LOCAL PRESS

Vucic on energy and ZSO (RTS)

Gazivode is a strategic matter and the only thing that remains where Serbia and Serbian state institutions in Kosovo are respected in the entire world is the power grid and the fact that we are still holding Valac, said President Vucic on Sunday. Responding to a journalist question on Pristina’s attempt to recently block the negotiations in Brussels with a question on energy, Vucic said that in the principle part of the agreement on energy it is written that Serbian companies would have to establish the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) and, in order to have any kind of implementation of something that is in principle, you need to have the ZSO first. “Where is the ZSO? Then why are you asking something from us when you didn’t form the ZSO, five and a half years have passed and then they become silent,” said Vucic. “We are fighting and not everything is so hopeless, but people need to understand that what they had asked for is nonsense inspired by two member states that are losing part of the money here, not to mention how they are now stealing power from us and what all things they are doing,” said Vucic.

Great potential for further development of cooperation with Chile (RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic met today on the sidelines of the 13^th Pacific Alliance Summit held in Mexico with Chilean Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero Espinosa. The officials gave a positive assessment of the current bilateral cooperation and agreed that the potential for their further development, primarily in the field of economic cooperation, is very high. Dacic expressed the gratitude to Espinosa for the principled position of Chile in respecting the principles of territorial integrity and international law, as well as on the persistent and firm standpoint of not recognizing the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo. They exchanged views on the most important foreign policy challenges that both countries are facing, as well as on the importance and benefits of the associated membership of the Republic of Serbia to the Pacific Alliance – a regional platform, primarily oriented towards the improvement of economic cooperation. In order to further improve friendly relations, Dacic invited his Chilean counterpart to visit Serbia.

Cyprus supports UNSC Resolution 1244 and Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (Tanjug)

Serbian parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic met today with the President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Syllouris, currently in official visit to the Republic of Serbia. Gojkovic and Syllouris agreed that this is a historic visit as it is the first by a President of the Cypriot House of Representatives to Serbia and that the two countries share a firm friendship and traditionally close ties. Gojkovic stressed that Serbia holds its cooperation with Cyprus in high esteem as it is a country which has throughout history stood by Serbia and its people in times of trouble and continues to offer strong support in matters of national importance. Gojkovic thanked Cyprus for its consistent and principled support of Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a sign of true friendship, and the support in the instances of so-called “Kosovo’s” attempts to join international organizations. She said that Serbia is committed to dialogue, implementation of the Brussels agreement and finding a compromise solution, pointing out that Pristina has yet, five years after the agreement was signed, to establish the Community of Serb Municipalities. Gojkovic said that Serbia supports the territorial integrity of Cyprus and finding a political solution for the two communities. Syllouris said that Cyprus supports UNSC Resolution 1244 and Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its European integration and is an ambassador of Serbia’s cause in the organization, and stands ready to help it become an EU member. Syllouris thanked Serbia for its support of the sovereignty and territorial unity of Cyprus. Syllouris addressed Serbian MPs at a special parliament session.

Working group presents results (Tanjug)

The working group for the collection of facts and evidence for the investigation of crimes committed against Serbs and other national communities in Kosovo and Metohija met on Friday to review the results achieved so far as regards gathering data of use to the Special Prosecution Office for pressing charges against the members of the terrorist KLA for crimes and command responsibility. The General Secretary of the Serbian Foreign Ministry Veljko Odalovic has stated that the working group for investigating crimes of the so-called KLA in Kosovo and Metohija has  searched the archives, worked with those who have been in possession of any kind of information and made several important and valuable documents that will be in a serious function of proving crimes that were perpetrated in the region of Kosovo and Metohija, once the mechanism is found for their exchange with the Special Prosecution. Presenting the results, working group member Veljko Odalovic said that in the collection and collation of documentation and data, the state services and bodies had demonstrated a high degree of coordination. Odalovic said that the collected data demasked the complete structure of the KLA to the lowest units, which is very important to ascertain the chain of command. He stressed that the KLA actions were divided into seven operative zones and, so far, the working group has processed two – Dukadjini and Drenica, collecting 3500 documents related to 900 events. The Chairperson of the working group Milovan Drecun said that the working group had coordinated the work of the state institutions, security services and prosecution and collated a single database substantiated by documentation and evidence on the crimes perpetrated in Kosovo and Metohija, the fate of the missing, possible witnesses and perpetrators. Drecun said that this should yield a comprehensive picture of the brutal ethnic cleansing conducted by the KLA and the data would be forwarded to the Special Court for war crimes in Kosovo so that charges can be pressed. Drecun said that Serbia is committed to shedding light on the crimes committed against the Serbian people, as well as everybody else in Kosovo and Metohija, hoping that all the data and documents the working group discovers would help reveal the whole truth about the crimes perpetrated in Kosovo and Metohija by the members of the terrorist KLA and process those responsible.

