LOCAL PRESS
Vucic: Air zone over Kosovo, removal of mines discussed (Politika)
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said in Brussels that he and the NATO Council discussed the cooperation within the Partnership for Peace (PfP) and the abolition of control at the “lower part of airspace over Kosovo,” since it had been previously agreed with the KFOR the protection of the Ground Safety Zone to be terminated. Vucic elaborated that the experts from Serbia and NATO would discuss that, and voiced his belief that they would reach a favorable solution. Vucic also said that he had asked NATO to help the authorities in Serbia in demining, particularly at Mt. Kopaonik and elsewhere, because the two members of the Serbian Army were killed in these operations. Vucic said that experts and much better equipment of the NATO would very much contributed the task to be completed. He also said that Serbia asked the ambassadors in the NATO Council the KFOR to remain in Kosovo since it is a protection for the Serbian people in Kosovo. Hadn’t been the guarantees of the NATO and the KFOR, the Brussels agreement would hardly have been reached and ensured the protection of
Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo, the Serbian prime minister said.
Hamacek: I am proud of lower house resolution urging Czech government to respect UNSCR 1244 (Tanjug/Novosti/Danas)
Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic on Wednesday received a delegation of the lower house of the Czech parliament, headed by Chairman Jan Hamacek, to discuss European integration, Kosovo and bilateral cooperation, a statement said. Serbia has embarked on its EU accession talks in a sincere manner as EU membership would guarantee stability and open up the possibility of organizing the country in line with European standards, Nikolic said. Speaking about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, Nikolic said Serbia had met all obligations after taking the talks with Pristina to the highest level in 2012 in order to make life better for all people in the province, and added that Pristina had not demonstrated a willingness to meet its obligations. Hamacek noted he was proud of a lower house resolution urging the Czech government to respect UNSCResolution 1244.
Dacic lobbying against further recognitions of Kosovo (Tanjug/Beta)
Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said Wednesday he had launched resolute diplomatic activities aimed at preventing further recognitions of Kosovo and Metohija with a series of bilateral meetings in the Madagascan capital Antananarivo, where he is attending a summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie. Dacic said his main activity at the summit would be bilateral meetings with officials of the countries that do not recognize Kosovo to ensure they maintain this position. He added that he would also meet with officials of countries that recognize Kosovo if their position can be reversed. “So-called Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hodzaj and so-called Kosovo president Hashim Tachi, who is also expected to arrive,” are banking on discussions with a large number of countries that have not recognized Kosovo, Dacic said.
As part of this event Dacic held separate bilateral talks with the foreign ministers of Togo, Burundi, Luxembourg, and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam. They discussed ways to improve bilateral political and economic cooperation, with emphasis on the intensification of bilateral visits at the highest level. The Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam confirmed the principled position not to recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo, and also extended an invitation for the visit of President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic to Vietnam.
Miscevic: Opening three more chapters a short-term goal (Tanjug/B92)
Serbia’s short-term goal is to open three more chapters in its EU accession talks by the end of the year, the Head of the Serbian EU negotiating team Tanja Miscevic said, adding that a successful 2017 was a medium-term objective, considering the challenges facing the EU. At a conference titled “(Re-)Balkanization of the Western Balkans,” Miscevic said the EC’s annual report painted a grim picture of the region, giving arguments to those who would like to see a delay in the enlargement policy until problems in the family are dealt with. “That is the wrong approach,” she said, adding that the grim picture was always followed by acknowledgement of progress. That is a starting point for regional economic cooperation and a call to resolve bilateral disputes and find mechanisms to deal with political issues such as Chapter 35 on Kosovo, she said.
Ombudsman launches procedure for control of police work (Beta)
Ombudsman Sasa Jankovic said on Wednesday that he had launched a procedure for the control of the work of the Ministry of Interior (MUP) on the complaint received from the municipality of Novi Pazar. The MUP recently said to Novi Pazar municipality officials that the police, because of security assessments and security risks, would not provide assistance for the execution of a court decision on the removal of illegally built facility and the suspension of the work on it, which are ongoing. “Procedure of the control of the MUP work is under way,” Jankovic said, reminding that it is the facility whose investor is the former Mufti, the current MP and one of the leaders of the Muslims of Sandzak, Muamer Zukorlic.
