United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 22 December 2021
LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Open Balkans not about Greater Serbia or Greater Albania (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic: Speaking only about the past is not good (B92)
• Relations between Serbia, China exceptional (Beta/Politika)
• Serbia establishes diplomatic relations with East Timor, Solomon Islands (RTS)
• Drecun: Pristina’s continuous action of intimidation (Tanjug/RTV)
• Andjelkovic: Open Balkans is better for Serbia than EU integration (Tanjug/B92/RTV)
• Dacic: SNS and SPS to have joint presidential candidate; Referendum has nothing to do with Kosovo (TV Prva/Beta/Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Report of Sattler sent to Brussels which reads that Varhelyi and Dodik agreed about holding of RS parliament session; Varhelyi blames Inzko of crisis in B&H and not Dodik (Istraga.ba/N1)
• Mehmedovic: EU agreed on coup d’état through their Commissioner (N1)
• RS officials: Claims about any agreement with Varhelyi false and represent dangerous implications (RTRS)
• Sarovic, Nesic interrogated in Prosecutor’s Office of B&H about special session (O Kanal)
• SIPA members visited parties of ruling majority in RS, asking them for certain documents regarding return of competences from B&H to RS (BN TV)
• FB&H HoR adopts Resolution condemning attacks on constitutional- legal order of B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• HDZ B&H-HNS Caucus in FB&H HoR proposes Resolution on protection of constitutions of B&H and FB&H, Bosniak representatives reject it (Dnevni list)
• Turkovic meets Lavrov: Turkovic warns that conclusions on return of RS competences could endanger peace and stability of B&H (FTV)
• Orban: Serbian nation key to the Balkans, no stable Bosnia without Bosnian Serbs (N1)
• NS proposes banning Orban’s arrival to Sarajevo, calling Orban a racist (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• Covic and Grlic Radman: Urgently change Law on Elections (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Milanovic: Montenegrin identity ineradicable; Montenegro is eternal (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Today is the last working day of Zaev as Prime Minister (Republika)
• Varhelyi says he understands Zaev’s frustration, speaks proudly of Serbia and Montenegro’s success (Republika)
• Mickoski: Our offer to name an ethnic Albanian as Prime Minister revealed the dishonesty of SDSM and DUI (Republika)
Albania
• Stalled EU progress looms large over Open Balkans meeting in Tirana (Tirana Times)
• Rama: The next meeting of the Open Balkans will be held in Skopje (Radio Tirana)
• EC supports the Open Balkans/Rama: The initiative pushes forward what has not been realized in the Berlin process (Radio Tirana)
• Varhelyi: Continue to promote Open Balkans (Radio Tirana)
• The agreement for the joint Albania-Kosovo primer signed (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: I am certain no one can stop Open Balkans initiative (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
Vucic: Tirana agreements are basis for this part of Europe to be essentially borderless (RTS)
Cadez: Common labor market expected to be in place from early 2022 (RTS)
Brnabic: Protest in Tirana had support from Belgrade (TVHappy/FoNet)
Petkovic: Pristina is obstructing dialogue (Beta/RTV)
Petkovic: Protest in Tirana staged by Pristina politicians (RTS)
Mihajlovic: Open Balkans Initiative for a better future of the region (Tanjug)
Protest held in Tirana against Open Balkans initiative (Tanjug)
Petkovic: Kurti’s new terror to intimidate Serbs in the province (Tanjug/B92)
Professor Tomic: Vote against constitutional changes in referendum (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Selak gives statement at Prosecutor's Office of B&H in capacity of witness in case related to attack on B&H constitutional order (FTV)
SDP Presidency adopts document calling for suspension of anti-Dayton and anti-Constitutional acts of RS institutions; Reactions from RS (Glas Srpske)
Schmidt: Dodik crossed line of rhetorical fueling of flames by annulling HR's decisions and not recognizing B&H CC (FTV)
Reactions to Hungary’s announcement about vetoing sanctions against Dodik (ATV)
HDZ B&H Presidency convenes in Mostar; Cavara says it is not easy for HDZ B&H to be cohesion factor in B&H because on other side are separatist and Unitarian structures that feed on each other (FTV)
Representatives of SDP B&H, DF and NS fail to attend negotiations on unblocking FB&H (O Kanal)
Covic, Plenkovic discuss electoral reform in B&H (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia

Milanovic: Malicious and rotten distortion of what I said certainly contributed to cancelation of my visit to B&H; Dodik has been dealing with professional liars who are prepared to steal entire political community – B&H Croats (HRT1)
Plenkovic: Milanovic is the only one that knows why he did not go to B&H, and he will have to explain this to Croatian public (HRT1)
Montenegro

Djeljosaj on PM: We’re dealing with a strange person, parliament should deny him support (CdM)
Harasani: URA is leading efforts to create a minority government, the prime minister could be Albanian (CdM/Euronews)
Republic of North Macedonia

Zaev, Rama and Vucic call on the new German government to support their Open Balkans initiative (Republika)
Zaev brought his successor Dimitar Kovacevski to the Open Balkans summit in Albania (Republika)
Albania

Agreements expected to be signed today in the Open Balkans Summit (Radio Tirana)
Berisha: Open Balkans violates the national interests of Albanians (Radio Tirana)
Crowd burns Serbian flag in Albanian capital (ADN)
Berisha: Open Balkans opposes Berlin's process (ADN)
Ex-LDK leader sees Open Balkans as New Yugoslavia (ADN)
Ex-foreign minister warns of more protests to overthrow Rama's regime (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 20 December 2021

LOCAL PRESS
• Dacic: Important that referendum on const change succeeds (Tanjug)
• Social Democratic Party leader urges opposition to unite ahead of referendum (Nova S)
• Protest in front of Serbian government headquarters (N1)
• Vulin: Environmental protests are an attempt to destabilize Serbia (TV Pink, Beta)
• Vucic with Rama and Zaev in Tirana within the Open Balkans (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• US Special Envoy Escobar: Biggest threats to DPA come from Dodik (N1)
• HR Schmidt: Dodik crossed line of inflammatory rhetoric (N1)
• Szijjarto: Hungary will veto proposal for EU to introduce sanctions against Dodik (RTRS)
• B&H Prosecutor’s Office summons number of politicians from RS in relation to ‘attack on constitutional order of B&H’ case (Nova BH)
• RS officials: RSNA only defended rights of RS (N1)
• Cubrilovic meets with current and former speakers of RSNA, BiH HoR and HoP from RS; speakers to send joint warning re situation in BiH to international community (ATV)
• HJPC fails to present its views on conclusions adopted by RSNA related to judiciary (BHT1)
• Dodik: Law on RS HJPC will be ready in 15 days (BHT1)
• SDA leader Izetbegovic calls on NATO and EUFOR to increase their presence in B&H (Hayat)
• B&H Presidency member DodikI will not give consent for deployment of anyone’s troops in B&H (O kanal)
• Dzaferovic: Dodik's statement that consent of B&H Presidency is needed for deployment of additional military forces has no basis (BHT1)
• Cvijanovic: Izetbegovic has been biggest disruptive factor for years (RTRS)
• Mehmedovic explains his plans for ending crisis: Constitution of Republic of B&H could be reinstated and RS declared occupied territory (Face TV)
• UK House of Lords holds debate on situation in B&H, warning that Dodik and RS officials undermine integrity of B&H (O kanal)
• EU’s Varhelyi tells Milorad Dodik in phone conversation there is need for urgent steps to deescalate tensions; MEP Strik criticizes Varhelyi and EU following news on possible financial injection for RS (Hayat)
•
Croatia
• Croatian President Milanovic cancels his visit to B&H for security reasons; B&H police agencies deny having any information that would indicate that Milanovic's security would be compromised during visit to B&H (HRT1)
• Plenkovic asks Michel for discussion on B&H to be included on one of next EU summits (AJB)
• Plenkovic: I told EC that Croatia will not allow abandonment of equality of constituent peoples in B&H, Croats must be allowed to elect their legitimate representative (Vecernji list)
• Balkans mission of Sir Stuart Peach and Baroness Arminka Helic (Slobodna Dalmacija)
•
Montenegro
• Abazovic: No budget, no government (Vijesti)
• Equal chances for the minority government and for new elections (Pobjeda)
• Memorandum accepting that Montenegro is a civil state (Press)
•
Republic of North Macedonia
• Vucic about Macedonians: We accept their language and nation, we wish them all the best (Pink TV)
• Radev: Bulgaria will open the door to Skopje only with guarantees and protection of our national interest (Republika)
• Petkov: I will go to Macedonia when the new Prime Minister is elected (BTV)
•
Albania
• Protests called against Vucic’s visit (ADN)
• The US supports Tirana and Skopje in the negotiations (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Friday 17 December 2021