Djuric: Crime in Staro Gracko a stain on the face of the international community (Tanjug)

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric has stated on the occasion of 19 years since the murder of Serb reapers in Staro Gracko, that this crime is a non-erasable stain on the face of the international community, before whose eyes innocent people were massacred, but also before all those who assisted in perpetrators not being punished to this day. “We demand from the representatives of the provisional self-government institutions in Pristina, who are actually protecting terrorists by non-activity, to stop the conspiracy of silence on the crimes of the so-called KLA and other criminal-terrorist groups in Kosovo and Metohija,” Djuric said in a statement.

Jovic: More understanding for Serbia’s arguments (Tanjug)

Deputy Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Damjan Jovic has stated that in the negotiations with Pristina it is noticeable that the argumentation of the Serbian side is being accepted with more understanding even by those who are the main sponsors of Kosovo’s independence. “Simply, the world is changing and this in not 1999 anymore, which Pristina still can’t realize. They are actually bringing them into a situation to make a similar mistake that we made in 1989 when we didn’t understand the significance of global changes and what kind of consequences they can have on us,” Jovic told the Vlasin Youth Forum. According to him, the Belgrade and Pristina negotiating positions are so far away that the possibility for an essential agreement are really very small, but it is noticeable that the argumentation of the Serbian side, in the direction that it is not possible to humiliate Serbia and offer it nothing for everything, is being accepted with more understanding even by those who are the main sponsors of Kosovo’s independence.

Moscow opposes artificial deadlines in Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Beta)

Moscow is strongly opposed to artificial deadlines in the Belgrade-Pristina talks, favoring a

solution to the Kosovo issue strictly under conditions acceptable to Serbia, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said. “We are strongly opposed to artificial deadlines in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, proceeding from the point that a solution to the Kosovo issue is only possible under conditions that are acceptable for Serbia,” Zahharova said in a comment for Beta. She recalled that under the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue was mediated by the EU. She described the character of Russian-Serbian relations as that of a strategic partnership. Zakharova also said that the Kosovo situation was a regular theme for the Russian and Serbian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic, respectively, as well as Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Ivica Dacic. Zakharova’s remarks were in response to being asked about Moscow’s take on the talks in Brussels, and

Russia’s reaction if a Belgrade-Pristina agreement was reached without consulting Russia.

REGIONAL PRESS

RS Assembly Collegium to set date for session on Dodik’s request to reject report on Srebrenica from 2014 (Hayat)

The Collegium of the Republika Srpska (RS) Assembly will convene today, Monday 23^rd and discuss the request of RS President Milorad Dodik on determining the daily agenda and date for the 29th extraordinary session of the RSNA. At this extraordinary session, the representatives should discuss the Srebrenica Commission’s report on the events in July 1995 and they will vote on Dodik’s request on annulling the report. In the report that was prepared in 2004, the RS’ Commission on Srebrenica made several lists of persons who were killed in July of 1995. Dodik said they should have annulled the report a long time ago so that manipulation would finally stop. RS Vice President Ramiz Salkic said that Dodik’s request shows his “fear of finally revealing the truth about Srebrenica and serving justice that is acknowledged by the whole world”. Salkic said that the request for annulment of the report is just continuation of retrograde policy, that diminishes all that was built on the path to reconciliation so far. “In any case, the RS Government and the RSNA cannot change anything in regards to the truth about Srebrenica, even if they annul the report. The truth about what happened in Srebrenica was determined by The Hague Tribunal, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the domestic courts, that rendered verdicts that proved that genocide was committed in Srebrenica”, said Salkic. Salkic added that, at the moment, Dodik is the “leader of this story”, but there are most certainly many people in the RS ready to follow his lead. Salkic believes Dodik will get the support of the Serb opposition parties in the RS for his request for annulling the report. Dodik claims that during the work of the commission, members of the commission pointed out to abuses of the report, arguing that the mandate and work was limited to Bosniak victims only and that the commission is not an inquiry body. Members of the opposition parties will attend Monday’ session of the Collegium. Leader of NDP Dragan Cavic stated that he will decide whether he will attend a special session of the RSNA, since as he said, there is no need to convene the session about this topic.

