LOCAL PRESS

• Vucevic: Security situation in north Kosovo highly risky, we defined the red lines (RTS)
• Petkovic: We demand urgent release of two protesters (RTV/Tanjug)
• Drecun: Quint pressuring Belgrade by supporting Kurti (Tanjug)
• Mojsilovic tours forward deployed units (N1/Beta)
• China extends support to Serbia amid latest conflicts in north Kosovo, Russia condemns the West (Beta/AP)
• Blinken: Kosovo government decision unnecessarily escalated tensions (Beta)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: ZSO formation the solution to crisis in Kosovo (FoNet/Sputnik)
• Dacic calls for unity in defending Kosovo Serbs (TV Pink)
• Improving political dialogue, overall cooperation between Serbia, UK (Tanjug)
• Stoltenberg condemns attacks on KFOR (Beta/Politika)
• Stano: Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is not dead (N1)
• Thousands of Serbs protest outside Zvecan municipal building (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Two US bombers make low flight over cities of B&H; Murphy: This is demonstration of permanent partnership with B&H Armed Forces and firm commitment of the US to sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H (ATV)
• Ambassador Murphy: Dodik’s visit to Moscow was crazy, without sense (AJB)
• Dodik: If USA moves to make decisions about property through unrecognized High Representative, RS will decide on its status (Glas Srpske)
• Zvizdic: State property has to be solved in line with solutions in countries in the region (FTV/Oslobodjenje)
• Srna learns that OHR prepares changes to B&H Criminal Code which envisage criminal prosecution for non-compliance with HR’s decisions (Srna/ATV)
• Ambassador Sattler: B&H has to use historic chance; It is of outmost importance for country to demonstrate progress this year (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Defence Minister says Croatian troops in Kosovo are safe (HRT)
Montenegro
• Germany and France working on preparations for EU enlargement (CdM)
• Milatovic: I fully expect Montenegro to become EU member state during my term of office, new govt should be Europe-oriented and there is no alternative to that (CdM)
• Borrell: Montenegro first in line for EU membership (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Government set to submit draft-initiative on constitutional amendments to parliament (MIA)
• Xhaferi: Constitutional amendments procedure can begin, political dialogue in meantime (MIA)
• Kovachevski-Lajcak: North Macedonia a proven factor of stability in region (MIA)
• Ministry of Interior, US Embassy conduct tactical drill 'Swan 2023' (MIA)
Albania
• President Begaj meets KFOR Commander amid Kosovo clashes (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 30 May 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Quint countries to urgently implement measures that would guarantee safety of Serbs (RTV/Tanjug)
• Vucic: Serbia to demand urgent measures that would guarantee safety to Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic appeals to China to help end violence against Kosovo Serbs (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic: Serbs gathered to express dissatisfaction, KFOR did not protect them (RTS)
• Petkovic: We will not allow expulsion of our people (RTS)
• International community called on to protect Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija (Politika)
• Executive Board of SANU: Deep concern (RTV)
• Borrell condemns violence in Zvecan: Immediately de-escalate the situation (FoNet)
• Clashes between KFOR, citizens in Zvecan, NATO, EU condemn violence against peacekeepers (Beta/KoSSev)
• Opposition: Protests until demands are met, SNS to blame if there are incidents (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: The entire Serbian corps stands behind the Serbs in Kosovo (ATV)
• Dodik: KFOR does not guarantee security for Serbs in KiM (Nezavisne)
• US Embassy says two US Air Force bombers will make low flight over Sarajevo and other cities on Tuesday (FTV)
• Crnadak: B&H Presidency had to give approval for US Air Force aircrafts to fly over B&H (BHT1)
• B&H Ministry of Defence, B&H Ministry of Traffic and Communications and B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved the request for low flights of US bomber aircrafts (ATV)
