LOCAL PRESS

 

Brnabic: Agriculture, defense key fields of cooperation with Equatorial Guinea (Tanjug/RTS)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Wednesday agriculture and defense were the key fields of cooperation between Serbia and Equatorial Guinea and announced that the two countries would sign an agreement on cooperation in defense and the defense industry. After meeting with Equatorial Guinea Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue in Belgrade, Brnabic said talks about the agreement would be completed during the day and that the document would be signed during Mangue's visit to Serbia. Brnabic thanked Mangue for his country's principled support for the preservation of Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and noted that, despite great pressure, Equatorial Guinea had stood by its position of full respect of the principles of international law and non-recognition of Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence. "In the world today, that is even more important if you look at what kind of precedent has been set by failure to respect and recognize international law and at what kind of problems that has caused in various countries around the world," Brnabic told a press conference with Mangue. She said several agreements had been signed during Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic's visit to Equatorial Guinea in February and that an agreement on cooperation in agriculture was one of the most significant ones. "It is a field we will be working on further to help Equatorial Guinea as a friendly country to overcome problems with food and basic foodstuffs, which are a result of the war in Ukraine," Brnabic said. She said an Equatorial Guinea delegation would also visit Novi Sad and its Biosense Institute, a European center of excellence in agriculture, and that transferring a part of Serbian know-how and technology to Equatorial Guinea would be discussed as well. There is major interest among Serbian companies in taking part in further infrastructure development in Equatorial Guinea and implementation of the country's development plan until 2035, she said. Brnabic said she hoped there would be room for bilateral cooperation in energy, in particular when it comes to crude oil and natural gas - resources Equatorial Guinea is rich in - as well as for cooperation involving the Serbian government Office for IT and in culture and sports. She added Serbia would consider a request to increase the number of scholarships for students from Equatorial Guinea and that she hoped discussions between the two countries about exchanging embassies would be continued as well.

 

Kovacevski: Western Balkan countries depend on each other (Tanjug)

 

In a time of crisis and a war in Ukraine, Western Balkan countries depend on each other, North Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski said at the opening of an Open Balkans summit in Ohrid, North Macedonia, on Wednesday. Welcoming the participants, Kovacevski said this was a time of great challenges that called for togetherness. Open Balkans is our legacy for peace and has already produced the first results for citizens and businesses as transport has been accelerated, there are separate lanes at border crossings and delays for trucks are now shorter, he noted. Red tape has been reduced and there is greater trust between all states involved, Kovacevski added. "In circumstances of a crisis and war, we depend on each other and we are helping each other, and the goal is to go forward together," he said. The objective is to accelerate the movement of people, goods, capital and services and to boost living standards and the competitiveness of economies, he said. Open Balkans has the support of all Western Balkan countries, he said, noting that new agreements on recognition of academic degrees and on a common labor market would be signed at the summit to keep young people in the region.

We will open a new chapter in tourism and we will promote the region as an attractive tourism destination and offer that to the world, Kovacevski said. "We have agreed to make a joint calendar of cultural events and several festival events," he said. "We will sign a memorandum on cooperation between tax administrations to facilitate transit of goods and services. The Western Balkans must become a part of the EU and we are going on that path, the countries are interconnected," Kovacevski said.

 

Vucic: Open Balkans an unstoppable initiative (Tanjug/RTS)

 

The Open Balkans is an unstoppable initiative of people in the Balkans, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday, adding that he was confident the initiative would be increasingly supported by citizens of North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania as well as by other countries in the region. "This is our initiative, an initiative of people in the Balkans, those who understand they must connect and solve problems on their own," Vucic said at the beginning of a meeting of Open Balkans leaders in Ohrid, North Macedonia. "All we have been doing in the economy and everything that is important for the citizens is reflected in the relations between North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania. We have almost no open bilateral issues, we have no demands towards anyone except to be friends and work to the benefit of citizens," Vucic said.

He thanked EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi for coming to the summit to back the initiative. The Open Balkans is an unstoppable initiative and a good idea that will gain more and more support, Vucic said. He also made a proposal for strengthening the cooperation ahead of next winter. "It is important that we form working groups immediately or at the next meeting - and my proposal is that it be held in southern Serbia before a major summit that we will have and before fairs that we will have in Belgrade at the end of the summer," he said. "We must form working groups that will look after how we will overcome difficulties regarding food and energy supplies and survive the winter. That is in the greatest interest of our three countries and the entire Balkans," Vucic said, adding that joint projects must be expedited. He expressed gratitude to the US for supporting the Open Balkan and also thanked Montenegrin PM Dritan Abazovic and Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers Chairman Zoran Tegeltija for coming to Ohrid.

 

Rama: We must speak more openly, rather than be afraid (Tanjug)

 

In circumstances of a war in Ukraine, we must speak even more openly and interconnect more, rather than be afraid that we will have more problems because of that, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said at the opening of an Open Balkans summit in Ohrid, North Macedonia, on Wednesday. "The war in Ukraine makes the Open Balkans initiative even more necessary than it was before," Rama noted. He said 60 percent of people in Albania supported the Open Balkan and that higher agriculture exports and revenues resulting from cooperation as part of the initiative demonstrated that the people were the ones benefitting from it. We do not have the luxury of turning our backs against each other, Rama said. "Open Balkans is not mine, or Vucic's, Kovacevski's, Abazovic's or anyone else's - it belongs to the people," Rama said. He also said "lasting peace" should be established between Serbia and Kosovo. I disagree with Aleksandar Vucic on the Kosovo issue, but the solution is very simple - rather than turn disagreements into a conflict, we must ensure we get as close to each other as possible and understand each other, he said. People must be aware that the future is much more important than the past, Rama noted.