OHR reacts to RS President’s request re report on Srebrenica (TV1)

Commenting on the request of Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik for convening a special session of the RS Assembly  at which the 2004 report of the RS government’s Commission for Srebrenica is supposed to be annulled, the Office of the high Representative (OHR) stated on Friday that despite attempts to neglect or misinterpret the facts – the events from 1995 were documented in details and two international courts confirmed that the genocide happened in Srebrenica.

Five predominantly Bosniak parties propose new organization of constituencies and distribution of mandates for Federation of B&H Parliament (HTV1)

Five predominantly Bosniak parties (SDA, SBB, SDP, DF and ‘Our Party’) proposed a new organization of constituencies and distribution of mandates for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament. The Federation of B&H House of Peoples (HoP) did not discuss this law proposal i.e. the Law on Constituencies and Number of Mandates in the Federation of B&H Parliament at its recent extraordinary session due to lack of quorum. Speaker of the Federation of B&H HoP Lidija Bradara (HDZ B&H) assessed that such law proposal represents violation of Vital National Interest (VNI) of Croat people. Chairman of the Main Council of the Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) Bozo Ljubic presented a stance that the proponents of this law basically conducted “an entity attack on the state”. Deputy Speaker of B&H HoP Barisa Colak (HDZ B&H) stressed that, according to the current provisions of the Election Law of BiH, general elections can be held and the House of Representatives (HoR) of parliaments both at the Federation of B&H and B&H level can be formed. However, Colak wondered how the HoP of the Federation of B&H and B&H can be formed without amending the Election Law. Federation of B&H Minister of Finance Jelka Milicevic (HDZ B&H) noted that it was known from the beginning that this law proposal related to the Federation of B&H Parliament could cause issues in functioning of the authorities. HDZ 1990 leader Ilija Cvitanovic deems that the law that has been proposed in the Federation of B&H Parliament is violation of democracy.

Dodik’s statements condemned by Islamic Community in B&H, journalists, US Embassy, OHR, OSCE (N1)

In an interview for ATV, Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik said that the Muslim call for prayer in mosques in the RS are disturbing to Serbs. The statement has triggered a number of reactions. The Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Communications Regulatory Agency (RAK) stated that it is taking action against ATV after it received multiple complaints. Spokesperson for the Islamic Community in B&H Muhamed Jusic assessed that Dodik’s statement is all about chauvinism. “This represents the kind of chauvinism and hate speech that we witnessed ahead of the beginning of the aggression and genocide in B&H,” Jusic said. He added that this was a time when an atmosphere that resulted in “the destruction of all mosques on territories controlled by paramilitary formations of Bosnian Serbs and formations from Serbia, Montenegro, Russia and Greece” was being created. The US Embassy to B&H reminded that the priority of this administration is respect towards religious freedoms. “Any statement promoting intolerance or hate speech is absolutely unacceptable and requires adequate measures of the authorities of B&H. Such rhetoric is particularly dangerous when used by elected officials and public figures,” the US Embassy to B&H stated for N1. The Office of the High Representative (OHR) also condemned Dodik’s statement. “There is too much of the provocative and useless rhetoric in this country. Public figures, who have a responsibility to contribute to peace and reconciliation should carefully and responsibly choose their words and refrain from intolerant comments. The responsibility is solely on the elected government officials, as emphasized in several reports of the High Representatives for the UN. The message remains the same for all: B&H is a multi-ethnic state where all citizens – representing three constituent peoples and the others – live and work together,” the OHR stated. The OSCE Mission to B&H stated that it “strongly condemns the spreading of intolerance and any statements which may incite national and religious hatred”. “Such statements damage community relations. Public officials have a responsibility to create a positive social climate. This does the opposite,” reads the statement.

Lukac: Situation related to migrants is turning into crisis (ATV)

A meeting of the expanded Collegium of the RS Ministry of Interior (MoI) was held on Friday. One of the main topics of the meeting were migrants. RS Minister of Interior Dragan Lukac warned that situation related to migrants is turning into a crisis given that daily inflow of migrants to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is exceeding 100 people. Since the beginning of the year, around 1,500 illegal migrants were discovered on the territory of the RS. Minister Lukac underlined that not all obligations in terms of paying for the accommodation and food for RS police officers who are on the field are being fulfilled, recalling that the RS MoI is covering the cost of daily allowances for RS police officers, as well as fuel costs. “I believe this is considerable lack of organization at the level of B&H, especially when it comes to the B&H Ministry of Security which needs to do more regarding this matter,” Lukac underlined. Lukac stressed that the RS lacks capacities for organizing camps and accommodation of migrants, adding that the goal is for the migrants to pass through the territory of the RS as quickly as possible. Lukac emphasized that in the RS there was an enormous increase in the inflow of migrants appearing at different locations, and currently the biggest number of them are located in Podrinje area, i.e. in Bijeljina and Zvornik. He pointed out that B&H authorities should do much more to address this problem, as there are many incidents in B&H with migrants, including with those that have a criminal past and are prone to perpetration of criminal offenses.

