LOCAL PRESS

Serbia does not accept occupation, orders from outside (RTS/RTV/Politika)

The Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the 1999 NATO Aggression was observed at Toplickih junaka Square in Prokuplje, in the presence of the Serbian state leadership, the leaders of Republika Srpska, church dignitaries, and a large number of citizens. The state commemoration began with a memorial service held by Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and the clergy. In his address, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic recalled that the first NATO bomb that killed Serbian soldier Boban Nedeljkovic fell right here in Prokuplje. He said that Serbia still does not give in and does not agree to dismemberment. This nation is stronger and Serbia is stronger than you think. We will resist you while we breathe, we will resist you because you cannot take our freedom away from us, Vucic stressed. He pointed out that Serbia will never voluntarily agree to have Kosovo and Metohija taken from it – to disappear as a country. The President noted that today Pristina was accepted as an associate member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, saying that only now do we know that we will never join NATO, that we will preserve and protect our military neutrality. There is nothing they didn’t reward Pristina with, nothing they didn’t punish Serbia with, but they can’t take away our right to live for our country and the right to love freedom more than anything else, the President pointed out. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije pointed out that 25 years ago, innocent blood was shed all over our country and that is why we should remember the past, but live the present that has been given to us and move decisively into the future. He said that no ultimatum challenged our people to give up the love of God and one‘s neighbour. RS President Milorad Dodik stated that he is proud of Serbia and its people because they rose up after the NATO bombardment: “Serbia is nowadays a stable and safe country for all of its people, regardless of nation and people, it is respected in the region and globally. Small compared to others, but strong enough to move on with its character and not to carry hate within itself, but also to never forget and, as far as I am concerned, to never forgive.” “And again, when I look now, what did you do with all this? Did Serbia disappear? No. Is Serbia destroyed? Yes, they destroyed it, but we built it. Did the Serbs disappear? No, the Serbs did not disappear. What did you want to do with this? To change our character? To say how you wanted to change the regime that didn’t suit you and you threw bombs for the first time in history, and you toppled hundreds of regimes without military interventions, of course trying to manage other countries,” said Dodik. “They killed our children That is why I am proud with what Serbia has managed, and with it the Republika Sprska. We remained dignified, freedom-loving people. Our freedom is the most important thing of our life and our identity. Together with our faith, our script, language. With all the things that makes our people special. We don not wish to anyone and anything different any kind of evil. We want to live in peace. We want this peace to last equally for everyone,” said Dodik. Andjelka Tosovic, sister of the youngest victim of NATO aggression Bojana Tosovic and daughter of the victim Bozin Tosovic, pointed out that she never met her father and sister, because she was in her mother’s womb when they were killed. That Easter was supposed to be their first holiday together, but no one suspected that it would be their last, she pointed out.

Vucic: NATO showed it worked with Pristina all the time (Politika/RTS/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in Kursumlija that on Sunday, on the anniversary of the start of the NATO bombing of Serbia, so-called Kosovo received the status of an associated member of NATO, and that it doesn’t mean anything special because the situation was essentially the same until now, but it does show that they worked as a coordinated team all the time and only pretended to be “good cop-bad cop”. “They like to do things on anniversaries, dates are important to them. That’s why they forced those wretched (politicians) of ours to deliver Milosevic on Vidovdan (St. Vitus Day). That’s why today (Sunday) they made a decision to make Pristina an associated member of the NATO parliamentary assembly. That’s why they will again choose a special day when they will allow them to join the Council of Europe. And all of this while supposedly sanctioning Pristina,” Vucic said in response to a journalist’s question about NATO’s behavior. You can imagine what sanctions those are where they (Pristina) are given visa liberalization, added Vucic. “An associated member of the NATO parliamentary assembly, that’s one step higher than what they have been until now. Membership in the Council of Europe – what heavy sanctions. And that just shows you that they worked all the time as a cohesive team, that they worked all the time together and that they were just playing good cop-bad cop and nothing more than that. No matter how small we are, no matter how smart we aren’t, how smart they are, we are still not idiots,” said Vucic. He stressed that Serbia will live either way, and that they do not understand that for us Serbs, freedom is greater and more important than the air. “Greater and more important than anything. And that we will always be able to preserve and defend our people’s freedom, and the sky and the land of our Serbia,” said Vucic.

Quint Ambassadors, Norway on 25^th anniversary of NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (Beta/Politika)

In a statement released on Saturday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, six Western states said that they “remember today and mourn the loss of innocent lives” but they also “think about their shared future with Serbia and Kosovo in the European family of nations”. “We support the search for a settlement to the dispute between Kosovo and Serbia, which is an urgent European security issue, and we are convinced that the full implementation of the Ohrid agreement concluded under the auspices of the EU is the best way forward toward peace and stability for the benefit of the peoples living in Serbia and in Kosovo,” the Ambassadors of France, Italy, Germany, Norway, the United States and the Great Britain said in the joint statement. “The Army of Serbia continues to cooperate ever more closely with NATO and with European partners through participation in the Common Security and Defence Policy’s missions. It is through partnership that we can build a peaceful and stable future together that our peoples deserve,” the diplomats said. The Ambassadors of the Quint and Norway recalled in the document that 24 March 1999 was “the start of a military campaign no one wanted,” adding that “Operation Allied Force was designed to force Slobodan Milosevic, then President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to stop the abuses against the civilian population in Kosovo, to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and to allow the return of refugees and displaced persons and for humanitarian organizations to gain access Kosovo”.

Dacic: Security situation in Serbia stable (RTS/Tanjug)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Saturday, after an extraordinary session of the National Security Council, that there is no immediate knowledge that Serbia is threatened by a terrorist attack. Dacic underlined that the security situation in Serbia is stable, regardless of all the challenges we have faced, bearing in mind the situation in the region, in Kosovo and Metohija, the terrorist act in Moscow and various conflicts that exist around the world. He emphasised that the Ministry of the Interior, the Serbian Army and all other security services are taking all precautionary measures and preventive actions in order to avert any possibility of a terrorist act or disturbance of public order and peace, with the danger to people’s lives.

