LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic: Serbia-Russia relations very good, Serbia is no one's protectorate (RTS/Tanjug)

 

The relations between Serbia and Russia are very good, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said during a visit to the Russian House - the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Belgrade - on Wednesday. Vucic noted that Serbia was an independent and sovereign country - not a protectorate of Russia, the UK, the US, Germany or any other country. "Serbia takes pride in its independence and that is why I am disappointed with a statement by British Foreign Secretary Cameron that Serbia is a protectorate of Russia, as well as with the narrative that we will be the ones to destabilise the region," he said. He noted that, in fact, many others seemed to be working on that "with assistance from the very same factors that lecture us every day." "Evidently, many will see you as being in the way if you want to have a policy of your own and when that policy is not about obeying orders from others. We will continue to have an independent policy of our own, including when it comes to the Russian Federation and many others," Vucic said. Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko said Russia did not want partner countries to turn into pro-Russian states but to respect their own national interests as that provided the best opportunities for development of relations.

 

Brnabic dismisses claims that number of voters has increased by almost 100,000 since 2020 (Beta)

 

Serbian Progressive Party steering committee vice president Ana Brnabic rejected yesterday claims by Democratic Party vice president Srdjan Milivojevic that "98,135 voters were illegally registered" as voters from 2020 to 2023. The party released a statement saying that Brnabic, who is also the prime minister, had stated that the number of voters from 2020 to 2023 in Serbia dropped by 87,710 and called Milivojevic's claims "incomprehensible gibberish". "According to official data that are publicly available, in the Republic of Serbia in elections in 2020 there were 6,584,376 registered voters and 6,500,666 in elections in 2023," she said. On 8 January, Milivojevic said that a Democratic Party expert team had analyzed the relevant available data and established that 98,135 voters were illegally registered from 2020-2023 and that these voters were not just citizens of Republika Srpska, but also citizens of Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia and other countries, and that the Interior Ministry "is one of the culprits in this grave criminal offense".

 

European Socialists call on Brnabic to allow investigation of election irregularities (Beta)

 

President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), former Swedish prime minister Stefan Lofven said in a letter to Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic yesterday that he was concerned about the irregularities noted by international observation missions during elections in Serbia on 17 December 2023. In the letter, he says that the PES and Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have called for an independent investigation of the irregularities that were registered, which is the right thing the cabinet of a country that is leading negotiations for membership in the EU should do. He adds that the PES values the time that Brnabic invested in solving their concerns (she wrote Lofven on Jan. 3) but that he remains "completely unconvinced" as to her attempt to solve the problems noted by observers. He also says that "the PES is deeply concerned about the rule of law and civil rights in Serbia, after reports on students arrested by Serbian police during protests in Belgrade last month" and that the "scenes of tens of thousands of Serbian citizens protesting across the country over the results of elections is a clear sign that Serbian society wants a more transparent and democratic electoral process". "The Party of European Socialists firmly supports Serbia's and the Western Balkans' European future and believes that improving rule of law, transparency and inclusiveness will benefit Serbia and its citizens. We would be glad to see a modern, democratic and prosperous Serbia as a part of the EU," he says in the letter.

 

Stano: We expect implementation of Belgrade-Pristina agreements (N1)

 

EU spokesperson Peter Stano said Tuesday that Belgrade and Pristina are expected to fully deliver on the agreements reached. “The parties committed to deliver on the Brussels agreement, that is, on the agreements reached in Brussels in February and in Ohrid in March. They made a commitment and we consider this commitment to be legally binding. This commitment was expressed by the statement of High Representative which accompanied the publication of the implementation plan of this agreement,” said Stano. He added that both sides know what they need to do. “We expect full delivery, this year offers a good opportunity to really start working hard, not discussing formalities, but working on delivering on the substance,” said Stano.

 

Vucevic accuses independent media of breaking election law (N1)

 

SNS leader Milos Vucevic accused Danas, N1 and Nova of violating the pre-election news blackout. Vucevic filed a complaint with the Oversight Election Campaign Committee alleging a violation of the law on electing members of parliament. Under Serbian law, the media are banned from any political or election-related reporting for 48 hours prior to the vote. Vucevic said that Danas daily broke the law with he said were negative front-page reports on President Aleksandar Vucic as head of the SNS election ticket on 15 and 16 December. The parliamentary and some local elections were held on 17 December. “The publishing of those articles during the pre-election silence is more than just a journalistic error. They represent and intentional action which is far past the limits of neutral reporting,” Vucevic said. He said that Nova daily broke the law by publishing statements by public figures calling the electorate to turn out to vote. He added that talk show host Ivan Ivanovic also broke the law by interviewing actor and director Dragan Bjelogrlic who is part of the ProGlas group that called the public to turn out to vote for changes. “Bjelogrlic spoke about the problems society faces and subtly criticized the SNS and its alleged negative impact on society, Vucic wrote in the complaint. According to him, the media face fines of up to 150,000 Dinars (1 Euro – 117 Dinars) for each violation while private individuals face fines of up to 40,000 Dinars.

