United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 26 April 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic from New York: Everything is boiling like a beehive in the UN; We do more than it's realistic (B92/RTS/RTV/Tanjug/Politika)
• Petkovic from Brussels: We showed constructiveness, presented proposals, next meeting on 13 May (B92/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Lajcak: Compromise paper offered to Belgrade, Pristina (N1)
• Vucevic: Process of forming government cannot be accelerated (Beta)
• Brnabic calls local elections in 66 self-government units for 2 June (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Sapic calls elections for 17 Belgrade municipalities (Beoinfo/Tanjug)
• Statistics office chief denies claims of falsely registered voters (N1)
• Serb youth beaten and robbed in northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica (Politika)
• Pristina court extends custody for Serbs charged in Banjska case (Tanjug/Politika)
• Serb municipalities should be formed as soon as possible - UK Ambassador (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Vote on Resolution on Srebrenica scheduled for 2 May in UNGA postponed for further consultations (AJB/BNTV)
• Sweden to become co-sponsor of Srebrenica resolution (N1)
• RS government to hold session in Srebrenica on May 2; Dodik says RS leadership will honor Srebrenica victims in Potocari if they get chance to do that and stresses RS will not accept Resolution on Srebrenica (ATV)
• Dodik: Possible adoption of resolution on Srebrenica could cause permanent divisions in B&H (ATV)
• Dodik criticizes moves regarding Kosovo’s CoE membership, calls for opening talks at institutional level on peaceful separation (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic: If adopted, Srebrenica resolution will be non-binding, but it could still create problems in B&H and the region (RTRS)
• Becirovic meets with Quint Ambassadors, support to EU path of B&H expressed (BHT1)
• Deadline for submission of reform plan for participation in EU Growth Plan expires on Friday, B&H authorities did not reach an agreement (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Rafale fighter aircraft arrive in Croatia (HRT)
Montenegro
• The growth plan should speed up the implementation of the agreed reforms (RTCG)
• Mandic: It is certain that there will be an expansion of the Government during June (CdM)
• Maskovic: Podgorica should support the UN resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica; Omeragic signed the initiative (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• International observers say presidential election competitive and overall well run, marked by legal gaps and negative rhetoric (MIA)
• Xhaferi – Lapsley: North Macedonia valued member of NATO, dedicated to developing its defense capabilities (MIA)
Albania
• Spiropali meets with President Begaj: Cooperation between Institutions, a guarantee for the advancement of Albania (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic meets with Guterres (NSPM)
• Vucic from New York: The pressure on small countries is getting stronger; Serbia managed to put a fight (B92)
• Vucic: They want a collective punishment for the Serbian people. We will fight until the end (B92)
• Vucic apologizes to Slovenians, but not to politicians (Beta)
• Claims by Slovene Foreign Ministry regarding statement by Serbian President rejected (Tanjug/RTV)
• Momirovic talks with Ambassadors from Islamic countries about pressure exerted on Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic, Ashton discuss Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug)
• Serbian peacekeepers in Lebanon under no imminent threat (Politika/Beta)
• Trilateral meeting of Belgrade, Pristina and EU delegations underway in Brussels (Tanjug)
• Panel discussion: Serbian, RS authorities spread disinformation on Srebrenica resolution, gathering political points (Beta)
• KFOR Commander: Kosovo situation requires political solution (Beta)
• Press release (parliament.gov.rs)
• EP adopts most ambitious growth plan for Western Balkans to date (RFE/FoNet)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• High-ranking B&H delegation holds first meeting with EC after approval of opening of accession negotiations (FTV)
• HR Schmidt reminds of deadline for FB&H authorities to adopt solution for appointment of FB&H government (BHT1)
