LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: ZSO Statute sole responsibility of Management Team (Tanjug/Politika/RTV)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated yesterday that the Brussels agreement of 2015 clearly stipulates who is competent for the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), and underlined that that is the Management Team, with clearly defined powers and competencies. Responding to questions of reporters in Pozega, where she visited the Budimka factory and spoke with the beneficiaries of the programme “My First Salary”, Brnabic said that she has not seen the “draft statute” of the Community of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo and Metohija prepared by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and added that she does not understand why they are dealing with that. There are no mysteries there, the competencies of the ZSO are defined, its powers, of which there are 22, and there is also a Management Team, which should deal with the drafting of the ZSO Statute, she pointed out and thanked the Friedrich Ebert Foundation for their help and support which she said she hopes is well-intentioned. The Management Team was formed as early as 2018 and it started working on the ZSO Statute, for which Pristina was praised in 2018 in the report on the progress from Brussels and the European Commission, Brnabic said and added that we should continue on the path which was defined in 2015 and 2018 and that this work should be done by people designated for that.

Vucic: I will answer everyone at parliament session, although some are coming for self-promotion (RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he will answer everyone at the parliamentary session dedicated to the negotiation process with Pristina, but he assessed that many are coming to that session not for answers, but for self-promotion. “It’s not a problem when many of them attack one, but it’s a problem when many of them ask for the help of others to fight against that one. Both those many, and those additional ones, we will defeat together and we will win as Serbia!”, said Vucic on Instagram, reports RTS. In addition, Vucic published a video in which he stressed that, once the government was informed about the French-German initiative, “in a responsible and serious manner” he offered parliamentary parties to come for consultations in order to point out all the facts to them and to try to jointly approach solving the problem. “They said, or at least most of them, ‘we are not interested, we want the parliament, we want to present ourselves, we want a political victory, we are not that interested in Kosovo and Metohija’,” said Vucic. He added that it is his duty to respect the parliament and stressed that he will come to the session and answer “to all of you, knowing that you are not coming for answers but for self-promotion”. “Even that wasn’t enough, so you invited party supporters to help. It’s not a problem, I’ll fight and we’ll all win like Serbia, because you can’t overpower Serbia,” said Vucic.

Vucevic meets with Hill to discuss cooperation in area of defense (Beta)

Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic met on Tuesday with US Ambassador Christopher Hill to discuss cooperation in the area of defense. The Ministry of Defense has released a statement saying that Vucevic stressed that visits by top-level U.S. delegations in the past period showed that US- Serbian relations were strengthening. The Ministry stressed an upcoming visit by Serbian Army Chief of Staff General Milan Mojsilovic to the National Guard of Ohio and the Joint Forces Command in Washington. Ambassador Hill underscored that the US was a reliable partner to Serbia and stressed that the U.S. embassy would do everything on its part for Serbian delegations that visit the U.S. to meet the goals of their visits and be accepted at the highest level. Hill said that the U.S. hoped for joint military exercises to continue soon and that the US was ready to help the process of equipping the Serbian army.

Vucic informs Dodik of situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik on Tuesday to inform him of all Western initiatives regarding Kosovo-Metohija and the overall situation in Serbia’s southern province. “Also, we agreed that I visit several places in Republika Srpska over the next month, especially the more impoverished municipalities, for which the Republic of Serbia will prepare significant financial aid and support in infrastructure projects,” Vucic wrote in a post on his Instagram profile. He added that the meeting had addressed all crucial issues for Serbia and Republika Srpska.

Greece not changing its position to not recognize so-called Kosovo (Tanjug/RTV)

Bilateral relations between Serbia and Greece are based on sincere friendship and mutual support, it was announced today at the meeting of Serbian parliament speaker Vladimir Orlic and Greek Ambassador Maria Levadi, who confirmed that Greece’s position regarding the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia will not change, and that it will continue to support the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Orlic said that, despite Pristina’s irrational behavior, Belgrade remains firmly committed to the policy of peace, stability and dialogue, the parliament announced. “We greatly appreciate Greece’s position to remain consistent in not recognizing so-called ‘Kosovo’. The safety of the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija and the formation of the ZSO – these are issues of the greatest importance, for which we expect support from everyone,” said Orlic. The interlocutors noted an intense political dialogue, the improvement of which has been contributed to by the exchange of visits by officials of the two countries, especially the visit of President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic to Athens and his talks with Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Orlic and Levadi agreed that a significant contribution to the cooperation between the two parliaments will be made by further connecting parliamentary friendship groups, and especially by regular exchanges of visits at all levels. The interlocutors expressed their willingness to transform good political relations between the two countries into stronger economic cooperation, primarily in the areas of trade and energy. The Ambassador conveyed the satisfaction of Greek investors doing business in Serbia and stressed their interest in making further investments in our country.