 

Selakovic: For Moscow date unknown, talks with Scholz important (TV Pink)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic says that the date of his visit to Moscow is not yet known, and that talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his upcoming visit to Belgrade will be difficult but important for Serbia’s stability and European path. “I accepted the invitation to visit Moscow, I can’t say when it will be realized. A date is being agreed, and the topics will certainly be important for Serbia,” Selakovic said for TV Pink. He noted that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is on an official visit to Turkey today, which is both a NATO country and an EU candidate country. “You will see that no one will speak in the foreign public about what happened in Serbia regarding the flight ban. There was obviously another problem here,” Selakovic said. He said that Serbia is committed to dialogue, which, he points out, is healing and can lead to solving problems. “We are an independent state, dedicated to dialogue with everyone, especially with friends,” said Selakovic. Selakovic assessed the interest of the world media in the eventually canceled visit of Lavrov as a possible preparation to completely slander Serbia in the western part of the public. Selakovic said that the visit of Scholz is very important, because Germany is the largest investor and individual donor in Serbia. He said that he spoke about the German economic strength and connection with Serbia, that the exchange exceeded six billion euros and that German companies employ 77,000 workers here. “The messages we will hear are neither nice nor easy. It is important to hear them and talk. We are not in a position to choose in the conversation with Germany,” said Selakovic and reminded that such a large country does not change its foreign policy course easily. He stressed that Serbia has shown that it is a pillar of preserving stability and peace in this part of Europe. “The German economy has very much recognized that. Investments are proof that it is safe to invest capital here, and then profitable. Talks with Germany and the type of success in the talks are essential, because it brings Serbia a certain type of conditions for progress on the European path,” he said.

 

Botsan-Kharchenko: Moscow not changing position on Kosovo and Metohija (RTV/Politika)

 

On the occasion of marking the Day of Russia, the Ambassador of that country to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko organized a reception, from which he said that Serbia and Russia continue to develop and improve relations in the best way, and that Moscow does not change its position on Kosovo and Metohija. The reception at the Russian Embassy was attended by Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, parliament speaker Ivica Dacic, Ministers Nikola Selakovic, Sinisa Mali, Nenad Popovic, Aleksandar Vulin, Nebojsa Stefanovic, Maja Popovic, Andjelka Atanaskovic, the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic and Serbian member of the Presidency of B&H Milorad Dodik. Botsan-Kharchenko said that on such an important day, before the upcoming holiday, it is impossible to avoid the fact that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was prevented from coming to Belgrade, assessing that this fact most clearly shows pressure on Serbia, but also that Serbia is strong and does not agree to requests. “In the West, they created hysteria about the announced visit, because it was clear to them with what big heart he would be welcomed in Belgrade,” Botsan-Kharchenko said, emphasizing that Western Europe does not want to hear the truth, what is realistic and what is the position about Kosovo. The Ambassador said that Russia is not changing its position on Kosovo, that it remains the same, as well as its position on B&H and the Dayton Agreement. He emphasized that Russia, like Serbia, is in the best phase of development, which is the result of the work of the leadership of both countries, and that is, on both sides, the best precondition for cooperation. Botsan-Kharchenko said that Serbia and Russia have improved relations in all fields, thanks to the fact that Belgrade does not accept to impose sanctions on Moscow. The Ambassador also mentioned the situation in Ukraine and added that the orders of the Supreme Commander Vladimir Putin regarding the special military operation will be executed entirely in order to protect the Russian people. He emphasized that Russia has no doubt that it is on the right side of history. “If there are those in Europe, and not only in Europe, who have doubts, we have no doubt that everything will be clear to them in a few years. This is true and Russia is forced to take a difficult step after several political and diplomatic attempts – which had just one option,” he said.

 

Dacic: EU membership is Serbia’s strategic priority, ‘Open Balkans’ initiative is not replacement for EU integration (Beta) 

 

Speaker of Serbian parliament Ivica Dacic spoke at the conference titled ‘European Union as Strategic Choice – Experience of Serbia and Romania’. On this occasion, he stated that the ‘Open Balkans’ initiative is not a replacement for the process of EU integration, but an attempt to overcome the problems in the region until the moment of EU integration. He underlined that there is no valid reason for anyone to be opposed to the initiative. Dacic emphasized that citizens of Serbia are not against the EU, but there is visible fatigue of the integration process, just like there is visible enlargement fatigue in the EU. He noted that Serbia is not satisfied with the speed of the integration process. According to him, the number of opened and closed negotiation chapters is not a realistic indication for Serbia’s level of preparedness for EU integration. According to Dacic, both Serbia and the EU are responsible for the prolonged integration process, but the EU membership remains Serbia’s main strategic priority. Dacic also said that the principle of territorial integrity cannot be interpreted in different ways for Serbia and Ukraine. “We condemn the violation of territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as Serbia,” Dacic emphasized.

 

Conference: EU will lose credibility if it neglects Western Balkans (Beta)

 

Russian aggression against Ukraine threatens to shift the EU focus away from Western Balkan integration, which could additionally slow down the region’s EU path, but the EU will lose credibility unless it now focuses on integrating the Western Balkans, said speakers at a conference titled “The EU as the strategic choice – experience of Serbia and Romania”, held in Belgrade on 7 June. “The war in Ukraine and complex relations between the West and Russia could become risky for the Western Balkans which could be a forgotten topic or a taboo that will not be discussed now,” Western Balkan Forum Bucharest President Victor Bostinaru said. He added that the EU must not allow itself to forget about the Western Balkans. Dirk Lorenz, head of Political at EU Delegation to Serbia, said that once the EU could have done more for the region’s integration, but that a new world was created on 24 February which required adaptation of all. “Enlargement is in our interest, it is a geopolitical strategic investment in stability, security and economic growth of all of Europe. The process must be stepped up, we can no longer waste time,” Lorenz stressed. Knut Fleckenstein, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Social Democratic Party of Germany and a mediator in the inter-party dialogue in Serbia, called on the EU to urgently start talks with North Macedonia and Albania. Fleckenstein added he disagreed that Ukraine’s EU path should be accelerated as it could not be compared with some countries which had been pursuing this path for 19 years. Other panels of the conference held at the Zira Hotel, were addressed by Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic, Novi Sad Mayor Milos Vucevic, Education Minister Branko Ruzic, and representatives of Romanian and Serbian institutions and non-governmental organizations.

 

Dacic: Electoral process to end in ten days or in a few weeks (Tanjug)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic said on Tuesday the dates when the final results of the 3 April parliamentary elections would be announced and a new parliament constituted depended on whether new repeat elections would be held in Veliki Trnovac, southern Serbia, following a complaint by a local ethnic Albanian party. Speaking about the constitution of the next parliament, Dacic said "the ball is not in the parliament's court" as the electoral process was still underway. In a statement to Tanjug, Dacic said that, after the 27 May repeat elections in Veliki Trnovac, the Coalition of the Albanians of the Valley had filed a complaint requesting that the elections be annulled, which has been rejected by the municipal election commission. After that, the coalition filed a complaint with the Republic Election Commission (RIK), and the completion of the electoral process depends on whether the complaint is accepted or rejected, Dacic said, noting that the affair might even be resolved in a lawsuit in case the RIK rejects the complaint. "If the complaint is rejected, the entire process may be completed within ten days and a report on the final election results will be made, but in case new repeat elections are held, then everything will take a few more weeks," Dacic explained.

