United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 18 May 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Pressure on Serbia over Kosovo and Metohija extremely high (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/B92)
• Brnabic: UN SC resolution does not apply only in Serbia's case (Tanjug/RTS)
• Growing interest of French companies in investing in Serbia (Tanjug/Politika)
• Hill, Amcham President: Washington will continue to support Serbia in improving business environment (Beta)
• Vucic receives credentials from newly appointed Ambassador of Ukraine (Tanjug/RTS)
• Cadez welcomes Abazovic's statement on Open Balkans (Tanjug/Politika)
• Mihajlovic: Talks on gas supplies underway with Russia (Tanjug)
• Djilas expects regime change after new Belgrade elections (Nova/Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik demands Dzaferovic’s resignation accusing him of presenting personal stances at international events (ATV)
• Dzaferovic denies Dodik’s statement regarding sanctions to Russia: B&H joined EU statement on sanctions (Oslobodjenje)
• RS ruling authorities claim B&H did not introduce sanctions against Russia; Russian Embassy to B&H says B&H is not on list of enemy countries (RTRS)
• Viskovic says RS is leader in European integration in B&H, expresses support to Open Balkans (Serb Diaspora TV/Glas Srpske)
• B&H CoM fails to approve allocation of funds for General Elections/Reactions (BHT1)
• HDZ B&H and other parties reply affirmatively to Milanovic’s inquiry whether he should resume with his activities related to B&H (FTV)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: It’s unacceptable for the “Moscow Man” in the president’s office to incite for a month (HRT1)
• Croatian FM: Nobody is bypassing Croatia, they unfortunately bypass its President (RTL TV)
• McAllister: Plenkovic takes piece of paper, draws a map and explains problem in B&H in 10-15 minutes (Vecernji list)
• Covic rejects claims of Voice of America that he is pro-Russian player (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic on the Open Balkans initiative: We need EU membership rather than an alternative (CdM)
• Omeragic: We are against the Open Balkans (CdM)
• Michel with Abazovic: Montenegro has shown that it is with the EU when imposing sanctions on Russia (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Silence is not an option, VMRO-DPMNE says as the party announces a large protest on 18 June (Republika)
Albania
• Borrell: Membership negotiations with Albania and NM should be opened during the French presidency (Radio Tirana)
• Pompeo: Goodwill is needed from every political spectrum to defend democracy (Radio Tirana)
• Meta receives on an official meeting with Ambassador of Bulgaria Raytchevski (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Serbian Orthodox Church establishes full canonical communication with North Macedonia’s (Beta/Politika)
• Brnabic: Pristina's CoE membership bid comes amid greatest violations of Serb rights (TV Pink/Tanjug)
• Borell: Close ties to Putin regime no longer compatible with EU integration (Beta)
• Selakovic: Szijjarto called for offering Serbia EU membership immediately (Tanjug/RTV)
• Dacic: Pristina’s membership against international law (RTS/Tanjug)
• Dacic, Bakoyannis discuss Kosovo (Beta/Politika)
• Vucic to Orban: Dear friend, Serbia will remain a reliable, loyal and sincere partner (B92)
• Serbia, France partners in implementation of Green Agenda (Tanjug)
• Is German Bundestag preparing resolution of support to Sarajevo (Politika)
• Berlin attacks Dodik, targets Belgrade (Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Western Balkans meet Borrell in Brussels; Turkovic: No one mentioned reform of B&H Election Law but Croatian Minister Grlic Radman (FTV)
• B&H HoP fails to discuss proposal for reduced VAT rate and laws important for B&H’s path to EU (O Kanal)
• B&H CEC: We said all we had regarding matter of financing of elections; If funds are not secured by 19 May it is up to judicial institutions to act (Oslobodjenje)
• OHR: B&H CoM should fulfil its obligation and secure funds for holding elections (O Kanal)
• Kavalec: B&H CoM must secure funds for elections (FTV)
• Koenig: It is of outmost importance to secure fair, free and inclusive elections (Dnevni avaz)
• Varhelyi sent letter to Bevanda regarding funds for holding elections (Istraga.ba/O Kanal)