In short, that was the topic of today’s session of the National Security Council, Dacic said and added that there is currently no information that a citizen of Serbia was killed in the terrorist attack in Moscow. According to the information available, one of our citizens was at the event where the attack took place.

NATO bombing of Serbia of 1999 warning to humankind (Tanjug/Politika/RTV)

Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic said on Friday, at the opening of a two-day international conference “From Aggression to a New Just Order” at the Serbian Army Centre in Belgrade, that on 24 March 1999 international public law was killed and a sovereign and free state victimised. Today we can say with certainty that it was a turning point in history, an introduction to what the world is facing today, that the aggression represented the end of justice and morality and that it was profoundly unjust, stressed Vucevic. Minister of the Interior Bratislav Gasic said that the bombing of our country by NATO was a warning to humankind and that at that moment force was demonstrated against the Serbian people, the consequences of which are still felt today. Gasic pointed out that during the 78 days of the bloody feast of the so-called merciful angels, who covered our country with bombs instead of angelic mercy, 2,500 civilians and more than 750 members of the police and army died. Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Nikola Selakovic said that today, 25 years later, it is completely clear that the most powerful military mechanism in the world bombed our country with the aim of taking Kosovo and Metohija away from us. The Minister said that by violating international law, terrorism motivated by separatist goals received the support of a more powerful part of the world, adding that the events in the territory of the southern province testify to this.

Response to Kurti: Head of Commission for Military-Technical Agreement reacts (Tanjug/Politika)

Regarding Albin Kurti‘s allegations about the movement of the forces of the Serbian Army near the administrative line with Kosovo and Metohija, the head of the Commission for the Implementation of the Military-Technical Agreement, Colonel Zoran Jovanovic, pointed out that this is a continuation of a disinformation campaign directed against the Serbian Army and the security forces of the Republic of Serbia. “In a social media post, members of the Serbian Army can be seen in the Ground Safety Zone performing regular duties of guarding the administrative line and controlling the Ground Safety Zone, in accordance with the Military Technical and all other agreements that have been signed. The Serbian Army units perform these duties and oversee the implementation of the Military Technical Agreement in cooperation with the international peacekeeping force in Kosovo and Metohija (KFOR). The Commission for the Implementation of the Military Technical Agreement is responsible for supervising the implementation of the Military Technical Agreement, ensuring cooperation with KFOR and maintaining constant communication between the security forces of the Republic of Serbia and KFOR. The falsehoods and disinformation, which have proven to be outright lies many times before, are part of a bigger campaign led by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Pristina aiming to cause greater tensions, deceive the public, create intolerable living conditions for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, and avoid fulfilling the internationally recognized obligations. There is no place for the so-called Kosovo police or the so-called Kosovo Security Forces in securing the administrative line with Kosovo and Metohija, since the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement do not authorize any subjects, other than the international civilian and security presence in the Province and the security forces of the Republic of Serbia, to do so. Therefore, claims that the so-called Kosovo authorities closely monitor the situation for any administrative line crossings have no basis in reality and show total disrespect for the agreements that have been reached. With timely and thorough preparations, proper organization of troops and adequate tactical actions and procedures, the Serbian Army guards the administrative line, exercise control, prevent illegal crossings and activities of extremist individuals and groups, as well as the activities of organized crime in the Ground Safety Zone and will continue to be a factor of peace and stability, which cannot be said for the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Pristina,” stressed Colonel Jovanovic.

Kosovo will probably join CoE; Serbia could leave organization (TV Prva)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday that Kosovo was likely to join the Council of Europe, and that one of Serbia’s options was to leave the organization. “It is extremely unlikely that we will prevent this because they have come to a decision,” Vucic said in an interview with TV Prva. He said that after that one of Serbia’s options was to leave the Council of Europe. In the same interview the president said that he was in favor of giving the opposition “everything that they want regarding voter registers.” Vucic said that according to the latest polls, “By running independently on the Serbia Must Not Stop ticket, the Serbian Progressive Party would win 55 seats in the Belgrade assembly, without the Socialist Party of Serbia as a partner. “The situation in Belgrade is quite clear, and there is a rather convincing advantage,” Vucic said in a comment on upcoming local polls in the capital. The president also said that he expected the Progressives to name Serbia’s prime minister-designate in the next seven days, adding that the decision would be “swift” and that they would not wait for the final deadline to create a new cabinet.

Dacic and Brnabic’s fierce reaction to von Cramon’s statement regarding CoE (N1/FoNet)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and parliament speaker Ana Brnabic strongly reacted to the statement of the MEP Viola von Cramon that Serbia will not leave the Council of Europe in the case of the admission of Kosovo to the membership, as indicated by the President Aleksandar Vucic. In a written statement, Dacic said that Serbia is a sovereign state and that “no one neither asked nor cares for the opinion of” the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Kosovo, Viola von Cramon, the Ministry announced. “The level of insolence with which some European politicians show towards Serbia is astonishing. Who and what gives Viola von Kramon the right to insult Serbia, its President Aleksandar Vucic and the Serbian people? The fact that she is a proven lobbyist for Kurti does not mean that she can dictate to Serbia and Vucic what we should do,” said Dacic in a written statement. He pointed out that the admission of Kosovo to the Council of Europe would be a precedent and a gross violation of the principles on which that body rests, because the so-called country is not an internationally recognized member of the UN. Brnabic, on the other hand, said that Serbia is not bluffing and that if the Council of Europe violates its statute and its values, and accepts Pristina as a member, it should not be part of that hypocrisy and charade. She recalled that 19 April marks 11 years since the signing of the Brussels agreement, which was also signed by a high representative of the EU, but that there is still no Community of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo that is part of that agreement. “Finally – what are the arguments against Kosovo’s membership in the CE? The most important thing is the fact that, in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 1244, Kosovo is an autonomous province of Serbia, not a European state,” said Brnabic. She added that, additionally, the fact that Serbia’s European and other partners have on several occasions publicly and quite explicitly pointed out that the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities is an absolute prerequisite for any further discussion on Pristina’s accession to the Council of Europe or any other similar issue. “Did our European partners and others lie,” Brnabic asked.