• Dodik: Any flight of foreign aircrafts - especially the US ones - over the RS airspace represents classic example of provocation, intimidation and pressure (RTRS/N1)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: Belgrade is burdened by Croatian media, we have no agenda to overthrow the government (Index.hr)
• Israeli Foreign Minister visits Croatia (HRT)
Montenegro
• Kankaras: SNP condemns the brutal beating of Serbs in Kosovo, Montenegro will be with the brotherly people (CdM)
• Dialogue to continue after elections; Milatovic: For progress, cohesion around key major directions of development is important, Montenegro is our common destiny (CdM)
• Kaludjerovic: The "Open Balkans" initiative is just what Montenegro needs (CdM)
• Presidency of Ukraine: Montenegro to support the special tribunal for Russian aggression (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Petrovska: Violence does not lead anywhere, believe Kosovo-Serbia dialogue will continue (MIA)
• Pendarovski: Opposition’s stance on constitutional changes cause for concern among strategic partners (MIA)
• Kovachevski to put forward all decisions needed for continuation of North Macedonia's EU path (MIA)
Albania
• PM Rama urges Kosovo to finalize dialogue with Serbia (ADN)
• Begaj: No pretexting can be used to prevent the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreement (Radio Tirana)
• Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs strongly condemn violence against KFOR troops (ADN)
• Peleshi: We strongly condemn the violence used against KFOR troops (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Brnabic: Situation in Kosovo and Metohija has never been more difficult (RTV)
• Vucic issues new invitation to talks, calls for unity, solving problems (Beta)
• Dacic: This must not be happening and Serbia will not allow this (RTS)
• Vucevic expects political solution of the crisis (RTS)
• Serbian army to remain in full combat readiness until further notice – Council (Tanjug)
• Vucic no longer leader of SNS, Vucevic takes his place (Beta)
• Vucevic: Kosovo seemingly calm, I expect more decisive action by KFOR (RTS)
• International community calls for de-escalation of tensions amid tensions in Kosovo (RTS)
• Increased KFOR presence in north of Kosovo (KoSSev/N1/RTS)
• Serb List asks Vucic to end the dialogue with Pristina (KoSSev/N1)
• Protesters form ring around state TV, demand resignations (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Vucic, Dodik address rally in Belgrade, convey messages on Serb unity (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic: Events in Kosovo are a shame for America and the EU (Srna/RTRS)
• Viskovic: Security of Serbs in Kosovo is threatened for the umpteenth time, but Serbia will protect them (RTRS)
• Dodik meets with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan to discuss economic, political issues (RTRS)
• Dodik says his recent meetings in Russia and Azerbaijan were very successful, notes he consulted Putin regarding Russia’s stance on possibility that Schmidt might impose solutions for RS such as property issue (ATV)
• Stevandic attends Nevsky Environmental Congress in Saint Petersburg, says Banja Luka is in focus of joint projects of RS and Russia (RTRS)
• SDA Main Board holds session; Izetbegovic criticizes Schmidt’s interventions, current authorities (FTV)
• Brkic, NATO Political Committee discuss Information on implementation of activities from B&H Reform Program for 2021 and 2022 (BNTV)
• RS officials claim NATO membership is not one of foreign policy goals of B&H (Nezavisne)
• Kosarac discusses cooperation and foreign trade with Momirovic; Kosarac: Next month I will initiate holding of conference on ‘Open Balkans’ in Sarajevo (O Kanal)
• Bleiburg events commemoration held in Radimlja near Stolac under auspices of HNS; OHR: Commemorations of victims must never be used to relativize or minimize crimes committed by Nazi forces and their allies during World War II (AJB)
• Schmidt: Highlighting Ustasha and fascist symbols is offensive (O Kanal)
• Borenovic: Except for Croatia, B&H is only place in world where glorifying of Ustashahood and Nazism is allowed (BN TV)
• RS PDP Caucus proposes Resolution to declare Croatian President Milanovic persona non grata in RS (FTV/BNTV)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman: Croats survived despite Bleiburg, other predicaments (Hina)
• Milanovic: Albania will probably continue negotiation process separated from North Macedonia (Hina)
