LOCAL PRESS

Vucic thanks India for supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)

After a meeting with Indian President Draupadi Murmu at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic thanked India for supporting the territorial integrity of Serbia and respecting international law and the UN Charter. “It is a huge honour for me to have the opportunity and the privilege to welcome you in Belgrade. Since 1972, or after more than half a century, this is the first visit of this kind and I am especially happy to be able to be your host,” Vucic told Murmu at a joint press conference, noting that Serbia’s close ties with India dated back to the era of the Non-Aligned Movement. He noted that diplomatic ties with India had been established in 1948 and that Serbia was proud of the traditional friendship. “Thank you for supporting the territorial integrity of Serbia and respecting the norms of international public law and the UN Charter. Serbia will treat India in the same way and we believe that, in every institution in the world, there is space for the closest cooperation between us that no one can disrupt,” Vucic noted. Vucic welcomed Murmu in a ceremony outside the Palace of Serbia on Thursday. Murmu was given a red-carpet and guard-of-honour welcome as the national anthems of the two countries were being played. The ceremony was also attended by Serbian government ministers, National Bank of Serbia Governor Jorgovanka Tabakovic, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Marko Cadez and an Indian delegation. Vucic and Murmu then held a narrow-format meeting, after which the Serbian and Indian delegations met for plenary discussions. Indian President Draupadi Murmu said on Thursday in Belgrade she was delighted Serbia was the first European country she had visited since taking office in July 2022. She was speaking at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Thanking Vucic and Serbia for the hospitality, Murmu noted that Vucic’s 2017 visit to India had laid the groundwork for an expansion of a bilateral partnership between the two countries. She said India’s relations with Serbia were based on mutual trust and that her country remained committed to inject more energy into vital ambitions. Murmu added that she had had a constructive and productive meeting with Vucic about all important aspects of the bilateral relations as well as global and regional affairs. She said the two sides were determined to build the relations further and work on an expansion of technology and on strengthening ties between people. She noted that an agreement had been made to strengthen cooperation in the UN and other multilateral forums. She said Serbia was a traditional friend of India and that she wanted the two countries to cooperate in the IT sector, health care, energy and agriculture. Murmu said they had also discussed direct flights between Belgrade and New Delhi, and added that frequent exchanges of visits were the best way to strengthen the partnership.

Vucic: It’s clear we will have early elections; Brnabic: You have my resignation (B92)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic addressed the public. The most important political message – new elections are coming. Vucic says that the Serbian Progressive Party will not want a new mandate if Brnabic resigns because they are satisfied with the work of the prime minister. “If that happens, when the one month deadline expires, we are left with the constitutional deadlines from 45 to 60 days for holding new elections. In accordance with that, we are ready to agree on the date of the new elections and whether they should be held with other elections with those who would like to have some city or municipal elections, but not any other,” Vucic points out. He emphasizes that they are always ready to come to an agreement, but that it will not be a question of someone’s party will, but a question of discussion by all political actors. “There will be no place where the minority will overpower the majority, but the majority will try to be very sincere, serious and responsible and to do his/her best to make some kind of technical agreement with the representatives of the minority on how and at what time the various election processes should be held,” says Vucic. He emphasizes that it is clear that we will have early parliamentary elections and that it is only a matter of months when they will be held. Vucic stated that he had very complex talks about Kosovo and Metohija last night and today, he spoke with Stuart Peach, and will continue from Friday to Sunday with the Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija. The President thanked the people of Kosovo for fighting with dignity for their rights, stressing that it is important to preserve peace and show that we can talk to everyone.

Vucic, Peach discuss developments in Kosovo and Metohija, region (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday he had had a telephone call with the UK special Western Balkans envoy Stuart Peach to discuss the latest developments in Kosovo and Metohija and the situation in the region. “A substantial and open discussion with Sir Stuart Peach on the latest developments in Kosovo and Metohija and the situation in the region. I thanked him for his understanding for our position, as well as for his objective assessment of the newly-arisen situation,” Vucic wrote in a post on his Instagram account. He noted that “unilateral moves by Pristina are obstructing further discussions” but that Serbia remained “determined in its policy of preserving peace and stability in the region despite provocations”.

Serbia only sees KFOR as a legitimate armed formation in Kosovo and Metohija in accordance with UN Resolution 1244 (RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic and Chief of the US National Guard Bureau General Daniel Hokanson expressed in yesterday’s conversation the intention of the two countries to continue and deepen cooperation in the field of defence. Vucevic pointed out that the bilateral relations between the two countries have an upward trend, and that Serbia highly values the past cooperation in the field of joint training and the donation from the American side for our defense system. He added that our country continues to lead a balanced defence policy and constantly works on the improvement and further qualitative development of relations in the field of defence with all countries and international organisations, in accordance with Serbia’s long-term strategic determination to maintain the status of a militarily neutral state. Our country, as he underlined, appreciates the support of the US in the negotiation process between Belgrade and Pristina, is open to the continuation of the dialogue and strives to ensure the normal life of the Serb community in the area of Kosovo and Metohija by peaceful means. Regarding the security of citizens of Serb nationality in Kosovo and Metohija, Vucevic reiterated that Serbia only sees KFOR as a legitimate armed formation in Kosovo and Metohija in accordance with UN Resolution 1244. Hokanson expressed the expectation that in the coming period there will be further strengthening of cooperation in the field of defense between the two countries.

