LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: We remain with the red lines on Kosovo issues in Brussels on Monday (RTS/Tanjug)

At the opening of the Tourism Fair in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, when asked by a journalist whether on Monday in Brussels, given the messages from the EU that some kind of acceptance of the Franco-German proposal is expected, Serbia will remain on the previous red lines, recalled the positions that he presented in the parliament. “Everything I said in the parliament, and I understand your concern and many difficult nights are ahead of us, is that Serbia will stick to what I said in the parliament – no matter what and no matter how,” said Vucic. We addressed all international officials about the illegal bases in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. Vucic stated that our country and he personally addressed all international officials verbally and in writing regarding the illegal construction of bases in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, and that he himself sent those letters. “Yes, I personally did that in a conversation with people from KFOR and with Miroslav Lajcak and Borrell and all the international representatives with whom I spoke. Literally with everyone, and in written form from the Serb List to the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, we literally sent that to all addresses,” said Vucic. He added that he personally signed several of those letters, as well as letters that were addressed to representatives of countries that did not recognize the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo and Metohija. When asked if Miroslav Lajcak submitted a list of unfulfilled requests from 2013 to Belgrade and Pristina, Vucic said that he sent nothing, but that he would probably receive something by Monday. “They will say that the issue of energy is not finished, whether they will grant a license or withdraw a license for distribution rights, and everyone knows that the essence is the Community of Serb Municipalities – either you will join the ZSO or thank you, there is no great philosophy,” said Vucic . He assessed that it is a play in which the essential pressure is directed towards Serbia. “Of course, we will be exposed to pressure and that our situation is not simple and this is pressure on Serbia, and it is not the first time in history or in the previous 10, 11 years,” said Vucic. He pointed out that peace must be preserved and that we must be ready for compromises, but also that “we will not give Serbia to anyone”. When it comes to the war in Ukraine, Vucic stressed that Serbia also wants peace and that Ukraine is a friendly country to us. “What would be the problem in Serbia’s behavior except that it does not want to show hostile behavior towards the Russian Federation, neither. We want peace, that is Serbia’s wish and that is Serbia’s policy and it has been and will remain,” said Vucic. When asked by a journalist if he met and talked with someone from the Ukrainian leadership, he stated that he recently sat next to Ukrainian prime minister, and that he had a long talk with the foreign minister in New York. “We have nothing against Ukraine, on the contrary, we stand in solidarity with the people,” Vucic said, adding that he and the ambassador visited Ukrainian refugees in Vranje and that Serbia had provided multiple aid.

Dacic: Kosovo and Metohija top security issue for Serbia (Tanjug/RTV/RTS/Politika)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Wednesday Kosovo and Metohija was the most significant security issue for Serbia. “With the situation in Ukraine escalating, the international community’s focus on an attempt to solve the issue of the status of our southern province has been stepped up,” Dacic said in an address to students of High Studies in Security and Defence. He noted that the upcoming round of Brussels talks would carry special weight. “Serbia’s diplomatic engagement will continue to be directed towards the basic goals and clearly defined priorities of our foreign policy. Certainly the most difficult task for us is to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia. I do not need to highlight that Kosovo is our most important political and security issue,” Dacic said. Dacic said that Serbia faces multiplying demands, especially on the alignment of its foreign policy as the only European country that has not introduced sanctions on Russia. Dacic added that Serbia is ready to redefine its policies with its neighbors in order to “close open issues from the past”.

Brnabic: Economic relations between Serbia, US on upscale (Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke on Wednesday with representatives of the American-Central European Business Association (ACEBA) about the possibilities of improving cooperation and new investments. In addition to President of the ACEBA Eric Stewart, the meeting was attended by representatives of 16 US companies, as well as representatives of the association. Brnabic pointed out that the US is one of the largest foreign investors in Serbia and stated that during the past decade the economic relations between the two countries have been on the rise, but also that there are opportunities for new investments and the improvement of trade exchange. She presented the priorities of the government’s work, underlining that the key sectors are energy, economy, agriculture, health, infrastructure and information technology. She also presented the economic, technological and investment potentials of our country. She emphasised that it is necessary to focus on the development of artificial intelligence that can be applied in various fields, from healthcare to the automotive industry. It is in Serbia’s interest to develop economic cooperation with the members of this association, which will occupy an important place in the dialogue with the US, Brnabic said. According to her, Serbia will continue to work successfully on improving bilateral relations with the US. Representatives of the US companies presented brnabic with opportunities and expressed their interest in cooperation in economic areas suitable for investment, business conditions, especially the potentials and prospects in Serbia and the region as a whole, as well as the placement of products on the markets of countries with which Serbia has signed free trade agreements. ACEBA is a leading American business association focused on cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Dacic: Upgrading political, economic cooperation with US (RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Wednesday that Serbia has a strong interest in raising its relations with the US to the level of a strategic partnership, one of the key pillars of which would be economic cooperation between the two countries. Addressing the representatives of a US business delegation organised by the American-Central European Business Association (ACEBA), Dacic stated that Serbia occupies a central place geographically in this part of Europe, which, in combination with a well-thought-out and serious fiscal and economic policy, enabled it to attract by far the most direct foreign investments in the region in the previous period, to generate growth in mining, processing industry, information and communication technologies and many other sectors. According to him, last year was a record year for the inflow of foreign direct investments with €4.4 billion, which exceeded the record result in 2021 by 13.6 percent. When it comes to economic cooperation with the US, it is developing intensively, guided by the increasing inflow of investments from American companies, the growing trade exchange of both goods and services, and traditionally significant financial support through various development aid programmes, the value of which has so far exceeded one billion dollars, added Dacic.

Dacic pointed out that today the US is among Serbia’s leading foreign trade partners and is among the leading foreign investors in our country, and American companies currently employ around 32,000 workers in Serbia. According to him, full EU membership remains Serbia’s central foreign policy commitment, but the building of political and economic cooperation with the US will be a no less important strategic goal for us.

