LOCAL PRESS

 

Government, opposition raise the tone of a voter registration debate (Beta)

 

Serbia's ruling and opposition parties met at another round table debate hosted by the Faculty of Political Sciences to discuss voter registration lists. Milan Antonijevic, director of the Open Society Foundation, which organized the 5th consecutive debate on Sept. 9, reported rising tones at the negotiating table, even though the theme was technical. Nevertheless, the ruling and opposition parties appeared ready to continue the talks, Antonijevic said. The Foundation's chief said the parties were prepared to discuss the effects of the talks with a working group set up by the Serbian government to deal with the requirements of a fair vote. They also discussed the idea that some ministries might implement recommendations arising from the dialogue hosted by the Faculty, suggesting that their representatives should attend the government-opposition meetings in the future. Antonijevic also said that a consensus had been reached that a public hearing be organized to share the facts about the work of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM). The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Sept. 19. The government and the opposition will discuss electoral rights, Antonijevic announced. He said he hoped the opposition parties that had left the dialogue would come back to it. The voter registration debate was attended by the ruling parties, namely, the Serbian Progressive Party, the Socialist Party of Serbia, the Movement of Socialists and the Social Democratic Party of Serbia. The opposition parties that had sent their delegates included the Movement of Free Citizens, the Civil Democratic Forum, the League of Vojvodina Social Democrats, the Liberal Democratic Party, the Party for a Modern Serbia, and Sandzak's Party of Democratic Action. The major opposition bloc, the Alliance for Serbia, had abandoned the talks earlier, arguing that the authorities failed to demonstrate readiness to approve of the Alliance's terms for a free and fair election. Three non-governmental organizations, the Transparency Serbia, CRTA and CESID sent their representatives to the Faculty of Political Sciences on Sept. 9.

 

SNS: Serbia ready to implement all OSCE recommendations for election setting (FoNet)

 

Serbia established high standards in the European integration, and by creating its Working Group, the Government showed readiness to implement all OSCE suggestions to improve the election conditions, Jadranka Joksimovic, the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) International Secretary said on Tuesday, the FoNet news agency reported. Addressing the Political Assembly of the European People’s Party (EPP) in Brussels, Joksimovic, also Serbia’s Minister of European Integrations, informed the EPP Presidency members about the next general elections in Serbia due in spring 2020. She added that the latest opinion polls suggested the SNS enjoyed a stable support among Serbia’s people, but also mentioned the call for boycott of the vote by a part of the opposition, mostly, as she said, of those parties that were not in the Parliament, and said that some of them rejected to take part in a dialogue on improving the election conditions. Joksimovic added that SNS, as the ruling party, took part in the dialogue, “since it believes that a democratic dialogue can additionally improve some of the election's conditions.”

The dialogue, held under the Chatham House rule, did not produce any real result after four meetings, two of the latest boycotted by the most significant opposition grouping the Alliance for Serbia (SzS) and some other former participants.

 

SNS: Good voter registration debate with opposition (Beta)

 

A representative of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, Vladimir Orlic, said that the fifth round of talks with the opposition, hosted by the Faculty of Political Sciences, was "very good." Orlic said to reporters after the round table debate on voter registration lists that the participants "accepted everything related to voter registration lists" that a joint proposal by the CRTA and CeSID NGOs contained. "There were some rising tones during the debate, but it only proves that the participants wanted their conclusions properly defined. Our message to the participants is that it's clear the citizens of Serbia can express their opinion in elections in a free and democratic way, which international monitoring missions have also confirmed" Orlic said. The Progressive official also said that Serbia was "better now than it's ever been," and that the country "tries daily to be better than it was yesterday." "There is also a will to improve the election process, should there be room for improvement. A few recommendations by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the CRTA NGO have been implemented already, including a suggestion that members of election committees should receive training" Orlic said. In a comment on a request by the opposition Movement of Free Citizens that ministers should be obligated to implement the NGOs' commendations, Orlic said that "no one should force" the ruling coalition to work outside the law.