Drecun: Plan for de-escalation is introduction into a trap – for Belgrade to accept Kurti’s nothing (Tanjug/RTV)

The Chair of the Committee for Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun pointed out last night that it is obvious that the Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of Pristina Albin Kurti did not respond positively to the three-point proposal put to him by the US and the EU, and that it is now expected to see how will envoys Miroslav Lajcak and Gabriel Escobar inform their superiors about it. He told Tanjug that it should also be seen whether Pristina will send some kind of response through diplomatic channels, if not publicly, to what was set a deadline of two days. “Although, as far as we can hear, Kurti says that no ultimatum or deadline has been set for him, and obviously he has absolutely no intention of doing anything to calm down the situation and is actually taking advantage of the situation, which is primarily caused by the fact that the West is in a hurry to reach some kind of agreement between Belgrade and Pristina,” Drecun said. He states that Escobar now seems to have corrected some expectations that the basic elements of the agreement between Belgrade and Pristina can be agreed upon by the end of the summer. “He is already saying that it could be until the end of the year, and he mentions a possible new future government, which could make a decision on the establishment of the ZSO,” he stated. He points out that Kurti cannot be expected to influence the calming of the crisis. “I think this is his exit strategy in opposing the formation of the ZSO, because if there are no such crises on a larger or smaller scale, he will have to start, which is an insurmountable problem for him, because he actually came to power with the promise that there would not be formation of the ZSO,” emphasized Drecun. He adds that the political West envisioned de-escalating the crisis in two ways – one is short-term and the other is long-term. “That long-term plan has three points – de-escalation, reflecting the elections with the participation of Serbs in them and the formation of the ZSO, and this short-term part refers to de-escalation, which Escobar defined in three points as well – the withdrawal of the so-called mayors from the north of Kosovo, who were elected with three or one percent, then the withdrawal of members of the special parapolice forces from the municipal buildings, but not their withdrawal from the north of the Kosovo and Metohija special police, and thirdly – that the Serbs stop the protests,” said Drecun. “This short-term part is absolutely acceptable and will only be able to solve part of the crisis, but Kurti is also resisting that, because he does not intend to pull those mayors out and transfer them to some other locations,” says Drecun. He adds that the method of de-escalation is interesting, because it implies the calling of new elections. “And here, Kurti does not have such a strong position against it, and Vjosa Osmani and some others say that the elections can be held, but Kurti also sets some new conditions around it and mentions criminal gangs brought in from Belgrade, because they now have to they show in front of their public that they did not give in under the pressure and protests of the Serb people,” he says. As he states, there is a big problem with the formation of the ZSO. “And it smells like a new crisis to me, because the draft statute proposal made by the management team was rejected, and Lajcak said that some points are allegedly not in accordance with the Brussels agreement, so now suddenly a completely different situation is brought into play and the opposite of the agreed agreements, so Escobar states that now Kurti should say what he wants, and the essence of what he proposes is that through the formation of the ZSO, or whatever it is called, Kosovo should be treated as a state and that the Serbs and Belgrade accept it,” noted Drecun. He adds that this means that there may be a situation where the ZSO is renegotiated based on what Kurti is proposing. “The alleged plan for de-escalation is actually introducing into that trap, to accept what Kurti offers, which is nothing, and what the West wants to present to us as Kurti’s vision of the ZSO is something that is an empty shell that the Serbs would not have any benefit,’” said Drecun. He only sees the result from our side. “Both Lajcak and Escobar noticed that President Vucic is ready to use his authority to influence the Serbs so that everything is peaceful, and the Serbs are showing results in terms of de-escalation and are protesting peacefully, but the special parapolice is still in the municipal buildings,” he emphasized.

Petkovic conveys concerns for safety of Kosovo Serbs to German Ambassador (Tanjug)

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic said on Wednesday he had spoken with German Ambassador to Serbia Anke Konrad to convey additional concerns for the safety of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija as Pristina’s PM Albin Kurti showed no readiness to de-escalate the situation on the ground. In a Facebook post, Petkovic wrote that he had had an open and constructive discussion with Konrad in light of the crisis in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, which he noted had been caused by Kurti’s unilateral and violent actions.

Petkovic added that he had underlined that there was no place for Kurti’s illegitimate mayors and special forces in the north of Kosovo and Metohija and that Rados Petrovic and Dusan Obrenovic, who have been “arrested while protesting peacefully – as also been shown by evidence – must be released”.

Hernandez: Cuba will always support the position that Kosovo and Metohija is part of Serbia (RTV/Tanjug)

