LOCAL PRESS

 

Serbian delegation arrives in Beijing (Tanjug/RTS)

 

The delegation of the Republic of Serbia, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, arrived early this morning on a several-day visit to China, where he will take part in the Second Forum "Belt and Road". At the airport in Beijing, the President of Serbia, who heads a number of ministers' delegations, was greeted with a mounted honorary guard of the Chinese army and a red carpet.

The delegation of our country consists of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlovic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajic and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali. Minister of Mining and Energy Aleksandar Antic, Minister without Portfolio in charge of Innovation and Technological Development Nenad Popovic, as well as President of the National Council for Co-ordination of Cooperation with Russia and China Tomislav Nikolic are also in Beijing. During the visit to the Chinese capital, the Serbian President will meet with President Xi Jinping, as well as the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, to discuss bilateral issues as well as Kosovo and Metohija.

In view of Vucic’s trip to China, Tanjug published an article focused on the talks which Vucic will have with the Chinese President on Thursday and Putin on Friday. “Vucic wishes to consult with the very leaders of China and Russia, countries which have up to now also in crucial situations defended the interests of Serbia on the international scene, on the possible next steps concerning the Kosovo problem. And also to verify whether and on what kind of support Serbia can count on, and to, bolstered with this knowledge, travel to Berlin [on 29 April] where, as he himself says, he is not going as an optimist and where, he assumes, that new pressures await him,” writes Tanjug. “In Beijing, Vucic first of all expects to receive support for the standpoint that Serbia will not continue dialogue until Pristina abolishes the tariffs, it was confirmed for Tanjug in his cabinet on the eve of his trip to China,” it is added. “It is by a set of circumstances that the meetings with Xi and Putin will take place right before the suddenly scheduled meeting in Berlin, but these meetings will certainly make it be known to Western officials that Serbia has friends on the other side also and that they have to count on not being alone in the struggle for its interests,” Tanjug writes further. “This is of crucial importance for Serbia, particularly if there occurs a change of format in which the problem of Kosovo will be resolved (…) In that case, Russia, and China as well, cannot be excluded from the entire process,” states the article.

 

Vucic: Brutal abolishment of democracy (RTS)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has stated in Beijing that he is very concerned because the Serb List is not allowed to take part in the elections for the presidents of northern Kosovo municipalities. “We signed the Brussels agreement, in item seven or eight we are imposed as an obligation participation at elections according to the Kosovo laws. Now they are bothered by the fact that the Serb List is winning,” Vucic told the press. He says that enormous money has been invested in order to destroy the reputation of the Serb List in order to break it up and to separate the Serbs from Belgrade. This is brutal abolishment of democracy.  “We will see what will they say in Berlin on this occasion. I am not going to say what this reminds me of when you ban somebody from running in the elections, even though this policy has nothing illegal in it. I will ask this both Merkel and Macron. I will also ask all others, I will explain this to both Xi and Putin, though I am certain that they are in agreement with us,” said Vucic.

 

Serbian delegation signs several agreements in China (Tanjug)

 

A Serbian delegation headed by President Aleksandar Vucic signed several bilateral agreements on the first day of a visit to Beijing on Wednesday. Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlovic signed a number of documents, including a general agreement on reconstruction and upgrades of rail sections on Corridor 10. Reconstruction of the entire rail Corridor 10 in Serbia is important for establishing a railway link between central Europe and the Port of Piraeus. Development and promotion of the land route of the Maritime Silk Road, which will run through Serbia, is a strategic objective of the cooperation with China. Mihajlovic also signed an MoU with the Chinese Ministry of Trade on setting up a working group on investment cooperation as well as a memorandum with the Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd on cooperation on the Belgrade Metro project. Sino-Serbian transport infrastructure projects are worth an approximate total of 7.5 billion Euros. Minister of Innovation and Technological Development Nenad Popovic signed three agreements with China's CRBC, creating conditions for the start of works on a Serbian-Chinese industry park in Borca, Belgrade. Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajic signed an MoU with telecoms giant Huawei for the Smart Cities project.