 

Socialists: Dialogue with opposition makes no sense without Alliance for Serbia (Beta)

 

A Socialist Party of Serbia official Djordje Milicevic, said that the ruling bloc's talks with the opposition "are losing their purpose" as the major opposition bloc, the Alliance for Serbia, had been boycotting the dialogue. After the fifth round of talks at Belgrade's Faculty of Political Sciences, Milicevic suggested it was inappropriate to ask the ruling parties to state their opinion on recommendations from the NGO sector as to how to improve the election process, whereas the Alliance for Serbia had been boycotting both the talks and institutions. "It is clear that part of the opposition thinks the dialogue is a joke, taking it as an opportunity to fool the public, playing the victim card. Serbia is not falling for such a cheap trick though" the Socialist official said. Milicevic went on to say that some of the NGO recommendations were acceptable to the Socialists, but some were "rigid and unacceptable." "These are going to be discussed within the party, and with our partners in the Serbian Progressive Party, and all decisions will be made in the parliament" Milicevic said. He refused to clarify which recommendations he was specifically referring to, citing the rule of the organizer that the content of the dialogue should be confidential.

 

Movement of Free Citizens wants gov't to pledge to implement election recommendations (Beta)

 

The opposition Movement of Free Citizens said in an announcement that it would no longer participate in a dialog with ruling parties about electoral conditions unless the government pledged to implement the recommendations of non-governmental organizations from a round table. The Movement's press release asked that the round table participants compose a document "obligating the authorities to adopt and implement recommendations from relevant organizations, in line with recommendations from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights." The recommendations "apply to air time for the opposition on the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation and national-frequency TV networks, campaign financing, preventing functionary campaigns, the work of the Electronic Media Regulatory Body and the National Electoral Commission, and regulating the voting roster," the Movement specified. The Movement of Free Citizens also asked for that "binding document" to be signed by the ministers who would be in charge of implementing them. "If these demands are not adopted, the Movement of Free Citizens will not participate in further talks in the round table," the statement read. The dialog between the government and opposition to date has shown, the Movement believes, that "electoral conditions are at an unacceptably low level."

 

Opposition parties differ over dialogue with ruling bloc (Beta)

 

Different opposition parties have very different takes on the 5th round of talks with the government. In a comment on the Sept. 9 debate on voter registration lists, Djordjo Zujovic of the Liberal Democratic Party said that "there's no political will to move forward." "We don't need foreign diplomats to rule on our own problems. They are rooted in the government because it is up to one man if Serbia will have a normal election, or see an opposition boycott" Zujovic said. The Liberal Democrat also said that "the authorities can't decide whether to accept recommendations made during these meetings and until they do, we can't say we've moved forward at all." A representative of the League of Vojvodina Social Democrats, Aleksandar Marton, said, however, that during the debate "the government and opposition representatives alike made very good points." "The League is pleased that the dialogue has taken place, but it is equally important that it's run within institutions. Serbia has no time to waste, the elections are taking place in a few months, and it's high time the authorities and the opposition got serious" Marton said. Ahmedin Skrijel of Sandzak's Party of Democratic Action said that his party's objective was to use the dialogue to launch the process of resolving "open issues between Serbia and Sandzak."

 

New Party: Decision to run depends on OSCE mission (Beta)

 

The New Party leader, Zoran Zivkovic, said that a decision whether his party would take part in the next elections depended on the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) election observers in Serbia. At a press conference held in the hall of the Parliament, whose work his party has been boycotting, Zivkovic urged the OSCE to send to Serbia its strongest and largest team of observers to monitor the election process. According to the New Party leader, the very presence of the organization should guarantee a proper election process, as Serbia is a European state where the rule of law is violated most frequently. "We'll see what they will do, and the New Party will decide whether to run in the elections accordingly. The arrival of the OSCE mission per se is not enough to make the decision," the opposition party leader said. Zivkovic has interpreted Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's decision to invite the OSCE observers as a sign that the president has decided to "surrender power peacefully."

