United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 15 November 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Dacic: Relocation of memorial plaque in Pristina an unacceptable, scandalous move (Tanjug/Politika)
• Preparation of defence envoys for service in countries of assignment (Tanjug)
• Dacic says alliance with opposition not an option (Srpski Telegraf/Beta)
• EU Integration Minister says Serbia not standing still (N1)
• Government adopts plan on harmonising Serbia's visa regime with EU (RTS)
• Jeremic: Serbia’s entry into EU unfeasible (Sputnik/Beta)
• Djurdjevic Stamenkovski: EU has an alternative, it’s BRICS (Beta)
• So-called Kosovo police investigating case of burning of Serbian flag at memorial site (Tanjug/Koha)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt visits Brussels, meets EU officials: Upholding of Dayton Agreement crucial for counteracting of secessionism (Dnevni avaz)
• Brussels: Konakovic attends meeting of FMs of EU and Western Balkans countries (O Kanal)
• Golob: Slovenia will recommend immediate opening of accession talks with B&H during December’s meeting of European Council (BHRT)
• New non-paper advocates accelerated accession of B&H to the EU (BHT/RTRS)
• RS politicians criticize Konakovic’s stances presented in Brussels (RTRS)
• 105th Rose-Roth seminar begins in Sarajevo; Kristo believes consensus on NATO path will be reached in B&H (Hayat)
• US Ambassador to B&H Michael Murphy pays two-day visit to RS (Oslobodjenje)
Montenegro
• Exclusive information – agreement on census between govt. and opposition (CdM)
• Spajic on the verge of accepting all requests of the opposition concerning census (CdM)
• Ivanovic in Brussels: Montenegro is ready to make a breakthrough in negotiations, the Western Balkans place is in the EU (CdM)
• Kosovo claims its property in Montenegro confiscated by Serbia (RSE/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani agrees with Borrell's idea of including Western Balkans in EU's decision-making (MIA)
• Xhaferi: Ready to reenergize mutual policies and good-neighborly relations with Bulgaria (MIA)
• Bulgarian Assembly Chairperson believes N. Macedonia will adopt constitutional amendments (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Kosovo and Serbia must come to an agreement, there is no other way (Radio Tirana)
• Minister Hasani met with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 14 November 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic with Lajcak: Belgrade for dialogue and respect for what was agreed; on Thursday about the ZSO statute in Brussels (RTS)
• Ministers of the EU and the Western Balkans on the situation in the region - there must be no grey areas for peace and security on the map of Europe (RTS)
• Borrell: Western Balkans to align more closely with EU policy, sanctions against Russia (Beta)
• Varhelyi: EC prepared to speed up Western Balkan EU integration (Beta)
• Non-paper calls EU to give Western Balkans priority (N1)
• Brnabic with Diane Farrell: USA is one of the most important foreign political and economic partners (RTS)
• At least three banks have payment transactions with Russia, a jump in the re-export of phones through Serbia (Forbes Serbia)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Karan: There are more than 110 or 120 registered para-jamaats which the RS MoI is controlling; Nesic says that he does not have new information compared to his earlier statements regarding security in B&H (FTV)
• SDA: We will always answer to recycled lies of Dodik’s Greater-Serb propaganda with the truth (Faktor.ba)
• Dodik: RS knows what should be done for EU path, this includes no foreign judges, no Schmidt, story of opposition they would introduce B&H to EU is science fiction (ATV)
• Session of HNS Presidency held in Mostar; Covic announces more intensive talks regarding changes to B&H Election Law from next week (FTV)
• B&H politicians comment on election reform (Nova BH)
• B&H FM Konakovic attends meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of EU and Western Balkans in Brussels (FTV)
• ‘Friends of the Western Balkans’ ask for closer cooperation and accelerated EU accession (Faktor.ba)
• Sarajevo hosts 105th Rose-Roth Seminar from November 14-16 (FTV)
• OHR assesses as myth claim that state property belongs exclusively to state of B&H, as well as that it belongs exclusively to entities (FTV)
• Dodik: First mandate as President of independent RS in 2030 (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Plenkovic names Ivan Anusic defense minister (HRT)
Montenegro
• Ivanovic in Brussels: The government is determined to implement the necessary reforms and achieve concrete progress in the negotiations with the EU (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Kovachevski – Kurti: Peaceful resolution of open regional disputes - a contribution to a stable, prosperous Western Balkans (MIA)