Pantic Pilja: Bakoyannis has recommended CoE admission for so-called Kosovo (Tanjug)

The Head of Serbia’s standing parliamentary delegation to the Council of Europe (CoE) Parliamentary Assembly Biljana Pantic-Pilja said on Friday CoE rapporteur Dora Bakoyannis had recommended that the so-called Kosovo be admitted the organisation, and added that its Committee on Political Affairs would decide on this at an extraordinary session scheduled for 25 March. “Previously, Bakoyannis said she would request Pristina to meet three conditions – a return of land to the Visoki Decani monastery, establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities and a third one, related to land expropriation in Serb-majority municipalities. In spite of that, she has now changed her position and recommended to the CoE Committee on Political Affairs and the Parliamentary Assembly to admit the so-called Kosovo,” Pantic Pilja said in a statement to Tanjug. She added that this was a very disappointing decision, especially as Bakoyannis came from Greece, which does not recognise the so-called Kosovo. “As an experienced politician, she is deftly trying to get away with this and says the Committee of Ministers would have the final say, but the CoE Committee on Political Affairs will be the first to decide on this at a Paris session next week,” Pantic Pilja noted. She added that the official agenda of the committee’s session made no mention of a vote on the so-called Kosovo’s admission, but noted that it might still be included.

Security Council meeting scheduled to mark anniversary of NATO bombing (RTS)

A UN Security Council meeting on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the aerial bombing campaign carried out by NATO against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) has been scheduled for Monday at Russia’s initiative, reported RTS. Although Russia proposed the holding of a UN Security Council meeting with this topic on the agenda at the beginning of March, and Japan, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the council, backed the initiative and scheduled the meeting, it has not been reported yet in what format it will be held, or whether it will be open to public, reported RTS. Many Western countries have criticized the initiative, saying there is no need to travel to New York because this meeting will not be held.

Serbia’s outgoing Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic however said it is an unwritten rule that, when a great power initiates the holding of a meeting of this kind, it is held. Dacic said Serbia does not wish to be an arbiter between great powers, but to present the truth about what happened 25 years ago at the time of the bombing of the FRY when international law and the legal order were violated worldwide. Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky also said that the Western countries have criticized this initiative and stressed that this is a very unpleasant topic for them. According to unofficial information, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca is also expected to brief the meeting.

Trilateral discussions conclude in Brussels, bilateral meeting underway (Tanjug)

A bilateral meeting of EU representatives with Pristina’s delegation is underway in Brussels, to be followed by a Belgrade-EU bilateral meeting. The meeting with the Pristina delegation began following the conclusion of a trilateral meeting of Belgrade, Pristina and EU representatives after over 3.5 hours of discussions. The Belgrade and Pristina delegations are headed by chief negotiators Petar Petkovic and Besnik Bislimi, respectively. The discussions were due to address Pristina’s regulation on cash operations, which is effectively a ban on the Serbian Dinar.

Opposition on government’s call for dialogue: Talks necessary (Danas/Beta)

Tensions can only be reduced through a dialogue between the government and the opposition and after electoral conditions have been improved, however, the ruling Serbian Progressive Party showed during the three-day constitutive session of Serbia’s parliament that it does not want talks, opposition MPs said on Friday. MP Aleksandar Cuta Jovanovic of the Ecological Uprising said in an interview with Danas nespaper that his movement’s condition for a dialogue with the authorities was that it take place live on camera. His counterpart, Zoran Lutovac, the Democratic Party’s leader, said that the key to removing irregularities and normalizing the situation in Serbian society was to create conditions for free and fair elections, and that the first step would be to meet OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights’ recommendations. Freedom and Justice Party MP Pedja Mitrovic, said, that, on the other hand, without talks between the Progressives and the opposition coalitions Serbia Against Violence and NADA no agreement could be reached on implementing the ODIHR’s recommendations. NADA coalition MP Predrag Marsenic also said that based on what happened during parliament’s constitutive session, it would be very difficult to lower tensions, adding that there was still time, but that “the key to calming the situation is in the hands of the authorities”.

REGIONAL PRESS

Minister Nesic confirms precautionary measures were strengthened in B&H following attack in Moscow (BHT1)

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Minister of Security Nenad Nesic said that precautionary measures and police presence have been increased in B&H after the terrorist attack in Moscow and he stated that B&H, like other countries, cannot rule out the possibility of terrorism, but that actions are taken preventively. Nesic said that the presence of the police on the streets of B&H has been visibly increased. Nesic emphasized that the most important thing now is to determine who is the organizer of the terrorist attack in Moscow and that he expects the federal services of the Russian Federation to determine this soon. Republika Srpska (RS) government has made a decision to declare 24 March as a day of mourning in the RS due to the terrorist attack in Moscow. The RS President Milorad Dodik said: “In this way, we want to honor the innocent people who were killed in the terrorist attack in Moscow and show solidarity with the friendly people of Russia”. B&H Presidency members, Denis Becirovic and Zeljko Komsic, as well as the B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the terrorist attack in Moscow, expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. The UN Security Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack and underlined the need “to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned in the strongest possible terms the deadly attack in Moscow. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell condemned in the strongest terms “the heinous attack perpetrated outside Moscow last night (Friday night).” “Terrorism has targeted again defenseless people. The international community must remain firmly united against the scourge of terrorism,” Borrell wrote on X social network. President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that terrorism is unacceptable no matter who it comes from or who the perpetrator is. “As a country that knows the bloody face of terrorism very well, we share the grief of the Russian people as a nation and a state,” Erdogan said. In front of the Russian Embassy in B&H in Sarajevo, citizens bring flowers and children’s toys as a sign of mourning for the victims of the terrorist attack in Moscow. A group of citizens from East Sarajevo laid flowers and lit candles at the Russian Embassy building in memory of those killed and in support of the people of Russia. The Embassy expressed its sincere gratitude to all those who did not remain indifferent to this tragedy, to those who share the pain with the Russian people.

