LOCAL PRESS

China and Serbia in the community of common future – what it refers to and what it stands for (RTS)

Relations between Serbia and China progressed from the level of strategic partnership to a common future in the new era. The concept of a community with a shared future for humanity was coined in Beijing, and Xi Jinping presented it to the world in 2013. Since then, it has gone through several stages and in practice is based on the “Belt and Road” Initiative. Belgrade is the first European city that has joined this kind of cooperation, though, as the Chinese president announced, six practical steps. Nevertheless, the idea has already been written into numerous documents, acts and resolutions of the United Nations, BRICS and other organizations.

The Presidents of Serbia and China, Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping, signed after the meeting of the two delegations the Joint Declaration, which moves the relations of the countries from the level of strategic partnership to the level of a common future. “We jointly announced that we will build a community between China and Serbia with a shared future in a new era, which will open a new chapter in the history of Chinese-Serbian relations. Serbia is the first European country where we will build a community with a shared future,” Xi said after the exchange of the signed interstate agreements. The President of Serbia pointed out that this is the highest form of cooperation between the two countries and that he is proud to have been able to sign such a Joint Statement.

Xi’s diplomatic mission

Although it does not denote a specific initiative, the concept of a common future for humanity is a type of partnership that emerged from international relations. Dr. Aleksandar Mitic, research associate at the Center for “Belt and Road” Studies at the Institute for International Politics and Economy, explains to RTS that the concept reflects Xi’s diplomatic mission. “It is his vision of the world that is not based on the dominance of one country or a group of countries but is based on respect for the United Nations Charter and multilateralism. All his initiatives, from the ‘Belt and Road’, are aligned with this concept,” says Mitic. He emphasizes that for the relations between Serbia and China, the common future can be reflected in the strengthening of four solid stones, as he says, the so-called steel friendship. “It is political cooperation based on respect for international law. Then, economic cooperation that has been improved since 2016 and Xi’s first visit. Also, strengthening in the field of the common culture of memory related to the NATO bombing and a common view of the directions in which the world is moving “, the interlocutor enumerates. Mitic concludes that the common future is an upgrade of everything that the two countries have previously worked out, and in a practical sense it will refer to improvement in the economy, tourism, culture and scientific and technical cooperation.

Made in China

Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the term shared future in the international community in March 2013, during a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Xi Jinping after a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations during which he presented the idea of a common future for humanity to the world. He then emphasized that the most important goals of the common future for humanity are permanent peace through dialogue and consultation, but also common security and progress based on universal cooperation. The concept includes exchanges of scientific achievements and students, as well as prosperity in the field of environmental protection. For domestic purposes, the idea was previously used during Hui Jintao’s presidency, but Xi is its biggest advocate and deserves international recognition.

The vision of a common future was then written into the statute of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese constitution. In the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, building a human community with a common future is described as the “way forward” for all peoples of the world. “Only when all countries strive for the goal of the common good, live in harmony and participate in cooperation for mutual benefit, will there be sustainable prosperity and guaranteed security,” the report says.

From theory to practice

A decade later, certain aspects of the concept of a global community based on a common future became concrete actions through various multilateral agreements based, first of all, on the “Belt and Road” Initiative, which Serbia joined in 2017. “When the world advances, China advances, and when China advances, the world becomes a better place to live. We are ready to work together with all sides. China’s development benefits the world, and China cannot develop in isolation from the world,” Xi said on the ten-year anniversary of promoting the concept during a speech at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Global initiatives for development, security and civilization have been achieved, and over the past decade, more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations have signed cooperation documents with China that align with the mission of a community of shared future. The concept is also included in the documents of multilateral mechanisms, such as the resolution of the United Nations Assembly, the acts of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, and in 2022 the Sino-Arab community with a common future for a new era was formed. An international consensus has been reached, especially in developing countries, and Pakistan is the first country in the world to join this kind of partnership through bilateral cooperation.

Sanja Arezina from the Institute for Political Studies predicts the progress of China-Serbia relations using this example. “China and Pakistan have the highest possible level of all relations – economic, trade and scientific – which should lead the two countries to prosperity,” said Arezina for RTS, stressing that Serbia will strive to build a similar type of partnership. “It should represent the joint work of the two countries in different domains through bilateral and multilateral agreements,” points out Arezina.

