LOCAL PRESS

Vucic from Chisinau: Serbia is an independent country that makes its own decisions (B92)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke from the capital of Moldova, Chisinau: ”I shake hands with a man who does not recognize the independence of Kosovo.” Pristina and Belgrade are the main topic of the meeting in the Moldovan capital. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as Vjosa Osmani spoke at the meeting. The President said from Chisinau that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija became the main topic of the summit, in addition to the situation in Ukraine. “Pristina refused to meet with the Serbian delegation, although we always want a conversation. It seems to me that it is increasingly clear who is responsible for the problems in Kosovo,” said Vucic. He points out that he had a good conversation with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Austrian Prime Minister, representatives of Montenegro and North Macedonia. “I also spoke with the Italian Prime Minister, I spoke for a long time with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. I spoke with many important people, and everyone’s main topic, along with energy and economic progress, is the situation in Kosovo and Metohija,” said Vucic. He says that countries from the Open Balkans initiative will seek greater access to EU funds. “There is a big difference, I understand that we are not an EU country, but that difference must be reduced, so that we can reach those countries faster. It is an important topic for the summit in June. What I would say is very important is that I sent an invitation to all countries, and the EU leadership, and EC representatives, that after Granada and London, one of the next two meetings should be held in Belgrade. That would probably be the biggest summit and a kind of crown of our efforts,” said Vucic and added: “I expect to see Scholtz and Macron here, and in Belgrade in the next month we will have countless visits, Morawiecki, the Benelux troika, the Slovenian president… there will be plenty of them, I also expect a new meeting of the Open Balkans, we will have to work even harder to preserve the interests of Serbia.” Vucic pointed out that he spoke briefly with Volodymyr Zelensky and added that Ukraine did not recognize the independence of Kosovo and Metohija. “We had a fair conversation, but the decision on sanctions is made by the citizens of Serbia, through their leadership, and we made our decision in March 2022, and gave our position. And you can never change your position with one conversation. Serbia has its own policy, Serbia is an independent country, and Serbia respects its interests,” said Vucic. He did not say whether Zelensky objected to the principled policy of Serbia regarding the introduction of sanctions against Russia. “You always ask the question as if we have to justify ourselves to someone. Why, because we conduct our policy in the interest of our country? We will continue to do so,” said Vucic. He also answered the German journalist that this summit is important because of many issues, but also because of the situation in Kosovo and Metohija. “In an hour or two I will have a big meeting with Scholtz, Macron and Borrell. We will do everything we can to de-escalate the situation. We are working to calm the situation and avoid provocations in the future,” said Vucic. The President says he can’t talk about a “roadmap” because the other side always disrupts all plans. Vucic also said that he wanted to talk to Vjosa Osmani, but that she refused. “We want talks, I wanted to talk with Vjosa Osmani, but she refused. What’s wrong with dialogue, compromise? We’re not surprised by that. It’s about the stability and future of the whole of Europe, not just our region,” Vucic said. He asked if in the history of elections in the world there was any election that was legitimate and democratic, and that the turnout was 3 percent. “Then they caused tensions, and they insist on implementing these fake elections. Everyone insists on it, not only us. It’s a shame for European democracy, not only for us but for everyone. Everyone understood what was happening,” said Vucic. The President says he spoke separately with Macron and Scholz, and that a big meeting will follow soon. He then told foreign journalists that he had discussed the territorial integrity of Serbia and Ukraine with Zelensky. “I cannot reveal more about it,” Vucic said. The President pointed out, about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, that it is not a matter of pressure but of a solution. “Imagine, now they jumped that I spoke with Zelensky. So what, if I don’t meet with a man who doesn’t recognize Kosovo. Everyone wants Serbia to act extremist, without recognizing its interests. If I am the only one to defend our interests, I will be the only one to do that. Shouldn’t I extend my hand to a man who doesn’t recognize Kosovo?” he said. Vucic said that tomorrow is the parliamentary session in Pristina, in order to emphasize their anti-Serb position even more strongly. “Today they had a meeting in Mitrovica, a senseless and stupid meeting, I don’t understand why they are doing it. Maybe they think they are doing well in the international community. I will see Scholtz and Macron here today, and I expect Mateusz Morawiecki in Belgrade soon. I also expect the trio Benelux in Belgrade, the Indian president, the Slovenian president. In the next month, we will have countless visits to Belgrade, there will be quite a few of them,” said the president. He points out that we will have to work much harder and harder for the interests of Serbia. “I am waiting for an important meeting, so then I will talk about the expectations of the great powers,” said Vucic. The President told foreign journalists that the real question is how to de-escalate the situation. “That is number one, I will talk about it with Macron and Scholz. The second issue is how to avoid provocations in the future. And number three is the formation of the ZSO, which was agreed upon 10 years ago, but has not been implemented. It is very simple, and I think that we all agree on that. People now have a real picture of what is happening in the Balkans, regardless of who recognized and who did not recognize Kosovo and Metohija. We were always labeled as the culprits, but I think now everyone sees that things are not that simple,” he said. Vucic points out that he does not want to talk about time frames, because it is necessary to find a long-term solution. “We don’t need good wishes, but for people in the Balkans to understand that compromise is not a bad word. Everyone is radicalized, even in your countries. We must find compromise solutions,” said the president. He says that the countries of the Western Balkans have asked for more energy aid, but he is not sure that it will happen. “We have money and reserves, citizens do not need to worry. If things remain like this, we will not need a new electricity price increase, which was agreed with the IMF. We will not allow that we create an opportunity for others to attract investors due to lower energy prices This is what gives Serbia an advantage over all others in the Balkans,” Vucic concluded his address.

Vucic to Borrell: Return to dialogue by Pristina a priority (Tanjug/Politika)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met on Thursday in Chisinau with EU foreign policy and security chief Josep Borrell, noting that a return to dialogue by Pristina institutions and putting an end to their violence were a priority. “For Serbia, the safety of the Serb community in Kosovo and Metohija has always been a priority along with maintaining peace and stability. I noted that establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities is the fundamental obligation from the Brussels agreement,” Vucic wrote in an Instagram post. He added that he had had an open discussion with Borrell about the complex situation in Kosovo and Metohija and the fallout from irresponsible actions by the Pristina institutions. “I reiterated that, since the very beginning, we have been approaching a resolution of all open issues in the dialogue with Pristina in a responsible, conscientious and serious manner, and I noted that we have been responding patiently and calmly to all unilateral moves and provocations,” Vucic also said.

Vucic thanks Macron for supporting Serbia on Kosovo and Metohija developments (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with French President Emmanuel Macron, whom he thanked for the support he provided to Serbia regarding the latest developments in Kosovo and Metohija. “I thanked President Emmanuel Macron for the firm stance and support he provided to Serbia regarding the latest developments in Kosovo and Metohija,” Vucic wrote on Instagram. He added that he expressed concern about the latest escalation of violence in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as that he and Macron discussed further steps aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region. The two leaders spoke in Chisinau during a summit of the European Political Community.

