LOCAL PRESS

Continuation of engagement of UNMIK of crucial importance for Serbia (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked yesterday with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UNMIK Head Caroline Ziadeh about Serbia’s participation in peacekeeping operations around the world and the continuation of UNMIK engagement in Kosovo and Metohija. At a meeting in the Serbian government, Brnabic said that our country continuously contributes to world peace, security and respect for international law by participating in UN and EU multinational operations. The Prime Minister pointed out that the United Nations is the most important international organisation for Serbia and that we rely on its influence in terms of preserving the original values of the Charter, especially the section on respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and Security Council Resolution 1244. The continuation of engagement of UNMIK in an undiminished scope and with an unchanged mandate is of crucial importance for Serbia. The Prime Minister said that timely, proper and visible reactions of the UN to numerous incidents, provocations and unilateral acts of Pristina are important, and in support of this she cited a number of examples of incidents that increase tensions. Speaking about the continuation of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, she said that it is necessary for Pristina to fulfil all the obligations assumed under the Brussels agreement. Lacroix commended Serbia’s contribution to world peace and security through participation in multinational operations under the UN mandate, which often entail the existence of imminent danger. Ziadeh said that she agrees that UNMIK faces numerous challenges and that she supports the continuation of the talks in Brussels in order to achieve constructive progress.

Brnabic: Necessity of implementing Brussels agreement and obligation to form Community of Serb Municipalities (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked yesterday with Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution Karoline Edtstadler about the European integration of Serbia and the bilateral and economic cooperation. Brnabic underlined that Serbia appreciates Austria’s commitment to the European integration process of our country to date and hopes for continued support on that path. The Prime Minister pointed out that Serbia is firmly determined to continue the reform process, especially when it comes to the rule of law. She pointed to the necessity of implementing the Brussels agreement and the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities, which is 10 years overdue, because without it the continuation of the dialogue on the normalisation of relations loses its meaning, whereby she emphasised Belgrade’s commitment to preserving peace and stability. The Prime Minister underlined that Austria is the third largest foreign investor in Serbia and the fifth foreign trade partner in the exchange of services. The interlocutors agreed that it is in mutual interest to continue improving and deepening cooperation in all areas.

EU membership remains Serbia’s strategic commitment (Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked yesterday with Director-General at the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Gert Jan Koopman about the European path and economic progress of Serbia, as well as about relations in the region. The Prime Minister pointed out that peace and stability are crucial for the progress of the region and underlined that the EU is Serbia’s number one economic partner, whereas the countries of the region are in second place. Brnabic specified that Serbia reduced the predicted inflation, achieved economic growth and it will continue to do so in the coming period. She also said that a large number of EU companies invest and do business in Serbia, first of all due to the stable economic situation. The Prime Minister reiterated that membership in the EU remains the strategic commitment and priority of Serbia’s foreign policy. The Director-General at the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations highlighted the importance of keeping the momentum in reforms in Serbia and the entire region, especially in the field of the rule of law and other priority areas. Koopman said that European integration should be accelerated, noting that this region can be the driving force of Europe thanks to economic reforms.

Miscevic, EC official discuss accelerating Serbia’s EU admission process (Beta)

Serbian Minister of EU Integration Tanja Miscevic met with European Commission official Gert Jan Koopman in Belgrade and discussed ways to advance and accelerate Serbia’s bid to join the European Union, especially when it came to implementing reforms in the rule of law. Miscevic briefed Koopman, director-general at the EC Directorate-General Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, on reform priorities of particular importance to the negotiating process, especially the implementation of constitutional amendments and execution of a media strategy, the Ministry of EU Integration said in a press release. Speaking about the media environment and reforms, Koopman said new legislation, currently in the stage of finalization, should reflect the letter and spirit of the adopted media strategy and action plan, and that an environment conducive to unimpeded freedom of expression should be reinforced in practice, the press release said. When it comes to Serbia’s alignment with EU foreign and security policy, Miscevic said it was currently at 55 percent, but noted that the matter was one of “much more than the percentages, considering Serbia’s support to the territorial integrity of Ukraine and provision of humanitarian aid to the country, alignment with the EU visa regime and cooperation with Frontex and member states in preventing illegal migration and combating people trafficking,” the statement read.

Petkovic: Situation difficult, Bislimi’s behaviour was scandalous (Tanjug/RTS/Politika/RTV)

Speaking to reporters after Monday’s round of the Brussels dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic said the dialogue was in a difficult state and that Pristina’s chief negotiator Besnik Bislimi had acted in a scandalous way. Following a trilateral meeting with Bislimi and EU special envoy Miroslav Lajcak, Petkovic said Belgrade’s delegation had prepared for the meeting, coming with experts, proposals and all materials, “unlike Bislimi, who came on his own”. “When he was supposed to discuss major issues, such as establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities, the issue of missing persons, freedom of movement, issues that have to do with everyday life, institutional violence by Kurti, he did not want to provide concrete answers to that and he tried to make the discussion pointless with various interruptions,” Petkovic said. He said the meeting had also addressed the issue of energy but that Bislimi’s response to everything had been that “Petkovic is talking rubbish”. Petkovic said Bislimi had taken a recently denied written request by an RTS journalist to enter Kosovo and Metohija and thrown it down on the floor. Petkovic said Bislimi and Kurti were acting in the same way. “They hang on to small things to postpone a resolution of the issue of missing persons. When I reiterated to Bislimi our request for a resolution of the issues of freedom of movement and licence plates, he refused to discuss that. We do not know how to hold further discussions – we want normalisation, above all, for the sake of Serbs. It is important that we protect the lives of our people,” Petkovic said. He said the Community of Serb Municipalities had been highlighted by Belgrade as the key topic. He said a common methodology must be developed to prepare a statute of the Community as it was an urgent issue, especially for peace in Kosovo and Metohija. He also said a declaration on missing persons must be implemented and that an exchange of information and concrete tasks on the ground must begin. “We raise all urgent issues and we speak about the situation on the ground,” Petkovic said. Petkovic said Belgrade would observe red lines set by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. “We have our red lines and we adhere to them – they are that we will never consent to Kosovo becoming a UN member state and that, de iure or de facto, we will not recognise Kosovo as independent,” he said.

