LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic speaks with Lajcak (RTS)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke on Sunday over the telephone with the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and other regional issues in the Western Balkans Miroslav Lajcak. Vucic congratulated Lajcak on taking up his post and said he was confident that as a good connoisseur of the situation and relations in the region, he would perform it responsibly and impartially. He reiterated that Serbia is committed to maintaining stability in the Western Balkans and will continue to pursue a policy of peace and cooperation.

Lajcak said he would work tirelessly to make progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, and that he will meet with Vucic as soon as the health crisis caused by the coronavirus ends. He commended the efforts that Vucic and the Serbian government are taking to prevent the spread of the contagion and reiterated that the EU would support Serbia, as a candidate country, not only with funds for urgent needs in the fight against this contagious disease but will also provide for long-term support for social and economic recovery after the pandemic. Vucic thanked for the EU help and said that in crises like this, cooperation and coordination of measures between the Western Balkans and the EU, but also in the region itself, is essential. He said he was concerned about the spread of the virus in Kosovo and Metohija. He expressed Serbia's determination to assist the Serb community in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as its willingness to cooperate with Albanians and work with the representatives of temporary institutions in Pristina to halt COVID-19.

 

Vucic: I will discuss election date with politicians who said they will participate in them (TV Prva/Beta)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on 12 April that he would talk about the date of elections with those politicians who had said they would participate in them. Vucic told TV Prva that, since the COVID-19 outbreak, he had not dealt with nor was he interested in partisan matters. Commenting on claims that he has been using the pandemic to run a political

campaign, Vucic said he had no idea what that was all about, adding that he had only visited Novi Pazar and Nis. “Wherever I appeared, it was the same. Many expected, according to the tabloids, the coronavirus to take me as well. I really have no interest in that,” the President said.

Addressing the dissatisfaction of journalistic associations with a decision to stage press

conferences on the epidemic without the journalists being physically present, but rather have them send their questions via email, the President explained it was the experts who had made the decision. It will be revoked once the contagion begins to recede, he added. Vucic also said that the state of emergency would be called off once the number of patients on ventilators began to go down and the number of those admitted to temporary hospitals – those with lesser symptoms, started going up. “Epidemiologist Predrag Kon has said that this will happen two weeks after the number of infected reaches a certain level. I won’t be the one to pass this decision, nor will Prime Minister Ana Brnabic nor the Cabinet; it is up to the experts,” Vucicsaid.

Joint battle of EU, Serbia in coronavirus-caused crisis (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Ambassador Sem Fabrizi had a phone conversation on Monday about the situation related to the coronavirus-caused crisis. Brnabic explained the measures taken by Serbia to fight COVID-19, the results obtained so far with an encouraging trend in numbers of new infections, and measures to prevent further spreading of the virus. Brnabic also illustrated the progress expected over the coming weeks. Fabrizi praised the work of the government and health authorities for the positive results achieved in this challenging situation. Brnabic thanked Fabrizi for the swift assistance provided by the EU for immediate health needs. In particular, for the funding of the flights transporting Serbian medical equipment imports, for the further medical material procured directly by the EU for Serbia, such as respirators, ventilators, masks, containers, and for the initial measures to support vulnerable communities including the elderly, single women and Roma population.

Fabrizi explained that this initial assistance is part of the €15 million granted by the EU for immediate needs - and that additional accompanying measures have been put in place, particularly through the Joint Procurement Agreement and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

They discussed also the measures to be taken by Serbia to support the economy. Fabrizi explained that a €€78 million package for Serbia announced by the European Commission, and the need to work together to support a swift recovery, particularly in favour of SMEs. Fabrizi illustrated the “Global EU response to COVID-19” unveiled last week and the additional positive impact for Serbia of a "Team Europe" coordinated action between the EU, its Member States and financial institutions, in particular the EIB and EBRD to counter COVID-19 and sustain the economy in the region and globally. Fabrizi also praised Serbia for its important contribution to the European coordinated solidarity consular repatriation system which managed to bring thousands of European - including Serbian - citizens from all over the world back to their countries in a fast and efficient way. They shared their view that Serbia and the EU should continue to work closely together to overcome this difficult moment in a spirit of solidarity and to make progress on Serbia’s EU path. They agreed that their offices will remain in close contact to work on immediate and short-term assistance measures.

 

Belgium grateful for support for returning its citizens (Tanjug)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic received a letter of appreciation from the Kingdom of Belgium sent by Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Serbia Koen Adam. Adam expressed his satisfaction with the repatriation of most Belgian nationals who found themselves in Serbia, expressing their desire to return to their country. This would not have been possible without the support of the Serbian government, and especially without the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On behalf of the Belgian nationals who have been returned to their country in this repatriation operation, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the support you have provided in the implementation of this operation. In this context, I particularly want to commend the Ministry Protocol and the COVID-19 Working Group, which were effective and reliable partners and issued the necessary permits to our citizens over 65 years of age to reach the airport or border crossing point, said the Belgian Ambassador.