Free trade – the first step in the joint future of Serbia and China

In his speech in Belgrade, the Chinese president pointed out that in order to build a community with a common future, there are a total of six practical steps, and that the first on that path is the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement, which will enter into force on July 1. “It is a de facto step in the right direction in order to reduce the export trade deficit that Serbia has in cooperation with China,” Dr. Katarina Zakic, head of the Center for Belt and Road Studies at the Institute for International Politics and Economy, told RTS. “This agreement is good because we will enable and improve the export of Serbian goods to the Chinese market, as well as those products that are not originally Serbian, but belong to multinational companies that work in Serbia and could export to the Chinese market,” stressed Zakic, while the two presidents have already announced that prunes and blueberries from Serbia will be on the Chinese market. The interlocutor points out that this created an opportunity for European companies that would like to improve cooperation with China to find a way out of high customs duties and other obstacles. “And there is also a chance to further attract Chinese investors to the Serbian market, because this is also a positive influence for them and a chance to take advantage of the other free trade agreements that Serbia has with the European Union and Russia,” says Zakic.

Support for Expo and scientific research cooperation

Xi also emphasized that practical steps and Chinese support for Serbia in organizing the Expo in 2027, followed by the import of more quality Serbian products, as well as cooperation in the scientific and research field, which includes the stay of 50 young scientists from Serbia in China.

Support for Expo and scientific research cooperation

Xi also emphasized that practical steps and Chinese support for Serbia in organizing the Expo in 2027, followed by the import of more quality Serbian products, as well as cooperation in the scientific and research field, which includes the stay of 50 young scientists from Serbia in China. Also, the Chinese president pointed out that he will invite 300 young people from Serbia to study in China, and that one of the steps will be the further opening of direct flights from Serbia to Chinese cities.

A common future in Europe, for the first time

For now, it is unclear how the EU will react to the new type of cooperation between China and Serbia. The outgoing American envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, stated before Xi’s European tour that the arrival of the Chinese president in France, Serbia and Hungary aims to drive a wedge between European countries. Aleksandar Mitic from the Institute for International Politics and Economy points out that the level of the joint future of Serbia and China is not the creation of an alliance against anyone, including the EU and NATO. “It is respect for the specific position of Serbia as a militarily neutral and politically independent country, which does not want to introduce restrictive measures, i.e., sanctions. It is also a fight against the policy of double standards and one order,” emphasizes the RTS interlocutor.

Escobar: Xi Jinping’s visit increases tension between Serbia, West (Beta)

The outgoing U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia, Gabriel Escobar, stated on May 8 that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Belgrade increased tension between Serbia and the western community. During an online news conference, asked about Xi’s

visit to Belgrade on the date of NATO’s bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade 25 years ago, Escobar said that it was “unhealthy” to raise tension between Serbia and the western community and called on the partners “to be cautious regarding the Chinese agenda in Europe.” “The U.S. has said that the bombing of the Chinese Embassy was a mistake. We have apologized, and I believe we have paid compensation to the families. I believe that the moment selected for the visit was unfortunate, but deliberate,” Escobar stated. Escobar, who is also the U.S. special representative for the Western Balkans, also said that reconciliation, the rule of law and good neighborly relations were necessary for Serbia’s integration with the trans-Atlantic community. “We have stated clearly that Serbia is welcome in the trans-Atlantic community, but there are conditions – reconciliation, rule of law and good, peaceful relations with all the neighbors are part of it,” Escobar said.

Escobar: I’m leaving at the end of the month, dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is the key to European integration (RTS)

By the end of the month, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Gabriel Escobar, is leaving the position from which he led key political processes in the Balkans, including the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, for the past three years. The name of the successor is unknown, claims that he has been replaced are false, Escobar said. He warned against attempts to influence China and Russia. After three years, I will finish my mandate, which as a rule lasts two years, but, hoping that we will achieve significant progress in the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, I asked to be extended for another year, Gabriel Escobar said. “Unfortunately, I ran out of time,” said Escobar, at a press briefing, dismissing speculation that he was removed from the position of key negotiator in the Balkan political processes, stating that all the details of his engagement are easy to verify. “Everything in those articles is a lie. Number one – the State Department did not fire me and number two – my wife did not receive money from any foreign government,” said the American diplomat. At the same time, Escobar stated that it is not yet known who will replace him in the position of US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, but that the State Department will continue to support the European integration of all Western Balkan countries.

Speaking about the problems in the process of fulfilling the provisions of the Ohrid Agreement, Escobar stated the key obligations of the two parties – Belgrade is expected not to interfere with the admission of Kosovo and Metohija to international institutions, while Pristina is required to form the Union of Serbian Municipalities (ZSO). “None of the parties have fulfilled their obligations. We expect them to build predictable, normal and peaceful relations,” said Escobar, pointing out that several EU members are concerned about the fact that the authorities in Pristina have not formed the Union of Serbian Municipalities, which calls into question the membership of the Council of Europe.

