LOCAL PRESS

 

Today, on UN Security Council session on Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia is represented by Vucic (B92)

 

A United Nations Security Council session devoted to the six-month report of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the work of UNMIK will be held today in New York, and Serbia will be represented by President Aleksandar Vucic. The regular six-month report on the work of the UN Mission in Kosovo and Metohija will be presented by the special representative of the UN Secretary General and the Head of UNMIK Caroline Ziadeh. The session will start at 10:00 a.m. Eastern American time, i.e. at 4:00 p.m. Central European time, and the session will be opened by the President of the Security Council for April, Vanessa Frazier. Pristina will be represented by the President of the provisional institutions Vjosa Osmani. In the regular report, which refers to the period from 19 September 2023 to 15 March 2024, Guterres stated that, despite some progress in the implementation of agreements reached with the mediation of the EU, tensions between Belgrade and Pristina have increased, and that the security situation in the north of Kosovo remained fragile. At the same time, he pointed out that there was no progress towards the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities despite diplomatic pressure and expressed concern about the implementation of the new regulations on payment transactions which, as he stated, affected the economic and social rights of Serbs and other non-majority communities. He called for an urgent discussion on open issues within the EU-mediated dialogue, to ensure that the rights of all affected communities and the most vulnerable groups are protected. Guterres strongly condemned, as he stated, the serious security incident on 24 September in Banjska, which led to the tragic loss of life, and called for the completion of the investigation and "bringing the perpetrators to justice without delay". In October 2023, the last regular session of the UN Security Council on the work of UNMIK was held, while in February of this year, at the request of Serbia, and after the decision of the Pristina authorities to ban the use of dinars, an extraordinary session of the UN Security Council was held. In addition to participating in the session of the Security Council, Vucic will have talks with the chairperson of the UN Security Council, the permanent representative of Malta to the UN, Vanessa Frazier, as well as the permanent representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vasily Nebenzya. During the day, Vucic will also attend a reception organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Serbia to the United Nations for permanent representatives of UN member states. Vucic will also have a series of consultations and meetings with representatives of United Nations member states, in order to explain Serbia's position regarding the announced resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica. He announced meetings with more than 120 permanent representatives of different countries in the UN and announced that a headquarters was formed in the Mission of Serbia to the United Nations in New York to deal with issues related to the attempt to adopt a resolution on Srebrenica and said that Serbia's chances are not great, but that will fight. On the eve of his trip to New York, Vucic stated that the adoption of such a resolution will further damage relations in the region and that Serbia will fight with all its strength against the adoption of the resolution.

 

Vucic on the vote for the Resolution on Srebrenica: They knew that Russians and Chinese would veto it (B92)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the public on Friday. He stated that he is satisfied with the armament of the Vihor 2024 military exercise, and points out that this is how our army should look on the real battlefield. "I say this because we must fundamentally abandon the concept of four brigades. We must have units for action in all branches of the army," said Vucic. He stated that all the technology is new, and that he was interested in seeing the "Alas" system. He states that the Pasars did a great job, and that they hit drone targets made by the PRDC. "They hit everything, and they also showed how they can act on armored vehicles as well. We saw a lot, top-notch training and everything was prepared without fail. We also saw Kurti's stupid comments. It bothers him that we are 30 km away from the administrative line. Well, now we have to do it in the center of Belgrade. Sometimes it becomes tragic, how much nonsense you have to hear from people from the region and some world officials," said Vucic. He also spoke about the vote for the Resolution on Srebrenica in the UN. "It is a German idea, supported by NATO and everyone else. They also found Rwanda, they also found New Zealand and Chile. They also found several countries that have always been sponsors of such projects, such as Malaysia and Jordan. They also have North Macedonia, so there's no big philosophy there. I guess it's thanks for what we did for Skopje. I saw Austria there, nothing strange considering all that Shallenberg is doing against our country," said Vucic. He added that something that falls under the authority of the Security Council has been moved to the UN General Assembly. "They knew that the Russians and the Chinese would veto it, and that is why they are now going to the UN General Assembly, because they expect a secure majority and want to make a blow to the Serbs and Serbia. They want to humiliate Serbia in the Council of Europe. The Germans played that game in the UN General Assembly, the Americans joined them. I have an important and difficult conversation with Jim O'Brien in the afternoon. And everything Dora Bakoyanni said was a lie and a shame. She didn't come to Belgrade to talk to us, twice I accepted conversations with her, and every time they were cancelled," said Vucic. Speaking about the Resolution on Srebrenica, Vucic stated that the resistance to it is growing. "They calculated that they would have 70-90 votes in favor, that Serbia would have 20 votes up to a maximum of 30 votes, and that the others would abstain. I tell you now that there will not be such a result. We are fighting, and our fight continues. It will not be easy, we will see who is a friend of Serbia and who respects international law. It is interesting that Efraim Zuroff made a statement like this. And I expect Yehuda Braun, the world's greatest expert, to speak out as well," Vucic said and added: "It won't be so easy, there will be more abstaining countries than in favor. And they will say they won. They underestimate us, so they make fun of the rally in Banjaluka yesterday. I'm just asking you, why do you think people vote against. Do you think that these are people who support crime. No, people understand that it's a policy, something you've been doing for decades, against a small nation that opposed the hegemony. We won't have 5, 10, or 20 votes against it. And there will be more abstentions." "I will have a direct meeting with the representatives of over 120 countries. I have spoken with the representatives of 23 countries on this issue so far. I sent letters to everyone because of the Council of Europe. Milanovic says that he will vote in favor of the resolution even though I sent him a five-page letter. I also wrote to others. We will continue to fight, and let the people know, we will save Serbia and the image of the Serbian people. And if they have more for than against, which is likely, the day after we will raise the Serbian tricolor and walk even more firmly and strongly, it's only the vote in the UN General Assembly where the truth really lies. Despite the pressure from the Germans and the Americans," said Vucic. Vucic also said that today is the 11th anniversary of the Brussels agreement, adding that he thought it was a difficult compromise. "I participated with Dacic, who signed it, and I suffered the worst attacks on Kosovo. We did the best for the country at that moment. That was the only way not to be brutally punished. When you have that in mind, it is clear to you that we have endured well all this time not to recognize the independence of Kosovo, to continue to exist as a nation, without endangering ourselves with wars and sanctions," said Vucic. He states that this is the 11th year of lies and shame of the EU and the USA. He says that yesterday the State Department, the EU and many others said that Serbia has no right to detain buses at the border. "There was no detention of the bus. Two or three Albanians and one Serb from the Kosovo Police were detained. One of them was in the KLA, suspected of crimes against Serbs. And they were released within 24 hours. No one was beaten, mistreated... And I ask why they didn't ask why Stefanović was beaten in Zubin Potok. They kept Obrenovic in prison for 7 or 8 months. They didn't say a word to him for months," said Vucic. "The fight is ahead of us, we will not surrender and we will not let them humiliate us and show us that they won easily. One small Serbia, one small European tribe, will show how it fights for its freedom, and we will do much more than our opponents think today that they will make. And when it is over, we will continue to work even harder, to win and show how much more successful we are," Vucic concluded.