Stefanovic: 157 police officers infected with coronavirus (RTS)

 

Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said on Monday that 157 members of the Ministry have been confirmed to have coronavirus infection, noting that four police officers have died from the disease. He told Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS), he said that over the weekend, police arrested about 800 people who were on the street without a permit to move and said that all those who did not respect the measure will be punished. He also pointed out that the crime rate dropped by about 55%, and that the police kept law and order very effectively and acted in all cases where there was a need to intervene.

 

Djuric: Doctors and nurses to get jobs in Serb-majority areas in Kosovo and Metohija (TV Pink)

 

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric said on Tuesday that almost 300 doctors and nurses would get jobs in Serb-majority areas in Kosovo and Metohija by the end of the week. Djuric told TV Pink that 75 doctors and 200 nurses would get jobs at three health care centers in Serb-majority areas, adding that the Serbian government has approved the hiring of all unemployed doctors and nurses living in those areas. Djuric said that the Kosovo Serbs should be talking to the Albanians about ways to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, adding that he “encouraged Serb List representatives to talk to the Albanians about ways to deal with coronavirus problems because the pandemic knows no borders”.  He said that a total of 49 coronavirus cases have been registered in Serb-majority areas in Kosovo and Metohija, 10 of whom are being treated in the hospital in Mitrovica north. “Support from other health care systems in Serbia in the form of equipment and medication is very important,” Djuric said. According to Djuric, the Serbian government has sent 250 truckloads of food as aid to the Kosovo Serbs.

 

In Serbia 4,465 confirmed cases (RTS)

 

Up until 3pm, there have been another 411 cases, in total 4,465, while nine more people have died, so the total number has risen to 94. There are 3,006 people in hospitals, and 131 patients on respirators. A total of 23,398 people have been tested thus far.

 

Demostat: US, EU stances on Kosovo diverging (Beta)

 

The positions of the US and EU on negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina are increasingly growing apart, which may result in the absence of progress in talks in coming months, the Demostat public opinion research center reported on 11 April, citing European diplomats.

Brussels and Washington disagree on who should be Pristina's chief negotiator, and their cooperation is also hindered by the focus on the Covid-19 pandemic, the article says.

"For US officials, including President Donald Trump, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is on the back burner and they are no longer insisting on an agreement on Kosovo at any cost before the US presidential election in November. The presidential election will be won or lost on the issue of the fight against the coronavirus," Demostat's sources believe. Certain Washington diplomats have claimed that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo President Hashim Thaci had been scheduled to meet in the US this month, which Vucic's associates have denied. The EU's new special envoy to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak, who has the support of Brussels and Berlin and who shares their position that redrawing boundaries would be a bad solution for Kosovo, may make the execution of the US' plans in the region more difficult.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Central Election Commission confirms that local elections have to be announced by 4 May, unless changes are adopted to Election Law of B&H (Glas Srpske)

Representatives of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed to the daily that unless changes to the Election Law of B&H are adopted in the parliament of B&H in the meantime, local elections in the country have to be announced on 4 May. The CEC B&H reminded that initiative for adoption of changes to the Election Law has been submitted to the parliament of B&H - because of the current epidemiological situation and because of the fact that according to the existing Election Law of B&H, it is not possible for the CEC B&H to pass decision on postponement of elections in B&H. Furthermore, representatives of the CEC B&H reminded that as soon as elections are scheduled, political subjects will have to start carrying out a number of activities which are difficult or almost impossible to implement under current circumstances in the country. “That is why we have initiated minimum amendments to the Election Law, which should above all secure free elections and conditions in which citizens’ health will not be in danger”, the CEC B&H explained to daily. Chairman of the Serb Caucus in the House of Representatives (HoR) of the parliament of B&H Nenad Stevandic said that he believes it will be possible to start preparing for the elections after St. George’s Day. “By doing so (initiating the adoption of changes to the Election Law of B&H), the CEC B&H has shifted responsibility onto the Parliament. In case of any changes, whether it be changes to election rules or changes to methodology for implementation of the election process, the Parliament would have to discuss them in May,” Stevandic said. PDP leader and representative in the B&H HoR Branislav Borenovic said that he understands CEC B&H’s need to anticipate extraordinary circumstances such as the current ones in the country. Borenovic underlined that it was logical and responsible from the CEC B&H to offer certain solution with regards to shortening of deadlines for implementation of elections. He assessed as ‘very important’ to have the Parliament of B&H meet as soon as possible and take a clear stance on the issue, because deadline for scheduling of elections is fast approaching. Head of SNSD Caucus in the B&H HoR Snjezana Novakovic Bursac said that by proposing changes to the electoral legislation, the CEC B&H has moved from technical to political sphere, which - according to Novakovic Bursac - comes as no surprise having in mind the current composition of the CEC B&H. She concluded that no one has the right to make rush decisions, especially if key political parties in B&H do not support those decisions. An unnamed source told the daily that the CEC B&H will pass decision on scheduling of elections in line with the law, until May 4, but then immediately postpone the elections, citing Article 14 of the existing Election Law, according to which the CEC B&H is allowed to postpone elections if it is not possible to carry out the election process in line with the Election Law of B&H. “Right now, that is the most likely scenario”, the daily’s source concluded.