 

Djilas reveals more false residence registration (N1)

 

Opposition leader Dragan Djilas told reporters on Tuesday that some 50 people were registered as resident at a crumbling building in Belgrade, continuing the claims of election irregularities following the 17 December vote. Djilas, leader of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), said he would ask the police to investigate the residence registry for that building in the Vozdovac municipality and others that opposition activists have discovered with similar or greater numbers of people registered as resident and eligible to vote in local elections. Under Serbian law, only people resident in Serbia can vote at local elections, including the vote for the Belgrade City Assembly, but can vote in parliamentary elections. Voters living abroad have to register to vote either in the nearest diplomatic mission or in Serbia. Djilas said that the building in Presernova street has two owners both of who escorted people to the local police station to register residence, adding that the police knew the building was uninhabitable. He said that those people were registered in 2023 and that they were from the Republika Srpska. He also showed pictures of several other buildings in the Serbian capital were more people were registered as resident than can actually live there, including a telephone exchange building on the Belgrade-Zagreb highway and the city Water and Sewer System company headquarters. “Add it all up and there are tens of thousands of voters,” Djilas said and added that the newly registered voters replaced the deceased on the electoral rolls which is why the number of voters in the city increased by just over 13,000.

 

Opposition will not refuse to accept seats in parliament (Nova/Beta)

 

The opposition did not steal seats in the parliament on 17 December and is not morally obligated to return them, despite claims that the vote had been carried out irregularly, leader of the opposition Free Citizens Movement Pavle Grbovic said today. In a statement to daily Nova, he added that it would be “counterproductive to cede any space” to the Serbian Progressive Party. Grbovic said he believed the opposition's actions in the Serbian parliament over the past 18 months had helped to strengthen it and that it should carry on in the same direction. “Relative to the previous elections, the ruling parties won five seats less, whereas the parties of our coalition achieved a 30 percent better result, which is a clear and measurable indicator that the opposition has been doing a good job in parliament,” said Grbovic. He said he was “absolutely certain that the parliamentary work had decisive impact on the creation of trust and good relations within the opposition, which were crowned by joint performance in the elections and by far the best result of an opposition ticket since 2012”.

 

Tolkach urges Serbia to condemn Russia attacks during the holiday season (Beta)

 

Ukrainian Ambassador to Serbia Volodymyr Tolkach said yesterday that during the New Year and Christmas holidays, Russia had launched more than 500 missiles and drones, and called on Serbia to “most harshly condemn this terrorist attack.” The Ambassador branded these attacks as “lethal greetings from Russia”, which, according to him, had killed around 10 and wounded around 100 people. Tolkach added that Moscow’s goal was to break Ukraine’s will to resist, stressing that the Ukrainians had been defending European values. “I think that this should also make the Serbian people think about what they could expect from the brotherhood with Russia, when Russian Orthodox Church priests give blessings to their believers to kill the people of the same faith in Ukraine and also bless missiles,” Tolkach told reporters in Belgrade.

 

Vulin: Each Serb should get Serbian passport and right to vote no matter where they live (Politika)

 

Former director of the Security-Intelligence Agency (BIA) of Serbia and senator of Republika Srpska (RS) Aleksandar Vulin stated in Banja Luka on the occasion of marking of the RS Day that 9 January is not a date chosen by Serbs, but Serbs were chosen by this date. “Serbs reacted to decisions of other peoples, not just those who lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) but also to decisions of big powers which decided to trample over the will of Serb people and to create the Balkans in the way they see fit. The RS is the only thing that was not created by will of big powers”, Vulin argued. Commenting on US’ sanctions that were imposed against him and against RS President Milorad Dodik, Vulin said that the goal of those sanctions is to silence up everyone who fights for interests of Serbs. Vulin reminded that sanctions were imposed against Dodik’s family as well and noted that his own family was not punished: “My sons are small, but I believe that as they grow, if this continues, they too will be punished in some way. Those are not sanctions against Milorad Dodik, those are sanctions against the RS”. Vulin went on to say that nobody has explained yet why uniting of Germany, which was defeated in two world wars, is good for the world peace while uniting of Serbs who won in two world wars is not good for world peace. Vulin pointed out that he personally advocates the idea that every Serb, regardless of where they live, should get the passport of Serbia and right to vote in Serbian elections and he assessed that “the stance of NATO opposition toward Serbs in the RS is shameful.”

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Seventy-seven echelons participate in RS Day parade; Dodik: We do not need tutors and colonizers because this people never allowed to be enslaved (ATV/RTRS)

 

The central ceremony marking 9 January, RS Day, commenced in Banja Luka on Tuesday at 1700 hours. Reporter noted that 77 echelons participated in the parade held on this occasion. The parade consisted of more than 50 echelons of civil sector and of 22 echelons of the RS Ministry of Interior. University students made first echelon and they were followed by echelons of organizations gathering the RS Army veterans. Reporter noted that citizens were especially delighted with the RS MoI echelons. Participants of the central ceremony conveyed a message that the RS was born on 9 January, its day will be celebrated on this date, and no one can forbid it. ATV carries statements of some citizens who underlined that this date means a lot to them, because it is a part of their identity. Some expressed content with the fact that a significant number of people attended the central ceremony and interpreted it as the fact awareness of people about importance of 9 January has been growing. Reporter noted that citizens who attended abovementioned event were especially delighted with a drone show that produced symbols important for the RS. ATV reports that culmination of celebration of the RS Day will occur at 20:00 hours when fireworks display will occur in all cities in the RS, but also in Belgrade. The parade started after an honorary unit of the RS Ministry of Interior (MoI) lined up in the RS President’s honour and made rapport to him. RS President Milorad Dodik addressed participants of the central celebration and said that no one can forbid the RS to celebrate 9 January as its day. He emphasized that “freedom is not philosophy for us, but the way of living. That is why we celebrated the RS Day today.” He added that the RS does not represent a threat for anyone. Dodik stressed that the RS does not need tutors and colonizers “because this people” never allowed to be enslaved. He explained that this is why the RS Day celebration cannot be banned “because if it is banned, it means we have lost a character, and it is a signal that they can continue. We say they cannot continue”. Dodik underlined that the RS belongs to Serbs who created it on 9 January 1992. He emphasized that the RS achieved significant progress over last 32 years, adding that it was created in peace, it was defended in war and more than 30,000 people – Serbs laid down their lives so that Serbs can live in freedom. Reporter noted that a music concert will be held at Krajina Square on Tuesday evening. RTRS reports that after the parade, the echelons were lined up and the police orchestra performed the anthems of the RS and Serbia. Dodik said that the RS has once again showed that it is gathered and that it is together and that it knows what it wants. During the ceremony, Dodik also stated: “This is the RS, organized, disciplined, that loves itself, loves the peace it has, loves its meadows, its mountains, its streets and cities. A republic that is ours, that has no intention and does not wish anyone any harm. The Republic celebrating its birthday, 9 January. Happy Republic Day! And today we celebrate Republic Day, because it is our day. The day when this republic was created, when the republic started its life, to celebrate above all freedom, to celebrate the people and that people have the right to mark their Republic Day in this way. Everyone who tries to deny us will not succeed. We will continue to do this because this is our day…”. The message for those who do not respect the RS is that it is an eternal category, perspective politically and economically stable, it is the wish of the Serb people, who have no qualms about it, and the RS police will always, as Dodik said, defend the peaceful dream of every citizen.

