LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic: We are trying to make relations with Montenegro incomparably better (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)

 

Serbia is trying to advance its ties with Montenegro and make them incomparably better, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said after meeting with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic in Belgrade on Monday. "It is my great honour to have the opportunity to host President Milatovic in Belgrade on his first official visit to Belgrade as president of Montenegro," Vucic said at the Palace of Serbia. He said meetings held on Sunday and Monday had confirmed that a strengthening of bilateral ties and the closest possible cooperation brought huge mutual benefits. "Our good relations are important for the sake of the citizens of our countries and the citizens must feel those benefits," he said. He said the two countries had a high volume of bilateral trade that was the highest in the world relative to the size of their populations. "For us, Montenegro is an extremely important partner not only because of the economy and numbers, but also because of the traditional closeness and connections between our citizens, the large number of Serbs living in Montenegro and vice versa. Those are very important things for us, too, and that is why we are trying to advance our relations to make them incomparably better than they used to be," Vucic said. He noted that the meeting with Milatovic had addressed many topics and concrete forms of cooperation.

 

About the extradition of Svetozar Marovic

Answering the journalists' questions, Vucic reminded whether anyone asked the question when the illegal secession of Montenegro was, or whether they only see things from their point of view. "I brought that up in our conversation. I believe that everyone who is punished in Montenegro should serve that sentence. I received an assurance from President Vucic that Serbia will approach it responsibly," said Milatovic. "President Milatovic mentioned the case of Marovic. I said that as a responsible country we will take it into consideration and as a responsible country we will provide a thorough answer. Have you thought about whether we were hurt by the illegal secession of part of our territory, the expulsion of our ambassador... We bring it in 10 - 12 days to decide who will be the new ambassador to Montenegro. Marovic is not a taboo topic and it shouldn't be. I just ask you to sometimes put yourself in our shoes, as I try to put myself in the shoes of the president of Montenegro," said Vucic.

 

The issue of Kosovo and Metohija

"It is very important that from the biggest state addresses we focus on topics that bring us closer together. There are also those where we do not have the same views, of course the issue of Kosovo is one of those. You know that Montenegro recognized Kosovo in 2008, but we have to be politically literate enough to understand Serbia's position. What is important to me is that the tensions in the north of Kosovo and Metohija are brought under control and de-escalation occurs. All of this affects all of us. We really sincerely support the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina," said Milatovic and added: "I am not happy about the tensions, I welcome efforts of Belgrade to de-escalate, Vucic has done a lot to de-escalate, but it takes two to tango".

 

Milatovic: My visit turns new page in Serbia-Montenegro relations (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)

 

Montenegro is a friend to Serbia and Serbia is a friend to Montenegro, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic said in Belgrade on Monday, noting that his visit to the Serbian capital turned a new page in Serbia-Montenegro relations. At a press conference after a meeting with Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic, Milatovic publicly invited the Serbian president to pay an official visit to Podgorica so that they could again demonstrate they had turned a new page in bilateral relations. "I welcome any initiative aimed at advancement of ties with countries in the region... Serbia and Montenegro are connected by a common history, tradition and lively economic cooperation... With this visit, Serbia and Montenegro turn a new page, Montenegro is a friend to Serbia and Serbia is a friend to Montenegro," Milatovic said. Expressing satisfaction with his first official visit to Belgrade, Milatovic noted that, when taking office as president, he had highlighted EU integration, NATO and good-neighbourly relations as the foreign policy priorities. He thanked Vucic for inviting him to Serbia and for attending his swearing-in ceremony in Podgorica, as well as for Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic's attendance at a recent summit in Montenegro. He noted that all that, as well as his visit to Serbia, represented "important steps towards a political revitalisation of the relations between our two countries".

 

Vucic hosts dinner for Montenegro’s Milatovic (Beta)

 

“I welcomed Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, I am certain that we are opening a new chapter in relations between our countries and fraternal peoples,” Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic posted on Instagram. Milatovic said his visit to Belgrade right after his visits to Brussels, EU institutions and NATO headquarters, is in favor of advancing and restoring political relations between the two countries. “President Vucic’s presence at my inauguration on 20 May, Dacic’s attendance of the Summit within the framework of the Cooperation Process in Southeast Europe – held in Podgorica on 27 June, and my first visit to Belgrade now, all in such a short period of time, precisely go in favor of advancing relations between the two states. Restoring political relations is important for the improvement of our economic relations, which produces direct benefits for the economy and citizens,” said Milatovic, addressing guests at a reception organized by the Embassy of Montenegro at the Montenegrin House in Belgrade. He noted that Serbia is Montenegro’s largest trade partner and that it was the largest foreign investor in Montenegro in 2022. Despite that, he said, Montenegro and Serbia do not have diplomatic representation at the level of ambassadors, due to political, not technical reasons. “The two countries do not have common border crossings – like we have with Bosnia and Herzegovina and with Albania, payment operations are a serious barrier for businesses, our mixed committees for solving these seemingly technical issues have not been meeting for years, and a joint session of the two countries’ governments has never been held,” said Milatovic. He stressed that, in spite of all the challenges, ties between Serbian and Montenegrin people and economies remain strong which is why the statesmen of the two countries have a responsibility and an obligation not to hinder these relations, but rather to improve them. In addition to the traditional ties and close relations, Montenegro and Serbia are permanently linked by common goals, primarily regional stability and membership in the EU,” Milatovic emphasized. He was he was certain that the political relations between Montenegro and Serbia will go on an upward trajectory, which will additionally help improve economic, cultural and overall relations.

 

Vucic after meeting Rama: No person in the right mind looks forward to conflicts (B92)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama address the media after the meeting. Rama is visiting the region as part of preparations for the Berlin Process, which Tirana will preside over in October. "I welcomed the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama. I think that after a decade of silence in the relations between Serbia and Albania, I would say between the Serbs and the Albanians, it was the two of us who started to change the bad political legacy and I think that in previous years we have shown concrete results that our nations can move forward and cooperate," said Vucic and added: "If you look only at the numbers and the level of trade exchange in the period from 2019 to the end of 2020, you will see how significantly the cooperation between our countries has increased, both import and export from one country and from another. It coincides with the Open Balkans, but also with better political relations", he said. Vucic said that he discussed with Rama all regional issues as well as the Berlin process and welcomed Albania's engagement and the personal contribution of Edi Rama. "We have always supported activities related to this very useful regional format and we believe that it will contribute to cooperation, improvement of the reconciliation process and overcoming inherited problems from the past," said Vucic. "We will contribute to the implementation of plans for the regional market, as the National Assembly did. We know that Rama will invest energy for the upcoming period. As for the Open Balkans, we launched the initiative together with Albania, and it brought benefits to all our citizens. It can contribute to a better standard of all our citizens. We will continue to have meetings on this topic, and you know to prepare the Wine Vision and of course we talked about regional issues and our views on Kosovo, but I don't think it would be fair or correct to do that in Rama's presence, we will leave that for us, our countries and the future," said Vucic. He said that Serbia will continue to develop strong and friendly relations with Albania.

 

Edi Rama's address

"Given that the Prime Minister was not present, I certainly had the opportunity to discuss extensively topics such as the Berlin process, and I believe that we could make a new plan so that the EC could draw up a new financial plan, so that our countries would be in the single economic market. We are also talking about other aspects. We have acquired the habit of openly exchanging opinions and sometimes we disagree with the same, but we have to work for the benefit of peace. In order to cooperate, we need moments like this. As for the situation in Kosovo, we do not express our opinions so as not to influence the situation", said Rama.