NADA: Foreign investors not to leave Serbia if it refuses plan for Kosovo (Beta)

The NADA opposition coalition has described as “entirely groundless” the argument that foreign investors would leave the country if Serbia refused to accept the Franco-German framework for an agreement to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. The coalition composed of the New Democratic Party of Serbia and the Movement for the Restoration of the Kingdom of Serbia went on to say on Wednesday that the arguments like that were designed to “manipulate and intimidate people”, providing “a flimsy justification for capitulation and unworthy trade in national interests”. The alliance also said that “only 120 out of 1,404 firms left Russia – a mere 8.5 percent of foreign investors whose home countries had introduced sanctions against Russia”. “If a mere 8.5 percent of foreign investors have left Russia, which the West considers an enemy and has imposed sanctions against, the number can only be incomparably lower, if not nil, in Serbia, where no one even discusses sanctions,” says Milos Jovanovic, leader of the New Democratic Party of Serbia.

Janjic: Vucic not to travel to Brussels unless Community of Serb Municipalitites is on agenda (Beta)

Dusan Janjic, a political analyst, said on Wednesday that EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the EUspecial envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak should say clearly what they planned to talk about with the Serbian President and Kosovo prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic and Albin Kurti, during the next meeting in Brussels, on Feb. 27. Janjic said to Beta that Kurti’s words that the Community of Serb Municipalities would not be discussed in Brussels “undermined” the negotiating process, just like a statement by the Serbian president in Munich that another state had de-recognized Kosovo’s independence. “Vucic should not travel to Brussels unless the Community of Serb Municipalities was one of the topics for discussion. If he does travel, he should not meet with Kurti if the Community is not discussed,” Janjic suggested. “If the Community of Serb Municipalities is not discussed in Brussels, it will strengthen Russian influence in Serbia. Vucic will be declared a traitor, because he promised not to travel to Brussels unless Kurti “delivered on” a promise of the Community being established in Kosovo. Kurti undermines the Dialogue by refusing to accept the Community, and Vucic by lobbying for more countries to withdraw their earlier decision to recognize Kosovo’s independence, which is contrary to the principles of the European plan for resolving the Kosovo dispute,” Janjic explained.

EEAS: Vucic, Kurti have confirmed they will travel to Brussels (Tanjug)

EU foreign and security policy chief Josep Borrell has called a high-level meeting of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue for Monday, 27 February, the European External Action Service (EEAS) announced on Wednesday, adding that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Pristina’s PM Albin Kurti had confirmed their participation. Supported by EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak, Borrell will “hold separate meetings with the leaders, starting at 15:00, followed by a joint meeting. The meeting will focus on the EU Proposal on normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia,” the EEAS said in a statement, adding that Borrell would speak to reporters after the meeting.

Report says media reporting on Ukraine, Russia changing (Beta/N1)

The New Third Way NGO said in a report released on Wednesday that Serbian media reporting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed over the past year with a drop from positive to more negative reporting on Moscow’s activities. The report titled The War in Ukraine and Serbian Public Opinion which reviewed 15 media portals and more than 60,000 stories and news items published since the start of the war in Ukraine said that there was more positive reporting on Russia up to August 2022 when Ukrainian forces recorded more success on the battlefield and added that the reporting on Russia took a negative turn after that. It was presented at the EU Info Center in Belgrade. New Third Way spokesman Dragoslav Raseta said that the narrative in the Serbian media at the start of the invasion was to amnesty Russia and portray it as a victim, not an aggressor, and as an energy super power while the narrative on Ukraine was to diminish the importance of the country as a state as well as its national identity. Most reports in the Serbian media initially called the Ukrainian military militant and extremist before starting to transfer the blame for the conflict to Russian President Vladimir Putin in July last year, he said. “Putin was portrayed as an average politician who can’t get out of the situation he found himself in…. The change of intonation in the Serbian media began last summer,” Raseta said. The report said that the reporting on Ukraine and Russia was positive to the same degree in the Serbian media. Ukraine’s Ambassador to Serbia Volodimir Tolkach told the presentation that his country was the target of Russian propaganda in Serbia and singled out Russia Today and other “Russian propagandists”. He warned that the role of the anti-Ukraine propaganda was at the same level as munitions on the battlefield. He said the propaganda paints a twisted image about the Ukraine war including claims of Ukrainian soldiers being Nazis. “Our grandfathers liberated Belgrade so how can they be Nazis? I can’t understand that Serbian public’s preference for the terrorist (Russian paramilitary) Wagner which recruits killers and rapists,” the Ambassador said.

REGIONAL PRESS

B&H Presidency adopts proposal on report of B&H State Border Commission regarding border agreement between B&H and Serbia (FTV)

The Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency unanimously adopted on Wednesday the proposal on the report of the State Commission for the Border of B&H. It is a proposal by member of the B&H Presidency Denis Becirovic, who characterized the issue of demarcation with neighboring countries as one of the most important issues for B&H. Becirovic believes that by signing the agreement on the state border between B&H and Serbia, good neighborly relations and regional cooperation would be confirmed. The members of the B&H Presidency also accepted the invitation of the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Turkey. B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konakovic attended Wednesday’s session of the B&H Presidency. Konakovic will travel Thursday evening to Serbia where he will meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic. Konakovic confirmed to the press that that the border issue will be one of the discussed topics during his visit to Serbia. “I believe political circumstances have been created for a swift opening of this topic, both with Croatia and Serbia, to open and close this matter as soon as possible”, Konakovic told reporters. As for the border issues that B&H has with Serbia and Croatia, Cvijanovic emphasized that “there are no secrets there, or new demands, but information is being sought from competent bodies regarding these matters”. She added that they primarily seek information from the Border Commission of B&H. During a press conference in Istocno Sarajevo, Cvijanovic said that they expect this Commission to inform them of the progress made in the process of negotiations, and how close we are to reaching a consent for a proposal on a potential agreement on borders when it comes to Serbia. Cvijanovic said they gave a 30-day deadline to the Commission to provide this information. “The second conclusion refers to the fact that there is a need expressed by members of the B&H Presidency to submit information, within 90 days, from the (B&H) Council of Ministers on possible open bilateral issues with Serbia”, Cvijanovic stated.

B&H Presidency adopts initiative to propose adoption of law on gas at B&H level without Cvijanovic’s consent; Cvijanovic: The RS will not give up on its competence in the field of energy (RTRS)

The B&H Presidency adopted on Wednesday the initiative to propose adoption of the law on gas at the B&H level, by outvoting Chairwoman and Serb member of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic. Namely, Cvijanovic voted against this initiative, which was proposed by Bosniak member Denis Becirovic, as she assessed that this would be a transfer of competence from the entity to the B&H level. Becirovic and Croat member Zeljko Komsic adopted the initiative, according to which the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) and the B&H parliament have been recommended to define and adopt the law on gas at the B&H level.