• Uebber calls for securing of free, fair and inclusive elections; Germany regrets agreement on electoral reform was not reached (Dnevni avaz)
• Radoncic: Milanovic did a good thing for Croats, he managed to get US Administration’s attention to their problems (N1/Dnevni avaz)
• Washington: Tegeltija calls on US officials to visit B&H to talk with political representatives of constituent peoples on all important issues; Tegeltija: US officials were the most interested to discuss the upcoming elections (BN TV)
Croatia
• Milanovic: Hangnail of Croats in B&H is more important for me than entire Finland (N1)
• Plenkovic comments on Milanovic's initiative that Croatia should block entry of Finland and Sweden into NATO until Election Law in B&H is changed (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic with Dvorak: Full agreement on the necessity of geopolitical observation of the EU enlargement policy (CdM)
• Abazovic with the Ambassador of Finland: Montenegro supports Finland's request to be a member of NATO (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• VMRO will hold a large protest on 18 June (Republika)
• Nikoloski: A serious number of EU countries are not convinced that Macedonia should be allowed to open its accession talks (Republika)
• Borrell sees 30 June as deadline to resolve the dispute between Macedonia and Bulgaria (Republika)
• Serbian church welcomed return of the Macedonian church to canonical unity, but did not offer full independence (Republika)
• Russian church endorses the Serbian response on the dispute with Macedonia (Republika)
Albania
• Countries that have embraced sanctions against Russia will benefit a wider political inclusion with the EU, dialogue Kosovo-Serbia should continue (Radio Tirana)
• Borell: EU should start negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia before the termination of the French presidency (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka and Varhelyi: The decision for first inter-governmental conference should be taken in June (Radio Tirana)
• Applying for NATO membership, Ambassador of Sweden meets with Rama (Radio Tirana)
• The first round for election of President of Republic failed, both political sides did not propose names (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 16 May 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: I won't give territorial integrity of Serbia at any cost, period (TV Prva/B92)
• Dacic: Number of derecognitions of so-called Kosovo to grow (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Pristina's CoE membership bid burden on dialogue (Tanjug)
• Petkovic expects more states to withdraw Kosovo recognition (RTS)
• Lajcak: No agreement on license plates (Tanjug)
• Selakovic: Region needs encouragement (N1)
• G7 ministers urge Serbia to harmonize its foreign policy with the EU (Beta/Politika)
• Djilas: Serbia can’t choose whether to impose sanctions against Russia (Beta)
• State Department: Kosovo, Serbia are sovereign states that determine their own priorities alone (VoA/Beta)
• West fears “second frontline” in Balkans (Politika)
• They took away Kosovo from us, yet they want us to respect Ukrainian borders (Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H CEC: Deadline for ensuring funds for general elections expires on 19 May (AJB/N1)
• Dodik says he is against postponement of general elections (O Kanal)
• Izetbegovic: We are too far away from agreement regarding Law on Elections (Faktor.ba)
• PDP Main Board endorses candidacy of Trivic for post of RS President (BHT1)
• Kristo: HNS will participate in election because we can fight for rights of Croats only through institutions (Dnevni list)
• Kovacevic: SNSD is not afraid of CEC prohibition, we are ready to win elections; Strika: RS could implement elections on its own (ATV)
• Ljubic: Third entity does not violate principles of DPA (Dnevni list)
• Members of Croat People's Assembly announces realization of HNS conclusions on territorial reorganization; Reactions (FTV)
• Izetbegovic: Croats already have more power that guaranteed by Constitution, territorial reorganization is not possible (Hayat)
• G7 Foreign Ministers: We will not tolerate secessionist policy of RS, which endangers future of B&H and stability in the region (Dnevni avaz)