Lajcak: Meeting discussed agreement implementation (N1)

EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak said on Monday that he discussed the implementation of the latest agreement with the chief negotiators from Belgrade and Pristina.

“I hosted the Chief negotiators of Kosovo Besnik Bislimi and Serbia Petar Petkovic for another round of Dialogue meetings in Brussels,” Lajcak said in a Twitter post. “We discussed the way forward on the implementation of the 27 February Agreement and aimed to clarify open questions. Discussions will continue,” he added. Petkovic and Bislimi gave differing accounts of Monday’s meeting which was part of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

Dacic against early election, favor regime-opposition talks (TV B92)

Socialist Party of Serbia President Ivica Dacic reiterated on Monday that he was against early elections and advocated “political de-escalation and talks” between the regime and opposition. “I am for political de-escalation and talks and it would be good if that could happen in the parliament … Now the responsibility lies with the political parties calling for demonstrations,” he said, again accusing some of the opposition for exploiting recent mass murders in Belgrade and villages around Mladenovac for political ends. Dacic, whose party is in the ruling coalition with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party, told TV B92 that he was “categorically against early elections” and added that it was high time for “Serbia to live a regular life, and that means regular elections”. “I’m in favor of making staffing changes if there’s need for it, and Vucic has said before that the prime minister would change somewhere around the middle of the term of the current cabinet,” Dacic said.

Ukrainian Embassy: Ukraine does not expect criticism of its path to Europe, but rather of Russian aggression (Beta)

The Embassy of Ukraine in Belgrade said in a Monday press release that Kyiv didn’t expect Serbia to condemn publicly the choice made by the Ukrainian people, but rather to condemn Russia’s aggression against the country. Following a statement by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic that Belgrade “is not going to be a new Maidan”, referring to street protests in Kyiv’s central square in 2014 that ended in change of government, the Embassy stated that “it considers the attempts at meddling in Ukraine’s internal affairs intolerable”. “It is an honor to recall that what sometimes is portrayed negatively as the ‘Ukrainian scenario’ is in fact the Ukrainians’ fight for their rights, and against a corrupt, totalitarian government. It’s the European choice made by most of Ukrainians, for which we have been paying a steep price. Any assessment of this choice, either positive or negative, is to be made by the Ukrainian people only,” the Embassy said in the release. The Ukrainian diplomats in Belgrade also said that they “sincerely hope that everyone supporting Serbia’s accession to the EU will treat with respect the European choice made by a friendly Slavic people, the Ukrainians.” “It is precisely the Maidan in Ukraine that cut off the tentacles of the Russian totalitarian system, willing to reach Europe. The Ukrainian people are paying a very high price today not only of its own freedom, but also of a future in Europe for Serbia and its children,” the Embassy of Ukraine released.

Custody extended for two months to Trajkovic (Tanjug)

The custody has been extended for another two months to former policeman Sladjan Trajkovic, whom the Kosovo authorities are charging of an alleged war crime, it was confirmed on Monday for Tanjug by Trajkovic’s lawyer Dejan Vasic. “This is now the sixth month since has been in custody, and I as his defence lawyer was not invited to take part in the investigating actions. The female Prosecutor interviews witnesses without my client and without calling me to attend. These are harsh and severe violations of the law and unilaterally abolish the right of the defence,” Vasic said.

REGIONAL PRESS

HR Schmidt: Dodik needs to understand that no one supports playing with future of B&H (Nova BH)