In this regard, Cvijanovic explained that she was against the agenda item dealing with a recommendation for drafting and adopting the law on gas in B&H. Cvijanovic underscored that Republika Srpska (RS) will not give up on its competence in the field of energy. Cvijanovic confirmed that this is not a matter that can be protected through a veto, as this is a matter that the B&H Parliament will decide on. The Presidency Chairwoman noted: “The RS Government passed its law on energy, which is harmonized with the provisions of the Third Energy Package. The Federation of B&H still functions on the basis of the regulation and never even wanted to pass its law on energy, precisely in order to get into this situation of forcing the adoption of a legal solution at the B&H level.” B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs and People and Justice (NiP) leader Elmedin Konakovic, who also attended the session, assessed that it will be easy to come to agreement on who will manage the gas area once issues of the eastern, southern and other gas interconnections are resolved. “It needs to be done in line with the B&H Constitution”, stressed Konakovic. Konakovic confirmed that discussion of the construction of the eastern gas interconnection will not be on the agenda of the session of the BiH Council of Ministers (CoM), which is scheduled for Thursday, and that there is no room for blockades. “Our documentation shows that the commissions worked, prepared some documents, that some of them were initialled, but it did not reach the level of decision-making by the parliaments and the Presidency. I think that the political circumstances have been created for us to quickly open these issues with Serbia and Croatia… If we solve the issue of eastern, southern and some other interconnections, I can freely be optimistic and say that we will easily agree on how to manage it, of course respecting exclusively the Constitution of B&H,” Konakovic told the media after the session of the B&H Presidency. The Cabinet of Becirovic issued a statement, reminding that, on 7 February, Becirovic submitted a recommendation for the drafting and adoption of the law on gas. “The purpose of the proposal is to abolish unconstitutional entity regulators and establish a state regulator for the field of natural gas with adequate competences and instruments for their implementation. The proposal in question is based on the provisions of the Constitution of B&H, the assumed obligations towards the EU and the Energy Community”, reads the statement.

Dodik: Agreement on gas interconnection with Serbia should be signed instead of raising the issue of adoption of law on gas at B&H level (Nova BH)

Nova BH reminded that RS would not be fine with adoption of the law on gas of B&H even in the story about the construction of the eastern interconnection that threatens to cause divisions in the SNSD – HDZ B&H – ‘The Eight’ ruling coalition. B&H Minister for Foreign Tarde and Economic Relations Stasa Kosarac (SNSD) said on Monday that all projects in the interest of the Federation of B&H (FB&H) will be blocked unless the B&H Council of Ministers approves the project of construction of the eastern gas interconnection with Serbia at its session on Thursday. The latest meeting HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic held with SNSD leader Milorad Dodik in Banja Luka on Tuesday when they discussed this project, among other topics, has calmed down things a bit. Kosarac recently said he would not endorse nine proposals important for the FB&H until the agreement on the gas interconnection with Serbia is signed. Dodik underlined that the agreement on gas interconnection with Serbia should be signed instead of raising the issue of adoption of the law on gas at B&H level. SDP BiH leader Nermin Niksic commented on the managing of the company ‘BH Gas’, saying that there is no dilemma about this and stressed that the FB&H Government is the one that manages this company. Kosarac, who previously threatened to block investment projects in the FB&H if the B&H CoM does not approve the gas connection between the RS and Serbia, said that the RS is ready to support the southern interconnection because it is good for all citizens in the FB&H. “In general, at the time of the coming global challenges, we have to provide different types of energy in this country so that we are above all energetically stable and safe, so that the citizens have as cheap energy sources as possible and so that the economy has the opportunity to choose which energy sources to use,” Kosarac said.

Cvijanovic: B&H did not impose sanctions against the Russian Federation, regardless of what certain media think about it; B&H CoM: We did not discuss, nor issue any sanctions against Russia (ATV)

“B&H did not impose sanctions against the Russian Federation, regardless of what certain media think about it. No institution at the B&H level has adopted such a decision, solely thanks to the representatives of RS in those institutions. As for the B&H Presidency, the situation is clear, the Serb member of the Presidency respects the decisions of the RS parliament. It was not on the agenda, it was not decided on, and finally, if it was as some claim it is, then why would someone have to convince us to introduce sanctions? You cannot introduce something if you have already introduced it”, Serb member and Chairwoman of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic said during a press conference in Istocno Sarajevo. Members of the B&H Council of Ministers (B&H CoM) also say they did not discuss, nor issue any sanctions against Russia. “The B&H Council of Ministers did not make a decision on the introduction of sanctions against the Russian Federation. For further information, related to the issue in question, please contact the B&H Presidency, which is responsible for conducting foreign policy”, reads the B&H CoM statement. The opposition in the RS could hardly wait for the tabloids to write that B&H had imposed sanctions on Russia, with which they opened fire on the leadership of the RS and RS President Milorad Dodik. The meetings between Dodik and Russian President Vladimir Putin prove that this is not true. Last year, Dodik met with Vladimir Putin at the economic forum in St. Petersburg, and afterwards Putin received Dodik in the Kremlin. In addition, Russian Ambassador to B&H Igor Kalabukhov is a guest of all important events celebrated by the RS.

Stevandic: The RS remains neutral and will not join anti-Russian hysteria (RTRS)

Speaker of the RS parliaent Nenad Stevandic and the RS parliament delegation attended in Moscow on Wednesday the plenary session of the Russian State Duma and held meetings with Russian Duma representatives. The RS parliament delegation was welcomed with long applause in the Russian State Duma. After this, a meeting with President of the State Duma Vyachesalv Viktorovich Volodin took place. Stevandic stated on this occasion that the RS remains neutral and will not join anti-Russian hysteria and added that he condemns any attempt to present the RS as the Russian platform in Europe, being that Russia never asked for something like that. Stevandic also stressed that he spoke with Volodin about relations of the RS, B&H, and Russia. “We hope that our stance on neutrality will get its verification in the future. Smaller states, such as ours, do not have privilege to interfere in conflicts,” said Stevandic, adding that the relations with Russia are excellent. According to Stevandic, the RS actually has excellent relations with Russia for years now and specified that this visit has nothing to do with the conflict in Ukraine. The RS parliament speaker noted that he hopes peace will be established soon. He also confirmed that he encountered understanding when he said that the RS remains committed to the idea of joining the EU. Volodin thanked the Serb people for its attitude towards Russia especially given the pressure they face. The RS parliament delegation also visited the Moscow State Institute for International Relations and met with First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Vladimir Gennadievich Titov. Stevandic said that the delegation of the RS parliament that is currently visiting Russia suffered pressures of EU countries and the US. He said: “We are all under constant pressure. We get threats about our stance on the issue of cooperation with Russia.” Volodin added: “Despite of challenges and problems, we must work in a more efficient way and in this regard, we must express gratitude to our comrades, friends from the RS parliament, people of the RS on their stance. Volodin underlined: “It was not easy for them to come.”  Meanwhile, The EU Delegation assessed on Wednesday that a meeting with top ranked Russian politicians, who bear responsibility for invasion on Ukraine, killing of its people and demolition of its infrastructure, points to bad reasoning and isolates the RS at the international plan.