 

Trajkovic to be protected by Serbian police (Politika)

 

Pristina has extended custody for another two months to the two Serbs, Nedeljko Spasojevic and Marko Rosic, suspected of involvement in the assassination of the leader of the Kosovo Civic Initiative SDP Oliver Ivanovic, in January 2018. Spasojevic’s defense lawyer Negovan Saranovic announced that they would appeal the decision to extend his client’s custody and reminded that both Spasojevic and Rosic had, on Monday, began a hunger strike over the refusal to be relocated from the custody in Podujevo to custody in Kosovska Mitrovica. They are requesting this, said Spasojevic’s defense lawyer, so as to be closer to their families, as well as on account of the language barriers in the Podujevo prison, where not a single Serb works with whom they could communicate. Lat week, there appeared information in the public that Rada Trajkovic, the leader of the European Movement of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, had given a statement to the prosecution, based on which custody to the two Serbs was extended. The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric demanded that Spasojevic and Rosic defend themselves from freedom and said that they were being held in prison without a right to a fair trial and without any kind of evidence at that. He said that the decision on custody was brought on the basis of incredible statements and witnesses, such as the ones given by Rada Trajkovic. In spite of the accusations by the representatives of the Serbian authorities and the Serb List against Trajkovic, Politika writes that she will receive the protection of the Serbian police. “While we were speaking, Trajkovic was expecting policemen who told her that she would be assigned protection. “I addressed the Serbian Interior Ministry because I felt that my own and the safety of my family was in jeopardy,” she said, adding that she was expecting to be informed what form of protection she would receive,” writes the daily. No Serbian official had, on Tuesday, announced such a measure. On account of the accusations made against her, Trajkovic said for Politika that she “really did not understand” why she was a target of attacks and “why Djuric is leading a campaign against her”.

 

Czech Republic seeking more active support from new EC for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Beta)

 

Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek said after the meeting with his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic in Prague that the Czech Republic expected the new European Commission and high representative for foreign policy to be more active in their support for a dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, so that Serbia and Kosovo could be guaranteed a European outlook. Finding a compromise between Belgrade and Pristina is a sensitive question that needs to be solved so that both countries' European prospects are secured, Petricek said at a news conference with Ivica Dacic, adding that the Czech Republic could help but that the institutions of the EU must take a more active stance. Petricek stressed that EU enlargement in the Western Balkans was important for stability, democracy and economic prosperity, which was why the Czech Republic supported expansion to the region which would be the priority of its chairmanship over the Visegrad group as of July this year. He offered Czech experiences in the accession process and cautioned that Serbia needed to continue reforms of its judiciary, guarantee the independence of the media and continue its struggle against corruption.

 

Dodik claims he has information UK established center for prevention of Russian influence in Sarajevo (TV Happy)

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Chair Milorad Dodik told TV Happy that he has the information that a center for prevention of so called malignant Russian influence was established in Sarajevo under guidance of a UK citizen. Dodik added that the name of the UK citizen is known to him and also claimed that the British government earmarked GBP 6 million for this purpose. “One department was established in Tirana, one in Podgorica. They are registering people from government and non-governmental organizations, people in institutions and, as far as I know, there are more than 300 people at that list who are spreading Russian influence. My name too is probably on that list,” Dodik said. Dodik said that the Republika Stpska (RS) is the most stable part of B&H and that no decision can be made in B&H without RS approval. He added that good cooperation with Serbia is one of the main RS’ goals. “Serbia as strongest country in the region is in the interest of the RS, because RS is strong for as long as Serbia is strong and respected”, said Dodik. He reminded that the international community, led by the High Representative, has deprived the RS of a number of competences, which have been transferred to the level of B&H. “RS has all elements of statehood, it adheres to the international law, it is a factor of peace and stability in the region, has no aspirations towards anyone”, said Dodik, adding that some sort of union of the RS and Serbia is normal and natural and will happen one day. At the same time B&H, according to Dodik, is facing a serious identity crisis and exists solely because of activism of foreigners and the High Representative.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Brnabic: Good relations between Serbia and RS are good for all citizens of B&H (Glas Srpske)

 

Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabic said on Tuesday on sidelines of Jahorina Economic Forum that delay in the process of formation of authorities at the B&H level does not affect relations between B&H and Serbia. “It affects citizens of B&H above all, but when it comes to formation of authorities in B&H, I cannot and I do not want to interfere. Relations between Serbia and the RS are getting better on a daily basis, and that is not to someone’s detriment. That is useful to B&H and all citizens in the region. I am proud of those relations. Serbia is investing in local communities even where residents are not exclusively of Serb ethnicity. That is a positive support,” said Brnabic. Commenting on unresolved issue of border between Serbia and B&H, she briefly said that it is an important issue. “I am for open issues being resolved as quickly as possible,” said Brnabic. The RS PM underlined that the government of Serbia is ready to hold a joint session with the new convocation of the Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H. “We find regional stability, security and peace to be of utmost importance,” she underlined. Brnabic noted that there is a financial and macroeconomic stability in Serbia, as well as record inflow of direct foreign investments. “However, we are a small country and a small market. If there is any kind of instability in the region, or even if there is a perception of instability in the region, we suffer consequences as well,” Brnabic said. She concluded that without stable, strong and well-integrated region, not a single country can take full advantage of its potentials.

 

Federation of B&H Parliament’s Commission for Security holds extraordinary session: Stop or suspend activities on formation of reserve police unit of RS MoI (FTV)

 

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament’s Commission for Security held an extraordinary session in Sarajevo on Tuesday. The session comes following the recent adoption of Draft Amendments to the RS Law on Police and Internal Affairs that allows formation of a reserve police unit of the RS Ministry of Interior (MoI). The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament’s Commission for Security adopted four conclusions, including the one that calls for suspension or stopping activities that are underway in the RS, related to formation of a reserve police unit of the RS MoI. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament’s Commission for Security also stated that if these anti-Dayton activities do not stop, The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will respond in the same way. According to the first conclusion, the commission called on competent institutions in B&H and at the international level, to stop anti-Dayton activities related to adoption of the Draft Amendments to the RS Law on Police and Internal Affairs that implies formation of a reserve police unit. The Federation of B&H Parliament’s Commission for Security also called on competent institutions to draft an assessment of the security and political situation. The commission called on the Federation of B&H government and issued a recommendation to Cantonal governments to fill in active police structures. According to members of the commission, if activities on adoption of the aforementioned law in the RS are not suspended or stopped, the Federation of B&H will undertake adequate measures, which includes the possibility of formation of a reserve police unit in the Federation of B&H. Chair of the Federation of B&H Parliament’s Commission for Security Damir Masic (SDP B&H) stated that this is the final straw and reminded of previous activities of the RS MoI such as purchase of rifles, which he characterized as totally unnecessary. He underlined: “This represents continuation of activities that do not contribute to overall environment, i.e. the feeling of security among our citizens. I repeat that we, at least when it comes to the Federation of B&H, we will respond in the same way only if we are forced to do this. This is why we primarily emphasized that this should be stopped”. The reporter noted that 1,526 active police officers are currently missing in the Federation of B&H, adding that the situation is quite similar in the RS, which is why activities on formation of a reserve police unit in the RS are totally incomprehensible. Masic said that prior to adoption of conclusions, attendees of the session, including representatives of the OHR, the OSCE, the EUSR and the US Embassy to B&H had a discussion and analyzed the situation. Federation of B&H Minister of Interior Aljosa Campara (SDA) called on the OHR and official international institutions – the Peace Implementation Council and other international institutions - to stop this. Campara also called on colleagues in the RS to stop this, adding that this introduces unrest and concerns among citizens. He underlined: “If they (the RS) continue to move in this direction and if they adopt the law, the Federation of B&H will certainly respond with the same measures. As a competent minister, I will certainly propose (adoption of) the same law at the level of the Federation of B&H”. The four conclusions will be delivered to relevant institutions in the shortest possible time.

