LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: It is clear Pristina wants no dialogue with us (Tanjug/Politika)
Borrell: No readiness for high-level meeting at this point (Tanjug)
Brnabic: Opening of Cluster 4 big step forward, recognition for Serbia (RTS/Tanjug)
Stefanovic: Women must be an important part of our defense systems (Tanjug/Politika)
SPC responds to Viola von Cramon: SPS exists in Germany (Politika)
DJB: Opposition to join campaign to overthrow changes to the Constitution in a referendum (Politika/Beta)
Sir Stuart Peach comes in peace (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Escobar meets Tegeltija; Tegetlija: Annulment of decision banning genocide denial would create preconditions for normal functioning of all institutions (RTRS)
Escobar talks to media in B&H, he underlines issue of corruption as biggest problem in B&H; He argues that sanctions will not solve problems and that best sanctions are those coming from voters (Dnevni avaz)
Becirovic: Sanctions will ensue soon by US, EU, Germany and UK (Nova BH)
PIC SB Political Directors begin two-day session in Sarajevo (Hayat)
Zvizdic at Forum in Washington: Peace and prosperity in B&H mean peace and prosperity in the Western Balkans and Europe (Dnevni list)
Covic describes talks in Brussels as successful (FTV)
RS opposition comments on upcoming special session of RS parliament (BHT1)
Representatives of Troika from FB&H and representatives of opposition parties from RS point out that holding of elections in 2022 is unquestionable (BHT1)
Despite all threats, 2022 General Election will be held although some parties might decide to boycott it (Nezavisne)
Izetbegovic, Croatian President Milanovic exchange mutual accusations (N1)
Croatia

Milanovic says Dzaferovic was sponsor of Mujaheddins in Zenica and Kakanj, who came to Vukovar to provoke Serbs (HRT1/N1)
Grlic-Radman: Srebrenica genocide is indisputable (Hina)
Milanovic: Zec family case ‘dreadful’ but there are more dreadful war stories (Hina)
Grlic-Radman: Croatia’s experience ‘invaluable’ for Montenegro’s EU path (Hina)
Montenegro

Vucic offers Grenell to assist in Dodik’s downfall; Cvijanovic presented as alternative to Dodik (Vijesti.me)
Krivokapic: I don’t expect sensations after 10 December, switching from one side to the other hasn’t brought happiness to anyone (CdM)
Abazovic: Much has been done, the best is yet to come (RTCG)
Bogdanovic: Election results show growing trend of support for civilian and pro-European forces (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia

A stable majority is secured, the agreement with Alternative will become part of the government program (Libertas)
Mickoski: The new coalition is the last act of the attempt to destroy Macedonia directed by Zoran Zaev (Republika)
Next Bulgarian PM Kiril Petkov announces that the veto against Macedonia will remain in place for at least six more months (Republika/Der Spiegel)
Albania

Rama honored by Clinton with the “Vital Voices Global” Award (Radio Tirana)
Rama in New York: I am not a hero, but it is the Albanians who have always helped the weakest (Radio Tirana)
Escobar visits Tirana to confirm fight against corruption and undermining democracy (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Tuesday 7 December 2021
LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic on the Law on Expropriation: We are looking for a suitable solution (Tanjug)
• Anti-corruption Council: Law on Expropriation violates people’s rights (Beta/N1/RTS)
• EU: Belgrade, Pristina not ready for dialogue at this time (RFE/Beta)
• Flags of the KLA and Albania hoisted in north Kosovska Mitrovica (Tanjug/RTV/RTS/B92)
• NATO official: Serbia is a valued and longstanding partner of the Alliance (Beta)
• Environmentalists maintain initial demands (Beta)
• Kusturica: Known elements in the protests since the fall of Milosevic (Novosti)
• Serbia to open Cluster 4 in EU accession talks on 14 December (Tanjug)
• Backwash in B&H over support of Croats to suspension of Inzko’s law (Politika)
• London attacking RS through Dayton 2 (Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik says that RS is against abolition of ethnic prefix in election for members of Presidency; Dodik: If foreigners interfere in work of B&H CEC, elections might not be held in territory of RS (RTRS)
• Dodik suggests that absentee voting by mail should be abolished; SDS, DNS and PDP agree (Glas Srpske)
• Dodik announces potential support to HDZ B&H in boycotting of elections; Opposition in RS: Dodik again violates agreements reached with all political parties in RS (BN TV)
• Borenovic on Dodik’s claim that RS authorities might boycott elections (O Kanal)
• SDA: Dodik's threats to prevent next general elections from taking place show solely his fear of electoral will of dissatisfied citizens in RS and increasingly certain loss of power (Nova BH)
• Covic visits Brussels and meets MEPs; He warns B&H is heading into even deeper crisis over electoral reform (Dnevni avaz)
• Kovacevic: RS and Serbia will face many challenges, they must show strength, unity and stability (Nezavisne)
• Sulic: Collegium to schedule special session on Tuesday (ATV)
• Our Party and SBB representatives leave meeting dedicated to unblocking of FB&H due to failure of SDA to send its political representative (N1)
• Secession will be ‘on hold’ for six months because he needs funds (Dnevni list/Der Standard)
Montenegro
• Elections in three municipalities: Neither DPS will easily return to power, nor will ruling parties easily keep it (CdM)
• The opposition has a majority in Cetinje, ready to negotiate (RTCG)
• URA: Without us, there is no new government in Mojkovac (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Escobar welcomes the “flexibility” of the government in Skopje, but… Now is not the time to travel to Sofia (Libertas)
• Zaev’s coalition partners dissatisfied with his deal with Gashi, but are unlikely to rock the boat (Republika)
• Nikoloski urges the opening of EU accession talks for Macedonia during meetings in Paris (Republika)
• Varhelyi warns delays in EU accession of Macedonia and Albania affect trust in EU (Republika)
Albania
• US Embassy reacts on Escobar's visit to Tirana (ADN)
• Mazi: There is still hope for holding the first Intergovernmental Conference (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