O’Brien: Significant conversations with Escobar and Lajcak

US Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien spoke with the US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, and the EU Special Representative for Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak. “Important talks with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar and the EU’s special representative for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Miroslav Lajcak. We coordinated strategies for the advancement of Kosovo and Serbia in the dialogue led by the EU. The US strongly supports dialogue as a path to peaceful, productive relations.” O’Brien posted on X. On Tuesday, Lajcak arrived in the USA, where he met with the US special envoy for the Western Balkans, and he rated the meeting as “very productive”.

Escobar’s farewell press conference coincided with the statement of Albin Kurti, who, claiming that he has no problems with Western countries but with individual diplomats, once again rejected the possibility of forming the ZSO. “Such an attitude will only lead to further postponement of the vote… Diplomats represent the messengers of the capitals. I would encourage him to fulfill the obligations that he will definitely have to fulfill,” said Escobar.

Commenting on the two-day talks between the European mediator in the dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, and the Deputy Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Jim O’Brien, in Washington, Escobar stated that the USA strongly supports the course of the process, which the Slovak diplomat skillfully led in the past period. Among the key topics from the meetings, he mentioned the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, the dinar issue in Kosovo and Metohija, and stated that solving these problems would have quite clear positive results, such as a donor conference for both sides, closing Chapter 35, which would speed up Serbia’s European integration and bring additional investments.

Lajcak: With O’Brien and Escobar on dialogue and other regional issues

The EU’s special envoy for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Miroslav Lajcak, spoke in Washington with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Jim O’Brien and US special envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, about the dialogue and other regional issues in the Western Balkans. “It was a pleasure to meet today with Jim O’Brien and Deputy Assistant (US) Secretary of State Escobar in Washington to discuss the way forward in dialogue and other regional issues in the Western Balkans. We reaffirmed our excellent EU-US cooperation,” Lajcak stated on the X social network.

“Russia is not the cause of the problems in the Western Balkans, but it is trying to take advantage of problems that have existed for 25 years. By solving the problems, we will close the door to Russian attempts to take advantage of the situation,” said Escobar. As for Serbia, we clearly said that it is welcome in the family of Euro-Atlantic countries, but also that there are conditions, which largely relate to reconciliation, the rule of law and good relations with neighbors.

Wreaths laid in the Memorial Park to the Liberators of Belgrade; Hill: The chapter in Serbian-Ukrainian relations is being written in a positive way (RTS)

The ambassadors of Ukraine, the USA, Italy, Canada, Poland, Norway and Slovenia, as well as representatives of the embassies of Germany, France and the Netherlands, laid wreaths in the Memorial Park to the liberators of Belgrade in commemoration of the Victory Day in the Second World War, but also the Day of Remembrance and reconciliation, which is celebrated today in Ukraine. American Ambassador Christopher Hill, recalling the great sacrifice of the Serbian people in the Second World War, as well as the help of Ukrainian soldiers in liberating Belgrade, emphasized that he believes that precisely that part of history created a kind of modern chapter for Serbian-Ukrainian relations, a chapter that continued to be written in a very positive way as we go through very difficult times in the world. Hill said he thinks we all understand that this is a moment in history where everyone must say that we will not allow this kind of aggression against Ukraine and that we will all participate and do everything we can to help Ukraine. “In these fateful moments, we are all Ukrainians,” said Hill, who expressed his gratitude to the people of Ukraine for the sacrifice he made together with other members of the alliance in World War II, so that years of peace would be ahead of us.

He reminded that today everyone gathered to mark an important commemoration, the day of the end of the Second World War. “It was perhaps the biggest war in the world, certainly the cruelest war in the world. For Serbia, it was a particularly brutal and difficult war. The Serbs had to mourn the people they lost and rebuild their country, which they are still doing today with great success Hill said, He reminded that in 1944, the Ukrainian front of the Soviet Army participated or led together with the Serbian forces in the First Corps, the liberation of Belgrade. As he says, it was also a very monumental event for Serbia and marked the beginning of the end of fascism in Serbia. “Of course, there followed many more months of warfare on the Srem front and elsewhere, a very long and difficult time especially for the Serbs, but a time that finally culminated in their complete liberation, moving through the plain and eventually participating in the liberation of Belgrade,” the ambassador reminded. Hill emphasized that he thinks it was that part of World War II history that created a kind of modern chapter for Serbian-Ukrainian relations, a chapter that has continued to be written in a very positive way as we go through very difficult times in the world.