Nova BH carries an interview with High Representative Christian Schmidt who, among other things, spoke about Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Chairwoman Zeljka Cvijanovic, the issue of state property, problems in the formation of the authorities in the Federation of B&H (FB&H) and the use of the Bonn powers. Reporter pointed out that Schmidt is one of the few High Representatives who managed to unite the negative reactions from both entities in B&H at the same time and that these reactions can be reduced to one thesis, which is that he treats B&H like a colony. Asked if he feels like a colonial administrator in B&H, Schmidt said that this is complete nonsense. Schmidt pointed out that he is only carrying out his mandate and those who know him and follow his work have been able to see so far that he is working in the interest of what is the Dayton Agreement and in the interest of all the citizens of B&H. “I do not serve the interests of every single politician in this country. So, I would advise politicians not to relax, but to do more than what is necessary in order to succeed in completing the task before us. This especially applies to those who have their obligations in this sense,” Schmidt said. Asked how ready he is to tolerate everything that President of the RS Milorad Dodik says and does and where is the red line, Schmidt said that there are three things that he would like to mention, including things related to Dodik. “First of all, it is completely clear that the two entities and the Brcko District are a part of Dayton and that there is no way they cannot be. The second thing is that we expect respect for the territorial integrity of B&H as a whole, and these are not things that can be solved by some decisions related to the RS, because first of all it is not right, and it does not benefit anyone either. The third thing, if Mr. Dodik takes a look at B&H, the Western Balkans, and Europe, if he looks around that area, he will see that no one supports playing with the future of the entire country. He would probably have to go to, say, Moscow to find that kind of support, but there is no such support in this area,” Schmidt underlined. Schmidt pointed out that politicians from the RS should participate in talks and be aware that talks should be based not on playing games, but on solutions for the whole country. Asked whether he would be ready to remove Dodik, that is, what would be his solution if Dodik goes further, Schmidt said that he would not have the (former High Representative in B&H) Paddy Ashdown style approach. “I do not believe these are principles we can apply today. Of course, I would not rule anything out, but I think I would definitely prefer to engage in a constructive dialogue,” Schmidt stressed. Commenting on the fact that Cvijanovic left the hall when he addressed the UN Security Council, Schmidt stated that he did not even realize that Cvijanovic left the session. “But in this case, I would say the statement of a late social democrat from Germany who said that the one who leaves a room is the one who must return to that room,” Schmidt said. Speaking about the upcoming meeting on the issue of state property and whether he is ready to impose the law on state property if Dodik refuses to discuss this issue, Schmidt said “we are not discussing who wants what and what their wishes are.” “I want to say that it is my obligation to discuss this topic as well. Therefore, we must sit down together and hear arguments. If there are arguments in favor of one solution, we should take them into account, or if there are no arguments. The responsible politicians in the RS are also invited and can, of course, discuss this topic in any commission or in any forum and can say what they do not want, but we have to talk and exchange opinions. I believe that the message is clear. I know what the instruments are at my disposal, but I have a conservative approach and I am definitely aware that this issue must be resolved,” Schmidt underlined. Commenting on the negative reactions that his decision by which he imposed solutions for the rapid formation of the FB&H government caused in the FB&H and whether he could have done something else in that situation, Schmidt said that he was waiting to receive some proposals, but that there were no proposals. “We had a government which was in technical mandate, a government which was appointed in 2014, and since that time it continued to work regardless of the elections we had in the meantime. I know that they also had discussions at the level of constitutional solutions for this situation, but there was no solution. So, I solved this blockade, considering that we did not have any provisions in the Constitution that could solve this issue, so I had to take measures,” Schmidt emphasized. Asked what he would like people in B&H to remember him for, Schmidt said that he “would like us not to look back on what was.” “I think we have a lot of things ahead of us, it is primarily functionality. Second, we have to think about what the future is for young people in this country, that is, what kind of future we leave them and build for them. These are the things that worry me, especially when it comes to the education of young people and the educational system, because I think that young people should not be treated differently or discriminated against because of their ethnicity. I think everyone should follow the same curriculum and learn the same things,” Schmidt concluded.

US Embassy issues statement on state property: Spurious claims from RS prolong resolution of the issue (Dnevni avaz)

The US Embassy to B&H issued a statement which reads that the United States’ position on state property has been clear and consistent for years, and it has not changed. “State property belongs to the state, and a state-level law is required to regulate it. This is not a matter of opinion; it is a constitutional and legal fact. Under international law and traditional state practice, only states possess the necessary capacity to succeed to the rights and obligations of predecessor states. The state in this instance is B&H. This matter was settled by the Dayton Constitution, which is clear and unambiguous”, reads the statement. Embassy underlined that the constitutional and legal arrangements regarding state property were further codified under B&H law by the 2001 Agreement on Succession Issues of the Former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), ratified by the B&H Parliamentary Assembly. “The proper resolution of this issue would bring economic benefits to all of B&H because businesses and other development projects cannot succeed if they lack clear, legal title to property or clear regulations regarding its use. At the same time, the illegal transfer of state property by any entity exposes the recipient to domestic and potentially international legal jeopardy. The spurious legal claims of the RS authorities and the refusal of B&H parliamentarians from the RS to engage constructively with their state-level colleagues needlessly prolong resolution of the issue. It also makes it impossible to fully implement the OHR’s 5+2 agenda, which is a precondition for OHR’s closure. The United States supports efforts to adopt a state level law to regulate state property that would finally resolve this matter and encourages all parties to engage constructively to that end”, concluded US Embassy with Ambassador Michael Murphy at helm.

Dodik comments on US Embassy’s statement on property by saying this issue was resolved in Dayton Peace Agreement (BHT1)

Reacting to the press release issued by the US Embassy to B&H in relation to state property, RS President Milorad Dodik wrote on his Twitter account that the US Embassy reiterating its position on the state property proves that “the RS is right for not wanting to communicate with those who desecrate the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) in the worst possible way”, claiming that the US Embassy “maliciously quotes in part Article 1 of (B&H) Constitution”. Dodik also wrote that the issue of property was resolved under the DPA and the B&H Constitution and that property on the RS’ territory belongs exclusively to the RS, just like the property on the Federation of B&H (FB&H)’s territory belongs exclusively to the FB&H “on which there will not and cannot be any discussion”. Dodik also said that if anyone wants to destroy B&H, the best way to do it is to disrespect the Constitution of B&H. SNSD delegate of the Serb Caucus in the B&H House of Peoples (B&H HoP) Radovan Kovacevic stated on Monday that everything that is not explicitly stated as the jurisdiction of B&H, and the property is not, belongs to the entities, and he called on the US Embassy to B&H to show where the B&H Constitution says otherwise.