 

Award ceremony for most deserving individuals and institutions held in Banja Luka on occasion of RS Day; Hungarian PM Orban awarded with highest RS decoration (RTRS)

 

On the occasion of RS Day, the RS President Milorad Dodik presented awards to deserving individuals and institutions. The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was among the awardees, who was awarded with the order of the RS on a necklace, as a friend of the RS. Dodik said that Orban will be presented with this award in February, when Orban's arrival in the RS was announced. Dodik posthumously awarded the Medal of Merit to the People to police officer Nenad Markovic from Bijeljina, who was killed on duty in October 2023. Professor Nenad Kecmanovic and Serb writer Matija Beckovic were awarded the Order of the RS Flag with the Golden Wreath. Sergej Jemeljanov, director of the Alexandria Theater from St. Petersburg, was awarded the Order of Njegos, 2nd order. Serbian Minister of Health Danica Grujicic was among those awarded. Grujicic stated: “Someone thought that they could ban the celebration of the RS Day. Then that someone really does not know who the Serb people are, because what is more natural than to come today for the glory, for Saint Stefan, the glory of Nemanjic and the first glory that we celebrate after the birth of God, at Christmas? The RS was born on 9 January, St. Stefan's Day in 1992, before the war, and as the RS President said yesterday, no one was killed that day. Not a single person was shot, no one's wedding party was killed, no one's flag was burned. We are here today commemorating the democratic will of the Serb people to have their own state, which was expressed on that day in a civilized, humane manner, according to all the rules of establishing a state as the home of the people who live in that area”. Dodik also awarded healthcare workers, students and athletes with good achievements.

 

Marking of RS Day starts with liturgy led by Patriarch Porfirije (ATV)

 

ATV reports that marking of RS Day commenced by a liturgy held in Orthodox Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Banja Luka on Tuesday morning. The liturgy held on the occasion of Saint Stephen – Martyr Day was led by Serb Orthodox Church (SPC) Patriarch Porfirije. Officials of the RS and Serbia attended the liturgy. Patriarch Porfirije stated that the RS is expression of centuries-long ambition of Serb people to live in freedom, justice and peace with everyone. Porfirije congratulated the RS Day “but what is more important, Patron Saint Day of the RS.” He called on for mutual understanding and unity. After the end of the liturgy, in the presence of the highest officials of the RS, the consecration and breaking of the holiday cake followed. In his homily after the liturgy, Porfirije called the Serb people to unity and harmony, saying that Saint Stefan was not chosen as the heavenly patron of the RS by chance.

 

Dodik talks with Porfirije, Orlic, Vucevic and Kalabukhov in Palace of RS (RTRS)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik spoke at the Palace of the RS with the Serb Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament Vladimir Orlic, Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic, and Russian Ambassador to B&H Igor Kalabukhov and Sergej Jemeljanov, director of the Alexandria Theater from St. Petersburg. The guests congratulated the RS Day to Dodik and expressed their wish for progress and prosperity. Dodik thanked Kalabukhov for his support and cooperation, emphasizing that Kalabukhov is a true friend of the RS.

 

Dodik: If fake HR dares to pass law on state property, the RS will not hesitate to declare independent status; Something was declared on 9 January, and it cannot be observed on the other date; US Ambassador is not welcome to RS (ATV/RTRS)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik stated on Tuesday in Banja Luka that the RS will not hesitate to defend its right and declare independence if “a fake High Representative” dares to pass the law on state property. He underlined that the RS has not been carrying out any action in this regard but points out to a possible reaction. “Who will support it? Well, it will get support from this people, it is the most important”, emphasized Dodik while answering question of journalists from Croatia who came to Banja Luka to report on celebration of the RS Day.