Dacic: No one will be on Pristina’s side if it defies entire world (Tanjug/RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Thursday the Serbian leadership had reacted “sternly, swiftly and well” to complex developments in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. He said restoring the situation from before the recent local elections held by Pristina in the north of the province was the only way of de-escalation. Dacic welcomed US positions on the developments there and commended Washington’s clear warning to Pristina’s PM Albin Kurti that he must form a Community of Serb Municipalities. “I think that both the US and the EU are angry because Kurti has made the situation complicated and caused clashes through unilateral moves,” Dacic said, adding that Kurti’s moves led from one escalation to another. Pristina has become accustomed to being a darling of the West and has never faced a policy of threats, he said. No one will be on Pristina’s side if it defies the entire world, Dacic said. “The situation is really very complex, above all, because, due to inaction, we have ended up in a position where we had incidents with KFOR, with which we have a professional relationship,” Dacic said. Ironically, the incidents involved Italian KFOR troops – to whom the Serbs are grateful for protecting their churches and monasteries – as well as Hungarian troops, Dacic said. He added that the KFOR command was to blame for this as it should have prevented Pristina’s special forces from coming to the north of the province without the Serbs’ consent and from storming local municipal buildings. Our leadership reacted “sternly, swiftly and well,” Dacic said. “We have no ambition or goal to fight a war against KFOR or cause destabilisation. Our goal is to have peace and for the Serbs to succeed in the fight to survive and remain in Kosovo and Metohija and, in that regard, we will not allow a pogrom of Serbs,” he said. “We have demonstrated that we are ready and serious about protecting the people in case there are no other options, but we hope it will not come to that,” Dacic said.

Drecun: Serbs in north Kosovo to keep protesting until situation is resolved (RTS)

The Chair of the Serbian parliamentary committee for Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun said on Friday Serbs in the north of the province were determined to end Pristina’s terror and would continue to protest until the present situation was resolved. He said leading Western states had stepped up diplomatic activities to de-escalate the crisis and resume dialogue. “KFOR has boosted its presence, but we see that special parapolice units are inside municipal buildings and that Pristina is showing no willingness to get them back into bases located south of the Ibar River,” Drecun told Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS). Speaking about a European Political Community summit in Chisinau, Drecun said the situation in the north of Kosovo and Metohija had been practically the dominant topic of the event. “The President had very important meetings with Macron, Scholz and Borrell, and they do have a major influence on developments in Kosovo and Metohija. The EU proposal on normalisation of relations was initially called the French-German proposal and it is very important to speak with them to reach an agreement,” Drecun said. He said that, for the first time, all five permanent UN Security Council member states were unanimous that Pristina was to blame for the present crisis. “For us, it is important that President Vucic has sent a message to the Serbs that any conflict with KFOR should be avoided,” Drecun said, adding that NATO forces in the province were now trying to position themselves so as to avoid clashes and stop provocations against the Serbs. “We see an initiative by Macron and Scholz to de-escalate the situation politically by holding new elections in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. We also see that the Americans insist on the mayors getting out of the buildings and not working there, and Kurti has understood that proposal. Scholz and Macron said a Community of Serb Municipalities must be formed,” Drecun noted. He said Serbia did not want new negotiations on the Community, but implementation of what had already been agreed under the Brussels agreement.

Grbovic says there will be no negotiating with Vucic (Vreme/Beta)

Free Citizens Movement leader Pavle Grbovic has said that the authorities’ only hope is that demonstrators participating in the Serbia Against Violence protests will not persevere and that their “energy will peter out after several protests”, adding, however, that “I don’t believe that this will happen”. In an interview with the 1 June edition of Vreme weekly, Grbovic said the parties that had declared themselves as the organizers of the rallies had done that so that “if there are any legal consequences, they will take responsibility for them,” which means that “we are serving the needs and demands of citizens”. “Vucic would like for us to start negotiating, but we do not want to. If we attended these rallies in identical weather conditions, we want to participate in elections under the same conditions. For that to happen, all of the demands need to be met, then some time needs to pass in a normal atmosphere and then we can compete,” he said.

Borrell: 3 clear demands – new elections, participation of Serbs and ZSO, otherwise there’ll be consequences (Tanjug)

EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josep Borrell said last night that in talks with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic and the president of so-called Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, he presented three demands – new elections in the north, ensuring the participation of Serbs in them and starting work on the establishment of the community of municipalities with a Serb majority, stating that otherwise there would be serious consequences on relations with the EU. “I sat down with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, I spoke with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, about the dangerous situation in Kosovo. Together with Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, we met with President Vucic and President Osmani,” Borrell wrote on Twitter. He also said that three clear demands have been presented. “Now new local elections, ensuring the participation of Kosovo Serbs in them and starting work on establishing a community of municipalities with a Serb majority in dialogue with the support of the EU. If you don’t do it, it will have serious consequences on our relations,” said Borrell. Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the media that they presented new elections in the north and the formation of the ZSO (Community of Serb Municipalities) as demands in order to calm the situation in Kosovo down.

KFOR took off helmets; Wounded Serb in serious condition (B92)

The seventh day of the crisis in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, when special police officers occupied the facilities of local governments. Local self-government officials are still unable to go to work in Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan. The Serbs around the local self-government buildings were joined by the miners of Trepca, who cannot work either, because the flotation plants in Leposavic are also blocked. President Aleksandar Vucic said that Serbia is ready to do everything to calm the situation and that the most powerful step for de-escalation would be the withdrawal of the mayors who were elected in the elections, in which three percent of the voters turned out.

KFOR members without helmets

Behind the barbed wire fence in Zvecan stands a smaller KFOR cordon, whose members this morning do not even have helmets on their heads, which is an indication that the situation is calming down a bit. In front of the municipality building itself, there are several vehicles of Kosovo special forces, and they are still in the building.

The wounded Galjak is still in serious condition

Dragisa Galjak, a Serb who was wounded on Monday during riots in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, is a little better than yesterday but is still in serious condition, says Dr. Zlatan Elek, director of KBC Kosovska Mitrovica. Galjak is still in the intensive care unit of this health institution.

Health Center workers walking toward Gracanica: They’re joining peaceful rally in support of Serbs in North

Employees of the Health Center in Donja Gusterica today took off to Gracanica (a Serb enclave in Kosovo and Metohija south of the Ibar River), where a peaceful gathering to support Serbs in the North of Kosovo. Director of the local Health Center Sasa Mladenovic, who was in a group of about 20 employees who headed for Gracanica today, stressed that it is not difficult for them to walk 12 kilometers in order to show their support, reports Kosovo-online.com. “It’s not hard for us to walk, while our brothers and sisters are fighting for their rights in the North, while they are breathing in tear gas. We want to express our support and back them in this way, so that they know, that they are not alone,” Mladenovic said. Mladenovic added that the local health center will continue to work as usual today and service citizens. The Serb protest in the North of Kosovo has been ongoing for the fifth day. The demands of the Serbs are that the new (Albanian, elected in contested vote) municipal presidents do not enter local government buildings, and the withdrawal of (Pristina) police. Also, the protesters want two Serbs kept by Pristina authorities – Rados Petrovic and Dusan Obrenovic – released.