Ambassador of Ukraine Volodymyr Tolkach thanked the representatives of the diplomatic corps with whom he paid tribute to the victims of the Second World War today, reminding them that Ukraine lost more than 8,000,000 citizens in that war alone, who also died on the banks of the Dnieper, Volga, Oder, Sava, and Danube rivers. Tolkach reminded that then we all endured the threat of war together and united against a very big enemy for our world. “Victory in 1945 gave us a good lesson on how to be and how to unite, what we can do to never start a war again,” Tolkach said and recalled the message and the world’s wish at the time that nothing like this should ever happen again. not to lose the lives of our family members, our defenders, our children. He emphasized that Ukraine appreciates all the countries and friends with whom it can remember all those victims on the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation. “Unfortunately, for the last three years we have been celebrating this day under the complete occupation of the Russian Federation. We have lost our lives, our defenders, and we live under the crimes of the Russian army and Russian political leaders,” Tolkach pointed out and reminded that Ukraine, an independent, sovereign country, was brutally attacked and a victim of the aggression of its neighbor, the Russian Federation. “We would like to do everything so that this day never happens again in the future. We would like to live in a united Europe, in a united world with all our allies, with all our friends in peace and prosperity,” said Tolkach, who thanked all to the diplomats who responded to his call to mark the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, but also to the support they have provided to Ukraine for the past three years. “Thank you for trying to help us defend our country, our free choice to live in freedom and democracy,” Tolkach said after a minute of silence for all victims of World War II.

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dodik attends lunch in Belgrade with Chinese delegation: This is big diplomatic success of Serbia (RTRS)

Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik attended in Belgrade on Wednesday afternoon the lunch between Serbian and Chinese officials. On this occasion, Dodik stated for RTRS that this was another chance for additional strengthening of relations between China and the RS. During the lunch, officials also discussed projects that Chinese companies implement in the RS. According to Dodik, arrival of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Belgrade is a big diplomatic success of Serbia. Dodik assessed that the most important message of the visit is the one that the Serb people and Serbia can count on the Chinese support in international organizations. Dodik stated that thus, it is expected that China – as a permanent member of the UN – will be against the resolution on Srebrenica in the UN General Assembly. In his opinion, “the policy of China is the policy of reason”. Dodik added: “However, the US, the UK and Germany still act in a hegemony way although they no longer have this position. China, with its strategic power, does not impose itself as a hegemon but as a partner.” Dodik emphasized that Xi Jinping is one of the most important and influential people in the world and that they could hear from him today (Wednesday) that the Chinese and Serb peoples will be partners in a common future. Dodik noted that China has a great friendship with Serbia and provides great support to the Serb people. “We in Srpska implement many projects with China worth EUR 1.8 billion, such as the construction of highways, hydroelectric power stations, the hospital in Doboj, the Buk-Bijela hydropower plant, and others. We do this in our best interest, and China also has understanding for such affairs,” said Dodik.

B&H CEC announces local elections for all cities and municipalities in B&H (BHT1)

At its session held on Wednesday, the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) passed a decision to call local elections 2024 in B&H. According to decision of the B&H CEC, the elections will be held on October 6. Reporter noted that this decision was passed on the ground of the Election Law of B&H that was amended by High Representative Christian Schmidt on March 26, adding that amendments imposed by Schmidt bring some changes to the election process. Namely, political subjects and candidates will submit exclusively electronic application for participation in elections. Also, a new regulation bans any type of early campaign for elections and enables the B&H CEC to sanction political subjects for spreading of misinformation about the election process. It also bans sentenced war criminals from being candidates in elections. President of the B&H CEC Irena Hadziabdic said that this stipulation refers to war crime verdicts of all international courts and courts in B&H.

Reporter noted that total expenses of organization and implementation of local elections 2024 will amount to some BAM 19 million. BAM seven million has already been approved for activities of the B&H CEC. Cities and municipalities will allocate additional BAM seven million, and remaining BAM four million will be requested from the B&H Ministry of Finance. Around 3.406,000 voters are registered in the Central List of Voters. Member of the B&H CEC Zeljko Bakalar explained that a method of passive registration of voters is applied in B&H, adding that it means all B&H citizens of age and with place of residence in B&H are included in the Central List of Voters. Reporter commented that regardless of announcements of politicians from Republika Srpska (RS) that they will not implement elections in line with amendments imposed by Schmidt and despite of RS President Milorad Dodik’s appeal to Serb members of to withdraw from the election process, members of the B&H CEC claim that there will be no problems with filling in municipal and city election commissions. They explained that elections were called in line with law that is in force, adding that regardless of announcements on adoption of new laws, the current one should be ground for implementation of the entire election process. Member of the B&H CEC Vanja Bjelica Prutina said that the B&H CEC is not authorized to assess constitutionality of certain laws, adding that it is job of the B&H Constitutional Court.