 

Dacic: UNSC another opportunity for Vucic to talk about all the problems faced by Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija (TV Pink)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said that today's session of the UN Security Council in New York City, which is dedicated to the six-month report of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres about the work of UNMIK, is another opportunity for Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to emphasize all the fundamental principles that Serbia stands for as well as to point out all the problems faced by Serbs in the area of Kosovo and Metohija. Dacic told TV Pink that the meeting is an opportunity for Vucic to point out that the report, which Dacic says is always prepared according to a template, is insufficient and does not properly show all the difficulties that the Serb people are facing. "It is also an opportunity to stress that not all the problems are described in it, nor is it clear where all these problems stem from," said Dacic. The Minister added that this session is another opportunity for Vucic to repeat the fundamental principles that Serbia stands for, as well as to point out all the problems that Serbs are facing in Kosovo and Metohija. Dacic reminded that the prime minister of Pristina's provisional institutions, Albin Kurti, will not be present at the session, stating that the obvious reason is that he did not do well while squaring off with Vucic in the past. "It's interesting that Kurti will not be at the meeting, Osmani will. He ran away from that session and from facing Vucic. Mostly he would go to these meetings, but it is obvious that he didn't do very well in all those 'duels,' and he takes it as a type of duel," said Dacic. The minister added that today's UN Security Council session will be regular, but that Western countries are trying and succeeding in reducing the number of those meetings. "Previously, they were held four times a year, that is, every three months, then that was reduced to three, and now to two (times a year). And now there's this illogical situation, that Bosnia and Herzegovina is discussed twice a year, but it bothers them that Kosovo and Metohija should be discussed twice a year," Dacic said. Asked if he expects anyone at today's session to react to a referendum that took place in the north of Kosovo, which the Serbs boycotted, Dacic stated that the issue is not formally included in the report, but that it will certainly be a topic. He added that the referendum in the north of Kosovo and Metohija has failed. "You know what kind of spin it is now, they are now blaming us for that referendum, that we boycotted the referendum - I mean the EU is. We are not constructive, and it turns out that Pristina is. And they created that whole situation. (First) there were fake elections, fake mayors were elected. Then they said the mayors would resign. Then now, there's supposed to be a referendum. It's a whole list of these science fiction ideas that keep causing problems," said Dacic. The Minister added that the goal of unilateral acts coming from Kurti is to constantly create some problems and to complicate the life of Serbs living in Kosovo and Metohija, which would achieve the long-term goal - the continuation of the policy of ethnic cleansing.

 

Vucic after the meeting with O’Brien: We agree on little regarding Kosovo and Srebrenica (Beta)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said after a meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the US State Department James O’Brien that there is little they agreed on when it comes to Kosovo and Srebrenica. “We agree that it is very important that peace and stability must be preserved, and on the Serbian side, I promised that Serbia would behave responsibly and seriously and I said what lies are coming from those who talk about some kind of invasion, war, as we are not even considering participating in such things,” Vucic told reporters at the Presidency after the meeting. He said that his and O’Brien’s views differ on the issue of Kosovo, Metohija and Srebrenica. He thanked O’Brien for saying that the Community of Serb Municipalities is an “important and powerful obligation” that Pristina must fulfil. “That obligation has been strong for 11 years,” he said, arguing that it is being ignored and that “they have been lying to us for more than 4,000 days”. “Both Pristina and the Europeans who signed it with us,” said Vucic. He stated that Pristina did not implement anything from the Brussels agreement, while Serbia did, and even implemented certain things from the Ohrid agreement. “They weren’t interested in any of that, it didn’t oblige them, they just imposed new problems on the Serb population – from the abolition of the Dinar, and put us in a position where we propose a solution for how we’re going to pay out Euros, and they won’t even do that,” said Vucic. He also cited examples of daily arrests and beatings of Serbs, as well as the fact that “everyone – the State Department, NATO, the EU and everyone else” is silent on all this. “But well, that’s why they will be rewarded with membership in the Council of Europe and I told Mr. O’Brien that Serbia – we know we are small and that the US is a world power – Serbia will resist this violence against the Serbian state and people and will fight. If we lose – we lose, what else can we do,” he said. When it comes to the UN resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica, Vucic said that they discussed it for a long time and that he is particularly concerned about that issue. “I know what it means and how it will disrupt relations in the region. Don’t forget, it was made as a decision of one people against another people within Bosnia and Herzegovina itself,” said Vucic. Vucic argued that the issue of that resolution was illegally moved from the Security Council to the UN General Assembly, stating that it belongs in the Security Council. He stressed that Serbia will object to it in the UN. “I told O’Bryan to his face everything that is important for our citizens. How difficult what is happening is for the Serb people,” said Vucic.

 

Brnabic meets with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (Tanjug)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Ana Brnabic met on Saturday with the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien. Brnabic emphasised that dialogue with all the political groups in the parliament is her first priority, adding that she believed the first successful step in this endeavour has been achieved. She also underlined the improvement of Serbia’s parliamentary diplomacy and work on achieving greater transparency, inclusiveness and efficiency in the work of the parliament. She informed the guest about the status concerning the implementation of the ODIHR recommendations for the improvement of the electoral process and about enabling the holding of local elections on 2 June of this year. The US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs said that it is a great thing that the dialogue with the opposition parties has started, that it is giving the political scene a different atmosphere, and that it is good for all future steps towards strengthening democracy in society. He commended her willingness to work on Serbian parliamentary diplomacy, saying that it is a very important thing for the country and further progress. US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill also attended the meeting in the Serbian parliament.

 

Porfirije with O’Brien and Hill: Kosovo and Metohija – part of Serbia (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije received on Saturday at the Patriarchal Residence in Belgrade the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs of the State Department James O’Brien, and the US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill. Emphasizing the importance of improving Serbia’s relations with the US in the spirit of friendship that characterized the relationship between the Serbian and American peoples for a long historical period, the Head of the Serbian Orthodox Church informed the guests of the unchanging position of the Serbian Orthodox Church that Kosovo and Metohija is part of the Republic of Serbia. Considering this fact, the Patriarch assessed the inclusion of Kosovo and Metohija in the Council of Europe as harmful, the Serbian Orthodox Church announced. Discussing the international and interstate relations in the region, the Patriarch expressed extreme concern and assessed as completely harmful the initiative to pass the resolution on Srebrenica in the UN General Assembly, while not questioning the fact that all those who have committed any kind of war crime should be brought before the face of justice. Despite such initiatives, which do not bring anything good, but put nations who have shared the same living space for centuries before new temptations and challenges, the Serbian Orthodox Church will continue to unyieldingly call for love and understanding, build peace, both in Kosovo and Metohija, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Patriarch stressed.