Stability, economic development in interest of entire region (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke today with High Representative of the international community for Bosnia and Herzegovina Christian Schmidt about the importance of joint projects in the region for its progress, as well as finding ways to speed up their implementation. Brnabic recalled that Serbia is a guarantor of the Dayton Agreement, that it respects the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it is determined and open to the development of good neighbourly relations and bilateral cooperation, which includes both cooperation with its central authorities, as well as those in the entities. During the talks in the Serbian government, she underlined once again that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has continuously sent positive signals in previous years and that he continues with such a policy, at the same time emphasising that security, stability and economic development are in the interest of the entire region. According to her, Serbia also offers many opportunities, especially to young people, for the development of their potential, invests in modern technologies and IT, but is also very open to building bridges with Bosnia and Herzegovina in all fields. Brnabic said that she is looking forward to cooperation with the new convocation of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She reiterated on this occasion that the recent public release of a note from the Embassy of Serbia in Bosnia and Herzegovina with personal and confidential information, which led to endangering the security of a protected person, is unacceptable and contrary to diplomatic practice. At the same time, she thanked the interlocutor for the recent telephone conversation on this topic and for his understanding. Assessing this kind of practice as unacceptable, Schmidt pointed out that in accordance with the decision of the Governing Board of the Peace Implementation Council, he informed the diplomatic community in Bosnia and Herzegovina about it. The High Representative agreed with the Prime Minister that the stability of the region and its economic development is extremely important, and that he sees Belgrade as a sincere collaborator and partner.

Orlic meets with Schmidt (RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian parliament speaker Vladimir Orlic met today with Christian Schmidt, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the course of the meeting Orlic said that Serbia attaches great importance to its relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and is committed to developing cooperation across the board, especially when it comes to the realisation of the most important infrastructure projects and economic cooperation. He stressed that the state of Serbia is pursuing the policy of peace, stability and progress for the entire region, without exception. “It is the policy of President Aleksandar Vucic, and our parliament and the government stand behind it”, said Orlic. Schmidt praised Serbia’s economic achievements, saying that it sets and impressive example to others. He also highlighted the importance of economic cooperation and connectivity as an important step forward in the European integration of the entire region. “The most significant progress comes when we work together and we wish the progress we have achieved to everyone in the region,” said Orlic. As he pointed out the attitude of Serbia toward the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, honouring the Dayton Accords, is well-known and unchanged. “For us, it is a matter of principle –Serbia respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states without exception and we expect to be afforded the same”, said Orlic. Speaking of the situation in the region, the officials agreed that the preservation of peace is crucial for the overall progress of the Western Balkans and a guarantee for the future to young people.

Jeremic: Those who don’t oppose Franco-German plan are either for Kosovo’s independence of for Vucic (Nova S/Beta)

The leader of the People’s Party Vuk Jeremic said on Tuesday that the Franco-German plan for Kosovo was an attempt to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and the Serbian Constitution, and that whoever supported the plan was either for Kosovo’s independence or for Serbian President Vucic, or both. “Who is on which side will be revealed at a session of parliament scheduled for 2 February,” Jeremic told TV Nova S. He said that People’s Party MPs would strongly support rejecting the plan. The former UN General Assembly president stressed that Serbia should notify the UN Security Council that there were initiatives for resolving the status of Kosovo outside of that body. This is why it is very dangerous to engage in a risky dance with the Quint and discuss Kosovo’s future status with it while at the same time counting on Albin Kurti to make a fatal move, Jeremic said. Jeremic also said that “there is zero chance” of the EU introducing sanctions against Serbia if it rejected the Franco-German plan, noting that there was a lack of unity among EU member states.

British parliament: We do not want a Serbian enclave (Tanjug/B92)

Session of Foreign Affairs Committee of the British parliament held: the situation in the Western Balkans and London’s policy towards this region were discussed. The president of that committee, Alicia Kearns, said that the British government would not support the formation of a “Serbian enclave” in Kosovo. During the session, as can be seen in the video she posted on Twitter, Kearns said “that she is worried about the Franco-German proposal to create an enclave in the form of Republika Srpska on Kosovo and Metohija”. “Can the government confirm that it opposes the entrenchment of ethno-nationalism in the Balkans? And will we, in that sense, block Republika Srpska from raising money on the London Stock Exchange, because it is solely for the financing of these secessionist plans and ambitions?”, said Kearns. She then wrote on Twitter that it was a “relief” for her to hear that the government confirmed that it would not support the creation of a “Serbian enclave” on the so-called Kosovo. “It is crucial that we do not further establish ethno-nationalism in the Balkans,” Kearns said. The British Minister for Europe Leo Docherty, in his reply, told Kearns that he shares her concern, but that there is “no question” of the Serbian enclave in the north of the so-called Kosovo. “We continue to work closely with partners to support the normalization of relations. I said that both in Belgrade and in Kosovo, when I visited them at the end of last year,” said parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Europe Leo Docherty.

