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)
Belgrade Media Report 15 June
Belgrade Media Report 14 June 2023
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)
Belgrade Media Report 13 June 2023
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)
Belgrade Media Report 12 June
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)
Belgrade Media Report 9 June 2023
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)