Escobar: Any country that firmly believes that Russia will be its long-term strategic partner is making big mistake and playing the wrong card (ATV)

After the announcement that RS President Milorad Dodik would travel to attend a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as that Russia would strengthen ties with the RS, the special envoy of the State Department Gabriel Escobar said that “any country that firmly believes that Russia will be its long-term strategic partner is making a big mistake and playing the wrong card”. “In Europe, including Balkans, we see that majority of countries are on the right side in this situation, we see they opened their doors to Ukraine refugees, that they voted in the right way in certain forums. We would like to see this to continue. In this historic moment trend shows that majority is on the right side, regardless of individual statements, individual actions and moves”. The RS President Milorad Dodik stressed that the RS did not take any side. He also said that the RS will not fight other countries’ wars. “We cooperate with Russia as much as we want with other countries, including the US. We will not fight their wars”, Dodik wrote on Twitter.

Cvijanovic: I am not going to CoE summit because it will again be mockery of international law; B&H, as post-conflict community, should remain neutral on issue of any armed conflict, not siding with any warring party (RTRS)

The Serb member and Chairperson of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic said that she is not going to the Council of Europe (CoE) summit because it will again be, as she said, a mockery of the international law. She stated that there is no other way to explain that the final declaration of the summit calls for respect for the territorial integrity of only certain, and not all, members of the Council of Europe, which was, said Cvijanovic, a completely justified and reasonable proposal of Serbia. According to Cvijanovic, the proposed text is full of arbitrary and inconsistent political qualifications, as well as positions that go beyond the scope of the Council of Europe’s activities. Cvijanovic claimed that B&H, as a post-conflict community, should remain neutral on the issue of any armed conflict, not siding with any warring party. Cvijanovic was quoted as saying: “The cabinet of the Serb member of the Presidency of B&H gave a negative opinion on the establishment of the registry on material damage caused in the Ukrainian conflict, and as for the final declaration of the summit, a negative position was proposed for it as well”. She added that the representative of B&H at the session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe did not express an explicit negative attitude regarding the adoption of the proposed final declaration of the summit, stressing that his actions do not reflect the official position of B&H on the issue.

Niksic meets Reilly, says FB&H government is ready to tackle difficult issues despite attacks and pressure (Dnevni avaz)

FB&H Prime Minister Nermin Niksic met on Monday with UK Ambassador to B&H Julian Reilly. Niksic told Reilly that the new authorities are facing a period of difficult decisions and that they will find themselves under attack. He thanked Reilly for the offered assistance and the interest in solving the difficult and complex issues ahead, as well as for his support to the new FB&H government. Niksic said that the government wants to start working right away, and expressed hope that the government will have the support of the FB&H parliament. Speaking about the immediate priorities, Niksic said that foreign investments are very important, as well as healthcare, social welfare and fight against corruption and organized crime. “We expect attacks, they have already started. But our message is that nothing will stop our intention to bring those guilty of corruption and crime to justice”, Niksic underlined. He also said that he trusts the judicial system and he is convinced that there are structures within the system ready to tackle crime and corruption. In his opinion, the atmosphere has improved since the removal of former Director of Intelligence-Security Agency (OSA), and judicial office holders are able to do their job without pressures. Niksic also said that he intends to do everything to keep the coalition stable. He also announced that the FB&H and RS governments will hold a joint session in Banja Luka in June. Noting that cooperation with RS President Milorad Dodik can be difficult, Niksic emphasized the importance of cooperation with all stakeholders, including HDZ B&H. Reilly stated that UK fully supports the FB&H government and added that the UK Embassy, as well as UK companies with experience and expertise are ready to help the FB&H government and Prime Minister.

Konakovic with Neukirch, discuss cooperation between B&H and CoE, B&H’s EU path (Dnevni list)

B&H Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic met with Director of Program Coordination at the Council of Europe (CoE) Claus Neukirch. Konakovic and Neukirch evaluated the cooperation between B&H and the CoE in all domains as very successful, as well as the projects that were realized jointly. When it comes to B&H’s path to the EU, they expressed their belief that the programs and reforms, in cooperation with the CoE, will contribute to bringing B&H’s legislation, institutions and practice closer to European standards. During the meeting, they also discussed the reform process, the fulfilment of 14 key priorities from the Opinion of the European Commission, and the importance of implementing the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in order to eliminate discrimination from the electoral process in B&H. Minister Konakovic sent an invitation to visit B&H to Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric. After the meeting, a reception was held for representatives of diplomatic and consular missions and international organizations accredited in B&H, where Minister Konakovic and Director Neukirch reminded of the importance of implementing the Action Plan of the Council of Europe as well as the program ‘Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey’, whose goal is further strengthening of democracy, protection of human rights and promotion of the rule of law in B&H. Konakovic said that ‘we’ are dedicated to strengthening our institutions, promoting human rights and the rule of law. “Let us continue build better future for B&H, based on principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law”, added FM Konakovic.