LOCAL PRESS

• Selakovic, Le Drian: Bilateral relations between two countries on an upward trajectory (RTS/Tanjug)
• Selakovic: Partnership with France gained strength with Macron’s visit to Serbia (Politika/Tanjug)
• Cochard: Western Balkans remains a priority for France (Politika/Beta)
• Stefanovic: We expect KFOR to continue its status neutral mission (Tanjug/Politika/Beta)
• Italian General Zanitti takes over as Chief of NATO Liaison Office in Belgrade (Beta)
• CEFTA rejects Pristina’s request to represented without UNMIK (RTS)
• Drecun: Pristina’s unilateral moves are not sanctioned (RTS)
• EP adopts resolution on forced labor, environmental protests in Serbia (Beta/Politika)
• Dacic: EP resolution an example of hypocrisy (Tanjug/RTV/Politika)
• The so-called Kosovo is being offered to “rent” a prison (B92/Danish Radio)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• German Foreign Ministry says Germany will not cooperate with entity that works on B&H’s destruction (O Kanal)
• Dodik talks to Varhelyi: RS remains dedicated to peace, dialogue and B&H Constitution (Oslobodjenje)
• Field: UK government is negotiating sanctions against certain individuals and Dodik, but behind closed doors (BHT)
• UK House of Lords discusses situation in B&H; Helic says crisis in B&H is not political, but security crisis which requires urgent, security response (FTV)
• Turkovic discusses political situation in B&H with UK envoy Peach; Peach announces close cooperation with US and EU (O Kanal)
• Chollet warns Dodik of consequences for anti-Dayton actions; Dodik: it would have been fair if Chollet had said what I told him (BHT1)
• Zakharova says Schmidt does not have mandate to make decisions, impose measures (RTRS)
• Covic hosts Christmas reception in Mostar; Dodik: RS has no intention to give up on its interests and goals (N1)
• SDP calls on NATO to deploy its troops in Brcko District and some other areas in B&H (N1)
• Dacic: Serbia will not allow sidelining of Serbs in B&H (Dnevni avaz/Dnevni list)
• SDP and DF withdraw from negotiations on amendments to Election Law and Constitution of B&H (BHT1)
• Osmanovic: First unblock state and continue talks on change of B&H Election Law when political situation calms down (FTV)
• Stevandic, Novakovic-Bursac claim Bosniaks are trying to find excuse for failure of talks on electoral reform so they blame RS (EuroBlic)
Croatia
• President’s office publishes contents of entire letter to PM (HRT)
• Plenkovic comments on Council Conclusions on Bosnia (Hina)
Montenegro
• Markovic: DF has our support for shortening the mandate (RTCG)
• Jokovic: As for the SNP, goodbye to Krivokapic and this government; Ibrahimovic: The government is doomed, it is counting the last days (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mickoski: In 2022 I expect early parliamentary elections and a stable government formed by VMRO-DPMNE (TV21)
• Mickoski: Ahmeti and I talked about a new agreement with Bulgaria and early parliamentary elections (TV21)
• Bulgarian President Radev tells Macedonia that it must change its Constitution (Republika/Euractiv)
Albania
• On the eve of the National Assembly, head of DP Basha calls for democrats to choose the future (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: Referendum only and exclusively on the issue of justice (TV Vesti/RTV/Tanjug)
Stano: Petkovic should have been allowed to visit (RTS/Tanjug/Kosovo Online)