 

Agreement on cooperation in road infrastructure in Western Balkans signed (Tanjug/RTS)

 

Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Tomislav Momirovic signed in Tirana on Tuesday with representatives of countries of the Western Balkans a document entitled “Commitment to the Roads of Future”, which deals with investments in modern road infrastructure and promotion of alternative fuels. The document was signed during the Western Balkans Road Summit, organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

“Commitment to the Roads of Future” deals with the development of sustainable roads, with the focus on climate resistance of the road network and the introduction of fuels with zero-carbon emissions, introduction of intelligent transport system, interoperability of electronic toll collection throughout the region, construction of charging stations for electric cars, promotion of alternative fuels, increasing traffic safety at rail crossings and improving safety of vulnerable categories of road users. At the end of the summit, Director of public company “Putevi Srbije” Zoran Drobnjak will sign a memorandum of understanding together with colleagues from Western Balkan countries.

 

Serbian troops deployed in eight peace missions (FoNet)

 

Peace Operations Center head colonel Mirjana Milenkovic said Tuesday that 279 Serbian military personnel are currently deployed in eight UN and EU peace missions. Staff officers, observers and medical staff are serving in five UN and three EU peace missions. The largest number (177) are deployed in Lebanon with the Spanish and Italian contingent, Milanovic told a conference on international military cooperation. The Serbian military deployed a field hospital in the Central African Republic.

 

Scholz’s package 3+1 for Serbia (Novosti) 

 

Next Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit Serbia for the first time. The daily learns that he will express support to Serbia’s EU integration, but in return he will have a set of demands for Serbia. Scholz will allegedly ask Serbia to sign a binding agreement with Kosovo, impose sanctions against Russia and make sure that Republika Srpska (RS) stops with its secessionist ideas. Commenting Scholz’s visit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the visit is very important because Germany is its main trade partner and investor. However, he noted, Scholz will come with several messages that Serbia is not going to like. Scholz himself stated last week that he will visit the Western Balkan region with the clear message that the six Balkan countries belong to the EU. He underlined that integration of Western Balkans is no longer a matter of EU’s credibility, but a matter of EU’s strategic interests. Scholz also stated that the first step is to revive the Berlin Process. Political analyst Dragomir Andjelkovic stated that Scholz will propose the idea of resolving the Kosovo issue with the model of two Germanies – i.e. two independent states. He will also insist that Serbia joins the EU sanctions against Russia, and he will demand from Serbia to promote reform processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) which, according to Andjelkovic, is just a euphemism for centralization of B&H. He noted that Scholz already conveyed similar messages during Vucic’s visit to Berlin. “It is up to us to be polite, to explain why we cannot accept, and to move on,” said Andjelkovic. Political analyst Suzana Grubjesic stated that Scholz’s visit is extremely important for Serbia because of the bilateral and economic relations. She expects the regional relations, war in Ukraine and Serbia’s position on Russian-Ukrainian conflict to be the main topic of Scholz’s meeting with Serbian officials. She noted that after Belgrade, Scholz is expected to visit Pristina, and the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue will surely also be high on the list of priorities for the visit.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Schmidt imposes decision on financing general elections, securing full amount envisaged for B&H CEC and all future financing of elections (O Kanal) 

 

High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt has invoked Bonn Bowers and imposed the decision on financing of the general elections that secures full amount necessary for implementation of the electoral process. O Kanal reports that the decision also enables financing of all future elections if local authorities fail to decide on that. The reporter notes this means the end of blockades and blackmails in relation to these issues. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Schmidt said the B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) will receive BAM 12.5 million initially determined for the preparation and organization of the elections. “This does not exclude further allocations. This decision enters in force as soon as it is published on the OHR website. These decisions effectively replace the (B&H) Council of Ministers’ decision and provide the funds for the (B&H) CEC and ensure election financing when relevant authorities are not able to do that. I am not happy that I had to make this decision. My decisions effectively replace the Council of Ministers’ decision and provide the full amount to (B&H) the CEC, while also providing durable, systemic solutions for automatic and continuous funding of the elections”, Schmidt was quoted as saying. “I have to say that I am not happy that I had to make this decision. I am taking into account a lot of commitment of people in the B&H Parliament and in other places to make the elections happen. I have to say, it is not good. I am not happy, because it shows that responsible politicians are not in a position to organize what is in itself a procedural matter – the financing of the elections,” the HR underlined. “I took note of the long overdue decision taken yesterday by the B&H Council of Ministers (B&H CoM) which seemed to be a step in the right direction. After reviewing it, I have seen that it was good, but not good enough. After collecting detailed information in a joint session with representatives of the B&H Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the B&H CEC this morning, it is obvious to me that the planned allocation is neither sufficient nor implementable,” Schmidt stated.

 

US Embassy welcomes HR’s decision on financing of general elections (Nova BH) 

 

HR Christian Schmidt has invoked Bonn Bowers and imposed the decision on financing of the general elections that secures full amount necessary for implementation of the electoral process. The US Embassy to B&H expressed support to High Representative Schmidt on Tuesday in regards to decision concerning General Elections 2022 and all upcoming elections. “It is unfortunate that irresponsible leaders chose to disrespect B&H citizens’ fundamental rights in this democracy by using elections as a political bargaining chip,” reads statement of the US Embassy published on their Twitter account. The message conveyed by the US Embassy to B&H this time is that the elections “cannot be held hostage by irresponsible and ill-intentioned political actors”. The US Embassy to B&H has issued a statement after HR Schmidt imposed decision on election financing, welcoming such move, conveying a message that the decision is in the function of “protecting the democracy in B&H”.

