LOCAL PRESS

Dacic: Turkey supports respect of previous Belgrade-Pristina agreements (Tanjug/Politika)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Thursday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had made a pledge to him Ankara would note to Pristina that respect of its previous agreements with Belgrade was necessary. Speaking to reporters in Ankara after a meeting with Erdogan, Dacic said expectations that Turkey would change its stance on the status of Kosovo and Metohija were unrealistic, but that preserving peace and averting incidents was important for Serbia. He said his meetings with Erdogan and other Turkish officials had taken place in an atmosphere of extremely good relations between the two countries. “We are heading towards raising our external trade from the present 2.5 billion Euros to over 5 billion Euros. There are numerous Turkish investments in Serbia and their (Turkey’s) involvement in infrastructure projects is significant,” Dacic said. The fact we are partners to each other and that Serbia and Turkey pose no problem in the region is perhaps the greatest achievement, Dacic said. He noted that Serbia had a goal of preserving a visa-free regime with Turkey despite pressure from the EU. He said a bilateral agreement enabling travel with ID cards only would be implemented soon. “The agreement has been signed and we cannot take a step backward now,” Dacic noted. The meeting with Erdogan concluded Dacic’s official visit to Turkey.

Dacic: Serbia-Turkey relations at historical high point (Tanjug/Politika)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Thursday in Ankara Serbia-Turkey relations were at a historical high point. “It is an extremely open and friendly relationship, a relationship of trust that is based on the trust between the two presidents, Vucic and Erdogan, and the two of us as FMs,” Dacic said at a press conference with Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. “We started by working on signing an agreement on abolishing visas and a free trade agreement over ten years ago. As early as then, we had a vision of what we need to do, without waiting for the EU,” Dacic said. Our economic cooperation is on a rise and we have a series of investments and many people are getting jobs, Dacic said, noting that important infrastructure projects included a motorway to Sarajevo. “There is also a presence of (Turkish) financial capital, a bank and a development agency, and we are also working to develop our relations in culture and education, as well as in the field of sports, science, etc.” He noted that, following a bilateral agreement on abolition of visas, the Serbian parliament was also due to ratify an amendment enabling travel between the two countries with ID cards only. He said Serbia was under pressure to abolish the visa-free regime with Turkey. “We have been refusing to do that because we believe it is not in our interest, or in the interest of Turkey, the entire region or Europe, and that, together, we must all make an effort to prevent abuses of the visa-free regime in the case of illegal migration,” Dacic said. Serbia and Turkey want to be constructive in international relations and take no sides, Dacic also said. “We advocate respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty. We did not join the sanctions against Russia due to our state and national interests, as well as due to the economic cooperation with Russia and the Kosovo-Metohija issue, because Russia supports us on that issue. Imposing the sanctions would be unfair and detrimental, but it does not mean we will not say clearly that we do not support the violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Dacic said. He said he had accepted Cavusoglu’s initiative aimed at resolving the problem of chairmanship in the Organisation of Black Sea Economic Cooperation. “Given that Turkey has ties with the initiative, whose members include both Russia and Ukraine, and since chairing it is very difficult, in an agreement with Russia, we have accepted a Turkish initiative that we chair the initiative in the next six months despite the fact it is not our turn, in order to contribute to peace and stability in the region,” Dacic noted. Dacic and Cavusoglu also condemned a recent burning of the Qur’an in Stockholm.

Vucic receives farewell visit from Palestinian Ambassador (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received a farewell visit from Palestinian Ambassador Mohammed Nabhan on Thursday, thanking him for an exceptional contribution he has made to the close relations between the two countries and peoples during his long tenure in Belgrade. Vucic noted that, with his personality and diligent work, the Ambassador had left a deep mark in Serbian society, the presidential press office said in a statement. “I believe that, as a proven friend of Serbia and someone who is well-versed on the situation in our country and the region, you will also be promoting our cooperation in the future as much as possibilities permit,” Vucic told the diplomat. Nabhan said he had witnessed major economic progress in Serbia over the past decade and added that Vucic represented a model when it comes to how national interests should be defended. Vucic thanked Palestine for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia. The parties agreed there was interest in further development of cooperation in areas of mutual significance.

Petkovic: Pristina’s violence against Serbs strongest argument that ZSO is necessary (RTS)

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic announced that there can be no arguments against the Community of Serb Municipalities, especially not at a time when Serbs and their children are attacked and shot at almost every day, and especially not by the man who is the main inspirer and ideologist of that violence. Petkovic points out that the violence perpetrated by the Pristina regime led by Albin Kurti against the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija is the strongest argument in support of the view that the Community of Serb Municipalities is a necessity and condition for the survival of our people in the province. “Kurti’s resistance to the demands that the Community of Serb Municipalities be formed in accordance with the competences that belong to it, according to the agreements reached in Brussels, is understandable, because it was conceived as a means of defense against the arbitrariness and chauvinism of Albanian politicians in Pristina,” Petkovic points out. He points out that the negation of the will of the Serb people, trampling on their rights, physical and legal violence are endemic phenomena in Kosovo and Metohija, and the problem, he says, can only be solved by a fundamental change in Pristina’s attitude towards dialogue and the agreements reached. He points out that there can be no arguments against the Community of Serb Municipalities, especially not at a time when Serbs and their children are attacked and shot at almost every day, and especially not by a man who is the main inspirer and ideologist of that violence. “Kurti’s attacks on the Community of Serb Municipalities are supreme cynicism, because the struggle of the Serb people is not a struggle over some kind of amendment in a public debate, but rather a struggle for bare survival. After all, Kurti’s policy is in itself a denial of rights and the most naked violence, and the fact that he hides today behind the artificial language constructions is just another proof of his unscrupulousness and political insolence,” Petkovic points out. He points out that the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities, as agreed in Brussels, is an urgent need for the survival of the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija. “It is clear that Kurti’s chauvinist ideology is a threat to peace and stability, and that is why the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities, as agreed in Brussels, is an urgent need for the survival of the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija,” concluded Petkovic.