REGIONAL PRESS

Dodik meets Vucic in Belgrade, discuss Kosovo, joint projects in RS (ATV)

Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Tuesday. On this occasion, Dodik and Vucic discussed key issues for the RS and Serbia as well as Western initiatives pertaining to – as ATV reported – “Kosovo and Metohija” and the overall situation in Kosovo, which ATV carried as “the southern province”. Dodik confirmed after the meeting that Vucic agreed to pay a visit to several places in the RS in the next month, especially the poorer municipalities for which Serbia will prepare a significant financial assistance and support for infrastructure projects. Commenting on the issue of Kosovo, Dodik stated that it is a very complex situation and noted that “everyone knows that Kosovo and Metohija were taken away from Serbia” and that Kosovo cannot be a state, “because it is part of Serbia”. According to Dodik, Serbia does not have to accept anything when it comes to “Kosovo and Metohija”. The RS President also stated: “The international factor, above all the US, Germany, France and the UK, are trying to bring their earlier mess-up related to the recognition of Kosovo to an end by forcing Serbia to eventually go through some completely dubious construction that is being proposed, which is to keep quiet and let go of something, as well as to put Serbia in an even more humiliating position.” He added that the most important thing is for Serbia to preserve its negotiation position. According to RTRS, Dodik supported the approach of Serbia that tries to find the best, peaceful solution and hold the territorial integrity of Serbia. The two officials announced that all joint projects of Serbia and the RS will be continued and Vucic will visit the RS at the end of February or at the beginning of March. According to announcements, the RS government and the Serbian government are expected to hold a joint session at the end of February or at the beginning of March. Speaking about joint projects, Dodik said that they discussed construction of the highway from Bijeljina to Raca, airport in Trebinje, hydropower plant Buk-Bijela. The Serbian President confirmed that the RS can count on the Serbian support. Dodik said that it is easier for the international factor to observe the status of Kosovo totally separately from status of the RS although in his opinion, the situations are similar or even identical. Dodik underlined that Serbs have the right to their own state just like Albanians, Croats and others. Dodik also said that everyone knows that Kosovo was taken away from Serbia and he is thankful to Croatian President Zoran Milanovic for confirming this. Dodik also said: “I think that President Milanovic’s statement should be understood as such. It is true, they have stolen Kosovo, actually they have not done it yet. They are stealing Kosovo from Serbia and from Serb people. And they would do it to further punish Serbia”. Dodik said that he supports Serbia’s approach in the attempt to preserve its territorial integrity and he added: “1244 Resolution of the UN Security Council is something that absolutely guarantees this for Serbia, regardless of whether some kind of Escobar or Lajcak ignore it.”

Cvijanovic kicks off visit to US and will attend National Prayer Breakfast together with Becirovic; Becirovic says alliance between US and B&H must be strengthened (BHT1)

Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Zeljka Cvijanovic kicked off her visit to the US on Tuesday and is planned to attend upcoming National Prayer Breakfast, as well as meet several US officials. Bosniak member of the Presidency of B&H Denis Becirovic also arrived in the US and is planned to attend the event together with Cvijanovic. In a video message recorded for B&H citizens, Becirovic vowed to work of strengthening the alliance between B&H and the US, as well as on B&H’s accession to the EU and NATO and other strategic goals. Becirovic stated that the alliance between the US and B&H must be strengthened. He emphasized that he will have numerous meetings with American officials in the White House, the Pentagon, and with American senators and congressmen. “I want to strengthen the American-Bosnian alliance and friendship. We must deepen and strengthen this alliance. This is of great importance for our people and country. I will work with all my strength to achieve our strategic goals, which are full membership in NATO and the European Union,” Becirovic underlined. Becirovic also said that Washington and Brussels are the two most important cities for B&H and he showed this in a concrete way with his visit. He said: “I will continue to make moves that are good for our country even if they are not good personally for me. B&H is more important than any individual or any party. We must recognize dangers that lie ahead of us and respond in a brave, smart and decisive way.”

B&H Presidency members meet with members of US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington (BHT1)

The B&H Presidency members met with members of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen in Washington on Tuesday. On the occasion, they discussed current foreign policy issues, as well as the internal political, economic and security situation in B&H. The B&H Presidency members thanked the US senators for their interest and for the assistance the US continuously provides to the institutions at all levels of government in B&H. In a video message after the meeting, B&H Presidency member Denis Becirovic friendship and alliance between B&H and the US should be deepened and strengthened, “as it is of great importance for our people and our country. I will work vigorously on achieving our strategic goals, i.e. full-fledged membership in NATO and the European Union. I want to strengthen the existing friendships, build new ones where it is possible and keep the pride and dignity of our homeland”. RTRS reports that during the meeting Chairwoman of the Presidency of B&H Zeljka Cvijanovic informed members of the committee that the joint goal of all peoples in B&H is to preserve peace and stability and that there is a wish for economic progress and cooperation. Cvijanovic also said that she is content that B&H got the status of the EU candidate and that she understands that this is a result of geo-strategic changes in the world and not a result of activities undertaken in the past period.

‘The Eight’ confirms ZNG is no longer part of coalition at meeting held on Tuesday (O Kanal)