 

Dodik reacts to Schmidt’s decision: International officials are trying to impose themselves as deciding factor in B&H (O Kanal) 

 

B&H Presidency member Milorad Dodik reacted to High representative (HR) Christian Schmidt’s decision on financing of the elections, saying he is of view the international officials are trying to impose themselves as a “deciding factor in B&H” and that Schmidt does not have “formal appointment, Bonn Powers” and he cannot make interventions in B&H. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Dodik said: “B&H as such is meaningless. It once again proves with such decisions, meaningless decisions, its absurdity. I do not know what else to say, nor there is a need for us to fight against them, because they are of no importance.” Dodik said that institutions were trampled and B&H does not exist as a sovereign country. Dodik claimed that certain representatives of the international community persistently prove that they want B&H to be a protectorate. Dodik stated: “After this, a message and a signal was sent that they are ready to go to the end, to create lists, to decide who will go and who will not go to the polls, etc. This is a complete destabilization in B&H. So, they do not allow the people to decide. They want to decide.” Dodik said that financing of elections could have been solved without Schmidt and that they suggested one of them possible ways to solve the issue. Dodik said the suggested that RS gives funds to B&H CEC, which would return the funds to the RS once the process regarding the budget was completed. He pointed out that the Federation of B&H (FB&H) could have done the same. Dodik claimed that many Westerners supported his idea at the beginning of this initiative and that some ambassadors personally told him it was a good idea.

 

Dzaferovic, Komsic welcome HR’s decision (BHT1) 

 

BHT1 brings reactions in B&H to the decision of the HR Christian Schmidt related to financing of the general elections in October 2022. Members of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic welcomed this decision. Dzaferovic issued a press release which reads that HDZ B&H and B&H Minister of Finance and Treasury Vjekoslav Bevanda (HDZ B&H)’s behavior forced the HR to reach this decision. Komsic underlined the importance that no one succumbed to any kind of political blackmails or pressures. Komsic emphasized that the elections will be held even though HDZ B&H did everything to try and stop that. Komsic was quoted as saying: “Schmidt's decision ultimately represents the victory of the Bosnian political factor, i.e. sound political options that played a constructive role with international partners during the long political struggle to hold elections that the HDZ (B&H) sought to block.” Dzaferovic was quoted as saying: “For the past year or two, the HDZ (B&H) has announced that it will try to block the elections, which has obviously been the case in recent weeks. They manipulatively tried to conceal their intentions, through these episodes with a special decision and the budget.”

 

Lovrinovic: Schmidt’s decision was wrong (N1) 

 

HR Christian Schmidt has invoked Bonn Bowers and imposed the decision on financing of the general elections that secures full amount necessary for implementation of the electoral process. HDZ B&H’s Nikola Lovrinovic said to the media that Schmidt’s decision was wrong and that B&H CoM made a good decision on Monday. Lovrinovic said he was partly surprised by Schmidt’s decision because B&H CoM provided certain preconditions with their decision on Monday, which secured, as Lovrinovic said, the biggest part of the funds. He said more could have been added if the budget was adopted. Lovrinovic said he does not understand why Schmidt’s decision was needed. Lovrinovic said there is no need for impositions of any kind “but when this is already being done, I would like other things to be imposed, such as changes to the Election Law, but it is clear that this is not the range of the High Representative's thinking at the moment”. The B&H Minister of Finance and Treasury Vjekoslav Bevanda said that it seems it is not important that B&H CEC did not respect the legal procedure.

 

SDA and SBB welcomes HR Schmidt’s decision; Other comments (O Kanal) 

 

SDA has welcomed on Tuesday HR Christian Schmidt’s decision, that secure full amount necessary to hold the elections, stating SDA is of view it is of great importance that the decision permanently prevents political abuses, blackmails and blockades of future elections. SDA’s Adil Osmanovic stressed that due to politicking and attempt of HDZ B&H to make some things unnecessarily complicated, the OHR had to pass abovementioned decisions. Osmanovic also said it was expected that Schmidt would react in such a way, to secure enough funds. Osmanovic addressed the media and pointed out that B&H Minister of Transport and Communications would have to be the one to secure funds from RAK, and to be the one who would propose such a decision to B&H CoM again. Osmanovic said that B&H CoM would then have to make that decision again, which would make them lose additional seven to ten days. Osmanovic stated that, in his opinion, they wanted to push the CEC with this in the direction of breaking the law. SBB B&H issued a press statement, welcoming the decision of HR Schmidt to impose decision on financing of 2022 general elections. In this way, article reads, Central Election Commission of B&H will be awarded sufficient funds for organizing elections and enable citizens to exercise their fundamental democratic right to elect and be elected. “With yesterday’s decision of the OHR, the international community conveyed a clear message to all those who until now used administrative and political blockades, as a tool for blackmails for achieving of political goals, stating that this will not be tolerated in the future,” stated SBB B&H, reminding that they earlier appeal to HR Schmidt to impose this decision. Damir Arnaut from Our Party (NS) said it was obvious that OHR gave B&H CoM one last chance to secure the funds for elections on Monday. When that did not happen, there was no other choice, said Arnaut. SDP’s Sasa Magazinovic said that everyone should welcome Schmidt’s decision because it prevents an attack on democracy in B&H. B&H Presidency scheduled a session for Wednesday, however, the B&H CoM has yet to send the draft budget to the Presidency, noted the presenter. DF representative at the B&H HoR Dzenan Djonlagic said additional value of Schmidt’s decision is that “automatic stabilizer has been incorporated in election financing in B&H, i.e. not only for the upcoming elections, but all future elections. This decision prevents any new potential blockade”. Magazinovic said: “This is a solution that should be welcomed by all of us, because it prevents attack on democracy in B&H, visible in the past month.” The reporter comments that the old saying states “you can do how you want it, but not for as long as you want it”, and goes on to say this is not a football match in which Schmidt “scored a goal, this is another game, the one in which he got checkmate”.

 

Tegeltija says Schmidt’s decision was unnecessary and useless (RTRS) 

 

The Chairperson of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Zoran Tegeltija was visiting Ohrid in North Macedonia in order to attend the ‘Open Balkans’ summit. During his visit, Tegeltija gave an interview for RTRS and discussed the decision imposed by Christian Schmidt, which secured funds for elections in B&H. Schmidt’s decision followed only one day after B&H CoM adopted a decision about allocating funds for the needs of the B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) regarding the upcoming general elections. When asked what that means, which decision is in force and to comment in Schmidt’s decision in general, Tegeltija said that he thinks this is one very unnecessary and useless decision which will lead to further misunderstandings within B&H. He said that it was unnecessary because B&H CoM the basic budget request of B&H CEC for holding the elections. Tegeltija said that B&H Minister of Finance and Treasury Vjekoslav Bevanda himself explained how additional funds would be secured in a very short time, in order to respect legal procedure. Tegeltija said that none of the ministers in B&H CoM objected to Bevanda’s proposal. Tegeltija stated that Schmidt’s decision is one of many which fulfil wishes of individuals or groups within B&H. Tegeltija said that he is surprised and worried, considering he prepared budgets for a long number of years, and it is unclear to him how they intend to implement Schmidt’s decision. Tegeltija stated: “If they want to respect the minimum law and regulations, they will have to make at least a few more decisions in order to implement this and once again show that this does not help B&H institutions. In this way, B&H institutions are destroyed.”