 

Radoncic, Dodik and Lukac meet and agree that part of Turkey’s humanitarian aid intended for RS will be given to B&H Border Police and police in two cantons in FB&H (BHT1)

B&H Minister of Security Fahrudin Radoncic held a meeting with member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik and RS Minister of Interior Dragan Lukac, which took place in Banja Luka on Friday. They agreed that a part of the humanitarian aid from Turkey, which was intended for the RS, will be given to the B&H Border Police and police in two cantons in the Federation of B&H (FB&H). The case is about a certain number of protective masks and gloves. The officials also discussed measures undertaken both in the RS and in the FB&H. The officials discussed cooperation of all levels of authorities in fight against COVID-19. Following this meeting Radoncic said that activities of security sector at all levels prevented rapid spreading of Coronavirus and enabled health sector to prepare and to procure necessary equipment. Dodik underlined that it is nice to hear assessment of the WHO that B&H conducted good measures in fight against COVID-19. “This happened thanks to cooperation we provided,” explained Dodik. Lukac emphasized that authorities have been cooperating in abovementioned activities and will resume to do so.

 

B&H Fiscal Council reaches agreement on Letter of Intent for IMF (Dnevni avaz)

Following the meeting of SDA, HDZ B&H and SNSD, Bakir Izetbegovic, Dragan Covic and Milorad Dodik, with the officials of the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), at which they reached an agreement on distribution of IMF funds in amount of 330 million Euros, Chairman of Council of Ministers Zoran Tegetija scheduled and held a session of B&H Fiscal Council. The session was attended by all six members of B&H Fiscal Council, who reached an agreement on letter of intent with the IMF. As it was stated, B&H is asking for financial assistance within the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument, as part of the efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus. During the session the officials also agreed the percentages for distribution of funds, according to which the RS will get 38%, FB&H 62% and each entity will distribute 0.5% from their share to Brcko District. The Executive Board of the IMF will adopt a decision on distribution of fast loans on Tuesday, in scope of efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus. The Fiscal Council of B&H formally prepared the Letter of Intent upon an agreement of leaders SDA, SNSD and HDZ B&H, and delivered it on Saturday. Namely, the leaders attended a meeting over the weekend upon an invitation of US Ambassador to B&H Eric Nelson and Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Johann Sattler.

 

SDA Collegium welcomes agreement on IMF arrangement; Criticizes countries which send assistance only to one of B&H entities (Dnevni avaz)

SDA Collegium welcomed reaching of the agreement on the IMF arrangement and they called on the FB&H parliament to urgently adopt the law on mitigating economic consequences of the pandemic. The Collegium also appealed to FB&H parliament and cantonal assemblies to urgently adopt budget rebalances. SDA further thanked all who provided assistance to B&H during the pandemic outbreak, underlining that the assistance that is sent to B&H has to be directed via Council of Ministers. “It is not in spirit of good relations between B&H and those who submitted their assistance only to one of the entities, such as Russian Federation did and as Hungary announced to do. SDA comprehends this as an act of intentional bypassing and minimizing of state institutions. In this way, B&H sovereignty is offended and works in favor of division policies in our country,” concluded SDA Collegium.

 

Nelson, Sattler give support to B&H political leaders, drawing attention to importance of working faster, greater trust and more efficient action in times of crisis (O kanal)

US Ambassador to B&H Eric Nelson and Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) to B&H Johann Sattler attended the meeting held in the building of the EUD to B&H in Sarajevo on Saturday at which B&H political leaders reached an agreement on a loan arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) intended for the fight against crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Nelson and Sattler gave support to B&H political leaders, drawing attention to the importance of working faster, greater trust and more efficient action in times of crisis. "Democratic governments need to function differently in times of crisis, work in a more coordinated way so that there is more trust and transparency, and act much faster" Ambassador Nelson said. Ambassador Sattler thanked the B&H political leaders for reaching a compromise on the IMF loan arrangement. "This is the direction we need to continue in the coming days," Ambassador Sattler said. Nelson stressed that the authorities in democratic countries should act differently in the times of crises, explaining that they should work in a more coordinated way. He added that there should be more trust, more transparency and more efficient actions. Sattler stated: “I am not only talking about the loan arrangement with the IMF, but also about significant funds that the EU will secure through macro-financial assistance.” Sattler also stressed that it is important to keep working in the spirit of coexistence and cooperation in the upcoming days as well. He added that this is not the time to think about who is losing and who is winning, because this is the time when everyone is equally suffering and everyone is equally exposed to the threat.