Sattler says EU Council’s decision historical achievement of B&H (FTV)

Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H Johann Sattler, commenting on the EU Council’s decision to open the EU accession talks with B&H, congratulated B&H citizens on a great and important step forward that paves a way for future perspective of the EU path of B&H. He assessed that the decision represents a historical achievement of B&H, which is one of the biggest achievements in country’s postwar history and a step forward that has proven that B&H institutions are capable of realizing their tasks. He stressed that the progress on the EU path would have been impossible without engagement of B&H Council of Ministers (CoM), B&H Parliament and B&H Presidency. He said that he was moderately optimistic about the decision after witnessing a positive dynamic of reforms with the adoption of the law on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and the law on prevention of conflict of interest, but one can never know which course the EU Council’s decisioning will take as 27 heads of state and government make decisions on a series of topics and have many issues that are decision-making factors. Sattler emphasized that the most important thing is that the EU leaders have recognized steps made by B&H and intensified their engagement by themselves. “We (the EU) have also decided to intensify our engagement, take over responsibility and present a rather generous offer of EUR 6 billion for the region – including EUR 1 billion for B&H, although in terms of a new geopolitical circumstances”, Sattler said. Ask to say what he expects from B&H authorities in terms of further pace on meeting the remaining tasks set out in the EU Council’s latest conclusions, Sattler stated that the period after the 2022 general elections has shown a difference when it comes to results of the ruling coalition and their intensified engagement on reforms, although not all issues have been resolved and many problems are yet to be addressed. He added that it is hard to expect that things will change to better at once now that the accession talks with the EU are opened, but it is important that B&H is now part of a negotiating process and in the same train with Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Ukraine and Moldova. Sattler expressed hope that B&H will be able to continue a reform dynamic that has been on stage since the general elections, reminding that next step stipulates the defining of the negotiating framework and holding of the so-called inter-government conference, which is part of a regular process. He assessed that the law on the Court of B&H is about to be harmonized soon and this law, along with the new law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of B&H, is definitely one of the conditions. According to Sattler, the negotiating process is really intensive and literally all aspects of the acquis need to be analysed, starting from agriculture, protection of consumers, energy, foreign policy, etc. He said that structures within B&H, i.e.  negotiating team and chief negotiator are required for this process and this needs to be agreed between the ruling coalition in B&H. Commenting on the electoral reform as one of the priority laws and the integrity package as its important part, Sattler stated that the EU sees the election process integrity as one of the absolute priorities and certainly part of 14 key priorities set out in the EC’s Opinion on B&H, reminding that the last election cycle has shown that they were many problems in terms of corruption, election theft and compromised trust of voters that is the worst thing that can happen in a democratic society. He noted that the election process integrity package has been worked on during the Neum talks and that there was a hope that it could be harmonized before the meeting of the EU Council. He called on B&H politicians to harmonize this package on time so it could be applied in the local elections this year. As for the election of B&H Presidency members, Sattler stated that this is also very important issue but it is impossible to resolve it in a short period of time given its complexity and the fact that its resolution requires the amending of the Constitution of B&H, reminding also of the need to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

RS officials hold press conference, Dodik says European Council’s decision is confirmation that Dayton structure of B&H is functioning and that its composition of two entities and three constituent peoples can be propulsive (ATV)

RS officials held a press conference on Friday in Banja Luka, and they talked about the decision of the European Council to give the green light for the opening of accession negotiations with B&H. The RS officials stated, among other things, that the decision of the European Council on the start of negotiations with B&H is a confirmation of the Dayton structure of B&H, that B&H can only function as such and that nothing should and will not be changed. RS President Milorad Dodik pointed out that through the projects and laws that have been supported so far, nothing has been done against the interests of the RS. Dodik stressed that B&H must get rid of foreign interventionism, referring to the issue of foreign judges in the Constitutional Court (CC) of BiH and the issue of “false High Representative Christian Schmidt.” Dodik stated that if one tries to impose anything, it will only mean the end of the European path of B&H. Dodik said that there is great euphoria in Brussels, but that in the RS everything was reduced to realistic bases. Dodik stressed that there is no need for excessive euphoria because no date has been set for the start of negotiations, and in the end, it does not mean anything spectacular. Dodik said that a lot of work lies ahead of B&H and that there is a lot to do, but that it is certain that the RS will remain committed to its policies. “This is confirmation that the Dayton structure of B&H is functioning and that its composition of two entities and three constituent peoples can be propulsive,” Dodik said. Dodik emphasized that if anything is imposed regarding the Election Law and especially regarding property, the RS will adopt its own law. “And if he dares to encroach on property, we will make our decision on the status of the RS,” Dodik underlined. B&H Presidency member Zeljka Cvijanovic stated that an important decision has been made in Brussels. Cvijanovic pointed out that the decision of the European Council confirmed that domestic structures have an advantage over foreign interventionism. Cvijanovic noted that the negotiations are the most demanding part of the process, confirming that a lot of work lies ahead of B&H. Cvijanovic stated that she will monitor the negotiations on the accession to the EU and that the RS will have its own negotiator. “What I want to see on the scene is a negotiation process, not a fraudulent process. The negotiation process means that, within the framework of our competences and constitutional capacities, we should all take our place within the negotiation structures, that they should be credible, and this means that there are no interventions from the outside,” Cvijanovic underlined. RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic said that B&H is on the right track, but that the road is very difficult and that the Serb representatives have done a good part of the work.