 

Djuric: Serbia asking for Resolution on Genocide in Srebrenica to be withdrawn (Beta/RTS/Tanjug)

 

Serbian Ambassador to the US Marko Djuric told reporters in New York yesterday that Serbia was asking that the sponsors of a resolution on Srebrenica withdraw the proposal with a view to reconciliation in the region. In a statement to Serbian media outlets in New York, Djuric said a headquarters had been set up by the Serbian mission to monitor and deal with the situation surrounding the attempt to adopt the resolution on Srebrenica around the clock. "It is really cause for a lot of concern and disappointment. Disappointment over the way such a sensitive subject is being discussed. This is a subject that should not be politicized, a subject where reverence for the victims should be the focus, one that should not cause new division," Djuric said. He added that moving for a resolution like this one was an attempt to deepen division within Bosnia and Herzegovina, where there was no consensus on this sensitive issue. The UN General Assembly is scheduled to vote on the resolution at a plenary session on 2 May.

 

Kurti's escalating moves lead Serbs toward humanitarian disaster (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)

 

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic on Friday informed in detail the Ambassadors and representatives of the Quint countries in Belgrade and the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia about the meeting at the level of the main negotiators that was held yesterday in Brussels, but also pointed out that today marks 11 years since Pristina refused to form the Community of Serb Municipalities. Petkovic presented the interlocutors with Belgrade's constructive proposal for solving the crisis that arose after Pristina's unilateral and violent decision to cancel the dinar and dinar payment transactions in Kosovo and Metohija, while on the other hand, Pristina did not have a single proposal to solve the problem, simultaneously rejecting all proposals from Belgrade. It is clear that Pristina does not want to take even the smallest step towards getting out of the difficult situation in which the Serbian people find themselves and that behind all this is the undisguised intention of Kurti's regime to expel all Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija, Petkovic warned. According to him, Albin Kurti's effort to leave the Serbian people without salaries, pensions and social assistance, and to endanger the work of Serbian institutions, primarily hospitals, kindergartens and schools, is leading to a humanitarian disaster. He also pointed out that all the problems the Serbs are facing today stem from the fact that for 11 years Pristina has refused to form the Community of Serb Municipalities, an obligation from the Brussels agreement, whose guarantor is the EU, and instead implements unilateral and escalating moves on the ground.

 

Serbia Against Violence participating in 2 June elections under new name (N1)

 

The alliance formed by six member parties of the former coalition Serbia Against Violence will participate in the local elections on 2 June under a new name, it was confirmed for N1.

“We definitely won’t be called Serbia Against Violence because that wouldn’t be right or smart. Currently, two or three variants are being considered, and on Monday at 10 o’clock, we will announce the final decision on what name we will use for the upcoming elections,” said the leader of one of the parties that will be part of the future coalition to N1. “It is likely that the names of cities and municipalities where local elections will be held on 2 June will also be included in the coalition’s name. The alliance is open to other parties and movements, discussions are ongoing, and we will finalize the agreement during the next week,” a source told N1. Recall that the parties gathered in the coalition Serbia Against Violence voted at a meeting held on Friday on whether to participate in the Belgrade elections on 2 June. The proposal to participate in the elections was supported by five parties – the People’s Movement of Serbia, the Green-Left Front, the Environmental Uprising, the Movement of Free Citizens, and the New Face of Serbia, while the Party of Freedom and Justice, Serbia Center, and Together were against it. The Democratic Party voted against participation, but its representatives announced that the party would support the majority decision.

 

Ferguson: The term ‘genocide’ does not imply collective responsibility of Serbs (Politika)

 

Speaking about the UN resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica, the UK Ambassador to Serbia Edward Ferguson said that the term ‘genocide’ in no way implies the collective responsibility of the Serb people. In an interview with Politika, he noted that the judges involved in those processes before the international courts clearly stated that the processes before the courts did not deal with people as a whole, but only with the individuals responsible for the crimes. He stated that the UK “does not play politics” when it comes to Srebrenica and that the term genocide is used because it was determined by competent international courts. “We admit, based on international reports, that the UN is partly responsible, because they failed to prevent what happened in Srebrenica, and we, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, want to learn certain lessons from that case so that it never happens again,” he said. Asked if the adoption of the resolution could create a rift between the people living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its Republika Srpska (RS) entity and Serbia, the Ambassador stated that at the moment “unfortunately, that issue divides people”. “I think this is a question, first of all, for political leaders, whether they want to use the anniversary as an occasion to work on reconciliation and put the past behind us,” said Ferguson.

 

Nebenzya: Danger of new conflict looming over the Balkans (Politika)

 

In an interview with the Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya who was asked, among other issues, to comment on the daily’s remark that the Western countries are promoting draft resolution on, what the daily refers to as “legally non-existent ‘genocide’” in Srebrenica. Nebenzya replied by saying, among other issues, that “lobbying for United Nation General Assembly resolution on ‘genocide’ in Srebrenica is another example of the West attempting to use the uneasy past and feelings of Bosnian Muslims and to exert pressure and subjugate Serbs from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) through that, and others along with them”. “We understand the complexity of a period of the civil conflict in B&H, which is why we consider that initiative to be destructive, capable of causing explosion in the Balkans”, added Nebenzya. Asked why Germany, which committed gravest crimes during the World War II, including genocide against the Slavs, Jews and Roma, is a co-sponsor of the document about “genocide” that was allegedly committed by Serbs in Srebrenica, Nebenzya said Germany has tried throughout history to play a special role in the Balkans. “Due to some reason, it believes it deserves more than others. Am example of it is activity of illegal ‘high representative’ in B&H, German Christian Schmidt. He carries out Germany’s interests in the country to a large extent”, added Nebenzya. Asked if the UN can lead us to peace, what is the role of Russia and the US in the process and what is the position of Serbia and the Balkans, Nebenzya said the UN was created to prevent monstrous tremors that the mankind suffered during the 20th century. According to him, Russia and the US have huge responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and that, historically, Russia and Serbia have always been close, brotherly countries, whilst the Western countries were jealous of it. Nebenzya went on to say that a danger of a new conflict is looming over the Balkans today, which is being promoted by the Western countries. According to him, the events started with an orchestrated dissolution of Social Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and continued with NATO invasion of Yugoslavia in 1999. Concluding the interview, Nebenzya said Russia is doing everything in its power to prevent the Western countries’ destructive plans, prevent chaos in the Balkans and help the peoples establish lasting peace in the region. Regarding the statement that Russia is making efforts to put the issue of the 25th anniversary, as he said, of the NATO aggression against Yugoslavia on the agenda of the UN Security Council, and that some other members of the UN Security Council, especially France, oppose it under the pretext that it is a matter of history, while Western countries are promoting the draft resolution of the UN General Assembly, as Nebenzya said, on the legally non-existent genocide in Srebrenica, even though 29 years have passed, Nebenzya stated that Western delegations are openly trying to use this world organization in their interests and do not hide it.

