LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic, Lavrov: Economic cooperation of Serbia, Russia on the rise (Beta)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov jointly estimated that economic cooperation is on the rise, especially in the field of energy, and that it is necessary to put emphasis on projects concerning infrastructure, transport and agriculture in the future. Brnabic once again expressed her gratitude to Lavrov on the principled non-recognition of the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo and the support that the Russian Federation provides to Belgrade in dialogue with Pristina. Lavrov considers it necessary for Pristina to complete the implementation of the Brussels Agreement, primarily the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities. During the talks, Brnabic announced the final completion of works at St. Sava’s Church and its ceremonial opening in 2019, which will be attended by representatives of the Russian Federation. Lavrov said that he had a very emotional visit this morning to St. Sava’s Church, where he attended a ceremonial presentation of the mosaic in the cupola – a gift from the Russian Federation. The painting of the dome is a significant contribution to the cultivation of cultural heritage and Russian-Serbian friendship, he underlined. Brnabic recognized the special potential in cooperation in the field of innovative technologies, science and education. The Russian Federation, which has developed a network of technology parks, is a role model for our country, which already has results in this field, according to Brnabic. In the field of cultural cooperation, the Prime Minister announced a firmer cooperation in film industry and a co-production for filming a movie about Nikola Tesla next year.

Lavrov about his visit to Serbia: I don’t recall such an emotional reception (Tanjug)

“Ivica Dacic and the entire Serbian leadership has done the impossible, I don’t recall such an emotional, official in every sense, pleasant and brotherly reception. We consider that we marked 180 years of diplomatic relations in the best possible manner,” Lavrov said following the two-day visit to Serbia, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov: Russia highly esteems Serbia’s course toward preserving military neutrality (Beta)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Feb. 22 that Russia held Serbia’s commitment to maintaining military neutrality in high esteem, adding that its bid for EU membership was not an obstacle to deepening the friendship between Serbia and Russia. At a lecture at the Belgrade University Rectorate, Lavrov said Serbia’s military neutrality was the sovereign decision of the Serbian leadership which Russia respected. He said that Russia would continue to offer aid to

Serbia in defending its rights stemming from the issue of the autonomous province of Kosovo, based on UNSCR 1244. Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said that Serbia and Russia had a centuries-long friendship and added that Serbia “has never, cannot and will not lead an anti-Russian policy.” “Today, Serbia cannot defend its national and state interests without Russia’s aid,” Dacic said.

Lavrov presents medal of friendship to Dacic (Beta)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov handed a medal of friendship to Serbian

Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic for his merits in strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. At the Russian Embassy in Belgrade, Lavrov said that Dacic had helped develop foreign policy cooperation between Serbia and Russia, as well as trade and economic cooperation and that it was a great honor to him to decorate Dacic in the name of

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Dacic said that in the past several years he had done his utmost to always promote political cooperation between Serbia and its partners wherever he went, and especially friendly states like Russia. “I am very honored that Russia and its president

Vladimir Putin, a proven friend of the Serbian people, recognize my work and efforts,” Dacic said. Lavrov said that Dacic was a man who greatly contributed to developing contacts between people and wished his Serbian colleague lots of success in his work. Dacic dedicated the medal to his father who died on the day that it was announced that he would receive the medal. “I have dedicated this medal to my father and all the policemen and soldiers who fought for Kosovo like he did,” Dacic said. He added that he was especially pleased to have received the medal from “a man who has objectively helped Serbia the most in the past several years.”

REGIONAL PRESS

Inzko: B&H needs more Brussels, less Dayton (TV1/BNTV)

High Representative Valentin Inzko stated that he wishes Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) less Dayton and more Brussels. He said that the EU has to enhance its presence on the territory of the Balkans, because otherwise that space will be filed by others. Inzko stressed that he is convinced that the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) will undergo changes, but added that this is currently not realistic. Inzko stated that there is a need for a ‘Dayton 2’ agreement, emphasizing that the complicated mechanisms that were envisioned in the Dayton Peace Agreement, must be reformed. BNTV quoted Inzko as saying: “In the future it is possible to gravitate towards one president and two deputies, where president of B&H would have mandate of four years, after which the rotation could happen.” B&H Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Mirko Sarovic (SDS) immediately rejected Inzko’s proposal. “We have heard many such or similar statements. I believe that chances for something like that practically do not exist. I would say that we can put all of that in the sphere of some personal impressions and views on the events in B&H. I personally support only Dayton B&H and constitutional solutions and nothing beyond that,” Minister Sarovic underlined.