• Still no confirmation over Lavrov’s participation in OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje, says FM (MIA)
• Osmani: No indications that Blinken won’t attend OSCE Ministerial Council, procedure for Lavrov’s attendance underway (MIA)
• Spasovski and Gasic discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation, joint action against illegal migration (MIA)
Albania
• Minister Balla in Lion: Albanian government determined to further strengthen cooperation with Interpol in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking (Radio Tirana)
• Immigrants agreement with Albania is expected to be presented to the Italian parliament (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• US looking into allegations of Serbian companies violating sanctions on Russia (N1, VOA)
• Vucic: Macron knows what Belgrade will not change when it comes to Kosovo, but he wants to see things resolved (RTS)
• Vucic: Kurti’s meeting with Komsic and Becirovic is hypocritical and clear sign of double standards (Nezavisne)
• Vucic with O Brian on the dialogue in Brussels and the situation in KiM (RTS)
• Heads of EU diplomacy today with ministers from the Western Balkans (RTS)
• Ljajic: Hamas committed a terrorist act, Israel – a war crime (Beta)
• Vucic: If the opposition wins the election, I will not be the president anymore (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Reactions in RS to meeting of Becirovic and Komsic with Kurti in Paris: They destroy B&H (ATV)
• RS Representatives in B&H Parliament Send Letter to US Senate, US Congress, EP (O kanal)
• Marking of B&H Statehood Day (ATV)
• Sattler: B&H has received recommendation for opening of accession negotiations under certain conditions since the EC believes that it is necessary to do more on the reform agenda (Klix.ba)
• Dodik: Political Muslims are trying to undermine Dayton B&H; I do not expect any progress in talks by March (RTRS, Srna)
• PDP Main Board demands urgent adoption of Law on B&H CC without foreign judges (FTV)
• Cvijanovic claims Schmidt’s statements are unheard of (Srna)
• HR Schmidt calls for stronger engagement of domestic actors and united international approach in B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• B&H Presidency members presented different stances on situation in B&H during meeting with Macron (Nova BH)
• Prosecutor’s Office of RS suspends investigation against Dodik and Viskovic who were reported for allegedly not reporting criminal offenses in RS Government (BNTV)
Croatia
• Croatia PM Plenkovic relieves of duty Defence Minister (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic-Macron: France’s strong support for acceleration of Montenegro’s EU path (CDM)
• Appointments to key positions in judiciary will give additional momentum towards improving rule of law (CDM)
• Bogdanovic with Picula: It is important that the census be conducted in such a way that the results are accepted by the general public (CDM)
• Ambassador of Germany: To fill vacant positions in the judiciary, it is also important who are the people who will decide on justice (RTCG)
• Mandic with the ambassador of Russia: Our two nations are united by age-old friendship (CDM)
• The United Nations is ready to provide strong support to the reform agenda of Montenegro (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Kovachevski on Paris visit: Cooperation key for prosperity, stability and security of Europe (MIA)
• Kovachevski - O'Brien: North Macedonia accomplished a lot, important to continue on EU accession path (MIA)
• Economy Minister Bekteshi and Saudi counterpart Alibrahim discuss enhancement of cooperation (MIA)
Albania
• Rama calls for a ceasefire, the terrible suffering in Gaza must end (Radio Tirana)
• Prime Minister Rama, dinner at the Elysee Palace with President Macron and European leaders (Radio Tirana)
• Hasani participates in the meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union and the Western Balkan countries (Radio Tirana)
• Deputy Minister Fino receives senior NATO official (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• A new round of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina at the technical level on November 16 (RTS)
• Petkovic: ZSO will never be a non-governmental organization (RTS)
• European Commission report warns of political polarization in Serbia (N1)
• Vucic: It is important to protect state interests; I will meet with Macron (TV Prva)
• Giaufret presents report: Brnabic says EC recognized Serbia’s clear progress (FoNet)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• College of Commissioners from 27 EU countries decides that if B&H fulfills key EC priorities by March 2024, accession negotiations between B&H and EU will be opened (RTRS)
• Varhelyi: The plan is to integrate partners from the Western Balkans that want to join the EU as soon as possible (N1)