The Head and members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Cuba met with the Cuban Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Leyde Ernesto Rodriguez Hernandez, who informed them about the current political and economic situation in Cuba. The Ambassador emphasised that the economic situation in Cuba is more complex than ever. He reminded the attending that the sixty-years of sanctions have damaged the Cuban people by more than one trillion dollars and that the difficulties caused by certain measures that are still in force have an additional bad effect on the country’s economy. And the Covid-19 pandemic was followed by a new economic blow. Ambassador Hernandez underlined that on this difficult path, Serbia has always been a brother and friendly support, for 120 years now. “From a historical perspective, our two countries have faced many a complex situation, but even then they have always supported each other and defended their sovereignty, integrity and culture, which only brought them even closer. That is why Cuba will always support the position that Kosovo and Metohija is part of Serbia and will never recognise its secession,” said Ambassador Hernandez. The Ambassador stressed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are at an excellent level, but the desire to strengthen them further is always present, as confirmed by the announced visit of the President of Cuba to Serbia. He said that there is significant strength in the parliaments that should be used to improve cooperation at all levels, informing the hosts present that a Friendship Group with Serbia has been formed in the Cuban parliament and hoped for a successful and intensive future cooperation between the two parliaments’ friendship groups. Bojan Torbica, Head of the PFG with Cuba, pointed out that Cuba will always have a sincere friend in Serbia and strong support on the way to overcome the difficult challenges it is faced with. He said that our country will continue to advocate for the complete lifting of sanctions against Cuba, as well as for its being removed from the blacklist of countries that support terrorism. He also pointed out that Serbia will be eternally grateful for the strong support in the diplomatic struggle to make sure Kosovo and Metohija is not separated from its territory. PFG members Dragana Lukic, Jana Mateovic, Ugljesa Grgur, Dragan Milinkovic, Radmila Vasic, Zoltan Dani, Djordje Komlenski, Momcilo Vuksanovic and Stasa Stojanovic shared their observations and suggestions with the Ambassador, for improving educational and health cooperation, also highlighting the importance of introducing a direct flight between the two countries to improve tourism and expressing gratitude for the non-recognition of the fake state of Kosovo and the wish that sanctions against Cuba would finally be lifted. The PFG members also invited the Ambassador to visit the cities they come from and learn more about the cultural heritage of Serbia.

Opposition reacts to Vucic, Brnabic media conference (N1)

Opposition MPs told N1 that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic exceeded his constitutional powers on live TV once again but added that this was nothing new or unexpected. Zoran Lutovac, leader of the Democratic Party (DS) which was once the biggest and most influential opposition party, said that Vucic’s media conference with Prime Minister Ana Brnabic was “an opportunity to watch violations of the constitution live”. Lutovac said that the media conference would result in an expansion of the weekly protests and was the result of panic in the authorities. “Everything that was said is the consequence of panic and fear and Vucic wants to anesthetisize the public and turn attention away from the protests. “He offered elections even though no one asked for them because he doesn’t like a parliament that includes people who criticize him. He needs to portray himself as the only existing institution,” Lutovac said. Ecological Uprising official Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta said the media conference was “another dose of madness from Aleksandar Vucic”. “What did Vucic tell us? He said that he is waiting for someone to talk to him and no one wants to talk to him. Ana (Brnabic) promised to resign but will wait a while and maybe she won’t resign. Jovanovic agreed that Vucic’s words would bring more people to the street protests. “No one asked him for elections. He is calling people to the streets again,” he said and added that Vucic has to meet the protest demands before anyone thinks about talking to him. Jovanovic said that Brnabic and Internal Affairs Minister Bratislav Gasic “are Vucic’s slaves”. “You see fear in their eyes,” he said. Don’t Let Belgrade D(r)own official Djordje Pavicevic said the media conference was nothing new. “Typical statements by Aleksandar Vucic. It all might be but doesn’t have to be. The things he said would be historic turned out to be a usual address – entering into a campaign by timing salary and pension raises, who gets how much money… Nothing new and nothing unexpected,” he said.

REGIONAL PRESS

PIC SB ends session and publishes Communiqué: Entities have no right to secede from B&H and only exist legally by virtue of B&H Constitution (NAP.ba)