 

Questions from the press

Mohamed Velik from Top Channel asked if, after the meeting, Edi Rama is less worried that Kosovo could become a new "Donbas", and asked President Vucic if there are any chances for Serbia to return to dialogue with Prime Minister Kurti. "I will repeat what I said, the only way forward is not the way to increase tensions, but the way of dialogue and agreement, which is confirmed on the Franco-German level. I do not want to repeat here what I said in Pristina, but no one should underestimate the risk when we find ourselves in a situation that we must not allow to happen, which may be similar to Donbas, and which would make it impossible to return the situation to the old way, even though today it is possible to control it. There must be a common point of view," said Rama. "Everyone in Serbia hopes that Djokovic will win Wimbledon, although you don't know if it will happen. Any normal person cannot look forward to conflicts and I didn't accidentally say that. It is about the simultaneous resignation of the mayor, everything else Serbia has already fulfilled. We want peace, no matter how difficult it may be. I know that there will always be someone in Tirana and Pristina who will see the culprit in Serbia. I will not tell you the magnitude of the problem we are facing. As for seeing Albin Kurti, it has never been a problem for me to talk to him. I tried to talk to everyone. You ask me when I will see him, but you don't know when those who are closer to him will see him too," said Vucic. Dragana Biberovic from RTS asked President Aleksandar Vucic about Rama's proposal for a draft statute for the ZSO and said that Pristina claimed that such a proposal contained too much autonomy for Serbs, which Rama denied, and whether it was discussed during the meeting. She asked Rama about the UN Security Council, and whether Albania would vote for its inclusion in the agenda if it came to that. "We discussed the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, I did not see Edi Rama's proposal. I have to refer you to the Brussels agreement, the ZSO must be based on what was signed and accepted back in 2023. Put the principles in the statute and that's it, the Serbs accepted everything else, even civil protection. The bottom line is that the ZSO must be formed. I haven't seen any proposal," said Vucic. "Given that you mentioned the proposal, I would like to remind you that the draft statute proposal is a contribution that I made and that is positive in terms of content and is not something that the parties would necessarily accept and that was not considered by any of the parties, and I apologize that someone does not want to understand that this was a contribution on behalf of Albania and for them it has no value. The people of so-called Kosovo speak for themselves. What is on paper was handed over to Macron and Scholz, but also to Michel. It is up to them to read it. I believe that insisting on staying in municipal buildings is an obstacle to peace and that is a mistake. When it comes to the UNSC, we are members of NATO, as well, we are neither a superpower nor have the capacity to act like that, but we are lucky to be in good relations with the superpowers. I want to be familiar with this idea, but I don't know what the president means when he says that the Security Council has to deal with the issue of northern Kosovo, but the SC's position reflects the position of its member states. I'm worried that tensions don't upset our compass and they must be dealt with by all," Rama declared. "Only the Serbian management team must deal with and present the draft statute, no French or German leaders," Vucic pointed out. "They are the godfathers of the Franco-German plan, not the statute, because it is their plan, Serbia did not create that plan. It is a contribution aimed at a positive process, but I think that if the parties are interested, they will be able to accept it," Rama added, to which Vucic replied: "In Serbia, we do not call godfathers the ones who impose their intentions on us."

 

Strengthening cooperation with Austria, Hungary in fight against illegal migration (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)

 

Serbian Minister of the Interior Bratislav Gasic along with Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Austria Gerhard Karner and Deputy Minister of the Interior of Hungary Bence Retvari signed on Friday in Vienna a Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening trilateral cooperation in areas of effective fight against illegal migration. The memorandum was signed as part of the third trilateral meeting of Hungary, Serbia and Austria, which was attended by the highest officials of these countries – Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This memorandum will further improve cooperation in preserving border security, combating irregular migration and human smuggling and, apart from providing for the intensification of the activities of the police of the countries signatories, will enable the inclusion of other countries affected by irregular migration. Gasic also attended the meeting of the ministers of foreign and interior affairs of Serbia, Hungary and Austria, where Serbia was praised for the results achieved in the fight against irregular migration, according to the statement of the Ministry of the Interior.

 

Germany one of most important bilateral partners in context of development cooperation (Tanjug)

 

Serbian Minister for European Integration Tanja Miscevic and Regional Director of the German Development Bank (KfW) Klaus Muller stated that the Federal Republic of Germany stands out as one of the most important bilateral partners of Serbia in the context of development cooperation in the process European integration. At Friday’s meeting in Belgrade, Miscevic and Muller paid special attention to the climate partnership between Serbia and FR Germany. By signing the Joint Declaration of Intentions Regarding Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Climate Action, Serbia expressed its readiness to work together with Germany on a green, resilient and sustainable economy. The meeting highlighted the importance of the Berlin Process and the possibility of its synergy with the climate partnership.

 

Vucic asks Macron to bring Pristina to its senses (Beta/RTS/RTV)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over the phone on 8 July asking him to invest additional effort in making Pristina see reason and return to the framework of concrete talks. "As always, an open and serious talk with President Emmanuel Macron, whom I briefed on the consequences of the dangerous developments in Kosovo and Metohija," Vucic posted on his Instagram account. He noted that, "The now open violence targeting Serbs in Kosovo is more and more visibly moving any possibility of civilized development and approach to resolving open issues further away." He posted that he had stressed that Serbia remained committed to the dialogue and preservation of peace, even though the Serb community in Kosovo was the only ethnic group in Europe exposed to constant violence. "I begged President Macron to invest additional effort to make Pristina see reason and return to the framework of concrete talks as soon as possible, and to stop undercutting every effort directed toward de-escalation," Vucic posted.

 

Russian Foreign Ministry calls situation in Kosovo alarming (TASS/Beta)

 

Moscow is alarmed by the latest wave of tensions in Kosovo and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has made a timely request for the UN Security Council to meet, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on 8 July. A spokesperson for the Ministry Maria Zakharova said that the “situation is spiralling out of control, and there is a direct threat to the survival of the Serb people in Kosovo,” the TASS agency quoted Zakharaova as saying. “Each step towards a solution for Kosovo, as well as a dialogue by the concerned, should remain within the framework of international law based on the UN Security Council Resolution 1244,” Zakharova stated.

 

Petkovic: UNSC session to raise issue of Kurti’s campaign against the Serbs (Kurir/Beta/RTV)

 

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic assessed that the United Nations Security Council is the place before which the issue of the "violent campaign" of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti against the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija must be raised, in order to demonstrate whether international law exists. „If this does not happen, it would be nothing more than a public acknowledgement that international law does not exist and that it does not bind anyone,” Petkovic told Kurir, regarding the announcement by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic that the official Belgrade could initiate the session of the UN Security Council. Asked how he understood the statement of the EU special envoy for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina Miroslav Lajcak, that punitive measures are also prepared for Serbia if it does not act in accordance with the EU, Petkovic said that EU representatives traditionally talk about both sides. “Mr Lajcak is a serious man and an experienced diplomat, but he is also sometimes ready to use administrative EU catchphrases in public communication. My question is – What should they punish us for? Belgrade fulfilled all its obligations, including part of the last de-escalation plan,” he said.