 

Diplomatic breakthrough through pressure and blackmail (Politika)

 

Analysts commented on the announcement of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic that Serbia will apply for the position of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UN SC) in case the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopts the Srebrenica Resolution. In addition to this, Vucic also announced that – in case the Srebrenica Resolution was adopted, Serbia will initiate resolutions on genocide in Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Jajinci and Jasenovac each year without stating who was behind those genocides: “We will not mention Germans anywhere, but we will file resolutions on genocides that were carried out in territory of Serbia.” Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Vladislav Jovanovic said that it would be extremely important for Serbia to become a non-permanent member of the UN SC because this would be a great opportunity for Serbia for international affirmation and for voting on various grounds in field of protection of peace and security. Diplomat Zoran Milivojevic agreed that it would be very important for Serbia to become a non-permanent member of the UN SC because this membership can bring a chance to Serbia to decide on important matters, including those directly related to state and national interest. Milivojevic added that the importance of daily communication can be seen now that Serbia is lobbying with regard to the Srebrenica Resolution, because the position of a non-permanent member brings an additional importance to communication with all other countries and parts of the world. Former diplomat Srecko Djukic assessed that Serbia should file its candidacy for as many positions in international forums as possible because the reputation of the country in international relations depends on this.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Konakovic calls on representatives of UN countries to support proposed resolution on Srebrenica genocide (AJB)

 

B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konakovic, sent a letter and a video message to the representatives of the UN member countries to call on them to support the Resolution on the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica in the UN General Assembly. Konakovic stated that the adoption of the Resolution is very important because there are still those who deny genocides and glorify war criminals, and it is necessary to eliminate such ideologies with joint efforts. Konakovic said that the leaders of the countries who oppose the commemoration of the victims of the genocide show a lack of awareness and human dignity, deliberately encouraging mistrust and tensions, posing a threat to reconciliation and regional peace and security. Konakovic was quoted as saying: “The draft resolution to be presented to the UN General Assembly on 2 May is an opportunity to make the Srebrenica genocide a permanent part of the collective memory of humanity through the establishment of an International Day of Remembrance for the Srebrenica genocide. After the decision to declare 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, in 2003, it was further changed in 2018 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. I firmly believe that the UN General Assembly should, in the same sense, designate 11 July as International Day of Reflection on the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, before its 30th anniversary. I am firmly convinced that the establishment of this marking will significantly contribute to peace and security. This resolution is such an attempt. We are deeply concerned that there are several countries that are trying to sabotage the adoption of this resolution by questioning the judgment and qualifications of international criminal courts”. Konakovic noted that the Resolution would strengthen belief in strength of the UN institutions. Konakovic reminded that the genocide was committed in Srebrenica in July 1995 in the UN protected zone. B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that eight thousand men and boys have been killed and thousands of others displaced. He concluded that destiny of Bosniak people in the UN safe zones Srebrenica and Zepa are a symbol of unfulfilled promise and belief in protection by the international community.

 

B&H Presidency members Becirovic and Komsic thank UN SG Guterres on support and measures in fight against genocide denial (Hayat)

 

Chairman and Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Denis Becirovic and Croat member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic met with UN Secretary-General (UN SG) Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York. On this occasion, Becirovic and Komsic thanked Guterres on his previous support for activities and measures in the fight against denial of genocide, hate speech and glorification of war crimes in B&H. They emphasized that the UN, by adopting the resolution on July 11 as the International Day of Remembrance and commemoration of the genocide in Srebrenica committed in 1995, will point out the importance of promoting the truth about the committed genocide. In addition, at the invitation of the New York-based Association of Veterans and Patriots of the Army of the RB&H and the Ministry of Interior of the RB&H, Komsic attended the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the Army of B&H. Becirovic and Komsic also met with UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis. The importance of final verdicts of the highest UN international courts that confirmed that the genocide was committed against Bosniaks in the UN safe zone of Srebrenica was stressed at the meeting. B&H delegation stressed the importance of the adoption of the Resolution on Srebrenica in the UNGA, which is expected to encourage the UN member states to adopt school curriculums based on which future generations will learn about the truth on the genocide, its consequences and prevention. Becirovic and Komsic also attended a working lunch with the ambassadors of the member states and officials of the United Nations. The meeting was also attended by B&H Ambassador to the UN Zlatko Lagumdzija. They discussed the resolution on declaring July 11 the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. “Our obligation to the victims, their families and future generations is a civilizational one, and together we must fight against forgetting and denial,” said Becirovic. Komsic stressed that the adoption of the Resolution will be incredibly important for future generations and the preservation of historical facts, confirmed by court rulings. He noted that not accepting the Resolution denies the Srebrenica genocide, but also accepting the consequences of other genocides around the world. “The genocide in Srebrenica must be condemned on a global level, support for the victims must be expressed, the denial of genocide must be prevented, and the glorification of war criminals must be condemned to prevent future genocides and war crimes,” said Becirovic, adding that the Resolution does not mention any collective responsibility.

 

Novakovic Bursac: Term ‘genocide’ must not be used without caution (RTRS)

 

Serb delegate in the B&H House of Peoples (B&H HoP) Snjezana Novakovic Bursac said the term ‘genocide’ must not be used without caution. What is happening to us, when German foreign policy, together with some other countries, tries to insert that term into the resolution of the UN General Assembly, she points out, has two goals. “First, to degrade that term, which is completely unacceptable, from the human side, from the historical side. And secondly, it is obvious that it causes political damage to the Serbs, as a nation, and especially to RS, and it is up to us to fight in all ways, first of all with the truth,” Novakovic Bursac emphasized. Some policies still tend to sow chaos and unrest in the Western Balkan region, even degrading, for political reasons, such a painful and important term as genocide, she concluded.

 

Dodik: RS is not spite but freedom (ATV)

 

The RS President Milorad Dodik issued a statement on Instagram, in which he said that the Serb people want to live in peace, in their RS, for whose defense thousands of Serb heroes gave their lives. Dodik was quoted as saying: “The RS is not spite, but freedom. Serbs want to live proudly, without belittling, humiliating, imposing opinions and falsifying historical facts from political Sarajevo and various world-class brokers”. Dodik said that a magnificent gathering was held in Banja Luka from which those messages were sent.