The two-day session of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board (PIC SB) ended on Wednesday after which a Communiqué was issued which reads: “Emphasizing that the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP) remains the basis for a stable, secure and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), the PIC SB reminds all parties of their obligation to comply fully with the GFAP, all its annexes, and decisions of the High Representative. It reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of B&H as a single, sovereign state comprising two entities. The PIC SB restates that the entities have no right to secede from B&H and only exist legally by virtue of the B&H Constitution. The PIC SB reminds authorities in B&H that the B&H Constitution is an integral part of the GFAP and that the decisions of the B&H Constitutional Court are final and binding and must be implemented. The PIC SB reiterates its full support for the High Representative in ensuring complete respect for the GFAP and carrying out his mandate under Annex 10 and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, which remains unchanged. It underlines that the International Community retains the necessary instruments to uphold the GFAP. The PIC SB emphasizes the need to fully implement the 5+2 agenda, which remains necessary for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. The Peace Implementation Council Steering Board (PIC SB) Political Directors met on 6 and 7 June. The PIC SB agreed that B&H is at a critical juncture. Having received EU candidate status and having almost completed government formation at all levels, B&H has the opportunity to make swift progress on reforms vital for stability and prosperity. The PIC SB underlined that the future of the country is in the hands of B&H citizens and domestic politicians and urged all political actors to continue the recent positive trend and seize the opportunities to foster reconciliation and move the country forward on its Euro-Atlantic path for the benefit of all citizens. At the same time, the PIC SB agreed that B&H still faces significant challenges, including the Republika Srpska (RS) ruling coalition’s secessionist threats and efforts to undermine the state and its institutions. The pursuit of EU membership is a significant undertaking requiring political leadership, serious commitment to reforms, and the hard work of adopting and implementing legislation. Recognizing that, the PIC SB met with Ms. Borjana Kristo, Chairwoman of the B&H Council of Ministers, and Mr. Zukan Helez, Deputy CoM Chair and B&H Defense Minister, to discuss the new state government’s plans to pursue Euro-Atlantic integration. The PIC SB also met with representatives of civil society organizations. The PIC SB commended the swift establishment of authorities following the October elections as well as the positive trend in the work of the Council of Ministers and the smooth adoption of the state budget for 2023, in contrast to the stagnation of the previous period. Noting this positive momentum, the PIC SB calls upon them to address key challenges without delay: Achieve immediate and concrete results in implementing the 14 key priorities of the European Commission’s Opinion, keeping in mind that EU candidate status was recommended on the understanding that a number of steps would be taken. These include, among others, the urgent adoption – in full compliance with EU standards – of integrity amendments to the B&H High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) Law, as well as new B&H laws on the HJPC, courts, and the prevention of conflict of interest. Strengthen the integrity of the electoral process by revising the legal framework to implement the OSCE/ODIHR, GRECO, and Venice Commission recommendations. In light of the numerous allegations of serious fraud that plagued the 2022 elections, the authorities should fulfil this objective as soon as possible to ensure the 2024 municipal elections take place in a framework of enhanced election transparency and integrity. As outlined in the 5+2 agenda, find an acceptable and sustainable resolution to the issue of the apportionment of state property between state and other levels of authority by adopting state-level legislation to regulate the matter. The PIC SB commends the work of the OHR’s State Property Working Group as a source of technical information for competent domestic institutions. The resolution of state property is critical for completing the 5+2 agenda, which is necessary to close the Office of the High Representative and will benefit B&H citizens by making property available for productive use. The PIC SB condemns all rhetoric and actions that threaten B&H’s peace, stability, and territorial integrity, including attempts to block or undermine the functioning of B&H institutions and the RS ruling coalition’s threats of secession. The PIC SB calls on RS authorities to engage constructively in state institutions and uphold the rule of law, including by refraining from any pressure on B&H Constitutional Court judges. The PIC SB discussed the risks to B&H’s democracy arising from recent moves by the RS authorities to limit freedom of speech, restrict civil society and stigmatize minorities. These actions are to the profound detriment of all citizens. The PIC SB supports the strengthening of democracy in B&H and the integrity of its institutions. This includes ensuring full equality of all citizens and eliminating discrimination, particularly by implementing the European Court of Human Rights case law in the Sejdi and Finci group of cases. The PIC SB underlined the need for constructive and collaborative politics at all levels and offered its unwavering support and tangible assistance to those genuinely committed to progress. The PIC SB will oversee the developments as highlighted in this communique. The PIC SB will hold its next regular meeting on 5-6 December 2023.”

HR Schmidt hold press conference following PIC SB session: International community is determined to support B&H and those who play with secession will suffer consequences (AJB)

After a two-day session of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board (PIC SB), High Representative Christian Schmidt held a press conference in Sarajevo on Wednesday, and he said that the international community is determined to support B&H and that those who play with secession will suffer consequences. Schmidt stressed that one of the primary tasks is to solve the issue of distribution of state property in such a way that no one is excluded. “I am not here to please any entity president. We saw how someone from RS asked for Putin‘s support, and it would have been better if he had asked the citizens of the RS what they thought about it and when the obstacles standing on the way of investments in the RS will be removed. I have received unanimous support from the PIC, and we will continue to resolve this issue as it is a technical issue. After this group of experts completes its work, we will make a series of recommendations to the authorities to continue solving this issue. I can only say that Dodik is mistaken. We use the bases we have and not everything that is on the entity’s territory belongs to the entity,” Schmidt pointed out. Schmidt also stated that this is “a key moment for B&H” and that those who are engaged in secessionist rhetoric will suffer the consequences. “The international community is determined to support B&H as long and as intensively as necessary”, noted Schmidt. Despite saying that B&H has huge opportunities for a fast progress, Schmidt stressed that this is all up to the promptness of B&H politicians. Schmidt criticized B&H politicians for inactivity on fulfilment of the 14 EU priorities, but he commended the formation of the authorities at state and Federation of B&H (FB&H) level. The HR commended on the state property issue, underscoring that it is necessary to adopt a state law, through a fair approach in which no one will be excluded. Schmidt specified that the working group of the OHR in charge of the property issue does not pass decisions but rather provides recommendations. He added that he will not let RS President Dodik know which steps he would undertake against secessionism. Schmidt confirmed that the PIC SB’s next session should take place on 5-6 December, and he once again concluded that B&H politicians need to work on the European future of B&H.  Schmidt called on B&H politicians to improve work dynamics on matters of the highest priority. Schmidt stated that one of the main priorities is the work of the group of experts on the law on state property, whose work he commended and reminded that the group is not working on a full decision, but just creating the legal framework for the law. He also added that the identities of the members of the group will not be disclosed. Schmidt repeated that the SB of PIC condemns all threats of secession stating: “Nobody has the right to talk about secession, as I have made very clear in my recent statements. And I repeat myself, those who move in that direction and play with the idea of secession, are firstly playing with the futures of the citizens of this country and secondly will suffer the consequences from the international community.” Commenting on RS President Dodik, Schmidt noted that Dodik does not accept him as a High Representative, but that he listens to him every day. “I am very certain that Dodik carefully observes everything I have been doing. I will not honour him by saying what steps I will conduct. However, he needs to be aware of the fact that certain steps could be conducted”, explained the High Representative. Schmidt also stated that in terms of claims on electoral thefts that marked last elections, representatives of authorities in B&H need to improve integrity of elections in order to restore trust of voters in the election process. He stressed that integrity of the election process is one of most important conditions for B&H and its progress towards the EU integration. Schmidt underlined that members of PIC SB commended commitment of B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) and coalition partner to resume with reforms, including strengthening the integrity of the election process. Schmidt reiterated that there will be no secession of any part of B&H and decisions of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H need to be respected. The High Representative reminded that there were two unsuccessful attempts in B&H Parliament to amend the Election Law of B&H. “I think it is time to return to this topic”, explained Schmidt. He added that if the proposal of amendments to the Election Law of B&H proposed by Alma Colo can be discussed, the same can be done with proposals from April Package. Schmidt stated that he does not plan to pass any laws without participation of the B&H parliament. He stressed that he will not impose the law on state property and announced that an expert group formed by the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to facilitate the work of the B&H Parliament in resolving the issue of state property management will present principles before B&H parliament, which is supposed to adopt a framework law on this matter in the end. Schmidt reminded that according to the international law, the state has the primary right when it comes to the state property, but that this does not prevent anyone from finding a reasonable way and a decision based on compromise on property owners and users. He explained that the proposed solution on the state property law will require confirmation in B&H parliament. Schmidt said that he is supported in his work by the EU, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium that are complex countries with experience. Commenting on Dodik’s statements on secession of the RS from B&H, Schmidt stated that such statements are unacceptable and warned that those who play games with secession are actually putting the future of B&H citizens at stake and will suffer serious consequences by the international community and himself, noting that he will not reveal what steps might be taken. He emphasized that the international community demands compliance with the Dayton Peace Accords and it is clear that everyone has responsibility to respect it.