• Sarrazin: Political crisis in B&H is deep and it affects the region as well; Currently there are no efforts to continue implementation of reform agenda (BNTV)
• Dodik attends Security Forum in Saint Petersburg (RTRS)
• Dodik on Srebrenica resolution: There are constant attempts to impose universal guilt to Serbs (Nova BH)
• Kosarac on ‘Srebrenica resolution’: They will have to take the responsibility for disrespecting of constitutional competencies and Dayton structure of B&H, with which they brought in question survival of this country (RTRS)
• Dodik comments State Department’s Report on Human Rights in 2023: USA wants to maintain negative narrative on RS (RTRS)
• Niksic on project of ‘Southern Interconnection’: Conditions are being set (Oslobodjenje)
• Konakovic at Energy Summit: I hope for bold and quick solutions (Klix.ba)
• Russian Embassy to B&H: It is difficult to imagine more unprofessional and politicized claim than that of Konakovic about Russia at Neum Energy Forum (ATV)
• Ambassador Murphy: FB&H government should adopt the Law on Southern Interconnection (Dnevni avaz)
• Ambassador Fitschen: Germany dedicated to help B&H to move away from fossil fuels (Klix.ba)
• Reilly: B&H has many potentials, and they should be properly utilized (FTV)
Croatia
• Homeland Movement and the HDZ hold talks on forming a new government (HRT)
• SEC publishes candidate slates for EP elections (HRT)
Montenegro
• Picula: When the country meets the conditions of the policy not to delay accession (RTCG)
• Mogherini with Milatovic: EU doors were not so open before, today they are, I share the frustration due to the too long accession process (Antena M)
• Djukanovic: I don’t believe that Montenegrins living in Montenegro today are so different from those who defended their freedom, honour, dignity and state for a thousand years (Antena M)
• State Department: Accepting the facts moves the region toward reconciliation (VoA/MINA)
• Strikovic: Voting for the resolution on Srebrenica is a humanitarian and state obligation (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• SEC: Siljanovska-Davkova - 36.99%, Pendarovski - 18,18% (MIA)
• Mickoski: Best result for VMRO-DPMNE as opposition, yellow card for authorities, red must follow (MIA)
• Kasami: Worth It coalition winner of these elections (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Result not one we expected, not giving up (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Heavy blow for country's European prospects, not late to change course (MIA)
Albania
• Hasani in Zagreb: EU membership, the only future for Albania (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani meets the Croatian President, joint efforts for security and stability in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Tabaku in the Austrian parliament, discussions on European integration (Radio Tirana)
• Balla in Abu Dhabi: Task Force on cooperation in the field of police and security (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Ziadeh: Full implementation of Belgrade-Pristina agreements necessary (Beta/RTS/Politika/RTV)
• Continuous legal, physical violence against Serbs in Kosovo Metohija (RTS)
• Vucic from New York: We will request the withdrawal of the resolution on Srebrenica (B92)
• Vucic met Nebenzya: We discussed the imposition of a resolution on Srebrenica (B92)
• Vucic, UAE Ambassador to UN discuss Srebrenica resolution (Tanjug)
• Serbia very important partner of Germany in Western Balkans (Politika)
• Ohrid agreement officially part of the EU-Serbia negotiating framework (RTS)
• State Department: Serbia still faces problems with corruption, judiciary, media freedom (N1)
• Serbian parliament adopted amendments to the Law on Local Elections (RTS)
• Part of the Serbian opposition to run for office on 2 June under the slogan “I Choose to Fight” (Beta)
• Djilas: I hope parties choosing to enter election are not colluding with Vucic (N1)
• People’s Party to run for election in Belgrade together with New Serbia (Srbin Info)
• Serbs boycott vote to dismiss ethnic Albanian mayors (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Cvijanovic requests emergency session of B&H Presidency on Tuesday (Srna)
• B&H FM Konakovic: Vucic’s formation of HQ of Serbian Mission with UN to fight against Resolution on Srebrenica is shameful (FTV)
• Cvijanovic slams Konakovic over statement concerning Vucic (RTRS)
• Dodik: With resolution on Srebrenica, Bosniaks destroyed positive progress made by B&H (BNTV)