Presenter comments that the US Embassy in Sarajevo decides to write again. Namely, the US Embassy to B&H’s statement issued on Tuesday reads that 9 January is disputable as a date, while celebration of the RS Day is not disputable. RS President Dodik said that this is crazy and underlined that something was declared on 9 January, and it cannot be observed on the other date. Dodik said that this reaction represents interfering of the US Ambassador. The RS President added that he does not like 4 July, but he will not do anything about it, because Americans chose it. “Who is he to talk whether this is the date this people will celebrate or not. Is that a role of an ambassador in any country? He thinks he can give lesson on history and everything. He and his institution are ostracized from the RS. We do not cooperate with them, we think they are malicious, that they do not have any quality and that it is shame they represent such a big country as America. Such an ambassador cannot contribute to anything. These stories on investigations, we have seen a lot of that. They think that on the ground the fact they formed the Court and the Prosecutor’s Office of B&H in opposition to the Constitution, they will push entire people to camps and prisons. Maybe it is his intention, but he needs to know that he is not welcome to the RS”, concluded Dodik. RTRS commented that the celebration of the RS Day did not pass without the statement from of the US Embassy in B&H. A day after the flyover of the US planes, new threats arrive from the US Embassy, commented the presenter. Calling the celebration of 9 January unconstitutional, they expect an investigation from the judicial institutions in connection with the celebration of the RS Day. Dodik said that the statement from the US Embassy represents another interference from the US Ambassador to B&H Michael Murphy into matters of the RS. Dodik also said: “We want to continue to preserve and develop the RS in peace, to ensure that peace for everyone and for the RS to continue on its way. The RS, of course, accepts B&H only within the constitutional framework. It does not accept this B&H, which is anti-constitutional. The RS will certainly not be the one that will give its rights and competences to any level for any idea, even if it was promoted from the highest global levels. The RS remains committed to the letter of the constitution”.

 

Cvijanovic: 9 January is day of victory, symbol and holiday of freedom (RTRS)

 

Serb member of B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic wrote a post on her Instagram and stated that 9 January is the day of victory, a symbol and holiday of freedom for RS. She stressed that the RS cannot and will never forsake 9 January. Stressing that they will continue to mark this holiday proudly, Cvijanovic noted: “Not out of spite to anyone, but out of love for the RS.” She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to development of the RS, those who participated in Defensive-Homeland War or those who passed through various political processes and reached difficult decisions. She noted that the RS will remain stable.

 

Viskovic: Freedom is something brought in connection with Serb people (RTRS)

 

Speaking for RTRS, RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic stated that freedom is something that is closely related to Serb people: “If it were not for the RS, we would not have freedom either, and when there is no freedom, then you are left wondering what do you have.” He stressed that the RS is a guarantee of survival on the land of our fathers and underlined that the RS is able to guarantee everyone religious freedoms, regardless of ethnic affiliation. “Judging by all attributes, RS is something that secures better conditions for life to others than members of our people have in countries of the region. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H) some still do not have electricity, and we live in 21st century.” Viskovic added that the RS is stable on all matters, which is visible through regular payment of pensions, social provisions for veterans and other social categories. “They were saying we will not live to see half of last year, that we are facing collapse, but you see this is not the case. They are obstructing us wherever they can, but we deal with all issues successfully. We serviced everything and even increased numerous provisions,” said Viskovic.

 

Konakovic: Reaction to any kind of secessionist decisions would be more determined than ever (Dnevni avaz)

 

Article reads that despite the judgement of Constitutional Court of B&H, reactions of international and domestic institution, marking of 9 January will take place in Banja Luka. Speaking for daily B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konakovic said that further insisting on disrespecting of the regulations of the state they live in, and which pays them, politicians from entity of RS show they are the most problematic part of the current parliamentary majority. “Concept of the Troika, where we put interests of the state and all people living in it, ahead of daily conflicts, completely illuminated the political scene and clearly defined culprits. January 9 is a ‘birthday’ that will gather modest number of people, at which B&H entity of RS will show all its potential, you will see who are the people and the states that eventually support such story and this will be the clearest response why everything is in fact senseless. On the other side, I am not surprised they are doing this, but I am not the one to pour oil to the fire and strengthen their antagonistic messages in which they constantly, by provoking conflict, in fact put the cover over what they are not doing. Which are fundamental, economic reforms and all other important processes,” said Konakovic. He noted that aware of the danger, representatives of state authority are not ignoring events in the RS: “We undertook serious activities when it comes to security of B&H, especially on the foreign-political scene, which is my job. I daily talk to the people who are world leaders and this example, showing who they are, how political forces in B&H are distributed. So, it is illegal, unconstitutional and naturally the prosecutor’s offices and courts need to do their part of job, but I do not want to give them space through too much conflict with them, to divert focus from true issues with daily debates.” Konakovic said he is certain that international community is ready to prevent bigger issues in B&H and protect integrity of B&H: “Messages that we see, in regard to territorial integrity, sovereignty of B&H and possible reaction to any kind of secessionist decisions are clearer than ever. They in the RS are well are of that, the entire B&H public is aware of this, they would be more determined than ever. I believe in this. However, we got burnt by this IC when they should have let us at least buy ourselves the weapon to defend ourselves. Rely on yourself, as the people say, but there is no dilemma that most notably, the US, NATO and other powers, who because of Dayton Agreement are responsible for security and stability, would react more determined than ever.”

 

Zvizdic: Disgracing, anti-civilizational and provocative celebration of the RS Day organized in the RS (Oslobodjenje)

 

Deputy speaker of the B&H House of Representatives, Denis Zvizdic (NiP) posted on Facebook on Tuesday that a disgracing, anti-civilizational and provocative celebration of RS Day, which the B&H Constitutional Court judged as unconstitutional, was organized in the RS on Tuesday. He added: “Disrespecting of the decision of the Constitutional Court of B&H is a crime.” He added that B&H judicial institutions are aware of this, and they should react to it in accordance with their competencies and authorities. In Zvizdic’s opinion, it is disappointing that some RS opposition leaders in the RS stand together with those who organized and who promote unconstitutional celebration of 9 January, by which they show that they support their separatist and warmongering policy.