Cochard: Implement part of the agreement on ZSO, that is in Pristina’s interest too (Tanjug)

French Ambassador to Serbia Pierre Cochard stated that it is necessary for the part of the Brussels agreement that refers to the Community of Serb Municipalities to be implemented, stressing that it is necessary for the authorities in Pristina to see that it is in their interest as well. In an interview for Tanjug, Cochard, when asked if he thought that a comprehensive agreement between Belgrade and Pristina would be reached by the end of the year, said that there was no ultimatum, nor a fixed date, but that it was in everyone’s interest that the agreement be reached as soon as possible and that the time has come to “make visible progress” in this sense. When asked if there is a way to force Pristina to comply with what was agreed in Brussels, Cochard says that Pristina should see that the implementation of the Brussels agreement, including the part on the Community of Serb Municipalities, is also in its interest. “It is important that that part of the (Brussels) agreement is implemented. The goal of that agreement is, among other things, to guarantee the rights of the Serb population in Kosovo, but also to improve relations between the Kosovo Albanians and the Serb minority. That is important for everyone. I think this is also in the interest of the Pristina authorities, and that with joint work on the precise details of the agreement, it is quite possible, if there is a positive attitude and willingness to compromise on both sides, to reach a solution that will meet the interests of both parties,” Cochard adds. Asked to comment on the role of the US in the dialogue, Cochard, while reminding that it is a process led by the EU, emphasized that it is very positive that the US uses its influence to support this European action and that he is personally happy about the engagement and support of the US for European mediation in the dialogue. “The US, of course, traditionally plays an important role in this region. The dialogue is led by the EU with its special representative Miroslav Lajcak, but it is very important, and I would say, very positive, that the US uses its influence to support that European action. It is a sign and proof that we have the same goals, which is to enable this region to find peace and stability again, to develop, to join the EU, and thus have a positive future,” Cochard added.

Brnabic postpones meeting with MEPs (N1)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic’s meeting with MEPs Vladimir Bilcik and Matjaz Nemec has been postponed, a press release said on Thursday evening. The press release did not say why the meeting was postponed. N1 was told by sources in the government that the delay was due to technical issues. An earlier press release from the Serbian parliament said that Bilcik and Nemec are in Belgrade to meet with parliamentary officials to discuss cooperation with the European Parliament. They are also scheduled to meet with President Aleksandar Vucic. The EU Delegation in Belgrade said that their visit will “focus on the continuation of the cooperation with the Serbian parliament in the area of dialogue facilitation and consensus building”. Bilcik is the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Serbia and Nemec is a member of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee.

Nemec: EU-Serbia trust high, as are challenges (Tanjug/RTV)

MEP Matjaz Nemec, who is a member of the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, and MEP and rapporteur for Serbia Vladimir Bilcik met with Serbian parliament speaker Vladimir Orlic in Belgrade on Friday. “The trust between us is high, as are Serbia’s and the EU’s challenges we must face on our common European path. But we are confident that we will successfully continue on this path in dialogue and mutual respect,” Nemec wrote in a post on his official Twitter account.

Orthodox priest found dead in north Kosovo (KoSSev/N1)

Orthodox priest C.S. (48) was found dead on Thursday evening in the Serbian Orthodox Church in Vucitrn, north Kosovo. His death was reported to the police by his family, spokesman of the Regional Police Directorate for Mitrovica South Avni Zahiti confirmed for KoSSev. “They said they found C.S. with no signs of life in a residential building located within the religious building in Vucitrn,” said Zahiti, adding that the police found a gun at the scene which was seized as evidence. The police said the body has been sent for an autopsy and that an investigation is under way.

Demostat: Vucic is not going to sign agreement on dialogue with Pristina (Beta)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has de facto for years been Belgrade’s main negotiator in the dialogue with Pristina, is not going to sign an agreement when it is reached, rather the Serbian prime minister will, Demostat wrote on Thursday. Demostat said that Vucic himself implicitly hinted at this at a news conference where he spoke about a European proposal for normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina. It is normal and customary for the agreement to be signed by the prime minister, as the Constitution states that the cabinet is an executive body that conducts Serbian policy at home and abroad. Where international agreements are concerned, the procedure is for negotiations to be led first, then an agreement which has been harmonized by all sides is adopted, then each side ratifies the agreement, meaning that the content can no longer be changed. For the treaty to be valid, however, it must be okayed by parliament. Professor of law Vesna Rakic Vodinelic told Demostat that the Belgrade-Pristina agreement would have all of the characteristics of an international treaty. She stressed that the Constitution states that the Serbian cabinet is in charge of internal and external policy, and creates and leads policies. The president has the authority to represent the Republic of Serbia at home and abroad, but, as Rakic Vodinelic put it, representing and acting in the name of the state is not the same.

