United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 11 April 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic meets with Ziadeh (Tanjug/RTS)
• No progress in implementation of obligations undertaken by Pristina (Tanjug)
• Petkovic condemns wounding of Serb man (TV Prva/RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Part of the opposition went wild at the meeting of the Committee on Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)
• Opposition parties walk out of Committee for Kosovo and Metohija as addition to agenda refused (Beta)
• Opposition describes parliament procedure as unacceptable (Beta)
• Dacic responds to Pristina: Blinken, too, visited Central Asia last month (TV Prva)
• FSS writes to UEFA over situation in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• MoD: Platinum Wolf exercise exempted from moratorium (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dveri calling for cancellation of Platinum Wof exercise as it “stomps” on Serbia’s military neutrality (Beta)
• Djilas: Our direction is Europe (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• SDP and NiP leaders criticize last Dodik’s statement on secession of RS (FTV)
• SDA: Dodik’s secession threats are result of double standards of the international community and B&H judiciary (Dnevni list/Nova BH)
• Komsic: It is dangerous to hope that foreigners will stop Dodik (Dnevni list)
• Mesalic: ‘The Eight’ does not have adequate response when Dodik’s threats are in question (Nova BH)
• Borenovic says Dodik fulfilled small number of his promises (O Kanal)
• B&H Prosecutor’s Office confirms cases against Dodik regarding genocide denial (Nova BH)
• Cvijanovic reacts to Becirovic’s request towards Kajganic, says Bosniak politicians should deal with FB&H and stop attacking RS (Srna/RTRS)
• SDA Collegium requests emergency session of HoR FB&H, also call for meeting with HDZ B&H and SDP (FTV)
Montenegro
• James Rubin meets Montenegrin officials (RTCG)
• Abazovic wants to protect constitutional order better than Constitutional Court: Circus ahead of parliamentary elections (CdM)
• Abazovic: Katnic’s biggest mistake is that he didn’t arrest me, and mafia’s that it didn’t kill me (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Nikoloski: Under the Bulgarian proposal, the Macedonians will be put on equal footing with the Bulgarians (Sitel TV)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: I pointed out to bin Zayed what Belgrade can accept in dialogue with Pristina (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Petkovic: In the Declaration there is no term “enforced disappearances” (RTS)
• Vucic to French Senators: Serbia committed to Kosovo dialogue (FoNet)
• Orlic meets with French Senate delegation (RTV/Tanjug)
• Vucic meets with Guinea-Bissau's Embalo (Tanjug)
• Dynamic development of economic cooperation between Serbia, USA (Tanjug/RTV/Politika)
• Regulations controlling work of judiciary in line with European standards (Tanjug)
• Drecun speaks with delegation of Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (Politika)
• Minister Basta strongly condemns Russia in conversation with Ukrainian MPs (RTV/Tanjug)
• MP: Speaker doesn’t allow Zelensky’s envoy to address journalists (Beta)
• Stano confirms Missing Persons Declaration agreed (N1)
• Borrell: EU to endorse Belgrade-Pristina declaration on missing persons (Tanjug)
• UN Security Council to discuss new report on UNMIK on 27 April (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Novalic et al.’ case: Novalic, Hodzic and Solak sentenced to total of 15 years in prison, Milicevic acquitted of charges for negligent performance of duty (Nova BH)
• Novalic on Court of B&H’s first-instance verdict: This is only continuation of political persecution I am subjected to (Nova BH)
• US Embassy strongly rejects accusations that they influenced judgements in ‘Respirators’ case, or any other judicial proceedings (Dnevni avaz)
• Niksic denies lawyer Vidovic’s accusations (Nova BH)
• SDA comments verdict vs. Novalic: Verdicts reached under pressure of politics and foreign ambassadors (Dnevni avaz)
• Radoncic: This judgement restores citizens’ trust in rule of the law and raise their expectations that independent judiciary can be established in B&H (Dnevni avaz)
• HR Schmidt meets with FB&H leadership, says functioning of FB&H institutions is prerequisite for efficient and strong B&H (FTV)
• Sattler meets Stojanovic, discuss formation of authority at FB&H level (Dnevni list)
• Dodik proposes contract between the RS and FB&H regarding issue of state property (RTRS)
Croatia
• NATO Foreign Ministers’ two-day meeting ends; Continued support to B&H, Georgia and Moldova reaffirmed; Grlic Radman and Blinken discuss B&H; Grlic Radman: We talked about B&H being sustainable only if Dayton Agreement is respected (HRT)
• Plenkovic in North Macedonia: support on path to the EU (HRT)
• Western Balkans Quad welcomed by Plenkovic (Hina)
Montenegro
• DIK determines final election results: Jakov Milatovic formally confirmed as President of Montenegro (CdM)
• Milatovic on Sunday celebration: I saw MNE and EU flags (Dnevnik)
• Djukanovic resigns from position of DPS leader (RTCG)
• Abazovic: MPs will terminate parliament mandate after Milatovic’s inauguration (CdM)
• Komsic: Milatovic flirts about the "Serbian world", wrapped in cellophane of the Open Balkans (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• As the government ignores the “Croatian model” proposal, Plenkovic arrives to Skopje (Republika)