Situation in B&H discussed at UK Parliament (N1)

The UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee recently commented the situation in the Western Balkans region. The Foreign Affairs Committee, in charge of the scrutinizing the work of the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, carried out inquiries over the past month concerning the EU integration of the Western Balkans, touching upon, among other topics, the role of the NATO and the Russian influence in the region. British Conservative Party politician and Member of Parliament for the Isle of Wight, Bob Seely, wanted to know more about the Russian influence in the region, especially on Kosovo and in Republika Srpska (RS). He wanted to know whether the claims about arming of the RS are true. The members of the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee agreed that NATO is important for preventing the conflicts from recurring in the Western Balkans, and being there on the ground to provide security. Professor James Ker-Lindsay of the London School of Economics’ European Institute pointed out the necessity of being careful about Russian involvement in the region. Ker-Lindsay found it interesting that “in many ways, any Russian influence in the region has been gifted to Moscow by the EU.” “It is obviously being discussed at great length at the moment. Like many others, I am a little wary of saying that Moscow has more influence than it does in the region. Let us also be clear: Russian influence extends, essential, to two or maybe three places. Those are Serbia, the RS in B&H, and, to a certain degree, Montenegro,” Ker-Lindsay underlined.

Doctoral researcher at the University of Sussex, Tena Prelec, said that the main Russian goal in the Balkans is to keep the status quo and not create further divisions. “Russia plays a very good role in the Balkans. The difference between Russian and western approach is in the fact that Russia does not invest as much resources in the region, but its goal is very clear. The EU, on the other hand, invests much more resources. The Russian goal is to maintain the status quo. I think that the concern that B&H is divided because of the Russian presence is exaggerated”, said Prelec. As one of the conclusions of the discussion, a warning was sent to the EU to stop perceiving the countries of the Western Balkans as one bloc. Instead, each country must be evaluated based on its personal achievements.

Serbia protests against Croats and Albanians being “brothers in arms” (Hina)

Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin, commenting on the statement made this week by Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic about Croats and Albanians, told the press in Belgrade on Saturday he regretted that Croatian politicians were “unable to get rid of their complex towards Serbia and Serbs”. “The only criterion for you to be brothers with Croatia is that you participated in the killing of Serbs. I regret that this is so and that Croatian politicians are unable to find some other way to connect with their surroundings and find some other value to call someone a brother,” Vulin said in his comment on Grabar-Kitarovic’s statement, made during her visit to Albania this week, that Croats and Albanians are “brothers in arms”.

Vulin said that “participating in the killing of Serbs” was not something someone should be proud of. “I regret that this is so and that Croatian politicians are unable to get rid of this deep complex towards Serbia.” “I am always concerned if this is the only message for the future and the only criterion to become brothers with the Croatian state, people or politics, that you participated in the killing of Serbs,” Vulin said. During her address to the Albanian Parliament, Grabar-Kitarovic referred to “lasting and inseparable friendship” between Croatia and Albania and the role of the Albanian ethnic minority in Croatian society. “Albania was our friend when we needed it. … We were literally brothers in arms before we joined NATO together in 2009. Many Albanians sacrificed their lives for Croatia and believe me – Croatia will not forget this,” the Croatian president said, referring to the Albanians who had fought in Croatia’s 1991-1995 war of independence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in response to her statement that “Serbia does not need brothers but friends.”