Panel: Franco-German proposal is not a final agreement (Beta)

The panellists of the working group of the EU National Convention for Chapter 35 concluded in Belgrade on Thursday that the signing of the so-called Franco-German agreement would not represent the final agreement on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, but an intermediate step before the request for the official recognition of Kosovo by Serbia. The working group’s coordinator Dragisa Mijacic stated that he had recognized four principles in the draft agreement: “The first is to find solutions that guarantee the safety and prosperity of the Serbs in Kosovo; the second is to improve trust between the Albanians and the Serbs, then there is economic cooperation and development of infrastructure, and the fourth principle of the EU is Serbia and Kosovo’s prospects.” During the panel discussion titled “German-French proposal for normalization agreement – much ado about nothing?!” Mijacic said that the agreement should be an intermediate step, while the final agreement on normalization would probably be formalized through Serbia’s admission into the EU, when the official recognition of Kosovo would also be requested. The director of the Center for International and Security affairs Igor Novakovic stated during the discussion in the Media Center that the main purpose of the agreement was “to fully de-escalate the situation” between Belgrade and Pristina while the war lasts in Ukraine, and to enable certain countries to change their stance on the status of Kosovo.

Forty-three percent of people support Serbia’s EU membership, 32 percent against (Beta)

Serbia’s membership in the EU is supported by 43 percent of Serbian citizens, one third are against, while two thirds support the reforms required for membership, according to results of the latest opinion poll carried out by the Ministry for European Integration, which were published on Thursday. If a referendum were to be held tomorrow with the question “Do you support Serbia’s membership in the EU?”, 43 percent of Serbian citizens would vote in favor, 32 percent against, 13 percent would not vote, while 12 percent do not know what their vote would be. These are the results of an opinion poll titled “European orientation of Serbian citizens”. Two thirds of those who participated in the poll believe that the reforms required for the country’s admission into the EU should be carried out, for the benefit of the people and the creation of a better and more organized Serbia. When asked about donations earmarked for development in the period from 2000 to this day, 28 percent recognized the EU as the biggest donor, followed by China, Russia and Norway.

REGIONAL PRESS

Newly appointed Ministers Helez, Tegeltija hold first working meetings with Ambassadors Murphy (Dnevni list)

US Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Michael Murphy has started having meetings with newly appointed Ministers in the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM). Namely, Ambassador Murphy met with Defense Minister of B&H Zukan Helez on Thursday, and Murphy stated on Twitter that the meeting was productive. Murphy also wrote that bold leadership is required to adopt important defense reforms and further strengthen the B&H Armed Forces “Action is required to advance B&H’s NATO Partnership”, wrote Ambassador Murphy. The Ambassador also met with newly appointed Finance Minister Zoran Tegeltija, with whom Ambassador Murphy discussed B&H’s economic and financial future, including the need to quickly adopt a state-level budget and undertake important reforms to allow for stronger economic growth. Office of Minister Tegeltija stated that the collocutors established that the Finance Ministry is crucial for functioning of institutions and for implementation of reforms, which are in focus of the CoM’s work. Tegeltija stated that preparation of the Draft Budget of B&H for 2023 is one of main priorities since the decision on temporary financing for the first quarter in 2023 is currently in force.

Ambassador Sattler meets Minister Konakovic and Deputy Brkic (Dnevni avaz)

Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Johann Sattler met on Thursday with the newly appointed B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konakovic. “Substantial meeting with new Foreign Minister of B&H Elmedin Konakovic and Deputy Josip Brkic. Congratulated both on appointment. We discussed opportunities after receiving the EU candidate status, need for alignment with EU coherence of B&H foreign policy and regional cooperation,” Sattler wrote on his Twitter. “We discussed opportunities after receiving candidate status, need for alignment with the EU, coherence of foreign policy and regional cooperation”, Sattler wrote on Twitter.

Dodik, Toudic talk about formation of authorities in B&H (RTRS)

Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik met in Banja Luka on Thursday with French Ambassador to B&H Christine Toudic. On this occasion, they discussed the current political and economic situation in the RS and B&H, as well as the process of the European integration with full respect for the Constitution and the Dayton Agreement. During the meeting, the RS President emphasized that the establishment of legitimate and functional authorities at all levels in B&H is of great importance for the European path and emphasized the importance of internal dialogue of all political actors in BiH on significant issues and projects of importance to all its citizens. Dodik pointed out that numerous foreign investments depend on political stability and reminded that the RS has shown its full democratic capacity and ability to form a government and adopt strategic documents in a short period of time after the elections, which is a prerequisite for a systemic solution to economic and social problems. The interlocutors assessed that there are many areas in which Serbia and France can cooperate and expressed the belief that in the coming period relations will further deepen and develop, with the aim of contributing to economic growth and development, increasing the number of investments, jobs and better standard.

HR Schmidt: I reached decision to impose changes to Election Law on my own (N1)

High Representative Christian Schmidt gave an interview to N1 where he said that it was his decision alone to impose the changes to Election Law. He added that he wrote this decision with assistance of legal experts and that the changes resulted in positive effects. Commenting the fact that Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic bragged that he talked to HR Schmidt for months, about electoral reform, Schmidt said that he also talked to Dragan Covic, Bakir Izetbegovic, Nermin Niksic and in the end, he reached a decision on his own. HR Schmidt called on Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik to distance from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Asked about possible escalation of violence in case SDA is completely excluded from the authority, Schmidt said that he will not allow such outcome. “Coup d’etat is unconstitutional. Then we will act. I will not accept if something is offensive,” said Schmidt. Asked in which way he unblocked the Federation of B&H (FB&H), which was a key argument for intervening in Election Law, Schmidt said that he set a deadline of a month for nominating the candidates for FB&H President and Vice Presidents. He underlined that his intervention secured for the Constitutional Court of FB&H to become operational. He noted that he could not know what election results will be and noted that the current situation where SDA has 13 delegates in Bosniak Caucus of FB&H House of Peoples, is case in democracy not a blockade. He commended ‘The Eight’ saying it is a great achievement for eight parties to “stick together”: “This shows rather big antagonism toward SDA. It is my task to acknowledge everything that is happening and the end. First comes B&H CEC and then we will see. If I have not reached a decision perhaps, we now would not be discussing the FB&H Government, but we would still have Government in technical mandate. I made the first step. SDA, as well as ‘The Eight’ will have to recognize that not everything is so easy to obtain.”