REGIONAL PRESS
RS Council of Peoples fails to agree on Bosniak veto to Law on RS Day (RTRS)
The Repblika Srpska (RS) Council of Peoples (CoP) rejected on Wednesday veto of Bosniak Caucus to Law on Day of the RS and conclusion of the RS Assembly related to this issue. RTRS reported that the Bosniak Caucus is still bothered with the fact that citizens decided to celebrate 9 January as the Day of the RS, at the recent referendum. Thus, the veto filed by Bosniak Caucus marked the citizens’ will as violation of rights of Bosniaks, accusing institutions of the RS of diminishing legal order of B&H. Head of Serb Caucus in the RS CoP Pero Petrovic underlined that Bosniaks find the celebration on January 9 unacceptable, regardless of the will of citizens of the RS which is in his opinion, illogical. Member of Bosniak Caucus in the RS CoM Kemo Camdzija said that celebrating 9 January as the Day of the RS is unacceptable. Asked which date is acceptable for celebration of the RS Day, Camdzija said that “the (constituent) peoples should sit down and reach an agreement”. Chairman of the RS CoP Nada Tesanovic announced that thus, a Joint Commission of the RS CoP and the RSNA is expected to discuss this issue next week. In case members of the Joint Commission are unable to reach an agreement on the matter, the issue will be discussed by the Constitutional Court (CC) of the RS.
Celebrating 25 November breaches B&H Constitution (Glas Srpske)
Delegates in the RS Assembly stressed that marking of 25 November, as the so-called “statehood day of B&H”, as well as the attempt to impose celebrating of this day in B&H joint institutions, represents mere violation and disregarding of B&H Constitution. RS Assembly Deputy Speaker Nenad Stevandic stressed that marking of 25 November, and organizing of receptions in B&H institutions, has no constitutional or legal grounds. Chair of SNSD Caucus Radovan Viskovic said that RS does not recognize 25 November as “statehood day” and reminded that law on holidays has not been enacted at the state level yet.
Accumulated problems breaking down coalition in Federation of B&H (Nezavisne novine)
The SDA-HDZ B&H coalition in the Federation of B&H is currently burdened with “six more or less major political issues”, which is why it is difficult to say if those two political parties will manage to overcome divisions and problems and preserve the coalition. The most recent meeting between SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic and SBB B&H leader Fahrudin Radoncic did not result in a concrete agreement about the way to overcome the problems. Vice-President of SDA, Safet Softic, said that election of delegates in the House of Peoples (HoP) of the Federation of B&H parliament and election of Croat member of the Presidency of B&H, as well as complete blockade of legislative authority in the Federation of B&H, remain the biggest stumbling blocks. Furthermore, Softic said that SDA spent two years trying to resolve all the major issues, including the issue of the status of Mostar and the issue of election of Croat member of the Presidency of B&H, but without any success whatsoever. “And we have paid the price for that. And now we have the issue of Stolac, as well as the blockade of the work of the Federation of B&H Parliament. Problems have piled up,” Softic said. SDA Vice-President, however, added that it is possible to resolve those problems, but “one step at a time”. “The most important thing now is to unblock the work of the Federation of B&H Parliament and resolve the issue of Stolac. Also, we have to resolve the issue of implementation of ‘Sejdic-Finci’ ruling, but in a way the ruling rendered in Strasbourg prescribes it,” Softic said, assessing the blockade of the Federation of B&H Parliament as unacceptable.
President of the Federation of B&H and HDZ B&H Vice-President, Marinko Cavara, said that the main problem in relations between coalition members lies in certain decisions unilaterally adopted by SDA. “I hope that those problems will not last long,” Cavara said, adding that statements of parties’ leaders raise a question of when and whether relations among parties will be resolved. According to Cavara, conflict between Izetbegovic and Radoncic has never been completely resolved, while relations among coalition partners were additionally undermined in July, “when SDA tried to unilaterally pass certain decisions in the parliament of the Federation of B&H” – including, according to daily, the Law on Games of Chance. However, author noted that political analysts have different opinion.
DF underlined that it is clear there will be no progress in the country because of cooling relationship between the coalition partners.
B&H to reduce number of soldiers and military locations (TV1)
Annual Review Conference entitled “Current Situation in Defense and Security Sector of B&H” took place in Sarajevo on Wednesday. Participants of the conference noted that the B&H Ministry of Defense has prepared and harmonized the document entitled “Defense Review”, which was forwarded to the B&H Presidency for adoption. In accordance with the guidelines provided by the B&H Presidency, the number of locations of the perspective military property was reduced from 63 to 57. B&H Defense Minister Marina Pendes noted that there is certain number of locations in the RS, for which the RS authorities have no intention of supporting the registration of perspective military property at the state level. “In addition to the reducing number of prospective military locations, there is a decision on reducing the number of active soldiers from 10,000 to 9,200 and of active reserve from 5,000 to 4,600 reserve troops. This is a document, which is fully agreed,” said Pendes.
Deputy Chairman of the B&H Parliament’s Joint Commission for Defense and Security Borislav Bojic confirmed that the RS will never support the registration of its perspective military property at the state level.