• Kovachevski: No need for a leaders' meeting, process of constitutional amendments is structured (MIA)
• Mickoski met with Andrej Plenkovic (Republika)
• Kovacevski rejects Mickoski offer to meet and discuss the Bulgarian demands (Republika)
• Osmani: NATO open door policy and EU enlargement – significant investments in regional and European security (MIA)
• Osmani meets Blinken, Chollet: US strongly supports North Macedonia's EU integration (MIA)
Albania
• Celibashi meets with the ambassadors of the EU and the USA: The elections are a test for democracy (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka: Stain of shame should be removed from the heroic war of Kosovo; We will not stop until the approval of the new Resolution (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Concrete steps for formation of Community of Serb Municipalities examined in Brussels (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucic, Atlantic Council delegation talk relations between Serbia, US, Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Beta)
• Brnabic with Sarrazin: Belgrade expects constructive support for the ZSO (Tanjug/RTV)
• Regular, intensive exchange of opinions with Bundestag (Tanjug/RTV)
• Orlic: Dialogue with Pristina remains burden on Serbia's EU integration (RTV/Tanjug)
• Belgrade insists trial of Kosovo wartimes guerrilla commanders is a trial of the entire organization (TV Pink/Beta)
• Milatovic: We need to work on regional cooperation as long as EU is our goal (Tanjug)
• Lajcak, Chollet: Immediate implementation of agreements needed (Beta/RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• FB&H VP Stojanovic signs decision on appointment of FB&H government (Nova BH)
• SDA: Political violence carried out by ‘Troika’ and HDZ in order to form FB&H government could culminate in criminal complaint against Bradara (O Kanal)
• Boskovic: FB&H HoR Collegium to pass conclusion on FB&H government appointment depending on what it gets from FB&H leadership (Dnevni list)
• Kristo hands over countersigned Financing Agreement for EU Energy Support package to Sattler (BHT1)
• Ademovic meets Sattler: There is no alternative to EU path (Oslobodjenje)
• Becirovic meets UK Ambassador Reilly (FTV)
• Nesic and Brdo Process conference: EU integration is essential for security and stability of Western Balkans (Dnevni avaz)
• Representatives of UN Women in B&H and twelve municipalities and cities in B&H sign memorandum of understanding for purpose of promoting gender-responsible management of public finances and resources (FTV)
• Milatovic: It is not realistic for Montenegro to withdraw the recognition of Kosovo's independence, and that is a matter that is very clear (Nova S)
Croatia
• Numerous people arrested on the basis of warrants issued by the European prosecutor (HRT)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: Montenegro will follow EU policy towards Russia and strengthen ties with Serbia (AP/CdM)
• Milatovic: Montenegrin foreign policy is always aligned with the EU, rhetoric on the relationship between Montenegro and Serbia to be European (VoA/CdM)
• MFA: Finland's accession will strengthen security throughout the Nordic region and NATO as a whole; Milatovic welcomed Finland's accession to NATO (CdM)
• Montenegro is committed to the efforts of the Alliance aimed at strengthening the security of the Euro-Atlantic area (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mickoski prepared to discuss the Croatian proposal at a meeting of party leaders (Republika)
• Taravari says that when it comes to constitutional amendments, the Croatian model is unsuitable and cannot be applied; instead, we should follow the Swiss model (MIA)
• Justice Ministry requests nomination of representatives in constitutional amendments working group (MIA)
• Geer encourages Macedonia to amend its Constitution in line with the Bulgarian demands (Republika)
• Macedonian and Bulgarian historians made some progress in aligning their positions on the Archbishopric of Ohrid (Republika)
• Marichikj – Klein: Hungary supports N. Macedonia’s EU integration, negotiations must not be blocked (MIA)
• Stoltenberg: NATO support includes technical support and stronger co-operation to fight disinformation (TV21)
• Osmani congratulates Finland on joining NATO (MIA)
• Osmani-Tajani: Italy's enhanced focus on Balkans more than welcome (MIA)
Albania
• The representative of the WB in Albania, Salinas: Investment of 900 million euros for several projects! The 3 pillars we will focus on (Radio Tirana)
• Rama-Salinas: Justice Reform has been conceived so that there are no untouchables (Radio Tirana)
• NATO's 74th anniversary, Begaj: Resolute to strengthen security (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic says afraid normalization not likely with these authorities in Pristina (TV/Pink/Beta)
• Vucic expects Meloni to visit Serbia by year-end (Tanjug/RTS)
• "It will not be easy for those who are not part of the Open Balkans Initiative" (B92)
• Vucic: My dream is a successful Serbia (B92)
• Vucic: Montenegro joining Open Balkans would be good news (TV Happy)
• Italy supports entry of Western Balkans into EU (Tanjug/Politika)
• Stano: First steps in implementation of agreement to be discussed Tuesday (Tanjug)
• Giaufret: Life in Serbia improved by cooperation with EU (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• SDP B&H Presidency holds session; Stojanovic gives consent for formation of FB&H government (Hayat)
