United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 25 February 2022

LOCAL PRESS
• Serbia rejects EU suggestion to support Ukraine territorial integrity (Nova.rs)
• Serbia opposes the suspension of Russia’s membership in the CoE (VIP)
• Ukrainian ambassador expects strong Serbian support (N1)
• Zdravko Ponos: Military Solution is Unacceptable (Twitter)
• Right-Wing coalition demands not taking sides (VIP)
• Roth calls for concrete political moves of EU regarding Western Balkans (N1)
• German politician in Bundestag: We have no moral right to criticize, remember Serbia (Tanjug)
• The Year of Morocco in Serbia and Serbia in Morocco - strong diplomatic and friendly ties (RTS)
• Serbia’s opposition named another presidential candidate (Beta, N1)
• Selakovic and Osmani: Extremely good and friendly relations between Serbia and Northern Macedonia (RTS)
REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Komsic, Dzaferovic strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (O kanal)
• Komsic: You cannot invade other people's countries because you do not like something (Hayat)
• RS President Cvijanovic: Stances of Komsic and Dzaferovic represent their personal stances that contribute to deeper divisions in B&H (RTRS)
• Dodik: Alkalaj acts without authorization when joining B&H to EU statement on Russian-Ukrainian crisis; B&H should remain neutral in regard to Ukraine (ATV)
• B&H MFA establishes crisis headquarters that monitors situation in Ukraine and undertakes activities related to assisting B&H citizens located in Ukraine; B&H nationals in Ukraine advised to contact B&H Embassies in Hungary, Moscow and Warsaw (BHT1)
• EUFOR sends 500 additional soldiers to B&H as precautionary measure (O kanal)
Croatia
• Parliamentary committee condemns aggression against Ukraine with a declaration (HRT)
• Croatian President condemns aggression on Ukraine, NATO should not expand eastward (Hina)
• Croatian PM talks with his Ukrainian counterpart (Hina)
• Croatia plans to send up to 10 Soldiers to NATO's Rapid Response Force (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic starts consultations on PM-designate (CDM)
• We are waiting for the position of the SNP; I would like them to be part of the government (CDM)
• Kascelan: DPS has capacity to gather and lead sovereigntist bloc (Pobjeda)
• Bulajic won’t schedule parliamentary session, he seeks agreement from parliamentary majority (CDM)
• DF blocks 17 roads throughout Montenegro (CDM)
• Mihailo writes to Biden: New Montenegrin govt. violates Constitution and discriminates against Orthodox Montenegrins (Pobjeda)
• Djukanovic at the invitation of Stoltenberg at the extraordinary summit of NATO heads of state and government (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovacevski condemns Russia of open military aggression against Ukraine (Republika)
• Defense Minister Petrovska and US Ambassador Byrnes jointly addressed the war in Ukraine (Republika)
• Nikoloski: Military aggression is unacceptable, we fully support the territorial integrity of Ukraine (Republika)
• Russia prepares its own sanctions against the West; Macedonia will also be targeted (Republika)
• New demand from Sofia: Bulgarians insist that everywhere is stated that Tsar Samuil was Bulgarian ruler (Pressing TV)
• Proposal to make the Bulgarian demands part of Macedonia’s EU accession process is unacceptable to VMRO-DPMNE (Republika)
• If Kovacevski accepts Bulgarian demands to enter the negotiating framework, then it could lead to deprivation of identity (Republika)
Albania
• Meta in a press conference/ We condemn the Russian attack on Ukraine (Radio Tirana)
• Kim meets Rama: US and Albania will coordinate actions against Russia (Radio Tirana)
• The US and Albania submit to the Security Council a draft resolution condemning Russia (Radio Tirana)
• Rama announces an extraordinary conference, after the invasion that Russia made of Ukraine (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic from Madrid: It is clear that Spain will not recognize Kosovo's independence (B92, RTS)
Germany’s MFA: Baerbock will probably visit Serbia in March (Nova.rs)
Vucic: Our stance on Ukrainian crisis in next 48 hours (Beta)
A session of the National Security Council was held (RTS)
Dacic: We must not act on their request, as they didn't help us during air-raids on Serbia (RTS)
Tadic: Serbia must have a clear position on Ukraine (RTS)
Petkovic: If Bislimi wanted to have talks with me, he would have them (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