Accession to EU responsibility of both government and opposition (Pobjeda)

In an interview for Pobjeda daily, Bulgarian MEP, Peter Kouroumbashev, said he was happy to see Montenegrin opposition optimistic and supportive when it comes to NATO membership, which he considered crucial factor for the in-country stability. “The EU accession process represents joint responsibility because it’s not important who’s running the state but to alter actions and align them to the existing needs,” added he. Commenting on Montenegro’s accession talks, Kouroumbashev told it was hard to estimate whether Montenegro, or any other WB Country, was to accede to the EU by 2025. “Every country of the Western Balkans will be accessed based on its achieved results.” Right now, it can be said Montenegro is a leader in the EU accession process, according to Kouroumbashev. “You have already opened Chapters 31 and 33 and I hope the accession process will run smoothly, as I’m convinced you’re able to close many chapters in next few years. On the other hand, it is important to stress that the rule of law, fight against corruption and freedom of media represent the core of chapters 23 and 24, opened long time ago. Actually, these chapters are basis for all other negotiating chapters,” Kouroumbashev has signaled. He also added he was happy to have had opportunity to talk with the representatives of the ruling party and the opposition as well. “In my opinion, the opposition should return to the Parliament as that’s the only place eligible for discussions,” concluded the Bulgarian MEP.

Trump’s remark about Montenegro is just a joke (Vikend novine)

Donald Trump’s recent statement that Montenegrins might cause a Third World War went viral on social media. Even a CNN reporter has been sent to Montenegro following the US President’s remarks to check whether Montenegrins are as aggressive as he thinks they are. Famous journalist, Jaksa Scekic, who used to work for Reuters and British Sky News, says he sees Trump’s remark as nothing unusual but that he actually promoted Montenegro, which certainly wasn’t his intention. “The fact is that Donald Trump mentioned Montenegro instead of any other Baltic country. Someone obviously told him Montenegrins are proud and aggressive, and that they waged wars for freedom, which he used to make a joke. If you ask him about Montenegro today, he probably wouldn’t know anything about it, not even to repeat what he had already said. He did enough to promote your country and that’s how you should see it,” Scekic told Dnevne Novine daily. The fact CNN sent a reporter to Montenegro is an extraordinary summer story, according to Scekic. “He made you instantly popular literally overnight. Half of the world certainly didn’t know Montenegro is a NATO member state, and now everybody knows that! Trump’s statement will have more effect than 10 advertisements on Montenegro’s tourist offer on CNN. This is why I say he did a perfect job for you and maybe you should even thank him,” Jaksic told assertively.

Montenegro supports Macedonia in its EU and NATO integration processes (CDM)

An invitation to Macedonia to open negotiations regarding accession to NATO is very important in the context of regional security in particular, said the Minister of Interior, Mevludin Nuhodzic, during the meeting with the Vice-President of the Government of Macedonia and the Minister of Interior of Macedonia, Oliver Spasovski. Nuhodzic paid his official visit to Macedonia and he used the opportunity to congratulate the officials and the citizens of that country on receiving the invitation for the NATO and on opening negotiations with the EU. As the Ministry of Interior reports, Macedonia can count on strong and friendly support of Montenegro in those processes. Ministers stated that the cooperation between two departments of internal affairs is effective, especially in the domain of the activities of the police, both at the bilateral and regional level. Fight against organized crime, illegal migrations and terrorism will remain the priority of regional devotion. In the forthcoming period, the focus will be put on fulfilling measures of Chapters 24 from the EU negotiation process. The two Ministers, Nuhodzic and Spasovski signed the Agreement between two governments in the area of human trafficking with the aim of strengthening national mechanism for more effective response to the challenges in this domain.

SEC surely to be formed, Agreement with Greece to be published in Official Gazette before announcing referendum date (MIA)

Parliament speaker Talat Xhaferi expressed hope that leaders of political parties will reach an agreement at the upcoming meeting on Monday and that there would be no problem the Parliament to implement what was agreed by end of July. Otherwise, the procedure on adopting amendments to the Electoral Code will resume, which stipulates the composition of the State Election Commission (SEC) to be elected by a majority vote, which is expected to conduct the referendum on the name issue. “On the other hand, which I do not desire, the initiated procedure can be concluded, because there are no obstruction instruments unless we consider the practice when the law should be signed by the President of the country and he to decide similarly as was the case with the two previous laws. It is already one of the obstruction instruments,” Xhaferi said. Xhaferi underlined that the Parliament has no last deadline to announce the referendum, because there is still no specific date for its holding. “Therefore, we are not strictly burdened to say that July 30, July 31 or August 1 is our last deadline. It is important to determine the framework in which the referendum is to be held and based on this a draft decision is submitted to the Parliament, he said, adding that in that case an urgent plenary session could be convened in any day of the week. Xhaferi also announced in the interview that the Law on Ratification of the Agreement with Greece and the Law on Languages will be forwarded to the Official Gazette before announcing the referendum on the name issue. According to Xhaferi, it would be logical, because otherwise what would be the subject of the referendum.