The reporter comments that ‘The Eight’ has become ‘The Seven’ in terms of cooperation, and SDP B&H, NiP and ‘Our Party’ (NS) will remain the certain coalition partners. At its meeting held in Sarajevo on Tuesday, ‘The Eight’ confirmed that the ‘For New Generations’ (ZNG) will no longer be in the coalition. Addressing the press conference after the meeting, SDP B&H leader Nermin Niksic said the participants in the meeting agreed their final position on ZNG: “’The Troika’ no longer views it as a partner. They can no longer be in combination with us neither in the SC government nor in the Federation of B&H (FB&H) government. They have special relations with NES, and we have nothing against NES cooperating with them”. O Kanal reports that SB&H and NES will stay with ‘The Troika’, however it is not yet known under which conditions because NES leader Nermin Ogresevic said he will not give up on his partners in ZNG. Addressing the press conference after the meeting, Ogresevic said NES and ZNG will remain partners, “we cannot give up on our partner. Together with SB&H, we will continue to work as a bloc, which will be represented in that form in the upcoming period”. Niksic said that after the B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) finalizes its work, the two blocs will hold a meeting and decide whether to support the FB&H leadership. He went on to say that opinions among the partners are divided regarding the support to the FB&H Vice President from SDA (Refik Lendo) and added “we are discussing that with our partners from the international community to see how to continue”. The reporter notes that when asked by a journalist if he met with SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic and whether they will form a coalition with SDA, Niksic did not provide a concrete answer. Niksic said he said it countless times, noting “I said we are working, collecting signatures, forming the government. I said that SDA may have their Prime Minister. What else do you want me to say?”. O Kanal reports that leaders of all eight political parties attended the meeting at the request of SDP B&H to discuss their future coalition activities and the authority formation at the FB&H level.

Miletic: ‘The Eight’ clearly used ZNG, as weakest link, to discipline NES and SB&H (O Kanal)

For New Generations’ (ZNG) member and delegate in the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) Zlatko Miletic commented on Tuesday the decision of ‘The Eight’ to expel ZNG from the coalition. Addressing the media, Miletic reminded of the FB&H HoP session at which he was elected as one of delegates in the B&H HoP after winning three votes, saying “it turned out that I am to blame because we did not give those three votes to SDP or someone else”. He went on to explain that “The Troika plus’’, together with their coalition partner HDZ B&H had total of four votes and “if they had wanted’’, they could have voted for other candidates. “They failed to do that. However, it is silly to expect, in a situation where they say I am no longer their coalition partner, three votes to be delivered to them – I think you would not do it either. That is the whole truth. It is clear that they used ZNG – as the weakest link – to discipline NES and SB&H”, said Miletic.

Dodik: There is no coalition at level of B&H (Dnevni list)

SNSD President and RS President Milorad Dodik stated on Tuesday that there is no coalition at the level of B&H, instead there is an agreement on principles of actions, part of which is solving many problems pertaining to realization of projects. Dodik further said that Collegium of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) held a session on Tuesday, whilst the CoM will hold its first session on 2 February and that the agenda will include realization of numerous projects. “I will talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs of B&H Elmedin Konakovic in Banja Luka on Wednesday, and I will raise all those issues, which were subject of our earlier talks, when we were talking how to form new Council of Ministers of B&H”, said Dodik. Talking about what is going on within ‘The Eight’ in the FB&H, Dodik said he is not their representative. “Council of Ministers of B&H has been appointed, and now it can be removed if the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples vote in favour of it. We know the composition of the House of Peoples and we will assess what is useful for us”, said Dodik adding that no removal is on the agenda. Dodik is scheduled to meet with Konakovic in Banja Luka on Wednesday. On this occasion, Dodik and Konakovic are expected to discuss projects that are important for the RS and that were discussed during talks on formation of the B&H authorities. The meeting is set to take place ahead of the session of the B&H CoM scheduled for Thursday.

Dodik: Schmidt is illegal, fake and has no authority to threaten RS with financial restrictions (ATV)

ATV carries that Christian Schmidt addressed the UK parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs via video link on Monday, during which he mentioned financial restrictions as a possible option for RS, and this sparked harsh reactions in the RS. ATV reported on Schmidt as “a former German Minister of Agriculture, who now receives an enormous salary in one Sarajevo-based organization”. Most of the reactions from the RS are based on the same position, which is that Schmidt is illegal and does not know the situation so he can only slander. In his reaction to Schmidt’s address, RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that Schmidt is illegal, fake and has no authorities to be able to threaten the RS with restrictions. Dodik commented on the fact that Schmidt mentioned the issue of Bonn Powers as well as that 9 January will no longer be celebrated as it was celebrated this year, where the RS President noted that Schmidt can only slander and nothing else. “The man was completely thrown from the sky, he is a liar, he has no authority over the RS, and I think there is already some talk in some form about declaring him an unwanted person in the RS. The RS does not have the authority to declare a persona non grata in a diplomatic scope, but it could reject the presence of Schmidt and forbid officials in the RS at all levels to absolutely communicate with this man who has proven to be bad for the RS”, said the RS President. According to Dodik, he can understand interest of the public for the things that Christian Schmidt is saying, but the fact is that he is illegal, false and has no competencies. Dodik said that the fact that he wants the RS to be financially sanctioned means only one thing and that is realization of wartime, Muslim goals by using peace means. Dodik said that the UN Security Council does not recognize Schmidt, and this means that many countries do not recognize him. Dodik stated: “However, I saw that he is saying something about the International Monetary Fund (IMF). B&H does not have an arrangement with the IMF.” Speaker of the RS parliament Nenad Stevandic warned that Schmidt’ story on financial sanctions is a threat for the entire people in the RS. Stevandic argued that sanctioning of citizens is nothing but pure fascism. In this regard, he reminded Schmidt that there is a memorial to these types of sanctions in Banja Luka and that is a memorial erected in honor of 12 babies killed due to lack of oxygen during the war. “He is only threatening the RS with sanctions. What do you achieve with that, calling on the RS to declare independence? That you treat it differently from B&H? That you say the RS is special and special sanctions should be imposed in it? Is that a hidden message of ‘echo discriminations’, that you discriminate against one people and award another. There is nothing intelligent, civilized or European in that.”