 

RS ruling parties’ politicians criticize Schmidt’s decision (Nova BH) 

 

HR Christian Schmidt has invoked Bonn Bowers and imposed the decision on financing of the general elections that secures full amount necessary for implementation of the electoral process. Leader of United Srpska Nenad Stevandic said in a sarcastic manner that upcoming imposed decisions will probably demand public whipping and hanging of politicians. Stevandic said that Schmidt, in coordination with the arrival of the US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar, “is trying, shall we say, to pull out some whip. Probably the next imposition will be to publicly whip us, beat us, hang us, ban us, so it just looks like that to me and I think it is a shame to live in a country where someone behaves like this”. SNSD’s Snjezana Novakovic Bursac said that the mandate of the High Representative is not filled in at this moment. Novakovic-Bursac stated that she does not know how “Mr. Schmidt” is thinking of implementing all decisions that he reaches. In her opinion, this is an additional and unnecessary complication. Novakovic Bursac said: “Here we have another real demonstration of force. The only thing missing is that someone dares and declares election winners, to try. That is the only moment missing here.” RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic said that democracy is not defended by undemocratic means. Cvijanovic was quoted as saying: “They talk of allegedly defending democracy because holding of the elections is being secured, and they intervene via undemocratic means from an unelected foreigner who wants to act above democratically elected institutions. Everything in B&H is a farce, and so is this. The reputation of B&H, as well as the (reputation of the) foreign factor operating here, has deteriorated.” NDP leader Dragan Cavic said that the international factor from the beginning wants to be involved in the election process, which includes projected election results. "There is every chance that it will be like that," Cavic said commenting on Schmidt's decision related to financing the elections. Commenting on Schmidt's statement that a country which wants to join the EU should ensure the funds for the conduct of the elections on its own, Cavic said that it is a cynical explanation, because B&H provided those funds.

 

Sarovic, Borenovic claim that RS ruling coalition is the most responsible for the fact Bonn Powers are used again (Nova BH) 

 

HR Christian Schmidt has invoked Bonn Bowers and imposed the decision on financing of the general elections that secures full amount necessary for implementation of the electoral process. Leaders of opposition parties in RS, namely Mirko Sarovic (SDS) and Branislav Borenovic (PDP) claim that ruling coalition in the RS is most responsible for the fact Bonn Powers are used again. Sarovic stated that SNSD and the ruling authorities in the RS bear the main burden for “resurrection” of the HR and the Bonn Powers. Borenovic also argued that the ruling authorities in the RS gave the most important tool in hands of “the most known tourist in B&H”. Borenovic added: “This really is a big blow and a reflection of inability of B&H authorities to do their job in line with the Constitution and laws of this country.” Sarovic says that this move is a “byproduct of the moves of the RS ruling authorities”. He added that B&H does not need Bonn Powers in any way, but admits that failures of the ruling authorities have led to this difficult situation. Sarovic said they are likely entering a new cycle of the crisis. “We are probably expecting four new years in which you will experience madness.”

 

RS parliament adopts set of conclusions that postpone implementation of conclusions from December 2021 (Nova BH) 

 

At its special session held on Monday, the RS parliament adopted information and set of conclusions concerning international political and security situation. Among other things, adopted conclusions read that the RS remains committed to preservation of peace and that it supports joining of B&H to the Open Balkans initiative. Reporter commented that seventh and ninth conclusions attracted special attention of the public. They read that applying of conclusions concerning information on transfer of competences from the RS to B&H level adopted on 10 December 2021 will be postponed for six months in order to avoid further complication of foreign policy position of the RS under complex geopolitical circumstances. Member of B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik addressed MPs and stated that they will not give up on implementation of conclusions adopted on 10 December 2021. Dodik added that when these conclusions were adopted, they knew their implementation will not be swift and easy. The seventh conclusion adopted on Monday reads that the RS parliament deems that mission Althea is necessary in order to preserve peace and stability and should remain in B&H in line with mandate granted by the UN SC. Special conclusion reads that the RSNA deems that neutral stance in regards to conflict between Russia and Ukraine and opposing to introduction of sanctions against Russia is in interest of the RS. Prior to voting of MPs on proposed conclusions, Dodik and MPs from PDP engaged in fierce debate in which they accused each other of being bad for the RS. RS parliament speaker Denis Sulic and Dodik criticized the opposition parties for refusing to vote on the RS parliament conclusions. According to Sulic, it is clear that there are two blocs in the RS parliament and that the opposition parties support sanctions against Russia. Dodik accused the opposition parties of cowardice.

 

Escobar meets with ‘Troika’ representatives; US Embassy to B&H: Focus on reforms is more important than ever (FTV) 

 

US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar arrived in B&H to attend session of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) scheduled for Tuesday. Additionally, Escobar met with the ‘Troika’ (SDP B&H, NiP, Our Party) representatives to discuss, sanctions, support to B&H on its EU path and plans for the future. FTV reports that, after the meeting, the US Embassy to B&H wrote on its Twitter account that the meeting with the ‘Troika’ representatives was informative and encouraging, and Escobar expressed support to changes in the Sarajevo Canton (SC). The reporter notes that Escobar also met with the Commanders of EUFOR and the NATO Headquarters (HQ) Sarajevo. The US Embassy to B&H wrote on its Twitter account after the meeting: “We discussed the importance of EUFOR's contribution to a safe and secure environment and the vital cooperation between NATO HQ Sarajevo and EUFOR.” FTV reports that focus of the meeting with the ‘Troika’ representatives was on security, elimination of Russia’s influence that can be damaging for the security in B&H, however other issues were discussed as well. Addressing the media after the meeting, SDP B&H’s Sasa Magazinovic said: “The focus of attention were definitely sanctions, Russia’s influence and everything that is happening and overspills as an international crisis to B&H, as well as combating corruption”. FTV reports that one of the topics of discussion were sanctions imposed by the US against Federation of B&H President Marinko Cavara and RS Minister of Health and Social Welfare Alen Seranic, and the ‘Troika’ members agreed that is an important message. NiP leader Elmedin Konakovic said for the media: “They first sanctioned secessionists, after that, they sanctioned those who block processes in B&H for personal gain, but also those who lead corruption in B&H.” ‘Our Party’ leader Edin Forto said: “They clearly show that the international community, and in this case the US, recognized who undermines the institutions of B&H, who is involved in corruptive activities. It is a very clear message.” The reporter notes that the ‘Troika’ representatives did not reveal their plans for the future, but they said they expect new “activism’’ by the US and support to B&H’s progress. FTV reports that Escobar will be in B&H on Wednesday as well, and the primary reason for his visit is the PIC’s session, as well as expressing support to Schmidt. Following the meeting between Escobar and the Troika' representatives, media and journalists were informed that the US expressed strong commitment for stability in B&H and its road to the EU, while the US Embassy to B&H underlined on Twitter that the focus on reforms is more important than ever. The officials discussed reforms, security, holding of the general elections in B&H and fight against crime and corruption. Escobar did not address the media following the meeting, while representatives of the 'Troika' said that messages were encouraging and positive.