Condition of arrested Serb more stable, concerns for his safety remain – lawyer (Tanjug)

The lawyer of Dusan Obrenovic, a Serb who was arrested and brutally beaten up by Pristina’s police in Zvecan on Monday, said on Friday his client’s physical condition was now more stable but that concerns for his safety remained. “I immediately requested from the correctional service that he be transferred to the Mitrovica prison, and I am waiting for a response,” Predrag Miljkovic said. “I wrote to them, and I will tell you, too, that I am afraid all political tensions in Zvecan have carried over to prison inmates in Gnjilane, and problems can occur very easily. For that reason, I think that transferring him to the Mitrovica centre is the most necessary move,” Miljkovic said. Commenting on photos showing Obrenovic and another Serb, Rados Petrovic, being arrested before the outbreak of clashes in Zvecan – and not after, as Pristina’s police and prosecutors claim – Miljkovic said the photos were invaluable for their trial. “They were arrested while protesting peacefully and sitting on the ground,” he said. Obrenovic and Petrovic have been placed in 30-day custody.

REGIONAL PRESS

‘Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa Enclaves’ and UN Secretary General Guterres to discuss charges against Serbia and reparation 7 June, after judgement to Stanisic and Simatovic proves Serbian leadership involvement in war in B&H (Nova BH)

The reporter notes that one day after the Appeals Chamber of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) pronounced the judgement, sentencing former leadership of the Serbian State Security Service Jovica Stanisic and Franko Simatovic, confirming Serbian leadership’s involvement in the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), families of the victims have already announced their further moves, i.e. bringing charges against Serbia. Nova BH reports that members of the ‘Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa Enclaves’ will talk about charges and reparation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres June 7. The reporter reminds that in 2019. ‘Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa Enclaves’ succeeded in proving responsibility of the Netherlands for the genocide in B&H, and they are now trying to do the same with Serbia. Addressing the media Wednesday, ‘Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa Enclaves’ President Munira Subasic reminded of the charges brought against the Netherlands, with all international judicial institutions being in that country, “and we succeeded in proving that. We have good lawyers and will probably do that both toward Serbia and Republika Srpska (RS)”. Nova BH reports that legal representative of family of the victims in processes against the Netherlands Semir Guzin said that, hypothetically, victims can request reparation despite individual cases in which injured parties are prevented from bringing charges against institutions, the state or the entity. “Of course, the issue of finding an adequate office remains. We, as lawyers from B&H, cannot represent before courts in Serbia. Just like in the case of the Netherlands, we must find our colleagues and partners”, said Guzin via video link. Nova BH reports that International Law expert Enis Omerovic said that international crimes Stanisic and Simatovic were convicted for can be attributed to Serbia, because at the time of act, they were the country’s agents, which makes the conviction a historic one, because it undeniably proves Serbia’s involvement in conflicts in B&H and Croatia. “B&H can use diplomatic channels to initiate diplomatic negotiations with Serbia after yesterday’s decision, to see what we can do. There is also a possibility of out of court settlement”, said Omerovic. Nova BH reports that professor at the Faculty of Law in Tuzla Dzeneta Omerdic said revision of the judgement for the genocide in the ‘B&H vs Serbia’ case from 2007, because all deadlines expired in 2017, but whatever families do the path is clear, but the outcome is uncertain. “If you take it to institutional level, everyone knows how one state initiates proceedings against another state. If you take it to litigation, the question is whom you bring charges against, how you do it (…) and who can guarantee the execution of judgements. This is something, we all should consider”, said Omerdic. The reporter notes that the fact is that the second instance judgement gives legal basis for reparation to the families and the state, just like the fact is that, unlike families and their litigations, B&H now depends on the B&H Presidency’s unanimous decision for any action as a state. Omerovic said that the B&H Presidency’s decision is needed to initiate international and legal procedures against another state, and “you also need approval from another state so that you can take the proceedings before the International Court in The Hague”, said Omerovic. Despite initial euphoria and emotional reactions, legal experts underline there is no possibility for B&H to renew lawsuit against Serbia, being that all deadlines set by ICJ regulations, have expired.

Delegations of ruling parties meet in Mostar and express satisfaction over their progressing cooperation; They form task force to amend B&H Election Law (FTV/Nova BH)

Delegations of parties that make a ruling coalition at B&H level met in Mostar on Thursday. Among other things, leader of SDP Nermin Niksic, leader of SNSD Milorad Dodik and leader of HDZ B&H Dragan Covic agreed to form a task force that will work on amending the Election Law of B&H. Members of this task force will be Nerin Dizdar (SDP), Sredoje Novic (SNSD) and Darijana Filipovic (HDZ B&H). FTV reminds that the deadline to change the Election Law of B&H is six months since completion of formation of authorities. Reporter noted that abovementioned meeting in Mostar was of rather consultative nature and partners summarized what has been done in a previous period. They also discussed methods of acceleration of processes in the upcoming period. Three leaders concluded that it is necessary to create more efficient ambient for functioning of authorities at B&H and Federation of B&H (FB&H) levels. Covic stressed that it is necessary to dynamize work, especially in regard to 31 measures they agreed to implement in 2023 after meeting with European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi. Talking about amending of the Election Law of B&H, the leader of HDZ B&H said that it is possible that the first part will concern B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) and mechanisms related to implementation of elections, but also other topics that should be solved through the Election Law. Niksic stated that all items discussed by the FB&H Government so far were adopted unanimously. “We prefer to spend few days in reaching an agreement on certain issues than to be in a situation where we will be outvoting each other”, explained Niksic. Reporter commented that considering statements of leaders of three political parties, it seems that cooperation of coalition partners is relaxed. The reporter noted that coalition partners have opposite stances in regard to some issues. One of these issues is the formation of Museum of the Croat Council of Defense (HVO) at location of wartime detention center for non-Croats ‘Heliodrom’ established by HVO. Niksic said that they deem that formation of the museum at this location insults feelings of people who were detained there and survived suffering and that it should be relocated. “We are prepared to lead a legal battle regarding it, but are not prepared to launch some conflicts”, underlined Niksic. The leader of HDZ B&H stressed that they want to reach the agreement to protect the feelings of those who experienced suffering in the last war. “I agree that it is necessary to find legal solutions that will provide care for all those who felt suffering in the war. There is no doubt about it. But we need the same standards for all”, stressed the leader of HDZ B&H. The reporter noted that the plan of the abovementioned coalition partners is to organize similar meetings on a monthly basis. They agreed that a joint session of the governments of the FB&H and RS should be held on June 8. The reporter noted that Niksic represented ‘Troika’ coalition at Thursday’s meeting and that other two leaders, namely Elmedin Konakovic and Edin Forto were prevented to attend it due to other obligations. Nova BH covered the meeting and the reporter notes that the turbulent period is behind the state level coalition, i.e. they argued in the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) about the Eastern and Southern Interconnection and representatives of the RS used to leave the B&H Parliament’s sessions. However, the reported added, the representatives of the coalition claim, “their heads are now cool” and they keep going. Addressing the media, Dodik said: “This is completely different from what we had in the past, when from Sarajevo there was SDA, that we never had a coordination with. Instead, every day we expected to get a blow, and then there were responses, and that was how we were functioning. Today we are putting on the agenda a number of issues to see how we can resolve those issues or to set a movement and dynamic that is needed. In any case, I am expressing my satisfaction with the work for now’. The reporter notes that in reality not everything is so ideal, i.e. Dodik has announced that SNSD representatives will not support some of the reform laws earlier adopted by the B&H CoM. Following this, at one of international gatherings, Konakovic said that regardless of his positions, Dodik is a political reality in B&H impossible to avoid, but he is willing to support an idea, if someone has it, how to remove Dodik or take him out of B&H. Addressing the press conference, Niksic said coalition partners are still getting used to each other and are trying to “rebuild the broken bridges of trust. As days go by, I also feel that in the work of the (B&H) CoM and I am confident that the time ahead us will show there will be benefits for all citizens in B&H”. The reporter notes that despite numerous issues, good humour among coalition partners was not missing in Mostar and goes on to say that coalition partners used the question about authority formation in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNC) “to spread optimism”. Covic, as always, said he is optimistic that the agreement can be reached very soon to put an end to that issue. Addressing the press conference, Covic said he is confident the HNC government will be formed before the next week. When asked by a journalist if that means the decision will be made this Friday, Covic answered affirmative, to which all journalists started laughing in disbelief and Covic jokingly said: “I also said we would have the (B&H) CoM before Christmas, but that did not happen”. To this, Dodik commented in good humour, saying he would not like to make the situation in the HNC more complicated, however it is time for SNSD to have one minister in that canton.