 

EUD to B&H condemns denial of genocide during RS parliament session and at “Srpska is calling you” rally (O Kanal)

 

The EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H published a statement in regard to latest developments in the RS parliament and at ‘Srpska is calling you’ rally. They commented denial of genocide in the public space. The statement reads that the EUD to B&H condemns repeated denial of the facts of the genocide in Srebrenica during the RS parliament session and at the “Srpska is calling you” rally on 18 April 2024. “That a genocide was committed in Srebrenica in July 1995 is not matter of opinion. It is a historical fact, legally established by the ICTY in 2004 and the ICJ in 2007”, reads the statement. It further reads that there is no place in Europe for genocide denial. The EUD to B&H called on all political leaders in B&H to refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions and focus on moving the country forward on its EU path, which is the desired objective of the overwhelming majority of B&H citizens. The EUD concluded: "Genocide denial, revisionism and glorification of war criminals have no place in Europe, and we reject any denial, relativization or misinterpretation of the Srebrenica genocide".

 

US Embassy: Denial of Srebrenica genocide by Dodik and other leaders from the RS at RS parliament session and rally in Banja Luka is reprehensible and irresponsible (N1)

 

The US Embassy to B&H issued a statement after Thursday’s SNSD rally in Banja Luka and RS President and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik's shameful statements in which he denied the genocide and insulted the survivors as well as the victims. “The denial of the Srebrenica genocide by the RS President Dodik and other leaders from the RS parliament session and rally in Banja Luka is reprehensible and irresponsible. Denying the genocide is an insult to the victims of all ethnicities and causes additional pain to the families of the victims. Denying the genocide destroys the social fabric of B&H, is a threat to its stability and is illegal according to the laws of B&H”, reads the US Embassy’s statement. According to the Embassy’s statement, nothing Dodik says or does can change the facts, not even organizing day-long events dedicated to denying the genocide and spreading misinformation about the resolution currently being considered by the UN General Assembly. The statement concludes that the US is ready to respond to those anti-democratic and anti-Dayton activities.

 

Russian Embassy strongly criticizes US’ policy in B&H and the world (Oslobodjenje)

 

In regard to the veto that the USA filed in the UN Security Council during voting on admission of Palestine to the UN, the Russian Embassy in B&H issued a press release on Friday saying that this was another shameful move of the US. The Embassy further stated: “What do Americans do to make an alibi for themselves? They support illegally self-proclaimed Kosovo and encourage conflict in B&H. They, with their bayonets, literally push an illegitimate fraud. They use politicized and unilateral court verdicts as an instrument for demonizing of one constituent people in B&H and for manipulation with the other constituent people of B&H. This emancipation is even more demon like since it encroached in deeply rooted feelings of pain and vulnerability emerged as a result of tragic events in the past. For this reason, the American thesis that a concrete person and not a notorious international community is the reason for instability is wrong. Because Washington exactly has monopolized the role of the international factor in B&H when it turned into an objective and impartial participant of the process of strengthening of peace and stability in B&H in an instrument of their selfish, neocolonial aspirations. For this reason, Washington, despite of its faltering speeches and demonstrated care, cannot be “a proved friend”. As soon as some country stops to represent political appropriateness for Americans, and when it stops bringing commercial benefit of many USD billions, they abandon it without regret. This was illustrated on an example of Afghanistan. This will be demonstrated on the example of Ukraine. We are calling on political forces with common sense in B&H to reject a hope in “Western Danaan” since an intra-Bosnian dialogue only is capable to secure such agreements, which will serve as a ground for strengthening of peace and stability, overcoming of mutual fears, creation of such conditions in which B&H will become a desirable homeland for all its peoples and citizens.” The Russian Embassy to B&H stated on Friday that “the American thesis” that the cause of instability in B&H is in a specific person and not in “the notorious international community” is wrong. The Embassy’s statement reads: “They are literally pushing the illegitimate fraudster with their bayonets. They use politicized and one-sided court verdicts as an instrument to demonize one constituent people and to manipulate another constituent people in B&H. This manipulation is even more diabolical, because it penetrates deep-rooted feelings of pain and vulnerability created as a result of the tragic events of the past.”

 

Konakovic comments rally in Banja Luka: The entire world saw the image of genocide deniers (Dnevni avaz)

 

B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs and NiP leader Elmedin Konakovic posted a statement on his Facebook commenting Thursday’s rally in Banja Luka. “Once again, the entire world saw the image of genocide deniers, inhuman shows of those who we unfortunately call our neighbours and those with who we unfortunately share political reality in this beautiful country. The Dayton brought us peace, but also a straitjacket and right to decision making and veto to those who teach children that butchers and criminals are heroes and that generations continue to celebrate those who in a bloodthirsty manner were murdering pregnant women, civilians, babies, boys and girls. This is our harsh reality, and we must not escape it. I am proud that we are not rolling in the mud with them of daily political bickering, and that because of this avoidance we showed the world realistic image of our country, its normal and paranormal side. Proud, because of these images from Banja Luka, today the entire world understands our reality,” wrote Konakovic. He underlined that it is important that the image of the official support of Serbia could have been seen, portrayed by several representatives of Serbian institutions who arrived to B&H upon the order of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, together with several busses of Serbian citizens. “They deny international law, live in their own parallel world, which they can call whatever they want, because nobody but them live in that world. They spin the lies one after another, persuading themselves in all the construction they have designed over the years. They are now trying to persuade the entire world that the injustice is inflicted against them by reminding of the crimes of Milosevic’s regime. They are saying that those who remind of the crimes are to be blamed, not those who committed them. They say the injustice was done to them, not to victims of genocide, 8,372 of them, many of whom we are still searching for in the mass graves. One bone at the time.” Konakovic concluded that this is why it is important for entire world to see them, just as they are, “all with Putin’s pictures on majority of flags in the public”. He noted that “attendance was modest”, which gives hope that people in RS are realizing that “Chetnik iconography, folklore and wartime songs” do not pay the bills and do not buy food and they are distancing them from conditions of life offered in process of EU integration. “We have to fight even stronger for truth and justice. Not stepping down an inch. Constant vigilance because of the evil that does not sleep. If someone did not understand why Resolution on Srebrenica is of essential importance now, they understand it completely today. The truth will never be traded with, and nobody can stop this truth,” ends Konakovic.

 

Niksic: B&H will survive, everything else will perish (Dnevni avaz)

 

FB&H Prime Minister Nermin Niksic posted on his Facebook account, stating that genocide denial, humiliating of victims and their families is a huge shame and moral downfall of political system “which, because of the facts established before the courts, should be the first and loudest advocator of truth and Resolution on Srebrenica genocide”. He noted that this should be moral and civilizational obligation, if they expect at least shred of redemption for “committed crime of political structure, whose successors they are”. “Genocide happened in Srebrenica. This simple truth cannot be easily accepted by a single, normal human being. It is almost impossible to comprehend genocide at the end of 20th century and it is completely unacceptable that it was allowed for it to happen in time of peak of development of democratic European states and the so-called European values. Unfortunately, it happened. If only it had not. If it were not for genocide, today Srebrenica residents would not be visiting their fathers, sons, brothers and husbands in Potocari gravesite,” noted Niksic. Reminding of German Willy Brandt, Niksic stressed that Serbia and one part of B&H are still waiting for their Brandt. “He is most of all needed to them. Unfortunately, this people have long time ago gave up expectation that penitent will appear, even though we would be glad if they did. This is why we have right to even stronger and louder demand from democratic West to embrace us in European and NATO family because of their own responsibility, which they are aware of, when BiH was rejected, cut-off, isolated and under embargo, left to the mercy of butchers from Srebrenica and else-where.” He concluded that B&H has survived, but the question for Europe and West is whether their values can survive if they fail to fulfil debt toward B&H, a place where, in the plain sight they stumbled and betrayed those principles which they declaratively advocate today. “And to those who even yesterday wanted its disappearance, I want to clearly say: B&H will survive, everything else will perish”.

