LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: You think Albanians won’t move to occupy North? (B92/Beta)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday he expected the Belgrade – Pristina dialogue to continue before the end of June despite obstructions he saw in recent attacks on Kosovo Serbs but added the issue would not be solved without the involvement of the US and Russia. Vucic said he could not be in Brussels on 27 and 28 June but would be available at any other date.

“Let them (Pristina and Brussels) decide on the date, I’m ready to talk, but I ask for the respect of the Brussels Agreement by the other side too,” Vucic told reporters. Asked whether a paper mentioned in the press – proposing a final solution for relations between Serbia and Kosovo – exists, Vucic says – judge for yourselves. “I better not respond. I think everyone knows the correct answer to that question, regardless of what they are saying,” the president of Serbia told reporters on Friday. As he added, the issue of Kosovo is the most difficult and the most responsible one, which reflects all of our, but also his concerns. “I will give you the answer why this is so, the shortest answer, but it will take a while…,” said Vucic. “In 2001, 2002, in the ecstasy of opening toward the world, there where many good things, some bad things also, we lived in the belief that the West did everything it did to us while acting not against us, but against (President Slobodan) Milosevic. They were assuring us that standards in Kosovo would come before solving its status. Then after 2003 and the assassinations of the prime minister of Serbia, we had even more attacks on Serbs in Kosovo, more frequent attacks were occurring. Then March 2004 happened. A pogrom in Kosovo, burning, destruction, and expulsion of Serbs from Kosovo,” explained Vucic.  According to his assessment, this was a way to move from standards to status. “It became clear to everyone that Albanians would not meet the standards, not even in the next 50 years. They have demonstrated this a number of times so far, as well as that they are acting under the direct hat of one or more Western powers. They showed at the time – here’s what can happen if we do not get what we want. It was all an introduction into the self-proclaimed independence in 2008, and the horrific lack of reaction by the then government and the horrific lack of reaction by the international community,” Vucic said. He then explained that he said all this so that citizens of Serbia realize that something similar is happening now, when there is an increasing number of individual incidents in Kosovo targeting Serbs. “These are coordinated and planned attack on Serbs. It’s not by accident at all. You cannot say it’s not an ethnically motivated attack if you attack priests and children,” he said. “To all this, Europe has been silent. To be fair, the American representative in Kosovo had a great reaction, calling those attacks by their real name,” added Vucic. For all these reasons, he continued, “Kosovo is a nightmare for all of us, and above all for, me, as the most responsible, and ultimately as the supreme commander – because what will we do if the Albanians, with the logistical support of you know who, move to take the North?” “I ask also those who comment in the press – what will we do? What is our reaction? That’s why I want to reach an agreement,” he said. The question, said Vucic, is not whether he will be considered the culprit if the Albanians move to occupy northern Kosovo. Instead, according to him, the question is what else they will take from us if we don’t defend ourselves, and if we defend ourselves and react, whether this will put an end to our future or jeopardize it. “What is our choice, tell me? Can you see it?,” asked the President of Serbia. “My job is not so much to follow political events on a daily basis, but to consider strategically, to see what is real and what is not. The easiest thing for me is to curse and tell them what I think, and believe me, I do tell it to their face and I’m braver than you think – but my job is to preserve peace and not give them any reason for any action,” said Vucic. “I do not believe in their morals… Do you believe them when they say they will not move to occupy the North? Nobody believes that anymore,” he concluded.

Kocijancic: No date for Vucic-Thaci dialogue, 7 June technical meeting was not even scheduled (Beta)

No date has been scheduled yet for the next meeting of the presidents of Serbia and Kosovo, Aleksandar Vucic and Hashim Thaci, on efforts toward the normalization and reaching of a legally binding agreement, but contacts are under way, and the expert service and teams and

constantly communicating. The spokesperson of the EU High Representative, Maja Kocijancic, said this to Beta, commenting on the statements of officials in Belgrade about the

dialogue continuing and the date being known on June 7 or 8. Asked about the new round of dialogue at the technical level, after information from Pristina about the chief of the Kosovo delegation in the technical dialogue with Serbia, Avni Arifi, rejecting the EU’s invitation to participate in a meeting in Brussels on 7 and 8 June, which would have focused on the

Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), Kocijancic said that such a meeting had not been scheduled. We never said such a meeting was scheduled for 7 June, and the dialogue at the technical level continues, she said. Kocijancic reiterated that the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini regularly reported in person to the EU member states on the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, at sessions of the EU Council of Ministers, while her team informed the representatives of EU members within various working groups of the EU Council about the course of the dialogue.