The Office of High Representative (OHR) commented the decision of the B&H CEC and stated that elections are foundation of functioning democracy. They added that on October 6 citizens of B&H will be able to vote in free and fair elections, as the integrity of elections process was improved in line with international democratic standards. The OHR stressed that choice of citizens will be respected, adding that political representatives have to implement the will of the people, the only sovereign in a democratic society.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Head of the OSCE Mission to B&H Brian Aggeler underlined the importance of implementation of the election process in B&H in line with the highest possible levels of transparency and protection of basic human rights of all citizens. Aggeler stated that organization and implementation of the elections is a complicated and a sensitive process that demands a high level of professionality and integrity not just by the B&H CEC but also by political parties, the civil society, judiciary, police and media. He added that the OSCE Mission monitored and analyzed media in elections which pointed out to the need for a comprehensive and significant improvements at all levels.

Stevandic claims that parties from RS ruling coalition will discuss B&H CEC’s decision to call 2024 local elections (AJB)

Republika Srpska (RS) National Assembly (RSNA) Speaker Nenad Stevandic stated in Banja Luka on Wednesday that the political parties, which make the majority in the RS, will discuss a decision of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) about holding of local elections in B&H. He added: “Since the RS election law has not come into force yet, we shall discuss the CEC decision in a coalition of political parties, which make the ruling majority.” Asked if the local elections in the RS will be held in line with the RS election law that was adopted in the RSNA, Deputy Chair of the B&H CoM Stasa Kosarac said: “Yes, they will.” Kosarac said that it is becoming obvious that “there is an intention to pave the path for the election process based on stances of (High Representative Christian) Schmidt” and he argued that there are attempts to prevent reaching of a domestic agreement in any possible way. Kosarac added that the RS has the sovereignty to independently carry out elections. Kosarac reminded that the Bosniak Caucus blocked the work of the House of Peoples (HoP) of B&H, and he claimed that this was done deliberately to prevent the adoption of the electoral reform.

SDS leader Milicevic: SDS will respect rules and decisions of CEC; Comments of other RS political parties (Nova BH)

Nova BH reported that local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) were announced in accordance with the amendments to the B&H Election Law brought by High Representative Christian Schmidt. Representatives of PDP did not specifically answer the question of which law they will act on, but they said that they will monitor the development of the situation. Representative of PDP Mirna Savic-Banjac said that it will be interesting to see what will happen next. “But unfortunately, I think that there will not be any positive changes for the citizens and for the election process itself as far as transparency is concerned,” Savic-Banjac underlined.

SDS said that it will apply for participation in the local elections according to the valid rules of the B&H Election Law. SDS leader Milan Milicevic confirmed that SDS will participate in the local elections in accordance with the valid B&H Election Law “because anything else would be counterproductive.” Representatives of the BiH Central Election Commission (CEC) warned that if it enters into force, the RS Election Law could complicate things on the field. Experts, on the other hand, pointed out that the law is clear – the entities can have their own election laws and election commissions, but under clear conditions. Representative of the Coalition ‘Pod Lupom’ Vehid Sehic emphasized that entity election laws must absolutely be in compliance with the B&H Election Law and that the competences of election commissions are determined by the BiH CEC. Milicevic told Al Jazeera that SDS will respect the rules and decisions of CEC, even though they do not support the technical changes to the B&H Election Law imposed by Schmidt. Milicevic added that they will respect Schmidt’s law since it is the only Election Law that is enforced.

PDP’s Slavisa Markovic stated that once SNSD-led ruling coalition registers to participate in the local elections in line with changes imposed by Schmidt, all masks will fall off and this coalition will admit another one of its frauds. Markovic claims that the ruling coalition will probably try to explain how it is sacrificing itself for the RS, but it is actually sacrificing the RS and the adoption of the RS Election Law will prove to be another show for the public, as well as another act of devastation of the RSNA as an institution. SP announced that they will carefully consider the situation, but they do not reject any option.

Croatia

Croatian Democratic Union and Homeland Movement agree on a government (HRT)

Three weeks after the election, at a meeting of the negotiating teams of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and the Homeland Movement (DP), an agreement was reached regarding the composition of the new parliamentary majority and the structure of the future Government. The party bodies must first provide their opinions and then the public will be informed about all the details. The president of the HDZ and the Technical Government, Andrej Plenkovic, confirmed on Wednesday that in negotiations with the Homeland Movement (DP), they agreed that three departments should belong to that party, including demography, which is why a new ministry is being established. “We had another round of talks between HDZ and DP. We agreed on a partnership in the context of creating a new parliamentary majority and collecting signatures for me as a representative for the third time for the third term at the head of the Government,” he said. “We reached an agreement on the structure of the next Government. We agreed that three departments belong to DP,” he said.