• HR Schmidt sends letter to USC authorities, calling for revision of laws related to state and public property (N1)
Croatia
• Croatian President accuses Finland of ignoring Croatia’s interests (HRT1)
• President pushes for veto on NATO expansion (HRT)
• Grlic Radman asks for additional US engagement regarding B&H Election Reform (Hina)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: I’m ready to sign Fundamental agreement with SPC; Open Balkans in line with Berlin process (DW/Nova S)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Nikoloski: Today VMRO will announce its next, tougher steps (Sitel TV)
• Macedonia and Bulgaria call off planned joint meeting of the two governments (Republika)
Albania
• Berlin Ministerial, Xhacka: NATO should open its doors to the Western Balkans and Kosovo! (Radio Tirana)
• Berisha attacks Open Balkans initiative (ADN)
• Mike Pompeo comes to Tirana on the 100th anniversary of Albania-US diplomatic relations (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Four countries derecognize Kosovo, two other states helping Pristina (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic: Serbia will not recognize so-called Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Vucic: Pristina has trampled Washington agreement (Beta/Politika/RTS)
• Brnabic: Move to join CoE is culmination of Pristina's cynicism (Novosti/Tanjug)
• Vulin: If Pristina becomes member of CoE, Serbia should declare political neutrality (Tanjug)
• Selakovic: If Pristina becomes member, CoE violates its own postulates (Tanjug)
• CoE: Kosovo has submitted candidacy, committee will be considering it (Tanjug)
• EU urges against unilateral action after Pristina’s application for CoE membership (Beta/Politika)
• Cooperation of Serbia, Morocco to be placed on path of strategic partnership (Tanjug)
• Brnabic signs cooperation agreement in Dubai (FoNet)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Sanctions hostile step, I have firm and well-founded hope that Belgrade will not impose them (RTV)
• Hill: Major changes in Balkan’s energy sector (Beta/Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: Even though he spoke at UN SC session, as far as the RS is concerned, Schmidt is still a former German diplomat; UN SC’s session was anti-Serb (RTRS)
• Alkalaj denies Dodik’s claim that UN Security Council session was anti-Serb (FTV)
• Tegeltija: Schmidt’s report will in no way bring anything good to B&H (Nova BH)
• Tegeltija meets Ambassadors Jun and Nebenzia: Jun and Nebenzia do not want centralization of B&H (RTRS)
• Novakovic Bursac on Dzaferovic’s address before UN SC: Bosniak politicians are destroying foundations of B&H (EuroBlic)
• HNS: HR’s report manipulated and debatable (Nova BH)
• Dzaferovic with UK, French Ambassadors to UN; Discuss crisis in B&H, blockade of B&H institutions and Russian influence in B&H and region (Dnevni avaz)
• Covic on arrival of European officials in B&H: European administration needs to motivate Bosniak parties (RTV HB/BHT1)
• Murphy meets Covic; HDZ insists there are no conditions for holding of elections (Oslobodjenje)
• 30th anniversary of formation of RS Army marked (BHT1)
• Court of B&H confirms indictment in ‘Dobrovoljacka’ case (O Kanal)
• Zvizdic condemns confirming of indictment in ‘Dobrovoljacka’ case (FTV)
Croatia
• Milanovic announces he will order Croatian Ambassador to NATO Nobilo to veto NATO enlargement until Election Law issue in B&H is resolved; Grlic Radman: We do not want to be state that causes incidents (HRT1)
• Foreign Minister clarifies support for NATO expansion (HRT1)
• Croatian Ambassador with UN Simonovic: Milanovic tries to emphasize that issue of Election Law of B&H is matter of peace and security (HRT1)
• Secretary of State of Holy See, Cardinal Parolin visits Croatia: Vatican supports equality of peoples in B&H (Jutarnji list)
Montenegro
• Abazovic after meeting with Porfirije: I want this government to put an end to the story of the Fundamental Agreement (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• US pressure on Bulgaria over Macedonia seems to be having effect (Republika)
• Nikoloski calls for support to open EU accession talks with Macedonia (Republika)
• SDSM won’t support election reform because of pressure from DUI (Republika)
Albania
• Majority dismisses DP’s Resolution against Srebrenica massacre (ADN)
• Rama 'attacks' Berisha after Resolution for Srebrenica massacre (ADN)