Milanovic’s statements on Ukraine and Kosovo denounced (HRT)

Reactions poured in on Tuesday from both domestic and foreign actors regarding statements made yesterday by President Zoran Milanovic regarding Ukraine and Kosovo; namely that Crimea will never again be part of Ukraine and that Kosovo was taken from Serbia. Opposition MPs, including many from within the SDP, the party Milanovic led for nearly a decade, have distanced themselves from the president’s statements because Ukraine is the victim and that Croatia officially recognized the independence of Kosovo in 2008. And while Milanovic has never shied away from condemning the violence in Ukraine and lamenting the loss of life on both sides of the conflict, he has been vocal about calling it a proxy war being waged by the USA and NATO against Russia. Mirela Ahmetovic of the SDP said it was lamentable for the party to even comment on the president’s remarks and that they only serve to benefit Russian propaganda. Domagoj Hajdukovic, also of the SDP, said Ukraine was fighting for freedom and they were deserving of help; while Kosovo is an independent country. “That’s the reality that both Belgrade and Pantovcak must accept,” he concluded. Sandra Bencic of the Green-Left bloc called the president’s statements “completely unacceptable”. And in the current situation of global insecurity, inflammatory statements such as those could jeopardize the peace and stability of the region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Oleg Nikolenko wrote a lengthy message on social media. “I wonder if Zoran Milanovic, with such rhetoric, could have become the president of his country in the 1990s, as Croatia struggled to preserve its statehood? Would his voters have agreed to close their eyes to the occupation of parts of their country? I doubt it,” Nikolenko wrote on Facebook. “I remind you that due to external aggression, Croatia could have lost a third of its territory. However, thanks to their heroic struggle, the Croats were able to protect the independence of their country,” Nikolenko said in reference to the Homeland War. “We consider the statements of the President of Croatia, who actually questioned the territorial integrity of Ukraine, unacceptable. We also highly appreciate and thank the Croatian government and the Croatian people for their unwavering support of Ukrainians in their fight against Russian aggression,” he concluded. In December, Croatian MPs rejected the proposal that the country should join an EU mission which would allow Ukrainian troops to be trained in Croatia. As the Croatian military commander-in-chief, Milanovic has strongly opposed the motion put forward by the government of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, further deepening the rift in an already tenuous relationship between the two leaders. After the government had failed to secure enough votes in parliament to pass the motion, Plenkovic warned that the President has become “a problem for Croatia’s foreign policy” and that his position was one of “irresponsible, foolish isolationism.” “But that is not the policy of the Croatian government,” Plenkovic said then, adding that the government’s approach was based on respect of international law, supporting Ukraine, condemning the aggression, and working together with all the Western allies in expressing solidarity – be it political, diplomatic, economic, financial, technical, humanitarian, or military – towards Ukraine. “And we will continue to do that.”

Bojovic: The deadline for the formation of the 44th government expires on 15 March, the survival of the current government is absurd and unsustainable (CdM)

I call once again to all the members of the parliamentary majority from 30 August to leave the technical mandate and “acting” status as soon as possible and form a new, 44th government of Montenegro. I remind the signatories of the agreement from December that the legal deadline for the formation of the 44th government expires on 15 March this year, and that the continued existence of the 43rd government in the existing illegitimate format is absurd and unsustainable, said the representative of the Democratic Front (DF) and DNP Vice President Dragan Bojovic. Bearing in mind, therefore, the impossibility of extending the current “levitating” position of the highest executive body, as well as the fact that such instability can only correspond to the defeated forces of the former regime, it is necessary for all of us to enable the mandate holder Miodrag Lekic to continue consultations in the direction of the formation of the new government, which would have undisputed majority support in the parliament”, announced Bojovic. He believes that the public is aware that in recent days the DF has been advocating for the formation of a government and, in that sense, it calls on the parties that have not submitted signatures for scheduling the session of the assembly, at which the government would be elected, “to do so and submit them to the representative”. “Also, I appeal to Mr. Miodrag Lekic to hold individual consultations with all the constituents who signed the agreement from December 2022 in the next few days, in order to appoint a new government as soon as possible and provide basic conditions for overcoming the political crisis,” he added. With the binding election of judges of the Constitutional Court, in his words, this would completely “unblock the system and enable the functioning of the institutions, on the one hand, and respect the will of the citizens, on the other.” “Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a new round of consultations, and to encourage and speed up the inclusion of all members of the parliamentary majority in overcoming the existing problem, for which, in principle, there is a mood and agreement of all actors of the parliamentary majority,” Bojovic assessed. DNP and DF are, he emphasized, “ready for elections, at any moment”. “Which is also confirmed by the results of the past local elections, which proved our unquestionable political strength, and that every day more and more citizens recognize the DF’s policy as a continuous policy of integrity, and as their people’s policy. We believe, however, that the upcoming presidential and then parliamentary elections should be prepared by a legitimate government, which, as an expression of electoral will, would ensure political stability and restore citizens’ trust, both in the functionality of the institutions, and in the effectiveness of the electoral process as a whole,” Bojovic concluded.