 

Dodik, Cvijanovic reject setting of preconditions for formation of B&H CoM (Glas Srpske)

 

B&H Presidency Chair Milorad Dodik stated that officials of both NATO member countries and countries which are not NATO members said that the activation of the Membership Action Plan (MAP) is not a precondition for formation of B&H Council of Ministers (CoM), so claims of Bosniak and Croat members of B&H Presidency on this are fabrications and deceiving of public. Dodik added that even the President of Turkey stated the same thing and called for B&H CoM to be formed as soon as possible. Dodik assessed that it is inappropriate for Bosniak member of B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic and Croat member of B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic to hold any kind of lectures for him and he said that SNSD is willing to immediately schedule a session and launch the process of formation of B&H CoM without any prior preconditions. The daily reminded that Komsic recently stated that it would be possible to form B&H CoM by mid-May but Dodik and SNSD “will have to swallow a frog” when it comes to NATO. RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic said on Tuesday that setting any kind of preconditions is not the right formula for formation of authorities in B&H, nor is it formula for preservation of B&H, coexistence, reconciliation and turning towards future. “Someone else has chosen this to be a strategy”, Cvijanovic said and refused to comment on Komsic’s statement. “I do not think it is important at all from the aspect of political events, especially in the context of process of formation of the authorities” Cvijanovic said. Finally, Cvijanovic assessed that the biggest damage by failure to establish authorities was caused to credibility of B&H and citizens of the Federation of B&H and RS.

 

Izetbegovic rejects Dodik’s claims that SDA insisted on getting B&H Security Ministry (Dnevni avaz)

 

SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic commented SNSD leader Milorad Dodik’s statement after the latest meeting of leaders of political parties on formation of the authorities, on which occasion Dodik claimed that SDA insisted on getting B&H Ministry of Security while he wants to see (SBB B&H leader) Fahrudin Radoncic at its helm. Izetbegovic said that Dodik’s interpretation of the situation is not correct and represents only his own assumption. “No names were mentioned. I only said that I will try to create a wide Bosnian front, in the same way they gathered almost all Serbs or almost all Croats who agreed on such positions and who have unity. In the same way, I will try to have a wide front as possible in which I will try to invite SBB B&H too. However, no names were mentioned. It is possible SBB B&H will be a part of it, it is possible Radoncic will be a part of it although he, for the moment, refuses this. They (SBB B&H) refuse to join authorities in the first place. SDA could have taken B&H Ministry of Security. In that case, HDZ B&H would have gotten the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Izetbegovic said and explained that he talked to people from a negotiating team and they jointly assessed that the position of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of B&H is more important right now. “It is not true that struggle for chairs prevented formation of B&H CoM. SDA is willing to share chairs, but it is also ready to prevent division of the country,” Izetbegovic concluded.

 

Komsic: Croatia is violating Succession Agreement and international laws; B&H must act accordingly (Oslobodjenje)

 

The B&H Presidency sent protest notes to the Croatian authorities following their decision to lease B&H property on their territory, and with regards to the ‘Salafi’ affair which involves Croatian Security-Intelligence Agency (SOA). In a statement, member of the Presidency of B&H Zeljko Komsic told that they have made the first step and considering the international conventions that regulate relations between the countries, the Presidency also decided to send a note to the UN Secretary General and inform him that Croatia is violating the Succession Agreement of former Yugoslavia. When asked about the reply from the UN, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of B&H acted surprised and stated they were not aware of the moves of B&H Presidency. Komsic reminded that the Presidency concluded to send protest notes to both Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in order to point out to them that Croatia must act in accordance with the Succession Agreement. “We wanted to point out that B&H does not have any intention of signing additional bilateral agreements,” said Komsic. State Attorney Ismet Velic told the daily that they are considering filing a lawsuit before the Croatian Constitutional Court, underlining that the current actions of B&H authorities are not sufficient to resolve the problem. Asked about the issue of nuclear waste disposal site at Trgovska Gora, Komsic said that Croatia is violating international laws in this case, and he announced a possibility of a lawsuit before an international court if Croatia continues to ignore B&H’s appeal. Komsic also commented the ‘Salafi’ affair, and when asked if a protest note in this case is enough, he said: “The Presidency of B&H has competence over foreign policy, but not over intelligence structures.” He went on to say that the Presidency did everything under its competence, underlining that the Council of Ministers of B&H has direct jurisdiction over the Intelligence-Security Agency (OSA) of B&H. He concluded that the Presidency of B&H made the first step with the protest note, but it plans to continue to address the Croatian officials in the future and discuss this issue.