B&H joins EU statement which condemns Russia’s moves in Ukraine (BN TV)
B&H Ambassador to UN Alkalaj, analyst Ahatovic discuss situation in Ukraine (Hayat)
B&H Presidency member Dodik: B&H remains neutral on matter of Russia and Ukraine (RTRS)
RS President Cvijanovic: B&H FM Turkovic has no right to express views on Russian moves; Other reactions (RTRS)
Izetbegovic: Aggression in Ukraine must be stopped (Nezavisne)
Situation in Ukraine divides politicians in B&H; Comments by B&H politicians (N1)
Slovenian Minister Tonin fears something bad will happen in Western Balkans, argues ‘Putin’s friend Dodik’ is making strange moves (Dnevni list)
Covic: I would not support Dodik's ‘declaration of independence,’ how could I? (N1)
SDA leader Izetbegovic: EU’s strategy of blocking funds for entire B&H is bad (N1)
B&H HoP: SNSD, HDZ B&H delegates support RSNA’s initiative for dialogue of entities, three peoples about possible solutions for B&H; Delegates of other parties from FB&H strongly oppose it (Nova BH)
Owing to votes of HDZ B&H and Serb Caucus, B&H HoP adopts conclusion in which it is demanded that CEC members are appointed based on public vacancy notice; B&H CEC: We are not legislative body; We act in line with our competences (N1)
Izetbegovic: Croats are not endangered in B&H; Election can be postponed by maximum of one month (Dnevni avaz)

Croatia

PM Plenkovic: We strongly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (Hina)
Croatian cyber-soldiers being used to help Ukraine as Russia invades (HRT)

Montenegro

Djukanovic condemns attack on Ukraine: Russia violates all fundamental principles of international law (CDM)
Krivokapic: We hope that Russia will turn to a reasonable and diplomatic path (CDM)

Abazovic: Mandate is given to those who can certainly form govt; country doesn’t change by sitting passively and waiting (CDM)
DF starts blockade of Montenegro (CDM)

Republic of North Macedonia

Osmani: In these difficult times we stand with Ukraine (Republika)

Albania

Rama: We strongly condemn Russian aggression, our thoughts are for the Ukrainian people (Radio Tirana)
Stabilization and Association Committee convenes, Xhacka on Moscow-Kiev crisis: Joining EU for additional sanctions on Russia (Radio Tirana)
"The EC has given its assessment" / Soreca: We are determined for the Intergovernmental conference! (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 23 February 2022

LOCAL PRESS
• Putin: How is it different from Kosovo? (B92)
• Vucic says will condemn Russia when Zelenskyy condemns NATO aggression against Serbia (Beta)
• Vucic: Every country thinks it has the right to demand something from us (RTS)
• US State Department: Belgrade should harmonize its positions with the West, including sanctions (Tanjug)
• Both authorities and opposition ignore events in Ukraine (VIP)
• Liberation Movement: Vucic's anti-Russian address is excuse before Western sponsors (Beta)
• The arrival of Western diplomats in the Balkans - old players, new rules (RTS)
• Serbia’s negotiator says Kosovo’s Bislimi refused to meet face to face (N1)
• Lajcak: Belgrade-Pristina agreement on some documents is close (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Head of RS Representative Office in Russia Perovic: Recognition and sanctions were expected; Halt of Nord Stream 2 certification will cause biggest damage to people in EU (ATV)
• Komsic and Dzaferovic strongly condemn Russia’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk (FTV)
• Dodik meets Kalabukhov; Dodik: It would be best if B&H remains neutral on matter of situation in Ukraine; Kalabukhov: This is historical day for Russia and people in Donetsk and Luhansk (O kanal)
• B&H FM Turkovic: Russia is violating international law (Nova BH)
• SDP’s Magazinovic: Whole world will be affected by development of events in Ukraine, not just B&H (N1)
• SDP’s Niksic: President Putin admitted there was genocide in B&H (Dnevni list)
• B&H politicians react to EC’s decision on payment of EUR 600 million to B&H (Nova BH)
• Dodik on FAC meeting: There are still forces in the EU, primarily in Germany, which, in pursuit of their interests, do not shy away from anything (RTRS)
• SNSD’s Prodanovic: FAC session demonstrated a well-balanced approach of EU officials to crisis in B&H, B&H must focus on reforms (Glas Srpske)
• SDA leader Izetbegovic sends letter to EU HR Borrell asking him to avoid mentioning disintegration of BiH in his public statements (FTV)
• RSNA Committee for Constitutional Affairs: Request of Bosniak Caucus is direct violation of constitutionality of B&H (RTRS)
• Meeting on changes to B&H Election Law cancelled due to absence of representatives of Bosniak parties (Nova BH)
• EUD, OHR call for continuation of dialogue on electoral reform; EUD: We expect general elections to take place in October (Oslobodjenje)
• Head of EU Delegation to B&H Sattler meets B&H HJPC President Lagumdzija, says RS’ plan on RS HJPC is unacceptable (Dnevni list)
•
Croatia
• Croatia wants March EU Summit to discuss Bosnia (Hina)
• Opposition proposes dissolution of parliament (HRT)