General Assembly of UN in New York, Ukraine resolution as top priority (BHT1)

The UN General Assembly will vote on the Ukraine resolution on Thusrday. The Ukraine resolution states that all Russian forces retreat from Ukraine and an armistice is signed. Political analyst Enver Kazaz commented on the situation stating the Permanent Representative of B&H to the UN Sven Alkalaj will follow the instructions of Presidency member Zeljko Komsic, who he described as Alkalaj’s political boss, and will vote for the Ukraine Resolution which fits B&H aspirations of a European future. RS parliament sepaker Nenad Stevandic previously stated that the relations between RS and Russia are much older than the conflict in Ukraine and that RS is for neutrality on the Ukraine Resolution. Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konakovic commented on the topic and stated that he is aware that RS representatives will not support any sanction towards Russia, but that he will definitely support and follow all decisions made by the EU, especially as a candidate country.

B&H CC receives Becirovic’s motion re RS law on immovable property; OHR calls on B&H CC to urgently react in case Law on Immovable Property enters into force (Hayat/FTV)

The Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H received on Tuesday a motion of member of the B&H Presidency Denis Becirovic for constitutional review of the Republika Srpska (RS) law on immovable property. Becirovic filed the motion before the law entered into force. Hayat noted that this is contrary to rules of the CC of B&H which is why the motion may be doomed to fail. According to Hayat, High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt was supposed to react and annul the law. The Office of the High Representative (OHR) issued a statement on Wednesday after member of the Presidency of B&H Denis Becirovic filed a motion for assessment of the constitutionality of the Law on Immovable Property Used for the Functioning of Public Authorities in the RS to the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H. “Disputed law will have legal impact as soon as it is in force. Court should exercise urgency on this issue and prevent irreparable damage to state interests,” the OHR wrote on Twitter. FTV pointed out that it is clear from this that High Representative Christian Schmidt will not react, but expects an adequate reaction from the B&H CC. The OHR called on the CC of B&H to urgently react in case the disputable Law on Immovable Property, which is used for functioning of the public authorities in the RS, enters into force. The OHR said the B&H CC must prevent the occurrence of irreversible damage to the state interests. In its statement, the OHR said that the preservation of the rule of law is of key importance for securing legality, functionality and favourable investment environment. Even though there are no indications now that the High Representative might place the disputable Law out of force, he did precisely that, on several occasions, in the past. The first decision he made was on 18 March 2005. Paddy Ashdown was then the High Representative in B&H. On 2 April 2022, the OHR adopted a supplement to this decision. It was then clearly stated that the state property is all immovable property that B&H got based on the agreement on the matter of succession, from 2001, as well as the property that Socialist Republic of B&H disposed of by the end of January 1991, and also agricultural land, forests, forest land and rivers – which the B&H CC said was state property. So far, the B&H CC has declared legislative solutions from the RS, with which the RS tried to appropriate state property, unconstitutional on five occasions.

RS officials harshly criticize Becirovic’s motion to B&H CC seeking constitutional review of RS Law on Immovable Property (ATV)

Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency, Denis Becirovic, submitted a motion to the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H for a constitutional review of the Law on Immovable Property, which is used for functioning of the public authorities. His speech, after the first session of the current B&H Presidency, seems to be the only conciliatory speech in his political career, ATV assessed. Now, it is clear that he will continue with his old ways – ways of constant attacks on RS. ATV noted that Becirovic is either ignorant or rash in his actions, since he submitted the mentioned motion before the set deadline. For this reason, ATV explains, Becirovic will have to submit the motion once more. In her reaction, Serb member and Chairwoman of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic asked why Becirovic is in such a rush to submit this. She says this is not just a matter of submitting the motion, but a matter of different views when it comes to property matters. Cvijanovic said the RS’ stance regarding this is clear – the property belongs to the entities. “What I do not agree with is the policy, or a way of doing things, so to say, ways in which the B&H Constitutional Court has been acting in previous years, where they made legal matters into political decisions or political matters. I especially do not agree with the fact, and they confirmed this for us – certain foreign judges, in their memoirs, that sit in the Constitutional Court, or that were in the Constitutional Court of B&H, that they had to consult with the then High Representative, which was at the post then, before making any type of decisions. For me, that is scandalous”, Cvijanovic told a press conference. The scandalous thing is that they are now trying to include Christian Schmidt in the entire story, says RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic. In line with the Constitution and the Dayton Agreement, the property belongs to the entities, Viskovic says. That is something that was valid for more than 30 years, and it cannot be changed now, regardless of the requests from the other entity (the Federation of B&H (FB&H)), Viskovic points out. He said that “you almost cannot comprehend why they are doing this, what they need, and what they think they can get with this”. “You cannot get the property of the RS, and you must understand that. You will have to wait for God knows how many years, maybe someone will appear, someone that is ready to talk about that subject”, Viskovic emphasized. He added that this topic is not something that the current RS authorities wish to talk about. Head of the SNSD Caucus in the B&H House of Representatives (B&H HoR) Sanja Vulic believed that Becirovic would take his job seriously and begin working on some important changes in B&H. Unfortunately, he is not taking his new post seriously and is unwilling to focus on some better topics, Vulic assessed. She said RS officials would like to send a clear message to Becirovic – and that is that the property of the RS will not be taken away. “We do not give that what is ours to anyone; we do not seek or ask for something that is someone else’s, but, we do not give something that is ours. He should continue with his initiatives. He will be remembered as some statistics, and the RS will continue to have its property, as it now has”, Vulic told ATV. SPS leader Goran Selak stated that the motion for assessment of constitutionality was filed too early and argued that B&H CC should reject the motion. “We got accustomed to all kinds of legal-political pressures by Bosniak politicians but everyone in B&H should know that, as in line with the Constitution of B&H, immovable property belongs to the entities, i.e. property in the RS belongs to the RS”, Selak said.

