LOCAL PRESS

• Long-standing constructive partnership between Serbia, OSCE (RTS/Tanjug/Politika)
• Selakovic: OSCE most reliable status-neutral presence in Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Brnabic with Italian Ambassador on cooperation and support to Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)
• Selakovic: We know our path, does Brussels know what it wants (TV Pink)
• Pristina not ready to take issue of missing from politics (RTV/Tanjug)
• Zorana and Hill against Vulin (Novosti)
• Petkovic banned again entrance into Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dveri presents first two parliamentary initiatives (Tanjug/RTV)
• Jeremic: People’s Party won’t have consultations with Vucic, public or secret (Beta/Danas)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Sattler publishes blog: Too many choose the path of escalating, rather than calming tensions (Oslobodjenje)
• Bijeljina District Prosecutor’s Office: Removal of photos of killed Serbs set along road Bratunac-Potocari ordered due to safety of traffic (ATV)
• Vuksanovic-Stankovic: Abazovic ended his political career (Dnevni avaz)
• Anniversary of killing of Serbs in Zalazje marked on Tuesday; Serb officials, victims’ families: No one held responsible for crime (ATV)
• Indictees in Dobrovoljacka case plead not guilty (Nova BH)
• German officials Luhrmann, Sarrazin and Uebber underline Germany’s support to B&H (Oslobodjenje)
• Dodik says he will impose sanctions on himself so that Germany would not have to bother with it (Nezavisne)
• Sarrazin: We no longer believe B&H politicians (Dnevni list)
• Podzic meets Ahmetovic in Sarajevo; Ahmetovic states there is possibility that NATO engages in B&H if Russia vetoes extension of EUFOR’s mandate (Nova BH)
• Reactions to Schmidt’s statement about history textbooks (N1/BHT1)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: Montenegro has made biggest progress towards joining EU (Hina)
• Croatian parliament speaker receives Montenegrin PM (Hina)
Montenegro
• Montenegro celebrates 13 July – Statehood Day (CDM)
• Abazovic: Anyone can require the review of the Fundamental Agreement by the Constitutional Court (CdM)
• Djukanovic: Abazovic assured us that there will be no vote, who put a "knife under his throat" to approve the contract with the SPC the day before the session of the Holy Synod (TVCG)
• Warning signs: Europeans doubt political legitimacy of the government (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Macedonian people, come out, preserve our language and identity – said the citizens at yesterday’s protest (Republika/Kanal 5)
• Osmani: Bulgaria will vote for a framework in which the Macedonian language will be clear (TV Sitel)
• SDSM accepts the French proposal (Republika)
• Russia rejects Pendarovksi's claims of involvement in protests in Skopje (TV 21)
Albania
• Albania poised to green-light new NATO naval base in huge warning to Putin (Radio Tirana)
• Balla in Athens: The holding of first intergovernmental conference next week is good news (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 12 July 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Peace and stability in Western Balkans a priority (FoNet)
• Mutual support of Serbia, Republika Srpska in terms of market supply (Tanjug/RTS)
• Embassy of Serbia in Ghana opens to promote bilateral relations (Tanjug/Politika)
• Decades of sincere friendship between Serbia, Ghana (Tanjug)
• Gojkovic: Pristina trying to falsify history (Tanjug/RTV)
• Lajcak: Several agreements to be considered between Pristina and Belgrade (Beta)
• Drecun: What is he basing his optimism on (RTS)
• Petkovic: Pristina does not want dialogue (RTV/Tanjug)
• Lajcak: Use of Bonn powers is ridiculous 27 years after the war (Nedeljnik)
• US Embassy: Vulin’s statement on unification of all Serbs contrary to Serbia’s EU path (Beta/Politika)
• US urges Serbia again to resolve Bytyqi brothers case (Beta)
• Visoki Decani: Pristina is cheating with the story of the protection of monasteries (B92/Tanjug)
• Forum: Srebrenica genocide has been denied in various forms for 27 years (Beta)
• RIK approves new MPs (Beta/Politika)
• Open Balkans Initiative is getting more and more support in B&H, Montenegro, and Kosovo (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• International conference ‘Heroines of Srebrenica’ organized (FTV)
• Bosniak councilors boycott commemorative session of Srebrenica Municipal Assembly, stressing that people who deny genocide are behind invitation to attend session (N1)