“The new ministry that will be established on the basis of today’s central state office for demography will be the Ministry of Demography,” said the Prime Minister, adding that for several years they have been saying that demography and demographic revitalization are a key issue for the survival of the entire nation. “That is why we are one of the first at the EU level to introduce a Ministry of Demography. As the Government, we proposed to Parliament the adoption of the demographic revitalization strategy. It is the first department,” he said.

DP at the head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Demography and the new ministry that will be created by the reduction of the Ministry of Economy. “The second is the Ministry of Agriculture, given that the DP is mostly based in Slavonia. They showed special interest in that ministry,” he continued. “The third is that the currently very large Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development is split in half and half of that future new ministry is taken over by a DP candidate,” he added. “We didn’t talk about names; today and tomorrow we are collecting signatures”. Plenkovic emphasized that names have not yet been discussed, but that agreements in principle have been reached. “We didn’t talk about names. What we have agreed in principle is that the member of the Government, who is responsible for demography, will also be the Deputy Prime Minister for the interdepartmental coordination of these issues, because it is not the job of one department,” he said.

“This government will have more ministries than now. The government will have more members than before,” he said. As he emphasized, now follows the definition of the jurisdiction of the department and further consultations with other partners and representatives of national minorities. “Today and tomorrow, we will start collecting signatures,” he added.

Regarding raising the salaries of the ministers, he said that it is not just a proposal by Marijo Radić, but they had it in their plans before. “The election losers ran a post-election campaign where they attacked us and all those who wanted to be with us, but now they will deal with themselves, and we will deal with what we have been up to now,” he said. “The people had their say on April 17, we won for the third time in a row, and we are moving on,” he asserted.

Montenegro

State Department had access to, but does not mediate in connection with Montenegro’s amendments to Resolution on Srebrenica (RFE)

The State Department has denied to Radio Free Europe (RFE) that the United States is mediating the submission of two amendments by the Government of Montenegro to the text of the Resolution on Srebrenica, which was published on 5 May 5 the RTCG portal. “The State Department has seen an unofficial draft of Montenegro’s proposed amendments, but we do not mediate in them. Germany and Rwanda are the proponents of the Resolution and can answer further questions regarding its status”, the State Department spokesman has told RFE. The text of the Resolution, which declares 11 July as the International Day of Remembrance of the Genocide in Srebrenica, will be discussed at the United Nations General Assembly in May. Citing unofficial sources from the Government, the RTCG portal posted on 5 May that the United States would mediate during the submission of two Government amendments to the text of the Resolution.

The first amendment states that guilt for genocide is individual and cannot be attributed to any ethnic, religious or other community as a whole, while the second refers to the inviolability of the Dayton Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). As reported by RTCG, these Government proposals prevent potential manipulation to the detriment of Serbia and the Serbian people in terms of legal and political repercussions and prevent the narrative and intention to declare a nation genocidal. In addition, the existence of Republika Srpska (RS) as part of B&H is additionally affirmed.

Escobar: I believe that Montenegro will be the next member of the EU, it does not need a mediator, it is a respected member of the UN, and its voice can be heard (CDM)

The envoy of the United States of America for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, announced that he believes that Montenegro will be the next member of the EU. He pointed out that he is familiar with Montenegro’s amendments to the Resolution on Srebrenica, that they have seen them, but that Montenegro is working directly with the proponents of the resolution. Escobar said that Montenegro does not need a mediator, that it is a respected member of the UN and that its voice can be heard. At an online briefing with journalists, Escobar said that several countries of the Western Balkans are firmly on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration. “Especially those NATO members, Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro, which are fully engaged in the entire process of joining the European Union”, said Eskobar.

When asked if he was aware of Montenegro’s amendments to the Resolution on Srebrenica, he replied that they had seen the amendments, but that Montenegro was working directly with the proponents of the resolution. He emphasized that there should not be any division in Europe about this and that the genocide in Srebrenica is a fact and the resolution simply reminds people that it is a historical fact. “And at a time when you see the rise of genocide denial in the region and the glorification of war criminals, the co-sponsors believe that this was an important moment to strengthen the commemoration of this historic event and provide some resources for education. So, it really shouldn’t be a challenge because it doesn’t single out any country, any ethnicity, or anyone but criminals. Regarding the amendments, Montenegro is a full and respected member of the United Nations and I know that we informally saw the amendments proposed by them, but they work directly with the co-drafters of the resolution and that is the correct way. “Montenegro does not need a mediator, it is a respected member of the UN, and its voice can be heard”, said Escobar.