Joksimovic: EU seriously counts on Serbia (Beta/Tanjug)

Serbian Minister for European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic informed on Thursday at a working breakfast in Brussels, the ambassadors of EU countries about reforms, political circumstances and the situation in our country. Joksimovic presented Serbia’s activities regarding Chapters 23 and 24 that relate to the rule of law, media freedom and the fight against organized crime and corruption and pointed out that Serbia’s dedication is undeniable. We are expected to go further and faster. The EU counts on Serbia and therefore it urges us to be faster, she stressed and added that they praised the reforms implemented to date. Joksimovic said that she informed the EU ambassadors that Serbia sent to the Venice Commission the amendment to the Constitution, primarily in the field of judicial reform, and we expect the Commission to answer by the end of June whether these amendments are in accordance with best practices and standards that exist in the Union. She also briefed the permanent representatives of EU Member States in Brussels on the fact that at the initiative of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, a new round of preparation of the media strategy has been launched. Joksimovic also stated that the Prosecution Strategy for War Crimes has been adopted, and that Serbia has undertaken a whole range of activities and laws related to migration, asylum and foreigners.

Vucic, Chepurin discuss Kosovo (Beta)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his concern over the frequent attacks on the Serbs in Kosovo, during his June 7 meeting with Russian Ambassador Alexander Chepurin, the Serbian Presidency has stated. Vucic said a compromise had to be found on Kosovo – without imposing solutions that meant pressure on Serbia. Chepurin reiterated Russia’s support for the territorial integrity of Serbia, saying that Moscow would continue to support Serbia in international organizations.

Radojicic appointed Belgrade mayor (Beta)

On 7 June, the Belgrade City Assembly appointed Zoran Radojicic the mayor of Belgrade.

The vote was secret, and 63 deputies voted in favor of Radojicic and the new city authorities.

At the same session of the City Assembly, members of the new City Council were appointed:

deputy mayor is Goran Vesic, Dragomir Petronijevic, Tanja Popovic, Steva Marusic, Milos Dangubic, Gavril Kovacevic, Zoran Adamovic, Elena Bilic, Filip Marjanovic, Fadilj Eminovic, Vojin Vucicevic and Vladimir Jestratijevic.

REGIONAL PRESS

Political parties fail to reach agreement on B&H Election Law (N1)

Representatives of political parties in the FB&H once again failed to reach an agreement on amendments to the B&H Election Law at the meeting that took place in the premises of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H in Sarajevo on Thursday. Although they said they almost reached a temporary solution for the election of delegates in the FB&H House of Peoples (HoP) at the last meeting on Tuesday, participants of the meeting confirmed on Thursday that there is still no consensus about such solution. The most disputable problem at this moment is whether to apply the results of the population census from 1991 or 2013. SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic told reporters that it seemed like they almost reached a solution at the last meeting, but they failed to do that after all. SBB B&H leader Fahrudin Radoncic confirmed that they discussed many details but did not come closer to the final solution. Nevertheless, they will put a lot of effort into finding a compromise after all, he added. “There are differences between this ‘Bosniak bloc’ and our colleagues from HDZ B&H. We will meet again next week, in order to try to reduce these differences and reach a single solution which is highly necessary,” Radoncic explained.

HDZ B&H Deputy President Borjana Kristo argued that they failed to reach an agreement because the principles referred to in the decision of the BiH Constitutional Court are being disrespected. In her opinion, using the results of the population census from 1991 would not ensure “legitimate representation”. DF representative Zlatko Miletic stated: “These four parties, excluding HDZ B&H, have harmonized their stances with regard to this ‘ad hoc’ solution. This solution complies with the FB&H Constitution, but gentlemen from HDZ B&H simply do not want to accept it.” He added that provisions of the FB&H Constitution would be violated if HDZ B&H’s requests were accepted. SDP B&H leader Nermin Niksic refused to reveal details as the talks are still underway, stressing the need for additional efforts towards a compromise solution that would satisfy everyone. Representatives of the international community – US Ambassador to B&H Maureen Cormack and Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, who also attended the meeting, did not want to present their stances after the meeting. Their stances are well-known – the solution must be found and it must be adopted by local leaders, the reporter noted. At the same time, High Representative Valentin Inzko confirmed to N1 that he has no intention of using the Bonn powers or imposing amendments to the Election Law for now. The talks about amendments to the Election Law are expected to continue next week.