Becirovic: We are facing transformation process in which B&H legislation needs to be harmonized with EU acquis (O Kanal)

After the European Council approved the accession negotiations of the EU with B&H, Chair of B&H Presidency Denis Becirovic addressed a press conference in Sarajevo on Friday. “The work and effort paid off. At this moment, there is no room for celebration and euphoria because we all have to prepare for the big work that is yet to come. We are facing a transformation process in which the legislation of B&H needs to be harmonized with the acquis of the EU. This is one of the most important moments for the state of B&H in the 21st century. We brought the country closer to the EU and strengthened its foreign policy position. B&H is a full member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, a country that is at the door of NATO. As of today (Friday), we are a country that is officially entering the final phase of integration into the EU. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the positive decision of the European Council,” Becirovic pointed out.

Dodik – Cvijanovic: Europe has to answer question how come that “false HR can ban legally elected RS President from having talks and deciding on fate of country he lives in” (RTRS)

RS President of Milorad Dodik emphasized that it is impossible for B&H to move on the European path if there is no RS, without which nothing in the process would be achieved, and he noted that it is realistic that the main negotiator on behalf of B&H should be from the RS. Dodik believes that Europe should answer the question of how, as Dodik said, a false High Representative would forbid a legally elected president to discuss and decide the fate of the country in which he lives. He repeated that (High representative to B&H) Christian Schmidt is illegal and he announced that next week, through the parliamentary caucus, the Law on the Constitutional Court and the Law on the Court of B&H will be submitted to the regular parliamentary procedure. Dodik stated: “In the absence of doing anything and trying anything, he is now messing around where he does not belong. Europe should answer that question. We will seek an answer as to whether he has any authority and why he is interfering in all this? How do they think that Bosnia will go on the European path, if the RS is not included? How do they think this would have happened by now if there was no RS?” Member of B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic stated that Schmidt should not be allowed to block B&H’s European path and to sit at any table where EU and B&H representatives will sit. “As for the democratically elected representatives at all levels of government in B&H, they will also sit and agree and carry out what they have agreed,” said Cvijanovic. When asked to comment on Schmidt’s statement that RS President Milorad Dodik should not be allowed to “sit at the European table in Brussels and decide or block”, Cvijanovic replied that by mentioning Dodik, he is only trying to become relevant. She said that she thinks that Schmidt is disappointed with the decision of the European Council because neither he nor the OHR are a part of the process in which B&H should express its full democratic capacity and push aside “the colonial status” promoted by him and his sponsors. Cvijanovic said, the position of a non-appointed foreigner who would be placed above democratic institutions is incompatible with the path to EU membership.

Dodik: There is no EU path of B&H without RS, B&H Constitution will not be changed (Nezavisne)

RS President Milorad Dodik stated that there will be no changes to B&H Constitution, and that those in Sarajevo who believed that they can push for sidelining policy using the EU integration process as an excuse should know that this will not be allowed. “There is no EU path of B&H without the RS and that has been definitely confirmed by the decision of the European Council”, Dodik emphasized. He also added that the RS will not be a conflict side in B&H, but it will also insist on respect for its rights, as well as the Dayton Peace Agreement and B&H Constitution. Speaking about the events of the last week, Dodik reminded that he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade, where they agreed to hold the all-Serb assembly on Easter. Dodik said that important decisions for survival of the Serb people will be made at the assembly.

United States Congress passes law entitled ‘Maintaining Dayton Peace Agreement through Sanctions’ (N1/FTV)

The United States Congress passed a law entitled “Maintaining the Dayton Peace Agreement through Sanctions”, aimed at deterring destabilizing activities in B&H. In order for the law to become valid, it must go through the procedure in the Senate, and then it must be signed by US President Joe Biden. “The Dayton Agreement is a symbol of American leadership and commitment. If we let it collapse, then we risk violence returning to B&H. Enemies such as Russia or China would welcome such earthquakes and strengthen a stronger economic and security foothold,” said Ann Wagner, a Republican, who represents a district from the state of Missouri in Congress, where tens of thousands of people from B&H live. Wagner, who proposed the law, stated that she hoped the Senate would react quickly, and added that the law “will introduce and codify sanctions against bad stakeholders like Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik in B&H who continue their agenda of secessionism, corruption and destabilization.” Along with Wagner, the bill’s sponsors are Democrats Susan Wild (Pennsylvania) and Bill Keating (Massachusetts), and Republicans Thomas Kean (New Jersey), Mike Turner (Ohio), Mike Lawler (New York) and Brett Guthrie (Kentucky). Commenting on the law, Head of the VOA Bosnian Language Service Dzeilana Pecanin-Allison told FTV that regardless of the fact that the US is involved in two current global conflicts, the US Congress obviously has not forgotten the challenges posed by the Western Balkans. She assessed Washington sees the growing influence of Russia and the will of the RS to rely almost solely on Moscow and to prevent B&H’s progress on the path of the EU integration as an additional alarm that warns that the Western Balkans must not be forgotten, which resulted in such a resolution that has been launched more than two years ago. Pecanin-Allison reminded that the US administration and Congress are aware that the situation in B&H and the situation between Serbia and Kosovo is rather delicate and problematic and that the US has to keep an eye on that region. She explained that the final adoption of the law requires greenlight in the US Senate and then to be signed by the US President, deeming that these two steps are likely to happen because the US does not want another burning problem or a third critical spot where their diplomatic intervention would be needed. According to Pecanin-Allison, the law stipulates sanctions not only for persons in B&H who obstruct the DPA and B&H’s progress but also for persons from abroad who pose risk to B&H’s stability in any way.

