LOCAL PRESS

• Investigation regarding arrest of Kosovo Special Forces in territory of Serbia (RTS)
• Serbian MUP issues statement about the arrest of Kurti's "special forces" (Tanjug/RTV)
• Brkic: Officers of so-called Kosovo Police arrested in full combat gear (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Members of special police of so-called Kosovo arrested in Serbia proper (Tanjug/Politka/RTS)
• KFOR Commander expresses concern in meeting with Vucic (N1)
• Mojsilovic meets with KFOR Commander (Tanjug)
• Professional, responsible attitude of Serbian peacekeepers in Cyprus (RTV)
• Dacic: Serbia highly appreciated principled position of Algeria to non-recognition of so-called Kosovo (Tanjug/RTV)
• Ireland’s assistance to Serbia in reforms on European road (RTV/Tanjug)
• Stano: EU did not impose sanctions on Kosovo (N1)
• Mariani: Kosovo is part of Serbia to me, pity that NATO did police work (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik, Vulic strongly criticize latest meeting of working group on state property, argue state property has already been regulated by DPA (Nezavisne)
• Knezevic has informed Stevandic he will submit a request for early retirement after sick leave (RTRS)
• Dodik: B&H CC, in which three foreigners sit, best demonstrates that B&H is not state, but protectorate of part of international community that governs it for its own interests, and not for people who live here (FTV)
• Becirovic on developments regarding B&H CC: I call on HR to finally start protecting DPA and sanction those responsible for anti-Dayton moves (O Kanal)
• Dodik: Calls for Schmidt’s intervention coming from B&H Presidency member represent reflection and legacy of past which Muslims, including Becirovic, can hardly leave (RTRS)
• Mackey says B&H has not signed MAP; Goganovic, Kovacevic says this confirms claims of RS representatives that B&H is not on its way to become NATO member (Srna/Nezavisne)
• Lagumdzija meets UN Secretary-General (Fena)
• Thirteen-year-old boy shoots teacher in Elementary School ‘Lukavac Grad’ in Lukavac; Boy’s father arrested (FTV)
Montenegro
• A long way to the new government of Montenegro (RSE/CdM)
• Borrell and Varhelyi: Form the new parliament and government as soon as possible, they must be committed to reforms and the path to the EU (CdM)
• Presker: To sit down at the table and agree on a majority that will be pro-European, a stable government is necessary for the progress of Montenegro (RTCG)
• Milatovic-Lundberg: Full commitment to further cooperation with the United Nations and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mickoski: VMRO-DPMNE's position on constitutional amendments clear, alleged change of position is a spin (Alfa TV)
• Marichikj: Expecting motion on constitutional amendments in Parliament in next few weeks (Telma TV/MIA)
• Bytyqi: Door open for VMRO-DPMNE to join national consensus on EU (Lokalno/MIA)
• President Pendarovski meets UK Special Envoy Peach (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: We are waiting for the KFOR say, which is investigating the case, our stance is immediate de-escalation (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj: Serbia should release them immediately, a provocative act to destabilize the region (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 14 June 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• New provocation by Pristina in order to avoid implementation of agreement with Belgrade (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic after meeting with Quint representatives: I decided not to say a word, it's better that way (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic discusses situation in Kosovo and Metohija with US senators (Tanjug/RTS/Beta)
• Belgrade will do everything to preserve peace in north of Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Drecun: Pristina has been preparing the ground for yesterday’s arrest for days (RTS)
• Serb List leader Rakic assaulted by Kosovo Serb protesters (Nova)
• Lajcak briefs North Atlantic Council on developments in Kosovo (N1)
• Stano: Lajcak’s visit shows Pristina, Belgrade still on opposite sides (Beta)
• Serbia committed to further improvement of cooperation between BSEC member states (Tanjug)
• EULEX mandate extended, Barbano new Head of Mission (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• US Embassy hosts 5th meeting of experts on B&H property to discuss regulating of water resources of B&H (BHT1)
• Dodik: Property issue resolved by Dayton Peace Agreement (Srna/RTRS)
• Two-day conference 'Implementation of B&H CC’s decisions' begins; B&H CC President Galic: It is worrisome that 67 decisions of B&H CC have not been implemented (Nova BH)
• International community criticizes draft amendments to Law on HJPC (O Kanal)
• Brammertz says in his address before UN SC that genocide denial and glorification of war criminals in B&H still causes great concerns (O Kanal)
Montenegro
• First projection: Who could get a seat in parliament (CdM)
• Is there a hope and new govt or new elections are the most likely option? (CdM)