Covic meets Cormack and Wigemark (Vecernji list)

Croat member of the B&H Presidency Dragan Covic met with US Ambassador to B&H Maureen Cormack and Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Lars-Gunnar Wigemark (not mentioned where and when) to talk about the political situation in BiH and current talks related to changes to the Law on Elections in terms of implementation of the decision of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H in the ‘Ljubic’ case. According to the daily, participants of the meeting exchanged views about the status of current talks, which are aimed at implementation of the CC’s decision on legitimate representation.

New round of negotiations on issue of local elections in Mostar held (TV1)

Another round of negotiations of the political parties in Mostar on the issue of elections in this city, was held on Thursday. Representatives of city boards of seven parliamentary parties attended the meeting, while representatives of SDS and HDZ 1990 failed to show up. According to TV1, the meeting failed to bring any concrete solutions or proposals, but for the first time, proposals of political agreements appeared on the negotiation table; the one coming from SDA and the other one coming from HDZ B&H. The reporter noted that following the meeting, representatives of the parties expressed opposing views, while the opposition said that they see no progress. President of the SDA Mostar City Board Salem Maric expressed optimism, bearing in mind that for the first time, they talked about a political agreement of nine parties. Maric stated: “We reached an agreement that the political agreements will include a package of the issue of changes to the Election Law and the issue of the Statute of Mostar. There were some doubts on how to implement this, but we will discuss this later, if we solve, if we reach what we want and that is a political agreement of the nine political parties.” President of SBB B&H Mostar City Board Anel Kljako stated that SDA and HDZ B&H offered political agreements, but both parties refuse to sign each other’s documents. Kljako concluded: “It is pretty much clear that the positions are quite firm”.

B&H authorities meet to discuss influx of migrants (N1)

Representatives of the B&H authorities held a meeting dedicated to the migrant crisis in the Una-Sana Canton (USC), which took place in Sarajevo on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Chairman of the B&H Council of Ministers Denis Zvizdic, B&H Minister of Security Dragan Mektic, B&H Minister for Human Rights and Refugees Semiha Borovac, FB&H Prime Minister Fadil Novalic, USC Prime Minister Husein Rosic and Bihac Mayor Suhret Fazlic. Participants of the meeting agreed that it is necessary for competent institutions to start solving the migrant issue in the USC, particularly in Bihac and Velika Kladusa that are affected the most. They also agreed to find adequate capacities, probably the premises of former company Agrokomerc, which will be prepared to provide migrants with everything they need for normal living. It is also necessary to find adequate space for a large number of ill migrants in this area. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Zvizdic said that those who are seeking international protection in the territory of B&H will still be treated humanely. “The second and most important aspect is to keep working in accordance with relevant laws of B&H – the law on asylum and the law on foreigners, as well as in line with international standards. We will also keep strengthening and securing our border with eastern neighbors,” Zvizdic said. Novalic announced that it is yet to be determined on Monday which facilities are suitable for this purpose. “You could see that there are different groups of migrants. Some of them have demonstrated anti-social behavior, some of them are ill etc.” he explained. Rosic noted that he told Mektic that the USC authorities should be given more powers in this situation. “Our police are not authorized to keep them in detention for a long time. These repressive measures refer to detention, which may last for 48 or 72 hours,” Rosic said.

B&H CEC ends process of verification of applications of political parties and independent candidates for participation in 2018 (FTV)

The B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) completed on Thursday the verification of applications of political parties and independent candidates for participation in this year’s general elections in B&H. According to CEC, 67 political parties and 34 independent candidates met the conditions to participate in the elections. Political parties and independent candidates can submit their applications for verification of coalitions and lists of independent candidates in the period from 10 to 19 June.

MoFA: Sustainable name solution far more important than any deadlines (MIA)

The quality of an agreement on (the name) and the need to achieve a lasting, sustainable solution acceptable for both parties are far more important than the need to finalize the process in any time-frame, Macedonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said Thursday in a press release.