Chargé d’affaires meets von der Leyen, thanks for support in granting candidate status (Dnevni list)

Chargé d’affaires of the Mission of B&H to the EU Valentina Marincic met with President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula Von der Leyen. Marincic thanked President Von der Leyen on the support in granting status of EU candidate to B&H and informed her about formation of new convocation of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM). Marincic expressed full confidence that the new authorities of B&H will quickly and firmly embark on the path of reform. President Von der Leyen said that the EC remains with B&H.

EU expects B&H to impose visa regime for citizens of Russia (Nezavisne)

The daily reports that the new convocation of B&H Council of Ministers (B&H CoM) is going to face a very difficult issue right at the beginning of its mandate, as the EU expects B&H, as an EU candidate state, to introduce visa regime for citizens of Russia. This information was confirmed to the daily by the EU Delegation to B&H which stated that the unjustified and unprovoked war of Russia against Ukraine represents a severe violation of the international law and basic human rights, and it endangers European and global security and stability. “The EU is united in its response to the invasion, and it has adopted comprehensive measures. We expect B&H, as a candidate state, to fully align its foreign, security and trade policies with the EU policies. For the sake of good functioning of the visa-free regime with the EU, B&H is expected fill alignment with the EU visa policy as well, which does not stipulate visa-free regime with Russia”, the EU Delegation stated. The Delegation added that the EU mechanism for monitoring of visa-free regime carefully monitors how B&H conducts all issues related to migration and visa policy. The fifth report of the mechanism from December 2022 confirms that B&H still fulfils all criteria for liberalization of the visa regime with the Schengen zone, but it recommended that B&H should continue aligning its visa policy with the EU’s list of visa-required third countries, in particular those third countries presenting irregular migration or security risks to the EU. The daily notes that the issue of visa regime with Russia was raised before, when B&H was granted the EU candidate status, it has become a priority again after the new state authorities were formed. The EU also expects B&H to apply all sanctions against Russia imposed by the EU. The daily reminds that it recently reported information from an anonymous source that B&H officially adopted all the sanctions but is not implementing them. The conclusions of the EU Council granting B&H the status of EU candidate also mention the need to align the visa regime with the EU and to implement restrictive measures imposed by the EU, although the conclusions do not mention Russia directly. The European Commission’s report on progress achieved by B&H in 2022 also mentions the need for B&H to introduce visa regime with Russia.

FB&H HoR adopts FB&H budget for 2023 in amount of BAM 6.7 billion (Dnevni avaz)

Dnevni avaz reads that after frenetic session, the MPs in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H) House of Representatives, late on Thursday night adopted the FB&H Proposal Budget in amount of BAM 6.7 billion. 82 MPs voted in favour of the budget, one MP abstained from voting and daily comments that SDA MPs were slowing down the entire process. The FB&H government rejected 93 amendments and ‘The Eight’ and HDZ B&H proposed 50 amendments to the budget. While MPs asked for voting about the amendments, SDA MPs claimed that ‘The Eight’ and HDZ B&H submitted amendments with procedural mistakes, but in the end all 50 amendments proposed by ‘The Eight’ and HDZ B&H were adopted. SDA tried to slow down this process, asking for induvial vote, and after this failed, they left the session, but returned soon after. This budget is BAM 1.1 higher than the last year’s. Amendments to the law on contributions were also adopted in the FB&H Parliament. President of the FB&H Federation of Civil Servants and Employees Union’s Samir Kurtovic said that it is a positive thing for all workers that employers will be able to carry out certain activities in order to increase wages. In addition, HoR adopted the 2023 Financial Plan for the FB&H Health Insurance and Reinsurance Institute, amounting to nearly BAM 245 million. Director of the FB&H Health Insurance and Reinsurance Institute Vlatka Martinovic said that even with the increase and savings planned by the Institute, they will not be able to respond to all submitted requests and eliminate the waiting list.

Election Law, Croat member of Presidency, House of Peoples and ECHR judgements is the first exam for new authority (Vecernji list)

Vecernji list daily reads that after new Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H was formed in record time, the new authority and the ruling coalition will have to demonstrate they are capable of implementing judgments of international and local courts in order to implement electoral reforms. According to the daily’s information, the process should in the beginning be in ‘ownership’ of local political parties, which should offer necessary solution. Article further reads that the whole process should be blessed by representatives of the international community, foremost by the US as well as by the EU. In this context daily reads that in case SDA and its satellites exert too big a pressure, it is certain that foreign mediators would get involved in the process. Daily reminds that the political agreement on formation of new coalition, as well as the agreement that local politicians reached with European Council President Charles Michel last year, left a six-month deadline for reaching of agreement on the electoral reform. According to author, the deadline will start after election of the FB&H President and Vice Presidents and after appointment of new FB&H government. Daily also reminds that B&H CoM Chair Borjana Kristo met with High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt the other day and that the CoM issued a statement that the two collocutors agreed that protection of collective and individual rights when it comes to changes to the electoral legislation by implementing decisions judgments of the Constitutional Court of B&H, legitimate representation of constituent peoples in the Presidency of B&H and the House of Peoples, as well as implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, are foremost the matter for local political representatives and their agreement. According to the daily, US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar also made it clear that his country expects electoral reform. Daily reminds that Escobar stated the other day: “I do not want to comment on election of Zeljko Komsic, but in general I believe that the will of the Croats in B&H should be heard and implemented”.