Dodik describes PIC session as shady gathering of people who are falsely presenting themselves (ATV)

RS President Milorad Dodik stated on Wednesday that the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), “which is not provided for in the Dayton Agreement”, and (High Representative) Christian Schmidt, “who was not appointed in accordance with Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement”, discussed issues which according to this agreement do not fall under the domain of responsibility of the High Representative, provided that he was legally appointed. “So, a shady gathering of people, who call themselves the international community, even though it is clear to everyone that it is a group of Western countries, from which identical messages that we have been hearing for almost the last three decades have been sent,” Dodik was quoted as saying. Dodik emphasized that this is a gathering of people who falsely present themselves and seem self-sufficient.

Kovacevic says issue of RS property has been permanently resolved by Dayton Agreement (ATV)

Delegate of the Serb Caucus in the B&H House of Peoples (HoP) Radovan Kovacevic (SNSD) told RTRS on Wednesday that the issue of the RS property has been permanently resolved by the Dayton Agreement, saying that he had come to declare this in front of the OHR building in Sarajevo. Kovacevic emphasized that the RS will never give up on its property. “It will never give up on its goods, rivers, waters, its agricultural land, its forests and everything that belongs to the RS. No one will ever be able to take that away from us, because that is how we, all together, the RS, the FB&H and B&H, as well as all those who guaranteed the signing of the Dayton Agreement, signed in 1995, that the property belongs to the RS and the FB&H,” Kovacevic was quoted as saying. Commenting on the OHR’s announcements that “they will send something to the B&H parliament”, Kovacevic warned them that “they have nothing to send to the Parliament, because based on the Dayton Agreement, they have absolutely no authority in this sense.”

Mehmedovic criticizes Schmidt over stances on solving of state property issue (Hayat)

MP in the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Semsudin Mehmedovic (SDA) said that High Representative Christian Schmidt has been constantly insisting that politicians in B&H should reach an agreement on difficult issues, while excluding himself as head of the Office of High Representative (OHR). Mehmedovic underlined that if Schmidt wants B&H politicians to reach an agreement in the parliament of B&H on the status of state property, he should at least define principles that should be ground for such an agreement. “These principles would be the ground for a future legal solution. Obviously, he does not have courage to engage in it, but attempts to shift accountability for our failure to reach an agreement on something that is actually clear. Namely, a state has to have its property”, stated Mehmedovic. He added that Schmidt has a difficult task to find a solution that will primarily be acceptable for Belgrade and Zagreb.

Nesic and North Macedonian Minister Spasovski discuss help with B&H’s cooperation with Frontex and issue of foreign fighters (FTV)

B&H Minister of Security Nenad Nesic met in Sarajevo on Wednesday with North Macedonian Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski. On this occasion, Nesic and Spasovski discussed improvement of relations of B&H and North Macedonia in the field of security as well as cooperation in fulfilment of conditions of the two countries on the path of the European integration. Nesic and Spasovski identified two common goals, which are membership in the EU and contribution to making ministries in the field of security the locomotives in the EU integration. Nesic has been informed by Spasovski that North Macedonia is willing to share its experience in talks with Frontex, given that it has completed its negotiations with that agency. Nesic told media that the focus of the Ministry of Security of B&H and the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia is membership in the EU and the security and stability of the region and Europe. “After Europol and the establishment of full cooperation, we chose Frontex as the next step. North Macedonia has successfully completed that work and we need help and support in that direction,” said Nesic. The B&H Minister emphasized that, when it comes to foreign fighters who return from Syria and Iraq, the main task is to protect children in B&H. “My priority task is the safety of our children, and here I mean the children who live and were born in B&H. I do not know what is wrong with the children who are in Syria today. I do not know if they will pose a threat to the security of B&H tomorrow, and neither as a father nor as a minister of security, regardless of the pressure, will I allow anyone who can pose a threat to the security of our children to return to B&H”, he added. Spasovski noted that one of the priorities of North Macedonia since 2017 is the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, not only in the direction of introducing repressive measures, but the establishment of a special committee that will fight against the occurrences and resocialization of these citizens. “We have returnees who were participants in the wars in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. For all those for who there is evidence, they were brought before a competent court. There are families who were together with them. We returned part of those families to North Macedonia and started the resocialization process. The primary priority is safety and peace of all citizens of North Macedonia. All our citizens who are there, we have a duty to return them and help them to live and work normally in the society. We have started this process and we are working on their resocialization plan so that they can all be part of our society”, concluded Spasovski. Nesic emphasized that these children in Syria will not enter B&H until they undergo all necessary security checks, adding that he will insist on additional checks.