 

Bissell underlines importance of cooperation and NATO support to B&H (Oslobodjenje)

 

A roundtable on B&H and Euro-Atlantic integration organized by the Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies and ‘Tranzicija’ Association, was held on Tuesday in Sarajevo. Commander of the NATO HQ in Sarajevo Marti Bissell stated that NATO always has a plan to assist the countries it sees as reliable partners. “We are going to continue to do so here and in the rest of the world,” said Bissell when asked if NATO has a plan to react in case of another crisis in the region. Commenting the Euro-Atlantic road of B&H, the NATO HQ Commander stated it is very important for B&H citizens to clearly state what they want to their political leaders, and she reminded that B&H’s wish to access NATO was visible even in 2005, while NATO expressed readiness to support these efforts. Bissell also pointed out that B&H still has a long road ahead of it. Among other things, participants concluded that B&H’s path to NATO is long, and that it is important for citizens to know what they want so that they can request their leaders to work on implementation of it. It was also underlined that NATO expressed its preparedness for NATO integration of B&H long time ago and that it is up to political representatives in B&H to work on fulfilment of conditions concerning progress on NATO path, i.e. to engage in improvement of rule of law and in fight against corruption.

Bissell stated that there is long path ahead of B&H, before one can start talking about its membership in NATO. Bissell underlined that B&H’s Annual National Program (ANP) is nothing but mechanism to establish issues B&H needs to work on. She explained that period between activation of NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) for NATO candidate country and membership in the Alliance varies, adding that for some countries this period was around five years, while some waited for 19 years to become NATO members. “We are not talking about (NATO) membership but about one type of additional cooperation, i.e. partnership B&H wants to develop with NATO,” explained Bissell.

 

Banja Luka businessman Slavisa Krunic murdered in ambush (N1)

 

Banja Luka businessman Slavisa Krunic was murdered in an ambush in front of his family house on Monday evening. Krunic's bodyguard Zarko Pavlovic was also murdered and Krunic's driver was injured, but his health condition is currently stable. One of the attackers Zeljko Kovacevic was killed in the shooting. Members of the RS Ministry of Interior (MoI) arrested on Tuesday Emilio Balda and Goran Milanovic, who are suspected of taking part in the murder. Two more persons, brothers Nermin and Armin Culum who are also suspects in this case, were arrested by the Una-Sana Canton (USC) Ministry of Interior in Sanski Most on Tuesday afternoon and they were handed over to the RS MoI. Police issued a warrant after the main suspect in the case - Benedi Djukanovic from Banja Luka. Spokesperson for the RS MoI Mirna Miljanovic stated that motives of the murder are still being investigated. Mitrovic reminded that Krunic was reputable businessman who has employed nearly 1,500 people regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliation, and he has never been brought in connection with suspicious jobs or unlawful activities. RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic underlined that such cases are unacceptable, and she expects that the results of investigation will soon be known. Cvijanovic stated: “I expect all institutions to do their job and to find the perpetrators, and to act in accordance with law.” Cvijanovic stated that complete safety does not exist anywhere, adding that this is why it is necessary to form reserve police unit in the RS. “I do not oppose formation of similar reserve units in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with needs of this entity or cantons,” stressed Cvijanovic. RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic noted: “Loss of human life, of a businessman who had significant economic capacities, is a loss for the RS, but primarily for his family. As a man I must do everything and will do everything that is necessary to amend certain legislative solutions.” Viskovic said that by swift reaction and apprehension of suspects in this case, police conveyed message that it will reckon with perpetrators of abovementioned murder. Viskovic stated that he will do everything in his power, including initiating adoption of some laws and conducting some preventive activities to avoid similar situations in the future. The US Embassy to B&H published statement reading that they are shocked by the brutal assassination of Slavisa Krunic and expressing condolences to his family and colleagues. “We expect the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to investigate this crime and hold accountable those responsible,” reads the tweet. Also, the UK Ambassador to B&H Matthew Field published a statement reading that two serious incidents in area of security occurred over last few days. Field underlined that swift solving of case of murder of Krunic is expected.