Izetbegovic: HR has strengthened ethnic principle so much instead of turning toward civic, toward something which means normally organized country (BIR TV)

In an interview for BIR TV, SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic said that Bosniaks nowadays need a pro-Bosnian bloc: “There are attacks on Imams, mosques, facilities which we are trying to reconstruct. Very ugly things happened and there are attempts to introduce a verbal offense only for Muslims, for Bosniaks”. Izetbegovic said that the example of a mosque in Rabrani near Neum indicates that Bosniaks are getting used to the fact that “they are the second-class citizens, who cannot exercise their rights in the areas where HDZ Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is in power”. Izetbegovic argued that Bosniaks must act jointly instead of having one half of them sit silently in an attempt to enter the authorities with help of forces that are doing those things to Bosniaks. The daily noted that Izetbegovic failed to mention that his party was, and it still is in some areas, a coalition partner of HDZ B&H for nearly three decades. Izetbegovic also argued that five months after elections were held, not much has been done when implementation of election results and formation of authorities are in question. He added: “I would not say that it is slow, as much as it is bad. The pro-Bosnian bloc was broken on purpose and it was supposed to have natural cohesion, a joint task when B&H is in question. It was supposed to be a bloc of the parties which see B&H in the same way, as well as inter-national relations within B&H, its European and NATO future etc.”. He argued that the pace of implementation is not such a big problem as the fact that due to greed of a part of the pro-Bosnian bloc, encouraged by foreigners, division of the pro-Bosnian bloc took place and there is servile attitude toward SNSD and HDZ B&H, which resulted in the situation that Bosniaks, patriots lose posts. He concluded that due to all of this, the pro-Bosnian bloc should be established, which would oppose SNSD and HDZ B&H. “I offered this four or five years ago to SDP B&H because I see no alternative to positive uniting that would not enter conflicts with the mentioned two, but it would equalize things in the country. SNSD and HDZ would be unhappy if that happened, just like they are happy now to see that (SNSD leader Milorad) Dodik’s claims that Serbs and Croats will rule over Muslims came true. I think that this pro-Bosnian bloc can happen in this mandate already, regardless of the current atmosphere and stance towards SDA”, Izetbegovic added. Izetbegovic also said that some started thinking that they can get the entire authorities for themselves and that they will not have to share it: “They were encouraged by foreigners to do that because a pro-Bosnian bloc would be wide, there would not be much of the authorities for anyone, but it would be a strong position for everyone who represent patriots of B&H. It would set boundaries for what we want and what we do not want”. Izetbegovic assessed that, sooner or later, “we will have to stand up against domination of SNSD and HDZ B&H in this way”. As for the Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H, Izetbegovic believes that the expected progress will not take place for a long time. He also believes that this is the worst convocation of B&H CoM ever since Dayton was signed. Speaking about the formation of the Federation of B&H (FB&H) authorities, Izetbegovic said that there are three possible scenarios – that High Representative Christian Schmidt imposes a solution, that Refik Lendo signs the proposed appointment of the Government or to form a new coalition bloc that SDA will also be a part of. He added that it is 101% certain that Lendo will not sign something which is against interest of Bosniaks and SDA. He also said: “It is 99% sure that the HR will not sign something after he stated that they can reach an agreement with SDA. When we sum this up, it is 200%… There is a chance that we get back our sight.” Izetbegovic also stated that only in the next election cycle we shall see what damage was made due to imposing of changes to B&H Election Law. He added: “The fight for that controlling position will start, they will push people in political corruption. This is what the HR made for us. He has strengthened that ethnic principle so much instead of turning toward civic, toward something which means a normally organized country”. Izetbegovic concluded by saying that Croat electorate is paying the highest price for inconsistencies in Croatian policy, which went from the full support to B&H and Bosniaks to something that is completely opposite to that.

Lendo: I did not block anything; We wait for Friday to reach agreement on new FB&H government; I will not support Niksic as FB&H PM (Hayat)

SDA’s candidate for the President/Vice Presidents (VPs) of the FB&H Refik Lendo. Asked why he did not show up at meetings with the other two candidates for President/ VPs of the FB&H Lidija Bradara (HDZ B&H) and Igor Stojanovic (SDP B&H) and why they called it obstructions and blockades, Lendo said: “It is not that I did not show up. It is not that I am scared. There is no reason for me to inhibit something. The first part, about finalization in the (FB&H) House of Peoples (HoP), this was a misunderstanding. Such important process like appointment of the leadership of the FB&H could not end after five minutes. I asked to give us some time, to meet and try to reach an agreement about the leadership of the FB&H. Therefore, I proposed to hold the meeting in seven days and it is supposed to be held on Friday at 10,00hrs. They accepted it. It is enough time to determine the leadership of the FB&H, President/ VP. In this part, the three of us reach an agreement on who will assume the position of the President of the FB&H. I hope that we will reach the agreement. If not, the FB&H HoR will decide on who will perform the function of the President. Therefore, I did not avoid anything. I did not block anything. We wait for Friday to reach the agreement and I hope that this will happen.” Asked will he come to the meeting, Lendo said that he scheduled a meeting for 10,00hrs and he will come to this meeting. Asked will he come to the meeting scheduled for 11,00hrs, Lendo said that there is no need reminding that speaker of the FB&H HoR Mirjana Marinkovic-Lepic scheduled this meeting adding that “there is no need for anyone to arbitrate” as they will reach the agreement at 10,00hrs or not. In his opinion, he did not set any conditions for the process of reaching the agreement about the new FB&H leadership, adding that he will certainly ask did parties; SDA, HDZ B&H and SDP B&H reached any agreement on a new FB&H Prime Minister (PM). Lendo said that if Bradara and Stojanovic believe that they already reached the agreement on the FB&H leadership and the new FB&H PM, while SDA is just supposed to agree with that, then they will not reach any agreement on Friday at 10,00hrs. Asked can a new FB&H Government be formed without SDA and DF, Lendo reminded that SDA won the general elections and won around 400,000 votes along with DF.  In his opinion, HDZ B&H, SDP B&H and other parties must understand that SDA and DF must take part in the process of formation of the new FB&H government. According to Lendo, Bradara and Stojanovic violated the law by naming Bradara the new FB&H President. In his opinion, this decision is unconstitutional, immoral, confusing and rude. Lendo assessed their activities as rushing aimed to pressure him and not as energetic moves. As for the option of reaction of High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt, Lendo said that SDA respects his recent decisions and even if he reaches certain solutions, they must respect them. Lendo said: “However, I doubt that he will do something to the benefit of ‘The Eight’ and their demands”. Asked will SDA support leader of SDP B&H Nermin Niksic as the new FB&H PM, Lendo said “No”. Lendo underlined: “Results of the Central Bosnia Canton, results of the FB&H Government and all other cantons and the state of B&H represent a condition that SDA will be part of the process of formation of the FB&H Government.” He said that HDZ B&H and SNSD continued with realization of their goals like secession, adding that Bosniaks will never allow that someone else decides on their behalf. In his opinion, there is enough room in B&H to build a democratic B&H and the FB&H where everyone will feel equal and safe.