 

Dodik: PIC is self-organized body that does not base its mandate on DPA or UNSC resolution (RTRS) 

 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik made a post on Twitter in which he said that the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) is a self-organized body that does not derive a mandate from the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), nor from the resolutions of the UN Security Council (UN SC). Dodik was quoted as saying: “The UN has stated their self-organization, but they are not a body established by the UN like the UNMIK (United Nations Mission in Kosovo) for Kosovo and Metohija”. Dodik claimed that whatever PIC decides and concludes does not oblige, neither legally nor politically, anyone in B&H nor outside B&H. “The participants of the London conference, where PIC was established, said that this was legal nonsense and a bluff, because they supposedly had to do something,” said Dodik. Dodik assessed that PIC is nothing but a disruptive factor in B&H, which is trying to take away the already questionable sovereignty from B&H. Dodik emphasized that PIC, even if it were legal and legitimate, has no further business in B&H.

 

Cvijanovic: Austrian non-paper seems like reasonable proposal (Srna/RTRS) 

 

The RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic commented on the Austrian non-paper called ‘EU Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Beyond Existing Templates’, which proposes the gradual accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU, and said it sounds like a sensible proposal. Cvijanovic gave statement for Srna news agency and was quoted as saying: “I support the idea of finding a new pattern to make the path to membership more realistic, because today it is not, despite all the messages that express the commitment from both to achieve that. Obviously, the current pattern of accession has been overcome and does not offer optimism for everyone in the region to reach the set goal. That is why I think it is wiser to look for a way to ensure a stronger connection between the candidates for membership and the EU institutions until the conditions for the real admission of new members are met.” According to Cvijanovic, it is better to make small progress than any progress at all, and it is up to the EU member states to declare on this proposal.

 

Tegeltija calls on B&H Presidency to make decision on B&H’s accession to ‘Open Balkans’ initiative (RTRS) 

 

The Chairperson of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Zoran Tegeltija was visiting Ohrid in North Macedonia in order to attend the ‘Open Balkans’ summit. During his visit, Tegeltija gave an interview for RTRS. When it comes to the ‘Open Balkans’ summit, the reporter asked Tegeltija whether he will discuss the reasons why B&H did not join the ‘Open Balkans’ initiative with the leaders of the Western Balkans, and whether he will convey the stance of RS which is ready to be part of the initiative. Tegeltija pointed out that B&H attends the summit as an observer. He said that the invitation to join the ‘Open Balkans’ has existed for a long time, and that B&H and Montenegro unfortunately did not accept the invitation, even though the new Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic expressed desire to join the ‘Open Balkans’. Tegeltija said that he attends the summit because he knows that almost all of the business community in B&H wants to be part of the ‘Open Balkans’ initiative, as well as most politicians and even entities. Tegeltija stated: “I am here to convey the message to the members of the ‘Open Balkans’ that B&H is preparing and wants to become a member as soon as possible”. Tegeltija said he is sure that ‘Open Balkans’ would help both the business community in B&H and B&H citizens. He added that he once again invited the B&H Presidency last week to make a decision on B&H’s accession to ‘Open Balkans’ initiative and that he hopes that members of B&H Presidency who are against it will change their decision and understand how important this project is for the business community and the citizens of B&H. Tegeltija claimed that there is only a small number of politicians who oppose this project.

 

Milanovic, Grlic Radman react to sanctions against Cavara (Jutarnji list) 

 

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman have reacted to sanctions imposed on FB&H President Marko Cavara. Milanovic said the US’ sanctions are “arrogant terrorization of legitimate representative of the Croat people”, noting that Croatia must protect Cavara. Milanovic thinks the explanation for the sanctions is cynical and that B&H Croats are he defenders of DPA and democracy. Milanovic claimed that international tutors have been shaping the future of B&H Croats without asking them anything, and now they are even threating and sanctioning them. Milanovic stressed that if anyone is defending the DPA Constitution and democratic processes that imply legitimate election and representation in authorities, they are representatives of Croats in B&H. Milanovic also stated: “The explanation of these sanctions, such as the claim that Cavara is undermining the DPA, is politically illiterate and very cynical, because in undermining the letter and spirit of that agreement, US diplomacy had its fingers, and still has, (together) with the High Representatives for B&H”. In addition to the claim that the US undermined DPA together with Bosniaks, and not the Croats in B&H as they are being accused, Milanovic said that international tutors have been shaping the future of B&H Croats, and now they are even threating and sanctioning them. Grlic Radman said that Cavara is a responsible person who loves his country and advocates respect for the Dayton Peace Accords. Grlic Radman said that he is convinced Cavara has been working and focused to enable respecting of the DPA.

 

Abazovic: We are not joining the Open Balkans (CdM) 

 

The Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazovic said that he was not going to Ohrid to join the Open Balkans initiative, but to express his attitude towards the project with the EU and NATO partners. Abazovic said that after the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama wrote on Facebook that Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic "today officially introduces Montenegro into the Open Balkans". "We are not going to Ohrid to join the Open Balkans, but to, together with EU partners and NATO allies, express our attitude towards one regional initiative so that at the end of the day we would have more understanding and better cooperation," Abazovic told Telegram. Rama posted a photo on Facebook with Abazovic and US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill. We remind you that Abazovic is staying in Ohrid, where the summit of the regional initiative "Open Balkans" is being held.