He announced that he was leaving his post, and that he had reached the end of his three-year mandate. “This job is actually two years, but I asked to stay for an additional year because then I really believed that by the end of this year we would have more progress in relation to the Ohrid Agreement, that we would have full implementation of some of the demands of Serbia and the Union of Serbian Municipalities (ZSO), and that we could bring Kosovo closer to European integration through the Partnership for Peace and candidacy for the European Union”, he explained. He added that he still hopes that this can be achieved through the full implementation of this normalization agreement, but that he has run out of time. He announced that several member countries of the Council of Europe requested that Kosovo establish a ZSO. He emphasized that the issue of ZSO and some issues related to the Serbian minority, which have not been met, are constant demands. “This is what fuels the concern that Kosovo may not have the votes for SE”, he said.

Commenting on the claims of the Frontliner portal that he was dismissed from his position, Escobar stated that the published information was incorrect. When asked by journalists about Serbia’s close ties with Russia, Escobar said that it would be wrong to see Russia as the cause of problems in the region. “Russia is using the problems in the Western Balkans to expand its influence,” said Escobar, stating that Russia’s influence could be curbed by solving the problems that have plagued the region for years. According to him, Serbia is welcome in the Euro-Atlantic family, but there are clear conditions for that. As Escobar said, reconciliation, rule of law and good relations with neighbors are some of the conditions. Commenting on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), he pointed to the new generation of politicians in that country, stating that they want to lead B&H into the Euro-Atlantic community.

Tumultuous in Parliament (CDM)

It was stormy in the Parliament of Montenegro yesterday. There was a bitter polemic between the heads of DPS and PES parliamentary caucuses, Andrija Nikolic and Vasilije Carapic, respectively, over the amendments to the Resolution on Srebrenica. The State Department announced that they were not mediators in those amendments, so Nikolic called on Carapic to announce, “why PES lied to the public”. Carapic claimed that PES had not deceived the citizens. Before that, DPS MP Aleksandra Vukovic Kuc called on the PES MP Jelena Nedovic to apologize to the citizens for, as she said, the misinformation they presented regarding the amendments to the Resolution on Srebrenica. Nedovic said: “Let’s wait a few days and see what happens.”

North Macedonia

Siljanovska-Davkova says will be president of all citizens (MIA)

I will be a president of all citizens – all ethnic groups, all party and non-party members – because a president cannot search for unity if holding partisan lines, said VMRO-DPMNE presidential candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova late on Wednesday. “The things I promised during the election campaign – people’s offices, Parliament addresses, members of the Judicial Council, Constitutional Court and Security Council – everything will be done on the basis of professionalism and competences, and I will not forget about diversity,” said Siljanovska-Davkova. We have to put an end to balkanization and help each other, she said and added that her road passes through the Balkans first, “whereas Brussels is indispensable”. Preliminary results of the presidential runoff that the State Election Commission (SEC) is releasing at its website show that VMRO-DPMNE candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova is leading with 361,279 votes or 64.3 percent, while SDSM-backed Stevo Pendarovski has garnered 166,120 votes or 29.57 percent, with about 70 percent of ballots counted.

Kovachevski: Disappointing result, SDSM suffered heavy blow (MIA)

Today’s result is disappointing, SDSM suffered a heavy blow, SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski said at a press conference Wednesday after the results from the double elections in North Macedonia. Kovachevski announced a process for the party’s consolidation and recovery, as well as new elections for the party’s leadership. Kovachevski assessed Wednesday’s double elections as free and fair, organized in line with European standards, which, he said, “is a huge step forward as a result of the media freedom, peace and stability that we created”. He congratulated VMRO-DPMNE, its leader Hristijan Mickoski, as well as Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova on their victories. The SDSM leader also congratulated the citizens and SDSM’s membership, which, he said, despite results in the first round, turned out to vote and helped fulfil the turnout threshold for the election of president.

“Today’s result is disappointing. SDSM suffered a heavy blow inflicted not only by the citizens, but also by the party’s supporters and sympathizers. In the coming period, we will analyze the results in detail. In the coming months, we will need to be more serious and thorough to find the source and reasons for this devastating outcome,” Kovachevski said. The SDSM leader said he wouldn’t like to rush to conclusions and say who is responsible, but he underlined that both he and the party’s leadership, as well as all elected officials on a local and central level, are responsible.  “Realistically, no one is without any responsibility, and we will have to go through this process together. SDSM will need to look inwards, reflect on what we’ve done and what the results are and identify what our weaknesses were in the past 4 years, and maybe in the past seven years. And most importantly, we will have to identify what it is that we need to do in order to recover and restore the trust of the citizens which we have lost,” Kovachevski said.