EC: Kosovo tariffs can affect regional trade (MIA)

The European Commission has asked the Kosovo government for urgent clarifications after it introduced tariffs on produces, MIA reports from Brussels. It sent a letter to the authorities in Kosovo warning them on the negative effects it can have on regional trade. The European Commission says that it expects the obligations from the EU-Kosovo Stabilization and Association Agreement to be met and it underscores the importance of regional cooperation.

Last week, Kosovo introduced temporary measure rising by 30 percent customs duties on imported fruits and vegetables. The 90-day measure is imposed on all countries exporting fruits and vegetables to Kosovo.

Dimitrov: Macedonia, Kosovo should find a solution to Pristina decision to hike duties on fruit and vegetable imports (MIA)

If Macedonia introduces counter-measures, the situation will escalate and then the two countries will have to negotiate in order to come to a solution, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said Friday at a joint press conference with his Kosovo counterpart Behgjet Pacolli in regard to Pristina temporary decision to hike the duties on fruit and vegetable imports. Dimitrov voiced belief that two countries would act in line with the new European policy and settle the matter via dialogue. In a time of interconnectivity and implementation of the Berlin Process, Dimitrov said, the two countries should eliminate barriers. ‘This is the only way for protecting both our and your producers. You can’t protect yourself by hurting the neighbor.  One measure cannot be good for Kosovo if it is unfavorable for the friends in the neighborhood. We must find a solution via dialogue,’ Dimitrov said. Pacolli voiced satisfaction with the excellent Kosovo-Macedonia relations. He also congratulated Dimitrov over his substantial contribution to resolving the long-standing name dispute between Macedonia and Greece. Dimitrov extended congratulations to the government over the European Commission recommendation for granting EU visa-free travel for the people of Kosovo. ‘Those of us engaged in Macedonia’s foreign policy believe that resolving of problems means creating opportunities, building bridges. Each good news for Kosovo or any other of our neighbor is also good news for us,’ Dimitrov said. In regard to the leaders’ meeting, as an attempt for reaching a consensus on the upcoming referendum in Macedonia, Dimitrov said the country ‘is offered a historic opportunity to open NATO doors and start the EU accession talks.’ ‘There have been two attempts to reach an agreement on the referendum. I find appalling the fear of any politician from the citizens’ will, and that is exactly what the process means – people to decide on an important question. Challenging the citizens’ will by undermining the key principles is even more appalling.  Macedonia has woken up from the state of impunity,’ Dimitrov said.

Macedonia expects Kosovo to withdraw duty decision (MIA)

The Macedonian Government is doing everything not to introduce counter-measures for Kosovo but will protect domestic production if the decision over increase of customs duties is not withdrawn, says the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy. “We expect the government of Kosovo to withdraw the measure, thus closing the dispute,” says the ministry. It adds that Minister Ljupco Nikolovski is in continual communication with counterparts from Kosovo and the region. “A meeting of ministers from the region will take place on Wednesday. If the problem is not overcome then, Minister Nikolovski and Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi will meet their Kosovo counterparts in the subsequent days. The objective is to annul the decision and enable swift flow of commodities and services, as well as continual bilateral trade exchange. We expect an agreement that will take into account the interest of all parties involved,” says the ministry. Last week, Macedonia notified the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) Secretariat, the European Union and the government of Kosovo over its actions. The temporary measure, which entered into force on July 18, increases by 30 percent the customs duties on imported fruits and vegetables in Kosovo. The 90-day measure is imposed on all countries exporting fruits and vegetables to Kosovo.

Ruling majority and opposition should not obstacle EU road (ADN)

Albanian politicians must take their responsibilities and go on with the reforms and integration process. This was the message of the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Michael Roth during his visit in Tirana. In a press conference with his Albanian counterpart, Ditmir Bushati, Roth said that vetting process is important and must go on. “Albania is on the right road with the vetting process. Majority and opposition must be responsible on this issue and should not obstacle the integration process,” Roth underlined.

Croatian President in Albania (ADN)

Awarded the highest decoration “The National Flag”, presented the Key to Capital Tirana and declared honorary citizen of the Museum City of Berat, Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has become the first ever senior foreign politician leaving Albania with the highest number of awards granted to her by authorities of this Balkan country. The answer to such a precedent can be found in the following motivation of the decoration “The National Flag”, which, as President Ilir Meta said in the ceremony held on July 18 at the Palace of Brigades, is the first to be granted to a foreign politician in the 2018 Year of Skanderbeg proclaimed by Albania. “For the invaluable contribution to the overall intensification of the relations between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Croatia; for the further strengthening of the centennial friendship between the Albanian and Croatian people; as well as for the unsparing support in the frame of the Albania’s EU integration process.” After receiving the highest decoration of the Albanian State, Croatian President extended her thanks to President Meta underlying: “I thank you Mr. President for this honor by awarding me the Decoration of ‘The National Flag”, which, as a matter of fact, is not only for me, but also for the Croatian people! This award that I am receiving is symbol of a deep friendship between our two countries, particularly between Albanians and Croatians, and I am grateful both to you and Albania.”