SNSD MP Dusanka Majkic stated it is not the first time Inzko has promoted changes to the DPA, even though he is supposed to be its protector and interpreter. “In B&H there is no agreement for much smaller amendments, let alone changes to the DPA. Inzko is supposed to protect the DPA, not pave the way for its amendments. Since he cannot impose the changes and introduction of a post of B&H President, such solution is impossible and there is no chance of it happening,” said Majkic. She added it would be best if Inzko ended his mandate in B&H, because the country would then be able to make a step forward.

Head of HDZ B&H Caucus in the House of Representatives of the Parliament of B&H Nikola Lovrinovic said that it is difficult to agree on constitutional changes. “The High Representative must protect the Dayton Agreement. All other solutions can be passed only through amendments to the Constitution,” he said.

SDA Vice-president Safet Softic stated that Inzko can only impose such solution.

Dodik – Lavrov: Significance of respect for Dayton Accords underlined (Srna)

Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik has told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that it is important to maintain the Dayton Peace Agreement as a document based on which B&H can only survive. The President of RS has noted that it is impressive how Lavrov knows the details about the Dayton Agreement and that the need for the Dayton Accords to be respected is underlined during the meetings. “Both they and we are aware that this document was significantly undermined, and that the Russian representative, who abstained the opinion, what the rest in B&H considered mainstream, did not participate in many decision- making processes,” Dodik told RS journalists in Belgrade. He has stressed that he informed Lavrov that in that regard it was necessary to maintain the document, the B&H Constitution, instead of demolishing and desecrating it, for which the consent of everyone in B&H is required.

Dodik has pointed out that the devastation of the Accords has been made by the international community through the high representative who was supported by the EU, the United States and previous US administration. “It must be clear. The effort to maintain the Dayton Peace Agreement or what is left of it, is the best political course at the moment,” the RS President said, and recalled that Russia was a part of the contact group when the Dayton Agreement was created, but at the time, Moscow unfortunately was not as powerful as it is now. Dodik stressed that, despite all anti-Russian and anti-Serbian hysteria, which lasts long and shows in various forms, an eternal message of commitment to peace, stability, respect for Dayton and the Constitution of B&H should be sent. “And if that is why I should be sentenced, it would be a precedent, since those who are legalists are being put on the other side, or the side of guilty party” Dodik has said. He has stressed that RS is grateful to Russia for two extremely important things – the veto in the UN Security Council over British initiative and for incapacitating the abuses done by the high representative in B&H before the Security Council. “I will not miss the opportunity to thank the Russian officials, primarily for their action in the Security Council when the British wanted to convict the Serbs of alleged genocide against Bosniaks. Russia vetoed. I believe it was fair and honest. The British proposal was humiliating for the Serb people,” Dodik has said. Dodik has stated that false reports sent to the UN Security Council by high representatives in B&H undermined RS position until Russia showed readiness – primarily the late Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, and nowadays representatives of the Russian administration – to accept RS’s report and present it to the Security Council. “That practice, which lasts seven, eight years, has disabled rigorous, unnecessary and undocumented decisions against RS. If Russia did nothing for us, this would be enough,” Dodik is categorical. He has stressed that RS is permanently grateful to Russia for its presence in the RS oil industry, economy and cultural projects and announced that intensive contacts will continue. “In any case, we will continue our talks this year. I will attend the Days of RS in St Petersburg in May. The St Petersburg Forum sponsored by Russian President Vladimir Putin takes place at the end of May. I believe we will have the opportunity by the end of the year to meet at the highest level and talk about our cooperation,” concluded the President of RS. Dodik, has invited Lavrov, to visit Banja Luka in June when the foundation stone of the Russian-Serbian religious and cultural center is to be laid.

Representatives of parliamentary parties from Federation of B&H fail to reach agreement on amendments to B&H Election Law (Hayat/FTV)

Meeting of senior officials of parliamentary parties from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held under the auspices of the United States and the EU, took place in the residence of Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H and EU Special Representative Lars-Gunnar Wigemark on Thursday. The meeting focused on the elections in Mostar, implementation of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H’s decision in ‘Ljubic case’ and amendments to the B&H Election Law. During four hours of negotiations, representatives of B&H parliamentary parties failed to reach an agreement on the amendments to the B&H Election Law. SDA Deputy President Sefik Dzaferovic confirmed that they failed to reach a solution. “Talks will continue with the help of the EU and the United States. That is all I can say,” Dzaferovic underlined. HDZ B&H Deputy President Borjana Kristo stressed that they discussed the implementation of B&H CC’s decisions in ‘Ljubic case’ and case of Mostar, and decision of European Court of Human Rights. “In the context of that, we discussed solutions to the issue of election of B&H Presidency members and delegates in the Federation of B&H House of Peoples, solution for the City of Mostar, as well as other technical improvements of the electoral process,” Kristo explained. DF representative in the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Damir Becirovic said that it would be easier for him to tell the media what was not disputable, then to say what was disputable. “We at least agreed that we will continue to negotiate. Most of the agreement was basically reached on the status of the City of Mostar and elections there,” Becirovic underlined.