Montenegro
• Jokovic condemned the violence against Serbs in Kosovo (CdM)
• Some ignore invitation: Milatovic starts dialogues with election participants (CdM)
• Ibrahimovic: It won’t be possible to form a European and stable govt without Bosniak Party (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani calls for defusing of tensions in Kosovo's north (MIA)
• Osmani in Pristina: Dialogue and cooperation to be imperative for all (MIA)
• Osmani – Kurti: Regional cooperation crucial for boosting security (MIA)
• Senator Murphy: Constitutional amendment a clear opportunity for N. Macedonia to join EU (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Brave decisions ahead, which we have US support for (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Messages coming from US to be taken seriously, country to stagnate if European path stops (MIA)
Albania
• The situation in the north of Kosovo does not help normalization and mutual recognition, says Albanian Prime Minister (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 25 May 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic to US senators: Establishment of Community now a priority (RTS/Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic with Theophylactou: Mutual support for territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)
• Mojsilovic thanks Theophylactou for Cyprus's firm support to Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucevic: Serbia will not comply with attempts of Pristina authorities to establish Community (RTV/Tanjug)
• Drecun: They are preparing for the occupation. It's all Kurti's plan (TV Pink)
• Office for Kosovo and Metohija links Kurti policies to threats (Beta)
• Orlic receives Cypriot Ambassador in farewell visit (Tanjug)
• Political messages of Pristina's military drill pessimistic for Serbia – expert (Tanjug)
• Dveri suggests new opposition deal to topple SNS government (Beta)
• Opposition: Next protest to include ring around RTS (Beta)
• Freedom House: Democracy in Serbia at standstill (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik takes part at security forum in Moscow, meets Lavrov; Putin: Russia will do everything to prevent the Western hegemony, Dodik: B&H has become experiment, colony (RTRS)
• Dodik: I am not the one who will be leading the US’ wars against Russia; RS will remain committed to the policy not to introduce sanctions against Russia (FTV)
• State Department: No government at any level should be extending cooperation with Russia while this country is carrying out aggression against Ukraine (FTV)
• US Embassy to B&H: Allegations of Dodik are absurd and malicious; US and West do not represent threat for the RS (ATV)
• Russian Embassy to B&H: Being friends with America is the same as buying a ticket for the 'Titanic' (ATV/RTRS)
• EUD condemns Dodik’s meeting with Putin: B&H belongs to the EU, and it is expected from B&H to align its policies with those of the Union (Nova BH/N1)
• Becirovic meets Ambassador Kyrylych; Becirovic condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine (BHT1/Avaz/RTRS)
• NATO HQ SA hosts press conference dedicated to partnership between NATO and B&H (BHT1)
• Kristo meets McGaha; They discuss cooperation and modernization of B&H AF (Oslobodjenje)
• Becirovic, Peach discuss B&H-UK cooperation, transfer of knowledge and technology (N1/RTRS)
• Peach: Security of B&H is European security; Kremlin does not want to see secure and stable Western Balkans, on the contrary (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman meets Schmidt, Sattler, Murphy: Croatia is the most important partner and country that strongly supports B&H and its further development and progress (HRT/N1)
• Milanovic: Borrell rejected Croatia’s request to join EUFOR Althea Mission in B&H (Hina)
• Freedom House report: Croatia stagnating for 6th year in a row (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: There’s room for deepening economic relations between Montenegro and USA; Murphy: Montenegro a success story, but there’s still a lot of work to be done (CdM)
• Milatovic: Dialogue with list holders starts on Monday (CdM)
• Spajic meets German Finance Minister: Fiscal stability a prerequisite for economic progress, as well as sustainable growth of salaries and pensions (CdM)
• Maddocks: Government and citizens decide on the Open Balkans (TVCG)