 

“Western Balkans in the EU” conference ends in Ljubljana (N1)

 

A two-day international meeting of ‘Friends of the Western Balkans’ started in Ljubljana on Friday. The meeting focuses on the political and security situation in the Western Balkans and bringing the countries closer to the EU. The Institute ‘Friends of the Western Balkans’ is founded by former Slovenian President Borut Pahor. “By 2030, both the Western Balkans and the EU must be prepared for enlargement. The new European Commission (EC) needs to be ready to work on enlargement”, Pahor noted. As a participant from B&H, former B&H Presidency member Mladen Ivanic noted that politicians in B&H have done nothing spectacular and the EU has helped BiH a lot on the EU path. EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and Other Regional Issues of the Western Balkans Miroslav Lajcak said: “I had the opportunity to talk separately with three members of the B&H Presidency a few weeks ago during the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya. Honestly, I have never seen such a level of unity in their messages, as well as positive energy before the March Council of the EU, when everyone hoped that B&H would receive an invitation to start accession negotiations, which I fully supported, and it happened. So, we had a very positive momentum in the country, which, unfortunately, was replaced by another political crisis. My message to all partners, and I had the opportunity to speak with all of them, the political leaders of all three constituent peoples, the coalition, is to try to find a domestic political solution. This is really important. And the EU is always ready to support what democratically elected political leaders produce.” Lajcak as the former High Representative (HR) in B&H sees the Bonn powers as an element of protecting what has already been achieved. “I really do not think that it is good and normal for the country that, almost 30 years after Dayton, the Bonn powers are still in daily use”, he concluded. Former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton stated: “Everyone should be careful and aware that the situation in certain countries of the Western Balkans is worrisome due to the rise of populism, interference in elections or just attempts to make these countries feel less secure in the European future. My answer to that is that it was done to all of us to make sure that we send a clear message that you belong to the EU. You are part of Europe, and we must work to understand that all communities should feel part of it." N1 carries that the first international “Western Balkans in the EU” conference, organized by the “Friends of the Western Balkans”, ended in Ljubljana (Saturday). The conference gathered former presidents from the Western Balkans region, who discussed the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU. The participants said that the region must be prepared to join the EU by 2030 and that gatherings like this one need to happen more often to come to a point of reconciliation and speed up the reform processes in the region. Former Slovenian President Borut Pahor said in his address that he felt there was not a lot of optimism at the conference about the region joining the EU by 2030. “No one believes that the EU and the countries in the region will be ready by 2030. If we continue like this, the region will not be ready in 2050 either. We all know that time is running out and with all these geopolitical challenges - the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East - let's stop joking around,” said Pahor. Former Serbian President Dusan Tadic told the press that it is high time that Europe renegotiates accession conditions with the region, as they are very outdated and have proven to be ineffective. He noted that the issues in B&H and Kosovo cannot be solved by foreign imposition.

 

Dodik attends Serbian Army's tactical military exercise 'Vihor 2024' at ‘Pester’ training ground; says Serbia shows ability to progress in all fields (Nova BH)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik, accompanied by President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic and high-ranking Serbian military officials, attended the Serbian Army's tactical military exercise 'Vihor 2024' at the ‘Pester’ training ground on Friday. Dodik assessed that Serbia shows the ability to progress in all fields, including in the field of defense and training of the Serbian Army. “It is very important for us from the RS to know and observe the abilities shown here by the Serbian Army to preserve Serbia, its territorial potential and integrity, way of life, as well as to ensure the freedom that we all stand for,” Dodik said. Vucic said in Pester on Friday that investing in the Serbian Army and protecting the independence of Serbia will be continued. Commander of KFOR Ozkan Ulutas was also in attendance. Serbian military analyst Vlade Radulovic assessed that KFOR and Serbian army have good cooperation that will continue in the future as well. Dodik, RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic and Serb member of B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic attended ‘Vihor 2024’ joint tactical military exercise. Joint forces of the Army of Serbia will demonstrate capability to execute offensive operations during this exercise. Land and air components of the Army of Serbia as well as special forces took part in this exercise, and this was one of the biggest exercises of the Army of Serbia by numbers and diversity of combat units that will participate in it. More than 2,000 members of the Serbian Armed Forces participated in the exercise. Commenting on the exercise, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that such a conduct indicates that Serbia shows it is a main actor of destabilizing efforts in the Balkans.

 

Plenkovic candidate for President of EC as von der Leyen loses support among conservatives (Jutarnji list/Bild)

 

German daily Bild published information that President of European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, is slowly losing support within conservative group of European parties for a new mandate as an EC President. The article, which was also published by Jutarnji list, reads that Euro-Conservatives are trying to find a replacement in Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic or Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to the article, both Plenkovic and Mitsotakis already expressed interest for this post. According to the article, there are also rumours about President of European Parliament, Roberta Metsola form Malta, who may not have experience in the executive power of authority, but she is considered confident and ambitious, and judging by recent EPP Congress in Bucharest, she is also a more talented speaker than Von der Layen is.

 

Constitutional Court rules President Milanovic cannot be prime minister (HRT)

 

The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that President Zoran Milanovic cannot be Prime Minister-designate or Prime Minister for any party or coalition because he took part in the election campaign without first resigning as President. Constitutional Court President Miroslav Separovic said that Milanovic had repeatedly violated the Constitutional Court's warning made on 18 March that he could not participate in the election campaign as the SDP's choice for prime minister without first resigning as president. With his statements and behaviour, Milanovic put himself in the position of a participant in the parliamentary election, which he cannot be according to the Constitution as long as he is the President, the court said; adding that the constitutional position of the President is incompatible with the position of a participant in the parliamentary elections. "The president was warned in a timely manner that he could participate in the campaign, but he first had to resign as president. However, he did not resign. Now it's over. He can no longer be the Prime Minister-designate. If he is to be selected as the prime minister-designate, the Constitutional Court will make a special ruling to quash that decision," said Separovic. Separovic further noted that even if a coalition is formed and given the mandate to form a government with Milanovic as the prime minister and that government is approved by parliament, the Constitutional Court would also quash that decision. The Constitutional Court pointed out that electoral processes are always the most important test of commitment to genuine political democracy as enshrined in the Constitution. Throughout the entire election campaign, Milanovic had acted unconstitutionally and thus called into question the rule of law and the democratic multi-party system as the highest values of the constitution, it added. At the same time, many feel the ruling should have been made much earlier since the SDP garnered from citizens votes under the assumption that Milanovic - who still enjoys widespread popularity from both the left and the right - would be their candidate for prime minister. Separovic denounced accusations that the actions of the court could lead to political chaos and social upheaval. "There will be no chaos. There is no need for any chaos. The role of the Constitutional Court is to make sure unconstitutional situations are put back into the constitutional framework. The court was absolutely aware of the responsibility the court took in making such a ruling. We knew that both public and political circles would not welcome this ruling with open arms. And we knew that we would be the target of the worst possible insults and curses," he said. Separovic explained that not passing such a decision would have gone against the judges' oaths to protect the constitution at all costs. The decision was adopted by nine votes to three. One judge abstained.