SDP B&H Political Director Damir Masic warned that they are running out of time, which makes it questionable if it will be possible to reach a compromise if political parties keep insisting on solutions that only suit their interests. The reporter noted that disputable issues remained unsolved and the stances of SDA and HDZ B&H remained unchanged, after more than four hours of talks under pressure of the international community. They still have not harmonized their stances about the election of members of the B&H Presidency and delegates in the Federation of B&H House of Peoples, as well as the local elections in Mostar.

Ivanic: I will not allow NATO exercise on Manjaca to be held without consent of RS institutions (Nezavisne)

Member of the B&H Presidency Mladen Ivanic commented the controversial NATO military exercise on Manjaca, and he said that he will never give consent for it if ammunition with depleted uranium is going to be used. He also added that the consent of civilian institutions of the two entities is needed if NATO is going to used aircrafts and civilian airports for the exercise. “I will do everything in my power to make sure the exercise cannot be held without the approval of the RS institutions,” said Ivanic. He also commented the RS budget in comparison to the state budget and said that the RS is financing one third of the state budget. Commenting the upcoming elections, Ivanic said that he would prefer to run for the Presidency of B&H again.

B&H increases security alert to highest level, after attack on US Embassy to Montenegro (FTV)

The B&H Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies has intensified the security measures for the US diplomatic-consular offices in B&H after the bomb attack on the US Embassy to Montenegro. The B&H Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies confirmed that this institution is constantly exchanging the security information with other law enforcement agencies in B&H. B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Chair Denis Zvizdic and his deputies Mirko Sarovic and Vjekoslav Bevanda met in Sarajevo on Thursday with Director of Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies in B&H Mirsad Vilic and Director of B&H Intelligence and Security Agency (OSA) Osman Mehmedagic. On that occasion, B&H CoM representatives requested increase of security alert to a higher level. Vilic and Mehmedagic informed them that there is no intelligence information on possible security threats in B&H, but added that police agencies will increase their engagement.

Prime Minister in Brussels for NATO meeting (HRT)

The main themes discussed were Croatia’s role in NATO, preparations for NATO’s July summit in Brussels, strengthening collective security and deterrence, as well as sharing the economic burden among allies. In that regard, following years of defense budget cuts, in 2017, Croatia spent 1.32 percent of the GDP on defense spending. In the next five years, Croatia’s goal is to achieve the Wales objective of bringing defense spending up to 2 percent of GDP.

“The Croatian Government, in the last year and five months that we have been in office, has demonstrated very clearly, both in our budget for 2017 and 2018, that Croatia is increasing its defence budget. The objective is to increase our capabilities, to be interoperable and to be ready to respond to all the challenges and threats that we might be facing as a country, but also that we might be facing as an alliance” said Prime Minister Plenkovic. Secretary-General Stoltenberg underscored Croatia’s important role in NATO’s missions around the world: “We really appreciate your strong commitment to NATO and all the contributions that Croatia is making to our shared security, with your presence and your contributions to our deployments in Lithuania and in Poland, but also the fact that Croatia has troops both in the mission in Afghanistan and in Kosovo, and the role you also play in the region, helping to address the challenges we all face in the Western Balkans.”

Amnesty International reports on discrimination in Croatia (Hina)

Discrimination against ethnic and sexual minorities persisted in Croatia in 2017, the legal system, the criminal justice system continued to fail many victims of domestic abuse, police continued to return to Serbia refugees and migrants who entered the country irregularly, without granting them access to an effective asylum process, and access to abortion remained restricted, according to the Amnesty International (AI). Discrimination against ethnic and sexual minorities remained widespread. Civil society organizations criticized new government proposals for a national strategy and action plan to fight discrimination that were presented in March. The policies subsequently adopted by the government in December failed to reflect and adequately address human rights violations faced by Serbs, Roma and sexual minorities. Croatia continued to return to Serbia refugees and migrants who entered the country irregularly, without granting them access to an effective asylum process. These pushbacks by police, sometimes from deep inside Croatian territory, routinely involved coercion, intimidation, confiscation or destruction of private valuables and the disproportionate use of force by the police, reads the AI report.