 

‘Our Party’: There is nothing to celebrate today (Dnevni avaz)

 

‘Our Party’ (NS) issued a statement on occasion of marking of 9 January, as an unconstitutional RS Day. “Marking of 9 January is for many, rightfully, the mourning day because on this day the Serb nationalistic politics opened the doors for pogrom of non-Serb population, which was crowned with genocide against Bosniaks in July 1995. Except for the victims of this politics, this should be a mourning day for everyone marking it because celebrating of such non-civilization heritage is leading the RS into isolationism and all our citizens living in this entity into extreme poverty,” reads the statement. NS stated that RS leadership turned majority of the IC against them, including the USA, but also the EU, which they declaratively strive to. The statement reads that 9 January is one of the reasons for turning the international community against the RS leadership, noting that if European values are not allowed to come to the RS, then citizens from the RS go to the EU to live in line with these values. “This speaks sufficiently whose side they are on and in what direction citizens are watching and about the ruin that this leadership leads them to,” reads the statement.  NS stated that reason for celebration will be in March, in case B&H is allowed to open negotiations with the EU. “Then in entire B&H we will be a step closer to live here, as we live when we leave to come of EU member states. Celebrating of 9 January is not getting us closer to this because it celebrates crimes which were convicted in The Hague and violates constitutional order of B&H, this is what distance us from opening the negotiations. Because of this, today is a mourning day for every reasonable man, and especially for our citizens in the RS, because they will most of all feel the consequences of the politics of then, dark leadership. I call on them to decide, do they want to go to Europe this year or toward divisions and conflicts,” reads the statement.

 

Komsic: Celebrating 9 January means celebrating historical defeat of idea of Greater Serbia (Slobodna Bosna)

 

B&H Presidency member Zeljko Komsic, speaking about the celebration of RS Day on 9 January, said that celebrating January 9 means celebrating the historical defeat of the Greater Serbia policy. He noted that bizarrely, Serbs are celebrating the fact that their secession attempt and their idea to merge B&H with Serbia failed. Speaking about recent provocations targeting returnees in the RS, Komsic noted that such provocations have become a shameful and uncivilized practice. He underlined that the RS authorities are responsible because their warmongering rhetoric encourages chauvinists to express their hatred.

 

Remembrance Day of victims of genocide marked in Potocari in response to unconstitutional RS Day marking (FTV)

 

Representatives of the Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide, the associations of victims of Srebrenica, member of the Presidency of B&H Denis Becirovic, Vice President of the FB&H Igor Stojanovic, Bosniak Vice President of RS Camil Durakovic, and a number of other officials laid flowers on Tuesday in Potocari at the memorial and cemetery for the victims of the 1995 genocide. The occasion, as they stated, is the unconstitutional commemoration of 9 January, when the so-called Assembly of Serb people in B&H carried out a coup d'état in the federal republic of B&H and thus initiated unprecedented suffering in B&H. Victims' associations also believe that 9 January is the beginning of the greatest evil on European territory after the Second World War, the genocide in Srebrenica. President of the Association ‘Movement of Mothers of Srebrenica and Zepa Enclaves’ Munira Subasic stated that the plan for genocide in Srebrenica was made on 9 January 1992. Subasic noted that this is why the Remembrance Day for the genocide victims was marked on this occasion. Subasic, said that 9 January only reminds them of all that they have lost, and to the fact that their loved ones are gone, buried in Potocari, and that many Srebrenica mothers are all alone today. Subasic said this was all part of a project, ‘Greater Serbia’ project, which was “helped by the world and Europe”. She pointed out that if the world and Europe actually learned something from the war in B&H, then we would not witness horrible crimes today in Ukraine and Palestine. Becirovic pointed out that 9 January as the RS Day is unconstitutional and that it will remain that way. “The judicial institutions and agencies need to react to its marking”, Becirovic added. Becirovic underlined that any blockade and talking about dissolution of B&H represents “a threat with a new genocide”. Stojanovic noted that not all Serbs mark the unconstitutional RS Day. Becirovic thus called on the international community to undertake measures to preserve peace and stability. Durakovic stressed that the RS Day cannot be marked on an Orthodox Saint Stephen’s Day, because there are three constituent peoples living in the RS. Becirovic said that the decisions of the B&H CC must be fully respected and that there is no discussion about this. “The RS entity is an administrative-territorial unit within the independent, sovereign, indivisible and internationally recognized state of B&H. The RS entity has existed within the B&H state since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The Constitution of B&H clearly stipulates that only B&H has continuity. Entities have no continuity, and no illegal holidays can change that fact”, added Becirovic.

 

Council of the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals request punishment for celebrating Day of RS and all those who participate in it (Hayat)

 

On Tuesday, the Council of the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals organized a public forum on the legal and historical aspects of celebrating the Day of RS, which the Constitutional Court of B&H has repeatedly declared unconstitutional. From the forum, several demands were made to domestic and foreign officials. They asked the B&H Prosecutor's Office to immediately launch an investigation against the authorized persons who approved the funds for the illegal celebration of 9 January. The Council of the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals requests the authorized persons in the B&H Presidency, B&H Council of Ministers and ministries and all state institutions, agencies and institutions to initiate proceedings against all state functionaries, officials and employees who participated in any way in the celebration of 9 January as RS Day. They require the Regulatory Agency for Communications for B&H to analyze the program of RTRS on the occasion of broadcasts and TV broadcasts of all manifestations related to the commemoration of 9 January. Meanwhile, the SDA said that they will file criminal reports against organizers of marking of the unconstitutional Day of the RS.