Protests in over 50 Serbian cities, incidents in some (Beta)
Stefanovic: Djilas tries to regain power by paralyzing life (N1/Beta)
Vucic says law on Expropriation will be amended (Beta/B92/RTS/RTV)
Brnabic: Protests have nothing to do with laws, but with politics (Tanjug)
Brnabic: Demands of protest organizers unconstitutional (Tanjug/Politika)
Drecun: Goal is to seize north of Kosovo by force (RTS)
Petkovic: Kurti conducting monologue in his parallel reality (Tanjug/RTV)
Schieb: Our position on Kosovo remains unchanged (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Dodik says Putin confirmed Russia would not support appointment of HR Schmidt at UN SC; Bosniaks want to maintain current election system, while Croats are determined not to be outvoted again (FTV/RTRS)
EGP supports European perspective of B&H, calls on EU for sanctions against Dodik (BHT1)
Roth: Germany will discuss sanctions for B&H officials (N1)
Softic: There are two possible outcomes of the crisis – disappearance of B&H or disappearance of RS (Dnevni list)
Cvijanovic: Inzko is trigger for crisis in B&H, not RS (RTRS)
Dacic says imposing any solutions to detriment of Serbia and Serb people is unacceptable (ATV)
Dodik: If foreigners get involved in election process, RS will not take part in elections (RTRS)
Covic informs HNS about talks on changes of electoral legislation: Croats have a clear position that will not be adjusted to anyone (Hayat)
Stewart reflects on debate about B&H and conclusions adopted by UK House of Commons (Face TV)
Turkovic talks about political crisis in B&H at OSCE Ministerial Council in Stockholm (Hayat)
Schmidt urges B&H parliament to adopt law on state property (BHT1)
Croatia

HNP President Vukadin: Croat federal unit would lead to civic B&H (Vecernji list)
Croatian President Milanovic: Court is not the Holy Scripture (HRT1)
Hodzic: Milanovic crossed the red line with Srebrenica statement (Hina)
Montenegro

Local elections in Montenegro (RTCG)
Becic's party: We will not overthrow government, we are in favor of an agreement (RTCG)
Intergovernmental conference with Montenegro on 13 December (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia

Alternative decides to join the government (Republika)
LDP and DOM: We will see if the agreement with Alternative is acceptable to us (Republika)
Pendarovski-Escobar meeting: Strong and continuous support from the US in achieving strategic goals of our country (Republika)
Albania

USA-Albania cooperation in the field of defense (Radio Tirana)
Rama in the USA: "Automation Alley", interest for investments in Albania (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 3 December 2021

LOCAL PRESS

Government protests harshly over ban on Petkovic’s entry to Kosovo (Novosti/Politika/Tanjug)
Brnabic in parliament: We expect opening of chapters by year’s end; Fifty-seven percent of Serbian citizens support EU membership (Tanjug/Politika)
Selakovic voices concern over security situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/Beta)
Selakovic with Lavrov on relations between Serbia and Russia (RTS/Politika/Tanjug)
Good cooperation between Serbia, ODIHR (RTV/Tanjug)
Vulin with Shoygu: Serbia buying additional “pantsirs” (Beta/Politika)
Right bloc at elections, Bosko Obradovic presidential candidate (RTS/Tanjug)
Right bloc at elections, Bosko Obradovic presidential candidate (RTS/Tanjug)
Construction works begin on Nis-Merdare motorway (Tanjug/Politika)
European Commission denies inviting Tanjug to join European Newsdesk (Raskrinkavanje/N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Dodik meets Putin in Moscow; Dodik: Only legally appointed HR can have the support and the legitimacy in B&H; The important thing is that the RS has Russia’s support and understanding (ATV)
Four-day talks on changes of electoral legislation mediated by Palmer and Eichhorst end, no solution agreed (BHT1)
Izetbegovic on electoral reform negotiations (FTV)
Dodik: Political representatives of RS are not participating in negotiations of political parties from FB&H (RTRS)
Roth: Sanctions for those responsible for boycott of the state (Dnevni avaz)
UK parliament discusses situation in B&H (BHT1)
Turkovic in Stockholm at OSCE Ministerial Council session (Oslobodjenje/O Kanal)
Komsic and Dzaferovic discuss situation in B&H with Gonzales (BHT1)
Izetbegovic: International community needs to take stricter measures against Dodik instead of just putting him on blacklists of US Department of State (FTV/BBC)
Dodik: B&H has problem with Greater Muslim nationalism, whose main ideologue is Izetbegovic (Srna/RTRS)
B&H CC gives more time to Joint Concessions Commission to resolve case related to construction of hydroelectric power plants on Drina River: B&H CC rejects request of Campara re Dodik (N1)
B&H CC partially upholds Izetbegovic's motion allowing members of B&H AF to wear beards (ATV)
Croatia