 

Jeremic: Our gov't won't honor Vucic's Kosovo deal (Beta)

 

Vuk Jeremic, leader of the opposition People's Party, has stated that a future government formed by the current opposition would not honor any agreement on Kosovo signed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. After the elections in spring 2020, which the opposition is geared to boycott, all decisions by the parliament and cabinet will be illegitimate, including any deal on "demarcation" with Kosovo, granting Pristina a seat in the U.N., Jeremic said. According to Jeremic, "this makes the international community uncomfortable because the next cabinet of Serbia will be able to say that such contracts are not binding." "The Serbian president's regime and Aleksandar Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party were fed, tolerated and allowed to mutate into a monster, because someone needed him to close the deal with Kosovo. That debt is now coming due," the head of the People's Party stated. Citing reliable sources, Jeremic, a former chair of the U.N. General Assembly, claimed that Vucic was told in a meeting in New York with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo "to wrap things up with Kosovo, and given carte blanche to do so." According to Jeremic, the meeting included "former British PM Tony Blair on the Serbian side." Jeremic also said that "a battle for the soul of the opposition" was unfolding, because "terrible pressure" would ensue, from Vucic's cabinet and from the international community, to run in the election. The People's Party will stand firm on boycotting, Jeremic said, adding that he hoped that the entire opposition would make the decision to boycott.

 

Lutovac and Obradovic do not have much faith even in the OSCE (Blic)

 

Democratic Party (DS) leader Zoran Lutovac, said to Blic that the arrival of OSCE representatives makes sense “only when conditions for free and fair elections are achieved”. “This means that the proposals of independent experts in the media, electoral process and electoral administration are being implemented. The OSCE would then be in charge of monitoring how it is implemented,” Lutovac said. Dveri movement leader Bosko Obradovic said “the new OSCE report, which will be released six months after the elections are over, means nothing” to the opposition. “What we are interested in is fulfilling the recommendations of the expert team of the One of Five Million rally and the guarantees that all this will be implemented” he said.

 

Serbia's response to the Croatian reaction to Serbia's reaction (B92)

 

Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry revealed the reason why Serbian Ambassador to Zagreb refused to take a protest note of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Namely, Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry claims that Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs first refused to accept Serbia's demarche, although Serbian Ambassador had already scheduled appointment with this purpose in mind.  "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia considers the act of its Croatian counterpart to ban entry and stay of the delegation of Serbian Ministry of Defense and Serbian Army, utterly unfounded", the statement says.  “The delegation of the Defense Ministry and VS’ visit was announced to Croatian authorities”, it is stated in the note of Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry.  As it is underlined in the press statement of the Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry, such decision was contrary to the basic principles of modern Europe which envisage the freedom of movement, the right to preserve religious and national heritage and paying respect to innocent people killed during the Second World War.

“The Ministry points out that on the part of Serbia there haven’t been any ‘inappropriate acts,’ nor any reaction by ‘Serbia’s political leadership.’ We remind that President Aleksandar Vucic has refused to comment on Croatia’s leadership’s statements that followed the ban. Serbia remains dedicated to the improvement of the regional stability and good neighborly relations and believes they can be achieved in concrete talks, and not via media", it is concluded in the statement.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Dodik: NATO wrote most disgraceful chapters of history since the end of WWII by bombing the RS and Serbia (ATV)

 

Remembrance Day for victims of NATO bombing of Republika Srpska (RS) that took place in September 1995 was marked in Istocna Ilidza and Istocno Novo Sarajevo on Monday. Reporter reminded that eight NATO countries led by the US had bombed municipalities throughout the RS. ATV reminds that NATO air forces started attacking Serb military objects on September 10, 1995. According to ATV, these attacks represented direct assistance to Muslim and Croat forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and were aimed to change course of the war in B&H. Reporter commented that “never proved accusation” that the RS Army bombed Markale market in Sarajevo for the second time was one of excuses for NATO to start with its strikes. More than 1,000 air bombs and cruise missiles were fired during NATO strikes. Many of air bombs contained large amount of depleted uranium, according to ATV. NATO attacked numerous military objects of the RS Army, as well as some civilian objects located nearby.

RS Minister of Labor and Disabled Veterans’ Protection Dusko Milunovic said that NATO bombs killed 46 the RS Army members and some 50 civilians. “This was precedent in the history of warfare where such huge military bloc attacked small people”, underlined Milunovic. Reporter noted that certain researches proved that number of victims of NATO attacks is not final and resumes to increase.