Borrell writes op-ed on occasion of first anniversary since beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine, accuses Russia of violation of international law (Nezavisne)

On the occasion of the first anniversary since Russia’s attack against Ukraine, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell penned an op-ed piece noting that February 24, 2022 will forever be remembered as the day when Russia launched its brutal, unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine, which clearly constitutes aggression and violation of the UN Charter. Borrell noted that this war is not simply ‘a European issue’ or a matter of ‘the West against the rest’. “This is a matter of which kind of world we want to live in: nobody is safe in a world in which illegal use of force by a nuclear power and permanent member of the UN Security Council would be ‘normalized’ in some way. Therefore, the international law must be applied everywhere, so that everybody is protected from the policy of force, blackmailing and military attacks”, Borrell emphasized. He added that one year later, there is the risk of people getting used to the images of war crimes and atrocities because they are so numerous that the words start to lose their meaning, and the resolve is weakening because time is passing and the task ahead is so difficult. “But we must not allow that. Because Russia is violating the UN Charter every day, creating a dangerous precedent for the entire world with its imperialistic policy. Every day, Russia kills innocent women, men and children, pelting cities and civilian infrastructure with shells”, Borrel underlined, and noted that Russia is also spreading lies on a daily basis. He emphasized that for the EU and its partners, there is no alternative to the ‘trifold strategy’ which consists of support to Ukraine, pressure on Russia to end its illegal aggression, and help of the rest of the world in dealing with consequences of the aggression. Borrell noted that this strategy has been successfully implemented for a year, and reminded that the EU imposed unprecedented sanctions, reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuel and, in cooperation with its partners, managed to cut Kremlin’s profits from energy in half. He also reminded that the joint action managed to alleviate the global domino effect through reduction of energy and food prices. Borrell added that the EU is offering training for Ukrainian military staff, and providing macro financial and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people. The EU decided to accept Ukraine’s EU membership bid. Finally, the EU is working to secure accountability for the war crimes committed by Russia. Borrell noted that, partially due to this support, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Thanks to the global sanctions and international condemnation of most UN member states, Russia is getting more and more isolated. “Our collective goal is and will remain a democratic Ukraine that rises up, pushing back the conqueror, restoring its full sovereignty and thus restoring international legal order. Above all, we want peace in Ukraine, comprehensive and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and the international law. Support to Ukraine and peace efforts go hand in hand”, Borrel emphasized. According to him, Russian aggressive revisionism and its wider destabilizing actions represent a global threat that hits the Western Balkan and Eastern partnership states. Borrell warned of the effects of the Russian propaganda machinery trying to ignite the remnants of the past and its industrial-scale efforts in information manipulation and foreign interference. Therefore, Borrell noted, the EU is working together with its partners and future member states to confront these threats. He emphasized that support to pluralism and media freedoms is key in this effort. He also noted that the Russian aggression has put in focus the fact that states and people must be free to decide on their future. He emphasized that the EU has made very clear its willingness to respond to the aspirations of its partners and to integrate the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia into the Union. “History and justice are on Ukraine’s side. But in order to accelerate history and achieve justice, we must strengthen our ‘trifold strategy’. We know that this is a collective task. Therefore, the EU counts on all its partners to act in the spirit of common responsibility and solidarity: to secure failure of aggression and triumph of international law”, Borrell concluded.

Plenkovic: I hope for better relations between Croatia and B&H, our ambition is for new B&H CoM to agree on key priorities that are clearly stated in context of EU candidate status (HRT1)

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic spoke at the Atlantic Council about the war in Ukraine, as well as relations with countries in the region. When asked by the foreign policy editor of N1 about what kind of cooperation he expects with the new authorities in B&H and what his country will do for B&H on the path to the EU and NATO, Plenkovic replied that he hopes for better relations. “Our ambition is for the new Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H, the new majority in the political sense, to agree on the key priorities, which are clearly stated in the context of the EU candidate status. The key prerequisite is to reach an agreement on the Election Law, that all the constituent peoples elect their own political, legitimate representative in the country’s Presidency. This was not the case with the Croats. Now, the fourth time, because we see the results of the election, even Mrs. (Current B&H CoM Chairwoman Borjana) Kristo, who ran for the Presidency, failed to be elected because of the votes Mr. (current Croat member of the Presidency and DF leader Zeljko) Komsic received. Therefore, this is an element that actually complicates our relationship”, the Croatian Prime Minister pointed out. He announced that Croatia will continue making “a strong push towards” establishing good relations between the two countries.

Plenkovic: It is important to abandon the policy of naivety towards Russia (HRT)

Western countries should learn a lesson from the Russian aggression against Ukraine and abandon the policy of naivety towards Russia, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said in an interview with the Atlantic Council think-tank, adding that most reasonable politicians in Croatia are firmly on the side of Ukraine. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that Russian aggression against Ukraine caused tectonic global changes. “It is important that all Western leaders learn the lesson of recognizing threats to international law, international security,” Plenkovic said. “It is also important that they completely abandon the policy of naivety (towards Russia),” he added. He reiterated that there is unprecedented unity and determination to act unitedly at the European level. “This is fantastic and they should continue like that,” Plenkovic said, adding that during the Homeland War, Croatia could only procure weapons illegally due to the UN embargo. In an interview for the Washington think-tank via video link, Plenkovic pointed out that he does not see a thesis about the division of responsibility between the warring parties expressed in the public spheres of European countries. “These are very minor voices and mostly orchestrated from Moscow,” Plenkovic pointed out.