Becirovic: I told Milanovic to his face that I expect respect for state of B&H and equal cooperation, that B&H Presidency members, including Komsic, are legal members of B&H Presidency (Nova BH)

B&H Presidency member Denis Becirovic commented on Monday’s visit of Croatian President Zoran Milanovic to Usora and the fact that Milanovic is not visiting official B&H institutions. Becirovic reminded that he met with the Croatian President and the Croatian Prime Minister a few days ago and added that it would have been easier for him too if he had sat in an office in Sarajevo and issued some statements, but that he will not do that. “I want to talk directly, I want to resolve open issues, of course preserving the sovereign equality of the state of B&H in communication with our neighbours. In this sense, it is possible in the coming period, in the coming months and years, that there will be a visit of the highest officials from neighbouring countries, but all of them must respect B&H, its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Becirovic was quoted as saying. Becirovic said that one will have to ask Milanovic all the questions that are meant for him. “As for his statements and so on, well, I told him to his face in conversations in Zagreb and at the press conference and before the press conference that I expect respect for the state of B&H, that I expect equal cooperation, that the members of the B&H Presidency, including my colleague (Zeljko) Komsic, are legal members of the Presidency of B&H,” Becirovic said.

Milanovic: B&H must join EU as soon as possible and Croats must achieve their constitutional equality first of all through amendments to B&H Election Law and Constitution (HRT1)

President of Croatia Zoran Milanovic paid a visit to Usora, a town in the north of B&H, on Monday where the Day of Usora Municipality and the 31st anniversary of the 110th brigade of the Croat Defense Council (HVO) were marked. Milanovic laid a wreath and lit candles for the 110 killed members of Usora HVO brigade. Milanovic once again expressed his hope that the Croats in B&H will become an equal people. Milanovic said that the role of the Croatian Army and the HVO was immeasurable in the liberation of B&H, the end of the war in B&H and, above all, the defense of Croat territories. Milanovic also said that Croats, but also B&H, see the official Zagreb as the biggest advocate and the one that supports both Croats and B&H on the path to the EU. Milanovic pointed out that B&H must join the EU as soon as possible and that Croats must achieve their constitutional equality first of all through amendments to the B&H Election Law and the Constitution. Milanovic stressed that how much Croats care about B&H is the best shown by the fact that they care about having their own member of the B&H Presidency and that they have the right to elect all their representatives in the authorities of the FB&H and B&H. “I invite others who are not members of the Croat people, who are the majority in this country, to simply understand that there is no B&H without Croats. Croats have given a lot for this country, suffered a lot, risked a lot, invested a lot and they are not looking for any rent, no extra profit, no stock market capitalization, just a normal home,” Milanovic emphasized. Addressing the solemn session of the Usora Municipal Council, Milanovic also spoke about the position of the Croat people in B&H, saying that he will not give up on helping the Croat people get a legitimate representative in the B&H Presidency. “Insisting on the subjective and on something that is symbolic says a lot – it speaks of the readiness of a community to live, to develop, to be its own way in a common state where a solution can only be reached by compromise. I am trying to create and build this compromise, sometimes with more and mostly with less success, but I will not give up,” Milanovic pointed out. Delegate in the Federation of B&H (FB&H) House of Peoples (HoP) Ivo Tadic (HDZ B&H) also addressed the solemn session of the Usora Municipal Council. Tadic said that he is glad that HDZ B&H is participating in the authorities at all levels in B&H. Tadic pointed out that as far as the Croat people are concerned, the issue of the B&H Presidency remains unresolved, adding that he hopes that Milanovic will help with that. Tadic said that he strongly believes that this is the last time that someone elected a member of the B&H Presidency on behalf of the Croat people. “We strongly believe that this issue will be resolved in B&H by the end of the year,” Tadic underlined. Milanovic stated that people from the Usora area gave a big contribution not only in the defense of their homes, but also contribution to liberation, depending on how one views things, but also to solving the war. Milanovic claimed that the end of the war in B&H was enabled by the Croatian Army. When it comes to the position of Croats, Milanovic said that the issue in the B&H Presidency is the best and most symbolic proof that Croats care about B&H and sometimes they are being denied this. Milanovic did not speak to the media during his visit.

Justice Minister received in Ukraine (HRT1)

Croatian experts have been in Ukraine for months, assisting Ukrainian prosecutors in war crimes investigations because Croatia is committed to the punishment of crimes committed on Ukrainian soil, Justice Minister Ivan Malenica said in Kyiv on Monday. Malenica met with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Maliuska and Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, the Croatian Justice Ministry said in a press release. They talked about challenges in war crimes investigations, collecting evidence, building a quality support system for victims and witnesses, organising the work of courts during wartime destruction, and the functioning of prisons. “Today’s visit is not just a sign of solidarity with the suffering of the Ukrainian people but also a reflection of Croatia’s commitment to the sanctioning of crimes committed on Ukrainian territory,” Malenica was quoted as saying. “As a state on whose soil international law was grossly violated, on whose soil numerous war crimes were recorded, we understand well the process Ukraine is going through and want to help,” he added. “Our experts have been here for months, assisting Ukrainian prosecutors. Prosecuting crimes committed in times of an aggression is a complex and long process. That’s why, with our experience and expertise, we want to help Ukraine conduct effective, quality and fair trials,” Malenica said. The post-conflict transition will be one of Ukraine’s biggest challenges, he said. “The prerequisite for a successful transition is justice being served. That’s why the crimes must not go unpunished, or the victims forgotten.” Ukraine is interested in Croatia’s experience in war crimes trials, peaceful territorial reintegration, care for war veterans, and demining. Both our countries have faced numerous challenges, thousands of victims, a demolished infrastructure and a disrupted economy, Maliuska was quoted as saying.