 

US Embassy: We will not hesitate to address anti-Dayton actions (Dnevni avaz)

 

The US Embassy issued a statement on occasion of marking of unconstitutional RS Day, posting it on X platform. “The B&H Constitutional Court has made clear in multiple rulings that the celebration of the Day of the RS on 9 January is unconstitutional. The issue is not the celebration of the holiday, but rather the decision to do so on 9 January. The linking of the commemoration to an Orthodox religious holiday violates several provisions of the B&H Constitution that prohibit discrimination. This is a matter of law, not an opinion. Article III (3) of the Dayton Constitution requires the entities to comply fully with the decisions of the institutions of B&H, including the final and binding rulings of the B&H Constitutional Court.  Non-compliance with decisions of the B&H Constitutional Court constitutes a criminal offense under the B&H Criminal Code. This, too, is a matter of law, not an opinion. The United States’ expectation is that the relevant law enforcement and judicial authorities will investigate any violations of law that occur related to the celebration of the Day of the RS on January 9. The United States has acted to address anti-Dayton actions like this in the past and will not hesitate to do so again in the future,” reads statement. The US Embassy to B&H has requested an investigation into violation of the B&H Constitutional Court (CC) decisions that declared 9 January unconstitutional several times.

 

Stano on the RS Day: EU always underlines that sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional organization and international distinctiveness of B&H must be preserved; All activities against these principles will lead to serious consequences (Slobodna Bosna)

 

Slobodna-bosna.ba carries that commenting on marking the unconstitutional RS Day, EU spokesman Peter Stano stated that the EU always underlines that sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional organization and international distinctiveness of B&H must be preserved. All activities against these principles will lead to serious consequences, he added. Stano stressed that the EU constantly asks from all political parties to refrain from provocative rhetoric and activities, especially the ones in the RS that bring in question sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the state. Stano also underlined that regional cooperation and good neighboring relations are very important principles for the EU in all countries which want to join it. He added: “This is a crucial part of progress of these countries on the EU path. All activities, statements, moves, which negatively influence good neighboring relations and regional cooperation, and which only contribute to political divisions, must be avoided. We were fully clear about this too, we expect from our partners, including Serbia, to be equally committed to the EU perspective of B&H as an integrated, united and sovereign country, whose territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity are not brought in question.” Stano explained that consequences can be all the things that member countries reach an agreement about. He added: “There is a possibility of introducing political measures, economic-financial measures, restrictive measures. For instance, there is already a framework for sanctions for B&H. When the member countries decide that it has been enough and if there was enough political will and evidence to take concrete steps, they will do it and all decisions in this field must be passed unanimously.”

 

Ambassador Reilly: Selection of 9 January violates several provisions of Constitution (Oslobodjenje)

 

UK Ambassador to B&H Julian Reilly posted a statement on X concerning the RS Day and stated that stance of his country is very clear. “Selection of this specific date gives advantage to one ethnic group in regard to the others and violates several provisions of the Constitution of B&H, especially those referring to discrimination ban,” Reilly wrote. Ambassador underlined that anyone who does not respect the judgements of Constitutional Court of B&H, undermines rule of law and commits a criminal offense. Reilly also said that intimidating of returnees or minority communities is unacceptable, no matter where it happens, and authorities need to prevent it. The UK Embassy stated that this represents a criminal offense.

 

Leaders of FB&H-level ruling coalition hold meeting where they presented their views on amendments to the Election Law of B&H (FTV)

 

The leaders of the FB&H-level ruling parties HDZ B&H and the Troika – SDP B&H, People and Justice (NiP), and Our Party (NS) – held a meeting on Tuesday in Mostar where they presented their views on amendments to the Election Law of B&H. They discussed changes to the Election Law and reforms on B&H's path to the EU. They were divided on whether the amendments of the Election Law should be accompanied by changes to the Constitution. HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic did not make any media statements after the meeting. SDP B&H leader Nermin Niksic stated: “At the meeting, we presented our view on the amendments to the Election Law. We talked about concrete solutions and issues, and among other things, we also heard HDZ B&H's proposal, which is quite concrete and a step forward compared to what we had until now. Of course, we also had our own views and proposals, whether we should proceed with the amendment of the Election Law, which would include the amendments to the Constitution and which would mean the implementation of all the decisions of the Constitutional Court (CC) and the Court (European Court of Human Rights – ECHR) in Strasbourg.” NiP leader Elmedin Konakovic expressed hope that joint solutions will be reached for a number of challenges by March, when the EU might open negotiations with B&H. Konakovic believes that they could agree on the adoption of the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering, the Law on Conflict of Interest, the issue of Frontex and other solutions which, he says, have no political dimensions or conflicts, and in March they would agree on the opening of B&H negotiations with the EU. When it comes to the issue of foreign judges in the B&H CC, Konakovic pointed out that foreign judges are necessary in the CC, at this time when the CC is under attack and with all of the secessionist efforts happening. Speaking about the specific proposal of the HDZ B&H, NS leader Edin Forto explained that this is about several dimensions of the approach to amending the Election Law. “It refers to several approaches, such as the election of members of the B&H Presidency to the integrity package that has been talked about in recent days. It would be good if this majority had its own proposal for the Election Law and if then no one would have to impose anything on us”, said Forto. Konakovic stated: “The ‘Troika’ would be happier than Dodik and Covic if there were no foreign judges, but of course that cannot happen now when the attacks on the Constitutional Court are ongoing, when the attack is ongoing on what protects the state of B&H from those secessionist efforts and ideas. So, there is no question that it can happen now. Therefore, we were very clear, precise about that. And it is true that we still disagree on some essential things, but I always try to focus on the things we agree on. Before us are stories about Frontex, about some other solutions that do not have these political dimensions or conflict. We could agree on that. We will try to make it so, that it be celebrated in some way in March, or that the opening of negotiations with the EU takes place”.