In July, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Croatia had acted against the rules of the Dublin Regulation (which defines which EU member state has the obligation to evaluate the asylum claims) by allowing transit for refugees and migrants through the country in 2015 without examining applications for international protection. Of the over 6,000 people who went missing during the 1991-1995 war, the fate and whereabouts of more than 1,500 remained unclarified. The International Commission on Missing Persons reported that Croatia failed to make significant steps towards fulfilling the rights to truth, justice and reparation for victims, including by failing to account for over 900 unidentified mortal remains in its mortuaries.

Minister of EU affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic resigned over ethical reasons (RTCG)

The Minister of European affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic resigned over ethical reasons. The Agency for the Prevention of Corruption has earlier established that Pejovic as public official broke the Law on Prevention of Corruption, but also Article 104 of the Montenegrin Constitution, which prohibits the President and members of the government from performing a MP’s or other public function. The ASK’s established that Pejovic since May last year has been receiving EUR 3,168 a month as the ambassador of Montenegro’s EU mission. “I inform the public that I have sent a letter to the Prime Minister Dusko Markovic, in which I informed him that I am resigning as a member of the Government of Montenegro over ethical reasons. As a responsible citizen, respecting the activities of Montenegrin institutions, I decided to act in this way in order to relax the government and myself of the pressure that arose after the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption adopted its decision on 16 February,” said Pejovic.

Zaev hints on personnel refreshment this spring (MIA)

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev says there will be personnel changes in institutions this spring due to remarks over lack of energetic reaction that clearly demonstrates zero tolerance to irresponsible and corrupt behavior. Zaev says that the government could also undergo reshuffling. “Lack of success in managing an institution should not have a reflection on the institution itself. Personnel changes will follow. I do not want anyone to lose the given chance. There are many people who want to prove themselves but do not know how to do this. The new generations are coming and probably learning in parallel. There are ones who are capable and make an effort. However, there are others who are neither capable nor put an effort,” says Zaev. The institutional refreshment is expected this spring, ten months after the government’s formation. “We do not have much time, people want results. Directors of institutions could change, but also ministers, state secretaries…” adds the PM.

Osmani: Those who are against the Law on languages are against NATO and the EU and against the country (Meta)

What I can state as news is yesterday’s visit to Germany and the meetings with the President Frank Walter Steinmeier and the chancellor Angela Merkel, where the passing of the Law on the use of languages was clearly greeted and in a way the behavior of those who opposed the law due to political reasons was condemned. It is a dangerous approach for the country especially for those that with the numerous amendments want to prevent the passing of the bill, said the Deputy Prime Minister for European Issues, Bujar Osmani when he addressed from the rostrum.

While answering a question posed by MP Redzailj Ismaili, another member of DUI, at the session of PMs questions, Ismaili was interested in the stance about the opinions of the representatives of the countries that Osmani has visited or is meeting with them in the country.

“I will not reveal anything new if I repeat the fact that the inter-ethnic relations are the foundation of the this country’s progress and that was the consensus of all the countries from the Western World that the road to Brussels passes through Ohrid. In a metaphorical way, it is seen as a contribution to the future membership in EU and NATO. The Law on languages is the last legislative part of the Ohrid Framework Agreement but is also the most sensitive issue – the use of the mother tongue. The opinion of the NATO’s General Secretary was heard several weeks ago and he greeted the passing of this law when he said that this law is a condition for a NATO – membership” said Osmani. He also mentioned the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, for whom he said that he has greeted the law as part of the Ohrid Agreement.

“He also gave another dimension to the debate for the use of languages. This way, there is a debate between those that are against the passing of the law and for a closing of the Ohrid Agreement, and now have a Euro-Atlantic direction and those that are against it and are against the country” said Osmani.

Roth: Do not put up red lines, sit down and resolve the name dispute (Meta)

Macedonia and Greece should not put up red lines and should do their best to resolve the name dispute, said Minister of State for Europe at the German Federal Foreign Office, Michael Roth in a debate at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Berlin. “I am very pleased with gestures as part of the confidence building measures for the country. What I am particularly worried about is Greece. The dispute, which I once called provocative and which, apart from Athens and Skopje, no one understands, must be resolved. And you have done a lot, something that previous governments failed to do. And please, do not say what I’m going to say is shocking. According to my limited political experience to date, I tell you: Do not put up red lines! Sit down and talk”, said Roth at a debate on the theme “From Challenges to Prospects: Democratic Reforms and Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Republic of Macedonia”. Otherwise, the main speaker at the debate was the Macedonian Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev and the President of the Foundation, Kurt Beck also took part. Roth warned that there was a possibility of closing the “window of opportunity that is currently open”. “The United Nations is capable of running this process, with your constructive support and with the support of the Greek government for successful integration. Now the window of opportunity is open, but it will close soon,” said Roth, adding that the German government is ready to help as long as it is needed.