Montenegro
• Konatar: We agreed to elect parliament speaker at first next session, Bulajic won’t derail the work of parliament (CDM)
• Zivkovic: We are to elect parliament speaker on 1 March in Cetinje, I believe Bulajic will convene session (CDM)
• Radunovic: DF soon to block Montenegro, part of parliamentary majority urges session to elect new parliament speaker (CDM)
•

Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovacevski is negotiating about the Macedonian language and nation with Bulgaria, Republika has learnt (Republika)
• Mickoski: We also demand, from Brussels and official Sofia, a guarantee for the Macedonian language, people and identity (Republika)
•

Albania
• Minister of Justice Manja met with Croatian counterpart Ivan Malenica (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

Belgrade-Pristina teams negotiate key issues in Brussels, outcome uncertain (N1)
Vucic: The pressure on Serbia after Putin's decision will be greater than ever before (FoNet, Tanjug)
Ukraine expects Serbia to condemn Putin’s recognition of Donetsk, Luhansk (N1)
Vucic talked with Macron: "Serbia is not in an easy position" (B92)
Austrian politician about Ukraine: We told you so; The so-called Kosovo is to blame (B92)
Dveri Leader: Number of voters drastically increased in areas in which SNS is losing support (FoNet)
Jankovic: We will give power back to the citizens (FoNet, VIP)
Vucic received the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles (B92)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

EUD comments HNS conclusions: Threats with unilateral steps toward new institutional and territorial organization of B&H, are not helping (Dnevni avaz)
OHR comments HNS conclusions: Leaders have to continue talks (Dnevni avaz)
UK Embassy comments HNS conclusions, Covic’s letter: Legislative grounds for holding of elections have been met already (Oslobodjenje)
SDA does not know anything about new meeting on election law, which should be held on Tuesday; Osmanovic: It is hard to accept what HDZ wants, and that is not in accordance with ECHR’s judgements (BHT1)
NS presents proposal of changes to B&H Election Law at forum held at B&H Parliament Monday; Kojovic explains why NS left negotiations on electoral reform (N1)
EU FAC discusses situation in B&H, warns of deepest post-war crisis in B&H; Borrell: Restrictive measures will be used as last resort; Media: EU FMs do not agree on imposing of sanctions but they rather call on political leaders in B&H to take responsibility (FTV)
European Commissioner Varhelyi: EU has decided to block EUR 600 million for projects of B&H due to Dodik’s policies (RTRS)
Dodik comments on possible EU sanctions: If they are imposed RS will block development projects in FB&H; RS to request change in regulation for elections at RSNA for delegation for B&H HoP; Bosniaks are trying to reduce Serbs and Croats to ethnic minorities (RTRS)
RS officials deem foreign officials are inadequately informed about real situation in B&H, make their decisions based on stereotypes and lobbying (EuroBlic)
Dodik: RS will seek neutrality at B&H level regarding issue of Ukraine (ATV)
Head of RS Representation Office in Moscow Perovic and B&H Ambassador to Russia Samardzija comment current situation in Ukraine, blame West for crisis (Glas Srpske)

Croatia

Grlic Radman after EU FAC’s meeting: Two countries insisted on elections in any situation, but, after my intervention, general agreement was that electoral reform is necessary (N1)
Croatia condemns Russia’s recognition of Ukrainian separatist regions (Hina)