Electoral roll is not updated, there are voters with duplicated records (Pobjeda)

Montenegro doesn’t possess an updated and correct electoral roll ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 19 March, suggests the analysis of Pobjeda daily, published partly based on the data of the Centre for Monitoring and Centre for Democratic Transition. On 17 January, according to data of the Ministry of Interior, Montenegro’s electoral roll had 543.175 voters, which is by over 3.000 voters more than in the 2020 parliamentary election, when it had 540.026. Having in mind that the population is 618.000, it looks like the number of voters compared to the population is even 88%. This massive imbalance between the number of voters and population indicates that the electoral roll is neither correct nor updated. The European standard for this ration is 70%. It particularly refers to the electoral roll in Montenegro following 2006 (when it renewed its independence), when the increase of voters compared to the population having right to vote rose by nearly 13%. This imbalance is a proof that voters have duplicated records, i.e. that they are being registered in the electoral roll of Montenegro as well as the electoral roll of some of the countries of the region – primarily Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In its latest report, the European Commission stated that no progress had been achieved in terms of election reform, suggesting that voters with duplicated records were an issue.

Abazovic: We back Spajic and every other civic-oriented candidate (CdM)

The Civic Movement URA will have its party bodies ahead of the presidential election during next week. The most important thing is to get a new president and have much better cooperation with the government. We back Milojko Spajic and every other civic-oriented candidate, said the outgoing Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic, following his visit to the town of Ulcinj. Talking about the Constitutional Court Abazovic said: “Today is the D-day when it comes to the Constitutional Court. It’s important that we get four credible candidates,” the PM said. He stresses that he doesn’t understand why four judges wouldn’t be elected.

Novakovic Djurovic: There will be no blockade or EU sanctions, the fact is that we would have stagnation if we do not elect judges (Pobjeda)

There will be no blocking of negotiations with Montenegro. There will be no EU sanctions in relation to Montenegro, although some financial ones have been mentioned, said the Minister of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism in the technical mandate, Ana Novakovic Djurovic. “Blocking negotiations is not on the table now,” she said, referring to the messages from last week’s trip to Brussels. She reminded that we received support of 30 million for the energy sector and 40 million for infrastructure support from the EU, and pointed out that the funds are still available. She said that Montenegro is still perceived as the most advanced country in the region. “There were no pessimistic messages but slight dissatisfaction that after 10 years of negotiations, not two, we are not talking about closure and meeting the final benchmarks, but about political criteria,” Novakovic Djurovic said. She said not to lose patience. “The message is already being sent that institutions are a prerequisite for any further negotiations,” the minister added. She said that she is sure that the judges of the Constitutional Court will vote. “If there was no vote, there was also no warning about the blockade, but the fact is that we would have stagnation on the way to the EU,” she pointed out.

Osmani-Borrell: OSCE to contribute to European security through EU support and diplomatic action (MIA)

North Macedonia, as chair-country, will strictly observe the fundamental principles and values of OSCE. The Organization will focus on Ukraine and the human security in time of regional and global insecurity and instability, said OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani at a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Brussels on Tuesday. FM Osmani highlighted the natural and strong ties between the EU and OSCE, which represents a favorable environment for common activities and meeting of joint tasks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. “Our Chairmanship in 2023 will be guided by the already agreed commitments of all 57 member states. We will not make compromises that would endanger the basic documents and consensual OSCE decisions. Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine remains the biggest challenge. It is an unjustified war against an independent country and OSCE member,” said FM Osmani. According to him, OSCE has all mechanisms and tools at disposal that offer specific support to people in all member-states. “Through its culture of dialogue, the culture of compromise and good-neighborly relations, North Macedonia has built its image that is recognized across the international community. We are a regional model of a functional multi ethnic democracy, guaranteeing the rights of all communities living in the country,” said Osmani. Interlocutors also referred to close cooperation between the EU and OSCE. “Synergy between these two organizations can help the advancement of processes that sometimes seem blocked,” said Osmani. He underlined that North Macedonia remains a credible partner of the international community and the EU, abiding by its principles and values, reads the press release.

Osmani: OSCE, NATO should play their roles in support to Ukraine (MIA)

Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Bujar Osmani addressed NATO’s North Atlantic Council in Brussels on Tuesday, presenting North Macedonia’s 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship program. Speaking before the Council, chaired by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, FM Osmani stressed the importance of the role of NATO and OSCE in the European security architecture and presented North Macedonia’s vision as OSCE Chair. He pointed out that the Chairpersonship’s focus will be on the people and the OSCE values and principles violated by the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. “The Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine has shaken the pillars of our security,” Osmani stressed, adding that Ukraine will remain a top priority and a key security issue. According to Osmani, the Chairpersonship’s priority will be to provide essential support for Ukraine and its people. He stressed that the aggression against Ukraine must stop, noting that the death of civilians and the devastation are unacceptable, and describing the consequences and cost of the war for the whole of Europe and the entire OSCE region as regrettable and unbearable. “Civilian suffering is the reason for our strong focus on the people, who are the hardest hit by this aggression. Those who are directly exposed to war and conflict fear for their lives, while those who are further away feel insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty. Their way of life has been called into question and their everyday life is disrupted. Our engagement is primarily for people. This is our motto and driving force for the year ahead,” Osmani pointed out. Osmani mentioned the role of the two organizations in promoting arms control and confidence-building and security measures. “Both organizations should play their role when it comes to supporting Ukraine, as well as other participating countries and partners. They have the necessary tools and mechanisms to contribute to greater security and stability,” said Osmani. Osmani also mentioned other crisis situations throughout the OSCE region, noting that Central Asia and the Southeast Europe region will remain in focus. He announced strengthening of OSCE field missions and support for overall presence on the ground. At the top of the list of North Macedonia’s priorities as OSCE Chair, Osmani highlighted the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance, noting that it is a common “disease” that threatens democratic and socio-economic growth. He said the Organization will commit to supporting basic human rights and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination as prerequisites for general security. The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office stressed the importance of cooperation between OSCE and NATO. “I am very glad that the Strategic Concept was adopted last year in Madrid, which makes it crystal clear that NATO intends to strengthen our joint coordination and cooperation. As OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, I am confident that we can all benefit from this cooperation as we work to contribute to security and stability in Europe and the world,” Osmani pointed out. Ahead of addressing NATO’s North Atlantic Council, Osmani held a meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, whereat he had the opportunity to recognize Geoana’s engagement as OSCE Chairperson in 2001, when his efforts led to greater stability for the country and the region. In a joint statement, Osmani reiterated that despite their different nature and objective, NATO and OSCE have important roles in preserving European security. “OSCE has its many advantages stemming from its unique holistic concept of security and NATO has its own. There is space for cooperation and we should exhaust all possibilities to contribute to the processes for security and stability of Europe and the world,” said Osmani.

Spasovski: N. Macedonia and Bulgaria to do everything to avoid worsening relations (MIA)

The Ministry of Interior is undertaking all necessary activities to ensure a calm and secure commemoration of Goce Delchev’s birth anniversary. If it is assessed that a larger police presence is necessary, it will be provided, said Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski in a media statement Tuesday, after the second panel of the “Year of New Opportunities” conference. He urged all political stakeholders to remain responsible during the process, because irresponsible behaviour does not benefit the citizens. He also urged the citizens to remain calm. On whether Bulgarian MEP Angel Dzhambazki will be allowed entry into the country on February 4, Spasovski said that they will make a decision on the basis of all analyses. “We are exchanging information on what is being expected, and we will make decisions when the time comes,” said Spasovski. “Both countries and their Interior Ministries will do everything in their power to prevent extremists from disrupting the relations between the two countries. The situation must be de-escalated. We will not allow any escalation or incidents, nor degradation of the Macedonian people and state,” said Spasovski. Commenting on his meeting with his Bulgarian colleague, Spasovski said they have received guarantees that there is no official policy which can be based on the denial of a people or a country. “That is a necessary basis for any future partnership and a clear position was expressed at the meeting that the good relations between the two countries are important for the whole region,” said Spasovski. He stressed that the institutions are functional and they are the ones responsible for undertaking all necessary measures and activities. The Minister said that the incendiary rhetoric of some patriotic associations should be abandoned. He appealed to the citizens to avoid succumbing to any calls and not to take up the responsibilities of the institutions. Spasovski said that based on previous examples, it is evident that the people who call for these actions remain untouched, while those who attack the state and institutions are now in prison. “No one in this country can, nor will be above the state,” said Spasovski.

Osmani – Kyuchyuk: It is necessary to restore positive dynamics in Skopje – Sofia relations (MIA)

The European path will have positive impact on the democratic and economic consolidation of the countries of the region, concluded Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani and the MEP and European Parliament Rapporteur for North Macedonia Ilhan Kyuchyuk during their meeting on Tuesday in Brussels. Interlocutors exchanged views on North Macedonia’s EU accession process and the need for speeding up European integration for all the countries of the Western Balkans in the given geopolitical context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. During the meeting, they also discussed the latest developments in the relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, related to the physical assault on the secretary of the Bulgarian club in Ohrid, Hristijan Pendikov, reads the press release. Minister Osmani noted that the provocative and insulting statements by a member of the European Parliament certainly do not contribute to the overall atmosphere in this period, for which appropriate official statements have already been made. “I briefed MEP Kyuchyuk on the efforts to de-escalate the harsh rhetoric in the relations between our two countries, and the need to restore positive dynamics in our relations,” Osmani said. He stressed that both North Macedonia and Bulgaria should be committed to intensifying the political dialogue, with the aim of restoring trust.

Ambassador Hastad: We are preparing the Western Balkans to become a member of the EU! Albania, progress in the Justice reform (DW/Radio Tirana)

The Ambassador of Sweden in Tirana has emphasized the urgent need for the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU. In an interview for Deutsche Welle, Elsa Hastad focused on the four priorities of the Swedish presidency, one of which is the preparation of Albania and the Western Balkans towards EU membership, as she added that for this great commitment, Sweden is allocating 500 million Euro for a 7-year period.

Question: Ms. Ambassador Hastad, since one month the Swedish Presidency of the EU has started its work. Relations with the Western Balkans (BP) and the enlargement process have been mentioned as important issues of this Presidency, January-June 2033, in terms of security for all of Europe. What initiatives is the Swedish Presidency undertaking to make this attention concrete, real?  