 

Komsic: HDZ B&H will wear down Troika and they will accept Covic’s demands regarding Election Law (Slobodna Bosna)

 

B&H Presidency member Zeljko Komsic, speaking about the electoral reform and HDZ B&H’s insisting on it, said that for the past ten years, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic has not been working on anything else. “No one, neither his voters, nor foreigners, nor the media, nor the ‘opposition’ will blame him for failure on the European path if, due to the eventual impossibility of an agreement on the Election Law, there are no European reforms. Covic and HDZ B&H will exhaust the Troika with the Election Law”, Komsic noted. He underlined that Covic only wants the Croat member of B&H Presidency to be elected from one of the two or three cantons in which HDZ B&H rules sovereignly. “We will see if the Troika will last. I would not bet on their endurance, I tend to believe that they will give in, because as we can see, they are giving him everything, even the Presidency”, said Komsic. Speaking about the idea to introduce indirect election of B&H Presidency members in the Parliament, Komsic said that this idea made sense before High Representative Christian Schmidt’s last intervention into the Election Law which strengthened the role of the FB&H and B&H Houses of Peoples. He underlined that asymmetric solutions for election of BiH Presidency members from the RS and FB&H are not acceptable at all. Commenting the announcement of RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik that the RS will adopt its own election law and for the election commission which will organize future elections at the entity level. Komsic said that B&H Constitution and B&H Election Law prescribe the manner in which elections are implemented, and anything else would be unconstitutional and illegal. In his opinion, Dodik is aggressively pushing for this initiative in order to strengthen his bargaining position on other matters. He underlined that Dodik should be tried for violating B&H Constitution, and not for failing to implement decisions of the High Representative. “The destiny of B&H depends on the strength of its institutions and respect for the constitutional order, and not on those almost staged conflicts between Dodik and Schmidt”, Komsic noted.

 

EU comments on Schmidt's announcement about possible imposition of changes to B&H Election Law (N1)

 

The EU commented on the announcement of the High Representative Christian Schmidt about the possible imposition of changes to the B&H Election Law, saying that the powers of the High Representative should only be used as a last resort. The EU also called on the local authorities to take responsibility and implement the necessary reforms. The European Commission Spokesperson Peter Stano was quoted as saying: “The EU has taken note of High Representative Schmidt’s announcement that he will amend the B&H Election Law. The EU reminds that the executive powers of the High Representative, the Bonn powers, should be used only as a last resort against irreparable illegal acts. Since the key priorities are identified in the Opinion on B&H's request for membership from 2019, the EU expects B&H to ensure that the elections are held in accordance with European standards and the application of the recommendations and corresponding recommendations of the Venice Commission, and to ensure the transparency of the financing of political parties. The EU Council called on B&H to urgently complete the constitutional and election reforms. Domestic institutions, including the parliament, would have to be given time and a chance to take responsibility and implement the necessary reforms to which they have committed themselves”.

 

Komsic: Schmidt acts as High Representative exclusively for Bosniaks; B&H needs strong pro-Bosnian bloc to protect state interests (Slobodna Bosna)

 

B&H Presidency member Zeljko Komsic, asked to comment the work of High Representative Christian Schmidt, noted that Schmidt said everything about himself and his opinion on B&H when he imposed changes to B&H Election Law and FB&H Constitution. “I would say that everything has been said about Schmidt, except maybe that Mr. Schmidt seems to have become accustomed to the role of Bosniak politicians, so he parades around, now also in their name, but if he could be a signatory for the formation of the government instead of them, then it is no wonder that Schmidt is now acting as High Representative exclusively for Bosniaks”, said Komsic. According to Komsic, Schmidt is implementing Zagreb's policy in B&H, and he has US Ambassador Michael Murphy's support for that. Komsic emphasized that B&H needs a strong bloc of pro-Bosnian parties based on state interests and clear consensus on key issues for B&H. “It is clear that HDZ B&H and SNSD are the extended arm of Serbian and Croatian national policies in B&H. In my opinion, the closest thing to Bosnian state policy is what the DF offered as a civic political platform, where we clearly stated what kind of B&H we want. Maybe it is not realistic at the moment, but in politics you must have a goal and not be guided only by what is realistic”, said Komsic. He underlined that DF will not abandon the idea of civic B&H, noting that this idea is supported by all who are willing to defend B&H by all necessary means. “In order to even have the opportunity to realize that idea, we will all have to think more together and act in accordance with what our national - state interests are and have less fear of some foreign authorities who want to interfere in everything here in our country and who take the side of those who constantly undermine the state”, Komsic concluded.

 

Montenegro among the signatories: US and partners condemn transfer of weapons between North Korea and Russia (Vijesti)

 

