and enhanced activity of informing the public over the benefits of the reforms’ implementation. Member of European Parliament (MEP) and JPC co-chair Andreas Schieder expressed assurance that “we are now in a special moment of EU-North Macedonia relations”. “This meeting is taking place at an especially sensitive time, not only for North Macedonia but also for the EU, amid the explanatory screening,” said Schieder. He said reforms are required that the parliament should implement on the EU path, while recalling that the EP is against a parliamentary boycott. “Boycott slows down good reform processes of the country and its achievements. Inter-party dialogue must find its place in order to achieve progress in the realization of North Macedonia’s strategic objectives, something that was highlighted in the EP resolution of May this year and the Jean Monnet Dialogue,” underlined MEP Schieder. Functioning since 2004, the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee is a forum where members of the Macedonian parliament and the European Parliament share experiences, views and opinions on current issues and on ways to strengthen mutual partnership.

Geer: European Political Community not a replacement for enlargement process but forum for joint management of challenges (MIA/Sitel)

The European Political Community is not a replacement of the enlargement process or the accession process of your country. Your path to the EU is already very clear, explained in a very detailed manner. The European Political Community and the meeting set to take place tomorrow is a way in which the EU contributes to the joint management of challenges, said EU Ambassador David Geer on Wednesday. Geer said that every time the EU faces big and important issues such as Russia’s attack in Ukraine, energy, environment and others that are of enormous importance, it enlarges the circle of participants at its meetings in order to address those issues better. “The EPC meeting is designed to gather more partners in one place, in this case partners from the Western Balkans, EU and other partners that are not part of the EU, so they can discuss issues of enormous importance and address all challenges together. The meeting will not include only our partners from the Western Balkans, but also Great Britain, Switzerland, countries that are not part of the EU enlargement process. I believe the EPC meeting is a positive development that will contribute to the joint management of challenges and is not a replacement for the EU,” Geer told reporters in Kavadarci. On the timeframe of North Macedonia’s EU accession considering the long wait for the start of the accession negotiations and the conditions imposed by neighboring Bulgaria, the Ambassador said the road to Union membership is based on implementation of reforms in various sectors, such as agriculture, trade, rule of law and other reforms, which sooner implementation would lead to sooner membership. “Certain progress in several fields has already been made but this progress should continue. We expect the screening process to finish by the end of next year, giving us a much clearer picture where more work is needed and in which field. Of course, progress itself should be assessed based on how the reforms were implemented. However, it is very important to know that all accession processes in the past – Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro – and now Albania and North Macedonia, have attached great importance to the issue of good neighborly relations,” noted Geer. He added that North Macedonia should continue to implement the Prespa Agreement and the Friendship Treaty, building relations in good faith. “Of course, this is an obligation for all countries. Let me repeat, reforms, reforms, reforms, because people across the country are already sharing the dream of finally seeing the country move forward,” underlined Ambassador Geer.

Committed to negotiations, need for national consensus on EU, Marichikj tells JPC (TV 21/Kanal 5/360 Stepeni/MIA)

Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj took part Wednesday in Strasbourg at the 20th meeting of the North Macedonia-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), the first since the country opened the Union accession negotiations. Marichikj said in his remarks that the parliament will be the key partner in the EU accession process, determining the pace of the negotiations, especially considering the role and activities of its working bodies – the European Affairs Committee and the National Euro-Integration Council, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release. “North Macedonia waited for the start of the Union accession talks for 17 years. It now needs a national consensus and we will define mechanisms so that all lawmakers are engaged in the process. We should seize this historic moment of fulfilling our strategic goal – North Macedonia becoming a member of the EU,” Marichikj told the JPC. He presented the new negotiating structure that is set to respond to the new methodology but also ensure transparency and inclusiveness of the process, which requires the engagement and cooperation of various stakeholders, such as civil society, academic and business communities etc. The Deputy PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment in securing an unhindered process of negotiations, in parallel with the maintenance of good neighborly relations and realization of undertaken commitments. In addition, he referred to the government’s activities and progress in certain chapters, as well as planned activities within the explanatory screening. Michela Matuella, Acting Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s DG NEAR, said the start of the accession negotiations marks the start of a new stage in North Macedonia-EU relations, whereas the screening process is not only a technical but also a transformative process. Ilhan Kyuchyuk, North Macedonia Rapporteur in the European Parliament, said the process of negotiations is in safe hands and North Macedonia deserves praise for its commitment to Euro-integration, regional cooperation and good neighborly relations, reads the press release.

Local elections, Balla to Begaj: Within April-May, Socialist Party is ready for any date (Radio Tirana)

President Bajram Begaj hosted the Head of the Socialist Parliamentary Group Taulant Balla in a meeting regarding the setting of a date for the 2023 Local Elections. In a statement to the media, Balla stated that the Socialist Party does not have a concrete date for the local elections, while emphasizing that the President will consider all proposals. “We have not decided on a proposal of ours, because we believe that the president should consider all proposals. We are ready to participate in the elections and win them on any date. What I notice is the willingness to listen to all political actors who are expected to participate in the elections,” said Balla. However, according to him, the elections will be held within the deadline between 15 April and 15 May.

Local elections date, Alibeaj to Begaj: Let’s give Albanians the right to vote as soon as possible (Radio Tirana)

The head of the DP Parliamentary Group Enkelejd Alibeaj held a meeting with President of the Republic Bajram Begaj as part of the consultations on the date of the local elections 2023 holding. In a press release, after the meeting, Alibeaj emphasized that he suggested a date as close as possible for the holding of local elections.  “What I told the president of the republic is that regarding the date when the elections will be held, I suggested that it should be a date as early as possible within this period, for a simple reason, that they should give Albanians the right to vote as soon as possible. Without specified date, our stance is as soon as possible. The election date is a date where the will of the Albanians is expressed,” Alibeaj was quoted as saying. Alibeaj added that subject of the meeting were also the reforms that have been initiated in the parliament, adding that the meetings will continue.

Zingraf: Germany, reliable partner of Albania (Radio Tirana)

“The start of accession talks with the EU in July opens a new path for Albania towards the EU,” German Ambassador to Tirana Peter Zingraff said at the reception ceremony held in the premises of the German Embassy, ​​on the 32- the anniversary of German reunification on October 3, 1990. This ceremony brought together President Bajram Begaj, President Lindita Nikolla, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and other government ministers, representatives of politics, the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, representatives of civil society and media. The Ambassador pointed out that the integration process will hold some challenges and require bold steps. He underlined that Germany, as a member of the European team – the EU and its member states – remains in this context a reliable partner of Albania. In the framework of Cooperation Enhancement, continued Zingraf, our objective remains the improvement of the living conditions of the people here and the creation of opportunities specifically for young people. “The pursuit of reforms and the speed of accession negotiations, the improvement of working and living conditions are in the hands of the Albanian institutions themselves and of society as a whole. In this sense, the negotiations for accession should be an instrument for the transfer of knowledge and expertise as well as the implementation of reforms on the way to European standards. I use here a formulation of the Albanian government, asking it to make it an absolute priority. The necessary reforms, especially in the sectors of justice and the fight against corruption and organized crime, is a prerequisite for this end,” said the German Ambassador. Focusing on German reunification Day celebrations, Zingraff said that the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 was the harbinger of a new era for Germany and Europe.