 

Petkovic: Svecla is cowardly waging hybrid war from Pristina against everything Serb, especially in north (Tanjug/RTV)

 

A fake minister, and a true thug and extremist Xhelal Svecla, together with his occupying "phalanx" dressed in Kosovo police uniforms, are the only criminals in the north of Kosovo and Metohija and they have no business being there, says the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic. "The only goal of Svecla's obsessive attempts to criminalize the Serbs in north of Kosovo and Metohija is to justify the illegal presence of his para-police units in there, where they terrorize the Serb people night and day. Speaking of crime, it would be best for Svecla to start with himself and an indictment that has been raised against him years ago for attacking members of so-called Kosovo police with stones, but also because for overturning a EULEX vehicle. Well, instead of Svecla illegally detaining Serbs to supposedly bring to justice, he should first stop running away from that same justice," Petkovic said in a written statement. Petkovic wondered if it passes for enforcing law and order when he is cowardly sending his "phalanxes" to point rifles at the son of President Aleksandar Vucic, because of a T-shirt? "Is it the rule of law when Kurti's special forces shoot in the back Dragisa Galjko, Miljan Delevic, Milan Jovanovic, the Stojanovic brothers from Gotovusa? Or when they brutally beat Serb children Dara and Kristijan? The hybrid war that Svecla is cowardly waging from Pristina against everything that is Serb and especially in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, has resulted in the fact that there is no decent Serb who would either publicly or secretly agree to act as an alibi to Svecla's sick obsession with occupying the north and expelling the Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija. He will never be able to achieve that," said Petkovic.

 

Tenth Serbia Against Violence protest held in Belgrade (Beta)

 

The tenth Serbia against Violence demonstration on 8 July ended in front of the police administration for the City of Belgrade building from where speakers called the next rally for 11 July in front of the Special Court, where police inspector Dusan Mitic is slated to resume his testimony in the Jovanjica case. The final destination of the march, which began in front of the Serbian parliament, was the police administration building to show support to inspectors Dusan Mitic and Slobodan Milenkovic, who are to credit with the processing of the Jovanjica case. Jovanjica was revealed to be a huge marijuana plantation. Large images of Serbian Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic and President Aleksandar Vucic were projected onto the wall of the police administration building as their statements were broadcast over a sound system -- most of which were Gasic's comments on his contacts with Predrag Koluvija, who is accused of being the owner of the Jovanjica marijuana plant. The tenth Serbia against Violence protest in Belgrade began with a minute of silence for Djordje Mihailovic, a guard at the Zeitenlik Serbian military cemetery in Thessaloniki who died recently and several persons killed in Belgrade over the previous week.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Dodik signs decree on proclamation of amendments to law on publication of laws and other regulations of RS removing obligation to publish decisions of HR in Official Gazette of RS (Nova BH)

 

Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik signed on Friday the Proclamation on Declaring of the Amendments to Law on Proclamation of the Laws and Other Regulations of the RS. These amendments were adopted at Seventh Special Session of the RS parliament held on 21 June. These amendments prevent publishing of decisions of High Representative in the Official Gazette of the RS. Reporter reminded that High Representative Christian Schmidt passed decision last week to annul this law. After Dodik signed the Proclamation, abovementioned amendments should be published in the Official Gazette of the RS. They should enter into force eight days after they are published in the Official Gazette. Reporter commented that it is yet to be seen whether management of the RS Official Gazette will respect decisions of the RS authorities which do not recognize Schmidt as High Representative or decisions of High Representative. Reporter reminded that legal team of the Office of High Representative (OHR) sent a letter to the Official Gazette of the RS and to some other institutions in the RS. In this letter, the OHR’s legal team pointed out need to publish decisions of High Representative in the Official Gazette of the RS, because it is in line with Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA). They clearly underlined that failure to implement decisions of High Representative is criminal offense that can be fined with prison sentence. Reporter commented that amendments to the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) imposed by High Representative created ground for B&H prosecution to act. Also, some have been wondering whether High Representative will use Bonn Powers again and introduce new sanctions against Dodik and maybe even remove him.

“I am promulgating the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Publication of Laws and Other Regulations of the RS, which was adopted by the RS parliament at its seventh special session, held on 21 June 2023”, announced the Cabinet of the RS President. After the Bosniak Caucus in the RS Council of Peoples (RS CoP) withdrew its veto, the formal and legal conditions for the adoption of the Decree were met, it was stated in the document, which was signed on Friday by the RS President. The Law will enter into force after its publication in the RS Official Gazette, an institution which, according to the same law, is no longer obliged to publish the decisions of High Representatives.

 

OHR sends letters to Dodik and several RS institutions asking for decisions of High Representative to be published in RS Official Gazette (ATV)

 

The Office of the High Representative (OHR) sent letters to the office of RS President Milorad Dodik, the Secretariat of the RS Government and the management of the RS Official Gazette, requesting that the decisions made by High Representative to B&H Christian Schmidt be published in the RS Official Gazette. The letter reminds that Schmidt, in accordance with Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), made the decision that the laws passed by the RS parliament, which concern the non-application of the decisions of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H, as well as other decisions of the RSNA that Schmidt disputes, will not enter into force. The content of the letter sent from OHR reads: “According to Article 3 of the Law on the Publication of Laws and Other Regulations of the RS, the Secretariat of the RS government is responsible for the publication of laws and other legal regulations adopted by the High Representative of B&H in the RS Official Gazette. The obligations that, according to Annex 10 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, assumed by the parties in the agreement, include Article IV, according to which the parties will cooperate fully with the High Representative and his staff, as well as with international organizations and agencies, as provided in Article IX of the General Framework Agreement for Peace. The High Representative is the final authority in the country regarding the interpretation of the aforementioned agreement on civilian implementation of the aforementioned peace agreement. A decision has been adopted that enacts the Law on Amendments to the Criminal Code of B&H, according to which non-implementation of the High Representative's decisions is a criminal offence. On behalf of the High Representative, I ask you to take all necessary measures so that this decision is published as soon as possible in the RS Official Gazette”.

 

Dodik comments on letter he received from Office of High Representative (ATV)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik said that the letter he received from, as he said the illegal address in Sarajevo, i.e. the Office of the High Representative (OHR) is false and illegal, and for this reason he is returning it unread. Namely, the OHR sent letters to Dodik, RS Government and management of the RS Official Gazette, asking that decisions of High representative Christian Schmidt be published by the RS Official Gazette. Dodik reminded that the Annex 10 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in B&H regulates the method of appointing a High Representative in B&H, which means that the High Representative in B&H is appointed by the UN Security Council with a relevant resolution. Back in 2006, the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H, resolving an appeal, stated that the appointment of the High Representative is confirmed by the UN Security Council, which also approved the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA). Dodik was quoted as saying: “You also violated this decision of the Constitutional Court of B&H. The Peace Implementation Council, which was the only one to appoint Schmidt, is an informal body of a group of countries not mentioned in Annex 10 and as such cannot be substituted in the process of appointing a High Representative. He does not exist, and it is disgusting and illegal to falsely present yourself, thereby committing a criminal offense”. Dodik warned that Schmidt will be held criminally liable for false representation, because he does not have a confirmed mandate in the UN Security Council.