Belarus’ exiled opposition leader welcomed in Zagreb (HRT1)

Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman welcomed the exiled leader of the Belarusian opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Zagreb on Thursday. The minister said Croatia was looking forward to further cooperation and that she could count on Croatia’s support in her democratic efforts. Tsikhanouskaya ran against long-time Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in the August 2020 presidential election. After the loss, large protests broke out in the country due to what the Opposition and the West believed were rigged elections. She was soon afterwards expelled from the country. She thanked Grlic-Radman for the support and said it is necessary to distinguish between the Belarusian people and the current regime; adding that her country was being manipulated by Russia and that the people stand against the war in Ukraine. “The Belarussian army and soldiers do not want to participate in the war. They don’t see Ukrainians as the enemy. We have always enjoyed friendly relations,” she said. She added that she doesn’t believe Lukashenko wants Belarus to participate in the war; nor does she believe Putin wants Belarussian troops to participate either. Rather, Tsikhanouskaya says “the status quo is comfortable for both of them”. Any mobilization, she believes, would further destabilize an already volatile situation. The leader of the opposition in exile said it was important for Croatia to issue visas to Belarusian citizens so they can leave the country and continue their struggle for democracy and freedom of speech.

Thimonier: Don’t open topic of elections without operational institutions (RTCG)

The Ambassador of France in Montenegro Christian Thimonier says that the presidential and potential parliamentary elections in Montenegro must be held only after the establishment of an operational Constitutional Court. He adds that it is sad that Montenegro has found itself on the back row of the EU Council due to the institutional crisis. “We are concerned that a good student in the Balkan class has become a symbol of blockade and a symbol of problems”, says Thimonier. He adds that the Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Minister of European and International Affairs of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, gave a report to the Council of the EU and conveyed that they had the impression that “they were listened to in Montenegro”. “So, we have hope that there is a solution, that the machine is in motion again to avoid blocking your institutional system. Without the judges of the Constitutional Court, there is no democracy, and democracy is the minimum condition for your European journey so that everything that was done is not spoiled”, says Thimonier. He adds that the international community followed the interviews of candidates for judges of the Constitutional Court before the Constitutional Committee. “Together with the ambassadors, we followed the hearings of candidates for judges of the Constitutional Court, and we noted that there are good lawyers, candidates who are determined to respect the rule of law. So, there are good candidates”, says Thimonier. He points out that it is necessary for the crisis to be resolved as soon as possible, al in order “to avoid agony, because that would be bad for Montenegro, which has already lost a lot in terms of its image”, Thimonier has stressed.

Stano: EU invites political actors to build a consensus on the selection of judges (CdM)

The spokesperson of the EU for foreign policy Peter Stano announced that the Union praised the transparency of the Montenegrin parliament in interviewing candidates for the Constitutional Court. “The EU continues to monitor the process, calls on political actors to build consensus on this key rule of law matter, crucial for EU path, functioning of state and for all citizens.” the EC spokesperson said in a post on Twitter.

Matuella: Urgently elect judges of the Constitutional Court and the Judicial Council (CdM/TV E)

Michela Matuella, Acting director for neighborhood and enlargement negotiations in the directorate for the Western Balkans, sharply criticized the political situation in Montenegro during the Stabilization and Association Committee yesterday in Brussels. “The Law on the President, the amendments and additions to the Law on the Judicial Council and the State Prosecutor’s Office were made without the recommendations of the Venice Commission”, Matuella assessed, TV E learns. She also called for the urgent election of judges of the Constitutional Court and the Judicial Council.

Peach: Ensure a functional Constitutional Court and conditions for presidential and parliamentary elections (CdM)

In connection with the current political situation in Montenegro, the special envoy of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for the Western Balkans, Lord Stuart Peach, is of the position that Montenegrin politicians and parties should now join the conversation in order to ensure a functional Constitutional Court and the right conditions for future presidential and parliamentary elections. “The United Kingdom and our allies share an unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of this region, including Montenegro. The current prolonged political impasse leaves Montenegro with a transitional government in geopolitically and economically challenging times. Montenegrin politicians and parties should now join the conversation in order to ensure a functional Constitutional Court and create the right conditions for future presidential and parliamentary elections,” Peach pointed out. According to him, the United Kingdom is actively interested in this process. “As NATO allies, it is especially important that we adhere to clear common values that underpin harmonized positions in the field of defense, security and foreign policy. Only on the basis of such common interests, our successful cooperation in many areas continues”, Peach concluded.