• Freedom House: Montenegro regressed in field of democracy, generational change a potential (VoA/CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• AFET postpones vote on North Macedonia report (MIA)
• Osmani: New path emerging for Western Balkans (MIA/TV24)
• Xhaferi has audience with Pope Francis on St. Cyril and Methodius Day (MIA)
• Freedom House: Democracy in Macedonia slightly improved, but there is "political dysfunction" (Sloboden pecat/VoA)
Albania
• Albania is an important geopolitical ally and a trustworthy partner (Radio Tirana)
• Implementation of Albania-Great Britain agreement on the transfer of prisoners kicks off (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-Montenegro, a new border crossing point in Pulaj as part of the bridge project over River Buna (Radio Tirana)
• Freedom House report: SPAK, a promising sign in the fight against corruption (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Situation in Kosovo and Metohija extremely difficult (RTS)
• Further improvement of cooperation between Serbia, UNFPA (Tanjug)
• Dacic meets with Malawian Ambassador (Tanjug)
• Dacic thanks Vietnam for principled support of Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)
• Mojsilovic: KFOR the only legitimate security actor in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orlic: Gratitude for Cyprus's principled position on non-recognition of so-called Kosovo (Tanjug/RTV)
• Polish parliamentary delegation: Strong support for Serbia’s EU membership (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Moscow: Dodik meets Putin; Putin thanks RS for friendship towards Russia and for neutral stance towards Ukraine; Dodik: The RS remains committed to its stance not to follow policies aimed to shift blame for conflict in Ukraine to one side (RTRS)
• US Embassy, Ambassador Murphy: Dodik’s meeting with Putin does not serve interests of the RS citizens (Dnevni avaz/Oslobodjenje)
• Dodik after the meeting with Putin: US Embassy will not decide what the RS will be doing (RTRS)
• Sulic: RS has had excellent relations with Russia for years, Russia as such is very important for RS (ATV)
• Varhelyi: Visit to Russia is not smart move and that the only acceptable move towards Russia is the implementation of sanctions; Other comments (BHT1)
• Stevandic to attend ecologic forum in Saint Petersburg: There is nothing disputable about this visit; It is in line with policy of neutrality the RS has been advocating (N1)
• Konakovic says opponents of EU enlargement on Western Balkans went silent after Russia’s aggression on Ukraine (Dnevni list)
• Forto meets Varhelyi; They discuss Ministry’s priorities (Dnevni avaz)
• Most recent appointments of US diplomats who served in the Clinton administration indicate Washington’s desire to solve pressing issues in Balkans with focus on Kosovo and RS (Glas Srpske)
• Joint Commission for European Integration: Prepare report that will name obstructionists of the European path (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Conference 10 Years of Republic of Croatia in the EU: Western Balkans is Croatia’s opportunity to have bigger influence in EU (Hina)
Montenegro
• Senators Murphy and Peters coming to Montenegro: There is still work to be done on the way to the EU (RTCG)
• Radulovic at the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council: Montenegro is fully committed to the European path (CdM)
• International military exercise in Montenegro: The army, together with NATO allies, invests in the development of combat units (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• VMRO-DPMNE leader concerned over constitutional changes and Preamble opening (MIA)
• Osmani: New path emerging for Western Balkans (MIA/TV 24)
• Pendarovski – De Croo: Belgium supports N. Macedonia’s EU integration and EU enlargement policy (MIA)
• Government decides to deploy Army members in NATO operation in Romania (MIA)
• MoD: Italian aviation for take part in North Macedonia air policing (MIA)
Albania
• US has no better friend in the world than Albania (Radio Tirana)
• President Begaj meets US Senators Murphy and Peters (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka after the meeting in Brussels: Maintain the pace of expansion with concrete actions from the EU (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka meeting Varhelyi, Albania is continuing intensively with the reforms (Radio Tirana)