United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 27 May 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Serbia issues countermeasure against Montenegro's decision: Montenegro Airline banned (Blic/B92)
Vucic: Montenegrins are our brothers, we have no one closer (B92)
Dacic: Montenegro’s behavior leading to conflicts (TV Prva/FoNet)
Dacic: Serbia committed to values of Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (RTS)
Djuric: International missions in Kosovo and Metohija to stop the wave of violence against Serbs (RTS)
Gojkovic discusses elections with Fajon, Bilcik (Beta)
Train with medical equipment from China arrives in Belgrade (Tanjug/RTS)
Another 48 cases, 6,277 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

SNSD officially submits motion with B&H CC for constitutional review of B&H CEC decision to postpone elections for November 15 (ATV)
Cvijanovic says she is surprised that there is no reaction of foreigners regarding the postponement of the elections (ATV)
Dodik: SNSD does not support postponement of elections; SNSD finds CEC illegitimate; SNSD Executive Committee is preparing for elections like if it will be held tomorrow (RTRS)
Stanivukovic: Opposition in RS is ready for elections (O kanal)
Radoncic: Elections are matter of political will; I do not think CEC was appointed legally (N1)
Colak: CEC’s decisions lead to expelling Croats from authorities in 2022 (Vecernji list)
Tegeltija, ministers Bevanda and Turkovic discuss current political and economic situation in B&H with EUSR Sattler (Dnevni avaz)
Cubrilovic receives request for special session on B&H HoR’s resolution on respect for victims of fascist regime (ATV)
Dodik: I expect RS parliament to reject resolution on respecting victims of Ustasha regime (RTRS)
Dodik: Decision of Montenegro not to open borders with B&H, Serbia attempt to solve internal political issues in this country (N1)
B&H sees spike in coronavirus cases as Tesanj becomes latest hotspot (N1/Fena)
Croatia

Oil deal document ignites political firestorm (Glas Hrvatske/Nacional)
No new cases of Covid-19 reported in Croatia (N1)
Montenegro

Djukanovic to Kurti: We wish our countries well, but it won’t happen to us if we don’t wish the same for our neighbors (CDM)
Montenegro Airlines says: Serbia remains part of our plans (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Spasovski: Elections as soon as possible needed to provide stable institutions (MIA)
Interview with the terrorist attackers on Kumanovo aired live on a Kosovo TV station (Republika)
Coronavirus curfew ends as of Wednesday, catering facilities to reopen on Thursday (MIA)
State quarantine replaced by home isolation, protocol for borders to be defined (MIA)
Talks underway with neighboring countries and EU over opening borders (MIA)
In North Macedonia 25 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed, 17 patients recovered, 3 people have died (Libertas)
Albania

Political Council decides about election dates (Radio Tirana)
Gjiknuri after Political Council meeting: Parties agreed on some of points proposed by the opposition (Radio Tirana)
Kim after meeting Basha: Discussion focused on future, not past (Radio Tirana)
Land borders with Kosovo expected to be opened on 1 June (Radio Tirana)
In Albania 21 cases confirmed positive with Covid-19 (Radio Tirana)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Kosovo leader Thaci rejects EU mediator for Serbia talks as Pristina wants increased US role in dialogue (RT/Reuters)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 22 May 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: If the offer is what I assume, the answer will be ‘no’ (RTS/Tanjug/Beta)
Vucic meets Quint Ambassadors (RTS/Tanjug/Beta)
Dacic: Serbia cannot pretend to be blind to the problems of Serbs in Montenegro (TV Studio B/Beta)
Rosocha: Slovakia adheres to the principled stance of not recognizing Kosovo's independence (Beta)
Godfrey: I hope those responsible for murder of Bytyqi brothers will be brought to justice (FoNet/NSPM)
Djuric: Clash of great powers regarding Albanian leaders in Pristina (TV Happy/Tanjug/RTV)
Biscevic: Stable Serbia in Croatia’s interest (N1)
Entry into Serbia without coronavirus test and commission permission (Tanjug)
No deaths over past 24 hours (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

B&H CoM fails to adopt decision on distribution of 330 million Euros provided by IMF (N1)
Softic: We cannot launch distribution of IMF funds without decision of B&H CoM; IMF: No deadline for distribution of funds and no mechanism exists for funds to be returned (BHT1)
Covic: It is shame B&H is incapable to distribute IMF funds, SDA and HDZ B&H are no longer coalition partners (O kanal)
HDZ B&H: Illegal B&H CEC is an obstacle to election activities (Vecernji list)
Funds needed for preparation for local election not secured for B&H CEC (BHT1)
Ambassador: Russia advocates for abolition of High Representative in B&H (Srna/Russian Gazette)
RS parliament adopts decision to abolish state of emergency (RTRS)
Mandatory 14-day isolation upon entering B&H territory abolished (BHT1)
B&H records 21 new Covid-19 infections for a total of 2,372 cases (N1)
Croatia