Lendo: B&H Election Law is very important for B&H and it should have been passed long time ago; When HR Schmidt intervened regarding authority formation, everything went wrong (Hayat)

The FB&H Vice President Refik Lendo was a guest of Hayat. The reporter asked Lendo to comment on two news that marked Thursday. One of them is the meeting in Mostar of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic and SDP leader Nermin Niksic and the changes to the Election Law that they are planning in the next six months. Lendo said that the Election Law is very important for B&H and it should have been passed a long time ago. He said that he would be happy if that happens in the next six months and that everyone must be involved in those commissions so that the law would be in the interest of all citizens of B&H and not just one part. The second news that Lendo commented on is that the FB&H Parliament received a proposal to dismiss the Deputy Speaker of the FB&H House of Representatives (HoR) Edina Gabela, from SBiH, who is from the rank of Others. Arnel Isak should be appointed in her place, added the reporter. Lendo noted that personnel issues are still very important to the parliamentary majority. If SBiH had remained in the majority, Gabela would probably have remained as the deputy. It was expected that she would be replaced because SB&H did not accept what was expected of them, said Lendo. The reporter reminded that on Wednesday the leaders of the Parliament invited FB&H President Lidija Bradara and the FB&H Vice President Igor Stojanovic to discuss the work of the authorities, while they did not invite Lendo. The reporter asked if this is a continuation of the policy set by High Representative Christian Schmidt. Lendo stated that he thinks it is. He said that they should not waste time when it comes to the Constitution, and that is why Lendo reacted, because in order for the Speakers of both Houses in the FB&H Parliament to be able to deal with running the Houses, they should respect the Constitution. Lendo said that the citizens should know that the rules of procedure do not recognize a parliamentary majority but a simple one, and that any law that is passed must be the results of work of all parliamentarians in order to put a stamp on it. Lendo pointed out that he has nothing against them convening informal meetings, but that it must be without putting stamps on documents. He added that at no point did they refer to the rules of procedure. When it comes to cooperation with Bradara and Stojanovic, he said that it is correct but that they do not have a lot of official contact. He added that it was a mistake that some asked that Schmidt is involved in the formation of the FB&H Government. When Schmidt intervened, everything went wrong, said Lendo. He added that Schmidt’s imposed government proved that they do not manage well and that it is difficult for them to work. Lendo commented on the sentences issued by the Hague Tribunal to former heads of Serbian State Security Service Jovica Stanisic and Franko Simatovic. He said that it has been proven that Serbia is the aggressor in B&H and that the leadership of Serbia was involved from the beginning. Lendo said that he hopes that the leadership of Serbia will reflect on the catharsis, as well as RS and Serbia on what they did and punish the criminals who escaped to Serbia. Lendo also spoke about the upcoming SDA Congress. He said that it is not their fault that they are not in the processes of the FB&H Government, but it is the will of foreigners and the current ‘Troika’ parties. Citizens recognize that, according to Lendo. Asked if there will be changes, he answered that there will be and that other, younger people will come. The party bodies will elect the leader, and this will not be decided by individuals and High Representatives, noted Lendo. According to estimates, the Congress will bring stability, and Lendo is sure that the party bodies will take care of SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic, who used to win and bring results.

Konakovic speaks about GLOBSEC meeting and messages conveyed by EC President: EU in not conveying empty messages and they truly showed they want to make step forward in cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans (Oslobodjenje)

Speaking for Oslobodjenje, B&H Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic stated that Europe is not conveying us empty messages and they truly showed they want to make step forward in cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans. Konakovic underlined importance of GLOBSEC Forum that was held in Bratislava, stressing that this proves the fact that the Forum was attended by President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula Von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as several Foreign Ministers of EU member-states and countries from the region. Konakovic noted that what he finds important is that B&H voice was heard, and “we” had a chance to say what we expect and what we were missing. Konakovic reminded that during the Forum, Von der Leyen presented a new EU plan for the Western Balkans, and she explained that the Plan relays on four pillars. “The cautiousness of the EU refers to the right to veto within the EU countries. They are actually afraid as to how Western Balkans countries would deal with this. The second dimension refers to the phase that we officially passed, that regardless of administrative distance from the EU membership, there can be much more concrete cooperation with the countries which have the candidate status, or which aspire to become the EU members. A lot of space is being opened here when the economy is in question. I believe that we have managed to come to the phase when the EU does not send empty promises. I have criticized us for all the things that we have not done, but also the EU because it did not have focus on Western Balkans countries, while some other countries did”, said Konakovic. When it comes to the economic cooperation of the countries in the region, daily noted that mentioning of the ‘Open Balkan’ initiative is inevitable. There was no concrete talk about the ‘Open Balkans’ idea itself. Apart from this, I repeat what I have been telling so far – the Berlin Process is a priority for us at an international plan, and when it is fully implemented, we will be able to talk about some other ideas too. What is new here, and in my opinion, what is very important here, is that the entire market of the Western Balkans will have certain facilitations before we become EU members”, said Konakovic. Daily noted that the most painful issue on the EU path are the reforms that the EU continues to insist on. “We are far from the necessary step of seriousness when it comes to reforms in B&H. On the other hand, I am encouraged by the start of the new Council of Ministers which started with adoption of reform decisions in a more serious and responsible manner. I think that reforms will happen during this mandate, which will bring benefits to people, and which will keep them here”, said Konakovic.

Becirovic with COWEB delegation; Becirovic underlines EU and NATO integration as strategic goals (Dnevni avaz)

Member of B&H Presidency Denis Becirovic met with the members of the Working Party on the Western Balkans Region, which operated within Council of the EU (COWEB). During the meeting the officials exchanged stances on the situation in B&H, and EU and Europe in general. The COWEB was presided by Antoni Adamowicz. Becirovic informed members of the delegation with very clear strategic, foreign-policy goals of B&H, which is EU and NATO membership and good regional cooperation. “All these strategic goals were adopted unanimously in the state institutions”, said Becirovic. He thanked the EU for awarding of status of EU candidate to B&H and stressed that this is very important for B&H citizens. The collocutors agreed that the decisions that the Republika Srpska (RS) National Assembly adopted on April 26th are not democratic or in line with European spirit and they were particularly interested to hear Becirovic’s stances on secessionist statements of the RS President (Milorad Dodik), as well as changes to Criminal Code, recalling of Serb judges from Constitutional Court and law on NGOs.