• Izetbegovic: An individual is responsible for every atrocity; There were too many of these individuals (O Kanal)
• Dzaferovic: 11 July is saddest day in year (O Kanal)
• Zvizdic: It is necessary to accept historic truth about all war crimes (O kanal)
• Covic: I stand with all those who lost their beloved ones (Nova BH)
• Ambassador Sattler: We must never forget Srebrenica victims (Dnevni avaz)
• Blinken pays respect to Srebrenica genocide victims: US stands in steadfast partnership and friendship with B&H (AJB)
• HR Schmidt: Srebrenica is synonym for genocide (Dnevni avaz)
• Borrell, Varhelyi issue joint statement on occasion of Srebrenica genocide anniversary: There is no place in Europe for genocide denial, revisionism, and glorification of war criminals (Dnevni avaz)
• Fiala states Srebrenica genocide is considered one of biggest war crimes in Europe since World War II (BHT1)
• Ollongren underlines that international community and Dutch government failed in 1995 when it comes to Srebrenica, and she offered apology to all victims, mothers and survivors (Nova BH)
• Linde: We must take joint action to ensure that genocides and other mass crimes never happen anywhere again (N1)
• Erdogan: Securing the future of B&H as the strong and prosperous country, within its territorial integrity, is our debt toward Shaheeds (Dnevni avaz)
• UN’s Nderitu warns that denial of genocide and holocaust is only preparation for future genocides and holocausts (Hayat)
• Rau on Srebrenica genocide: Crimes like this one must not go unpunished (N1)
• Dzaferovic, Murphy honor victims of Srebrenica genocide: Murphy: Facts must be accepted and that is that genocide was committed (FTV)
• HR Schmidt announcing engagement in relation to history textbooks in B&H sparks strong reactions in RS (RTRS)
• Bundestag adopts resolution on B&H and allows deploying of German soldiers to EUFOR (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: Srebrenica genocide was defeat of humanity (HRT1)
• Parliament expresses deep sympathy with victims of genocide in Srebrenica (HRT)
• 15th Dubrovnik Forum opened; Lajcak says Brussels has to complete unfinished job re European integration of region (HRT/Vecernji list)
• Covic’s interview: FB&H cannot survive as functional part of B&H without strong trust between Croats and Bosniaks (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Montenegrin government adopts Fundamental Agreement with Serbian Orthodox Church (CdM)
• Djukanovic: Government fall could slow down path to EU, but we can’t tolerate its work that ignores national interests (CdM)
• DPS Presidency decides: We deny support to Abazovic’s government, we’re committed to processes that lead Montenegro to EU membership (CdM)
• Abazovic: I welcome DPS decision, we’ll see what position of majority of MPs will be (CdM)
• Djukanovic: Policies of denying crimes and refusing to recognize genocide in Srebrenica have never stopped in these areas (RTCG)
• Montenegrin Metropolitan Mihailo: Serb people are not genocidal, but their leaders are (N1)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Eighth day of protests against French proposal (Republika)
• VMRO-DPMNE to participate in coordination meeting in parliament: The only request is to return the French proposal to the government (Republika)
• Pendarovski: Let’s accept the proposal (TV21)
Albania
• Srebrenica Massacre/ Meta: Condemning genocide denial efforts, road to regional cooperation (Radio Tirana)
• The New European Political Community, Albania and the Netherlands with a joint proposal (Radio Tirana)
• Dutch Prime Minister: If North Macedonia does not accept the French proposal, Albania should continue its journey alone (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 7 July 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Serbia will not align with EU’s foreign policy regarding sanctions against Russia, mutual recognition with Kosovo (RTS)
• Vucic: Some MEPs tried to break off Serbia's EU talks (Tanjug/N1)
• Bilcik: EP’s resolution not to clash with Serbia’s EU accession (Beta)
• Vucic thanks Jesus on support for Serbia’s sovereignty (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
• Serbia's aid to Republic of Sao Tome and Principe for flood rehabilitation (Politika/Tanjug)
• Ponos: Removing SNS from power is not a done job but the first step (N1)
• ROSU members raid Strpce, block the municipality and search a school (RTS)