Croatia, Slovenia to initial agreement simplifying border-crossing procedure (Hina)
Easing of border restrictions sees 132K foreigners arrive to Croatia (Hina)
Croatia supports Merkel-Macron rescue plan (Hina/Jutarnji list)
Six newly infected in Croatia, a total of 2243, two people died (N1)
Montenegro

Markovic: Those who were against independence are now attacking Montenegro’s sovereignty (CDM)
Boskovic: Attacks on Montenegrin independence are doomed to fail (CDM)
Darmanovic: We won’t allow Serbia to meddle in Montenegro’s internal affairs (Pobjeda)
Serbian national positive for coronavirus transported to Serbia (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Electoral Commission President says that he is under over political pressure as SDSM insists on having elections in June (Republika/Telma TV)
Pendarovski, Kurti discuss pandemic, cooperation in phone call (MIA)
Number of infections in Skopje and Tetovo on the rise (MIA)
COVID-19: 23 new cases in North Macedonia, 9 patients recover, 1 dies (MIA)
Albania

President Meta proposes a "peace" plan (Tirana Times)
Albania to open borders within May (Tirana Times)
Vice Minister and family banned from entering US (ADN)
In Albania 12 new COVID-19 cases (Tirana Times)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Picula: I call for a constructive dialogue in Montenegro (EWB)

LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: We didn't hide data at any time (Tanjug/B92)
Dacic: Not possible to reach solution for Kosovo before US presidential elections in November (Tanjug/Sputnik)
Dacic: Borders to open with four countries on 1 June (TV Prva/Beta)
First Air Serbia commercial flight after state of emergency (Tanjug/Beta)
Another 86 cases, 5,370 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

SNSD and HDZ B&H agree Governor of B&H Central Bank needs to allocate IMF funds; agree that current composition B&H CEC is illegal (RTRS)
Komsic: Dodik’s and Covic’s threats regarding elections represent attack on state institutions (FTV)
Covic, Izetbegovic, Sattler attend dinner in Residency of US Ambassador in Sarajevo (FTV)
Covic meets Izetbegovic: There is no trust at B&H level, for that reason HDZ B&H does not have a partner in the FB&H (RTRS)
B&H CEC decides to wait for B&H CoM’s decision on financing, otherwise it might postpone local elections (BHT1)
B&H HoR adopts amendments to Law on VAT and resolution on respect for victims of Ustasha regime and discusses issue of foreign judges at B&H Constitutional Court (N1)
Dodik: Resolution on Respect for Victims of Ustasha Regime is in function of Bosniak elite and revision of history (RTRS)
Dodik: Opposition politicians were not wiretapped, I was just teasing them (N1)
Measure of self-isolation abolished in both B&H entities (O kanal)
A total of 2,350 people is now infected with the coronavirus in B&H (N1)
Croatia

Three new infections of coronavirus in Croatia, one more person dies (N1)
Montenegro

Markovic: We have passed the most difficult exam (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia

Minister Filipche: Too early to open borders (MIA)
Committee for Infectious Diseases proposes lockdown during holiday weekend (MIA)
European Council adopts COVID-19 assistance package to support North Macedonia and other neighboring partners (MIA)
In North Macedonia 40 new COVID-19 cases, 11 patients recover, 1 dies (MIA)
Albania

Citizens gather in second National Theatre protest (Tirana Times)
In Albania 5 new COVID-19 cases (Tirana Times)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Hungary closing border transit zones for asylum-seekers (AP)

Hungary to reject EU top court’s ruling on migrant transit zones (New Europe)

Romania not ready to join Bulgaria and Greece in cross-border tourism initiative(Romania Insider)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 20 May 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic with Patriarch Irinej: In Montenegro politics interfering in internal organization of church (RTS)
Joksimovic: Slovakia favors speeding up Serbia’s EU integrations (Beta)
Obradovic and Kostic end their hunger strike (RTS/B92)
EP tells N1 it receives invitation to monitor 21 June elections (N1)
Crisis Response Team recommends opening of administrative crossing; PCR test no longer mandatory when entering Serbia (Tanjug)
Freedom House stands by conclusions on Serbia (Beta/VoA)
Another 100 cases, 5,067 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

With EU officials about pandemic (Dnevni avaz)
SDA warns public and international community not to underestimate reasons behind HDZ B&H’s blockade of distribution of IMF money (Dnevni list)
Elections related stories (Dnevni list/FTV/Dnevni avaz)
Prosecutor’s Office of B&H launches investigation in case of issuing of falsified visas for Pakistani citizens (Dnevni avaz)
New coronavirus cases reported in B&H, a total of 2,338 infected (N1)
Croatia