Cvijanovic attends Summit of European Political Community; She meets Vucic, Orban, Golob etc. at margins of the Summit: She tells Vucic that RS firmly stands by fraternal Serbia, its leadership and Serb people in Kosovo (RTRS)

At the invitation of the President of Moldova Maia Sandu, Serb member and Chairwoman of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic took part in the Summit of the European Political Community in Chisinau. At the plenary session, Cvijanovic spoke with European officials about current issues important for the European continent, with an emphasis on security, energy stability and connectivity in Europe. Cvijanovic met with the Prime Ministers of Hungary and Slovenia, Viktor Orban and Robert Golob, with whom she discussed dedication to the further implementation of reforms on the path to the EU integration, with consistent respect for the Dayton Agreement. Cvijanovic also met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Cvijanovic told Vucic that RS firmly stands by fraternal Serbia, its leadership and the Serb people in Kosovo. Cvijanovic and Orban expressed dedication to continue strengthening economic cooperation, political understanding and overall relations. They also exchanged opinions about the process of European integration, and other important political and security issues for the region and the EU. Cvijanovic thanked Orban for intensive economic cooperation and support via Hungarian Government’s concrete projects in area of energy and agriculture.

Chinese Ambassador to Croatia: China must protect its integrity just as Ukraine protects its (HTV)

In the midst of the war in Ukraine, China wants to play a role in ending the conflict. The Chinese Ambassador to Croatia, Qi Qianjin, in an interview with HTV, pointed out that China does not intend to send weapons to either Russia or Ukraine. He assessed the relations between Zagreb and Beijing as solid and friendly, particularly highlighting the Peljesac bridge construction project.

The relationship between China and Croatia

“China and Croatia established diplomatic relations more than 30 years ago. In the past 30 years, our countries have shown mutual respect and protected common interests. There are no strategic or political disputes between our two countries, China and Croatia. We have successfully implemented numerous projects in different areas. For example, last year the Peljesac bridge was completed and opened for traffic, and it was built by a Chinese company. This is a great achievement, not only from an economic point of view, but also a confirmation of the good relations between China and Croatia. China wants to strengthen cooperation with Croatia in all areas, especially in the area of trade and investment,” Qi Qianjin pointed out.

The war in Ukraine and the impact on relations between China and Croatia

“The conflict in Ukraine is still ongoing and affects not only Europe, but the whole world. This crisis is worrying for the Chinese government, which has taken a clear and unequivocal position that it hopes the war will end as soon as possible. At the same time, we must emphasize that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country should be respected. However, the hidden motives of all involved parties should also be taken into account. The Chinese government has decided to play a positive role in everything,” Qianjin said. He highlighted the visit of Chinese special envoy Li Hui to Ukraine, Russia and other European countries as a confirmation of China’s efforts to end the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. “Our position is very clear. We are trying to contribute to the end of the war. We support all efforts to end the war. We emphasize again that China is not adding fuel to the fire. We do not supply weapons to any of the warring parties, and we hope for the end of the war as soon as possible. He also commented on the recently adopted Chinese proposal for a 12-point peace plan. “China presented a proposal for a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis. As our President Xi Jinping has stated on several occasions, China supports any peace initiative and is ready to play its role in it. China has a great influence on international relations, therefore we sympathize with the victims of war horrors and suffering on both sides, Ukrainian and Russian. And that’s why we hope for the end of the war as soon as possible,” Qianjin emphasized once again.

The success of the Chinese economy

“China is again recording fast and stable economic growth since the beginning of this year. During the three years of the pandemic, China’s economy stagnated. But since the government lifted all measures at the beginning of this year, China’s economy has begun to recover rapidly. In the last few months, we have recorded a constant growth of GDP, which is now higher than 5.3%. China’s economic growth and development and stability will positively affect world economies, including Croatia’s,” he said.

The Taiwan situation

The Ambassador also touched on the tense political situation in Taiwan. “The question of Taiwan is in the focus of our interest. I will use three phrases that describe the principle of one China. First, there is only one China. Second, Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Third, the People’s Republic of China is a unique and indivisible entity. We believe that behind the recent events in the Taiwan Strait are some interested parties or countries, including Taiwan’s ruling party, the DPP, which uses every opportunity to demand independence. At the same time, some countries are manipulating Taiwan to stop the spread of China’s power and influence,” Qianjin said. He emphasized that China has repeatedly emphasized that it does not approve of any country’s interference in China’s internal affairs.

“We must protect our rights just as Ukraine protects its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We emphasize again that we are looking for a peaceful solution to the situation with Taiwan, with our brothers and sisters. But at the same time, we must do everything in our power to preserve our security, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Qianjin concluded in the conversation.

Milatovic had a series of bilateral meetings: Expressed strong support for Montenegro’s European path (CdM)

On the sidelines of the Summit of the European Political Community in Moldova, the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, met with the Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, the President of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bethel. “At these meetings, strong support for Montenegro’s European path was expressed,” the president’s office announced. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said that during the meeting with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, he exchanged opinions on perspectives for strengthening cooperation between the two countries. And Milatovic shared on Twitter that he had a pleasant conversation with Vucic and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. “A good meeting with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, during which we exchanged opinions on the future of the region, current events in Kosovo and Metohija, but also on the prospects for strengthening cooperation between our two countries,” wrote Vucic on Instagram. The President Milatovic stated that he had a pleasant conversation with Vucic and Rama. President Milatovic also met with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the Summit of the European Political Community in Moldova. “Montenegro has the strong support of France on the further path of democratization, improvement of the rule of law and Europeanization of society. We are grateful for the help in forming the Regional Center for the fight against cybercrime and for cyber security in Podgorica,” Milatovic said on Twitter. The President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, congratulated the President Milatovic, on his assumption of office. She met with Milatovic on the sidelines of the summit. “Citizens of Montenegro want progress in the EU accession process. For this, it is essential that we continue with the implementation of reforms – we support you every step of the way,” the President of the EC stated on Twitter. The President met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in Chisinau, Moldova. “In Ukraine, there is a decisive struggle for European values, peace and the future. I reiterated Montenegro’s full solidarity with Ukraine to President Zelenskiy,” Milatovic said on Twitter. President Milatovic rounded off a series of meetings with European leaders with a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “In a tête-à-tête conversation, the President presented to the Chancellor the political will that now exists in Montenegro to carry out the process of accession to the European Union to the end, with an emphasis on improving the rule of law,” Milatovic’s Cabinet announced. He thanked the Chancellor for reviving the Berlin Process as an engine of regional cooperation and economic development. “On the road to democratic and economic development, Montenegro has the strong support of Germany,” the announcement concludes.