 

Krivokapic: Lavrov could have come by train (Antena M) 

 

Asked how he perceives support of Sergey Lavrov to the Open Balkans, the Foreign Affairs Minister Ranko Krivokapic has said that everybody wants to be recognized as part of a great initiative, and he’s not surprised to see that Serbia has been trying to do it as well. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been preparing an analysis in this regard and the Prime Minister is about to get to know all of its elements. We don’t know what it means, there’re many stories but little elements. In my opinion, the processes which have proven to be good will survive, while some will fail. We’re monitoring the Open Balkans, we see that Russia sees it as its process. For now, we’re just observers, we shall see,” he said. Commenting on the decision to ban flight of Lavrov’s plane and his threats afterwards, he said it was inevitable having in mind the obligation Montenegro had taken on. By banning the airplane flight of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, Montenegro showed its commitments to the obligations it took over, Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ranko Krivokapic said, stating that this decision was inevitable. Krivokapic said to the journalists in Villa Gorica, that he is surprised by brisk reaction, adding that Lavrov could come by train from Moscow to Belgrade, because that train line is not banned.

Asked who made a decision to ban the flying and when, he said that the decision formally was brought by the government and part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP). "It's a form that is fulfilled. The Prime Minister was informed by that decision," Krivokapic said.

 

Djukanovic: Lavrov’s attempt noting but politicization and creation of illusion about Russophobic atmosphere in Europe (CdM) 

 

Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic said that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s permission to fly over NATO member states, which have fully harmonized their foreign policy with the European Union, “is just politicization and an attempt to create the illusion of a Russophobic atmosphere in today’s Europe”. President Djukanovic, who is in Istanbul, commented for Anatolia on the cancellation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Serbia, which followed after Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bulgaria closed the airspace for Lavrov’s plane. Answering the question whether he expected some act of hostility or revenge from Russia due to the decision to close the airspace, Djukanovic recalled that “Russia has already put Montenegro on the list of enemy countries”. “Montenegro does not undertake any Russophobic policies, nor has the respect we have for Russia, for the Russian people and for the tradition of our mutual relations changed. What we condemn is the policy of aggression,” President Djukanovic said.

 

Djukanovic in Istanbul: Stability and multiethnic character greatest values of modern Montenegro (CdM) 

 

Upon his arrival in Istanbul, the President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic met with honorary consuls, emigrants and students of Montenegro in Turkey. Djukanovic said that “the greatest value of modern Montenegro are its stability and multi-ethnic character, which have always been a gathering platform we’re going to protect steadfastly”. According to Djukanovic’s office, feeling satisfaction with the opportunity to meet with our people, the President pointed out to the high-level relations, friendship and trust between the two countries. “We affirm them (relations) through intensive contact between the two countries at the highest level as well.” He said he was particularly pleased that the new generations also respect the long tradition of Montenegrin-Turkish relations, adding that the community of emigrants of several generations from Montenegro to Turkey represent their important part. The President gave special recognition to the honorary consults who play an important role in representing the Montenegrin interests in this country.

 

‘Open Balkans’ Summit takes place in Ohrid (AJB/RFE) 

 

A two-day-long summit of the regional initiative ‘Open Balkans’ has begun on Tuesday afternoon on the Ohrid Lake. Several agreements and memorandums from the sectors of culture, tourism and education will be signed during the event. Along with founders of the initiative – leaders of Serbia, Albania and the North Macedonia – representatives of B&H and Montenegro also attended the summit; Chairman of the B&H Council of Ministers Zoran Tegeltija and Montenegro’s Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic. The reporter mentioned a working dinner that was underway during the news broadcast. According to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, he had a phone conversation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell ahead of the working dinner and they discussed the situation in the region, dialogue of Pristina and Belgrade and the upcoming summit in Brussels that will be committed to the Western Balkans. According to announcements, the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi and the US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar will address the attendees via a video link. Ambassador of the US to Serbia Christopher Hill showed up at the summit on Tuesday which the reporter assessed as surprising and interesting as it comes a day following cancelled visit of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov to Belgrade. The reporter noted that Montenegro used to be very cautious about this initiative, while Abazovic said that he is open for every type of regional cooperation which RTS assessed as an important change of discourse of Montenegro towards the initiative. Analysts assessed that this is the moment when the initiative could really be extended to other countries. Analyst Stefan Surlic assessed Dritan’s attendance as maybe intention of Montenegro to really join the initiative adding that in his opinion, there are no economic – but only political - reasons not to join the initiative. The reporter argued that the initiative has brought good results in the sector of agriculture. Chairperson and Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic stated earlier for Radio Free Europe that Tegeltija did not notify B&H Presidency about going to the summit. However, Tegeltija’s Cabinet stated that a letter was sent to B&H Presidency which notifies B&H Presidency about Tegeltija going to the summit. The letter also asked B&H Presidency to discuss and give consent for B&H’s accession to the ‘Open Balkan’ initiative, so that B&H citizens and its business community do not end up being the only ones in the region who are not part of this regional initiative. Two plenary sessions have been announced for Wednesday. There will be more bilateral meetings and signing of agreements. The focus is on higher education, culture, tourism and cooperation of tax administrations. Representatives from B&H and Montenegro are not attending the summit as members of the initiative but as observers, added the reporter. As it was interpreted in Ohrid, the more active participation from B&H and Montenegro representatives really is not and will not be a surprise considering that the support for this initiative comes from both the EU and the US, whose representatives will also address the participants of this summit on Wednesday, pointed out the reporter.

 

Russian support for ‘Belgrade-led initiative’ is ‘a kiss of death’ for Open Balkans, critics say (Tirana Times) 