Milanovic calls elections for 5 July (N1)
Plenkovic, Pompeo exchange views about situation in B&H (Jutarnji list)
Borders open between Croatia and Slovenia (Hina)
Coronavirus - 2 newly infected in Croatia, 2234 in total (N1)
Montenegro

Joanikije and priests indicted for violating health regulations (Pobjeda)
Dialogue until solution to law on religious freedom is achieved (RTCG)
Savkovic: SPC and pro-Serbian opposition parties want to destabilize Montenegro (CDM)
DF warned Djukanovic “not to play with fire” (Dnevne novine)
Varhelyi: Peaceful solution needed in Montenegro (N1)
Coronavirus-free Montenegro: Announcement that sparked great interest of UAE (CDM)
First phase of the airport opening starts today (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Filipche says Commission for Infectious Diseases not competent for elections (MIA)
Zaev: Election to be held according to laws if there’s no agreement (MIA)
Mickoski says ‘good luck’ if SDSM decides on June elections (MIA/Sitel TV)
If the elections are held in June, VMRO will not participate, Nikoloski tells Sekerinska (Republika)
PM Spasovski: Competent institutions awaiting election date to be set (MIA)
Filipche: Preparing for second COVID-19 autumn wave, launching big investment in health sector (MIA)
Varhelyi: Negotiating frameworks for North Macedonia and Albania to come in June (MIA)
COVID-19: 19 new confirmed cases in North Macedonia, 16 patients recovered, 4 died (MIA)
Albania

President Meta calls for int'l investigation into demolition of Theatre (Tirana Times)
Kim met with Pm Edi Rama (Radio Tirana)
In Albania 15 new COVID-19 cases, 79% recovered (Tirana Times)

LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: Montenegrin officials have so far not been open to talk (Tanjug/RTV/B92)
Vucic: Serbia agrees to open borders on 1 June (RTS/Tanjug)
Dacic: Importance of regional cooperation during coronavirus pandemic (Tanjug/RTS)
Djuric: Kurti is afraid of Vucic (FoNet/TV Pink)
Jeremic: 21 June elections uncertain, boycott to last until fair conditions are ensured (Beta)
Godfrey:Everyone should take part in Serbia's June elections; solution to Kosovo issueonly if both sides want it (TV Prva/Beta/RTV)
Fajon: Image of Serbia not good (N1)
Another 34 cases, 4,904 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Political parties in the RS launch several initiatives to lift curfew (N1)
Tegeltija confirms opening of B&H borders on 1 June (O kanal)
Tegeltija calls on B&H CEC to do its job, stressing that funds to finance elections will be ensured by competent authorities (N1)
SDA calls on B&H CoM to act in line with conclusion of B&H Presidency and prepare budget as soon as possible (Glas Srpske)
Radoncic: It would not be bad to merge local and general elections in two years (Vecernji list)
Radmanovic: There is no parliamentary majority to support proposal of law on appointment of foreign judges at B&H CC in B&H HoR (RTRS)
EU might postpone presentation of enlargement package for October, in order to present it simultaneously with economic investment plan for WB region (Nezavisne)
Radoncic: I will not allow opening of a new migrant camp in Sarajevo (N1)
B&H Ambassador to Pakistan Foric: I did not falsify visas for the Pakistanis, I expect apology from Dodik and Radoncic (Dnevni list)
B&H confirms 19 new Covid-19 cases and 1 death (N1)
Croatia

In Croatia, 4 new cases of infection, a total of 2232, 1 person died (N1)
Montenegro

Two years of office: President’s public address (CDM)
Djukanovic: Enough of the Serbian Orthodox Church circus (CDM)
Democratic Front won’t boycott the elections (Pobjeda)
Montenegro halfway to the end of the epidemic (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Leaders’ meeting: No agreement on election date (MIA)
Zaev: Elections should be held on 21 June (MIA)
Mickoski: VMRO-DPMNE proposed August 23 and 30, September 13 as possible election dates (MIA)
Gashi and Sela favor 26 July elections (MIA)
Ahmeti: Election date must be set by consensus; people’s health is top priority (MIA)
Kasami: Election date to be determined after state of emergency ends (MIA)
No outcome of second leaders’ meeting means use of defined timelines, says Zaev (MIA)
Spasovski: The date for holding elections has been determined since the adoption of the Decree having the force of law to stop all election activities (Republika/TV Klan)
Covid-19: 22 new confirmed cases, 50 patients recovered, 2 died (MIA)
Albania

Citizens gather in protest against demolition of National Theatre (Tirana Times)
Gjiknuri makes an appeal to the opposition to carry on the negotiations for the electoral reform and take their role (Radio Tirana)
Basha informs on topics discussed with ambassadors (ADN)
UN team in Albania expresses concern following the tensions triggered by the collapse of TK! (Radio Tirana)
Only 1 new COVID-19 case in Albania (Tirana Times)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece Agree on Travel Without Quarantine (BTA)