• EUD Head Sattler hands over EC progress report on B&H to B&H CoM Chair Kristo; Sattler: EU doors are wide open for B&H; It is necessary to carry out reforms (Dnevni avaz)
• Kristo addresses press conference: We receive encouragement for work in the future (Dnevni avaz)
• MEP Picula considers it paradox fact that Ukraine and Moldova received recommendation for start of negotiations on membership, and that in case of B&H it is conditional (Dnevni avaz)
• Niksic: Positive signals are confirmation of correctness of our policy of compromise and talk, contrary to the policy of populism which dominates at the B&H political scene (Slobodna Bosna)
• FM Konakovic: We got message that EU doors are wide open (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik on EC’s decision: Return the sovereignty of B&H, withdraw false Schmidt and foreign judges, then we will believe you (RTRS)

Montenegro
• Popa handed over Progress Report to Spajic: Starting point for reform processes (CDM)
• Popa: We hope that election of 44th Govt. can be a turning point for EU accession (CDM)
• European Commission comments Montenegro’s progress regarding rule of law reforms (AJB)
• Picula: No one can be satisfied with Report, Podgorica can regain necessary rhythm (RSE)
• Ivanovic: Montenegro supports Israel’s right to self-defense, but also strongly supports protection of civilians in Gaza (TVCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Ambassador Geer hands over EC Progress Report to President Pendarovski (MIA)
• No progress made in judiciary, assesses EC in Report on North Macedonia (MIA)
• Varhelyi hopes all sides will support constitutional amendments to push North Macedonia forward (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: The migrant agreement with Italy is not linked to the opening of EU negotiations (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 8 November 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• New round of negotiations between Serbia, Kosovo possible on Nov. 16 (Beta)
• Miroslav Lajcak: Next steps in Belgrade-Pristina dialogue agreed with Pristina (Beta)
• Petkovic with French envoy Troccaz: Kurti's plan for Kosovo without Serbs (RTS)
• Von der Leyen: It is in Pristina's interest to adopt the draft ZSO; Varhelyi: In the EU through dialogue (RTS)
• European Commission presents Growth plan for Western Balkans (N1)
• Jeremic: Implementation of Franco-German plan path to creation of Greater Albania (Beta)
• Ljajic: “Strong emotions and empathy” towards the Palestinians in Novi Pazar (RTV)
• Agreement signed with Azerbaijan, Dacic: Mutual respect and trust between the two nations (RTS)
• Prime Minister Brnabic: Relations between Serbia and Azerbaijan at the highest level (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: When we declare independence, 15 countries will recognize us; There is no plan for secession of the RS, but this is the option which should not be excluded (Istraga.ba)
• US Embassy to B&H: Secession rhetoric is reason why US sanctioned Dodik (Hayat)
• Covic on Dodik’s statements for ‘Nacional’: I do not comment colleagues who want to create political situation for themselves since it is already now the policy of preparations for the elections (Klix.ba)
• PDP’s Crnadak says ‘madness of Dodik’ continues and it is trying to drag RS into problems (EuroBlic)
• B&H Foreigners’ Affairs Service: Schmidt entered B&H as diplomat of Germany not as diplomat of UN (RTRS)
• EC has supported opening of accession negotiations with B&H, along with Moldova and Ukraine; This causes dissatisfaction of some EU diplomats (Klix.ba)
• EC failed to agree at a meeting on Tuesday to recommend the opening of accession negotiations in their progress report for B&H; Discussion about B&H will continue, because the document has not been approved (N1)
• B&H CoM Chair Kristo sends letter to Commissioner Varhelyi (Slobodna Bosna)
• Covic: I expect positive answer when B&H’s path to EU membership is in question; Change of Election Law is priority for us (Klix.ba)
• FB&H PM Niksic: It is not a matter if but when we will open accession negotiations with the EU (Dnevni avaz)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: I will declare myself Montenegrin in census, but I speak Serbian (Adria TV)
• Meeting over census completed: Date has not yet been set, talks to be continued (CDM)
North Macedonia
• Nikolovski: N. Macedonia confidently stepping on European path, good regional cooperation important for EU integration (MIA)
• Mickoski expects consensus over joint elections (MIA)
Albania
• The agreement for the migrants between Albania and Italy, Italy to cover all the costs (Radio Tirana)
• Rama, for "La Repubblica": Immigrants agreement is an act of gratitude because Italy opened its arms to us on numerous occasions (Radio Tirana)
• Strengthening cooperation in the fight against crime, Balla receives a delegation from Saudi Arabia (Radio Tirana)
• Strengthening cooperation in the fight against organized crime (Radio Tirana)