• Lendo comments on Bradara’s action in connection with process of appointment of FB&H government, says what Bradara did is something unknown to political practice (Hayat)
• Konakovic participates in Western Balkans ministerial meeting in Rome; Konakovic: B&H has significantly increased is efforts to align with EU’s common foreign and security policy (O Kanal)
• Kristo meets with Pope Francis in Vatican; Kristo: Support of Holy See on B&H’s European path is of key importance (N1)
• Forum ‘Geopolitical transformations and the RS’ held in Banja Luka; Dodik: RS does not want to stay in B&H in which Constitution and DPA are undermined and where foreign interventionism is carried out (ATV)
• Cvijanovic and Dodik condemn awarding of certificate of appreciation to Seventh Muslim Knight Liberation Brigade from Zenica (RTRS)
• RS politicians congratulate Milatovic on victory in presidential elections in Montenegro; Dodik says he is happy about Djukanovic’s defeat; Cvijanovic: This opens door to strengthening friendly relations and cooperation (ATV)
• Analysts: Djukanovic’s defeat marks end of anti-Serb policies, Sarajevo and Pristina have lost powerful ally (Glas Srpske)
Croatia
• Croatian FM expects Montenegro to continue its journey towards EU (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic says he wants unity, harmony and progress in European Balkans (N1)
• Popovic: Milatovic is already openly advocating idea of ‘Open Balkans’ which would certainly mean closed Europe for Montenegro (Hayat)
• Stano: EU looks forward to cooperation with the new president, Montenegro should focus on the rule of law (O Kanal)
• Bishop Joanikije congratulates Mijatovic on election victory (CdM)
• International community congratulate Mijatovic on election victory (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• VMRO-DPMNE proposes amending the Constitution in accordance with the Croatian Constitution (Republika)
• Geer: Decision to amend Constitution is for country to make (MIA)
• Osmani: EU must urgently take bold decisions in region (MIA)
• Osmani: We need more EU integration before membership (MIA)
• Kovachevski: We wish Bulgaria to elect government that will be 100 percent oriented to EU principles (MIA)
• Kovachevski – Fajon: Slovenia gives encouragement to move forward in EU-integration process (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: We have disagreements with Vucic about Kosovo, but this encourages us to have more dialogue (Radio Tirana)
• Rama: We gathered the signatures to overthrow "Dick Marty" in the Council of Europe (Radio Tirana)
• Ministerial in Rome/ Xhacka: Regional security and stability crucial to the EU (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 3 April 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: I will continue to fight for Kosovo Serbs by calling for peace, dialogue (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic: Abrogating work permits basis of Open Balkans economic cooperation (Tanjug/Beta)
• Vucic congratulates Milatovic on election victory (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic: There is no formal "Western Balkans QUAD" initiative (Tanjug/Politika/Novosti)
• Dacic calls on international community to urgently stop Kurti (Beta)
• Urgent formation of Community of Serb Municipalities only way to save Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Drecun: The trial is to entire KLA, we have evidence that at issue is joint criminal enterprise (RTS)
• EU expects Belgrade, Pristina to contribute to atmosphere of reconciliation (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• FB&H VP Stojanovic refuses to sign decision on appointment of FB&H government due to finding three candidates disputable (O Kanal)
• Niksic on formation of authorities in FB&H and why they opt for coalition with HDZ B&H and not SDA: We accept compromise, but not compromising (FTV)
• Citizens protest outside OHR in Sarajevo, demand HR Schmidt’s resignation, implementation of all ECHR’s judgments and 14 key priorities (BHT1/RTRS)
• RS ruling coalition meets in Banja Luka, reiterates RS will continue to register state property, endorses changes to RS Criminal Code that criminalize defamation and insult (BHT1)
• Bukejlovic: Purpose of law on work of NGOs is to secure transparency and prevent abuse; Purpose of changes to Criminal Code is not limitation of freedom of speech (Glas Srpske)
• Banjac: In case of imposition of law on property of B&H, RS can make only one move and that is decision on independence (ATV)
• Western Balkans Quad initiative; Dodik: Idea of Greater Albania is behind this initiative (RTRS)
• Dodik, Cvijanovic, Milicevic congratulate Milatovic on victory (FTV)
Croatia
• Croatian PM in Kyiv for visit to Ukraine (Hina)
Montenegro
• Take a look at presidential election results by regions and cities (CdM)
• Djukanovic: Montenegro made a choice, I respect that choice, I congratulate Milatovic (CdM)
• Milatovic: May we be blessed with the victory of a reconciled Montenegro (CdM)
• Besic: Citizens have shown they want changes, Milatovic’s role historic (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• VMRO will accept changes to the Constitution if Macedonia again becomes the Macedonian nation state (Republika)
• Alliance of Albanians rejects VMRO offer of a Croatian model for the Constitution (Republika)
Albania
• Rama meets Vucic and Kovacevski at the International Wine Fair in Italy (Radio Tirana)
• 14 years a NATO member, the US appreciate the strong partnership with Albania (Radio Tirana)