 

Dodik announces police will not act in accordance with decree-law on ban on spreading of public panic (RTRS)

The RS Police will not act in line with the decree-law which bans the spread of fake news, unless such activities are reported by the citizens. This was agreed in coordination with the RS President, the RS Prime Minister, the speaker of the RS parliament and the competent minister, stated Milorad Dodik. RS Minister of Interior Dragan Lukac said that the RS Police only took action when the RS citizens reported fake news spread.

 

Dodik: New restrictive measures during holidays possible; RS representatives will not take part in joint meeting that OHR has called (ATV)

 

The RS authorities are considering introduction of stricter measures during Orthodox Easter celebration, Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik says. He asked the citizens not to gather in large groups or visit family members during this holiday, as there is a greater risk of the virus spread if they do that. The Presidency member said restrictive measures in the RS might be reduced during May if the upcoming Easter and Labor Day celebrations pass without a major increase of number of COVID-19 cases. Dodik said that the RS authorities are likely to introduce curfew between the morning of Friday, 17 April, and 06:00 hrs on Saturday, 18 April, and then again between 15:00 hrs on Saturday until Monday morning. The plan, according to Dodik, is to allow people to go out on Saturday between 06:00 and 15:00 hrs, to buy the things they need for the Easter weekend. Dodik rejected the possibility of a meeting between the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and representatives of B&H authorities to discuss the coronavirus pandemic. “The coronavirus was never mentioned anywhere in the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) and the representatives of the RS will not participate in the joint meeting organized by the OHR with the intention to rehabilitate themselves and start working on something again,” said Dodik. He called the international community to consider the abolition of the OHR.

 

RS Crisis Headquarters prolongs restrictive measures until 27 April (RTRS)

RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic announced on Monday that the RS Crisis Headquarters decided to prolong the restrictive measures currently in place until 27 April. He added that the epidemiologic situation in the RS has been stable in the past few days and there is no exponential growth, which means restrictive measures were effective. Viskovic announced that the relaxing of restrictive measures could be assessed at the beginning of May if the epidemic continues to develop the way it does currently. It will be announced soon if the movement ban outside of place of residence will be prolonged as well. “We did not make a decision today, we still have a few days in front of us. You know that Good Friday and the Monday after Orthodox Easter are non-working days and it is certain that we will expand our movement ban restriction, which is in power between Saturday and Sunday, to 12:00 hours on Friday and until Monday,” said Viskovic.

 

RS: Movement outside of place of residence prohibited; Citizens must wear facemasks and gloves outdoors (BHT1)

In RS, orders banning movement outside of place of residence during the weekend, and mandatory wearing of gloves and protective masks are in force. No more than three people are allowed to be congregating in public. The RS Crisis HQ stated that all B&H nationals who reside in the RS will be quarantined for 24 hours, after which they will be isolated at local quarantines under police escort. They emphasized that there is no way for quarantine to be evaded. Head of the Public Relations Department of the RS Ministry of Interior (MoI) Mirna Miljanovic denied on Saturday the media allegations about setting up checkpoints on the inter-entity boundary line. She added that there are no checkpoints on the inter-entity line and such allegations are nothing but fabrications, explaining that intensified controls conducted in the field are related to previous conclusions of the RS Crisis Headquarters on restricted movement during the weekend.

 

Minister Seranic: Even when we alleviate measures, we will have to continue wearing masks, probably even during the summer and fall (Glas Srpske)

RS Minister of Healthcare and Social Protection Alen Seranic said that current epidemiological situation in the RS is good, and underlined that it depends on behavior of all of the citizens of the RS how long the crisis will last. According to Seranic, the RS has introduced a number of measures which have contributed to curbing the spread of coronavirus infections, but the key one was decision to close schools and cafés. The RS Minister of Healthcare and Social Protection underlined that some measures - such as mandatory wearing of masks in public - will have to be implemented for a long time, possibly even during the summer and fall, and mentioned Czech Republic as an example, explaining that the country has alleviated certain measures, but has ordered its citizens to continue wearing masks in public. Furthermore, Seranic said that it is difficult to comment on measures introduced in the FB&H, saying that colleagues in the FB&H know why they have opted for some measures and decided not to introduce some other measures. “Srpska did not wait on anyone to implement certain measures,” said Seranic, adding that he believes “determination of the team managing the situation has contributed to us being in favorable situation”. He underlined that as things stand right now, the RS has managed to avoid Italian scenario; however, Seranic said that one can never be sure with things such as an epidemic, because it would be enough for the virus to enter a couple of retirement homes for things to get much worse.