Djukanovic-Reinke: Support for the election of judges is unquestionable if the election procedure of the Constitutional Committee is fully respected from the start (CdM)

Montenegro needs full functionality, and this is a condition for the country to survive, and institutional stability cannot exist without a functional Constitutional Court, said the President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic during a meeting with the Ambassador of the United States of America to Montenegro Judy Rising Reinke. Djukanovic thanked the ambassador for the initiative for the conversation as well as for the attention in relation to the issue of the election of judges and the functionality of institutions in Montenegro. The President informed the ambassador about the efforts being made to reach a compromise regarding the selection of candidates and emphasized that support for the selection of judges is unquestionable if the selection procedure for the Constitutional Committee is fully respected from the start. The Ambassador thanked for the reception and confirmed that the selection of judges of the Constitutional Court, in the package of issues, as it was said, is perceived as the most important fundamental issue in Washington. “She emphasized that a complete and functional Constitutional Court is the most important issue for the future of the country, in connection with which the key message of the American partners is the expectation of responsible behaviour of all political actors in the parliament in order for this round of judges’ elections to be successful and bring a solution for the full functionality of the Constitutional Court “, the announcement states. Ambassador Reinke appreciates the efforts of the President of Montenegro to move towards a solution in the process of restoring the functionality of the Constitutional Court. The interlocutors highly rated the relations between the two allied states and discussed the potential for continuing and intensifying communication at a high level important for the European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the region as a whole.

Djukanovic-Muller: Early parliamentary elections would contribute to clarifying the situation and obtaining a pro-European government (CdM)

The President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic received the Ambassador of Austria to Montenegro Karl Muller with whom he discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the current political situation. Djukanovic, in agreement with the ambassador, pointed out the importance of institutional preservation of the country, and the key interest of obtaining a competent and nationally responsible government, which can only be achieved by organizing parliamentary elections. “The support of friends like Austria is always welcome in order for Montenegro to stabilize and continue its European path,” Djukanovic pointed out. As announced by his cabinet, he highly rated the quality of the relations between the two countries with gratitude for the all-round support of Austria as well as a good perception of the needs of the Western Balkans and support for its Europeanization and European perspective. Appreciating that Montenegro and Austria have very good relations, he confirmed the interest in further improvement of economic and overall cooperation. “With the belief that through the implementation of presidential and parliamentary elections, Montenegro will achieve a stable and competent executive power, and continue with the process of intensive democratic development close to membership in the EU, he expressed his belief in, as before, Austria’s strong support for Montenegro and the region “, the announcement states. The Austrian Ambassador thanked Djukanovc for the accepted initiative to meet and exchange opinions with full agreement on the quality and perspective of relations between the two countries, to which he is continuously committed from his position. In addition to his assessment of the complexity of the political situation in Montenegro, he expressed his belief that all political actors understood the importance of the moment and that there is sufficient responsibility regarding the importance of the election of judges and the final establishment of the Constitutional Court in full function through a compromise and the election of four judges in the first round of voting, especially bearing in mind the upcoming presidential elections and a series of questionable decisions in relation to the constitution and constitutional principles adopted in the previous period. “Hope remains that the judges will be elected and that everything will be ready for the elections,” Muller said. Holding early parliamentary elections, he also points out, would be a good decision that would contribute to clarifying the situation and obtaining a pro-European government.

Novakovic Djurovic with Bilcik and Picula: Use the opportunity, the key to further progress on the EU path is in the hands of Montenegro (CdM)

The recipe for solving the political crisis and creating preconditions for entering the final phase of negotiations on accession to the EU is with Montenegro, this is the common conclusion after the talks that Minister Ana Novakovic Djurovic had with members of the European Parliament Vladimir Bilcik and Tonino Picula. During the open conversation, MP Bilcik expressed his concern about the current political crisis in Montenegro and pointed out that solving the issue of the functionality of the Constitutional Court, as well as the construction of independent institutions that should enable the implementation of the upcoming presidential and, in the near future, parliamentary elections, is a basic prerequisite for further Montenegro’s progress on the European path. “Also, Deputy Bilcik expressed his readiness to schedule a session of the Parliamentary Committee for Stabilization and Association (POSP) as soon as the reasons for its postponement are removed. At the same time, deputy Bilcik welcomed the alignment of the foreign policy of Montenegro and the EU, especially regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine”, the government announced. MP Picula expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to learn more about the current situation in Montenegro and believes that Montenegro has the potential and capacity to become the next member of the EU, but that it is necessary to make significant progress on that path. He pointed out that parliamentary elections should be held as soon as possible and suggested that, regardless of political changes, it is necessary to preserve the negotiation structure and protect it from any political influence. The issue of further EU expansion has gained momentum again, Montenegro should take advantage of this moment, concluded MP Picula. Minister Novakovic Djurovic thanked the respected MPs for the opportunity to exchange opinions regarding the current situation regarding the European Agenda of Montenegro. She emphasized that the accession of Montenegro is a key foreign policy priority and that the government is actively implementing reforms on that path that are within its competence. She pointed out that Montenegro is still in the process of political transition and that she believes that all political parties in it will show maturity and contribute to the building of independent institutions, above all the Constitutional Court, in order to give momentum to all other political processes, the end result of which should membership of Montenegro in the EU.

Kovachevski meets extra-parliamentary coalition partners for talks on support to citizens amid crisis (MIA)

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said he held a working dinner on Thursday with leaders and other senior officials of the extra-parliamentary parties that are part of the SDSM-led coalition, discussing implementation of the government program, as well as measures and policies to support citizens amid a global economic and energy crisis. “This meeting, which is part of a series of meetings with the SDSM coalition partners, discussed among other joint activities we are planning for this year and the country’s European future, which is our common priority,” Kovachevski posted on Facebook. The meeting comes after Monday’s working dinner between Kovachevski and the leaders and other senior officials of the parliamentary coalition parties, where talks focused on dealing with the consequences of the energy and economic crisis, the implementation of the government program, reforms in terms of the European path and steps to ensure a European future for the country. “We discussed about activities in 2023, the measures and policies of the Government in dealing with the global energy crisis, economic development and the energy transition, the implementation of the government program, the reforms in terms of the European path and steps to ensure a European future for the country,” Kovachevski said Monday. Earlier on Monday, SDSM Secretary General Mile Zechevikj held a meeting with coalition partners at the party’s headquarters.