The joint statement by the United States and its partners, including Montenegro, opposes arms sales between North Korea and Russia, including Russia's acquisition of North Korean ballistic missiles and Moscow's use of missiles against Ukraine on 30 December and 2 January. In the announcement of the Department of State from 9 January, it is stated that the announcement is signed by the foreign ministers of Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany , Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea , Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, Great Britain, High Representative of the European Union and Secretary of State of the United States of America. "We strongly condemn the export of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian procurement of ballistic missiles to the DPRK, as well as the Russian use of these missiles against Ukraine on 30 December 2023, and 2 January 2024. These weapons increase the suffering of the Ukrainian people, support Russia's aggressive war and undermine the global non-proliferation regime. Russia's use of DPRK ballistic missiles in Ukraine also provides the DPRK with valuable technical and military insights. We are deeply concerned about the security implications this cooperation has in Europe, on the Korean Peninsula, throughout the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. Together, our governments firmly oppose the transfer of arms between the DPRK and Russia. The transfer of ballistic missiles, along with any other weapons and related materials, from the DPRK to Russia is in flagrant violation of multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSCR) resolutions – resolution 1718 (2006), resolution 1874 (2009) and resolution 2270 (2016) – which supported by Russia itself", according to a joint statement published by the State Department. They say they are closely monitoring what Russia is giving Pyongyang in exchange for this arms export. "We call on the DPRK and Russia to adhere to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and to immediately stop all activities that violate them. We call on all UN member states, including all members of the United Nations Security Council, to join us in condemning the flagrant violation of the UN Security Council Resolution by Russia and the DPRK. As Russia launches waves of missiles and drones against the Ukrainian people, we will continue to stand together in support of Ukraine. We further call on the DPRK to respond to numerous and sincere offers to return to diplomacy, the only path to lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," it concluded. Russia recently launched several North Korean-made ballistic missiles at Ukraine, the White House announced last Thursday. It would be the first time North Korea's new weapon has been used in combat. Although the White House did not say exactly what type of missile Pyongyang sent to Russia, spokesman John Kirby said they had a range of about 900 kilometers and released an image that appeared to show the KN-23 and KN-24 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBK).

 

Ahmeti: Unlike Rama, Kurti interferes in internal affairs of Albanians in North Macedonia (Top Channel/MIA)

 

Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) leader Ali Ahmeti has told Top Channel that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti interferes in the internal affairs of Albanians in North Macedonia. "He's meddling in the Albanian political scene. Albanian PM Edi Rama did not interfere in the internal affairs of the political body in Macedonia. He tried to bring the parties closer, and I am grateful for his approach. In 2019, Albin Kurti interfered in the political scene in North Macedonia with his public support for the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition of ethnic Albanians (Alliance for Albanians and Alternativa). We did not express patriotism or emotion, we agreed with the Social Democratic Union (SDSM) and supported Stevo Pendarovski as head of state. They can be dramatic, but we know that in the end there are no winners," says Ahmeti. Regarding the statement that Kurti supports the opposition of ethnic Albanians, Ahmeti notes that he does not know if Self-Determination is a registered party, but he is aware that "many in the international community have expressed interest." "This is a democracy, I have been put into a tough spot. Why does Kurti complain when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is politically active in Kosovo? How do you explain that? I am speechless," stresses Ahmeti. Regarding European integration, he says that if constitutional amendments are adopted, North Macedonia will become EU member within four years. "The first intergovernmental conferences between Albania and North Macedonia in Brussels brought along changes in terms of infrastructure, environment, rule of law," adds Ahmeti.

 

Parliament to hold sessions leading to election of caretaker government on 22-28 January (MIA)

 

The formal preparations for the caretaker government will take place in the parliament between 22-28 January, said the speaker's Office after a coordination meeting with party whips on Tuesday. Starting on 22 January and up to 28 January, the following proceedings will take place: resignation of the Prime Minister and the parliament speaker, informing the President on presenting a mandate to the new PM, election of a government, ministers, deputy-ministers and additional deputy-ministers, as well as cessation of an MP term and election of a new lawmaker, said the speaker's Office. It adds there will be no Q&A sessions until the end of the parliament's term. The first Q&A session will take place after the expiry of 100 days of the government formed after the parliamentary elections, reads the press release. Representatives of VMRO-DPMNE and opposition parties of ethnic Albanians did not attend today's coordination meeting. The latter has said it will boycott the Parliament due to the failure to elect their candidate as member of the State Election Commission. The parliament's first plenary session in 2024 is set for 16 January.

 

A two-day meeting of the government cabinet (Radio Tirana)

 

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama gathered the government cabinet in Shengjin, Lezha, in an extended two-day meeting where the objectives for 2024 will be in the focus. The focus of the discussions at this meeting will also be the analysis and evaluation of the work of each ministry for the past year, as the media sources inform. In addition to the ministers, the General Secretary of the SP Blendi Klosi, the head of the governing SP parliamentary group Bledi Cuci, and the heads of the parliamentary commissions, the deputy ministers, and SP district political leaders and the assembly speaker Lindita Nikolla will be present at this meeting. The director of National Agency of ICT (AKSHI) Mirlinda Karcanaj, the director of Cadastre Dallandyshe Bici, or the director of the Agency for Dialogue and Co-governance Eridana Cano will also be present.

 

Pre-accession funds, EU 250 million Euros for national programs in Albania (Radio Tirana)

 

Over the past two years, the EU has allocated over 250 million Euros in pre-accession funds for national programs in Albania. The EU Delegation Office in Tirana shared statistics on social networks highlighting the supported sectors, underscoring that the EU stands as Albania's largest financial assistance partner. The EU's total foreign direct investments reached 11 billion euros in 2022, while the total volume of goods traded with the EU amounted to 7.1 billion Euros in the same year. Beyond economic initiatives, the EU places considerable emphasis on nurturing human capital. As part of this effort, the EU has concentrated on fostering support for youth, education, and innovation. Within the ERASMUS 2014-2020 framework, 11,500 participants engaged in exchanges encompassing education, training, youth, and sports between the EU and Albania. As part of the economic and investment plan for Albania, the EU has already mobilized 1.4 billion ALL in investments, including 470 million Euros in grants. The EU has set a target to install 713 MW of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030. To improve infrastructure, the plan aims to rehabilitate 185 km of railway lines, enhance water and sanitation services benefiting over 975,000 residents, and provide smart lab equipment for 627 schools, benefiting 198,000 students annually, among other programs.