He announced a process for the consolidation and recovery of the party and elections for all party bodies, beginning from the leader of the party.  “I don’t doubt that many citizens are feeling fear tonight, fear due to the excessive power held by the party that is known for abusing its power. SDSM and its coalition should and must be a strong, responsible and statesmanlike opposition,” Kovachevski said.  The SDSM leader said the coming year represents a chance for the country to continue its Euro-integration and stressed that if that chance is missed, the country could lose one more decade, “perhaps even one more generation,” he said.  “SDSM will act responsibly, but the ball is now in the court of the new government led by Hristijan Mickoski,” Kovachevski said, warning of the consequences of potential attempts to block the path to Europe and stressing that the country belongs in NATO and the EU.

Ahmeti: European Front – second largest political force in the country (MIA)

DUI leader Ali Ahmeti at a press conference late on Wednesday said the “European Front” coalition is now the second largest political force in North Macedonia. “The citizens gave us the legitimacy, the majority of Albanians and smaller communities such as the Turks, Bosniaks and Roma, who I thank. This is the first step of the European Front’s long path to full-fledged EU membership,” Ahmeti said. According to Ahmeti, today more than ever the country needs stability, peace, zero problems with the neighbors, rule of law, and an official beginning of EU negotiations. “We remain a strong front of missionaries until the realization of the final goal for EU membership,” Ahmeti said.

Albania

Rama: Western Balkan countries need to build many things from scratch (Radio Tirana)

Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, participated in the ceremony of the awarding of the “Karlspreis Europia Forum” Prize for the year 2024, where the irreversible perspective of the Western Balkans was discussed in relation to European integration. In his speech, Prime Minister Rama emphasized that Albania was unique due to the absence of a communist party after the fall of the regime. He also mentioned the need to build new structures for integration into the European Union for the Western Balkan countries.

The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to EU integration as a priority and highlighted the challenges of this process. He stressed that, although challenging, all tasks must be fulfilled with dedication. While he appreciates the EU as an important source for building institutions, he stated that one thing is certain that even if the EU did not exist as a Union, Albania would be part of it. He honored Angela Merkel for her engagement in regional cooperation, highlighting the increase in dialogue and the new growth plan for the Western Balkans. Rama said that Merkel was the only one who brought together for the first time the 6 leaders of the Western Balkans, not to kill each other, but to work for a common future.

Rama Surprised by Greek opposition: My visit to Greece has no connection to Greek politics or to the European Parliament elections in that country (Radio Tirana)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama clarified on Wednesday that his visit to Athens this Sunday (May 12) has no connection to Greece’s internal issues, nor to the European Parliament elections in Greece, or any specific narrative that might pique the interest of Greek politicians. Rama, through a post on social networks, writes that he finds it quite surprising to hear statements from the Greek opposition, while emphasizing that he “fully understands the perspective conveyed by the Greek Prime Minister”.

“The strong contrast in views on the same issue sheds light on the reason why some are in opposition, while others are entrusted with governance by the people. However, as rightly emphasized by Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Greece remains a democratic country where leaders from other democratic countries can visit, meet with their compatriots, and praise them for their tireless work and valuable contributions they make not only to the country they live in, but also to their homeland,” writes Rama. According to him, the visit to Athens on May 12 is not related to Greece’s internal political issues or the European Parliament elections in Greece. Rama emphasizes that anything not on the agenda of the Albanian government cannot pique the interest of Greek politicians. “This visit is part of a series of planned visits to several European countries, including Athens, to engage with Albanians living abroad and to share Albania’s pride for them and Vision Albania 2030. This has to do with my visit to our friendly neighbor Greece. The rest is just background noise,” writes Rama.

“Beleri” issue/ EU: Bilateral disagreements should not delay the accession process (Radio Tirana)

The European Commission seeks to ensure that the “Beleri” issue does not delay Albania’s EU accession process. EC spokesperson Ana Pisonero stated that bilateral disagreements between Albania and Greece over the “Beleri” case are strictly bilateral matters that should not concern the EU. “The Commission does not comment on pending legal issues, but is following this case,” said Pisonero. Greece argues that the Beleri case should be seen as a European concern rather than a bilateral issue, as it represents a concern for the rule of law in a country aspiring to join the EU. Meanwhile, for Albania, this issue belongs solely to independent judiciary. The “Beleri” issue has caused tensions between Albania and Greece, where the Albanian judiciary sentenced him to 2 years in prison for vote rigging two days before local elections, in which he was elected mayor of Himara, while Athens officially considers him a victim of politically motivated charges.