Opponents of the training of Ukrainian soldiers will bear responsibility

Asked to explain the context of Croatia’s non-participation in the EU mission for military aid to Ukraine (EUMAM), Plenkovic said that there are political forces in Croatia, parties, which are preparing for parliamentary elections and use every opportunity to be against the government. He emphasized that the Croatian contribution to that mission would represent only a very, very symbolic part (of the total) of our military aid that we gave to Ukraine. “Those 54 (representatives) who did not want to support, bear that responsibility and will have it for a very long time. We will not hesitate to remind them of very bad historical choices,” said Plenkovic. “These are internal elements, but be sure that the parliamentary majority, the government, the majority of reasonable politicians and people in Croatia are firmly with Ukraine and will continue to be,” he added.

Modern sovereignty

Asked to explain the concept of modern sovereignty, which he has repeatedly said he advocates, Plenkovic explained that Croats are sensitive about sovereignty, independence and the influence of other actors because Croatia only gained independence in the 90s. “My point is that by joining NATO, the EU, Schengen and the Eurozone, by giving part of sovereignty to the supranational level, we have become stronger, more protected, more influential globally and in Europe,” said Plenkovic, adding that in this way Croatia achieves its strategic goals more efficiently.

Wire at the border is not an option

Regarding the control of illegal migration, Plenkovic emphasized that Croatia has invested a lot in sophisticated border control and opposes the construction of physical barriers on the border with neighboring countries that are not in the EU. “Our option is not to build fences, walls, barbed wire on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), Serbia and Montenegro. We want to cooperate with their police in order to prevent illegal migration,” Plenkovic said. In this context, he noted that it is also important because in B&H the Croats are a constituent nation, and physical barriers would be harmful to bilateral relations (with B&H). He also noted that Croatia is the biggest and most sincere friend of B&H in the EU, and he expressed the hope that the new government will amend the electoral law in order to make it impossible for Croats to be outvoted in the elections for a member of the presidency.

“The Croats (in the last elections) suspended pluralism and all supported one candidate and still failed to elect her (Borjana Kristo),” said Plenkovic.

US Ambassador to B&H Murphy says denial of genocide and war crimes and glorification of war criminals are irresponsible and reprehensible (Vecernji list)

US Ambassador to B&H Michael Murphy strongly condemned RS President Milorad Dodik‘s denial of the genocide in Srebrenica. In a video message published on the US Embassy in B&H’s official Twitter page, Ambassador Murphy said that denial of genocide and war crimes and glorification of war criminals are irresponsible and reprehensible. “I want to be very clear. Genocide took place in Srebrenica in 1995. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice established the facts of Srebrenica beyond a shadow of a doubt, determining that elements of the Army of the RS at the command of Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic committed genocide, murdering more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys. Mladic and Karadzic are war criminals, not heroes. RS President Dodik’s repeated attempts to deny the Srebrenica genocide, which he did again yesterday (Tuesday), cannot change the facts and it cannot change the truth. Denial of genocide and war crimes and the glorification of war criminals are reprehensible and irresponsible,” Ambassador Murphy said. “Denial of genocide and war crimes and the glorification of war criminals are reprehensible and irresponsible. It insults the victims of all ethnicities and compounds the suffering of their families. It tears at the fabric of the society of B&H, threatening B&H stability. It is also against the law of B&H”, Ambassador Murphy said in a video message on Twitter. Meanwhile, SDP B&H, NiP and Our Party condemned public denial of Srebrenica genocide. These parties issued a joint press statement saying: “(SNSD leader and RS President) Milorad Dodik, with his new statement that there was no genocide in Srebrenica, crossed the line of legal activities for the first time since changes to the Criminal Code of B&H came in force. We urge competent bodies to strictly follow laws in this and in all other similar cases and process such activities without any exceptions. The genocide in Srebrenica is a historical and legal fact and its denial is the act of destabilization of circumstances in the country”. These three parties also urged Dodik not to complicate the job of his personnel at the state level with his activities and noted that ‘The Troika’ will not “go along with the populist game of competition in quasi-patriotism nor it will ever remain silent to insulting of victims and denial of legal facts”.

Djukanovic expresses his satisfaction that Konakovic is visiting Montenegro, stressing that such quick visit is confirmation of good mutual relations (CdM)

B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konakovic is paying an official visit to Montenegro, where he met with Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic on Wednesday evening. Djukanovic expressed his satisfaction that Konakovic is visiting Montenegro, stressing that such visit, soon after Konakovic assumed his current post, is a confirmation of good mutual relations. Djukanovic highlighted the signed agreement on the border between Montenegro and B&H. Djukanovic also pointed out the necessity of improving mutual traffic infrastructure, which would improve tourism, trade and economic cooperation. Djukanovic stated that Montenegro fully supports the territorial integrity of B&H and the Dayton agreement. Konakovic commented on the excellent cooperation that B&H has with Montenegro and that this will not change in the future. Konakovic should meet with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic on Thursday.

VMRO-DPMNE MP Nikolovski threatens: It is time for the Macedonians to stand up like the Albanians in 2001 (TV21)

VMRO-DPMNE MP Aleksandar Nikolovski, stated in the parliament that the entry of all Albanian parties in the Government will destroy the foundations of the functioning of the Macedonian state, which, according to him, is based on the model – two political parties in power, two in opposition, TV21 reported. “In Macedonia, it is not by chance that there are parties of Macedonians, Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Vlachs, and Roma. Look around and you will see who you have in the coalition. This is so because of the ethnic balance with which this state functions. You can experiment if you want, but those experiments will lead us to the destruction of Macedonia as we know it today. The experiments of a generation before us brought us into the armed conflict in 2001. I fear that the experiments you are doing now may lead us into another conflict; and if the Albanians stood up in 2001, the Macedonians could stand up now. Do not underestimate what I’m telling you,” Nikolovski said.