• Anniversary of unpunished KLA crime against Pec police officers (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H Constitutional Court issues interim measure, rendering RS Law on Medicinal Products and Medical Devices, Law on RS Administration temporary ineffective (N1/BHT1)
• OHR welcomes B&H CC’s decision (Istraga.ba/Oslobodjenje)
• B&H CC’s decision to temporarily suspend RS Law on Medical Products causes harsh reactions of politicians of RS ruling parties (BHT1/BNTV/FTV)
• Borenovic criticizes Dodik for carrying on with SNSD’s game of restoring competences (BHT1/BNTV)
• Covic: It is not my place to comment on decisions of B&H CC or any other judicial institution in B&H (BHT1)
• SDA, SNSD, HDZ B&H leaders meet with Varhelyi in separate meetings (Nova BH/BHT1)
• Dodik: Meeting with Varhelyi has shown there is attempt to conceive entirely new agenda in political sense and that could be useful (RTRS)
• European Parliament adopts report on B&H for 2021 (FTV)
• Komsic: Constituent status and corruption are two peas in a pod (Oslobodjenje)
• RS parliament adopts set of laws aimed at increasing salaries to budget users by BAM 100 (BHT1)
• Citizens protest in Sarajevo over authorities’ unsatisfactory reaction to economic situation in B&H (BHT1)
• Citizens protest in Tuzla, Mostar, Bihac and Zenica (BHT1/BNTV)
Montenegro
• Ruling majority’s meeting: Issue discussed is Fundamental Agreement with SPC (CdM)
• Abazovic calls out Konjevic and Krivokapic: It doesn’t even cross my mind to fall under pressure of a group of extremists within government (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mickoski: If this proposal is accepted, complete assimilation is accepted and a tool for Bulgaria to block Macedonia whenever it wants (Republika)
• Mickoski: With a smart, rational approach, the “French proposal” can be changed (Republika)
• Nikoloski: Our positions are clear, we demand Macedonian language without any explanations (Republika)
• People deal with provocateurs, stop violence on their own! (Republika)
• The person whom Mickoski claims planned to kill him has been detained (Republika)
Albania
• Integration/ Dutch Prime Minister: If North Macedonia does not accept the French proposal, Albania should continue its journey alone (Radio Tirana)
• Balla meets the Bulgarian Ambassador Momchil Raytchevski: We strengthen the relations between our countries (Radio Tirana)
• Srebrenica Massacre, Balla: 11 July should be declared Genocide Remembrance Day (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Selakovic: Serbia has strong leadership, preconditions for maintaining peace (TV Happy/Tanjug)
• Joint initiative of Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Turkey for development of rail transport (Tanjug/RTV)
• Hill: Much work to be done in bilateral relations between Serbian, US in the next 140 years (Beta)
• EP adopts resolution on Serbia, demanding it imposes sanctions against Russia (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Serbia no longer in focus of EU attention (Nova.rs)
• Students of Serbian nationality in Bujanovac get certificates in Albanian (N1)
• GRECO urges Serbia to implement further anti-corruption measures (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS politicians criticize Schmidt for his statement on decision of B&H CC re RS Law on Medicinal Products that will be passed on Wednesday; Kovacevic: B&H CC is extended arm of OHR (RTRS)
• Dodik, Covic and Izetbegovic set to hold separate meetings with Varhelyi (ATV)
• Komsic calls Izetbegovic and Becirovic to sign statement that Covic cannot be B&H CoM Chair; Karamatic slams Komsic, says he is counting on ‘anti-Croat votes of Muslims’ (Nezavisne)
• EU Council Political and Security Committee reps meet Dzaferovic and stress EU is serious re EU integration perspective for B&H (Hayat)
• EP discusses situation in B&H at plenary session; Rangel says there are two obstacles to progress of B&H on EU path (N1)
• Milanovic: Everything I did in Madrid was for Croat interests in B&H (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman compares situation in Northern Ireland and B&H (Vecernji list)
• MEPs adopt report on Croatia meeting the criteria for joining the Eurozone (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Metropolitan Mihailo: I will not sign a contract in which the CPC does not guarantee service in Montenegrin shrines; Abazovic’s response to Metropolitan Mihailo: Govt and CPC to sign Fundamental Agreement (CdM/Standard)