SNSD’s Stasa Kosarac stressed that around three tons of depleted uranium was in bombs dropped to the RS. He added that this caused permanent consequences for citizens of the RS. Kosarac went on to say that all those advocating the NATO integration should be aware this is one of the reasons why the RS will not give up on military neutrality. “We understand NATO strength, but we cannot and will not forget aggression against the RS” emphasized Kosarac. Director of the RS Center for Research of War, War Crimes and Search for Missing Persons Milorad Kojic said that ratio of deaths caused by cancer of citizens of Hadzici who were exposed to NATO bombing and currently live in Bratunac is four times higher than ratio of deaths caused by cancer of Bratunac residents.

President of the Association of the RS Army Veterans (BORS) Milomir Savcic said that victims of NATO bombing should be taken in consideration in the process of adoption of decisions regarding the NATO accession. Participants of the academy organized on the occasion of marking Remembrance Day for victims of NATO bombing said that young generations in the RS should be taught about damage NATO inflicted to Serb people.

Mayor of Istocno Sarajevo Nenad Vukovic said that since it is not realistic to expect they will be allowed to erect a monument for all innocent victims of NATO bombing in Hadzici, such monument will be erected in urban area of Istocno Sarajevo.

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated that the NATO wrote the most disgraceful chapters of history since the end of WWII by bombing the RS and Serbia. “Through airstrikes on the RS, the NATO openly chose one side and influenced the final outcome of the war in B&H. Depleted uranium that was dropped during those operations is still killing our children, so it can be concluded that the NATO operations have fatal effects on the RS and its people even 24 years after” Dodik was quoted as saying.

 

Ceremony "Exodus and persistence" in honor of Serbs killed in Vozuca begins (Srna)

 

Monday evening in Doboj saw the start of a formal ceremony “Exodus and Persistence” - a reminder of war events in Vozuca and the ethnic cleansing of more than 40,000 Serbs from Zenica, Zepce, Banovici, and Zavidovici, which is attended by President of Republika Srpska Zeljka Cvijanovic and Serb member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Milorad Dodik.

The event marks the date of September 10, 1995, the day when Serbs from Vozuca were expelled from their centuries’ old homes in offensives of the so-called Army of B&H titled Hurricane and Farz, upon direct orders of Alija Izetbegovic, who defined the merger of the Tuzla and Zenica basin as the priority goal.

A total of 23,000 Muslim soldiers from the 2nd and 3rd Corps of the so-called Army of B&H took part in the offensive on September 10, as did the El Mujahid Squad, supported by NATO air force and quick reaction forces. Thirty Serb villages were burnt to the ground then, 1,920 Serb families with 7,680 members were banished, 459 fighters of the Army of Republika Srpska (RS) and civilians were killed, while 129 others are still searched for.

 

Dodik said that the gathering is very important in order to present the truth about the suffering of Serbs that was suppressed by the international factor. "The city of Doboj and associations maintain the memory of the killing of people of Vozuca. It is a place that is remembered and known by the whole RS, it is known for its suffering, heroism, exodus, the fact that no one has yet answered for many crimes or ethnic cleansing from there, it is remembered by the fact that there was the Mujahid unit El Mujahid under the command of Sakib Mahmuljin, who was recently declared an honorary citizen by the City of Zenica” Dodik told the press ahead of the event. He recalled that at the time, the current B&H Presidency member Sefik Dzaferovic was a police commander there and that he did not prevent the Mujahideen from killing the local Serbs.

"That, of course, proves that it is no wonder for them to act like that. But we must not forget!” said Dodik. He noted that the story about Sarajevo was exaggerated, whereas there was no talk of 2,000 people from Vozuća banished, their long-term homes destroyed, lives ended, and material and technical resources destroyed, which need to be reconstructed. "Everything that was made through generations had suddenly disappeared and now, it is as if no one is responsible for that,” said Dodik.