 

President decorates Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations for promoting Croatia (HRT)

 

The President Kolinda Grabar – Kitarovic awarded US General Curtis Michael Scaparrotti, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations, with the "Order of Prince Trpimir with Ribbon and Star" for his contribution to the promotion of Croatia and its Armed Forces. "Not once have you ever betrayed the trust bestowed upon you by Croatia, nor any other NATO member country," said the President during the award ceremony. "In the numerous conversations I've had with the commanders of the Croatian Armed Forces, they have always reiterated that, in you, we have a sensible and loyal ally and a true friend of Croatia," she concluded. Upon receiving the honor, General Scaparrotti said it was the "unity of NATO and the contribution of its nations that ensures our security". He praised Croatia for modernizing and strengthening its forces, "and it contributes, I think, in every mission that NATO has ongoing today." According to the President's official website, "The Order of Prince Trpimir with Ribbon and Star is awarded to Croatian and foreign ministers and other high-ranking officials for their extraordinary contributions to the independence, integrity and international reputation of the Republic of Croatia, for the development of Croatia and for the development of its relations with other countries."

 

Bosnian Party is against the formation of technical government (Dan)

 

The current government is based on the will of the majority of citizens, which means that it has stable majority and legitimacy to execute the four-year program that it offered to the citizens in 2016, said the Head of the parliamentary club of Bosnian party, Ervin Ibrahimovic. He said this while replying to the question whether his party supports the request for the formation of technical government. “The results of the current government have been recognized by both the citizens and international partners. Besides, I’ll remind you of the fact that we are one of the fastest-growing economies. Of course, we can do better and we can do more, but we’ve achieved some concrete objectives ever since the renewal of independence. There will be elections next year and that will be an opportunity for the government to get another positive assessment, or an opportunity for the opposition to prove that they can do more for the interest of our citizens. Citizens will decide,” said Ibrahimovic. Commenting on the statement made by the opposition that there are no conditions for democratic elections, especially in the context of the “Envelope” affair, he said that it’s all about the criminal proceedings against DPS official. “The Prosecutor’s Office works independently and it’s not influenced by anybody or anything. The good thing is that all irregularities are being pointed out and eliminated and, as a result, the trust is firmer. We must keep eliminating possible ambiguities and misunderstandings. I believe we all aware of our responsibilities and ready to face the challenges ahead of us, in order to create high-quality life conditions for our citizens,” said Ibrahimovic.

 

International community makes an assessment of elections in North Macedonia (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

Presidential elections in North Macedonia went well, while election day was quiet. Overall, the process was transparent, however, there’s still a need for electoral reforms. This is the assessment made by OSCE/ODIHR monitoring mission following Sunday’s first round of presidential elections in North Macedonia. “This constructive approach must also be seen in the runoff,” said Sereine Mouborgne, special coordinator and chief observer of OSCE. Mouborgne said that more must be done in the future to improve voters’ lists. Meanwhile, the international monitoring mission has also voiced its concern over the low turnout in Sunday’s elections. The mission has encouraged voters to participate in the second round of voting in order to contribute for the future of the country. The EU also said that the first round of presidential elections was calm and transparent, but changes are needed in the electoral legislation. “There’s a need to finalize the reforms concerning electoral legislation”, said EU spokesperson, Maja Kocijancic. The European Union has urged citizens of North Macedonia to vote massively in the second round of these elections which will take place on 5 May. A swift election of a president to bring EU closer, urged French Ambassador Christian Thimonier. “We will need a credible interlocutor, which is very important in this transition period. You need to choose and we will do our job. But we need a functional state. Therefore, give us that signal and think well in the coming couple of weeks,” said Ambassador Thimonier.

 

Siljanovska: Such legitimacy decline has never happened in the history of any European elections (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