Participants of the conference also reached an agreement about the issue of activation of the NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP), however they still have different views on this issue. Pendes underlined that activation of the MAP does not mean accession to the Alliance. Bojic emphasized that joining the Alliance without Serbia is absolutely unacceptable to the Serb people and the RS.
Montenegro’s NATO membership is in Croatia’s interest, MPs say (Hina)
Most political groups in the Croatian parliament on Wednesday endorsed ratification of Montenegro’s NATO accession treaty saying that the alliance’s further expansion was of great importance to long-term stability in Southeast Europe and that it would also strengthen the security of Croatia. “Support for Montenegro’s accession to the NATO alliance is in the national interest of Croatia as well. The further expansion of NATO is of great importance to the long-term political and security stability of Southeast Europe,” Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier said. He said he believed that NATO membership and further development of good neighborly relations between Croatia and Montenegro would provide an additional framework for addressing unresolved issues, such as border delimitation, energy, prisoners of war, and issues relating to the Croatian minority in Montenegro.
Sehovic refuses to be Minister of Economy; Boskovic won’t be Foreign Minister (CDM)
Vice-President of the Social Democrats (SD), Damir Sehovic, refused to take the Ministry of Economy, confirming his decision in a statement for CdM. DPS offered to Social Democrats the ministries of economy and health. SD will also receive the position of the President of Parliament, but this should be the leader of the SD, Ivan Brajovic. Despite widespread speculation, Mr. Predrag Boskovic will not be Montenegro’s new Foreign Minister, He will, according to CDM information, continue to be the Minister of Education. Mr. Pavle Goranovic will also retain his ministerial position in the department of culture. The former head of the parliamentary group of the DPS, Milutin Simovic, will transition from legislative to the executive power as most likely the Deputy Prime Minister and minister of either the department of defense of agriculture. Branimir Gvozdenovic will not be part of the new government.
The final decision on these, and all other functions, will be made today, when the meeting of the Presidency of DPS is expected. According to media reports, Ivan Brajovic (SD) will be the head of the parliament, with Marta Scepanovic (DPS) and Genci Nimanbegu (FORCA) as his deputies. Oppositionists will also get a vice presidency, although they are currently boycotting parliament, which is why the post will remain vacant until further notice.
INTERNATIONAL PRESS
Serbian PM met with NATO Council for 1st time (Xinhua, 24 November 2016)
BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday highlighted cooperation between NATO and Serbia at the first ever meeting between the country’s premier and the political decision-making arm of the organization, he said at a press conference here.
Welcoming Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic to NATO headquarters, Stoltenberg said, “This is the first time ever a Serbian prime minister is meeting the North Atlantic Council and I think that just shows how we are now moving forward together on the path of strengthening the partnership and the cooperation.” The NATO chief stressed that Serbia, which is at the heart of the Balkan region, makes important contributions to regional and international security. He stressed the potential of NATO-Serbia cooperation, adding, “I welcome the pragmatic cooperation we are developing between NATO and Serbia. The Individual Partnership Action Plan that we agreed last year is an important tool.” “NATO has been able to train Serbian troops during peace-keeping operations or missions. And I also welcome the cooperation we have in many other different areas,” Stoltenberg added. They also discussed security challenges facing the Western Balkans.
Serbia agreed to deepen cooperation with NATO through an Individual Partnership Action Plan in 2015.
Kosovo Dissident’s Serbian Assassins Given Life Sentences (BIRN, by Die Morina, Danilo Hinic, 24 November 2016)
A Belgian court has given life sentences to a former Yugoslav secret police official and two Serbian hitmen for the assassination of Kosovo Albanian dissident Enver Hadri in Brussels in 1990.
The Assize Court in Brussels on Wednesday sentenced Bozidar Spasic, the former head of special operations of the Yugoslav secret police, UDBA, and Serbian crime gang members Andrija Draskovic and Veselin Vukotic to life in prison for the murder of Kosovo émigré rights activist Enver Hadri. Spasic organised the murder and Draskovic and Vukotic carried it out, the court said in the verdict that was announced the day before the sentencing. Hadri, the head of the Committee for Human Rights Defence in Kosovo, was shot dead in his car while waiting at traffic lights in Brussels on February 25, 1990. All three men were tried and sentenced in their absence because they are in Serbia. Spasic, who is well-known in Serbia and has written two books about his work as a spy boss, told media in Belgrade that he had not been officially informed about the verdict. “I don’t even know what I was convicted of, or how many years [the sentence was]; bearing in mind that they consider that I was the organiser, I guess that I got a life sentence, I don’t know,” he told N1 television on Wednesday.