 

RS Official Gazette publishes laws on non-implementation of B&H CC decisions and non-publication of HR decisions in the RS; Lukic: I am not afraid of sanctions (ATV)

 

The RS Official Gazette published on Sunday the laws on non-publication of decisions of the High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt and non-implementation of the B&H Constitutional Court (CC) decisions in the RS. The laws were published following RS President Milorad Dodik’s signing of the decree on promulgation of the laws, despite of the decision of Schmidt - whom the RS does not recognize as the HR since his appointment was not confirmed in the UN Security Council (UN SC) – to annul the laws after they were adopted by the RS parliament. Newly appointed Director of the RS Official Gazette Milos Lukic confirmed that the laws were published in the RS Official Gazette. Lukic said that he answers to the institutions of Srpska, not to – as he was quoted saying – “some unelected foreigner”. Lukic noted: “I am glad that even today we as the Official Gazette have shown that for us there is no working day or non-working day when it comes to decisions that are important not only for the institutions but also for the people of the RS. I deeply believe that these decisions reflect the will of the people of the RS.” Lukic said he ignores the pressures and that he is not afraid of sanctions. He says that he was not elected by Schmidt, nor by the Federation of B&H (FB&H) institutions, but by the RS Government. "There is no fear. Many people mention some pressure. There is no room for fear or for succumbing to some pressure, because the Official Gazette is an institution of the RS that was founded to serve the citizens and other institutions of the RS”, added the Official Gazette Director. The Official Gazette Director added that the employees of the Official Gazette also do not fear, and that they will continue doing their jobs.

 

US Embassy: Dodik's signing of law annulled by Schmidt is unconstitutional and deliberate attack on state (O Kanal)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik signed on Friday the Proclamation on Declaring of the Amendments to Law on Proclamation of the Laws and Other Regulations of the RS. Commenting on Dodik’s move, the US Embassy to B&H stated that the decision to sign the amendments to the law on the publication of laws and other regulations of the RS which were annulled by High Representative Christian Schmidt is “unconstitutional and a deliberate attack on the Dayton Peace Accords, the Constitution of B&H and the state of B&H.” “The United States supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character of B&H and will continue to hold individuals engaged in anti-Dayton behaviour responsible for their actions”, the US Embassy said in a statement.

 

RS officials say RS will not accept imposed decisions (RTRS)

 

We will not accept impositions - a clear message from the RS on Friday. The illegitimate Christian Schmidt imposes laws. The Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H violates its rules and makes unconstitutional decisions. Absurdity and reality in B&H, but also traps, with the aim of diminishing the position of the RS, believes Serb member and Chairwoman of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic. At the same time, the West expects an obedient nod, which the RS does not want to do. “This has nothing to do with the letter of the Constitution and the laws, international agreements, human rights, or any universal right. It has only to do with bullying, a brutal approach and something called failure. They have led us to failure. We have been preparing for that for years”, Cvijanovic stated. The RS is defending itself institutionally against the attempts of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and the illegitimate Christian Schmidt for creating a unitary B&H and creating a Bosniak majority, says speaker of the B&H House of Peoples (B&H HoP) Nikola Spiric. He says that the B&H CC, which carries out legal and political violence, joined these anti-Dayton actions of foreigners. “The RS shows that it has full capacity for an institutional response, and those who do not wish it well are not satisfied”, emphasized Spiric, adding that the challenges in these difficult and turbulent times require the unity of the institutions of the RS and all political options. The Constitutional Court of B&H unjustifiably assumes the role of law maker, says Attorney General of the RS Milimir Govedarica. This, he says, must not be allowed. All the more, because it is in the interest of the West and political Sarajevo that the RS remains without property. “If we do not have property, agricultural land, we have nothing to look for in these areas. I am afraid that is someone's goal, but we cannot allow it”, he emphasized. Govedarica says that it is significant that the academic community and the expert public pointed out the position that the RS protects the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

 

FB&H officials comment latest political crisis (Oslobodjenje/Hayat)

 

SDP B&H, NIP and Our Party issued a joint press statement stating that the politics of RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik directly jeopardizes peace in B&H and outside of it. These parties requested for a reaction of judicial institutions so that all responsible ones, with Dodik at the helm, would be held criminally liable for their actions. The parties also argued that it is high time for the international community to decide “whether SNSD and satellite followers in destroying of the state can be viewed as partners in building of peace or as partners of Russia in destroying of it”. The Presidency of SDA held a session in Sarajevo on Friday and adopted 13 conclusions. After the session, SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic addressed the public at a press conference and presented several of the adopted conclusions. As he said, the SDA Presidency, first of all, asks the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), the OHR and the witness states - signatories of the Dayton Peace Agreement to fulfil their obligations from this agreement, "and to finally, decisively react and permanently stop the secessionist forces led by RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik". Izetbegovic noted that the SDA Presidency called on the Prosecutor's Office of B&H "to start doing its job and to stop retreating before the regime of Milorad Dodik". According to the SDA Presidency, the time has not yet come for the judges at the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H to leave their posts and the ‘Troika’ coalition will be held accountable for giving in to HDZ B&H and SNSD. The SDA Presidency also requested from the FB&H government to increase the level of assistance for returnees in the RS, and from EUFOR to intensify its presence in returnee districts in the RS. Izetbegovic called on the Prosecutor’s Office of B&H to finally start doing its job in line with the constitutional and legal obligations and stop losing its ground before Dodik’s regime. He assessed that attempt to create a fake narrative on relaxation of relations, on a “new changed Dodik” and on new negotiators who unlike SDA know how to deal with Dodik is devastating, warning that such attempts euthanize the public and cover up true danger from consequences of secessionist policy led by the RS authorities.

 

International officials comment latest political crisis (ATV/Dnevni avaz/Vecernji list)

 

According to the media in the FB&H, the EU is preparing sanctions against the RS President Milorad Dodik and his associates, such as the RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic and the speaker of the RS parliament Nenad Stevandic. Allegedly, as many as 20 countries are ready to introduce sanctions. The FB&H media referred to some sources. No one who reported it received any confirmation, but the media write it because it is read, commented the presenter. While they were speculating in the FB&H, ATV asked the EU Delegation (EUD) in B&H whether they know anything about plans for sanctions against Dodik and his associates. The EUD cannot, do not know or are not allowed to talk about it, so they directed ATV to Brussels, commented the reporter. ATV received an official answer from Brussels. It is not quite so simple for what political Sarajevo wishes to happen, added the reporter. Spokesperson of the European Commission Peter Stano was quoted as saying: “The EU already has an established framework of sanctions for sanctioning individuals for undermining the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of B&H. In order to sanction a person, the member states need to talk and agree unanimously - this means that all 27 member states need to agree to such a decision. The process of preparing, considering and adopting sanctions is confidential and in the hands of member states, which is why we cannot publicly comment on such confidential processes. If a decision is made, it is duly announced. We did not announce such a statement, which means that there is no such decision”. Spokesperson for the EU Delegation to B&H Ferdinand Koenig said that a decision on restrictive measures is adopted by the EU member states in the EU Council. “Back in 2011, the EU established a framework of sanctions which enables it to adopt restrictive measures against people whose activities undermine sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international identity of B&H, seriously jeopardize safety situation in B&H or undermine the General Framework Peace Agreement that was signed in Dayton/Paris and accompanying annexes”, Koenig said. Koenig pointed out that the EU “is closely monitoring the situation in B&H” and reminded that the EU has a number of other tools at its disposal to respond to the political crisis in B&H. “The EU urgently requests the competent ones in the RS to stop one-sided moves and instead to act constructively to implement reforms useful for all citizens in B&H and achieving of progress on the European path”, Koenig concluded. US Special Envoy for Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar stated on Friday in Zagreb that the irresponsible rhetoric of some B&H leaders reminds of the pre-war period. He noted that RS President Milorad Dodik is praising Russian President Vladimir Putin even more than his Belarussian ally Alexander Lukashenko. “This is a disturbing trend. We see that Russia is relying on him to create opportunities to divert B&H from the EU path. I do not see anything positive in that relationship, and I believe the rest of the country should be very alarmed by what is happening”, said Escobar. Commenting the demands for Dodik’s removal by High Representative Christian Schmidt, Escobar said that he does not wish to comment possible actions of an independent official. He noted that the OHR has its mandate and its competencies. “I think that we have not reached the point, from the American point of view, when drastic actions are needed, however must be firm in protection of the Dayton Agreement and territorial integrity, and we must defend the central institutions from Milorad Dodik’s attacks, and we will definitely do that”, said Escobar. Escobar also announced that the USA will react fiercely if Dodik decides to call referendum on status of the RS. “There will be no dissolution of B&H. We will also not abandon the Dayton Agreement or our commitment to the country. There is no legal path to secession of any entity”, said Escobar and added that in case of a move in that direction, the international community will react “politically through sanctions, use of the Bonn Powers and other legal measures” to prevent secession. Escobar also noted that there is a big difference between 1991 and 2023 since neither Croatia nor Serbia want to see a new war in B&H. Also, he reminded, the High representative with wide range of powers is present in B&H, as well as efficient international peace troops. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned Dodik’s move. “RS President Dodik’s signing of a law rejecting the High Representative’s authority violates the B&H Constitution and undermines the Dayton Accords’’, wrote Blinken on his Twitter account.