In this extremely delicate moment in the process for overcoming the difference over the name between Macedonia and Greece, MoFA considers that the domestic and international public should be informed about the following: “Goodwill was demonstrated during the talks and a good result was achieved. At this point, as in any process of this nature, it is necessary for the goodwill to be transferred by the working groups into a text of a treaty, which will best reflect the essential parameters of the achieved political understanding between the two sides. The Republic of Macedonia wishes and intensively works to make it happen as soon as possible until the upcoming meeting of the European Council, pointing out that there must be no rush when dealing with such important issues. The quality of the agreement’s text and the need to achieve a lasting, sustainable solution acceptable for both parties are far more important than the need to finalize the process in any time-frame,” the press release reads.

Zaev: Name row settlement ‘anytime soon’ (MIA)

The name dispute between Macedonia and Greece will be solved very soon, stated Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on Thursday. Asked when the anticipated phone call with the Greek Premier, Alexis Tsipras, would take place, Zaev said the exact date remained unknown.

“Maybe Skopje will call Athens and I hope it will be pretty soon,” he said adding he would refrain from commenting further and referred to the press release issued earlier today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He reiterated that any agreement should be ‘sustainable and permanent’ and ‘100% safe for all generations to come.’ Zaev, who was speaking to reporters in the Tetovo municipality of Tetovo, said that he remained an optimist even though ‘it isn’t easy because it’s a sensitive issue.’ The PM said he would like to speak with Tsipras on the phone as early as tomorrow. “However, there is time until the summit of the European Council, on June 28-29, preceded by the summit of ministers on June 25-26. These can be considered as deadlines, and because of these deadlines the name dispute is expected to be resolved anytime soon.”

Provided that a name agreement was reached before the NATO summit on July 11-12, he noted, NATO would then extend the long-awaited invitation to Macedonia to join the Alliance.

Osmani: Preserving of Skopje-Athens confidence – vital for name row settlement (MIA)

Preserving the confidence between Macedonia and Greece is vital for the negotiations on settling the name dispute, Vice-Premier for European Affairs Bujar Osmani says in an interview with MIA. “I am optimistic in this regard. The last meters of every race are the most difficult. That is the point that makes a difference between leaders and common people. Stamina is required for the last phase for the marathon to end successfully, which will unblock the entire country,” Osmani says. Referring to his meeting with EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, Osmani says he briefed her about the pace of name negotiations, achieved progress and existing differences. It would be good, Osmani told Mogherini, for all with good intention to help for these differences to be ironed. He expects for conclusions of the upcoming EU Summit to be favorable for Macedonia, namely the country to finally obtain a date for commencing the EU accession talks. The name issue resolution will enable Macedonia to convince all EU members, including France and The Netherlands (which at the moment don’t support the EU enlargement process) to approve a start of the country’s accession talks, Osmani says.

Kukan says constitution and language – most difficult issues in name talks (MIA)

Politicians should prepare their citizens before announcing an agreement on the name, MEP Eduard Kukan told MIA Brussels correspondent on Thursday. “Being very optimistic is wrong. Reaching an agreement by politicians is not enough. The politicians should prepare their citizens before announcing (the agreement). I don’t believe that the name is the hardest part. The most difficult part of (name talks) is how it (the name) will be notified in the constitution, reflect on the references about the language, culture…After resolving of these matters the politicians should sell that to the public in a favorable manner and only then the name should be officially announced,” Kukan said.

Baily: Name solution positive for Macedonia, Greece, entire region (MIA)

The United States have been supporting Greece and Macedonia in the name dispute settlement for a long time, said US Ambassador Jess Baily on Thursday. Baily told reporters at the sidelines of the Macedonia Energy Forum in Struga that the solution to this long-term problem would benefit both countries, but also contribute to the prosperity and stability of the entire region.

“Negotiations between the two countries, under the UN aegis, are continuing. Taking into account the specific nature of the issue, I would leave it to both countries to reach a mutually acceptable solution, which the citizens have been waiting for a long time,” added Baily.

Greek proposal Severna Makedonija, with no English translation, means completely new name of the state (MIA)

Greek newspaper “Ta Nea” reported Wednesday that it is expected that there will be quick changes in the name negotiations between Athens and Skopje. The Greek proposal is “Severna Makedonija” with no English translation. Zoran Zaev’s answer whether he accepts the final Greek proposal agreed in New York between Dimitrov and Kotzias will show the roadmap throughout the case. As the Greek newspaper writes, if the answer is positive, then Zaev will have a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Such proposal to change our constitutional name with no English translation is a complete loss of essence. This is not a complex name for which they told us they were negotiating. On the contrary, if Zaev accepts the proposal, Macedonia will be provided with a completely new identity. The Macedonian public is in anticipation as to how far can the Prime Minister go with these, for us, harmful negotiations.