SNP left by Djurovic, Kovac, Vojinovic, Damjanovic… (CdM)

Several officials have left the Socialist People’s Party (SNP), CdM learns. The current parliament speaker Danijela Djurovic, Minister of Justice Marko Kovac, Minister of Education Miomir Vojinovic, and Minister of Finance Aleksandar Damjanovic have left SNP. Andrija Cetkovic, director of the Administration for Games of Chance, is also leaving SNP. Earlier, it was announced that SNP would participate in the 11 June elections in a coalition with Demos and the Democratic Serbian Party (DSS). The electoral list holder will be the leader of the party Vladimir Jokovic and as announced by SNP, there will be a large number of new people on the list.

Political stage challenged by turbulences: Party splits, sudden changes of policies by officials (CdM)

A political earthquake has struck the Montenegrin political stage in a way that all alliances and parties have collapsed, while their members are fighting fiercely during the sessions of the main boards. The fight for a position in a political life or MP post has split even “big friends and fellow colleagues”. The Front dissolved after 11 years. The Movement for Changes (PzP) is not a part of this bloc anymore. The Leader of PzP Nebojsa Medojevic first said that the Leader of the DNP and list leader of the NSD and DNP Milan Knezevic requested that his party had more seats than the PzP. A day later, the three leaders of the Front noted that they hadn’t fought, just decided to head to the same goal by using different ways. The quake hit the Socialist People’s Party as well. As the CdM portal reported, several officials had left the party and those were: the Parliament’s Speaker, Danijela Djurovic, Justice Minister, Marko Kovac, Education Minister, Miomir Vojinovic, and Finance Minister, Aleksandar Damjanovic. Head of the Games of Chance Administration, Andrija Cetkovic, also left. Some media reported last night that Kovac and Vojinovic negotiate over their presence on the electoral list of the Democrats and the Civic Movement URA. Kovac denied the allegations. Meanwhile, after a heated discussion, the Europe Now Movement adopted the electoral list. It comprises a representative of the United Montenegro, which wouldn’t be able to cross the threshold in the elections. And Civis as well, which is on the top of the Movement for Changes’ list. Therefore, they found the solution for representatives of two parties with no census. It’s interesting that Civis used to be a part of the Black on White bloc with URA, and the United Montenegro was a part of For the Future of Montenegro bloc.

In Bar, the unloading of NATO equipment for Defender Europe 23 (CdM)

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Krsto Perovic, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro, Colonel Zeljko Radulovic, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Montenegro Judy Reising Reinke and the Commander of the 10th Mountain Division of the US Ground Forces, Major General Gregory Anderson, attended the landing of the NATO vehicles and equipment in the Port of Bar, as part of the international exercise “Defender Europe 23” (DE23), announced the Ministry of Defense. “DE23 is led by the USA and this year it gathers over 25,000 NATO and partner soldiers. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen the readiness and interoperability of the participants through practicing a quick, joint response to potential crises in the area of Eastern Europe”, they emphasize in the announcement. The activity in the Port of Bar, they clarified, is part of the logistical support of DE23, and the unloaded vehicles and equipment will pass through the territory of Montenegro to other countries participating in the exercise without much delay. “It is a pleasure to see that our soldiers have reached a good level of interoperability and provided the necessary support to the allied forces. I am glad when I hear our allies from the USA expressing the best marks for our hospitality and the capabilities developed so far”, said Colonel Radulovic. He reminded that this is the first time such large-scale landing operations from the sea have been carried out in Montenegro, as well as that from next week, the “Immediate Response 23” exercise will begin in our country, which is part of the manoeuvres as part of DE23, during which Montenegrin and American soldiers practice joint ground operations. The colonel emphasized that members of the Croatian Armed Forces will also participate in manoeuvres in Albania, North Macedonia and Croatia during the “Defender Europe 23” exercise. Major General Anderson congratulated the Army of Montenegro and the authorities in the Port of Bar for confirming the strategic importance of that port and ensuring the unloading of nearly 200 vehicles and pieces of equipment in just five hours. “We are very proud of our relationship and cooperation. This is not an easy task, it involves a huge amount of planning, organization and teamwork. Also, these activities are significant for NATO, because they confirm flexibility and demonstrate strategic capacities,” he said. In the coming weeks, the activities of unloading and transporting equipment of NATO allies through Montenegro will continue. “The commander of the Navy of the Army of Montenegro, captain of the frigate Milan Jevtovic, during a tour of the military anchorage, presented the guests with the capacities of the MVCG and introduced them to the joint training of our and the US sailors on fast boats. Also, the dignitaries visited the “Pero Cetkovic” barracks in Bar, where they got acquainted with the tasks and conditions in which the US Armed Forces logisticians engaged in the “Defender Europe” exercise stay,” the Ministry of Defense announced.