• Popovic: More likely that political instability will continue and worsen than that a stable government will be formed (Vijesti)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski responsible for constitutional revision, offers Mickoski PM post in the interest of of their implementation (MIA)
• Osmani: Relevant reasons to oppose constitutional changes have been overcome, only political calculations left (MIA)
• Pendarovski: VMRO-DPMNE demand for delayed enforcement of constitutional amendments is unrealistic (MIA)
• President Pendarovski welcomes Slovenian counterpart Natasa Pirc Musar (MIA)
• Kovachevski - Pirc Musar: Strong partnership with Slovenia affirmed, full support for N. Macedonia’s EU integration process (MIA)
• Initiative for change of EU decision-making process relates to enlargement as well, says Pirc-Musar (MIA)
• President Pendarovski meets with UNDP Regional Director Zivkovic (MIA)
Albania
• The joint meeting of the two governments, Albania-Kosovo is cancelled, Rama: I asked Kurti for a close meeting tomorrow, but he refused (Radio Tirana)
• Kosovo accuses Albania of unilaterally cancelling govts' meeting (ADN)
• Rama warns Kosovo to be sanctioned for recent move (ADN)
• PM: World-Class experts wrote draft for Association in North Kosovo (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 13 June 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: The situation regarding Kosovo is getting complicated; Serbia guards its stance (TV Happy)
• Petkovic: Kurti's extremist policy stoking attacks against Serbs (TV Pink/Tanjug)
• Rakic: We informed president of situation on ground (Tanjug/Politika/Novosti/RTS/RTV)
• Serbia highly values principled position of Cyprus in not recognising independence of Kosovo (Tanjug/NSPM)
• IRMCT President: Serbia flagrantly disregarding its obligations (Beta)
• Another Serb arrested in Kosovska Mitrovica, sirens wail (Tanjug/Kosovo-online.com)
• Serbia chose West, US Embassy (RFE/Beta)
• Fact-checking portal questions President’s photo (Istinomer)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Forto and Vesic discuss joint infrastructural projects between B&H and Serbia (N1)
• Russian Embassy hosts reception in Banja Luka on Russia Day; Kalabukhov: Marking of Russia Day proves intention to further develop Russia-RS strategic relations; Dodik: Only those who want to demonize Russia talk about its malignant influence (RTRS/ATV)
• Niksic: If we had not made compromises, we would not have got FB&H government (Dnevni list)
• Petkovic, Pekic not optimistic regarding Covic’s recent announcement on adoption of changes to Election Law of B&H (EuroBlic)
• Zivkovic visits USA, talks to Senate and Congress officials about criminal activities in Commission and ‘Bosnalijek’ (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• Covic discusses customs and border crossing issues in Neum with Bozinovic and Primorac (N1)
Montenegro
• DIK announces interim election results (CdM)
• International observation mission: Parliamentary elections were competitive and well conducted (MINA)
• EU expects new Montenegrin government to keep course of full alignment (N1)
• Picula: I hope that the new parliament will provide the government with the support it needs to implement the long-awaited reforms (CdM)
• US Embassy: We look forward to working with the new government to strengthen the NATO partnership and promote Euro-Atlantic values (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• VMRO-DPMNE: Constitutional amendments in effect after successfully completed negotiations and EU membership, last and final position (MIA)
• Taravari: VMRO-DPMNE’s condition contrary to negotiating framework (MIA)
• EU delegation not commenting leaders' meeting, says 2022 Council conclusions clear on constitutional amendments (MIA)
• US Embassy: Decision on who's in or out of government is up to the people (MIA/PRESSonline)
• US, North Macedonia sign 10-year roadmap for defense ties (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Balkans doesn't belong only to Kosovo and Serbia (ADN)
• Kosovo Liberation Day, Begaj: Tribute to the heroes of the KLA and gratitude to strategic partners (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Pristina must make concessions for Serbs to take part in new elections (Retuers/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Kurti should be inspired by Resolution 1244, and not by Prizren League (RTV/Tanjug)
• Lajcak: Escobar and I hoped for more results, tensions running high (FoNet)
• Escobar: Kurti is our partner, even if a difficult one (Beta/Institute for Politics and the Economy of Southeast Europe)
• EU appreciates Albania’s contribution, but ZSO is to be discussed within Belgrade-Pristina dialogue only (Beta/RFE)
• An attempt to avert a disaster? (B92/Tanjug/Kosovo Online/RTV)
• SANU: "Non-paper" published by Bislimi is fake, they invented the entire text and signed our academician (Tanjug/Politika)
• KFOR: Criminal groups behind Serb protesters (Beta)
• New Serbia Against Violence protest held (Beta)
• Lutovac: Regime’s refusal to meet demands invoking radicalization (Nova/Beta)
