LOCAL PRESS
Ban, Nikolic: Destruction of Serbian heritage would be crime (Tanjug/RTS)
Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon have agreed that a destruction of the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija would be a crime and that it must not be allowed to happen. Nikolic requested Ban’s support for preventing Kosovo’s admission to UNESCO and protecting the Serbian heritage, which is also the world’s heritage, the Serbian President’s press office said in a statement on Wednesday. It would be a great crime if the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija would be destroyed, said Nikolic, noting that Serbia expects support from all those who act by following their conscience. Nikolic presented to Ban documents due to which Serbia is opposing the admission to UNESCO of the “Republic of Kosovo”. He presented to Ban a book titled “The Christian heritage of Kosovo and Metohija, the historical and spiritual birthplace of the Serbian nation” and two authentic films on unpunished destruction of the Serbian heritage. Ban Ki-moon agreed with President Nikolic that a destruction of the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija would be a horrible crime and that it must not be allowed to happen. He congratulated Serbia on the enormous contribution to regional stabilization, thanking President Nikolic for his participation in the session of the UN General Assembly, and noted that it is good to show unity in debates on major issues such as the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic also spoke with UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, requesting that UNESCO transfer the decision-making on authority over the cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija to the Brussels talks on normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina.
Serbia sends protest note to UN (RTS)
The Serbian Mission in the UN, in agreement with Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, sent a protest note to the UN over the presence of the Kosovo representative at the gathering on counter-terrorism, organized by the US, Radio and Television of Serbia’s (RTS) correspondent reports. The UN point out this is a private meeting organized by the US and this is why Kosovo is a treated as an independent state. Many noticed that the gathering was secured by the US secret police, and not the UN police, which is also unusual, RTS’ correspondent reports.
Churkin: UN building under Obama’s command (Politika/Tanjug)
The Russian Ambassador in the UN Vitaliy Churkin complained in regard to the presence of the Kosovo representative at the gathering on counter-terrorism organized by the US, saying that the UN building is “under the command” of US President Barack Obama. “They (Kosovo officials) are sitting in the hall together with the representatives of UN member states. Holding such a meeting according to UN premises means they are not respecting the UN. That is against the UN rules,” said Churkin. He assessed that the Americans, by inviting Kosovo representatives to the meeting, had demonstrated that everything in the UN building was under the command of Barack Obama.
NATO: Army is Kosovo’s internal affair (Danas)
It is not on NATO to decide on the structure, mandate and mission of the Kosovo security forces. The future of the Kosovo security forces is an internal affair of the local Kosovo institutions. NATO presently supports the development of the Kosovo security forces within their original mission and mandate, through the NATO Liaison and Advisory Team. If the mandate and mission of these forces evolves, the North-Atlantic Treaty will have to examine the level of NATO engagement, Danas was unofficially told at NATO headquarters on the occasion of the claims by the Kosovo Foreign Ministry that Pristina “received consent from NATO for establishing armed forces” into which the present Kosovo security forces need to be transformed. The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric has told Danas that he doesn’t believe the truthfulness of the claims by the Pristina authorities that they had received a “green light” from NATO for the creation of the Kosovo army. Djuric opines that “NATO is a serious organization and would not just like that bypass UNSCR 1244, which is based on the Kumanovo Military-Technical Agreement that defines the presence of armed forces in Kosovo and Metohija”.
ZSO not abolishing provisional institutions in Kosovo (Politika)
“Serbia’s provisional institutions in the province will not be abolished after the formation of the ZSO,” the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric tells Politika, rebutting Kosovo Minister for the Dialogue Edita Tahiri, who said in Brussels two days ago that the abolishment of parallel institutions was one of the decrees of the Brussels agreement. “What Edita Tahiri says has nothing to do with the Brussels agreement. The functioning of provisional institutions in Kosovo and Metohija was not the subject of talks either during the signing of the Brussels agreement or afterwards. The Office for Kosovo and Metohija is present in all 29 provisional institutions, i.e. in all municipalities in the southern Serbian province. Their work is financed from the Serbian budget,” explained Djuric.
Stojanovic: No one can “tear up” the Serb List (RTS)
The Coordinator of the Serb (Srpska) List Branimir Stojanovic told the morning news of Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) that it is obvious there are certain disagreements within the Serb List, adding it is important to acquaint the public with the facts as to why Aleksandar Jablanovic is no longer heading this political group. “We must return to the job for which we had been elected, but which some have forgotten in the meantime. The Serb List is not something that is signed and that cannot be amended. People make up the Serb List and it cannot happen for some people, just because they are holding some post, to say I am the Serb List,” opines Stojanovic. He points out that problems existed in the past, adding how it is hard to hold together so many people, adding that the Serb List has been brought in a situation where individual action threatens its survival and work, but that, nevertheless, the List cannot tear up just like that.
Stojanovic notes that the red light flashed when he was suggested that an individual can tear up the Serb List by giving support to the transformation of armed forces. He points to the fact that behavior of individuals will be monitored in the following period, adding that any action that threatens the List’s interests will not be acceptable.