 

He added that no one from the international community had noticed the ethnic cleansing in Croatia either. "That is what the Court and Prosecutor’s Office of B&H are acting like; they are obviously ignoring the fact of the suffering in Vozuca. That is why it is important that we are here this evening. We must not forget!” said Dodik. He emphasized that it was important to come together, to send a message, say thanks, primarily to the city of Doboj, which was the first place that helped the people from Vozuca, showed them and provided them its potential, so that many of them could integrate there and start a new life. Dodik noted that it was up to politicians to point to injustice and suffering.

 

Cvijanovic stated the gravity of the crimes committed at Vozuca in 1995 must not be forgotten and that it is important to keep the memory of the victims and celebrate freedom. "Many people in the other entity who engaged in politics and still do were directly associated to everything that was done there, the grave crimes and what the so-called Army of B&H did, including the engagement of the Mujahideen” Cvijanovic told the press. She noted that the Mujahideen brutally and feverishly killed Serbs there and were known for beheading people, but that, unfortunately, no one in the world was paying attention to that. Cvijanovic stated that atrocities due to which Serbs from Vozuca had to leave the area had given them new strength to integrate into other local communities and contribute to their development, most frequently in Doboj.

She emphasized that the people in the area was terrorized in 1995, that more than 30 villages were burnt to the ground, that around 2,000 people were expelled from their homes, and that many civilians and fighters were killed. "We, the people who lived close to that area then, were telling stories about the courage, as well as the hardships that the people of Vozuca were going through,” added Cvijanovic. "It is important to celebrate freedom, to celebrate Republika Srpska, and show in this way as well that we have survived and that we can build the future together” said Cvijanovic.

 

Croatia

 

Croatia protests against Serbia servicemen's attempt to enter Croatia (Hina)

 

Croatia's Foreign and European Affairs Ministry on Monday summoned Serbia's ambassador to convey protest at an attempt by Serbian servicemen to enter Croatia in an illegal manner and without an official notification, while the ambassador Mira Nikolic rejected the protest note.

Serbia's ambassador Nikolic was summoned to the Croatian Foreign Ministry after in the early hours of 7 September a van carrying 11 Serbian military personnel, who had army uniforms in the vehicle, was stopped at the Bajakovo border crossing. The Serbian servicemen tried to enter Croatia without notifying Croatia's authorities and therefore the Serbian army delegation was denied entry into the country.

 

During the meeting, the Croatian side informed Serbia's ambassador that it condemned this attempted illegal crossing into Croatia without any notification and without being given a consent from Croatia. Although the Serbian diplomat refused to take in the protest note, the ministry informed her that the event at the Bajakovo border crossing was an act of provocation with an aim of causing incidents. The ministry also expresses strong condemnation of the fact that Serbia's official institutions were involved in the incident, the Croatian ministry says in a press release. It criticizes responses made by the Serbian leadership after the incident, branding their conduct as inappropriate and a part of the ongoing pattern of public discourse in Serbia directed against Croatia, a neighboring country that is a member of NATO and the European Union. "This is yet another evidence of Serbia's inability to deal with its past and its responsibility for the wars in the 1990s," the Croatian ministry underscores.

 

Montenegro

 

Palmer: Russia wants disorder; Agreement between Belgrade and Pristina is possible (RTCG)

 

Special U.S. Envoy for the Western Balkan Matthew Palmer stated that he is convinced that agreement between Belgrade and Pristina can be reached. He added that United States would back the Government in Pristina as it is devoted to dialogue, while Russian wants the region based on disorder and mistrust. "One of our primary goals is to support the formation of Kosovo Government that is devoted to dialogue, which means suspending tariffs and returning to the negotiations table", he said in an interview for RTCG.

 

He said that the negotiations should be serious, resulting in a comprehensive agreement on normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. "It would be ideal if it could be done based on mutual recognition. Once when both sides return to negotiations table, we would be partners in quest for the agreement that would be acceptable to all sides, permanent and fair, that would help Serbia on its EU path" Palmer said. He added that the whole region depends on this issue, saying that he doesn't believe that the disputes between Belgrade and Pristina could affect the European path of other countries.