 

Escobar: Situation has not still reached point to conduct drastic measures in regards to Dodik (N1)

 

Recent acts of RS President Milorad Dodik resume to spark reactions. Dodik, as factor of instability, was discussed at Dubrovnik Forum during panel on situation in the Western Balkans. Reporter wondered whether the US gave another chance to Dodik. Namely, ahead of Dubrovnik Forum, US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar talked with journalists and said that situation still has not reached point where it is necessary to conduct drastic measures in regard to RS President Dodik. He underlined that Dodik is biggest messenger of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Escobar underlined that sanctions will be imposed if the RS decides to carry out referendum on status of this entity. He reiterated that the US remain committed to its policy that is grounded on three pillars: the EU integration; security that is guaranteed by presence of NATO and that is of key importance for peace in B&H and regional integration. Escobar stated that the limits of the Constitution of B&H and the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) are very clear, reminding that the US supports B&H, its territorial integrity, sovereignty and its multiethnic character, as well as the DPA and all the efforts that make sure that it works - including the use of Bonn Powers by the High Representative. “If he (Dodik) stays within the boundaries and the context of Dayton, obviously we will work with him to advance B&H’s European path, but when he crosses that we have to make clear that there will be consequences”, Escobar stressed. He added that Dodik is on the path to try to dissolve B&H’s central institutions and to try to take the RS out of the context of Dayton, which will trigger consequences. He reminded that some of these consequences have already been seen, like the use of Bonn Powers to nullify legal actions, but that there are other tools at disposal - including sanctions. Escobar announced that use of some of these tools will be considered. Asked if Dodik was directly instructed and encouraged for his latest moves during his visit to Moscow, Escobar stated that what Dodik is doing right now has been his path for the last few years, noting that he is trying to create the RS that is “free of any interference of federal courts, prosecutors, investigators or tax authorities” in order to protect some of the corrupt connections that have been developed inside the RS. “I think that Russia benefits from it, but I think this is a purely domestic phenomenon”, Escobar concluded.

 

Dodik files criminal reports against HR Schmidt and B&H Official Gazette Director Prusina (Nova BH)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik confirmed on Saturday that he has filed a criminal report against High Representative Christian Schmidt for falsely presenting himself as the High Representative, as well as a criminal report against Director of the Official Gazette of B&H Dragan Prusina for enabling publication of decisions of the Office of the High Representative (OHR). Dodik said that he filed the criminal report against Schmidt with the District Prosecutor’s Office in Banja Luka, because “he has been doing HR’s jobs for a long time without authorization without the approval of the UN Security Council.” Dodik added that he filed the criminal report against Prusina with the Prosecutor’s Office of B&H for abuse of office and professional negligence. According to Dodik, Schmidt committed the criminal acts of unauthorized practice of a certain profession and false representation under Articles 310 and 313 of the Criminal Code of the RS. Dodik also noted that he filed a criminal report against Prusina to the Prosecutor’s Office of B&H for publication of, as he wrote, “decisions of the so-called HR in the Official Gazette”. Schmidt responded that he does not know what drugs Dodik uses, but that Dodik lives in a dream world. Leader of DNS Nenad Nesic stressed that Dodik’s decision to sign the Proclamation is only logical solution, because it respects will of absolute majority in the RS parliament. Talking about letters the Office of High Representative (OHR) sent to all officials in the RS, speaker of the RS parliament Nenad Stevandic said that these letters represent nothing but ultimatum. “No one should expect Dodik to respect instructions of the Office of High Representative (OHR) and not laws of the RS”, emphasized Stevandic.  B&H Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Affairs Stasa Kosarac stated that political Sarajevo has been providing constant support to foreigners and their intentions to condition and undermine the RS. Kosarac added that they have been jointly attacking Dodik, because they are aware Dodik’s policy means preservation of the RS. He went on to saying that leader of SDA, leaders of the Troika, the US and other embassies as well as Schmidt are aware that Serb people in the RS granted their trust to Dodik, because his policy guarantees strong and independent the RS. SNSD’s Sanja Vulic stated that goal of latest ultimatums of the OHR are aimed to force the RS to accept Schmidt as High Representative.

 

Russia raises issue of Constitutional Court of B&H at UN Security Council (RTRS)

 

Making decisions in the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H without the participation of Serbs or any other state-forming people of B&H is a path that leads to the destruction of the Dayton structure and, what is especially dangerous, to a potential conflict, warned spokesperson of the Russian Permanent Mission to the UN Fedor Strzhizhovsky. “Today, Russia raised the issue of the dangerous situation surrounding the Constitutional Court of B&H in the UN Security Council. As a result of the provocative changes to the rules of its work, the RS was excluded from the decision-making process. The continuation of the work of three foreign judges in the Constitutional Court is an anachronism”, he said. “All these steps fit into the policy of Western countries to maintain the protectorate status in B&H, including through the illegitimate Christian Schmidt. However, we are convinced that the peoples of B&H have the right to negotiate the future vector of their country's development on their own, without external control, on the basis of mutual respect and seeking compromises”, the Russian diplomat concluded.