Mickoski: We are in a cold war with Bulgaria (Sitel)

VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski considers the deterioration of relations with Bulgaria as expected and describes it as a cold war. He says that this is the result of opening the way to all Bulgarian demands, which the government has done so far. “The fact that this government made concessions to everything that was asked, gave up and signed everything in the interest of preserving their seats, is worrying. We see that the other side, despite all of this, enters into such a conflict, which I would put at the level of a Cold War between the two countries. When one side makes concession for anything and the other side wins everything, then Bulgaria believes that its natural right is to win everything it wants. For this reason, we have warned in the past period that it should not be like that, but unfortunately we have politically illiterate, criminal and corrupt politicians who, in order to maintain their positions and receive one more tender, are ready to swallow everything,” said Mickoski.

Osmani: We must put an end to provocations, no official confirmation over Bulgarian Ambassador’s withdrawal (Telma/RFE)

Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani expressed regret Thursday over the latest activities by official Sofia, highlighting the need for de-escalation of relations, cool-headed and cautious approach. “We must put an end to such provocations, but we should always consider that these are groups interested in kidnapping relations because of other reasons, including third parties as well. Both we and the Bulgarian government should not succumb to the provocations by provocateurs who want to kidnap the European future or distort the image we have built as a state,” FM Osmani told a Q&A session in parliament. According to him, a cool-headed approach is needed while carefully maintaining the country’s image through a strategy of protecting the state interests, instead of “riding the public wave”. “I have said already, the hunting season of provocateurs and political profiteers has opened and they will attempt to build their own narrative on such sensitive topics,” said Osmani. North Macedonia, he added, has demonstrated a strong, democratic and institutional capacity in swiftly processing the latest incident, identifying and detaining the perpetrator, whereas the investigation is ongoing. “Our condemnation came after the Ohrid Prosecutor’s Office initially assessed that the incident had occurred due to identity or ethnic elements,” said Osmani. Separately, Osmani told Radio Free Europe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not received an official confirmation whether the Bulgarian Ambassador has been withdrawn from the country because of the incident in which the secretary of the Bulgarian club in Ohrid was beaten. “If the withdrawal of the Bulgarian Ambassador from Macedonia is related to the Ohrid incident, then I would consider it a disproportional move, because it is an isolated incident for which the state has undertaken all measures possible,” said Osmani.

MFA: Latest activities from Bulgaria not in accordance with agreed practice to enhance relations (MIA)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday the latest activities undertaken by official Sofia are not in accordance with the agreed practice for enhancement of bilateral relations, noting that the withdrawal of the Bulgarian Ambassador from North Macedonia is an unfounded and unsubstantiated step with no valid arguments. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is carefully monitoring the statements and activities coming from the Republic of Bulgaria, and it is sad to report that official Sofia’s latest activities are not in accordance with the agreed practice for enhancement of mutual relations. On the contrary, they succumb to the provocations of those who want to disrupt both governments’ efforts towards a stable and positive development of relations between the two countries,” the MFA said in a press release. It added that the withdrawal of an ambassador for consultation in one’s home country is the right of the country sending him and is a regular diplomatic practice, but noted “this step is unfounded, unsubstantiated, disproportionate, and contains no valid arguments”. The Republic of North Macedonia has shown strong democratic and institutional capacity, putting the latest incident through judicial processes quickly and efficiently, identifying and arresting the perpetrator. Additionally, through their statements at the highest level, the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister condemned the incident, and the FM also paid an urgent visit to Sofia and met with the injured person, in order to demonstrate the determination of the state authorities to ensure legal security, safety and sustainable public order, said the MFA. The MFA expects things to cool down and for the provocations to be removed so that diplomatic activities can resume. We will remain vigilant in our monitoring of all statements and actions by official Sofia, with expectations of the provocations to end so that diplomatic activities, priorities towards joint projects, working groups etc. can all resume their work towards the preservation and improvement of good-neighborly relations, as per the MFA. On Wednesday, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov said they would withdraw Ambassador Angel Angelov until Sofia saw signs of change.

Milkov: Sofia takes measures in Pendikov case, no room for analogies and shared guilt (MIA/BNT)

Bulgaria is taking all measures in the case of Hristijan Pendikov, said Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov. FM Milkov told BNT he has already briefed EU counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, and a memorandum has been delivered to all member-states, while also announcing a meeting with EU ambassadors in Sofia. “Other mechanisms will also be used, including OSCE, which still has an observation mission in Skopje. We have all Council of Europe tools at disposal,” said Milkov. On the 4 February observance of the Goce Delchev birth anniversary, he said both countries and primarily institutions in North Macedonia must remain calm and refrain from any provocations, in order to ensure order, while adding that anyone who wanted to go should go and take a bow. “Regarding the counterattack aimed at (Bulgarian MEP) Angel Dzhambazki and other politicians, I believe this is part of some new Macedonian narrative in order to minimize the attack on the Bulgarian, systematic attacks on Bulgarian clubs and communities, which have been escalating. It started with the adoption of a repressive law there, it continued with arson that resulted in a suspended sentence, followed by shooting and now a physical assault on a member of the Bulgarian community. They are attempting to impose shared guilt – that crazy people can be found on both sides of the border. There is no room for such analogies,” said Milkov. According to him, the French proposal is focused on the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Pendarovski responds to Bulgarian FM Milkov comments (MIA/Telma TV)

President Stevo Pendarovski has responded to the comments of Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov. In an interview with Telma TV, which will be broadcast in full on Friday, he says that Milkov does not know his history because people were not sent to Goli Otok because they were Macedonian or Bulgarian, but rather it was about whether they were pro-Tito or pro-Stalin. Regarding Milkov’s accusations that Pendarovski conceals the country’s policies to discriminate Bulgarians, North Macedonia’s President urges him to present proof of that.