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has lashed out at NATO and regional members for denying him the ability to visit Belgrade last Sunday, which he said he aimed to use to express Moscow’s support for Serbia and what he said was a Belgrade-led initiative -Open Balkans. "It seems that the puppet masters in Brussels did not want in any way to give us a platform where we would confirm in the capital of Serbia Russia's position on the problem of Kosovo and the problem of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Lavrov said at a press conference. "They did not want us to express support for Belgrade's initiative to implement the Open Balkan project in the interest of a stronger and healthier relationship between the countries of the region." He added NATO and EU want to "turn the Balkans into a project called the ‘Closed Balkans’". The comments quickly added fuel to people in the region who have opposed the Open Balkans initiative since its inception due to it not being all inclusive, with only Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia participating. At an upcoming Open Balkan meeting this week in Ohrid -- Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina are expected to send representatives for the first time, leaving Kosovo isolated, further angering Albanian critics of the initiative. Internationally, however, Moscow’s meddling makes it clear NATO and EU lukewarm support for the initiative could soon turn cold and that the fears about Russia-friendly Serbia’s regional domination of the region are valid, according to Edward P. Joseph, one of the leading American experts on the region and a professor at John Hopkins. “Kudos to Sergey Lavrov for giving the kiss of death today to the Open Balkans [initiative]. This Trump Administration brainchild advances the agenda of Russia’s strategic partner in the region, Serbia,” he wrote on Twitter. “Open Balkan is an open invitation for [Serb President Aleksandar] Vucic to exploit Serbia's economic size for political advantage – free from political constraints or values of the European Union. Open Balkan = ‘Serb World’ via the marketplace for Serbia’s smaller neighbors.” Open Balkans has met resistance since its inception, but has been propelled forward by Vucic and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama as a way to increase cooperation. Rama has repeatedly asked Kosovo to join, amid anger and dismay from Pristina, where they see the initiative as outside the EU integration process and undermining the country’s sovereignty. Albania’s opposition has also been vehemently against the Open Balkans initiative since its inception. Lavrov’s planned visit to Serbia on Sunday was cancelled after countries around Serbia closed their airspace to his aircraft, a senior foreign ministry source told the Interfax news agency on Sunday. "Our diplomacy has yet to master teleportation," the source said. Serbia, which has close cultural ties with Russia, has fended off pressure to take sides over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, agreed last month that Russia would continue supplying natural gas to Serbia, while other countries have been cut off for refusing to pay for Russian gas in rubles. Vucic has refused to explicitly condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and his country has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow. Vucic claims he wants to take Serbia into the European Union but has spent recent years cementing ties with Russia, a longtime ally. The gas deal was likely to be signed during Lavrov’s now cancelled visit — which would have been a rare visit by a ranking Russian official to a European country since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began 24 February. Vucic said he told Putin that he wished "peace would be established as soon as possible".

 

Varhelyi attends the Open Balkans meeting (Radio Tirana) 

 

EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi will attend the Open Balkans meeting expected to be held in Ohrid this Wednesday, June 8th. The European Commission has issued a statement stating what Varhelyi has stated before the Summit, that the benefits of the 30 billion Euro investment can only be fully realized once the six Western Balkan countries are part of the initiative. "I welcome the renewed impetus from the leaders in the Western Balkans to advance in regional integration. The war Russia has waged in Europe is a wake-up call for the need to accelerate the EU membership process, a geostrategic investment in the stability and security of all of Europe. Comprehensive regional co-operation, based on EU rules, is key to bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU single market, which is at the heart of our common prosperity.

The rapid construction of the Regional Common Market agreed by the six countries of the Western Balkans is essential to this. But also, let us be clear, the full potential of our ambitious economic and investment plan of 30 billion euros to support the Western Balkans will be yielded only when all six Balkan countries are part of the initiative," he said. The European Commission also underlines that during his visit in Ohrid, Commissioner Varhelyi will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of the Western Balkans, more in connection with the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

 

Open Balkans in Ohrid/ Agreements to be signed and the USA and EU messages (Radio Tirana) 

 

The leaders of the 5 Western Balkan countries gathered in Ohrid for the next meeting of the Open Balkans initiative. Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented by their Prime Ministers Dritan Abazovic and Zoran Tegeltija, will participate as observers for the first time. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also arrived in Ohrid. The host of the meeting, the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovacevski received the 4 leaders of neighboring countries at a welcoming dinner. Of the 6 countries in our region, only Kosovo is missing. Prime Minister Albin Kurti has informed the counterpart of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovacevski, that he refuses to participate in this meeting, as, as he said, Kosovo remains engaged in the Berlin Process. Earlier, after arriving in Ohrid, Prime Minister Rama had a meeting with Prime Minister Abazovic and US Ambassador to Belgrade Christopher Hill, an early friend of the Albanians. Rama wrote on Facebook that Azbazovic's participation "officially introduces Montenegro to the 'Open Balkans'. As the Prime Minister of Montenegro wrote on Twitter: All our "most important foreign policy partners are here. The Western Balkans has a place in the EU and Montenegro as a leader in integration is ready to be a positive example in this process". Today the works start with the relevant speeches of the leaders. The participants in Ohrid will be addressed via video link by the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, as well as the US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar. With this step, they will prove that the "Open Balkans" initiative has the support of the EU, as well as the US administration. The signing of four cooperation agreements is expected on Wednesday; for the fight against tax evasion, recognition of higher education diplomas, cultural cooperation and cooperation in the field of tourism.

 

State Department official: Albania and North Macedonia should join the EU as soon as possible (Radio Tirana/VoA) 

 

In an interview with VoA's Macedonian Service, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia Laura K. Cooper said that for the United States, the European Union membership process of North Macedonia and Albania must progress rapidly. Ms. Cooper praised the leading role of North Macedonia in approaching the integration process through talks between Skopje and Sofia, which resulted in a fruitful diplomatic dialogue. She warned, however, that Russia would try to exploit the divisions and hinder the two countries' EU membership, as it had done before with NATO membership. Ms. Cooper said that in this context, the fight against misinformation is of special value, which will be an ongoing challenge for all NATO member countries and beyond. She praised the commitment of North Macedonia to meet this challenge, through the creation of concrete programs, allocation of appropriate resources, as well as the development of a direct dialogue with the public and NATO allies.

"Not every piece of misinformation can be corrected. This is not a fruitful way. But, we can be clear about the right direction, e.g. "To tell the truth about what is happening in Ukraine," she said. Asked about the consequences that countries like North Macedonia could have from a possible Russian reaction after the Russian Foreign Minister's trip to Belgrade was stopped, Ms. Cooper noted that at this very moment, Russia is trying to return to important positions in international relations. "And the reality is that Russia is more isolated than ever. We saw this in the UN General Assembly votes. We saw this in the massive sanctions against Russia, including the latest measure taken by the Europeans to restrict energy imports from Russia… Russia thought that the war in Ukraine would tear NATO apart. Russia thought it would help it achieve its foreign policy objectives. In fact, what Russia has found is that its military is ashamed of its poor results and outdated methods." The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense reiterated that in the Balkan region, the means most used by Russia are in the field of information, while making continuous efforts to influence the media that prepare the news and to influence the way people perceive Russia's politics, as well as to hinder the work of governments in the region and sow discord in the population. Fortunately, Cooper said, the West also has the ability to use information truthfully and to counter Russia's disinformation tools.