Milatovic: The government should be pro-European, there was no discussion about undesirables in it (CdM)

After the results of the presidential elections, there was a consolidation of democratic processes in Montenegro, and it is precisely in this sense and against this background that somewhere it is really expected that the government that will be formed after the parliamentary elections will be essentially pro-European and that it will be oriented towards the numerous reform measures that are needed, in order to catch this step, the opportunity which we have now and perhaps never again, when it comes to our full membership in the EU, said the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic. “I think it was very important and a great pleasure to participate in the second European Political Community Summit, which is taking place today in Chisinau, Moldova. This is the largest gathering of European leaders where the numerous challenges facing the European continent were discussed today. It seems to me that according to the impressions and reactions I received in numerous meetings with European leaders, that today Montenegro has taken one step forward towards full membership in the EU”, said Milatovic in response to questions from journalists on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Moldova. He believes that the messages he conveyed were very well received. “And that is that the consolidation of democratic processes took place in Montenegro sometime after the presidential elections, that the current emphasis and focus is on improving the rule of law, and that these are all the prerequisites needed to take that key step towards the EU”, said Milatovic. Journalists were interested in whether there are certain parties in Montenegro that, in his opinion, or in the opinion of European partners, should not be in the new government. “I think that after the results of the presidential elections there was a consolidation of the democratic processes in Montenegro and that it is precisely in this sense and against this background that the government that is formed after the parliamentary elections is really expected to be essentially pro-European and to be oriented towards the numerous reform interventions that are needed in order to catch this step, the opportunity which we have now and perhaps never again, when it comes to our full membership in the EU. I received a lot of support from the citizens of Montenegro for that, and this will be my insistence when the new Montenegrin government is created,” Milatovic points out. To the journalist’s statement that there are no undesirables in the European framework, Milatovic replied that there were no discussions on that topic today. Milatovic took part in the panel entitled Connecting. When asked whether it is about connection within the Berlin process or within the framework of the Open Balkans, Milatovic points out that there was talk of additional connection concerning energy and transport, especially with an emphasis on the energy security of the European continent. “I also presented the ways in which Montenegro could contribute in the coming period. Is it the construction of the RDZI terminal in Bar, is it the additional doubling of the capacity of the underwater cable that connects us with Italy”, says Milatovic. He says that there are numerous projects within the framework of which we, as a small country, can additionally ensure the energy security of a larger part of Europe, that is, South-eastern Europe. “And exactly those things that I presented today to numerous European leaders were very well received, so I am really optimistic in relation to the messages I received from Mrs. Von der Leyen and from numerous other officials, including President Macron, that Europe has additionally ensured greater funds for investment in infrastructure in the Balkans, which is really encouraging news”, said Milatovic. Europe insists that Montenegro should use as they say – momentum. That is one of the messages of the formation of a stable government. When asked what are the first steps after the formation of a new, stable pro-European government that Montenegro needs to take in order to finally unblock the negotiation process, Milatovic points out that this is all that is required when it comes to the rule of law and it is precisely against this backdrop that , he says, and started an internal dialogue before coming to Moldova “to ensure the internal cohesion that is needed to very quickly nominate all those positions that are currently vacant in our judiciary.” “As soon as we do that, I received a strong assurance from our European partners that it will be welcomed by the EU and that we will make significant progress in our European integration. So, once again, the appeal, the expectation that the new parliamentary majority, the entire Parliament of Montenegro and of course the new Montenegrin Government will work against this background”, concluded Milatovic.

Ibrahimovic in Brussels: After the elections on June 11, to move towards the formation of a pro-European government (CdM)

The leader of the Bosniak Party, Ervin Ibrahimovic, met in Brussels with Vladimir Bilcik, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Stabilization and Association and a member of the European Parliament. “I am pleased with the support of our EU partners. The task before us after the elections is the formation of a pro-European government, which will implement the necessary reforms and with a commitment to integration, we can expect admission to the EU in a few years. I am happy that BS is recognized as a party that is a reliable partner of the EU in Montenegro and that has a clear direction and has been committed to EU integration since the first day,” said Ibrahimovic.

Radulovic: NATO guarantor of stability in conditions of uncertain security situations (CdM)

NATO is a guarantor of stability in conditions of uncertain security situations, said the adviser to the Prime Minister for foreign policy, Djordje Radulovic, at the two-day informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers, which is being held in Oslo. As part of the debate, which is organized at crucial moments for Euro-Atlantic security, Radulovic emphasized the importance of the Alliance as a guarantor of security. “The alliance has maintained its unity and confirmed its relevance and ability to adapt to major changes in the security environment,” said Radulovic. In the context of current challenges on the global stage, Radulovic emphasized the commitment of the Government of Montenegro to the preparation and implementation of decisions that ensure the protection of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. As stated, he also reminded of Montenegro’s commitment to continuing to provide multidimensional support to Ukraine, and conveyed Montenegro’s unequivocal support for preserving the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. As a particularly important item, Radulovic singled out the need for a stronger perception of the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for the NATO alliance, and in the light of current events. As part of efforts to strengthen the political dimension of the Alliance, in 2022, the Institute of Informal Meetings of Heads of Diplomacy was introduced into the framework of NATO. The government states that the meeting in Oslo is the second of its kind. The meeting in Norway is organized in anticipation of the NATO Summit, which will be held in Vilnius in July, and represents an opportunity for the ministers of 31 member states and the invited country, Sweden, to discuss several issues of importance for Euro-Atlantic security.

Kovachevski: Our goal is EU membership by 2030, political decisions await (MIA)

North Macedonia’s strategic goal is full EU membership by 2030. The screening process should end soon, and political decision lie ahead that will open the thematic clusters and chapters, according to Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, at the 2nd European Political Community Summit in Chisinau on Thursday. PM Kovachevski said he had met with President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron in Bratislava on Wednesday. He said the President of the European Commission told him that North Macedonia needed to decide to move forward on its path to European integration and become a member by 2030. At his meeting with the French President, he said he told Macron the process for constitutional amendments had begun and a working group was drafting a proposal for the initiative, which was to be submitted first to the Ministry of Justice, then the government and ultimately parliament. Next, Kovachevski said he would meet with opposition party VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski to talk about the initiative. He said he expected decisions to be made that would provide a better future for the citizens. “After a clear and strong message about North Macedonia’s integration by US Senator Chris Murphy and the ambassadors in our country, including the US and Dutch Ambassadors, I hope everybody knows that first, we have a proposal for a negotiation framework submitted by 27 EU member countries, and that this framework will not be negotiated as it contains all our demands, and those are a clear Macedonian language, affirmed by the Frontex Agreement, and protected Macedonian identity.  “What lies ahead of us is one of the many decisions until we join EU, and that is the inclusion of other nationalities into our Constitution, including the Bulgarian people. With this, we will reach another important goal, because we will finally put an end to the issue of ‘one nation in two countries.’ For the first time, the Constitution will include and clearly differentiate Macedonians and Bulgarians, and, once and for all, put an end to that conversation topic,” Kovachevski stressed. The prime minister said the Macedonian language issue was closed by signing the Frontex Agreement, where the Macedonian language was listed along the other languages of the EU member states and was approved by them. “The topic of Macedonian identity has also been closed. It will become part of the cultural mosaic of EU values. I hope it is clear that before us lies a decision in favour of Europe or in favour of isolation,” Kovachevski said. Earlier on Thursday, PM Kovachevski was welcomed by President of Moldova Maia Sandu. He said he would meet with PMs from Denmark, Moldova, and others, at the sidelines of the 2nd European Political Community Summit. Main topics discussed at the summit were related to finding ways to connect Europe together to ensure better communication between people, better telecommunication systems, infrastructure, and energy infrastructure, as key prerequisites for the political integration in the region, especially the Western Balkan countries, as well as the accelerated integration of countries like North Macedonia. Kovachevski reiterated that North Macedonia’s strategic goal was full EU membership, adding that the European Political Community was not a replacement for the integration process, but rather a community that would ensure better cooperation over the entire region to overcome the challenges that Europe was facing after Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