Without constitutional changes, N. Macedonia will join group of countries with no long-term perspective: Gov’t officials (MIA)

If the constitutional changes are not adopted, North Macedonia will be isolated and in a group of countries without a long-term perspective, government officials told a media briefing Monday. Variant A, said the officials, is the adoption of the constitutional changes and the opening of the First Chapter of negotiations. Variant B, on the other hand, means not adopting the constitutional changes and breaking off negotiations, Albania will continue its negotiations, while we enter a decade of isolation and miss our chance, considering the new geopolitical situation. Regarding the ongoing screening process, the officials that the explanatory screening meetings over the four clusters have been completed, half of the process is over, and only the explanatory portion concerning the new changes in the EU Acquis in two clusters – Cluster 5 on Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion and External Relations are left, and the Government expects this to be concluded by Fall 2023. On the other hand, the officials said the bilateral screening is fully completed for clusters 1 and 2 – Fundamentals and Internal Market. There are four chapters left of Cluster 3 and this is expected to be completed by the first week of June, and then the meetings will continue on clusters 4, 5 and 6 – Green Agenda, Agriculture and External Relations. “We’ve already begun intensive communication over the drafting of the three roadmaps that are of key importance, regarding the public administration reform, rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions. These roadmaps are actually the condition for the opening of Cluster 1. We are working to establish the institutional framework for the drafting of the roadmaps, but also on the method of consultation with civil society organizations and foreign experts. We are paying special attention to this, because these roadmaps should lay the reform path for the next 6 to 7 years, until our membership,” said the officials. Regarding the reports over the Negotiating Framework, which claimed that it hasn’t been adopted yet, the government officials clarified that the Framework was adopted in July 2022, during the first Intergovernmental Conference, and will be published during the second Intergovernmental Conference, after the fulfilment of all conditions from the Framework, i.e., the adoption of the constitutional changes. “The Framework has been adopted, it is not up for negotiations or review, it will only be published after the second Intergovernmental Conference,” said the government officials. The officials explained the mechanisms ahead of EU membership, i.e., the reward-penalty policy in the new methodology. “The penalty aspect means the process can be reversed to the beginning if the country is regressing. The reward means that if the country is progressing well with the reforms, it can become a part of EU policies before it becomes a member state. The idea is to have benefits on the path to EU membership, and we think that the citizens will feel these benefits and that is very important, because obviously, focusing only on the end goal gives rise to frustrations, and this can be seen in the citizens’ opinion of the EU, which is unfortunately dropping,” said the government officials.

Gov’t: Washington sends direct message to opposition to support country’s European path, constitutional amendments (MIA)

Washington sent a direct message to the opposition to support the country’s European path, to support constitutional amendments and not to block crucial laws, government officials told a press briefing on the government delegation’s visit to the United States. In the United States, the government officials point out, we received unequivocal and strong support for continuing the country’s European path, which means implementing the constitutional amendments, i.e. adopting the amendments and continuing the negotiations as set forth in the negotiating framework. The United States, through its top officials, underscores the support we have in continuing on the European path, as well as its unequivocal support in making the necessary decisions in our Parliament, and that message was also direct to the opposition – ideological differences cannot be an obstacle for the country’s progress and for making decisions that are important for the citizens, not for the political parties, and least of all for their leaders because someone’s personal career is much less important than the future of the country, government officials note. They add that the European integration process is an irreversible process that has begun and can neither be reversed nor taken in another direction. “It can only be slowed down for personal interest, we already had such a slowdown for 11 years, and we realized it benefited no one. And it was of the least benefit to those who stalled the process. That’s why concern was expressed because of the blockade that the opposition is making in the parliament, not only in this process, but also in other processes,” add the government officials. According to the government, this is the first time that the blockade doesn’t come from the outside, but from the inside, from the opposition, and this should be clearly stated because de facto, it is against all the processes that move the country forward. The government officials point out that this is not a process of one person or one party, but decisions and processes on which the future of current and future generations depends. The government notes that there are individuals in VMRO-DPMNE, MPs and representatives of the leadership, who don’t follow the same line of thinking as the current leadership and who want the country to continue on its path to the EU and those individuals, it adds, should be encouraged. In addition, government officials point out that VMRO-DPMNE and other opposition parties should be part of making this decision because not being part of such decisions is unworthy of a political party, which, they say, has existed since day one of the country’s independence. The government adds that no direct discussions have been held with opposition MPs, but it is the responsibility of every individual to make decisions in the interest of the citizens.

Local elections, SP wins in 52 municipalities, wins Shkoder, while Together We Win coalition takes 7 municipalities! In Tirana, actual Mayor Veliaj (SP) close to victory (Radio Tirana)

The Socialist Party scored a deep victory in the May 14 elections, even in bastions that have historically been right-wing. After 30 years, Kamez and Shkoder will be administered by a left-wing representative. Until now the SP wins in 52 municipalities, and leads in the largest, that of Tirana. The candidate of the Socialist Party, Erion Veliaj, received 158,523 votes, being in a difference of 58,287 with the candidate of Together We Win, Belind Kellici, who secured 100,236 votes. On 14 May, Erion Veliaj sought the third mandate, for which with the results achieved at 940 Poll Stations, it seems to be very close to the finish line. In Shkoder, Benet Beci won against the Bardh Spahia, of the “Together We Win” the actual mayor, with a margin of over 11,000 votes. On the other hand, the “Together We Win” coalition has managed to win 7 municipalities, while the Democratic Party has not been able to win any of the 14 municipalities where it competed, emerging as the third force.