 

President Milanovic responds, calling ruling groundwork for a coup (HRT)

 

The Constitutional Court is powerless to stop the will of the people, said President Milanovic at a press conference called in response to the Constitutional Court's ruling on Friday. Milanovic came out and said that he wanted to assure voters who were angry over the Court’s decision that the majority in parliament can choose whomever they want, regardless of what the Court says. "What we heard from the Constitutional Court today is all they can say but they can't do anything. The election is over. The people have voted. The will of the people, translated into seats in parliament, will determine who will lead Croatia's executive branch of government. No one else! Certainly not these judges on the Constitutional Court,” said Milanovic. President Milanovic described the court's actions as the lead-up to something more dangerous. "I would disagree with many people who said that this was a coup. It is the groundwork for a coup. It is a foundation that would allow, Plenkovic, the godfather of crime in Croatia, to refuse to leave office when he is legally evicted by the will of the people. He could say he has a decision by the Constitutional Court and refuses to go," said Milanovic. He also said that he did not have to be the mandate-bearer but that the voters clearly sent a message that they wanted change. "Therefore, I urge everyone who were part of the anti-corruption coalition up until the election and agreed on many things in the previous parliament and voted against the scandalous measures drafted by Plenkovic, to now demonstrate their integrity and to form the Sabor,” said Milanovic.

 

Milatovic: Vucic should have chosen his words better, Gorcevic’s statement in parliament a mere political platitude; Mandic owes an answer (RTCG)

 

Prime Minister is the one who should have responded to the public attacks of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, on the Montenegrin Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorcevic. I would do it if I were in his place, the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, noted. This is what President Milatovic responded when asked about his opinion on the statement of Minister Gorcevic that she expected Milatovic would have reacted to President Vucic statement that she “went to Pristina to apologize to the Americans”. “I hear her statement, but according to the protocol, the ministry of foreign affairs of a country shall react, that’s why I didn’t. It’s not up to me”. As he stated, Vucic’s address wasn’t an appropriate way of communication between the two countries, and “as much as Kosovo is a delicate issue for Serbia, as it is, we must choose the words better”. “President Vucic must have chosen his words better having in mind his political position towards Montenegro. We must treat political actors in Montenegro and the neighbouring countries with additional respect and appreciation. That’s clear. I protect women. I also protected Draginja Vuksanovic Stankovic, but what Gorcevic said in parliament was a mere political platitude I don’t want to comment,” the President stated. Asked to comment on the visit of the Montenegro parliament speaker Andrija Mandic to the military exercise in Serbia, President Milatovic told he had seen in it in the media, didn’t know about the details, adding that Mr Mandic owed an answer to the citizens. “To the legitimate question – in what capacity did the two attend the exercise. That’s a question they should answer. Mandic is the parliament speaker and also a member of the Defence and Security Council, we’re a NATO Ally, striving for the best relations with all the neighbouring countries, including Serbia, so Mandic should answer this question and I’m sure he will.”

 

Mandic and Knezevic at Serbian Army’s military exercise (CdM)

 

Parliament speaker and member of the Defense and Security Council Andrija Mandic and the leader of the Democratic People’s Party (DNP) Milan Knezevic have attended the military exercise of the Serbian Army. At the Pester Temporary Training Range in Serbia, a joint tactical exercise with live shooting “Whirlwind 2024” was held, in which several thousand members of the Serbian Army and more than 500 weapons and military equipment were engaged. The exercise was attended by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, as well as the highest officials of the Government and the Serbian Army, but also the state leadership of RS, Milorad Dodik and Zeljka Cvijanovic. Mandic and Milan Knezevic were also present at the end of the Joint Tactical Exercise, which can be seen in the videos published in the media in Serbia. “Andrija Mandic, speaker of the parliament of Montenegro and member of the Defense and Security Council attends the military exercise of the Serbian Army with live shooting. Of course, in the company of Milorad Dodik and Milan Knezevic. Hello Brussels, can you hear us over the howitzers”, said Jevto Erakovic, deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists and member of the parliament of Montenegro, on the X network. His party colleague Andrija Nikolic asked the deputy speaker Boris Pejovic in if it was true that Mandic was attending a military exercise in a neighbouring country. Pejovic did not have an answer to that question. There were no official announcements about this visit from the Speaker’s cabinet. Media in Serbia announced Mandic and Knezevic as representatives of Serbs coming from Montenegro.

 

Final day of presidential campaign ahead of Wednesday vote, parliamentary campaign resumes (MIA)

 