 

FB&H Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters adopts 12 new orders and measures against COVID-19 (BHT1)

The FB&H Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters held a session in Sarajevo on Friday, which resulted in adoption of 12 new orders amid the coronavirus pandemic. These include the measures that refer to distribution of protective equipment to all healthcare centers in the FB&H, support to agricultural producers during the sowing season, as well as exemption of agricultural producers older than 65 from movement restrictions. One of the measures also refer to citizens of B&H entering the country. All citizens entering the country will have to be quarantined as of Friday. Setting up tents at the International Airport in Sarajevo and the border crossings Orasje, Velika Kladusa, Bosanski Samac, Kamensko, Gorica, Bosansko Grahovo, Doljani, Osoje, Cepikuce, Neum 1 and Neum 2 was ordered as well, aside from the tents previously set by members of the B&H Armed Forces at the border crossings ‘Izacic’ and ‘Bijaca’. Director of the FB&H Administration for Inspection Affairs (FUZIP) Anis Ajdinovic explained that, in line with the order of the FB&H Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters, every citizen of B&H who enters the country will be quarantined immediately – without medical examination and without an obligation of any medical worker at the border crossing. In line with the order of the FB&H Ministry of Healthcare, they will be quarantined in a canton where their place of residence is, he explained. “This is the most important order that was adopted, at the session of the FB&H Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters. We made it easier for our epidemiologists and medical workers. From now on, they do not have to perform medical examinations of all passengers. These examinations of all passengers will be performed at the triage centers in the quarantines in all cantons,” Ajdinovic said. He noted that the quarantines have been already set up in the Sarajevo Canton, the Tuzla Canton and the Una-Sana Canton, while the issue of quarantines in other cantons is being resolved right now. “I would like to ask the cantonal ministries of healthcare and the cantonal civil protection crisis headquarters, which still have not reached a decision on quarantine areas, to reach such decision as soon as possible,” Ajdinovic stressed.

 

HNC Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters orders restriction of movement of citizens outside their place of residence in HNC; WHC follows example (BHT1)

 

At a session that was held in Mostar on Friday, the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNC) Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters decided to order restriction of movement of citizens outside their place of residence, which applies to all municipalities in the HNC. The decision was made at the request of the HNC Public Healthcare Institute and the HNC Ministry of Healthcare, in line with the law on protection of citizens from contagious diseases. Twelve control points were set up in Mostar – towards Capljina, Citluk, Jablanica, Stolac and Siroki Brijeg. Movement will be allowed only for job-related or healthcare-related purposes, but only with a pass issued by employers or local civil protection crisis headquarters. Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical teams and judicial officials do not need a pass. The West Herzegovina Canton (WHC) Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters made a similar decision on restriction of movement of citizens outside their place of residence, requesting from the FB&H Civil Protection Crisis Headquarters to implement such decision all over the FB&H. The decision entered into force on Saturday at 05:00 hrs.

 

Team of Russian experts begins disinfection of hospitals in RS (ATV)

Three cargo planes transporting humanitarian aid from Russia landed at the Banja Luka International Airport on Thursday. One team of Russian medical experts arrived as well. The team will perform disinfections of hospitals, healthcare centers and quarantine facilities in several cities in the RS in the upcoming days. The team of Russian medical experts disinfected the healthcare center in Banja Luka on Friday. The medical team from Russia brought all the necessary equipment and materials for this job with them from Russia. Milorad Dodik said that this is significant for the RS because a thorough disinfection is necessary in many hospitals in the RS. He announced that one more package of help will arrive from Russia soon. Dodik explained that they expect the arrival of medicines, protective suits and respirators. He assessed that the package will arrive in seven to 10 days.