US Ambassador meeting with Minister Xhafaj, what was discussed? (ADN)

The Interior Minister, Fatmir Xhafaj, held a meeting for 3 hours this Thursday afternoon with the US Ambassador in Tirana, Donald Lu. The main topics discussed were the recent developments in the country and in particular the efforts of the Interior Ministry and State Police in the fight against organized crime and illegality. Minister Xhafaj, acquainted the Ambassador with the current situation and the activity of the State Police in the war against crime, while the latter praised the work of these institutions. He stressed that it is very important to continue the fight against organized crime and expressed the strong support of the US as well as other partner countries for the Interior Ministry and Minister Xhafaj. “I am paying close attention to charges against Minister Xhafaj and his brother Agron Xhafaj. Facts and evidences, including the truthfulness and circumstances surrounding the audio recording reported, deserve to be investigated independently. But this cannot be a reason to interrupt the work of police and prosecutors, to arrest dangerous heads of organized crime. The time for Albania to finish the work that has started, is now,” said the Ambassador. Right after that, together with Minister Xhafaj, he visited the Special Task Force premises, where the directors of this institution, acquainted the Ambassador with the organization of this structure, activity and the results so far. “I am impressed by your activity and the fact that you are not tempted by the links of the criminal elements with politics. You have our full support of the ICITAP mission and Agencies such as the FBI and DEA. You will be proud of how the Special Task Force will change the country’s future,” stressed the Ambassador.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

No Change Seen on Kosovo Under Spanish Socialists (BIRN, by Maja Zivanovic, 8 June 2018)

In Spain, a different party takes power, but policy on Catalonia, and by extension Kosovo, is unlikely to change.

Spain’s new prime minister may have lined up with Catalan and Basque nationalists in toppling his predecessor, but Pedro Sanchez’s choice of cabinet suggests no let-up in Madrid’s hard-line stance on Catalan independence, and by extension Kosovo. Indeed, unconfirmed reports in Serbia suggest Spain’s new Socialist government has asked to take part in sensitive European Union-mediated negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina, nervous about the shape of any binding agreement designed to finally settle their relations a decade after Kosovo declared independence. Spain is one of five of the EU’s 28 members that do not recognise Kosovo as a sovereign state given the example it sets for separatists in its own northeastern Catalonia region.

In the wake of Catalonia’s abortive bid for independence last year, Sanchez’s centre-right predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, took an even tougher line on Kosovo to the degree that he boycotted a May 17 EU summit in Sofia with six Western Balkans countries that included the former Serbian province. While some experts say Sanchez is unlikely to repeat such a public snub, few see him or his cabinet – which includes a vocal opponent of Catalan independence as foreign minister – as giving any real ground on Kosovo.

An act of ‘American power’

Ignacio Molina of the Elcano Institute, a think-tank, noted that Sanchez had been on the staff of the United Nations high representative in Bosnia at the time of Kosovo’s 1998-99 war, which “may help to allow a softer position”. But the prevailing opinion was that Madrid’s “the official position of not recognising will not change”, Molina told BIRN. At best, Sanchez may take a “less awkward” approach to issues such as Spanish attendance at summits involving Kosovo.

Barcelona-based freelance journalist Anna Gumbau told BIRN: “It is unlikely that the new Spanish administration will soften its stance towards Kosovo.” Gumbau recalled that it was a Socialist Spanish government, like Sanchez’s, which condemned Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence as a violation of international law. Spain’s refusal to recognise was welcomed at the time by Josep Borrell, a Catalan former president of the European Parliament, a vocal opponent of Catalan separatism and now Sanchez’s foreign minister. Borrell condemned Kosovo’s secession as an act of “American power.” Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, “a Socialist like current Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, refused to recognise Kosovo as a state, at a time when Catalan nationalist sentiment had begun to grow slowly and divisions between Barcelona and Madrid started showing its first symptoms,” Gumbau said, in English. “As support for independence in Catalonia is much stronger now than in 2008, it’s safe to say that Spain’s stance towards Kosovo will not change much.” Gumbau said Borrell was highly regarded in Brussels and cited some analysts as saying his appointment signalled that Sanchez’s government would be “more pro-active in countering the Catalan pro-independence narrative abroad,” making any reversal on Kosovo highly unlikely.