 

Rama visits B&H as part of his Balkan trip within preparations for Berlin Process summit in October (O Kanal)

 

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in an official visit to B&H on Friday. The visit is part of his Balkan trip within the preparations for the summit within the Berlin Process that will be hosted by Albania in October. Rama held a meeting with B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Chair Borjana Kristo. They discussed initiatives launched within the Berlin Process and the new ones. Addressing the press conference after the meeting, Kristo said that B&H is not ready for new initiatives now, although B&H is signatory of a declaration of joint regional market that is based on the principles of the freedom of movement of people, goods, services and capital. She stated that B&H takes the initial steps on adoption of action plan for a joint regional market for the period 2021-2024. Kristo added that this is one of activities on the economic reform path of B&H. Rama said that it is not secret that Albania protects the interests of Kosovo, and the country wants to achieve the freedom of movement for the Kosovo citizens who are faced with this problem through the Berlin Process. He expressed hope that B&H will follow example of Serbia in signing an agreement on the freedom of movement with ID cards. Rama said that there is a goal to strengthen the cooperation between B&H and Albania and that there are ongoing activities on the opening of Albanian embassy to B&H. Rama also met with member of B&H Presidency Denis Becirovic. Two officials discussed relations between Albania and B&H, as well as current situation in B&H and the region. Becirovic informed Rama about jeopardizing of constitutional order of B&H. He underlined that B&H supports Berlin Process. Rama and Becirovic concluded that relations between two countries are friendly but can be additionally improved. Becirovic emphasized that the state of B&H supports the Berlin Process and that it is necessary to urgently stop obstruction from B&H’s entity, the RS. “It is especially damaging that the RS blocks adoption of agreement of free movement with IDs in the Western Balkans. That represents a direct blow to building good regional relations and it must be urgently stopped”, it was stated by the Becirovic’s Office after the meeting with Rama.

 

Two-day Dubrovnik Forum ‘Navigating the Global Reshuffle’ ends Saturday; Focus on Western Balkans, situation in B&H and RS’ anti-Dayton moves, and on situation in Kosovo (AJB)

 

The two-day Dubrovnik Forum titled ‘Navigating the Global Reshuffle’ ended on Saturday. The focus of this year’s forum was on the Western Balkans and the European and Croatian officials underscored that the region joining the EU remains the main task, but the crisis situations must first be resolved, due to which participants in the forum discussed the situation in B&H and anti-Dayton moves by the RS, and about the situation in Kosovo. Al Jazeera Balkans reports that High Representative (HR) in B&H Christian Schmidt did not reveal his plans for further actions or for use of the Bonn Powers, saying that he sometimes acts without announcement. Referring to RS President Milorad Dodik, Schmidt said that he is “aggressively testing” the Dayton Peace Agreements (DPA) with the most recent amendments to the law that envisage non-publication of the OHR’s decisions and with the announcement of non-implementation of the B&H Constitutional Court (CC) decisions. Addressing the forum, Schmidt said: “I do not know what drugs he (Dodik) is on, but it seems to be a drug of stubbornness, pride that disconnects him from political reality. That is why it is up to us to try to restrain that, to make it clear that it cannot affect the existence or the structure of B&H”. B&H Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic warned of Russia’s influence in B&H and said that the country is not using “Europe’s open door”. Addressing the media, Konakovic said: “It is like we do not want to go through that door, because creating issues like the one Dodik brought to our table completely unexpectedly are really moving us backwards”. Al Jazeera Balkans reports that although the EU path was mentioned as the biggest chance to resolve the issue of the Western Balkans, Kosovo representatives see the problem in indecisive and divided Europe, claiming that compromises “guided by own interests” and poor negotiating tactic have consequences. Addressing the forum, Kosovo Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla said in the last two years mistrust and scepticism towards the EU’s capacity in Kosovo “have exploded for 30 percentage points”. EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak said that the EU is not perfect, but there is no other, noting that the Western Balkans countries belong in the EU due to which he called for de-escalation of the situation in the north of Kosovo, elections in four municipalities and for Belgrade and Pristina to go back to the basic agreement. Addressing the forum, Lajcak said there have been efforts to implement the agreement since 3 June, although it is difficult, the work continues because there is no alternative. The reporter notes that in the series of bilateral meetings on the margins of the forum on the Western Balkans one word, i.e. dialog, was repeated constantly. Lajcak said that ironically, the war in Ukraine brought the realization that EU enlargement must be put back into play. He said the Western Balkans countries must do their part of the work, use the opportunity and solve the issues, because, as Lajcak said, the doors of the EU will not be opened forever. Addressing the media, Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic said that violence is not a means to resolve any political issue, regardless of how big the issue is. Croatian officials, hosts of the forum, reiterated that the Western Balkans integration is Croatia’s interest. Addressing the media, Croatian Foreign minister Gordan Grlic Radman said that Croatia will make political efforts and invest its “expertise and knowledge to help all Western Balkans countries”. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the Western Balkans joining the EU is Italy’s interest. Addressing the forum, Tajani said: “We need less Russia, less China and more of Europe in the Western Balkans. We talked about Ukraine which we support, as well as its EU membership, but at the same time, we want the Western Balkans countries to become the full-fledged members”. Addressing the forum via video link, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: “Today, we are creating a new security order in Europe that will guarantee decades of peaceful and stable development of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the entire Europe’’. The reporter notes that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has led to geo-political disturbances in which the EU should be defined. Addressing the forum EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that the EU’s relation with China will decide what the EU will be, which is one of the most geo-political challenges, but “China is not Russia, and should not be confused with Russia”. Borrell emphasized that there is the policy of power in the world, and the EU should act accordingly. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic assessed that the time has come for additional efforts and “this is a unique opportunity for our neighbours to make a step forward and realize the EU membership.” He said that negative influence of migration movement and crisis is visible, but that he believes that mood of old EU member states regarding the enlargement has changed. Participants concluded that global challenges are more complex than any strategy could have predicted, but through joint performance Europe remains an unavoidable factor on the global political stage. Addressing the reporters on the sidelines of the ‘Navigating the Global Reshuffle’ panel, High Representative Schmidt stated that there is no need for the reshuffle, but it is necessary to return to basics, the Dayton Peace Accords and the co-living in multiethnic state. “The RS has a problem with that these days, but I am sure that Europe and Croatia will remain open for B&H and other countries of the Western Balkans as the future EU member states”, Schmidt assessed. US Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar said NATO still has a key role in keeping the peace in B&H and in Kosovo. He assessed that “ethnic rivalry” is the main issue in the Western Balkans countries.

 

We will help Ukraine in demining and accountability for crimes (HRT)

 

Current global, security and energy issues are the main topics of the international Dubrovnik Forum 2023. In addition to the highest Croatian officials, the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs, the heads of diplomacy of Italy, B&H, representatives of the USA and many others are in Dubrovnik. The opening address at the Dubrovnik Forum 2023 was given by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlic Radman. In addition to Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also participated, who spoke via video message. The introductory panel discussed adaptation in times of global changes caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine. Journalist Danko Druzijanic reported on the events at the Dubrovnik Forum 2023 for HRT. “In the opening panel this morning, which was attended by the Croatian Parliament Speaker and the Prime Minister, Gordan Jandrokovic and Andrej Plenkovic, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy Antonio Tajani and the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell, three themes that plague not only Croatia were clearly crystallized. These are Russian aggression against Ukraine and the consequences of that war, trade and political conflicts with China, and of course the Western Balkans, he said. “Borrell said that there is Europe's dependence on China and that this problem should be addressed in the same way as the dependence on Russian energy sources, but he noted that China should not be confused with Russia, it is a different superpower. In addition, the European Union has no interest in creating two globally divided blocs. Tajani said that his country wants peace and justice for Ukraine,” he added. “The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba also addressed the gathering and said, very interestingly, that the solution is the same for the Western Balkans and for Ukraine, which is a complete victory, as he said, of Ukraine over Russian aggression,” pointed out Druzijanic. Plenkovic said that Europe and all democracies must be more resilient and more united because autocratic regimes and rulers plan their campaigns in the long run. “Their reigns have no expiration date,” he stated. “The second panel on the stabilization of world politics is coming to an end, then two parallel debates on the energy transformation of Europe and the connection of Mediterranean countries will begin. And in the afternoon again two parallel panels that we could call very connected, that is the one about the Western Balkans and whether Europe has learned to use the language of force,” reported Druzijanic. Kuleba spoke about Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership. “The NATO summit in Vilnius is approaching and we constantly hear calls to take steps that should lead to our membership. We don't want to drag NATO into war, but we want an invitation. We want something that would indicate that Ukraine is on that path. And we actually see the bigger picture. We understand that only Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO can ensure the security order of this part of the world,” Kuleba said in a video message. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic spoke about providing aid to Ukraine. “We will provide assistance to Ukraine in the areas where we have that unfortunate experience, which is demining. This is something that burdened Croatia, as well as our agricultural population in rural areas, which were previously occupied. Minister Bozinovic is here. We plan to complete the demining process by 2025. So, we are talking about 35 years for the demining of a territory that is significantly smaller than the territory of Ukraine. Then, we also provide assistance in terms of liability experience. Minister Kostin, Minister of Justice of Ukraine, was with us in Croatia for three days with our specialized prosecutors who deal with war crimes. Unfortunately, our unfortunate experience has now been offered to Ukraine, not only in terms of sharing that experience, but also in strengthening international justice when it comes to responsibility for war crimes," said Prime Minister Plenkovic.