Speaking about the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), Stojanovic notes that political circumstances are not simple, adding it is obvious that the ZSO must be formed and that it is in our interest for this to be as soon as possible. He notes that the ZSO needs to be formed over the problems that exist, adding it is important for Pristina to assume certain obligations. He points out that they are actively working on improving the living conditions of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, and that a specific plan was defined for this purpose, identifying 12 areas where progress needs to be made. He concludes that the main goal of the List is to improve the life of Serbs, adding that many people have offered assistance in the realization of this 12-point plan.
REGIONAL PRESS
Dragan Covic at 70th UN General Assembly session (nap.ba)
The Chairman of the B&H Presidency Dragan Covic met with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during his visit to New York, and signed in the guest book in the United Nations building. During the meeting they talked about the current situation in B&H, and in region when it comes to the issue of refugees. Chairman Covic thanked the Secretary-General for the overall engagement of the UN’s agencies for their help to the population affected by floods, as well as for efforts of the UN in the removal of the flood consequences. They also talked about the common projects within the UN specialized agencies. Covic briefly met with the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis. They talked about activities of B&H on the path towards the EU, and they expressed the satisfaction because of the positive improvements on that path. Also, a support of Romania to the further activities of B&H with the aim of entering the EU was expressed. Covic also attended the opening of the General debate of the 70th UN General Assembly Session and the reception organized on that occasion by US President Barack Obama. Chairman Covic was a guest on the ceremonial lunch in the honor of the Heads of States, organized by the UN Secretary General. Covic met with the General David H. Petraeus, president of the KKR Global Institute, which is a part of the leading world investment company KKR. This company, with more than 40 years of experience in this job, manages with investments worth around $100 billion. It currently invests in more than 80 companies throughout the world and together with EBRD, it invested around $ 50 million in B&H. Covic emphasized numerous possibilities of investment in B&H, and expressed the support to all investment project which aim to improve the life conditions of the citizens of B&H.
RS Vice-President on referendum issue (klix.ba)
The the Republika Srpska (RS) Vice-President Ramiz Salkic confirmed that the Bosniak representatives of the government will certainly submit an appeal to the B&H Constitutional Court against the decision of the RS Assembly on a referendum on judicial institutions in B&H that is to be held in that entity, unless the High Representative in B&H Valentin Inzko does not annul that decision. Salkic explained that an appeal can be submitted to the Constitutional Court of B&H on the decision on referendum after the publication and law validity of the Assembly’s decision on the referendum if, as he stated, the High Representative in B&H “fails to do his job”. Reiterating the attitude that the decision of the Parliament of the RS on referendum is anti-Dayton and contradictory to the Constitution of B&H, Salkic pointed out that the implementation of that decision can cause serious consequences for peace and stability in B&H. “If OHR wants to fulfill its Dayton mission, to protect the Dayton Agreement, we believe that it will cancel this decision and that there will be no need for an appeal to the Constitutional Court of B&H,” said the Vice-President of the RS to the press in Banja Luka. Salkic emphasized that the separation of the Assembly’s decision on referendum and just recent formation of the Committee for the implementation of referendum represents procrastination in order for the authorities in the RS to gain “more time for trade”. “We can see that the essence of referendum is the trade regarding the structural dialogue and jurisdictions of the Court of B&H, in order to switch as much cases as possible to the entity level and in certain way take the authority away from that Court”, Salkic believes. It is evident, Salkic said, that the results of the referendum have no legal power, since the laws are being changed in the Parliament of B&H where there is no capacity for changing the laws according to the intentions of those who are initiating the referendum. Salkic added that the attitude of the Committee for the implementation of referendum in the RS, in which there are no Bosniaks, will also be considered, all due to possible following decisions on the implementation of referendum.
Anti-government protests in Montenegro (Srna/RTCG)
Anti-government protests in Montenegro, organized by the opposing coalition, the Democratic Front are entering its fourth day. Thousands of people are gathered in front of the Parliament of Montenegro in Podgorica demanding the formation of a transitional government and the new elections. About 500 tents in which protesters reside have been erected at the city park. The traffic in the area is blocked with a strong police force presence, number of combat vehicles, cavalry, dogs, fire-fighting vehicles. Montenegrin parliament speaker Ranko Krivokapic invited opposition parties which organized protests to return to Parliament because, as he said, it is an institution that has shown that it is able to solve problems. After a regional conference on sustainable energy use and climate protection in Southeast Europe, Krivokapic told reporters that he has seen protest as a democratic institution. “I see that protests are peaceful, civilized, civil, non-violent, and I consider them normal, even vital part of any serious democracy,” Krivokapic said. He, however, urged the organizers of the protest to return to the Parliament and to find solutions to problems together. “I invite them to return to the parliament, because this is an institution that has shown to have the ability to solve problems and to lead the dialogue. We succeeded in that even after the presidential elections, which were much more controversial than this moment,” Krivokapic said. He added that the technical government is not desirable, but it is a possible option if political corruption continues.