Jenca: Montenegro should continue on the path of progress in the effort to reach full membership in the EU (CdM)

State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense Krsto Perovic met at the United Nations in New York with the Assistant Secretary General for Europe, Central Asia and America Miroslav Jenca. As announced by the Ministry of Defense, in an open conversation, the focus was on cooperation between the UN and Montenegro, global and regional challenges, as well as further reform processes in Montenegro. “During the meeting, the joint commitment to finding permanent positive solutions to contemporary challenges, such as aggression against Ukraine or achieving further progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, was highlighted,” stated the announcement. Jenca expressed the expectation that Montenegro will continue on the path of further strengthening its stability and progress in the effort to reach full membership in the EU. In this regard, he believes that finding an acceptable solution in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will represent a significant step forward for other countries in the Western Balkans. Perovic, as announced, fully agreed that only successful UN initiatives and missions, such as the Agreement on the export of Ukrainian grains, or the Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, represent a guarantor and guide towards building a better and more prosperous community for everyone. Also, during his stay in New York, State Secretary Perovic led a delegation from the Ministry of Defense in a visit to the Military Academy of the US Army, West Point. This academy represents one of the most respectable military educational institutions in the world. During the visit, State Secretary Perovic and the delegation were received by the Academy’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Brian Novoselich. On that occasion, the educational capacities of the Academy, the principles of its functioning and cultural and historical heritage were presented. “Perovic thanked the Academy and the American government, who enable Montenegro to send its cadets to this and other military academies in the USA, to obtain the highest quality officer cadres, capable of responding to contemporary challenges and threats”, they conclude in the announcement.

Serbia and North Macedonia abolish road passenger and freight transport permits (MIA)

Road freight transport between Serbia and North Macedonia carried out to or from third countries by environmentally friendly vehicles will be liberalized as of 1 August, Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Goran Vesic said Wednesday. According to the press release of the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, this had been agreed at the meeting of the Joint Serbian-Macedonian Commission for International Road Passenger and Freight Transport, which was held on 5-6 June in Ohrid. “It was agreed that the freight transport ‘to and from third countries’, which is carried out by environmentally friendly vehicles – vehicles of the category ‘green vehicle’ and above (Euro 2, Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 5, Euro EEV and Euro 6) is exempted from permit regime, i.e. to be liberalized starting from 1 August 2023. Bilateral freight transport and transit freight transportation is also liberalized,” Vesic said. Vesic said that a symbolic number of permits will remain, less than a hundred, on both sides for transporters with non-environmental engines, i.e. Euro 0 diesel engines. He also underlined that a great success has been achieved in terms of the international road passenger transport, because it has been agreed that the alternative passenger transport will be conducted without permits as of 15 June 2023. Vesic said that the negotiations were successful and thanked his Macedonian colleague Blagoj Bochvarski for the joint work. The agreement between the two parties was reached based on the Open Balkans Initiative and the goals established by the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on Facilitating Import, Export and Movement of Goods in the Western Balkans. “The agreement will contribute to the further removal of administrative barriers, which will strengthen the economies of both countries, and the movement of people and goods in the region of the Western Balkans will be facilitated for the economy and citizens,” reads the press release.

Kovachevski brings three proposals to meeting table with Mickoski (MIA)

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski is coming with a plan and three concrete proposals at the meeting with VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski, government sources have told MIA. The leaders’ meeting is set to focus on the decisions to be adopted in the Parliament in order to resume the country’s European integration, as well as the approach of the state, institutions and political stakeholders towards building and maintaining goodneighborly relations with all neighbors. Ahead of the meeting, the VMRO-DPMNE Executive Committee held a session, after which party vice-president Timcho Mucunski said constitutional amendments under dictate must not happen, while adding that one of the topics of discussion would be the issue of early elections.

Mickoski: VMRO-DPMNE not supporting constitutional amendments under current conditions, prepared to enter government with SDSM but not DUI (MIA)

VMRO-DPMNE is prepared to enter a government with SDSM and other political parties but without DUI in it, said party leader Hristijan Mickoski after the meeting with Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski whom he told that VMRO-DPMNE and the coalition remains on its position it will not support the constitutional amendments under Bulgarian dictate and under the current circumstances. Mickoski said Kovachevski proposed at the meeting that the Parliament starts a discussion and endorses the need for constitutional amendments, followed by the formation of a government in which five of the ten departments managed by SDSM would be given to VMRO-DPMNE. “He proposed that once the constitutional amendments are adopted and the negotiations start, the government would administer parliamentary elections,” said Mickoski. To this, the VMRO-DPMNE leader said the party was prepared to enter a government with SDSM and other political parties but not DUI. “VMRO-DPMNE is prepared to join such government, while considering that a caretaker government is charged with administering the elections 100 days prior to the polls, whereas the constitutional amendments to enter into force once the parliaments of 27 member-states start the ratification of Macedonia’s accession protocol to the Union,” said Mickoski. He added that the PM interpreted the proposal as violation of the negotiating framework. “I then proposed that we hold early elections in autumn, form a national unity government without DUI, and since no country opposes Macedonia’s ages-long identity, tradition, culture, customs, Macedonian language, I am prepared to talk to several prime ministers over a European Council endorsing a confirmation or guarantee so that we see if the situation is what they claim to be. Bulgaria now has a legitimate government, and this document can be presented before the Macedonian citizens, showing that Europe stands behind the ages-long Macedonian identity,” said Mickoski. He also noted that the 44 lawmakers of VMRO-DPMNE and its coalition supported the position that the constitutional amendments would not be endorsed.