• Stevandic: Announced resolution on Srebrenica will divide world (Hayat)
• UN’s Nyaletsossi Voule: What RS authorities are doing is concerning (BHT1)
• B&H CoM adopts its program of work marking EU path of B&H as priority, says it will send to B&H parliament opinion of B&H Ministry of Justice on SDA’s proposal of amendments to Election Law of B&H (N1)
• Stevandic: Door for negotiations on B&H Election Law is open (ATV)
• French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expresses concern over RS laws; They call on politicians to unite and return to path of reforms (Klix.ba)
• American International Republican Institute study shows drop in support to EU integration in B&H and Serbia (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Plenkovic confirms he will head slate for European Parliament (HRT)
• Milanovic: I will not rush anyone; the session is 20 days from the final results (HRT)
Montenegro
• Mandic: EU membership is the main foreign policy goal of Montenegro (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Presidential elections: 1,814, 317 citizens eligible to vote (MIA)
Albania
• Albania, a promoter of peace and security in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Security of NATO eastern border, joint military exercise between Albania-Montenegro (Radio Tirana)
• US State Department: The judicial system in Albania, more independent from the Vetting and the actions of SPAK (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 22 April 2024

LOCAL PRESS

• Today, on UN Security Council session on Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia is represented by Vucic (B92)
• Vucic on the vote for the Resolution on Srebrenica: They knew that Russians and Chinese would veto it (B92)
• Dacic: UNSC another opportunity for Vucic to talk about all the problems faced by Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (TV Pink)
• Vucic after the meeting with O’Brien: We agree on little regarding Kosovo and Srebrenica (Beta)
• Brnabic meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (Tanjug)
• Porfirije with O’Brien and Hill: Kosovo and Metohija – part of Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Djuric: Serbia asking for Resolution on Genocide in Srebrenica to be withdrawn (Beta/RTS/Tanjug)
• Kurti's escalating moves lead Serbs toward humanitarian disaster (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Serbia Against Violence participating in 2 June elections under new name (N1)
• Ferguson: The term ‘genocide’ does not imply collective responsibility of Serbs (Politika)
• Nebenzya: Danger of new conflict looming over the Balkans (Politika)
• Diplomatic breakthrough through pressure and blackmail (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Konakovic calls on representatives of UN countries to support proposed resolution on Srebrenica genocide (AJB)
• B&H Presidency members Becirovic and Komsic thank UN SG Guterres on support and measures in fight against genocide denial (Hayat)
• Novakovic Bursac: Term ‘genocide’ must not be used without caution (RTRS)
• Dodik: RS is not spite but freedom (ATV)
• EUD to B&H condemns denial of genocide during RS parliament session and at “Srpska is calling you” rally (O Kanal)
• US Embassy: Denial of Srebrenica genocide by Dodik and other leaders from the RS at RS parliament session and rally in Banja Luka is reprehensible and irresponsible (N1)
• Russian Embassy strongly criticizes US’ policy in B&H and the world (Oslobodjenje)
• Konakovic comments rally in Banja Luka: The entire world saw the image of genocide deniers (Dnevni avaz)
• Niksic: B&H will survive, everything else will perish (Dnevni avaz)
• “Western Balkans in the EU” conference ends in Ljubljana (N1)
• Dodik attends Serbian Army's tactical military exercise 'Vihor 2024' at ‘Pester’ training ground; says Serbia shows ability to progress in all fields (Nova BH)
Croatia
• Plenkovic candidate for President of EC as von der Leyen loses support among conservatives (Jutarnji list/Bild)
• Constitutional Court rules President Milanovic cannot be prime minister (HRT)
• President Milanovic responds, calling ruling groundwork for a coup (HRT)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Vucic should have chosen his words better, Gorcevic’s statement in parliament a mere political platitude; Mandic owes an answer (RTCG)