Nesic, Milicevic, Banjac condemn NATO for bombing FRY in 1999 (Glas Srpske)

On the occasion of the 5th anniversary since the NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, DNS leader Nenad Nesic stated that this date changed the world forever and the consequences can still be felt. He underlined that in 1999, Serbia and the Serb people found themselves facing the most brutal military action performed by the most powerful countries at the time. “They assaulted with all their might, wishing to break freedom and thousand-year long Serb statehood, which is most visible in Kosovo and Metohija, where the land touches the sky for Serbs”, said Nesic. He noted that the operation using depleted uranium ammunition and thousands of bombs was ironically named “Merciful Angel”. SDS leader Milan Milicevic stated that the NATO aggression against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia remains a symbol of deep injustice against innocent citizens and the Serb people as a whole. He underlined that this event reminds of the significance of struggle for justice and freedom. Milicevic said that the bombing campaign was not only an attack against a free and sovereign state, but also a brutal murder of thousands of innocent citizens, including 79 children. NPS leader Darko Banjac stated that the NATO bombing left deep wounds inflicted on the Serb people. He underlined that deaths of thousands of innocent people cannot be forgiven or forgotten. The daily reports that activists of the civic organization ‘Istocna alternative from Bartunac marked the anniversary of the bombing as well.

Dodik: Serbs and Russians are close to each other thanks to Orthodox faith, as well as preservation of their own identity (ATV/RTRS)

RS President Milorad Dodik said in the documentary ‘Belgrade’ filmed on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of NATO aggression against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia that “Serbs and Russians are close to each other thanks to the Orthodox faith, as well as the preservation of their own identity.” Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov said in the documentary ‘Belgrade’ that Russia tends to trust promises and delay decisions, but now its authorities do not trust any of its Western counterparts. “They bombed bridges, the television center, demolished government buildings. Resolution 1244 was adopted in the Security Council. From the first days of its unanimous adoption, the West sabotaged it on almost all key issues on which it was important for the Serbs to get a decision of the Security Council, especially the presence of a certain number of border guards and customs,” Lavrov was quoted as saying in the documentary ‘Belgrade’. RTRS carries that the documentary is directed by TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov. RS President Milorad Dodik gave a statement for the documentary. Among other things, Dodik said that religion and preservation of identity unite Russians and Serbs emphasizing that Serbs will always be on the Russian side and that the West cannot change this position. Dodik stated that Serbs and Russians are close to each other thanks to Orthodox religion and preservation of their own identity. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in the documentary that Serbia has always been spiritually close to Russia, and that Serbia has been Russia’s most reliable ally for centuries. “Russia remembers. We know this and we remember”, Putin emphasized. He argued that the West always takes advantage of every situation to serve its own interests and added that Russia should act accordingly. “Russia must act in the best interest of Russia”, said Putin.

Konakovic meets Croatian officials: Compromise and dialogue in B&H paid off, European narrative comes first (FTV)

B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konakovic paid a visit to Zagreb on Saturday. Konakovic held separate meetings with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Konakovic used this opportunity to thank Croatian officials for their help on B&H’s European path. The main topic of the meeting between Konakovic and Grlic Radman was the recent opening of B&H’s accession negotiations with the European Union. “The Croatian Government, led by Andrej Plenkovic, was the strongest proponent and advocated for such a positive decision. We cannot do without each other; we are bound to each other. We want B&H as a full member that will at one point enter the Schengen area,” Grlic Radman said. Grlic Radman stressed that Croatia will continue to support B&H on the European path, noting that B&H Election Law must soon come on the agenda of B&H’s European path. “It is clear that over time, all important political topics will and should be on the agenda, including the reform of the Election Law that will ensure the equality of the constituent peoples and the rights of all citizens, the issue of the Constitutional Court and other issues. Regardless of the potential challenges, the continuation of reform processes is necessary,” Grlic Radman underlined. Konakovic said that B&H has a defined European path. “We have the ticket, and we have entered that European train and it is up to us to continue solving the more difficult issues that have been standing in B&H for a long time on the basis of this enthusiasm. The Dayton Agreement brought us much-needed peace, but it also left us with a complex political scene in which whoever wants and whenever they want can block whatever they want,” Konakovic pointed out. Konakovic and Grlic Radman agreed that certain cantons in B&H, where Croats are majority, can legally declare a non-working day on the day of parliamentary elections in Croatia, 17 April. At the same time, Konakovic and Plenkovic agreed that the text of the conclusion of the European Council on the opening of accession negotiations with B&H is very favourable and satisfactory for B&H. Konakovic and Plenkovic also agreed that the reform processes that are in front of B&H must not be stopped. Konakovic stated: “For us in B&H, the most important message is that compromise and dialogue have paid off and that the fact that we are in a difficult political environment, with the interests of other geopolitical major powers towards B&H, managed to put the European narrative first.”

Plenkovic reminds of Croatia’s assistance to B&H, expresses support to Covic’s stances on Southern Interconnection (HMS)

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic gave an interview to HMS and commented on the green light of the EU Council for launching of the accession negotiations with B&H. Plenkovic assessed that this is a big success for B&H, all three constituent peoples and all citizens of B&H. Plenkovic congratulated Chair of the Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H Borjana Kristo as well as all members of B&H CoM and B&H parliament. “We also congratulate President of the Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) Dragan Covic for the consistent policy of political representatives of the Croat people in their constant aspiration to a faster European path of B&H,” Plenkovic said and assessed that the EU Council’s decision is a great encouragement for future reforms. Plenkovic argued that B&H is the most important of all countries for Croatia and added that Croatia wants to have good, open and friendly relations with B&H and take care of its constitutional obligation, i.e. the Croat people who live in &iH as an equal and constituent people. Plenkovic also said that “the visit of ‘team Europe’”, i.e. President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and himself, to B&H was of the crucial importance. Commenting on the fact that B&H still needs to fulfil many tasks, including the adoption of a law on courts and Election Law of B&H, Plenkovic said that it will be much easier to reach an agreement on the law on courts than on the Election Law and he added that solving of a legitimate representation of Croats in B&H Presidency is crucial. Plenkovic also commented the fact that a part of B&H’s public sees Croatia as a hostile country and he said that Croatia has done nothing wrong and he reminded of numerous projects in which Croatia helped B&H, adding that EUR 260 million was earmarked for assistance in various fields in the past eight years. As for the construction of the Southern Interconnection, Plenkovic said that Croatia’s goal is to become regional energy center and to enable distribution of natural gas to neighboring countries. “Most of all, we want to make it possible for B&H to stop being dependent on supply of Russia’s gas via Serbia,” Plenkovic said and he added that, regardless of what kind of a solution is reached in B&H, it will have to be a solution in which Croats will play the key role having in mind that the natural gas will be coming from Croatia to areas in which Croats live in B&H: “There is no dilemma about this and that is why we supported Dragan Covic.”