 

Migrants and refugees under intensified measures of medical supervision in order to prevent cases of COVID-19 (N1)

According to competent authorities, the measures of medical supervision of migrants and refugees in B&H have been intensified and not a single case of COVID-19 has been registered among them so far. Police officers of the Sarajevo Canton (SC) and the Una-Sana Canton (USC) are implementing the orders of the civil protection crisis headquarters to restrict the movement of migrants and refugees outside the reception centers. Police officers of the SC take all migrants and refugees they find in the streets to the reception centers ‘Blazuj’ and ‘Usivak’, which are also secured by police patrols outside. Representatives of the SC Ministry of Interior (MoI) noted that they are struggling with the problem of migrants running away from the reception centers, but they return everyone they find later on to ‘Blazuj’ and ‘Usivak’, although it is evident that there is no more room at these reception centers. The same restrictions and rules for migrants and refugees are in force in the USC, where a new tent settlement is being prepared at the location of Lipa. The FB&H Red Cross has engaged mobile medical teams and teams within the camps, all in order to prevent possible cases of COVID-19 among migrants and refugees. Representative of the FB&H Red Cross Jasmin Niksic noted that all migrants who entered the camps were additionally examined. “Therefore, I can say that there is currently no case of the coronavirus in any of the camps in B&H. Those who were manifesting some mild symptoms were examined and put into self-isolation in the camps,” Niksic explained. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated that all reception centers managed by the IOM, in cooperation with the B&H Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, also have isolation zones and a quarantine, aside from the regular accommodation capacities. “The DRC regularly communicates with the epidemiological services, the Ministries of Healthcare and the Crisis Headquarters, so we can say that the situation with regard to this issue is under control. Two migrants from ‘Bira’ have been tested and both of them tested negative,” reads the statement.

 

Croatian government continues actions towards construction of radioactive waste disposal site near border of B&H (RTRS)

The Croatian government has assigned the area of the military barracks ‘Cerkezovac’ at Trgovska Gora to be managed by the Fund for Financing the Decommissioning of the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant and the Disposal of Krsko NPP Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel. In this way, the Croatian government confirmed that it would not give up on its intention to dispose of radioactive waste at the location of Trgovska Gora near the border of B&H. The reporter reminded that the implementation of this project would endanger 250,000 residents who live by Una River. Novi Grad is 950 meters away from Trgovska Gora. Representatives of the Novi Grad Municipality and environmental associations stressed that it is necessary to introduce concrete measures as soon as possible, in order to prevent an environmental disaster. Head of the Novi Grad Municipality Miroslav Drljaca noted that there is an intention to appoint a team of legal and environmental experts to work on this issue. B&H Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Stasa Kosarac noted that the Ministry has prepared information for the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM). “We want the B&H CoM to adopt this information, in order to be able to adopt decisions that will make it possible for all of us in B&H to actively work on solutions to this issue,” Kosarac said. Milorad Dodik reminded that the B&H Presidency has adopted a decision and requested from Croatia not to construct the radioactive waste disposal site at this location. “Unfortunately, Croatia has been ignoring all these requests. All the efforts of the RS authorities, competent ministers and local communities have been in vain. We can see that Croatia has continued those activities. We will also continue the activities against such project that is unacceptable to us,” Dodik stressed.

A total of 1,083 tested positive for coronavirus in B&H (N1)

 

According to data the Ministry of Civil Affairs published at noon on Tuesday, a total of 1083 people tested positive for the coronavirus across B&H by now and 40 died due to COVID-19. A total of 12,407 people has been tested for the virus across the country. 236 people has recovered. In the FB&H, 6,621 people have been tested and 612 cases of virus infection have been confirmed. 24 deaths have been reported and a total of 7,383 people are under supervisory surveillance. A total of 55 people recovered. There are 453 cases of infection that have been confirmed in the RS, were 5,559 people have been tested. The number of deaths by 12:00 noon on 14 April is 14, and 5,457 people are under supervisory surveillance. 179 people were recovered.

Beros: We will consider easing restrictions in upcoming phase (HRT)

 

Health Minister Vili Beros says Croatia will start considering easing coronavirus restrictions, but declined to give any possible target dates, saying the virus was too unpredictable to take any chances. Speaking on Croatian Radio on Tuesday morning, Beros said Croatia’s COVID-19 infection curve was still linear and showed that the prevention and control strategy mapped out by the national Coronavirus Task Force was working. “The clear goal is to slow the rate of infection and give the health care system the chance to provide good care to patients,” Beros said. In designing the strategy, public health authorities had tried to balance prevention measures with the need of the public to still lead somewhat normal lives, the Minister said. “What lies ahead in the next period is to consider relaxing the measures so that certain living activities can go forward, to re-start economic activity, but to also to continue to have control over the number of new infections,” said Beros. Asked about a possible timeline for lifting the restrictions, Beros said it was impossible to predict how the virus will behave and that he did not want to set a deadline that may become impossible to meet.

 

In Croatia, 54 newly infected, totaling 1704, six deceased patients (N1)

 

According to the latest information provided at the Coronavirus Task Force news conference, in Croatia 54 new cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed, which brings the total up to 1704 people that contracted COVID-19. 6 more patient have died, bringing the total to 31.