One should not be an expert to conclude that such legitimacy decline has never happened in the history of any European elections. In 18 months to lose 40 percent of the voters, around 200,000 votes is a strong warning not only for defeat in the presidential elections but also expected defeat in the next parliamentary elections, said VMRO-DPMNE presidential candidate Gordana Siljanovska – Davkova. She criticized the frequent presence of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev as SDSM leader in the presidential campaign of Stevo Pendarovski, as well as the presence of Defense Minister Radmila Sekerinska and Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski. Concerning the announcement by the SDSM leader that regardless of the result of presidential runoff there will be a “dismissals”, she said that the holders of the highest functions should be an example in a country. “You cannot expect the citizens to behave differently if the model of managing the processes and political behavior has nothing in common with the rule of law. We must reach to radical changes, such as the law, the Constitution and the laws apply not only to ordinary citizens, but also to the holders of functions. So far, we have not seen that model,” Gordana Siljanovska – Davkova said. About the statement of Kosovo Deputy PM Minister of Foreign Affairs Pacolli, who called on Albanians to vote for candidate of the SDSM-led coalition Stevo Pendarovski, she underlined that she has nothing against good neighborly relations with Kosovo, but, as he said, such a statement is unusual through the prism of one of the UN’s fundamental principles of non-interference in internal affairs.

 

Zaev announces possible cabinet reshuffle following poor results in Sunday’s election (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev has announced a possible cabinet reshuffle following poor results obtained in the first round of presidential elections that were held on Sunday. “I am open with you and I don’t want this to be interpreted as a simple threat. We have received our message on the first round. Many of our supporters who are unhappy with our officials, decided to stay home and not vote. This is the reason there will be major changes on a local and central level,” Zaev said.

 

Xhaferi – “third candidate” in the second round (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

In order for the elections to be considered successful, at least 723,252 voters should vote in two weeks, or 5 May, which is exactly 40 percent of the total number of citizens (1,808,131) with the right to vote in these elections. The practice thus far focuses on the greater mobilization of registered voters in the “first election half-time”, when there are more candidates competing. An exception was the previous presidential election when 48.8 percent of the voters came out in the first round, while the percentage increased to 54.3 percent in the second round, which was certainly influenced by the parallel holding of early parliamentary elections. However, in 2009, when local and presidential elections were held at the same time, turnout in the first round was 56.8 percent, and the percentage of votes exceeded the threshold at the last moment in the second round- with a turnout of 42.6 percent. If the election threshold is not exceeded on 5 May, the chances of holding new elections in due time are realistic, according to the rules so far, given that a possible change of the election model requires constitutional changes, which is a process that can take longer than half a year, and for which a more extensive public debate is needed, as well as a political consensus. Justice Minister Renata Deskoska said recently that two options are considered if the necessary turnout is not reached in the elections: the president will continue to be elected in direct elections, without a second-round threshold, which means that the one who gets more votes wins, or the president to be elected in the Parliament. Initially, the turnout threshold in the second round of the presidential elections was 50 percent, and later was reduced before the 2009 elections. There is no accurate benchmark when fresh elections should be held if these fail. Under Article 81 of the Constitution, a second round of voting is held within 14 days of the completion of the first round. The candidate who received the majority of votes from the citizens who voted is elected as the president, if more than 40% of the voters have used their right to vote. If even in the second round of voting none of the candidates has received the required majority of votes, the entire election procedure is needs to be repeated. The election of president is held within the last 60 days of the previous president’s term. In the event of termination of the president’s term, for whatever reason, the election of a new president needs to be carried out within 40 days from the day of the termination of the president’s term.

However, since it is not a matter of termination of term, but the incumbent President Gjorge Ivanov’s term ends on May 12, according to some interpretations, in this case the provision comes into effect according to which the parliament speaker (in this case, Talat Xhaferi) will also serve as acting head of state, but not longer than six months. According to Article 82 of the Constitution, in the event of death, resignation, permanent inability to serve or termination of term according to the Constitution, until the election of a new president, the incumbent parliament speaker serves as head of state. The appearance of the conditions for the cessation of the president’s term is determined by the Constitutional Court ex officio. When the parliament speaker is the President of the Republic, he/she participates in the work of the parliament without the right to decide.

 

Coalition, DP leader sign agreement with three other parties (ADN)

 

The Democratic Party (DP) leader Lulzim Basha signed on Tuesday agreements with three other parties which have joined to the opposition's coalition. The Conservative Party, the Right Liberal Thought Party, and the Christian Democratic People's Party joined the coalition, by bringing the number of united parties to 11. The agreement document, as it lists the difficult situation in which the country is located, has drawn up 10 points for which opposition parties have agreed. The foremost was that "the opposition will not enter the elections until the conditions are met, the formation of a transitory government."