• Zvecan starts 15th day of protest, Serbs not giving up on their demands (Kosovo online/B92)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Resolution 1244 yet to play its role (Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: Kosovo is key part of Serbian territory (ATV)
• Dodik comments on joint session of RS and FB&H governments, and joint session of Serbian and RS governments (ATV)
• Ministers Kosarac and Nesic say joint session of B&H CoM and Croatian government should not discuss cooperation with NATO (Glas Srpske)
• Mackey: Danger of war in B&H and Western Balkans is very low (Face TV)
• Dutch government: EUFOR is prepared to intervene in B&H in case of secession (Nezavisne)
• Luhrmann: RS does not get important projects due to secessionist rhetoric of Dodik (BN TV/Klix.ba)
• SDP B&H delegates support extension of mandate of current leader Niksic (O Kanal)
Croatia
• President denounces use of "Slava Ukraini" salute (HRT)
Montenegro
• Europe Now Movement scores narrow victory in Montenegro’s election (N1)
• Parliamentary elections in Montenegro: A race without a real winner, the parties only know with whom they will not form coalitions (CdM/BBC)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: No turns into Yes, certain that VMRO-DPMNE will join just cause for European future (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Working groups the right format for SDSM and VMRO-DPMNE to agree on details (MIA)
• Osmani: DUI to support government without party being part of it on day constitutional amendments enter into force (MIA)
• Deputy PM: Netherlands to have own expert in working group on rule of law roadmap (MIA)
Albania
• Albanian Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff of AF meet head of the US National Guard Bureau (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Albania-Kosovo, joint training in the field of aviation (Radio Tirana)
• President visits Kosovo on 145th Anniversary of Prizren League (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 9 June 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Establishing as close economic cooperation with India as possible (Tanjug)
• Traditionally good bilateral relations between Serbia, India (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
• Ambassador Hill: Serbia is our partner, I wonder if Kurti is (VoA/Beta)
• OSCE in Kosovo says no return to normalcy without Serbs in institutions (Demostat/Beta)
• Vucevic: I send my sincere support to the "For the Future of Montenegro" coalition (Tanjug)
• Andjelkovic: Early election is a threat the opposition should not fall for (Beta)
• Academia supports Serbia Against Violence protests (Beta)
• Ecologocial Uprising: Vucic violates Constitution, offers citizens bribe (Beta)
• Opposition party: Vucic's measures are a collection of forced election promises (Beta)
• Night passes calmly in Zvecan, Serbs continue protest (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS parliament adopts Resolution on Protection of Serbs in Kosovo and Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of Serbia (O Kanal)
• EU Delegation to B&H expressed disappointment that Draft Law on Border Control did not receive support of representatives from RS in B&H HoR (FTV)
• FB&H and RS governments hold joint session in Banja Luka, discuss projects and joint activities; Issues on which there is no agreement not discussed (ATV)
• Minister Konakovic discusses global political challenges, political situation in SEE with Secretary Blinken, Prince Farhan on sidelines of forum in Riyadh (FTV/BHT1)
• Cvijanovic addresses Astana forum: HRs in B&H usurp authorities of domestic institutions (RTRS)
• Council of Europe warns B&H to stop ignoring Sejdic-Finci judgment (N1)
Croatia
• B&H Foreign Ministry delegation with NATO PCSC delegation: There is strong foundation for continuation of cooperation between NATO and B&H (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Milatovic & Reinke: Partnership between MNE and the USA should be strengthened (CdM)
• The election silence begins at midnight (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski: We have strong US support for North Macedonia’s EU accession (MIA)
• Grubi – Meyer meeting: Ready to make decision allowing consensual approval of constitutional amendments (MIA)
• Mickoski: Government without DUI, constitutional amendments to be effective once Macedonia joins EU (MIA)
• Mickoski proposes 24 September, 1 or 8 October as dates for early parliamentary elections (MIA/Sitel TV)
• Marichikj: We are ready to include opposition into working groups on constitutional changes (MIA)
• Speaker Xhaferi meets with Azerbaijani President’s Special Envoy Amirbayov (MIA)
Albania
• Rama forwards to Macron and Scholz a draft for the Association of Serbian Municipalities (Radio Tirana)
• Rama's draft for the Association, Great Britain: Kosova should listen to the advice of friends and partners (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-Kosovo, three important cooperation agreements (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj to Chief of the US National Guard Bureau: Let's increase cooperation in the field of defense and cyber security (Radio Tirana)