Yes, it is true, the Western Balkans is important for the Swedish Presidency of the EU. In fact it has been important to Sweden for many, many years. The Swedish Presidency has four priorities, for which we do concrete things: the first priority is competitiveness; the second priority is about a single, powerful European market. What we have been doing for 20 years is to prepare Albania and Western Balkans to become members of the EU. All these countries are at different stages of the integration process. Sweden allocates 500 million Euro for a period of 7 years to help the 6 countries of WB – Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania – to become members of the EU. That’s a big commitment, I’d like to say. Sweden, together with Germany, are the biggest donors regarding support, financing and commitment to Albania. For us, the region is important. Every day we have a lot of cooperation. A concrete example is assistance to Albania to create financial competitiveness. We support the business community, exports to Europe, and sustainable. The environment is a very important challenge for Albania, which requires a lot of work and money. Sweden helps with experts in the preparation of Albanian colleagues regarding membership negotiations, the legal framework that Albania should have, etc. We also work in the field of democracy and law enforcement. An example is the digitization of the judicial system in Albania, with the aim of preventing corruption and accelerating the reform in Justice. We also work in the fiscal system, where Albania needs to carry out reforms, and we provide Swedish expertise. To summarize: We do what is hard. For us, it is fantastic that Albania has opened membership negotiations with the EU. We have been waiting for this for 20 years.

Question: How would you describe the situation in the Western Balkans regarding the European integration process? 

I can say that things are happening. Bosnia-Herzegovina received the status of a candidate country for membership last year. We are very happy about that. Serbia is negotiating. It is very important that Serbia is in line with the EU’s security policy, as this is related to the accession negotiations. Serbia has opened more chapters. Albania has made greater progress. Every year the EU measures the progress of countries regarding their entry into the EU. North Macedonia and Albania are now entering real negotiations. I would say that Western Balkans’ success is also our success. Many countries have believed in the EU for many, many years. And with the war in Ukraine, Russian aggression against Ukraine, it has a sense of urgency. We need this process to happen. We also have Kosova. What is interesting about Kosova now is that it has submitted its application for EU membership. The Swedish ambassador in Brussels is negotiating with all member countries. He told me that he will start negotiations with the five EU countries that do not recognize Kosova. It will be a challenge. We will move forward with Kosova’s application to become a candidate country for EU membership even with countries that do not recognize Kosova. We will negotiate with all these countries. This is our duty as the Swedish Presidency.

Question: Can there be a qualified vote instead of unanimity, regarding the acceptance of Kosovo’s application for EU membership? I mean here precisely the potentially difficult situation with the five EU member states that do not recognize Kosovo, which you just mentioned. 

Each country must agree to move forward with the application. Then the recommendation goes to the European Commission, which makes the decision. So it is a long process that takes time.

Question: Will there be an acceleration of pace in the integration process for the Western Balkans during the 6 months of the Swedish presidency? 

Yes, absolutely yes. I would like to say that every day a great deal is being done. For example The EU evaluated Albania in the negotiations regarding the first group of issues, which is a large chapter. Hundreds of people are going from Albania to Brussels presenting the implementation of the law, the reform in Justice, Constitutional Court, etc.

Questions: Reforms in general and especially the deepening of the Justice reform are considered decisive for Albania’s progress towards the EU. Is Albania on the right track? What should be done better to respond to the expectations of Albanian citizens to fight corruption at high levels? 

What we notice is that in Albania, there is a new energy for reforms, there is a new will to push them forward, precisely because the negotiations for its entry into the EU have begun. We see that the ministries have the will to do difficult things. We see that they want to prioritize human resources. And this is a good sign. Albania is forced by the EU accession process to reform. This is happening. Albania has made a lot of progress in justice reform. I think that even the population in Albania perceives the Justice reform as such, successful. The progress is very impressive indeed, but it is not enough. I think that in order to change people’s perception of state institutions, these institutions must be open and accessible. In Sweden we have worked hard to achieve this. Every year in Sweden, the level of credibility of citizens towards state institutions is measured, their opinion of whether the people in these institutions have worked well or not. SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption Structure) should be supported as it is a very important institution that deals with corruption at a high level. Fighting corruption is possible, but difficult because it affects all areas of life. Sweden is supporting the digitalization of the traffic police to avoid cases of corruption between drivers and traffic police.

Peleshi: Civil Defense Structure, already a member of the EU (Radio Tirana)

The Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi said that Albania’s membership in the European Civil Protection Mechanism is great news as it can be considered as a piece of Albania’s integration into the EU. During the consideration in the Security Committee of the draft law “On the ratification of the agreement with the EU, on the participation of Albania in the civil defense mechanism”, Peleshi informed that this is a mechanism of the EU member states, but that it is now open also for other countries, provided they meet all the criteria. “We have fulfilled all the criteria in record time. Today as we speak, we have received approval for membership in the European Civil Protection Mechanism. This is a piece of the integration of Albania in the EU, so we have one of the structures already member of the EU, which is the Civil Defense structure. This is very big news for Albania”, said Peleshi. Peleshi emphasized that apart from the benefits, membership in this mechanism is based on the solidarity of all countries but also the efficient use of resources. “We are also there to contribute whenever there is a need, especially in neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia”, he said.