PM: EU enlargement considered as common need (MIA)

There is now an open door as never before, amid this geopolitical moment. European Union members are willing and ready for enlargement because this process is considered not as a need for candidate-states but a common need of both candidates and EU members, since the EU is not complete without the Western Balkans, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Thursday. EU enlargement was discussed during the working part of the Second European Political Community Summit in Moldova’s Chisinau, with the EU once again demonstrating its readiness to open the door for new members. “This mainly refers to us and Albania, which have to open the accession chapters after the end of the screening process. The EU supports the decisions we have to make as our task in the negotiating framework and the Union will do its part by unconditional opening of the chapters and clusters,” PM Kovachevski told a press conference after the EPC Summit. During the summit, Kovachevski received messages of support regarding North Macedonia’s Euro-integration from French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. He also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who thanked Kovachevski for North Macedonia’s support to Kiev. Summit discussions also touched upon the Serbia-Kosovo topic, with regional heads of state and government saying all countries in the area should abide by signed agreements. “As we abide by the Ohrid Agreement, the Prespa Agreement, the Friendship Treaty, the EU Negotiating Framework, other countries in the region should stick to the agreements and their implementation, resulting in permanent peace and successful EU integration,” added Kovachevski. Asked about the Euro-scepticism, he said the government is working on the achievement of the country’s goals. “The enlargement issue was raised by the Albanian PM and myself and we discussed it with the European Council President and the French President, who also expressed their readiness. The European Commission President also said in her statement today that now is the time for North Macedonia to make the decisions and continue on its EU integration path,” noted Kovachevski. He also referred to Von der Leyen’s address at yesterday’s GlobSec Bratislava Summit, in which she said ways are being found so that countries negotiating with the EU use benefits as members do, such as the cancellation of roaming charges between the Western Balkans and the EU. “There are discussions for sectoral involvement for mutual benefit. This is not a replacement for the EU membership but opening of possibilities that will ensure increased mobility and promotion of our companies at the European market,” underlined Kovachevski.

Kovachevski-Metsola: EP strongly supports continuation on European path (MIA)

North Macedonia’s Euro-integration was in the focus of the meeting of Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, at the sidelines of the Second European Political Community Summit in Chisinau on Thursday. EP President Metsola voiced strong support to North Macedonia continuing on the European path, the Government said in a press release. Kovachevski and Metsola agreed that the role of the Parliament is key in adopting a difficult but statehood decision in the coming period, adding that the decision is a responsibility for each lawmaker but also the institution that directly represents citizens who want a European future and live in an EU member-state, but at home, in North Macedonia. Interlocutors agreed this is not a decision of one person, one government or one party, highlighting the importance of the process while urging the parliament to make the right decision that will ensure prosperity and European future of citizens. In this regard, they highlighted the commitment of the Members of the European Parliament in the country’s EU accession process, reads the press release.

Kovachevski-Recean: United Europe to ensure safe and stable future (MIA)

Bilateral cooperation, Euro-integration and security challenges in Europe were in the focus of the meeting of Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski with Moldovan counterpart Dorin Recean at the sidelines of the Second European Political Community Summit in Chisinau on Thursday. PM Kovachevski said North Macedonia and Moldova share the same foreign policy priority – EU membership – and congratulated colleague Recean over the country’s recently obtained EU candidate status, the government said in a press release. Interlocutors highlighted the significance of the Euro-integration process in strengthening peace, stability and prosperity of the European continent. PM Recean said North Macedonia deserves its place in the EU, noting the Moldova is using its experiences in the aspect of visa liberalization with the Union.

Kovachevski: German Chancellor reaffirms Germany’s strong support for N. Macedonia’s EU integration (MIA)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Summit of the European Political Community in Chisinau, Moldova, reaffirmed Germany’s strong support for North Macedonia’s integration within the EU and the upcoming steps, wrote Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski in a Facebook post Thursday. “We spoke about accelerating the Euro-integration processes, which are important for the security and stability of the region. This is the best response that we can get and a historic opportunity that should be used,” wrote Kovachevski on Facebook.

The PM also said he had a pleasant conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. “We affirmed our positions regarding North Macedonia’s Euro-integration process. The strong support of our international partners who recognize the progress of the country is important. Our future is in the EU, there is no other alternative, our citizens deserve a European future and a better living standard,” wrote Kovachevski.

Kovachevski – Zelensky: North Macedonia on the right side of history, continues to support Ukraine (MIA)

North Macedonia condemned Russia’s military aggression against independent and sovereign Ukraine from the very beginning in last February and has provided strong support to the country ever since, a government press release said after Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on the sidelines of the 2nd European Political Community Summit in Moldova. “We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and its right to independence,” the release quotes PM Kovachevski as saying at the meeting. “We have provided and will continue to provide support in any form that Ukraine needs,” he added. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi, the prime minister also said North Macedonia was one of the founding supporters of establishing a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. By doing this, he pointed out, the country stood on the right side of history this time as well. Kovachevski noted that Ukraine is one of the priorities of the country’s OSCE Chairpersonship. He also reaffirmed North Macedonia’s support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration and its commitment to NATO’s open-door policy. The President of Ukraine thanked North Macedonia for the help given to Ukrainian people. “You did not make any calculated moves. You stood by our side from the first day, and the Ukrainian people, we appreciate that,” Zelensky said.

Kovachevski says elections in regular term (MIA)

Elections in the country are defined by law and Constitution. The presidential elections are scheduled for the second half of March while the parliamentary in the second half of June. We are constantly talking about rule of law and democracy, and this means that elections are held when scheduled, as is the case in practically all European countries, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Thursday. PM Kovachevski, who was speaking at a press conference after the Second European Political Community Summit in Moldova’s Chisinau, referred to the timing of the next parliamentary elections considering the statement of VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski that the party would not support the constitutional amendments. On the coming meeting with Mickoski, Kovachevski said it would focus on decisions that have to be taken in order to realize the country’s strategic objective, since political parties and lawmakers are responsible before the citizens for decisions that ensure a better future and a better living standard for current and future generations. “EU membership is a goal that citizens want to see achieved. I have said on previous occasions that our standard was better than the one of Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and all countries of the Warsaw Pact but now it is the opposite, and our citizens go and work in those countries. The sole reason for this is that these countries joined the EU and are part of the Union’s single market, the largest and richest market in the world,” said Kovachevski. Asked if he was an optimist that the constitutional revision process would be successful, the PM said he was a rational optimist and worked on reaching the goal of North Macedonia becoming an EU member. If the constitutional amendments fail, he added, we will have the same thing as in the period between 2006 and 2016, namely isolation instead of integration, no infrastructure, captured state.

PM Rama meets Serbian President in Moldova (ADN)

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, met in Moldova with the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama. The news was announced by the Serbian media, which also published a photo of the conversation between them, while they are at the Summit of the European Political Community in the capital Chisinau. “We in the region know best how important it is to make every effort together to preserve the hard-won peace and stability. We discussed the current events and the next steps that would contribute to finding a solution to the current difficult and serious situation, with the hope that reason will prevail, for the benefit of everyone,” Vucic said.