Milanovic: Accession negotiations with B&H should have started long ago (N1)

Croatian President and candidate for Croatian Prime Minister of “Rijeke Pravde” coalition Zoran Milanovic commented on Facebook about opening of the accession negotiations between the EU and B&H. Milanovic commended opening of the negotiations saying that B&H is a neighboring, friendly, and especially important, a country where members of the Croat people live, who were among the first ones to defend the homeland with people from Croatia. Milanovic further wrote that B&H could have started the negotiations with the EU long ago, if the Brussels democracy had been honest. He added by saying Brussels is not only at fault, arguing that the negotiations could have started a lot soon had Croatia has a government and a Prime Minister with political courage and wisdom. “However, Croatia had for Prime Minister – and will have for a short period of time – Andrej Plenkovic, a political coward and career opportunist”, who, according to Milanovic, did not dare to be at odds with the Brussels elite in order not to harm his career interests. In this context, Milanovic wrote that Plenkovic allowed second-rate spent politicians to behave as colonizers of B&H and impose rules and laws in B&H, which were always detrimental to Croats in B&H. The Croatian President further said he wants to make it clear to everyone in Brussels, so they are not taken aback in the future. “Croatia is a fully-fledged EU member and will start using its rights as all other sovereign states do. For starters, in several months, Croats in B&H will get back the stolen rights that belong to them. B&H must join the EU as a state in which Croats will be a constituent and equal people who will elect their representatives in bodies of authority, including the Presidency of B&H”, wrote Milanovic.

Plenkovic rejects Milanovic’s accusations (HRT1)

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic responded to accusations that came from Croatian President Zoran Milanovic on Friday. Milanovic accused Plenkovic of not wanting to fight for rights of Croats in B&H. Plenkovic said Milanovic acts destructively towards B&H and Croats in that country. He also accused Milanovic of causing harm to Croatia with his statements and acts. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Plenkovic said that during the four years when Milanovic was Croatian Prime Minister, he did not mention B&H very often. At that time, Milanovic supported Zeljko Komsic, Plenkovic reminded, and said that Milanovic supported something that was harmful for Croats and their rights in B&H. He is a complete political loser, and he does not have any influence or credibility, Plenkovic said. Plenkovic also stated that the decision of the EU Council to launch accession negotiations with B&H is a major step for B&H, but also for the EU. He said B&H has finally caught up with other countries of the Western Balkans that aspire to become part of the Union. Plenkovic noted that Croatia asked the European Commission on Thursday to start creating the negotiations framework, for this to be completed as soon as possible in order for screening and other procedures – which are part of the inter-governmental conference – to be initiated afterwards. He assessed this as a “major political success” under very challenging circumstances.

Rakocevic tells NATO partners: Montenegro needs both elections and pro-Western majority (CdM)

In a moment when the delegation of the parliament of Montenegro at the NATO PA gives full support to Ukraine in the defence of its country and the freedom of the Ukrainian people in a war started by the Russian Federation, representatives of the government in Montenegro are sending dangerous messages thus diverting from the Euro Atlantic course, a member of the Montenegrin delegation and the DPS MP Nikola Rakocevic said during his stay in Tallinn. “After damaging good neighbourly relations with B-H when the Russian agent Dodik visited the parliament speaker Andrija Mandic, the extreme part of the government now openly announces the change of state policy concerning Kosovo by announcing the vote against Kosovo’s entry to the Council of Europe,” Rakocevic told his interlocutors on the sidelines of the meeting of the Assembly’s governing body. He also stated that the latest moves of the pro-Russian parties in Montenegro best showed why the latest research of the Alliance saw a big drop in Montenegro citizens’ trust in the Alliance. “It’s necessary to organize the extraordinary parliamentary elections as soon as possible and form an undeniable pro-Western majority in order for the country to foster its credibility in the NATO Alliance and continue its path to the EU.”

DNP: We fully encourage Vukicevic to vote against Kosovo’s entry to the Council of Europe (CdM)

The Main Board of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) encouraged Maja Vukicevic, Head of the Montenegrin Delegation to the PACE, to vote against Kosovo’s entry to the Council of Europe. On the proposal of the Leader of the DNP, Milan Knezevic, the Main Board unanimously elected Maja Vukicevic and Milun Zogovic, as the party’s vice presidents, it was said in a statement. “At the session, the DNP fully supported Maja Vukicevic, Head of the Montenegrin Delegation to the PACE, to vote against Kosovo’s accession to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,” their statement says. The first session of the DNP Main Board started with a minute of silence for the victims of the Moscow terror attack.