DUI: We condemn the scandalous statements of the VMRO-DPMNE MP, the country is following the European path (Kanal 5)

The Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) party “strongly condemns the scandalous statements of VMRO-DPMNE MP stated at the highest legislative institution.” Such statements by Aleksandar Nikollovski, who is also the vice-president of the largest opposition party, are not only scandalous but also inciting war and spreading hatred among the population, said the Albanian ruling party. “Mickoski‘s silence towards the military inciting statements of his fellow party member Aleksandar Nikolovski is another public recognition of the anti-Albanian orientation of VMRO-DPME and a complete unmasking of their strategic goals for worsening inter-ethnic relations,” DUI reacted. “Apparently, the photo of its leader Mickoski with a Kalashnikov in his hands inspired Nikolovski to use rhetoric of hatred towards his fellow Albanians, an unacceptable and scandalous vocabulary for a politician nowadays. During this period, the public witnessed a series of anti-Albanian actions of VMRO-DPMNE, starting from insult and accusations without any facts about the Albanian political leaders in the country, the local racist policies of boycotting the Albanian companies and now reaching direct threats of war and disruption of public order and peace,” said DUI. The party calls on VMRO-DPMNE to distance itself from Nikolovski’s  inflammatory statements stated at the Parliament, and at the same time calls for such statements to be condemned by other parties which work for the country to move forward. “It should not be allowed in any case, when the country is in the most difficult moments to walk on the European path, to return back in the past with statements inciting war. The Democratic Union for Integration assures the citizens that as a pro-European and pro American entity it will work to preserve country’s democratic and European spirit,” said DUI in its reaction.

Kishida: Japan will appoint an ambassador for the Western Balkans (Radio Tirana)

The Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida declared that Japan will appoint an ambassador for the Western Balkans. In a joint press statement with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Kishida said that, “the implementation of regional peace and the prosperity of the Western Balkans, including Albania, is important not only for Europe, but also for the international community, including Japan.” Seen from such a perspective, regarding the Western Balkans Cooperation Agreement, Japan supports increasing reform efforts by the countries of the Western Balkans, in their ambition to enter the European Union. And in this context, he emphasized, “Japan will appoint an ambassador for the Western Balkans. Together with Prime Minister Rama, we will discuss these initiatives from Japan and the importance of Albania’s role in promoting inter-ethnic reconciliation”. “We will also discuss international security issues, including the Pacific region and other regions. I intend to explain to the Prime Minister our national security strategy approved by our government in the face of such a situation. I found a preliminary understanding during the meeting and during the discussions with Prime Minister Rama and we will also talk about strengthening the cooperation between our two countries”, said Kishida. Kishida emphasized that, during the meeting, we agreed to strongly condemn Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is an open violation of international law, a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “As a country that was hit by atomic bombs during World War II, Japan can never accept Russian threats to use nuclear weapons. We are to cooperate in partnership with the international community and to give a clear message about this. Also, I emphasized, that Japan as the chair of the G7 during this year will push forward the imposition of strong sanctions on Russia and the provision of assistance to Ukraine. We agreed that we are two countries that should continue to work closely, including a resolution that will be approved by the UN General Assembly,” he said.

Albania with patrol ship in the Mediterranean, 21-Armed Forces personnel part of the NATO operation (Radio Tirana)

Albanian Armed Forces will join the NATO mission in the Mediterranean Sea. By decision of the Council of Ministers, Albania will join the “FOCOPS” mission, part of the “Sea Guardian” operation, with an Albanian patrol ship with 21 Armed Forces personnel on board that will patrol the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea.The ship’s mission is to perform the tasks of patrolling, maritime reconnaissance, providing assistance, maritime situational awareness, identification, verification and detention of maritime objects. The duration of this operation continues for 20 days, while the operational command of the ship will be carried out by the commander of the NATO ships stand by group.

EU 82.6 million Euros to Albania in support of key reforms (Radio Tirana)

The Albanian government has approved an agreement with the EC on Albania’s membership process. The EU offers 82.6 million euros to Albania in support of the main reforms, 14.9 million euros for law enforcement agencies, 9.7 million euros for the reform of justice, 5 million euros for strengthening the role of the parliament and the CEC, 29 million euros for the field of water, 19 million euros for the negotiation process and 5 million euros for the initiatives of the Albanian government for young people. “The first decision is related to the approval of the financing agreement between Albania and the EC within the 2022 program for pre-accession assistance. The IPA 2022 package that the government approved today with the EC includes assistance to Albania of 82.6 million euros. This assistance will support some of the country’s key reforms, EU for law enforcement agencies EUR 14.9 million, support for the third stage evaluation of judges and prosecutors, EUR 9.7 million assistance, support for justice reform, EU for democracy in the value of 5 million euros, support aimed at strengthening the role of the parliament in democracy, EU for water 29 million euros that supports the fundamental reform of the Albanian government in the field of water, 19 million euros for the facilitating instrument to support the negotiation process in the EU and the EU for youth in the amount of 5 million euros that supports the initiatives of the Albanian government for young people in our country”, said Majlinda Dhuka, chief negotiator. Dhuka reiterated that the second decision is related to the approval of the national strategy for development and integration of Albania. Among other things, it shows the major priorities for the coming years. “The second decision is for the approval of the national strategy for development and integration 2020-2030 of Albania. The strategy is the main axis of the country’s development orientation. The strategy has a clear vision, the construction of a dynamic economy, part of the EU and the region that offers fair conditions for increasing the well-being of citizens based on democracy. 6 major priorities are foreseen: European integration, fight against corruption, energy, agriculture, tourism and digitization”, said Dhuka.

Council of Albanian Ambassadors: Independence Day of Kosovo should be declared an official holiday (Radio Tirana)

The Council of Albanian Ambassadors proposes to the Assembly of the Republic of Albania that the Independence Day of the Republic of Kosovo be declared an official holiday. In a statement published on the official website of this Council, it is said that “evaluating 17 February 2008, the day of the declaration of Independence of the Republic of Kosovo, as one of the most important events in our national history; as the fulfilment of a century-old aspiration of our nation on its way to strengthening its identity, national unity and integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures; as a marked day that inspires every Albanian; as a major event to which Albanians around the world have contributed, with the strong support of the USA, the EU, NATO and other allied and friendly countries, the Council of Albanian Ambassadors has addressed an official request to the Assembly, on  21 February 2023, to undertake the relevant legal initiatives to declare this date an Official Holiday of the Republic of Albania”. In the statement, the Council of Albanian Ambassadors says that “it believes that such a decision would be supported by every Albanian wherever he lives, regardless of political beliefs”.