 

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

 

Linking Europe and Asia offers opportunities (Global Times, by Maroš Šefovi, 24 April 2019)

 

Connectivity is part of the European Union's DNA. As the most inter-connected region in the world, the EU embodies the benefits of linking its 28 member states and its neighborhood through the arteries of transport, energy and digital networks. As the European Union Special Representative to the second Belt and Road Forum, I will be carrying to Beijing a personal message from President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. The EU's Strategy on Connecting Europe and Asia is built on the way the EU creates opportunities for citizens, business and investors. The EU is ready to step up its engagement with Asian and other partners on a positive agenda for connectivity, based on realizing mutual interests, reaching common objectives through adherence to international norms and standards. As political, business and civil society leaders gather in Beijing, I will share the EU's unique 30 years' experience in successfully building sustainable connectivity that binds Europe closer together through transport, energy and digital networks, as well as multiple people-to-people links. The EU is a natural partner of viable initiatives to upgrade infrastructure, looking to extend its Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T), to facilitate trade, investment and mobility also well beyond the EU. We are sharing greater prosperity with our neighborhood by extending these networks southwards in the Balkans and eastwards to Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Our offer is clear and simple with no hidden agenda: we will mobilize our regulatory experience, technical expertise in corridor-based cross-border transport, and the EU's funding opportunities.

With this in mind, the EU is ready to forge meaningful synergies with China's Belt and Road Initiative. Regular exchanges between the EU and China under our Connectivity Platform allow both sides to deepen understanding of each other's connectivity policies, and to share experience and best practices. Just earlier this month, the EU and China agreed to a joint study on sustainable rail-based corridors under the EU-China Connectivity Platform. The Study will assess the current situation of railway-based corridors between Europe and China, analyze these corridors' challenges and problems (in terms of hard and soft connectivity), and propose the most sustainable corridors. It will identify and prioritize the missing links and bottlenecks, thus improving capacity of the hubs as well as the quality of transport services. All relevant countries will be consulted during the implementation of the study. Leaders at the Belt and Road Forum share a common goal in preserving a cooperative, rules-based and peaceful international system. At the recent EU-China Summit we both signed up to cooperate on improving the economic, social, fiscal, financial and environmental sustainability of Europe-Asia connectivity and its interoperability. Sustainability is not just a theoretical concept to us. It is essential to unlock prosperity for generations to come. Experience shows that unsustainable projects lead to high-level of indebtedness, wasted resources, and undermine benefits for local communities of infrastructure investments, increased pollution and harm to the environment. Global standard lending disciplines and paying heed to financial sustainability are essential, as is bringing in financial institutions and public-private partnerships. Both borrowers and creditors, official and private, must implement sustainable financing practices. We both want cooperation to be embedded within the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The EU is encouraged by China's agreement at the recent EU-China Summit to abide by the principles of market rules, transparency, open procurement, a level playing field and fair competition. We believe indeed that complying with established international norms and standards - with the OECD and World Bank playing instrumental roles - is the way to viable connectivity cooperation. So are the laws and specific circumstances of the countries benefitting from projects. This is vital to the success, viability and reputation of the Belt and Road Initiative. One measure of success could be how many foreign companies bid for projects in third countries' markets, if there is a fair chance to be awarded contracts. We hope to soon see EU companies building connecting infrastructure in China or with Chinese partners in third countries.

Effective connectivity can only be built on true partnership - of goals, means and spirit. It is about making the most of global interdependence and realizing resilient, rules-based and effective multilateralism. Based on our Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) policy and networks, we have invested in the Baltic and Black Seas, the Western Balkans, the countries of Eastern Partnership and worked with Central Asia as well as with ASEAN. Effective functioning and sustainable connectivity is about both physical and non-physical infrastructure through which goods, services, ideas, information and people can flow unhindered. Connectivity is therefore more than just "hardware". Its ingredients include the promotion of the rule of law, social cohesion, inclusiveness, democracy, good governance, human rights and gender equality. We must address climate change, both at home and abroad, and move decisively toward a post-carbon future. The EU believes in China and in the EU-China partnership. We are therefore ready to work with China and other partners, in the spirit of openness and engagement, to build bridges for the prosperity of the EU, China and the world.

The author is Vice-President of the European Commission.