Threatening absurdity in the north of Kosova must be put an end; It needs to be resolved side by side with the democratic world (Radio Tirana)

Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama said that the conflict in the north of Kosova must be resolved side by side with the democratic world. Rama published on social networks images during the meeting he held with the President of the EU Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, and the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, in Moldova. “The region must enter into a new relationship with the EU, while the conflict in the North of Kosovo must be resolved side by side with the democratic world, putting an end to the threatening absurdity and finalizing the normalization and mutual recognition agreement between Kosovo and Serbia,” Rama underscored. Rama was participating in the meeting of the European Political Community (EPC). This meeting is held in Chisinau, Moldova, where around 50 European leaders will discuss the security and energy issues of the continent.

Novak in the Assembly of Albania: Peace and security in Europe depends on what she referred as the Western Balkans (Radio Tirana)

The President of the Republic of Hungary, Katalin Novak stated that “we want Albania to be officially part of Europe, we need Albania in the EU”. In her greeting speech in the Assembly of Albania, Novak, while referring to the Republic of Albania, said that “not only you need the EU, but also we Hungarians and all EU nations need you within the EU”. Further, Novak stated that she would try to do as much as possible to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries. “We have a very friendly relationship with Albania, Albanians and Hungarians understand and support each other,” Novak specified. President Novak said that she had come at what she considers ‘a critical time here in Albania. Europe is in danger, it is facing difficulties, which has not faced since a long time. Of these [difficulties], I want to emphasize the war in Ukraine and the consequences of this war, the Western Balkans, its stability and importance, illegal immigration, the demographic challenges that we will face more severely than ever in history, and the political power of Europe, which is in question, what place is Europe to be in world politics”. Regarding the war in Ukraine, Novak said that “everyone was surprised by what happened in Ukraine. Russia’s decision a year ago to attack its neighbor has put us in a new situation. We support the sovereignty, territorial integrity of Ukraine and those who are refugees from the war.” “As neighbors of Ukraine, we have helped 2 million refugees so far, although most of the immigrants did not stay for a long time in Hungary,” added Novak. Novak said that “instead of weapons we need talks, instead of refugees we want to see families together, instead of the deaths, we want to see new births. We want to see a path to peace. Regarding stability, peace and security in the Southeast Europe, Novak emphasized that “now we all see Ukraine, but we forget how important it is for the Western Balkans to have peace and security. Let’s look at Kosovo or Bosnia and Herzegovina and see how difficult the situation is and how little it takes to increase the tension and then it goes to the level of war. Therefore, it is very important for us to maintain that we once again create stability, peace and security in the countries of the Western Balkans”. Referring to illegal immigration, Novak stated during her greeting speech in the Assembly of Albania that it is a growing problem for Europe, and we must do everything to stop illegal immigration, to make it impossible for those who take people illegally from one country to another and let’s stop this trend and support each other.

Tensions in Kosova/ Begaj: Malicious actors seek destabilization of the region; Novak: Kosovo-Serbia peace should be achieved (Radio Tirana)

President Bajram Begaj gave a joint conference with his Hungarian counterpart, Novak.  Begaj thanked Hungary for the support it gave to our country for European integration and expressed his belief that within 2023, the second meeting of the EU Intergovernmental Conference will be held in Albania. “We have entered the second 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations, they date back to the Middle Ages. Hungary has supported the integration of Albania and the Western Balkan countries. I thanked my Hungarian friend for the support for the intergovernmental conference in July last year. I expressed the belief that within this year it will be possible to hold the second meeting. The support that Hungary gave to Albania’s candidacy to be a non-permanent member of the UN security council during 2022-2023”, said Begaj. The latter also focused on the situation in the north, where he stated that malicious actors seek to destabilize the region. He emphasized the importance of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. “I underlined the geopolitical importance of the region, where malicious actors seek to destabilize it, focusing on the importance of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Hungary is present in the region with investments”, emphasized Begaj. On the same line as Begaj, was the president of Hungary, who called for de-escalation of tensions in the north. Focusing on the violence against 30 KFOR soldiers, 19 of whom were Hungarians, Novak asked that such acts never be repeated, while she thanked the troops for their courage. “The situation in Kosovo can escalate very quickly. Together with the president, we are interested in de-escalation, and we have in mind the peace and stability of Kosovo and the region. Over 400 troops in Kosovo, I thank the president for the expression of regret, and I wish the soldiers a speedy recovery. I thank them for their generosity and courage, and we hope that there will be no such situation again and that the situation in Kosovo calms down and the path to a long-term peace is found”, said Novak. The latter ensured the continuation of Hungary’s support in Albania’s integration process.

NATO Summit, Xhacka: Full support for KFOR, unprovoked attacks in the north of Kosovo (Radio Tirana)

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhacka, participating in the NATO ministerial taking place in Oslo, Norway, expressing support for the KFOR troops, has condemned the unprovoked violence against them in the north of Kosovo. “Thank you for NATO’s contribution to maintaining security in our region. I reaffirmed our full support for KFOR troops and condemnation of the unprovoked violent attacks in northern Kosovo. The dialogue facilitated by the EU is the only way to move forward”, Xhacka underlined in her reaction. According to Xhacka, the expansion of the alliance in the north is a positive signal for the security of Europe and the Alliance. “Convinced that Sweden’s membership in NATO will strengthen the Alliance and the security of Europe as a whole”, said Xhacka. At the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers held in Oslo, the topic of discussion was preparations for the next summit to be held in Vilnius, on ways to strengthen transatlantic defense and the Alliance’s support for Ukraine.

“Defender Europe 23” was a concrete example that NATO and allies are stronger together (Radio Tirana)

The multinational US-led military exercise “Defender Europe ’23” concluded its activities in the territory of the Republic of Albania. In the ceremony held on this occasion, in the garrison of Zall-Herr, Albanian Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi assessed that this exercise, in addition to testing the elements of deployment and interoperability in response to crises, in a wide range of operations and the capabilities and potential of the host countries, also transmitted a very powerful message, that of unity. “Such exercises clearly demonstrate the commitment of the US and NATO as guarantors of order and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. “Defender 2023″ is a clear and concrete example of the fact that NATO and its allies are stronger together, contributing and investing in the increase of collective defense capacities,” emphasized Peleshi. Peleshi said that Albania proved that it offers an excellent experience in terms of hosting and conducting military exercises on such a scale, reconfirming the capabilities of the Armed Forces to be interoperable with the alliance armies of the Alliance. “As Minister of Defense, I express the all-round support of the Albanian government as well as my personal commitment that we will work tirelessly for the modernization of the Armed Forces in order for them to be equipped, trained and supported at all times, to make it possible the fulfilment of the constitutional mission and obligations within NATO,”, stated Peleshi. For more than a month, over 24,000 military troops from 26 NATO countries and its partners demonstrated their power in many countries at the same time, through strategic scenarios and fulfilment of operational tasks on land, air and sea. At the end of the activity, “Certificates of Gratitude” were distributed to 17 foreign soldiers, participants in the exercises that took place in Albania within the framework of “Defender ’23”, as a sign of appreciation and thanks from the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Arben Kingji.