• Djukanovic on Fundamental Agreement with SPC: I expect that the govt will make a decision in the state interest of Montenegro (CdM)
• Krivokapic on the Fundamental Agreement: The government must return to its European path, if there is no such thing - the only answer is elections (CdM)
• Protest in front of govt: Such text of Fundamental Agreement does damage to all citizens (CdM)
• Michel to Djukanovic: Strengthening our relations precious for both Montenegro and EU (CdM)
• Abazovic with Pompeo: We are promoting the policies of the future and raising the international reputation of Montenegro (CdM)
• UK's commitment to European integration process of Western Balkans encouraging (CdM)
• Abazovic: EU to neutralize Russia's influence in the Western Balkans (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• First meeting of working groups over French proposal set to be held in parliament (Republika)
• Michel: This is not a take it or leave it situation (Sitel TV)
• Kovacevski-Michel: Strong support in fulfilment of strategic goal – full-fledged EU membership (Republika)
• Dimitrov: In the end we will all be losers – instead of a strong state in the EU, we will have a divided, unstable state (Republika)
• Police arrest protesters (Republika)
Albania
• Rama strongly supports the Open Balkans process in the Netherlands (Radio Tirana)
• The Minister of Finland and the Minister of Ireland visit Tirana: Optimists for the integration of Albania in the EU (Radio Tirana)
• PES supports European ambitions of Albania and North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)
• Meta meets Pahor: Slovenia strongly supports the opening of membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 5 July 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: UAE visit will strengthen friendship between the two nations (RTS)
• Petkovic: Pristina wants to stop negotiations with the term “enforced disappearances” (Tanjug/RTV)
• Drecun: Pristina jeopardizing dialogue, Vucic-Kurti meeting (Tanjug)
• Final results of Serbian parliamentary elections released (Tanjug)
• RIK: Election process completed, countdown starts for parliament formation (RTS/Beta)
• No complaints in fifth revote in Veliki Trnovac (Bujanovacke/Beta)
• Report says Serbian media landscape heavily polarized (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Deadline for submitting candidate lists for general elections expires; Politicians express their expectations from October elections (O Kanal)
• Dodik says whoever wins majority in FB&H will continue same national policy and their goal will be destroying of RS (Nezavisne)
• Kovacevic: We expect absolute victory at all levels, independent majority in RS parliament (ATV)
• HR Schmidt: There may be some developments this week in Brussels regarding Election Law agreement (N1)
Montenegro
• Abazovic with EU ambassadors in Montenegro: We resolve difficult issues immediately without any reservations or conditions (CdM)
• Hrebickova: Open Balkans and agreement with the Church of Serbia are not Montenegro's priorities on the way to the EU (Gradska RTV)
• Vujovic: The partners clearly say that if the negotiations with the SPC are more important than the negotiations with the EU, elect a new government (CdM)
• Vuksanovic Stankovic: No one in Montenegro has ever declared that Serbia is a genocidal state, that is part of political manipulation (Gradski.me)
• Celanovic: Citizens' protest in front of the Government is justified, we once again call on the state-forming parties to deny support to Abazovic (CdM)
• Djukanovic: Montenegro has a lot to learn from tourism development of San Marino (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani: If we say “no”, inter-ethnic tensions will start and we will have food and energy crisis (Republika)
• Macedonian Orthodox Church is against the French proposal, but does not go out to protest (Republika)
• Nikoloski: We will not allow constitutional changes! (TV Alfa)
• Today’s protest will start earlier – at 12h, when the session for the non-Macedonian proposal is scheduled (Republika)
• The European proposal is available on the government's website (Libertas)
• The EC will present details about the Macedonian language in the Frontex agreement as soon as possible (Libertas/MIA)
Albania
• Rama appeals to Skopje: Accept the French proposal! We will ask decoupling if you refuse (Radio Tirana/Canale 5)
• Albanian delegation takes part in the proceedings of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Radio Tirana)