Montenegro officials express deep regret for the innocent victims in Moscow (CdM)

The President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic made an announcement on the X social network regarding the terrorist attack in Moscow in which at least 115 people were killed. “I express deep regret for the innocent victims of Russian citizens in the terrorist attack in Moscow and express my condolences to their families,” wrote Milatovic. He wished the injured a quick and successful recovery. The President of the parliament of Montenegro Andrija Mandic sent his condolences to the President of the Russian Duma Vyacheslav Volodin and the President of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko on the occasion of the terrorist attack that took place in Moscow. “On the occasion of the brutal terrorist attack that took place in Moscow, I would like to express my sincere condolences to you personally and on behalf of the Parliament of Montenegro. Terrorism is a modern danger that has been threatening humanity for decades, and this threat deserves a decisive response from the whole world. We share in the mourning of the families of the deceased at this truly difficult time. May the innocent souls of those killed in this accident rest in peace, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Mandic concluded. We are horrified by the terrible attack on innocent people that happened in Moscow, announced the Bosniak Party. “This senseless, anti-civilizational and anti-human act is an act of the most shameful violence that does not and cannot have any justification,” said BS. BS says that they strongly condemn the attack, and their thoughts are with the families of the victims.

Presidential candidates allowed to hold one public event until beginning of campaign (MIA)

In accordance with the amendments of the Electoral Code and with the official confirmation of presidential candidacies by the State Election Commission, the candidates at the coming presidential elections are allowed to hold one promotional public event and are not allowed to spend funds from the dedicated election campaign account until the beginning of the campaign on 4 April. Article 69 of the Electoral Code states that the election campaign is understood as a public gathering and other public events organized by the election campaign participant, public display of posters, video presentations in public places, electoral media and internet presentation, dissemination of printed materials and public presentation of confirmed candidates and their programmes by the relevant election management bodies. Paragraph 2 of the Article states that the campaign begins 20 days before election day both in the first and the second round of elections, it cannot continue over the last 24 hours before election day and on election day. The candidates can file a complaint about a violation of the provisions from the Article, and the State Election Commission is required to look into the allegations and address the filed complaint in a period no longer than 72 hours from the date of the filing of the complaint. The party that files a complaint has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision at the Administrative Court within a timeframe of 48 hours since they received the decision. The Administrative Court is obliged to adopt a decision within 72 hours of the appeal. The State Election Commission at a session on Thursday unanimously confirmed the 2024 presidential bids submitted by Stevo Pendarovski (SDSM-led coalition), Stevcho Jakimovski (GROM), Maksim Dimitrievski (ZNAM), Arben Taravari (Worth It coalition), Biljana Vankovska (Levica), Bujar Osmani (DUI) and Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova (VMRO-DPMNE-led coalition).

25 years since the NATO started the airstrikes against former Yugoslavia, Begaj: They saved Kosova and stabilized the Balkans, Osmani: The hope began for us (Radio Tirana)

The 25th anniversary of the start of the NATO bombings against the Serbian militia to stop the genocide against the people of Kosova was commemorated with tributes at the Memorial of fallen NATO soldiers for the freedom of Kosovo. The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, together with accredited ambassadors of the allied countries paid their respects to the fallen soldiers. In commemoration of this day, Osmani said that 25 years ago the great hope for Kosovo began, where the genocide of Milosevic finally came to an end and the country gained its freedom. “March 24 was really a day of great hope because for the first time the alliances of the democratic world came together to prevent the extermination of the people of Kosova by the genocide of Milosevic and together with many, many partner countries we managed to finally make Kosova free and we will mark that day on June 12 this year the Liberation Day, since it is also a jubilee year, the 25th anniversary,” said Osmani. Even the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, remembered the 25th anniversary of the launch of the NATO operation to liberate Kosovo from the Serbian genocide. The Head of State expressed his thanks to the Alliance and the United States for this historic act for the Albanians and the Balkans region, while honoring the heroes of the KLA and the victims of the war in Kosovo. President Begaj praised the decision-making that ended the campaign of ethnic cleansing and Serbian genocide in Kosova, the further contribution from KFOR, and the vision of the Alliance for security, peace and stability in the Balkans. “Thank you, NATO! Thank you, USA! 25 years ago, on March 24, 1999, NATO intervened to end the Serbian genocide in Kosovo. Today we commemorate an event of historical importance for Kosova and all Albanians. The intervention of NATO, led by the US, made justice to the high cause of the people of Kosova and their efforts for freedom and independence. The political wisdom, strategic forethought and the determination of the Alliance not to remain indifferent to ethnic cleansing and violence not only saved Kosovo but created a new security framework for the entire region. Thanks to this intervention, within a short time the independence and creation of the Republic of Kosovo was made possible, a success story of democratic state building. The presence of NATO in Kosova through KFOR troops continues to play an important role in the security of peace and stability in our region. NATO’s historic act reminds us that we must not stop our efforts to create a region that radiates harmony, cooperation and prosperity. As we thank the invaluable help of the world’s most powerful Alliance and our strategic partner, the US, today we commemorate the sacrifices of the Albanian nation, the heroic struggle of the KLA and the victims of the war in Kosova. They built the pedestal where the just cause of the intervention in Kosovo was raised. Everlasting honor to the heroes of the nation,” writes Begaj on Facebook.

NATO’s intervention in Kosovo, decisive in undoing genocidal ambitions (Radio Tirana)

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, delivered a message on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the NATO air attack over former Yugoslavia. “Twenty-five years ago, NATO’s intervention was decisive in undoing Milosevic‘s genocidal ambitions against the Albanian population in Kosovo,” Hasani wrote on social networks. “Today, independent and sovereign Kosovo is evidence of the resistance of its people and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters. With determination, Kosovo has evolved into a functional democracy, which aims at full integration into the Euro-Atlantic family,” writes Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

EU membership, Begaj meeting with his Montenegrin counterpart (Radio Tirana)

The President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj held a working meeting with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic. According to the press release, the two presidents focused on the continuation of good neighborhood policies, the mutual support of projects aimed at the development of the two countries, and on the speeding up of the process of EU membership of the Western Balkans. President Begaj appreciated the conversation with his counterpart, for the importance of approaching positions regarding bilateral and regional issues in the context of changes that bring sustainable development to the region.