EU negotiations to stop without constitutional changes (MIA)

North Macedonia started the EU accession negotiations on 19 July last year, the bilateral screening is successfully developing and should be completed by the end of 2023. The constitutional changes are a condition for continuation into the second stage of the accession negotiations, but also progress of reforms, say Union sources. The EU sources say this is an obligation arising from North Macedonia’s bilateral discussions with Bulgaria over the incorporation of the Bulgarian community in the Constitution. This is the country’s sovereign choice, whereas North Macedonia has a strong dossier when it comes to interethnic relations. Once the issue was presented, there was not much opposition except for one party, but it then turned into a highly politicized issue. It remains to be seen, they add, if consensus will be reached and the required two-thirds parliamentary majority is achieved over the constitutional revision, whereas the end of the screening by the year-end will represent a critical moment. “If this fails to happen, the process will stop at that point,” says the EU. Goodneighborly relations are a crucial part of the accession process and the implementation of bilateral agreements such as Prespa or the Friendship Treaty is expected in good will and from all parties, say Union sources and add that Brussels does not want to import disputes. Despite the concerning statements coming from certain individuals, aimed to undermine bilateral relations and good results in trade exchange, the EU sources claim it is in the interest of both Bulgaria and North Macedonia to maintain goodneighborly relations and lower tensions, whereas the two governments to continue discussions. There is optimism over the constitutional changes, with prospects seen in creating conditions for their support through rational discussions with all political stakeholders on why such changes are needed, what implications they’ll have, and especially regarding the country’s strategic goal of EU membership, says the Union. On the opposition’s stance against the constitutional changes and insisting on getting guarantees from the EU that Bulgaria would not put new blockades after their adoption, EU sources say it is difficult to imagine what guarantees the Union could give that a fresh veto would not emerge at any point of the negotiations. However, they recall that both (Council President Charles) Michel and (European Commission President Ursula) Von der Leyen provided strong assurances in Skopje that it would not be allowed for issues related to history, language and identity to be used as reasons to stop the country’s progress. They add the EU and member-states are “very interested” in not allowing these issues to become part of the negotiating process. The country should focus on its long-term goal – EU membership – by implementing the European reform agenda and the constitutional revision procedure, which is rather complex, underline the EU sources.

President discusses Albania’s EU membership with MEP Santos (ADN)

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj hosted the rapporteur for Albania in the European Parliament Isabel Santos where they discussed Albania’s membership in the EU. Begaj said during the meeting that the European Parliament’s support for Albania is important for achieving the objectives set in the negotiation process. Focusing on the new geopolitical developments, after the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Head of State underlined that Albania will remain a reliable partner within the foreign and security policy of the European Union and will always join the decisions of positions of the union. The two interlocutors also focused on the developments in the Western Balkans region and the specific challenges that this region and its countries are facing, especially in the new geopolitical conditions.

Peleshi in the USA: Excellent cooperation in the field of defense between Albania and our strategic ally the USA (Radio Tirana)

Defense Minister Niko Peleshi held a meeting with the Congressman Matt Gaetz, member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. In a post on social networks, Peleshi said that, in the meeting with Congressman Matt Gaetz, we discussed cooperation in the field of defense between the two countries. “The use of Albania’s potential for the development of capacities in the field of technology, with a special focus on cybernetics, was the main topic of the conversation with Congressman Matt Gaetz, a member of the Armed Services Committee and the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives,” said Peleshi. Peleshi confirmed the excellent cooperation in the field of defense between Albania and our strategic ally the USA.

Veliaj welcomes the new OSCE ambassador: Presidency of B40, a unique opportunity for Tirana. De Sanctis: Tirana, a very dynamic city (Radio Tirana) 

The Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj received in his office the new OSCE ambassador in Tirana Guido De Sanctis to whom he wished success in his mission in Albania. Veliaj said that the Municipality of Tirana and the OSCE have undertaken joint initiatives focusing on the interaction of young people from all over the Balkans. “I hope that the good tradition that we have started with the OSCE over the years will continue to grow in this cooperation that we are starting together. Meanwhile, it is excellent news that Tirana will be the Presidency of “B40” for the next year. This means that we can use this year, together with other OSCE branches in our region, to work more with cities, with local democracy, with municipal councils, with urban planning, with the way we operate with local decision-making. to further increase transparency. I can’t wait that even in this great partnership between cities, we will have a good cooperation in this unique opportunity that has been given to Tirana to be the presidency of the “B40″ for 2024”, said Veliaj. The OSCE Ambassador in Tirana, Guido De Sanctis, expressed his interest in deepening further cooperation with the Municipality of Tirana. “This is a very dynamic city and now I understand why, I really like Tirana. The city is growing and the hospitality here is exceptional. I represent the OSCE and I understand that we have a long history of cooperation with the municipality. We want to increase this cooperation, we want to develop it. We have projects, we are discussing what we can do in the future and I am sure that it is also in the interest of the people of Albania, of Tirana, and it is also in the interest of the security of the region. I know that the “S” in OSCE stands for security. With what is happening in the world today, I think that security should be something that we have to work for every day”, said De Sanctis.