Kovachevski: VMRO-DPMNE not against constitutional amendments (MIA)

This democratic dialogue should take place at all levels. It is good that the position presented this morning by VMRO-DPMNE vice-president Timcho Mucunski is different from what I heard at today’s meeting, which is that VMRO-DPMNE is not against the constitutional amendments, and this is the conclusion from the meeting, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski after his meeting with VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski on Wednesday. PM Kovachevski said such decisions are taken by all political parties and the society as a whole, not a process of one person, one party, one government. “There is a clear distinction made on whether we will integrate the country in the EU or isolate it, and I believe it is good that the dialogue continues so that we eventually build a common stance that it is best for the country to integrate in the EU. The government’s goal is to make the Euro-integration process a success. This is a strategic goal of our EU and NATO partners. Everyone has said now is the time for Union enlargement and the accession of the Western Balkans,” said Kovachevski. According to him, the constitutional amendments and incorporation of parts of other nations in the Preamble represent a step forward on the European path. The PM proposed that parties endorse the constitutional amendments together, since this is the right solution that citizens want from them. “I proposed to Mickoski that we all together vote for the constitutional amendments. Once we endorse them, we can hold elections. I have realized they find it important to be part of the ruling authorities, and for the sake of demonstrating that the government is not oriented to scoring political points for its own benefit and that we are not guided by the partisan interest, and that we are not focused only on the result of the next elections, I proposed that we jointly vote for the opening of the Constitution through a two-thirds majority, with VMRO-DPMNE joining the government the next day, and SDSM giving half of its departments to VMRO-DPMNE representatives,” said Kovachevski. In this way, he added, we would have a government that unites all political parties that push for European integration. “This government would complete the process of constitutional amendments and the ongoing screening, followed by the opening of chapters as the second stage of the negotiating process, even closing 2-3 chapters, and then administer the next elections. In addition, although this is ensured in the negotiating framework, the transitional and final provisions of the constitutional amendments would include a section which reads that they would enter into force at the time of the second intergovernmental conference, which is already scheduled,” said Kovachevski. According to him, everything else goes beyond the negotiating framework, since it has been adopted by all 27 EU member-states. “Mickoski claimed that some parties should not be part of the government, but the fact of the matter is that we need a unifying government with a clear goal. This will be a government of unification and European integration, not one of isolation and destabilization. Different scenarios can lead to other developments in the society,” said Kovachevski.

President Begaj: Kosova authorities must be patient, listen and coordinate with strategic partners (Radio Tirana)

The latest situation in the north of Kosovo, but also the effects in the Western Balkans region, was at the center of a press conference between the president, Bajram Begaj, and his Estonian counterpart Alar Karis who is on an official visit to Albania. The head of state underlined that the conflict in the north of Kosovo does not serve the stability of the region, even more the integration in the EU. According to him, no one is happy with the situation or behaviours that does not serve the stability of the region. “At the time when all of us were waiting for negotiations to take place between Kosovo and Serbia, we had a tense situation, which came as a result of the misuse of the Serbian population in the north of Kosovo and the exercise of violence by criminal groups. This brings consequences for the region, but also for the international community, such as the unnecessary strain on partnerships” – Begaj underscored. According to Begaj, this situation requires a solution, which “must be taken into consideration by the leaders and the two main factors”.  “In respect to regional initiatives, they are positive, necessary and important. Open Balkans is an initiative conceived only as an economic one that will bring benefits through the exchange of goods, the free movement of people. Every regional initiative is linked to our strategic objective, which is EU integration. If we don’t cooperate with each other, how can we ask to cooperate with the EU,” Begaj emphasized. President Begaj informed that there are communications with the authorities in Kosovo and asks them to be patient and coordinate with strategic partners to find a solution. “My communication with Kosovo is continuous both with the highest authorities, and the KFOR commander and several presidents of the region. I expressed Albania’s support for Kosovo and emphasized the agreement in Brussels and the annexes agreed in Ohrid. We need to focus on priorities. The sovereignty and integrity of Kosovo is indispensable. Kosovo authorities must be patient and listen and coordinate with our strategic partners,” Begaj underlined.