Alternate FM Katrougalos announces Greece’s intention to support Macedonia’s bid to join Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (MIA)

Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos in a letter to the EU Commissioners in charge of enlargement and regional policy, announced Greece’s intention to support Macedonia’s bid to join the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII), MIA reports. “Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos in a letter to the EU Commissioners in charge of enlargement and regional policy, Johannes Hahn and Corina Cretu respectively, has announced Greece’s intention to support fYRoM’s candidacy within the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR)” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says in a press release. It further notifies that Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia/Herzegovina are already part of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, saying that the partnership within the AII is being implemented through four pillars, namely the Blue Growth/ Maritime Cooperation, Connectivity (Transport and Energy), Environment and Tourism.

Greece’s support for Macedonia’s AII membership was announced by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at a meeting with his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev last month in Davos, as part of official Athens’ contribution to confidence building measures between the two countries.

Basha urges journalists to protest against Rama (ADN)

The opposition’s leader, Lulzim Basha urges to journalists to protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama contemptuous attitude toward them. He declared on Thursday that opposition would firmly support journalists protest against Premier Rama attitude. “Journalists protest against Premier Rama contemptuous attitude should no longer be delayed. Opposition will stand beside you in this protest in defense of your rights” said Basha. Referring to the government’s decision to exclude over 20.000 families from economic aid scheme he declared that this is the result of total absence of sensibility by Rama. “He is a totally insensible individual. Premier Rama does not care about those citizens that can’t feed their children choosing instead to attack the opposition aiming to conceal this alarming situation,” declared Basha.

Results of the Transparency International Index for Albania are of serious concern (ADN)

Transparency International published the results of its Corruption Perceptions Index 2017 on 22 February 2018, ranking Albania the 91st among 180 countries and territories included in the index, a drop of eight places since 2016. Albania scored 38 out of 100 points. Combating corruption within the public sector remains one of the world’s biggest challenges, with the majority of countries indexed making “little or no progress” in combating corruption. In South-Eastern Europe, areas such the judiciary, law enforcement, freedom of press and civil society are the most affected. The Transparency South-Eastern Europe stated that in Albania, progress was made in tackling petty corruption in the public sector, but much more must be done on the bigger issues such as corruption in the judiciary. “The phenomenon of corruption in the country continues to be of serious concern,” said OSCE Head of Presence Bernd Borchardt. “We call on public institutions and the rule of law agencies in Albania to proceed with the implementation of justice and anti-corruption reforms in line with international recommendations and obligations of the United Nations Convention against Corruption,” he added. Ambassador said that public institutions need to be more accountable for their work and officials must be more transparent in their decision-making. “Citizens must play their part, too, by refusing to tolerate or sustain the problem,” said Borchardt. Corruption remains particularly difficult to investigate and prosecute. The OSCE Presence in Albania calls for enhancing the accountability of the public administration, independent institutions and the independent investigation of corruption. “The result of this year’s Index demands our intensified efforts to fight this phenomenon. The OSCE Presence in Albania regrets that the positive trend since 2013 (taking Albania from a low of 31 points to 39) was reversed in 2017 and remains committed to supporting Albania in its fight against corruption,” said Borchardt.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Top diplomat presents Lavrov with Serbian football team T-shirt (TASS, 22 February 2018)

BELGRADE, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic presented his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov a timely gift – a Serbian national football team T-shirt with the No. 10 inscribed on it after their talks, TASS reports from the scene. “I know that my counterpart loves playing football and that is why we have decided to present him with a T-shirt of our national team, in which the Serbs will play at the World Championship in Russia. We thought about which Number to choose and I decided that No. 10 would be appropriate,” the Serbian foreign minister said. Lavrov thanked his Serbian counterpart, noting that Serbia had been included in one group with Brazil at the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. “And we are favorites there!” Dacic replied. Serbia’s top diplomat also handed flowers shaped in the form of a heart to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, noting that this was a gift from the entire Serbian people for her pronouncements in defense of the Serbs.