Petkovic: Kurti’s self-will is direct violation of basic human rights (RTS)
Lajcak: Serbia, Kosovo experts discuss license plates issue (N1)
USAID strong development partner for Serbia (RTS/Tanjug/RTV)
Djuric: Business with the Balkans round table held in Washington (Tanjug)
Joksimovic expects progress in EU talks during French presidency (Tanjug/RTV)
Stefanovic: Serbia determined to strengthen cooperation with EU in defense (Tanjug)
Serbian, Russian general staff officers discuss cooperation in Moscow (Beta)
Aspen Institute report warns of lack of media freedom in Serbia (N1)
Journalist to run for Serbia’s president in 2022 (N1)
Hill’s hellish agenda for Serbs (Novosti)
Army of B&H’ is being lined up, yet West is shutting its eyes before it (Novosti/Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Peach resumes with visit to B&H, meets with MPs, opposition, international representatives (Nova BH)
Peach addresses citizens of B&H via video message: It is great to be back (Nova BH)
Schmidt: I do not rule out possibility of imposing sanctions against RS (BN TV/ Deutschlandfunk)
Strik: EU needs urgent change of policy in B&H (Nova BH/BHT1)
Chollet: Undermining of B&H institutions is unacceptable (Dnevni avaz)
HJPC to harmonize statement regarding RS parliament’s decision to suspend Law on HJPC, form HJPC and appoint judges and prosecutors at RS level (O Kanal)
Dodik: RS will form its own HJPC; If sanctions are imposed against the RS, German officials will be unable to speak to any RS’ official from ruling majority at any authority level (ATV)
Stanivukovic: I am categorically against sanctions against Dodik, he represents RS (Dnevni list)
Serbian leaders on B&H political crisis (ATV/RTRS)
Palmer, Eichhorst postpone visit to B&H; Negotiations on B&H Election Law halted (N1/Hayat/BHT1)
Osmanovic about postponing of electoral reform: First unblock work of institutions (Dnevni avaz)
EUD/ US Embassy issue joint statement about talks on electoral reform: Leaders have not done the work necessary to bring the B&H political system in line with EU regulations and court rulings (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia

Milanovic sends letter to Plenkovic expressing dissatisfaction with EU GAC conclusions on B&H (Jutarnji list)
Bosniak parties achieved their goal; Palmer and Eichhorst not coming to B&H (Vecernji list)
Montenegro

Memorandum of Cooperation signed (CdM)
This is not the creation of a minority government, the DPS is not coming back (RTCG)
Abazovic: Criminal organisations were created with the support of certain political structures (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)
Republic of North Macedonia

Zaev to decide on his resignation next week (TV 24)
BESA demands early elections as soon as possible (Republika)
Pendarovski and Kurti reaffirm interest in promoting cooperation between Skopje and Pristina (Republika)
Pendarovski visits KFOR Regional Command – West in Kosovo (Republika)
Osmani would cooperate in Zaev’s planned review of the Kumanovo terrorist attack trial (Republika)
Pendarovski welcomed Bulgaria’s new approach to Macedonia (Republika)
Albania

Xhacka receives her Montenegrin counterpart Djordje Radulovic (Radio Tirana)
Meta: EU membership is uncompromising, inalienable and indestructible with other deadlocks (Radio Tirana)
Still no date for the first intergovernmental conference with the EU (Radio Tirana)