 

Borrell: We are not a military alliance, but we are not an NGO either

The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, referred to the EU as a geopolitical actor, pointing out that the EU is not a military alliance, but neither is it an NGO (non-governmental organization) that only preaches good behaviour and the rule of law. “We are sending a message that people should behave in accordance with the rules, respect the rule of law, but that is not enough. The world we live in is unfortunately such that many people do not care about the rule of law and are ready to use coercion and the language of force. And Ukraine is the latest example in this sense. So what we do, yes, we have to show that we have the power, for example, we have the power to drop our energy dependence on Russia. We have been saying for years that interdependence is good. I buy your goods from you, you get my money. And we all win, but this addiction has become dangerous. Reducing that dependence, the 40% dependence on oil and gas, is power. We are also building mechanisms to fight disinformation and there is indeed a lot of work to be done,” said the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. “Equally, we have decided to concentrate our military capabilities. That's still a lot of work. We have also introduced restrictive measures because the word sanctions no longer exists in the contract. We have taken restrictive measures against Russia and they are of the highest level that is foreseen. Our response is much stronger than it was after the attack on Crimea. We have to show that we can act and we can take action against you. The Crimean War also showed us what it means to support one of the warring parties with arms and supplies of arms and ammunition. People told us are you crazy, do you want to interfere in the war? No, we don't want to interfere in that way, we don't want to participate in the war, but we want to help those who are attacked to defend themselves. And that is one structural change when we talk about what the European Union needs and what it must do. We want to survive in a world where power is very important,” he added. He then elaborated his position on the EU's relationship with China, stressing that it is necessary to reduce dependence on China in some key areas, but at the same time it is necessary to avoid dividing the world into two ecosystems. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric recalled that the Council of Europe reacted strongly and clearly to Russian aggression by expelling Russia from the organization. She added that for a "sustainable and just peace" in Ukraine, it is necessary to ensure responsibility for war crimes. “When it comes to the invasion of Ukraine, our responsibility is the most important. Let us remind you that Russia, as the largest member of the Council of Europe, attacked Ukraine twice, and we reacted immediately. First, after a warning, we suspended her, and soon after that, with a decisive reaction, we removed her from the work of the Council. That is the most important thing, a concrete and decisive reaction to the problems they have created in front of us,” she pointed out.

 

EU expansion to the Western Balkans and illegal migration

In addition to Ukraine, the panel also discussed the necessity of expanding the EU to the countries of the Western Balkans. Plenkovic said that Croatia has been telling its partners in the EU for years that the Union is not sufficiently involved in the region, which other actors will take advantage of, and that the situation in this regard changed in 2018 when Bulgaria presided over the European Union. “The moment is here. We will use our experience to push this issue,” Plenkovic said. He singled out illegal migration as one of the fundamental issues that cause some countries to be reluctant to expand. “We have to take this issue very, very seriously,” Plenkovic said, pointing out that Greek Prime Minister Kiriakos Mitotakis has done a lot to protect the Greek border and at the same time the external border of the EU. Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani emphasized that the Western Balkans is a priority for the Italian government, stressing that it is necessary to support the full membership of both Ukraine and the countries of the Western Balkans in the European Union. It is important for Italy to stop the flow of illegal migrants via the Mediterranean and Western Balkan routes, so Tajani appealed for joint work to combat people smugglers. “Every day we have problems in Friuli-Venezia Giulia with illegal migrants,” said Tajani. “We must act together against illegal immigration. We have to stop the smugglers. Italy cannot do this independently or Croatia independently,” he added.

 

Jandrokovic: It is necessary to protect democracy and our values

Jandrokovic said that it is necessary to focus on the protection of democracy. “We need to protect our values, our democracy, explain to people how difficult it was to build our societies based on these values of peace, freedom, democracy, rule of law and protection of human rights,” he said. “This should not be taken for granted,” he added. He emphasized that fake news, hybrid and cyber threats and extremism from the left and right are a threat to democracy. “We see irresponsible politicians who offer superficial criticism, not arguments. They offer the people solutions that are not realistic. As responsible politicians, we should respond and show what is happening,” said the Croatian parliament speaker.

 

Abazovic: We can only benefit from regional initiatives; Rama: Open Balkan isn’t my company, we focus on Berlin Process (CdM)

 

Outgoing PM Dritan Abazovic has said after the meeting with his Albanian colleague Edi Rama that Rama is always welcome in Montenegro. Rama has repeated that for him “Open Balkans (OB) has fulfilled its mission; we are turning to the Berlin Process”. Referring to the issues of relations between Pristina and Belgrade, and the position of the Albanian people in that situation, Abazovic has stated that he advocates exclusively peaceful resolution of all disputes, without any presence of violence. When asked if Albania has given up on the Open Balkans, Rama replied that OB was not his private company. “I stated my position that OB has completed his mission. It is not my company, but a joint project”, Rama has stressed. Rama has added that it is always a pleasure for him to meet with Abazovic. “It is very important for us that at the upcoming NATO summit we have a common position regarding the situation in the region. Future generations will not forgive us if we do not do everything possible to resolve the conflicts that have produced great bloodshed and opened deep divisions and hatred in the region”, Rama has pointed out. Speaking about relations between Albania and Kosovo, Rama has said that he did not go to Pristina to marry Albin Kurti. “And let me say that we did not fight... The Prime Minister of Kosovo and I have different views regarding the specific situation. He sees it as a situation that he needs to resolve without meeting with me”, Rama has said. Abazovic has stressed that we can only benefit from regional initiatives. He has noted that the focus of the region must be on progress and the common path towards the EU.

 

Final election results could be announced on Wednesday or Thursday (CdM)

 

After it was announced yesterday that the holder of the electoral list “Justice for All” Vladimir Leposavic withdrew his objection and constitutional appeals to the results of the parliamentary elections, in order to prevent the Social Democratic Party from achieving parliamentary status, the end of this electoral process is in sight. The final results of the parliamentary elections held on 11 June could be announced on Wednesday or Thursday. Leposavic filed constitutional appeals, among other things, because of the rejection of objections to the elections at a polling station in Kolasin. SDP expected the Constitutional Court to accept Leposavic’s appeal on irregularities at the polling station number in Kolasin, in order to achieve parliamentary status. On Saturday, SDP failed to get the required number of votes in the repeated elections at one polling station in Cetinje.