Minister of Health Vili Beros provided the latest figures noting that the average age of the infected is 49.97 years and when looking at the division between genders 50.7 percent are women and 49.3 percent are men. A total of 415 people has recovered from the coronavirus in Croatia.

 

New measures in place for the next 7 days, says Djeljosaj (RTCG)

 

Residents of Tuzi have been released from the mandatory 21-day quarantine, as the National Coordination Body decided last night to ease the lockdown coronavirus measures in this town. President of this municipality, Nik Djeljosaj, thanked residents for adhering to the limitations of the NKT, and announced that the new measures will be in place for the next seven days. He announced that after this period of time, they are going to consider the situation in this town again and make decisions accordingly. Djeljosaj also noted that Tuzi residents still have to be vigilant and try not to destroy everything they reached over the past 21 days.

 

Hrapovic: Abolition of measures can be expected in the second half of May (Dnevne novine)

 

Montenegro’s response, and the response of its citizens, both those who live here and those who don’t, in the time of coronavirus is worth admiration, said in the interview for Dnevne novine Kenan Hrapovic, Minister of Health.

 

Montenegro has been resisting coronavirus outbreak for long. Competent authorities have been monitoring the situation in the world and the first case in Montenegro was confirmed on 17 March. What did the country to do prepare for the inevitable?

Hrapovic: Since the moment we heard of the information about the “unknown virus” in China, Montenegrin healthcare system has been preparing to respond to the disease that might reach us as well. Although it was all very distant, epidemic services in Montenegro, headed by the Institute for Public Health, have undertaken overarching expert analysis and precautions. It is clear today that it was a right move we made.

 

It seemed at first that precautions were very strict. The time, number of infections and several clusters have shown that we needed even stricter precautions. Are you satisfied with what has been done so far?

Hrapovic: The response of the Montenegrin healthcare system and country as a whole was very good. We took first measures before the importation of the virus. Data from border crossings indicates that, between January and middle March, there was a great frequency of passengers coming in and out of the country. I must admit that it wasn’t easy and simple to take measures in the situation where there are no registered cases. Although we kept saying it was just a matter of moment when the first case will be reported, people hoped that the virus might pass by us.

I am very satisfied. But it would be irresponsible if I said we could relax now. Engagement of everyone in the forthcoming days can be the key to success.

 

What is the situation like when it comes to the number of infected persons, number of deaths, people under watch? How many persons have been tested for the coronavirus so far?

Hrapovic: Since the first confirmed case in Montenegro, a total of 3.272 persons have been tested, 272 persons have been infected, 41 patients have been admitted to hospital and three people unfortunately passed away. Around 7.605 persons are under sanitary watch.

 

The peak was recorded on 3 April, with 37 reported cases in only 24 hours. Since that day, number of infected persons has been on a downward trajectory. Is the end of the epidemic approaching?

Hrapovic: It is still very early to make forecasts. But there’s no doubt we are on a good way, provided that we keep adhering to the measures. The world is still learning and the virus is stillvery unknown. We must not be irresponsible and let misconceptions lead us to wrong conclusions and responses. Every step counts now. When the experts give green light, then we will know the epidemic is over.

 

Some countries like Albania, Denmark, the Czech Republic, have announced gradual abolition of measures starting from the second half of April. Even the Italian PM announced that measures might scale down in the beginning of May. What are your estimates?

Hrapovic: I believe we could expect gradual abolition of measures in the second half of May. But, I will say it again, what we will do in may depends on how we act today, and tomorrow and next days. Risky behavior is something that might put us all in danger now. Our motive for achievement must be high. If we refrain from going out now then we will be enjoying the summer.

 

Start of this fight was marked by the lack of medical equipment. Now we have the equipment, much of which was provided through donations. Did you expect that?

Hrapovic: Although very difficult situation, it showed the real and great Montenegro. This is the best Montenegro I remember. We had so many challenges to overcome but we always had response that deserved respect and admiration. Montenegro’s response and the response of its citizens, both those who live here and those who don’t, in the time of coronavirus is worth admiration. Help and donations are welcome and will be used in the right way.

 

You have said recently that you expect more ventilators. How many exactly and where are they coming from?

Hrapovic: Montenegrin healthcare system currently has 149 ventilators. Three are set to arrive in several days. We have agreed provision of another 100 with UNDP.

 

When it comes to your Ministry, what has the coronavirus pandemic shown?

Hrapovic: We knew we had responsible and diligent professionals in our healthcare system. We knew how much they sacrificed to maintain the system. In the future, our healthcare policy must focus on these people and conditions they work in. Now when health profession has enabled us the way out of this situation, we must be resolved to provide healthcare staff with pay rise. And we must remember that the strength of a country lies in its healthcare system.