• Mandic and Knezevic at Serbian Army’s military exercise (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Final day of presidential campaign ahead of Wednesday vote, parliamentary campaign resumes (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj, support to Malta in humanitarian diplomacy and interreligious dialogue (Radio Tirana)
• NATO PA delegation visits the Kucova Air Base (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: After 11 years of brutal lies, Community of Serb Municipalities still not established (Tanjug)
• Petkovic from Brussels: The other side does not want to negotiate, Kurti does not want a solution (B92/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Stano: Pristina to face consequences if it fails to form Serb municipalities (Tanjug)
• Vucic, PM of Commonwealth of Dominica discuss development of bilateral ties (Tanjug/RTV)
• Intensification of cooperation with Dominica in areas of mutual interest (Tanjug)
• Serbia thankful to Palestine for supporting its vital interests (Tanjug/RTV)
• Ramdin confirmed that Suriname's position on not recognizing so-called "Kosovo" remains unchanged (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: UN General Assembly debate on resolution is attempt to avoid Russia's veto (TV Prva)
• Simic: Dead letter on paper (RTS)
• Opposition movements says demands for fair elections cannot be met before elections on 2 June (Beta)
• Paunovic calls on opposition to accept on more meeting with authorities (Beta)
• Opposition MP: I call on all to participate in elections, Vucic trying to disunite us (N1)
• KFOR Commander invited to Serbian armed forces exercise (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Early on Friday morning RS parliament adopts RS Election Law, RS Law on Immunity, Law on Referendum and Civic Initiative and Amendments to RS Labor Law (RTRS)
• RS parliament adopts ‘Final report of Independent International Commission for Investigation of Suffering of All Peoples in Srebrenica Region from 1992 to 1995’ denying Srebrenica genocide (BHT1/Avaz)
• RS parliament representatives comment on ‘Final report of Independent International Commission for Investigation of Suffering of All Peoples in Srebrenica Region from 1992 to 1995’ (ATV)
• ‘Srpska is calling you’ rally held in Banja Luka as reaction to resolution on Srebrenica (N1)
• Presentation of draft resolution on International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica held; Serbia, Russia, North Korea and Nicaragua are against it (N1)
• Izetbegovic on Srebrenica resolution: RS, Serbia should accept truth (Hayat)
• B&H HoR rejects all conclusions proposed by SNSD, including one on annulment of all decisions of High Representative (N1)
• HR Schmidt: Do not play tactical games, changes to B&H Election law that I reached stay in force (Oslobodjenje)
• Stano: Any action against sovereignty and territorial integrity, will lead to serious consequences (O Kanal)
• US Embassy: Political crisis has not been produced by the international community, but by local leaders, most notably Milorad Dodik (O Kanal)
• Escobar meets Forto: B&H’s membership in the EU and NATO is strategic interest (Klix.ba)
• Minister Helez meets Brig-Gen McGaha: Cooperation between B&H and NATO will get stronger (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: You will find out very soon with whom we will form a new majority (HRT)
Montenegro
• Escobar to Vukovic: This government succeeded in building Montenegro’s reputation as a credible partner (CdM)
• Milatovic: Erect a memorial to the victims of Kaludjerski laz (CdM)
• Djukanovic: It is important to pay respect to Kaludjerski Laz victims, but it is even more important to shed light on causes of that tragedy (CdM)
• DPS supported the initiative for Montenegro to sponsor the UN Resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica (CdM)
• Ivanovic in Riyadh: Montenegro is committed to strengthening bilateral ties, the focus of the talks is economic cooperation (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski: Internal blockade of country's EU path is more painful (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Only SDSM makes progress on European road (MIA)
• Mickoski in Ohrid asks citizens to unite around better tomorrow (MIA)
• Osmani: Your vote is not one-time choice but investment in future (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj with US State Department official: Albania, protector and promoter of human rights (Radio Tirana)