 

Rama: The countries of the region should have a unified position on the financing plan, Abazovic: Let's cooperate for the de-escalation of the situation (Radio Tirana)

 

Prime Minister Edi Rama said in Podgorica, that the summit of the Berlin Process in Tirana should be a joint summit of the countries of the region with a unified position regarding the financing plan of the European Union. In a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazovic, Rama stated that he informed the Prime Minister and his team about the process and effort that is currently underway at the European Commission for a new financing plan and economic support for the region and the Berlin Process. Rama added that "I want us to use the Tirana Summit (of the Berlin Process) as a joint summit of our countries with a unified position regarding the plan and where the aim should be to have the full support of the Chancellor and Germany in this process". “We are in another phase of our history and generations will never forgive us for allowing without doing all our efforts the region to go back to where it has languished for centuries, to the conflicts which have then caused great bloodshed and opened deep gaps of hatred between countries”. Rama emphasized that "we don't need new heroes in our region, but we need new models that inspire everyone on how to be more innovative, creative, and efficient, make our economies stronger, and stimulate development, to increase the capabilities of our people to cope with a world that is becoming increasingly difficult and complex". "I also informed him about the preparation of an informal meeting, an informal working lunch in Tirana on July 17 together with representatives of the Commission from Brussels to discuss the plan," he added. Abazovic emphasized that Montenegro supports any peaceful initiative to reach a consensus. "We had a very long meeting, the goal is to invest efforts in order to de-escalate the situation in the Region. We are interested in cooperation, and we want this to be a path that our neighbours will also take. The goal is for the Region to be focused on the future, not on the past. We are tired of the issues of the past. Of course, there are still open issues, but we hope they will be closed as soon as possible. We do not support any kind of aggressiveness. We absolutely support anything that implies that the two parties sit down and talk to each other, that a solution can be found through democratic means," said Abazovic.

 

Rama concludes the Balkans tour in Belgrade, meeting with Vucic (Radio Tirana)

 

Prime Minister Edi Rama concluded his two-day Balkans tour this evening with a visit to Belgrade, where he met with President Aleksandar Vucic, as part of the Balkan tour that took place in the countries of the region related to the Berlin Process. The situation in the north of Kosovo and the relations between Pristina and Belgrade were the main topics of the talks between Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, during the meeting held between them this Friday as part of the Balkan tour taken by the head of the Albanian government. During the joint press conference, Rama emphasized the need for the creation of the Association of municipalities with a Serbian majority (ZSO), while he considered the delay in this direction a "strategic mistake". "The proposal for the draft statute for the Association is a contribution that I made, and it is very positive, but it is not something that the two parties must necessarily accept, nor has it been taken into consideration by either party. I am sorry that some do not want to understand that this was a contribution to Kosovo. I have not consulted with the President of Serbia about this. I think that delaying the establishment of the Association is a strategic mistake. Also, I think that insisting on staying in municipal buildings is also a mistake," said Rama. Albanian Prime Minister added that the only way forward is dialogue and the implementation of the Franco-German Plan. "With the tensions that are present in the north of Kosovo, we avoid expressing our opinions publicly, so as not to worsen the situation and turn it in the wrong direction. I will repeat that the only way forward is the path of dialogue and agreement based on the Franco-German Plan. "No one should underestimate the risk of escalation to the point where we find ourselves in a situation where armed movements start doing something that we must not allow to happen. It would lead us to a situation comparable to Donbass," he said. On the other hand, Vucic said that he has not seen Rama's proposal for the Association but added that its creation should be based on the Brussels agreement. He added that Serbia's goal is peace and that his country is working in this direction. "The Serbian side has already fulfilled everything. We want peace and we are working towards it, however difficult it may be, there will always be those in Tirana and Pristina who will always see the culprit in Serbia. I never had a problem talking to Kurti, I participated in all the conversations. It is up to us to maintain peace and think about economic progress. I have not seen Edi Rama's proposal. Put the principles in the statute and that's it, the Serbs accepted everything else, even civil protection. The bottom line is that the Community of Serb Municipalities must be formed. I have not seen any proposal," said Vucic.

 

In the middle of July, informal meeting with the leaders of the region! New funding from the EU is needed for the Balkans (Radio Tirana)

 

Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated from Sarajevo that in the middle of July, he will organize an informal meeting with the leaders of the Western Balkans and representatives of the European Commission to build a common position on the Berlin process and transform this process into a productive machine. "Soon, around mid-July, I will organize an informal meeting between the leaders of the region and EC representatives for this new plan and to build a common position for the Berlin Process to transform this process into a much more productive machine," he said. The Prime Minister also sent a message to the European Union for increased support to the Western Balkans. He stated that the European Union must provide evidence that good behaviour and the will to build peace are rewarded. "We would like to build a joint position of the 6 Western Balkan states to use the Tirana summit as a summit where the plan for a new financing from the EU for these 6 countries will come to life. Since the first day of the opening of negotiations with the EU, we have started this effort and there is a process that has been announced by President Von der Leyen for a new support in order to increase regional cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans. We support the support that the EU gives to Ukraine in every aspect and there is no room for comparisons, but it is necessary to build a new approach in relation to the Western Balkans. I don't believe that we should start any war to get more support. The EU should support us even more by giving another proof that good behaviour is rewarded, that the will to build peace is rewarded", said the head of the government in his speech at the joint conference with the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bojana Kristo.

 

NATO Summit, Rama: We will present the will to engage more! Increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2024 (Radio Tirana)

 

A few days before the NATO summit, which will be held on 11-12 July in Vilnius, Lithuania, Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that Albania will reaffirm its "unwavering" commitment to the alliance and will reiterate the need for stability and focus on the Western Balkans. In a post on Twitter, Rama writes that Albania has increased defense spending up to 1.76% of our GDP, emphasizing that the objective is to go to 2% by 2024. Likewise, Rama adds that at the summit, Albania will present its willingness to commit further and will announce that, if necessary, it is ready to commit additional troops to strengthen NATO's forward presence. "We are looking forward to the crucial NATO summit in Vilnius. In Vilnius, we will reaffirm Albania's unwavering commitment to NATO, the security of our allies on the eastern flank, the righteous struggle of the Ukrainian people, and the very need for stability and focus in the Western Balkans. In the last decade, Albania has increased defense spending from 1.35% to 1.76% of our GDP. However, at times like this, more is needed. Therefore, I tasked the Ministry of Defense to achieve the 2% target by 2024. Although we are not among the wealthy members of NATO, we believe that the 2% target is the floor and not the ceiling of our commitment. In Vilnius, Albania will present its willingness to engage further. We will also announce that, if necessary, Albania is ready to commit additional troops to strengthen NATO's forward presence. Together we are stronger and only together we can prevail in this very defining moment for what we believe; for the sake of the generations to come," writes Rama. The capital of Lithuania has started preparations to host the US President, Joe Biden and other members of the alliance, while the NATO summit is held at a time when the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, while the situation in the Balkans is also tense, where Kosovo and Serbia have not yet found the way of dialogue to solve the issues between them.