Montenegro

Nikolic to Marovic: Minority govt. formation and each of its decisions will depend exclusively on us (CDM)
Radunovic: Would URA support technical govt.’s prime minister-designate with support of parliamentary majority and minorities? (CDM)
Djukanovic: We’re currently closest to minority govt; it’s important that a solution is reached (CDM)
Montenegrin President Djukanovic meets President of EU Council Michel; Djukanovic: Inactive European enlargement policy has led to Western Balkans becoming target of retrograde powers (N1)
Djukanovic: Montenegro condemns all acts of recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent entities (CDM)
Abazovic: Russia's decisions violate security and international law (Libertas)

Republic of North Macedonia

Osmani: It is our request to have a comprehensive document that will close all political issues with Bulgaria (TV Telma)
Government and opposition officials express support for Ukraine (Republika)

Albania

Meta receives in the Presidency the former Prime Minister of Kosovo, Avdullah Hoti (Radio Tirana)
Putin recognizes the independence of separatist regions; Meta: Serious violation of international law (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 21 February 2022
LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic says Serbian people do not want NATO (Beta/RTS/Tanjug/Politika)
• Vucic: Everybody knows our position on Ukraine crisis (Tanjug)
• Iran to continue to respect Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty (Beta/Politika)
• Selakovic thanks Guatemala for principled position regarding Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Cooperation with China important for region’s dynamic development (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: We want normalization of relations with Pristina but two are necessary for dialogue (RTS)
• Stano: Petkovic, Bislimi to meet in Brussels on Tuesday (Tanjug)
• Cadez: Western Balkans a priority for new German government (Tanjug)
• Manuel Sarrazin becomes Germany’s first envoy for Western Balkans (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HNS conclusions: In case that de-constitution of Croat people continues, HNS will launch all legal procedures and political steps for new institutional and territorial organization of B&H based on principles of federalism and consociation democracy (ATV)
• Covic sends letter about HNS’s conclusions to international addresses (Hayat)
• Dodik: There is nothing disputable about HNS conclusions (RTRS)
• SDA: HNS’ conclusions are unacceptable, territorial reorganization and additional ethnic divisions will not happen; Statements of SDA officials (ATV)
• Komsic on HNS’ conclusions: Elections will be held despite efforts to block or postpone them (Nova BH)
• SDP on HNS’ conclusions: Elections will be held and no boycott can prevent them from taking place (O Kanal)
• Mijatovic: I will request formation of government of national salvation of B&H (Dnevni list)
• SBB B&H comments HNS conclusions stressing there is no alternative to talks and dialogue and calls for stronger mediation of Washington and Brussels (Dnevni avaz)
• NiP: HDZ B&H does not want agreement, but they copy Dodik's approach (O Kanal)
• Borrell: We will not allow dissolution of B&H (Nova BH)
• Schmidt: Threat with re-establishing RS army has weakened (Dnevni avaz)
• Stevandic criticizes Schmidt for meeting with Kurti (Glas Srpske)
• Dodik deems statement of Lavrov that citizens of B&H are hired for Ukrainian battlefield should be taken seriously (ATV)
• Radoncic reacts to Lavrov’s statements: Statement are anti-Muslim and attempt to present Muslims from the Balkans as security threat in heart of Europe (Dnevni avaz)
• Truss: Putin wants to take over Western Balkans (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Covic: HNS session had major historical dimension and it sends message of unity of Croat people in B&H (HRT1)
• Croatia opposed to elections in B&H if legislation remains unchanged (Hina)
• Milanovic on elections in B&H (Hina)
• Fleming: There are two problems with regard to progress of B&H - problem of rhetoric and separatist acting of the RS and limited constitutional and electoral reform (Slobodna Dalmacija)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: If there’s wisdom, we’ll form government quickly (CdM)
• Bosniak Party: By the end of the week, it will be known who will enter government (Gradska RTV)
• Vucurovic: DF offers two proposals for technical government (RTCG)
• Becic: We are going to the elections (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovacevski: The clear EU perspective for Northern Macedonia is of strategic importance for the region (Libertas)
Albania
• Munich Conference / Chancellor Scholz: "We must advance with the integration of the Balkans" (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka meets with German and regional counterpart in Munich, discussions on the situation in the Western Balkans (Radio Tirana)