INTERNATIONAL PRESS
Migrants refuse to stay in Serbia (Sofia Globe, 30 September 2015)
The Middle Eastern refugees in Serbia would have “all possible help” during the upcoming cold weather, Minister Aleksandar Vulin said on September 29. Vulin, who is in charge for migrants issues, added that Belgrade expects bigger foreign donations for the refugees. The existing capacities would be enhanced and Serbia would strive to provide “these capacities at the migrant routes which will be followed,” Vulin said. He denied remarks that Serbia is directing refugees towards any specific destination, possibly reacting to reiterated claims by Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic who insists that Belgrade is sending all refugees to his country, after Hungary sealed its border with Serbia.
Montenegro Opposition Tells MP to Quit Parliament (BIRN, 29 September 2015)
The opposition Democratic Front on Monday called on all opposition MPs to boycott parliament until the government agrees to new elections.
As Montenegrin opposition parties on Monday continued their protest in front of parliament in Podgorica, Slaven Radunovic, an opposition Democratic Front MP, urged all opposition MPs to boycott parliament until new elections are called. The Podgorica-based daily Vijesti said Radunovic also urged the opposition to demand better election rules, saying that the ruling parties are favoured by the current system. “We have chosen the path of protests which gave results in all former dictatorships,” Radunovic said. Vijesti reported police sources as saying that around 1,500 people gathered in front of parliament on Monday while opposition leaders insist that several thousand protesters attended. The protesters set up around 400 tents, announcing that would not leave before their demands are met. The Democratic Front said around 500 people including party leaders spent the night between Sunday and Monday in the tents. The Podgorica authorities have said that the deadline for the protest to end is October 4 and the protest organisers will have to vacate the area after it expires. The Democratic Front started the latest protests on Sunday when thousands of people gathered in front of the parliament, demanding the new elections. They accuse Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic’s government of corruption, undemocratic practices and election fraud. Opposition leaders said the peaceful protests would continue daily at 6.30pm until Djukanovic resigns. They also demand the creation of an interim government to organise what they say would be Montenegro’s “first ever free and fair elections”.
The rallies are being secured by a large number of police. The government has ignored the opposition demands so far. The opposition is also planning a series of anti-Djukanovic rallies across the country. He has been in power since 1991, the longest serving leader in the Balkans and indeed, Europe. The current coalition government was formed after the 2012 elections. It comprises Djukanovic’s Democratic Party of Socialists, the Social Democratic Party, and three ethnic minority parties. The next general election is not due until spring next year.
Macedonian PM’s Foes Say Goodbye on the Net (BIRN, by Sinisa Jakov Marusic, 30 September 2015)
As Macedonia moves into election mode, opponents of Prime Minister are being urged to rename their home wi-fi networks ‘Goodbye Nikola’. Foes of the Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski have started renaming their home wi-fi networks “Goodbye Nikola” after the opposition asked them to use the net to express their wishes to seek the back of the Prime Minister. “I immediately changed mine,” one young resident of Skopje’s Karposh municipality told BIRN. “They [the government] have occupied the TV and the media but they cannot silence us… That’s why I am joining this guerilla action,” he added. In many areas of Skopje, a stroll through the available wireless networks reveals that many people have taken the same step and changed their networks already. The opposition call is likely to reach far beyond the capital, as Macedonia is a relatively netted-up country. Much has been invested in the past few years in bringing wireless internet even to remote villages and mountainous areas. According to the State Statistical Office data for 2014, almost 70 per cent of Macedonian households have broadband internet access. The opposition call came on Monday through a Facebook message from Stefan Bogoev, the head of the youth wing of the opposition Social Democrats. “Let this radiate everywhere. Let everyone know that he [Gruevski] is leaving and that he will be held accountable,” he wrote. Gruevski’s ruling VMRO DPMNE party reacted through its own youth organization. “They are saying ‘Goodbye Nikola’ in vain on virtual networks because the people are saying goodbye to the opposition at the elections,” Vladimir Nelovski, the head of the VMRO DPMNE youth organization, remarked. Macedonia is going to the polls next year amid a deep and unresolved political crisis about allegations of mass illegal surveillance by the government. The tapes of illegal wiretappinsg released earlier this year by the opposition point to serious wrongdoings by senior officials, including Gruevski, who has held power since 2006. Among other things, Gruevski is accused of soliciting millions of euros in provisions and of fraudulent acquisition of construction land. As part of EU brokered inter-party crisis deal reached this summer, the country is now undertaking a series of urgent reforms designed to limit Gruevski’s grip on power before going into early general elections next April. While Gruevski has dismissed the claims made against him, accusing the opposition of conspiring with “foreign secret services” to topple him, a special prosecutor was recently appointed with the help of the EU to investigate the illegal surveillance affair.
* * *
Media summaries are produced for the internal use of the United Nations Office in Belgrade, UNMIK and UNHQ. The contents do not represent anything other than a selection of articles likely to be of interest to a United Nations readership.