 

Palmer said that "Russians are in force in the Western Balkans" and that the US has a fundamentally different perspective of the region compared to Russia.  "We see the Western Balkans as a member of a family of Western countries, integrated in Euro-Atlantic institutions, as countries that cooperate on the basis of rules and norms. The Russians have indicated that they want a region based on disorder and mistrust. I think we saw it most clearly in Montenegro when the Russians supported the 2016 coup, which was an outrageous move to prevent Montenegro from joining NATO and the West" he said.

 

Asked if he thought it was possible for something like that to happen again, Palmer said he had no information that could lead him to believe that something like that could happen again. "However, I don't think that the Russians had finished with putting efforts to cause problems in Montenegro and in the Western Balkans, and we see that throughout the region", Palmer concluded.

 

He said that it is realistic for Northern Macedonia to become NATO member in December, although it is quite an ambitious goal. "There are still a number of members that need to ratify the accession protocol, including the US. That requires an internal procedure in the Senate and we hope it will be completed by December. If all that doesn't happen then, it will set another deadline, in a few months, however, I am convinced that Northern Macedonia will soon become the 30th NATO member", he said.

 

Asked how he sees the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said he believes that agreement on the formation of a new government can be reached quickly in Sarajevo.  The US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans also believes that the government and the opposition in Montenegro will agree on electoral conditions and that the opposition will participate in the elections next October.  "I hope that progress can be made. Unfortunately, the opposition does not participate in the work of parliament, which is a fundamental institution and the pillar of democracy. It is important that they understand this responsibility and return to parliament and represent the interests of the citizens who have given them confidence, as soon as possible” he said.

 

He also said that the US shares the EU's opinion in the latest report when it comes to reforms implemented by Montenegro. "Montenegro has made significant progress, but it will have to do much more, especially in the fields of media freedom and the rule of law. We would like to see successful legal proceedings against those who attacked journalists, including Olivera Lakic, who is an international award winner” he said.  According to him, it is especially important for Montenegro to make progress in chapters 23 and 24, which focus on the rule of law, in order to close the chapters, it has opened on its way to the EU.  Palmer reiterated that with this visit, he sends an important message to the region that if they work hard and implement reforms, they could move forward.

 

Djukanovic to Palmer: Without integration, perspective of the WB is undesirable (CDM)

 

President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, welcomed the new U.S. special envoy to Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer and said that both parties agreed that major problems in the region were unreliable peace and stability and unclear vision of the prosperity in the region.

Statement delivered by the President’s Office says that Montenegrin president was very glad to meet Palmer. He congratulated him on the appointment and said it was confirmation of more intense U.S. presence in the region. “You can count on Montenegro’s absolute partnership and my personal engagement in doing our best for the region. Without integration, WB has no desirable perspective and that’s why we strongly advocate for enlargement policy” said Djukanovic. President pointed out that Montenegro could serve as an example of a country where only enlargement policy could produce positive results.

“Apart from the clear vision we also have growing capacity for adopting reforms and overcoming challenges, while putting emphasis on regional cooperation as a stable way towards integration. It is very important that Europe recognizes its responsibility and strategic interest in the integration of the Balkans” said Djukanovic. He thanked Washington for the support, especially in the domain of defense and security. In the forthcoming period, priority will be given to strengthening defense network in the area of cybercrime and hybrid threats.

Partnership between the two countries is becoming even stronger, thanks to regional initiatives, such as A5. Djukanovic said that we needed experience and support of the USA in order to solve key deficits in the region. He expressed interest in enhancing economic relations and attracting American investments in Montenegro.

Palmer also expressed his satisfaction with the meeting. He informed Djukanovic about the priorities of his mission: stimulating accession negotiations the accession of Albania and North Macedonia to the EU, resuming dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and looking for solutions to functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

Montenegro is the most successful multi-ethnic country in the region (CDM)

 

Montenegro is a leader and the most successful multiethnic country in the region. It’s not a coincidence that it’s the first country I visited after taking over this function, said today new special envoy to Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer. As representatives of the Government said, Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dusko Markovic, congratulated Palmer on his new duty and added that his appointment represented real possibility of accelerating achievement of our objectives. “We are so glad that you are performing that function now, since you know Balkans very well” said PM.