Borrell op-ed: B&H citizens are tired of corruption, while B&H is falling behind rest of the Balkans; EU supports sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H and EUFOR will continue its mandate (Jutarnji list)
Montenegro

Initiative for removal of government will have support of parliament (RTCG)
Bilcik: Tensions in political establishment spill over into divisions in society
(Antena M/Pobjeda)
Abazovic: Open Balkans idea has been rather poorly communicated from start, region needs trust (CdM)
Krivokapic meets with Tegeltija (Office of the Prime Minister)
Republic of North Macedonia

Early parliamentary elections may be held this spring (Alsat TV)
Siljanovska: A government without 61 MPs has no legitimacy” (TV Kanal 5)
Kovacevski: I do not mind Zaev remaining Prime Minister until the political crisis is resolved (Republika)
Dimitrov: In order not to be disappointed, let us not expect an unblocking in December (Nezavisen vesnik/TV Klan)
VMRO-DPMNE will not respect a unilateral agreement signed with Zaev, Mickoski tells Sofia (TV Alsat)
Spasovski meets EU officials in Brdo near Kranj (Republika)
Radev and Macron talked about Macedonia in Strasbourg (Nezavisen vesnik)
Albania

MP urges Rama to resign after failing with Open Balkans (ADN)
Rama: Open Balkans creates new opportunities for the business (Radio Tirana)
President Meta seeks separation of Albania from N. Macedonia for EU talks (ADN)
Venice Commission, in favor of extending the vetting deadline! (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 2 December 2021

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Former authorities gave Rio Tinto sole drill permit (RTS/Tanjug)
Mihajlovic: Lithium is oil of 21st century (TV Happy)
Selakovic: Good relations between Serbia and Romania (Tanjug/RTV)
Vulin in Moscow: Security cooperation at highest level ever (Tanjug/RTS)
Borrell: Western Balkans remains strategic region for EU (Beta)
Stano calls on Belgrade, Pristina to allow official visits (Tanjug)
Serbian media watchdog says remarks against Tepic were discriminatory (N1)
British government appoints special envoy for Western Balkans (Beta/B92/RTS)
Putin’s response to Komsic and Dzaferovic (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Dodik: I am not against Constitution of B&H but against what has been imposed from aside; Putin never asked me to do or not to do something, this is why I respect him (RTRS)
Russian portal speculates about possibility of Russia sending soldiers to the RS, Izetbegovic and Dzaferovic react (Nova BH/ Pravda.ru)
Third day of negotiations on changes to B&H Election Law ends without much progress and agreement (N1)
Palmer, Eichhorst: Political reps in B&H are not close to agreement on election reform, law banning genocide denial in B&H is important and genocide denial is inacceptable (AJB)
Schmidt: Situation in B&H is bad, I am worried that it turns into something worse (Dnevni list)
Stoltenberg: Dodik’s aggressive rhetoric is concerning (BHT1)
Borrell: Situation in B&H is concerning (RTRS)
Roth meets Dzaferovic and Komsic; Roth: Sanctions are on the table for all those that block work of B&H institutions (BHT1)
B&H Presidency’s meeting with Roth marked by difference in stances after meeting (RTRS)
Baroness Goldie: UK will resume to support sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H (FTV)
Croatia

Austrian government bans HOS symbols (Hina/APA)
Montenegro

Krivokapic: I see opposition initiative as political marketing for Podgorica elections (Pobjeda)
URA: At this moment, we won’t vote for a no-confidence motion against the government, there is no reason for that (CdM)
Abazovic: There’s no cleaner option than elections, DPS won’t return, I’m not interested in what DF thinks (CdM)
There is no future for the EU without the future of the Western Balkans (European Integration Office)
Republic of North Macedonia

Gashi after meeting with Zaev: There’s progress, party consultations to follow (Republika)
Osmani: European perspective of Western Balkans – safest investment in region’s stability (Republika)
Austrian President Van der Bellen in a diplomatic mission between Macedonia and Bulgaria (Republika)
Albania

Nikolla meets Sassoli: European Parliament, Albania's voice within the EU (Radio Tirana)
Minister Xhacka participates at the NATO ministerial in Riga (Radio Tirana)