Begaj with the Estonian counterpart: Integration of the Western Balkans, a guarantee to the stability in the region (Radio Tirana)

Albanian President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj held a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart, Alar Karis. In his speech, President Begaj said that today our two countries are closer than ever to each other, while he expressed gratitude for Estonia’s support in the process of our country’s integration in the EU. “Our two countries, even though they are several thousand kilometres apart geographically, are today closer than ever to each other. This is proven by this visit of the President (of Estonia), which is the first of an Estonian president to Albania. It is also proven with all the support Estonia has given our country in recent years. I thanked the President of Estonia for standing by us and continuing to stand by us in the EU integration process. Integration into the big European family is our major strategic objective”, said Begaj. The President pointed out that last year Albania held the First Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union, also thanks to the support of Estonia, as he expressed confidence that the Second Intergovernmental Conference will be held this year, again also with the support of Estonia. “The integration not only of Albania, but of the entire Western Balkans region in the EU, would be an extraordinary guarantee for a stabilized and prosperous future of the entire region. In this context, I assessed that Estonia has played and continues to play its supporting role for a more stabilized and developed Western Balkans. This is very important, especially in the new geopolitical context and in the global security situation we are in today,” the President emphasized. Focusing specifically on the brutal and unjustified Russian aggression against Ukraine, which brought to Europe the turbulent winds of a past that we thought we had left behind, Begaj said that Albania, since the beginning, strongly condemned this aggression. “I underlined the fact that the vision of NATO shown so far in dealing with this situation and the recent enlargement of the Alliance with Finland showed that we are stronger than ever, more united and more determined than ever to protect its values,” stated Albanian President during the joint press conference with the Estonian counterpart. “I am convinced that this will be also shown clearly and with the fastest possible accession of Sweden at the NATO Summit that will be held very soon right next to Estonia, in Vilnius, Lithuania. I also wanted to emphasize the participation of our troops in NATO missions in general and in the multinational NATO battalion in Latvia in particular, which best reflects Albania’s active role as a NATO member. The way we will jointly respond to the current security challenges will determine how the future will be for our continent but also for the world in the decades to come,” said the President, as he stated that the complex challenges of security can only be coped with united. “During the meeting, I underlined that Albania, and the Western Balkan region, or the Baltic countries, are threatened by the influences of malicious third actors, who do not share the same values with us. I expressed my gratitude to my friend for the multidimensional help they have given to our country over the years. The programs and projects where Estonia has made its contribution to Albania include the fields of security or the judicial system, to electronic governance. Estonia is the first country in the European Union in providing services electronically, so we have a lot to learn from you, and further cooperation in this direction would be welcome,” Begaj emphasized. Focusing on economic cooperation, the President of the Republic emphasized that the experts and institutions of both countries should better explore all the possibilities of further cooperation. “I expressed the belief that the space is endless, especially in the field of information technology, startups, energy, research, innovation, education, biodiversity issues and so on. The legal framework we have in place for avoiding double taxation enables such a thing, even in the field of tourism. Another dimension where we stopped during our meeting, and where the cooperation between the two countries has been quite fruitful, is that within the framework of international organizations, where I specifically highlighted the mutual support for the United Nations Security Council,” Begaj said. Begaj welcomed the support that Estonia has given to Kosovo, in its Euro-Atlantic journey, and for its membership in international organizations. “This support is also a clear indication of Estonia’s willingness to help the Western Balkans region see the future”, the President emphasized, as he underlined that the events of the last few days in Kosovo remind us once again of the importance of implementation as soon as possible of the publicly agreed agreement in Brussels and its annexes in Ohrid by Serbia and Kosovo. “Your visit today is the first of an Estonian president, but I am convinced that it will not be the last. As last year we celebrated 30 years of establishing bilateral relations, I am confident that very fruitful decades of cooperation await us. Have the best stay in Albania!” – said Begaj.

Balluku: Cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans and the EU, at the highest levels (Radio Tirana)

Deputy Prime Minister of Albania, at the same time Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku declared that the Berlin Process is proving to be a useful mechanism in the journey of the Western Balkans countries towards the EU. Balluku was present at the conference “Implementation of the green agenda for economic and social prosperity in the Western Balkans”, from where she announced that the cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans and as with the EU is at the highest levels. “This is also thanks to the leadership of the German government through the Berlin Process, a platform that has proven to be a fruitful mechanism in the journey of our countries towards the EU, implementing reforms and projects that bring us closer to achieving our objectives national and those related to membership”, said Balluku. According to her, the energy crisis, the most serious in many years, presented a very big dilemma to all countries, whether small or large. “Many countries were forced to postpone or temporarily suspend their decarburization plans, prioritizing the security of energy supply for all costumers. This situation brought to attention once again the need to find a stable balance in long-term policies between the interests of economic development, environmental and social ones,” said the Minister. According to her, this issue was at the center of the Berlin Process summit last year, in November 2022, where the leaders of the countries in the region approved a joint statement on energy security and green transition. “At this summit, Germany also launched an initiative called the “Western Balkans Climate Partnership” to the development of a regional energy and climate plan in order to increase support and technical-financial cooperation between Germany and the region, to create the necessary conditions for the implementation of the green agenda. It is essential that we have a unified vision of how we want our countries to reach the objectives set in 2030 or in 2050, and set of course under the mechanisms of the Berlin Process, the Energy Community and the guidelines of the EU,” she said. Balluku laid also emphasis on the importance of policy unification in this respect. She stated that the continuous change of policies and the failure to design long-term policies have significant economic costs and can delay processes in the future. Balluku further stated that the energy sector reacts quickly and sensitively to incentives, to incentive policies that promote energy efficiency and the reduction of consumption, which should be an essential part of the entire policy and the entire process of the Western Balkans. One of the keys to success to move forward and have energy independence and security was activation of all the instruments for energy efficiency to save energy as much as possible. That is achieve implementing the right incentives from the bodies that implement energy policies such as ministries, enterprises or other agencies through intensification of the awareness rising of the population in respect to energy efficiency, which showed that it was undoubtedly a very big help in a difficult time”, said Balluku.