Palmer pointed out that the he would lead U.S. efforts to focus on the Balkans region more.

It was stated that process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of WB was important for both Europe and the region and that EU enlargement policy should be seen as European strategic policy. “That means that enlargement process must be alive”, said PM. He acquainted Palmer with the results and strategic plans while stating that Government’s economic policy “still produces great results”. “We put special emphasis on the results in the field of rule of law and improvement of media freedom” concluded Markovic.

 

Djukanovic hopes for the improvement in relations with Russia (CDM)

 

President of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic, received credentials of newly appointed extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Kosovo, Iljber Hisa, Russian Federation, Vladislav Vladislavovic Maslenikov, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Branimir Jukic, Slovenia, Gregir Pesker and of New Zealand, Anthony George Simson.

Djukanovic expressed expectation that by the end of the mandate of the new ambassador of Russian Federation relations between two countries would have improved. He said he was sorry that it wasn’t the case but expressed readiness to bring those relations to satisfactory level. President said that there was a lot of space for strengthening economic cooperation, especially as there are so many tourists and representatives of Russian business in Montenegro. With great respect for tradition and awareness that intensifying relations requires time and consistency, Djukanovic recalled Russian support especially before referendum on independence and renewal of international recognition of Montenegro.

Maslenikov pointed out that he was honored to represent his country in Montenegro. He agreed that strained relations were consequence of problems at international level. He said our nations deserved better. “If there’s political will for normalizing relations, we are ready to work on it”, said Maslenikov. Ambassador expressed readiness for pragmatic cooperation at economic and multilateral level. He added that Russia was carefully monitoring Montenegrin integration process. He said Russia was never against it.

Djukanovic said that doors of every Montenegrin institution were open for the Ambassador Maslenikov and other Russian representatives, all with the aim of overcoming current situation and strengthening bilateral relations.

In conversation with the ambassador of Kosovo, Djukanovic pointed out the progress made in the relations between Montenegro and Kosovo and improvement in the cooperation. “One of the priorities is high-quality infrastructure connection through construction of the new railway, which will stimulate economic and tourist trends”. President stressed that Montenegro was carefully keeping track of the current affairs in Kosovo in the context of resuming Belgarde-Pristina dialogue.

“We count on Montenegro as champion country in European integration” said Hise.

During conversation with the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Djukanovic said he expected his diplomatic mission to be the continuation of the previous success.

Ambassador Jukic said Montenegro “is an example of a good neighbor”. He thanked Djukanovic for honest friendship. He invited president Djukanovic to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and Djukanovic gladly accepted.

Djukanovic said he was very satisfied with relations Montenegro has with Slovenia. “Your friendship was particularly important in overcoming challenges and in integration process” said Djukanovic. Djukanovic pointed out that there was room for improving relations with Slovenia in the area of education, science, culture and healthcare.

Ambassador Presker said that numerous Slovenian investors in Montenegro were proof of stable cooperation.

Regardless of geographic distance, Montenegro is committed to improving relations with New Zealand, said Djukanovic.

Ambassador Simson said he was honored to be accredited in our country. He expressed interest in improving cooperation in the area of tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. He said New Zealand would keep supporting Montenegro in its commitments.

 

Republic of North Macedonia

 

Zaev and Mickoski will meet today to discuss the Prosecution law (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

North Macedonia’s Prime Minister and SDSM leader Zoran Zaev and VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski will meet in the Parliament today, in a bid to find common ground for the Law on the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the fate of the Special Prosecutor’s Office. The meeting will begin at 20h. The Public Prosecution law will be in the focus of the meeting, but Mickoski told Alfa TV late on Sunday that he would also open the topic of early elections. The Government could not confirm if snap elections would be discussed at today’s meeting.

VMRO-DPMNE has said that the meeting will take place, tackling the prosecution law and early elections, which were the condition for the meeting to materialize. Due to the expedited procedure, the prosecution law should be passed by September 15 at the latest. It requires a two-thirds majority and its adoption is crucial for the country’s Euro-integration process.