Vukotic’s lawyer Zdenko Tomanovic told N1 meanwhile that his client was not able to defend himself in court in Brussels and prove “the non-existence and illegality of the evidence that was collected” because he could not leave Serbia as he is under house arrest. Vukotic was convicted of killing a man in a nightclub in Montenegro, for which he eventually served eight months in jail in Serbia before being released on humanitarian grounds. However a report by BIRN in 2011 revealed that he was freed because he agreed to become an informant and provide information about Montenegrin gangsters.
Draskovic’s lawyer told Serbian news website KRIK that if the Belgian court decision becomes final, he will take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Draskovic was also jailed for ten years by a Serbian court in 2010 for killing another criminal in a restaurant in Belgrade, but was given early release from prison three years afterwards. The victim of the Brussels assassination, Enver Hadri, was an ethnic Albanian nationalist and rights activist from Kosovo who had fled to Belgium in 1972. He was active in the National Resistance of Kosovo Albanians and later founded the Committee for Human Rights Defence in Kosovo, which collected data on the oppression of ethnic Albanians by the Yugoslav security forces. He was shot just days before he was scheduled to present a report detailing the deaths of dozens of ethnic Albanians at the hands of the Yugoslav police to the United Nations Human Rights Council in New York. His daughter, Teuta Hadri, said on Wednesday that the life sentences also represented a condemnation of Serbia, which she accused of shielding her father’s assassins. “For a quarter of a century, the Serbian authorities did all they could in order that the murder of Enver Hadri was not solved and the perpetrators were not punished,” she said in a statement. Two other suspects who allegedly participated in Hadri’s assassination, Andrija Lakonic and Darko Asanin, were murdered in Serbia in the 1990s.
“The elections, a chance to put an end to the political crisis in Skopje” (IBNA, by Naser Pajaziti, 24 November 2016)
Interview with analyst and head of the I-Scoop research network, Xhelal Neziri
Political analyst and head of the investigative journalistic project I-Scoop in FYROM, Xhelal Neziri, talks in this interview for Independent Balkan News Agency about the political situation in the country with the start of the electoral campaign. Neziri stops on the role of the media and the way that they report on the elections. He also comments rumors for violence in these early elections. He explains why, according to him, the 11 December elections are a decisive chance to put an end to the political crisis and not to enter a new phase of crisis
IBNA: The election campaign has started and these elections are being considered as a chance to take the country out of the deep political crisis. What are your expectations?
Neziri: If the elections are held at a time of crisis, the chances for tension are bigger. This is why we are holding these elections, which came as a result of a deep crisis caused by the opposition, which didn’t accept the 2014 election results. This crisis became even deeper with the publication of the wiretapping materials, which caused a real tremor in the political arena. These sort of crises certainly cause electoral incidents, because they relate to the fate of politicians who have been governing so far, namely representatives of VMRO-DPMNE and BDI (Democratic Union for Integration). These elections relate to the fare of certain political parties, which are fighting with each other. In such circumstances, the possibilities to cause incidents and conflicts are great.
IBNA: However, political parties signed a code of ethics for fair and democratic elections, condemning all form of violence and tension.
Neziri: Experience has shown that the signing of codes of ethics or agreements is a formal act. Parties have not always complied with these rules signed on letter. It is a known fact that there have been violations and irregularities. However, it is good to express such will on paper. Political parties must be aware of the fact that any signature that they put on paper must be respected and any attempt to evade the norms of that contract must be punished by the vote of the citizen in the elections. I think that these elections must not be allowed to be a source of crisis, but they should save the country from this crisis. Only free and democratic elections can take the country out of the crisis, otherwise we will enter a deep phases of the crisis.
IBNA: In this phase of the campaign, the way the media reports is a serious factor which will have an impact on the way how the campaign will go. We have media that encourage violence. How do you comment this?
Neziri: It is normal for a media to defend certain political interests. But what’s more important is to secure the necessary space for all political parties on an equal basis. Media must create the necessary democratic environment, where leaders can learn the offers that political parties have to make in order to decide who to vote for. But if the citizens are not well informed and bombarded by all sorts of false information, the results will not be positive. Serious media must be careful in covering all political activities. What’s more, in our media environment, there are portals which do not comply with any rules or standards, leaving them room to misinform the public.
IBNA: Human rights organizations and the Ombudsman in particular, have called on the voting process to be fair and for pressure and blackmail to stop. How do you consider these concerns that have been raised?
Neziri: I believe that voters are now aware of the weight of their vote. If the vote is sold, then they sell their will for the next four years. I don’t think that this time there will be electoral rigging, blackmail and manipulation of the citizens to vote for a political option, because these elections are being held as a result of the crisis and they are being organized by a technical government. Of course, political parties will try and earn votes any way possible, but institutions must monitor this and reflect everything in their election assessment report.