Celbashi: Counting in 34 municipalities ended, turnout 37% (Radio Tirana)

The State Commissioner of Elections Ilirjan Celibashi announced that the process of counting votes for mayor has been completed in 34 municipalities and that the counting of votes for municipal councils has also started in 4 municipalities. He emphasized that from the data so far, only 9 ballot boxes result in problems. “The vote counting process has been completed in Vlore, Korce, Lushnje, Saranda, Kucovo, Cerrik, Patos, Devoll, Librazhd, Rrogozhine, Dimal, Peqin, Bulqize, Mirdete, Gramsh, Belsh, Roskovec, Himare, Tropoja, Dropull, Has , Permet, Memaliaj, Klos, Kolonje, Delvine, Skrapar, Poliçan, Tepelen, Puke, Konispol, Kelcyre, Fushe Arrez, Libohovo”, he said. Celibashi informed that counting has been suspended in Finiq, Malesi and Madhe and Shijak and in 4 Electoral Administration Zones (EAZ) in Tirana, specifically in EAZ-s, 38; 35; 28; 27 and 26. Celibashi emphasized that the preliminary data show that 37% of the voters on the voters’ list participated in the voting.

Glover: The 14 May elections were generally well administered and competitive (Radio Tirana)

The head of the OSCE-ODIHR observer mission for the 14 May elections, Audrey Glover, said that “the electoral campaign has been largely peaceful although there were also strong verbal attacks from the leaders of the main political parties, which were often severe”. In a press release, Glover emphasized that “except for a few large rallies, the campaign has been relatively quiet. The candidates did not hold debates with each other but used social networks extensively. There are some issues that we have always paid special attention to, because they have raised some concerns”. “The campaign started on 14 April and was dominated by the leaders of the political parties with little regard for the interest of the voters. After the work done by the Ministry of Interior, there seems to be a greater confidence or ability in electoral lists. However, 40% of potential voters live abroad,” said Glover. She emphasized that the local elections of May 14 were generally administered quite well, they were competitive, and the main political forces participated in them. “But the process was characterized by continued polarization between the main political parties and a deep division within the opposition.” The candidates campaigned freely, but the cases of misuse of public resources, allegations of voter pressure and allegations of vote buying were disturbing,” said Glover. “The CEC did transparent and efficient work, but there were frequent replacements of commissioners. The media’s frequent use of party footage in news programs undermined the share of comprehensive and objective campaign airtime. Election Day was generally peaceful, but there were party interference, technical problems, group voting and problems with the secrecy of the vote. The counting of votes was evaluated positively,” stated the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR observer mission. This is the 16th election that ODIHR observes, with 14 experts from 12 countries. “One week after arrival, 24 long-term observers joined us, shortly before the elections, some short-term observers joined us,” said Glover. Furthermore, Glover stated that “the elections are administered by the CEC, which after the changes of 2020 has been divided into 3 bodies. They seem to work quite well together although there have been some delays. There are 92 commissions of electoral administration areas KZAZ and 512 commissions of voting centers. The creation of these commissions was problematic due to the lack of membership from the parties or frequent replacements. “The relations of the media with the main political parties causes direct interference in editorial autonomy and the lack of independent news sources. The use of party-prepared footage for campaign news coverage is worrisome because it results in political advertising in the news. There have also been attacks on journalists and defamation is still a crime punishable by heavy fines. “The media has not reported on the elections,” Glover emphasized. Glover announced that “in February 2022 parliament set up an electoral reform commission to follow up on ODIHR’s outstanding recommendations. Although their mandate was recently extended, until today there have been no results at all”. We, Glover continued, have also been concerned about polling station infrastructure for people with disabilities. “We are also studying the electronic voting that took place in three locations in Albania. Perhaps the biggest concern is the extent to which pressure has been put on people employed in public administration in cases where support for the next government has been conditional on support for the party in power,” said Glover. Glover stated that “the campaigning and coverage of these local elections focused on national politics and parties rather than issues of greater importance in different locations. Especially outside of Tirana. This national focus actually reduced the true ability of voters to make their choice at the local level.” OSCE/ODIHR Head of Mission, Audrey Glover said that “ODIHR will prepare a final report in a few months, and it will include recommendations and the office will be pleased to assist the authorities in their implementation”. “We ask the political actors to work so that the conduct of the elections is fully consistent with the commitment of the OSCE and the obligations and other standards for democratic elections”, concluded Glover.

The British Embassy congratulates elected officials who will represent Albanian citizens at the local level (Radio Tirana)

In respect to the local elections of 14 May, the British Embassy in Tirana also reacted, through a press statement, congratulating all those elected to represent Albanian citizens at the local level, bearing in mind the fact that the counting process is still ongoing in many areas. The British Embassy hereby encourages all political parties, politicians and institutions to address their concerns, including through the ad-hoc Parliamentary Commission for Electoral Reform, related to the electoral process. “The UK fully supports the preliminary elections report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which was published today. We welcome the report’s acknowledgement of a generally well administrated election by the Central Election Commission, despite some technical challenges. We support the report’s focus on encouraging Albania to address issues around the misuse of state resources and allegations of vote buying and pressure on public sector workers and others to vote in a certain way. We encourage all political parties, politicians and institutions to address these concerns, including through the ad-hoc Parliamentary Committee on electoral reform. We look forward to cooperating closely with newly elected Mayors and Municipal Councils. We encourage them all to focus on how they can best deliver for all Albanian citizens in their local areas,” writes the UK Embassy.