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic paid an official visit to Albania at the invitation of her counterpart Ilir Meta from the 18th to 20th of July, 2018 during which she held talks with the highest authorities in Tirana, visited the port city of Durres, went to the Museum City of Berat and visited the town of Kruja whose history is linked with Albania’s National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti-Skanderbeg. She also addressed the Albanian Parliament. “Since the very beginning I want to confirm right away that the relations between our two countries are more than excellent. The centennial friendship between our two people and nations and the strong historical bonds stand in their foundation,” said President Meta in a joint press conference with his Croatian counterpart Grabar-Kitarovic after the official talks on July 18. Being on the same wavelength Ms. Kitarovic declared solemnly: “Albania was a friendly country for us at a time when friends were few and when we needed them so much- it was the period of the war when Croatia was faced with an aggression and during the reintegration of the Croatian territories and afterwards during the reconciliation process. We appreciate your support during those difficult years and we will never forget it.” During the state dinner which followed the awarding ceremony, President Meta took the opportunity to praise highly the dedication and professionalism of the Croatian Ambassador to Tirana, Sanja Bujas- Juraga in her work. He said that her contribution was part of the level of the current relations between Albania and Croatia.

Albania and Croatia to Enter ‘Strategic Partnership’

What has drawn particular attention this year is the drive of the authorities of Albania and Croatia to upgrade the level of the bilateral relationship to the ‘Strategic Partnership’ and diversify it, among others, even in the military field. “It is high time for these relations to be raised at the Strategic Partnership level,” President Meta declared in Zagreb on January 12, 2018 during a work visit he paid there. “Referring to the strong historical ties and brilliant relations between the two countries, as well as the common Euro-Atlantic vision, President Meta stressed that it is time for these relations to be raised at the Strategic Partnership level,” a statement released by the presidential press office said at the end of Meta’s visit in January this year in Zagreb. Such an idea was revisited by President Meta in the joint press conference with her Croatian counterpart after their talks in Tirana on July 18, when he said: “The two countries are working to upgrade the level of cooperation to ‘Strategic Partnership’ soon.” The proposal has been welcomed by the Croatian side, which mentioned it after Meta’s proposal for the first time.

“Acknowledging the role and influence of Albania in Southeastern Europe, I have welcomed the proposal of the Albanian side to have more close strategic relationship between our two countries and I hope that the process of the negotiations ends as soon as possible. The political dialogue between our two countries is very dynamic and we are interested in the further strengthening of our cooperation,” Croatian President told Albanian and foreign media in Tirana on July 18, 2018.