• Berisha: Majority rejected resolution on Srebrenica by order of Vucic (ADN)
• President criticizes majority for voting against Srebrenica Resolution (ADN)
• MP uncovers reason why Rama rejected resolution for Srebrenica (ADN)
• Why majority dismissed DP resolution on Serbian genocide (ADN)
• Rama: We expect Open Balkans to work better and better; No time to lose (Radio Tirana)
• Ex-DP leader greets Kosovo's application for CoE membership (ADN)
• Rama after the meetings in Brussels: Our image is completely different today, Albania is considered a model for the region (Radio Tirana)
• Kim meeting with the Ambassador of Ukraine and Xhacka / We will continue to impose serious consequences on Russia (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 12 May 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Kosovo applies for membership in CoE; Vucic: Our answer must be smart (B92)
• Vucic from Brussels: It won't be so easy for those who think they can blackmail us (B92)
• Serbia actively involved in fighting terrorism, radicalism, extremism (Politika)
• Selakovic with Spanish colleague on situation Western Balkans (RTV)
• Dacic thanked Mexican Ambassador for Mexico's principled position on issue of Kosovo (Beta)
• Brnabic begins her working visit to Dubai (Tanjug)
• Improving economic cooperation with United Kingdom (Tanjug)
• Serbia wants to be part of Saudi Vision 2030 investment plan (Politika/Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• HR Schmidt presents Report on situation in B&H before UN SC (BN TV)
• HR Schmidt has several meetings prior to his UN SC address: Security and integrity of states is not negotiable (Dnevni list)
• Dzaferovic addresses UN SC: International community’s support is necessary in relation to RS authorities’ activities that undermine DPA (Nova BH)
• Tegeltija does not address UN SC; Office of Chairperson of B&H CoM: Mission of B&H to UN refused to send requested note, confirming it is directly involved in obstructing Tegeltija’s address (Nova BH)
• Dodik: Schmidt’s address before UN SC and UK Ambassador to UN Woodward’s accusations against RS are result of West’s lack of power to control processes in Balkans (RTRS)
• Ruling parties in RS condemn Arnautovic’s statements and Dzaferovic’s address before UN SC (ATV)
• Viskovic: RS government's reports to UN SC on situation in B&H changed stereotype about B&H, which was represented by OHR and some other centers of power (Glas Srpske)
• Avdovic: Schmidt did not convey any strong messages or political instructions to independent political institutions in B&H, such as B&H CEC (FTV)
• Brussels and EU administration confirm that there are no plans to open new round of negotiations on changing B&H Election Law (Dnevni list)
• Covic with HDZ of HNC: HDZ B&H must convincingly get the trust in general elections in Croat majority areas (Dnevni list)
• Cavara; Agreement on electoral reform is possible if good will exists, despite the fact elections are announced; HNS conclusions remain in force (Oslobodjenje)
• Members of B&H CEC Bjelica-Prutina and Rogic distance themselves from views of Arnautovic, emphasizing that many issues he raised were not discussed at B&H CEC Collegium and at CEC session (Nezavisne)
• Borrell organizes informal dinner for leaders of Western Balkans in Brussels; Dodik among participants of event (N1)
Croatia
• Milanovic reiterates he will veto NATO membership of Finland with aim to protect Croats in B&H (N1)
• Economy Minister: Croatia wants stability and progress of B&H (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: We desperately need message that all WB countries have a place in EU (CdM)
• Djukanovic: More intensive integration is the only answer that the Balkans would not be a source of instability due to influence of anti-European policy (CdM)
• Djukanovic met with Lajcak in Brussels (CdM)
• Djukanovic met with Vucic, Varhelji, Rama… (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Misajlovski: Parliament blockade is only way to raise awareness to crises we are facing (Republika)
• Mickoski offers an immediate vote to amend the electoral model (Republika)
• VMRO-DPMNE will win 61 seats in next elections, and will not allow DUI to control Macedonian politics any longer (Telma TV)
Albania
• Rama meets Borell before informal dinner in Brussels (ADN)