Monday is the final day of the campaign for the presidential elections slated for 24 April, with the pre-election silence starting at midnight. The campaign for the 8 May parliamentary elections resumes without interruptions. A total of 1,814,317 citizens are eligible to vote at the 24 April presidential elections, of whom 1,713,758 are included in the Electoral Roll within the country. At a presidential debate aired by the national public broadcaster on Sunday evening, the seven candidates presented their election platforms, all of them promising to improve the living standard in the country, prevent corruption, and stop the emigration of young people. Speaking about changing the Constitution, however, they voiced opposing views. President Stevo Pendarovski, who is backed by the SDSM-led coalition in his re-election bid, said he would demand the President have more competences. "I had a principle when I started my term in office. It would be unprincipled not to ask for more competences. The suspensive veto should be turned into an absolute veto," Pendarovski said. Regarding other changes to the Constitution, he said the Constitution should not be completely changed but regarding the EU, he was resolute that it should be amended. He said the country was still divided and that one of his commitments was to try to reduce this rift. "At one time, there was a huge gap between ethnic communities, especially between Macedonians and Albanians. In the past 10-15 years, there has been a rift between the Macedonians themselves. Unfortunately, some were not ready to take that step toward each other, and some were instructed by political parties not to do it." VMRO-DPMNE's coalition presidential candidate Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said the nation lacked unity regardless of any affiliation. She also said what was missing was high officials acting with dignity, good health care, and good welfare services. Asked about amending the Constitution with a new Preamble honouring the rights of communities, Siljanovska-Davkova said fundamental constitutional changes should be made. "First, everywhere, the balance between the three powers is disrupted in favour of the executive. In our country, it is particularly disrupted. The problem is that you have two governments, and not one government; two parliaments in which there is no communication. Fundamental constitutional changes need to be made," Siljanovska-Davkova said. According to the GROM presidential candidate Stevcho Jakimovski, a good politician thinks of future generations. "Fear mainly comes from bad results and not wanting to deal with real problems. Fear comes from ignorance. There is a lack of education. Increasing contributions to health insurance. The administration is too big. Our fear is that we will not enter the EU and we should have a deadline, 2030. If we do not make it, we should stay bravely on that path. Improve the standard of living," Jakimovski said. The DUI-led European Front presidential candidate Bujar Osmani said the President should have two qualities: experience and a vision for the future. On the request that the President be elected in Parliament with a two-thirds majority, Osmani said the current election represented "an additional escalation." "Most presidents were not addressed by the opposition as President. In an inclusive process, there will be depolarization in the Macedonian bloc, while also including everyone else in making this decision. In the spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement," Osmani said. According to Levica presidential candidate Biljana Vankovska, society needs a radical change by detecting problems at the root, and science would provide all the tools. "We followed one path in 1991, another path in 2001. I am in favour of a new Constitution, given all these flaws the constitutional order shows, but also the procedure itself. If in 2001 it was the cause of war, now it is the cause of a catastrophe," Vankovska said. Worth It coalition presidential candidate Arben Taravari said that as Gostivar Mayor he succeeded in achieving good cohesion between all ethnic communities. Regarding the Albanian language being official on the entire territory of the country, he said demography was as it was and people had to live with it. "Four or five percent of Serbs live in Kosovo and their language is used throughout the territory. After 50 years, we are talking about whether he should use 20 or 30 percent," Taravari said. ZNAM Movement presidential candidate Maksim Dimitrievski, speaking about changing the Constitution, recalled that it had been written on Nov. 17, 1991. "[Robert] Badinter said it was one of the best, then post-socialist [Constitutions]. I believe it is not necessary to change the Constitution. However, we cannot allow a collapse of the unity of the state or a hidden transformation from a simple to a complex type of state organization. Our political elite, motivated by lucrative deals, keeps making concessions," Dimitrievski said.

 

Begaj, support to Malta in humanitarian diplomacy and interreligious dialogue (Radio Tirana)

 

President of Albania Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to the Sovereign Order of Malta, invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Albania. He was received in a special ceremony at the Magistrate's Villa by His Venerable Highness, Fra' John Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta. During the conversation with the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, President Begaj spoke about the intensification of cooperation with the conviction of starting a new phase, while he assessed the 30-year period of bilateral relations as successful, especially in the humanitarian and health fields. The Head of State emphasized that the solidarity and humanity of this Order has left its mark in Albania through the implementation of projects in the fields of health, education and social assistance for the needy. The President of the Republic conveyed a special gratitude for the help from the Sovereign Order of Malta in the recovery of Albania after the devastating earthquake of November 2019, as well as for the contribution of the volunteers of "Malteser Albania", who take care of people in need through medical services, social and humanitarian. "Albania", said President Begaj, "will always support the commitment of the Order of Malta in the field of humanitarian diplomacy and interreligious dialogue, as only in this way the joint contribution in favour of peace and humanitarian solidarity in the world increases. The President of the Republic conveyed to the Grand Master of the Order of Malta thanks for the help in Kosovo during the war, inviting him to continue this help in the direction of expanding international recognition of Kosovo, as Albanians regard the Sovereign Order of Malta as a friend and their advocates".

 

NATO PA delegation visits the Kucova Air Base (Radio Tirana)

 

At the invitation of the Chairperson of the Permanent Parliamentary Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mimi Kodheli, the Assembly of Albania hosted from April 16 to 18, 2024 a delegation from the Committee for Democracy and Security of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly headed by Vasile Dincu The visit was attended by over 25 parliamentarians from Italy, UK, Turkey, Belgium, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Spain and The Netherlands. During their stay in Albania, they had the opportunity to hold meetings in Tirana as well as visit Inter-Institutional Maritime Operational Center in Durres and the NATO Tactical Air Base in Kucova. During the visits, they discussed Albania's contribution to NATO, and the impact of the Ukrainian war on Albania and the Balkans. The activity that started in the Presidency of the Assembly was hosted by the speaker of the Assembly Lindita Nikolla, who during her speech praised Albania's role in NATO. "The organization of this meeting in the Assembly reconfirms Albania's role and active contribution to the Alliance. As a member of NATO, Albania is the most typical case that proves that the contribution to the Alliance does not depend either on the size of the member countries, nor on the wealth, nor on the level of development, nor on the history and time in the Organization. Rather, it depends on an honest commitment to the peace, security and freedom of nations. We, Albanians, have gained the trust and confidence of the US and other major NATO member states, with our clear, determined commitment and without any hesitation in implementing the decisions of the Alliance. Investing in peace and security does not bring security, but nurtures the democratic process, institutions and values. This synergy has more meaning in the conditions of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Albania is today a regional leader in the fight against non-western influences in the region. These influences are no longer ideological and cultural, but risks of direct interventions in our systems, in the functioning of institutions, agencies and development processes," Nikolla pointed out. “Albania is a worthy member and reliable NATO ally. Albania considers cooperation and increased trust between allies and partners, be they regional or worldwide, as a key element for the promotion of stability, security and peace, everywhere. This philosophy and approach is the corner stone of underlies our foreign policy. The Balkan region, beyond political rhetoric, has recognized important developments towards Euro-Atlantic integration, while this process also constitutes the main machinery for carrying out reforms and maintaining stability in its countries. Cooperation and the Euro-Atlantic perspective are essential to keep the countries of our region on the path of democracy, peace and prosperity,” Mimi Kodheli, head of the Permanent Parliamentary Delegation of the Assembly to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, noted. Parliamentarians had the opportunity to exchange their opinions with the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Megi Fino, representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff of the Armed Forces, representatives from civil society and experts in the field. The delegation was also received in special meetings by President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj and by Prime Minister, Edi Rama. The Head of State reaffirmed the position that Albania is fully committed to continue with its commitments in NATO and to strengthen collective defense. The delegation visited QNOD the Inter-Institutional Maritime Operational Center in Durres where it was received by the general director of the Center, Zyber Dushku. The latter made a presentation of the mission and area of ​​responsibility of this institution of particular importance, while during the visit to the operational hall the delegation had the opportunity to see the real time situation that was happening. The delegation also visited Berat with the museum center of the city. The parliamentarians closed their activity in Albania by visiting the NATO Tactical Base in Kucova, inaugurated on 4 March 2024. The Base Commander informed them about the history of the Base and then accompanied the delegation to visit the premises, the new control tower, the newly built runways and the various other facilities of the base, which are a completely new investment made by NATO.