Both sides consider such a move as a push for boosting the economic cooperation. The trade exchanges marked a growth of 20 percent in 2017, but, according to the opinion of Croatian President, the figures are modest both the trade exchanges and investments. Both sides see as potential fields of cooperation those in energy, building of hydropower stations, thermo centrals, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture. But there are strategic projects taking regional scope like TAP, IAP-it, the Blue Corridor, as well the bilateral cooperation between the Albanian and Croatian seaports. On the other hand, both Albania and Croatia have pledged to step up their joint efforts for boosting regional cooperation, which could turn the Western Balkans into a spot of peace and stability in this side of Europe. In addition both sides back the EU mediated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia for reaching a sustainable and final solution, which would help the European perspective of the countries of the entire region. It was also welcomed the announcement of the Commissioner, Avramopoulos that Kosovo had met the conditions for the visa liberalization. As full- fledged members of NATO, Croatia and Albania greeted the invitation received by Macedonia to join NATO as this country started the membership process along with them in the frame of the ‘Adriatic Charter’. A dispute on the question of the name with Greece prevented Macedonia to join the Alliance. “Croatia has been and remains a strong supporter for the opening of the negotiations on Albania’s EU accession. The model and experience of Croatia in EU is very valuable for Albanians,” President Meta told Ms. Kitarovic expressing also the gratitude of Albania for her personal support in this endeavor. Reconfirming the unquestionable support of Croatia to Albania’s aspiration to join the EU, the Croatian President underlined: “Albania enjoys a political and technical support of Croatia in its path towards the EU integration. I want to congratulate you on the decision of the Council (of Europe), that recognizes the progress made by Albania and opens the way to the opening of the negotiations in June of 2019.” In the meantime, Speaker Gramoz Ruci, who received Croatian President on July 19, noted that Croatia has an experience which should be followed as an example with regard to the European integration. “No one better than Croatia can understand, evaluate and support more the aspiration and efforts of Albanians and the other people of the Western Balkans to join the European family,” said Ruci, who expressed the readiness of the Albanian Parliament to cooperate with the Croatian Parliament and other institutions during the preparatory process of the opening of the negotiations. In her address to the Albanian Parliament, the Croatian President conveyed the message that the excellent relations between Croatia and Albania are deeply rooted in the common history of the wars against invaders, the excellent co-living of the Albanian community in Croatia, the joint efforts for the development and well being of the two people, common achievements and efforts to get integrated into NATO and EU, as well as the efforts to build a prosperous, secure and peaceful region. “Albania is a friend of Croatia and has been as such when we needed friends and they were very few. Many Albanians have sacrificed their lives for Croatia and Croatia does not forget this. Croatia pays a great attention to the stability, security and prosperity in the Southeastern Europe and supports the European perspective of the region,” she said. President Kitarovic congratulated Albania for the decision of the Council of Europe on setting the roadmap and date of the opening of the negotiations. She expressed her confidence that Albania will continue the path of reforms which it has undertaken. What happened in the course of the three-day visit of Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic to Albania has been another act to upgrade the bilateral relations between the two countries at higher levels and expand them in many fields. But it is apparent that the promotion of their relations has focused also on the improvement of the situation in the region with a more dynamic approach in the mutual benefit of all the countries. In a way or another, the results of the visit have revealed that they concern prosperity, well-being, security and friendship of the people of Albania and Croatia in the future.

Xhafaj receives his Kosovo counterpart Gashi (ADN)

The Interior Minister of Albania, Fatmir Xhafaj, received on Saturday his Kosovo counterpart, Bejtush Gashi. The main topic of the discussion was issues of bilateral cooperation and deepening. They signed a cooperation protocol for the summer touristic season which aims to further intensify relations to strengthen cooperation between the police of the two countries through the planning and implementation of joint measures in the area of border control. It will be conducted according to the direction of movement of citizens and means, where Albanian police officer will conduct registration at the exit of the territory of the Republic of Albania and the employee of the Kosovo Police will have to do with the registration at the entrance of the territory of the Republic of Kosovo. Joint procedures may vary between negotiations and with mutual consent to the implementation of these joint control procedures.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Diplomatic tug-of-war as Moscow response awaited (ekathimerini, by Dora Antoniou, 23 July 2018)

As more details emerge about the alleged attempt by Russian diplomats to impose Moscow’s influence in northern Greece, the government is bracing for Moscow’s response to its decision to expel two Russian envoys. The move by Athens to expel two people and bar another two from entering the country over alleged attempts to intervene in domestic affairs and undermine national security, has fueled one of Greece’s biggest diplomatic crises in years. There are hopes that Moscow’s response will be limited to the expulsion of low-ranking diplomats, the so-called “mirror measures” that Russia’s Foreign Ministry has suggested will follow. However, some fear that Moscow might go a step further and take more drastic action, though it remains unclear what this might be. Greek government officials insist that they had no other course of action, citing concrete evidence of risks to national security. The move was “unavoidable,” one government source said, “in order to send a clear message that we are aware of activities that go beyond all limits.” Meanwhile, it has emerged that the Russian diplomats in question did not only try to bribe church representatives and local authority officials in a bid to undermine the name deal between Athens and Skopje, but allegedly also attempted to infiltrate Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP) and the country’s armed forces. Specifically, Kathimerini understands, attempts were made to bribe a former EYP official and army officials. According to sources, the attempt to impose Russian influence started some time ago and also involved a collaboration with an ethnic Greek who moved to the country following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The creation of cultural groups and other activities are regarded as part of a broader attempt by Russia to broaden its influence in the region which, Moscow feared, the name deal would undermine. In an interview with Efimerida ton Syntakton published on Saturday, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias was questioned about Moscow’s discontent over NATO’s accession invitation to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. “Russia must realize that it cannot disrespect the national interests of another state because it feels it is stronger.” “We will not tolerate such a stance from the West or from the East, and we have proven this,” he said.