 

Montenegro reports 278 Covid-19 infections (CDM)

 

According to figures of the Public Health Institute, there are four new coronavirus cases detected this morning. The country now has 278 confirmed cases. “The new cases were detected in Podgorica (2 people), Ulcinj (one person) and Niksis (1 person). Two of them were in close contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19, while for the remaining two, the situation is still unknown,” they announced.

Confirmed cases by municipalities:

Podgorica: 149

Tuzi: 36

Niksic: 32

Bar: 21

Ulcinj: 11

Andrijevica: 7

Bijelo Polje: 6

Herceg Novi: 6

Budva: 4

Danilovgrad: 3

Tivat: 3

 

Pendarovski: National Security Council to decide on extension of state of emergency on 16 April (MIA)

President Stevo Pendarovski considers that state of emergency will be extended by another 30 days given the current situation. The current period ends on 16 April when National Security Council is to hold a session and decide on extension of the nationwide state of emergency to help halt the spread of the coronavirus. “The chances are that additional 30-day state of emergency will be declared because the internal situation is not significantly mitigated still require this type of engagement from all competent institutions. We have declared a state of emergency for the first time in 30 years, but also some things are happening for the first time in the world related to the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, if I have today that information from the competent institutions, if you ask me today for a decision, I will extend the state of emergency by another 30 days,” Pendarovski said during his visit to Tetovo. He visited army units in “Kuzman Josifovski Pitu” barracks in Tetovo and crisis headquarters in Tetovo municipality. “The main goal is how to better coordinate the local self-government and the Army whose members are involved in special tasks in crisis situation regions such as in Debar and Centar Zhupa where the situation is de-escalating. Army members who were deployed at the entrances were withdrawn to other areas. In addition, they participate in the support of the Ministry of Interior in the distribution of food and medicine, and special units help in disinfection given the resources of the municipal authorities,” Pendarovski said.

 

Nationwide lockdown likely to be extended during upcoming Easter holiday (MIA)

A 61-hour nationwide lockdown which was imposed in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus has ended early on Monday. The weekday curfew resumed on Monday as last week from 4 pm to 5 am on Tuesday. Health Minister Venko Filipche said on Sunday that the government is to decide on extension of the ban on movement during upcoming Easter holiday, i.e. the curfew to be in place from 4 pm on Friday to 5 am on Tuesday.

 

Mandatory quarantine for citizens returning to Macedonia increased to three weeks (Republika)

 

Macedonian citizens returning to the country will be placed in a longer, three weeks quarantine, instead of the two weeks imposed now. The Government issued a decree to change the quarantine rules that apply to all citizens who come back to Macedonia from high risk foreign countries. The citizens are placed in hotels across the country, used for this purpose and covered by guards who make sure the quarantined citizens remain in their rooms.

In North Macedonia 54 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed, 6 patients died - 42 recovered (Alsat TV)

 

The Healthcare Ministry confirmed media reports that 6 new patients died from the coronavirus over the past 24 hours. The reports were first made by Alsat TV. 4 of them died in the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Skopje. The Ministry gave their age as over 60 and said that 2 of them were from Labunista, 1 from Prilep and 1 from Kumanovo. There were two deaths reported in the “8th of September” clinic in Skopje – a 67-year-old man from Veles, and a 59-year-old from Kumanovo. There are 54 newly diagnosed coronavirus patients In North Macedonia. Most of them are in Kumanovo (25), followed by Skopje (13) and Prilep (10).  Skopje has the most total cases – 329, followed by Kumanovo with 236 and Prilep with 85.

President Meta salutes the stance of the Council of Europe (Radio Tirana)

The President of the Republic Ilir Meta has welcomed the Council of Europe’s position on the need to protect democracy, pluralism, the rule of law and human rights in the context of the COVID-19 sanitary crisis. President Meta joins in the concern that “this virus is destroying many lives and many other precious things for us, but we must not allow it to destroy our fundamental values and our free societies.” The Albanian President recalls that the actions and measures of governments to restrict the right to private life, freedom of conscience, freedom of expression and freedom of association, for which the Council of Europe draws attention, should be decided only by law, in proportion to risks and as long as it is necessary to protect health. “The challenge our societies are facing today is an unprecedented one. Even after the urgent phase of this crisis, our societies will have to find ways to put social and economic damage in place and further increase confidence in our democratic institutions. It is necessary to start a broad reflection on the protection of the most vulnerable individuals and groups in our societies and on the ways of protecting their rights in a more stable and solidary model of governance,” underlined Meta.

In Albania, 475 total COVID-19 cases confirmed, 24 victims (Tirana Times)

 

A 68-year-old woman passed away on Monday evening, bringing the death toll to 24 in Albania. The victim had been under intensive care for 10 days and suffered from renal insufficiency as well. Despite the medical staff's efforts, the 68-year-old succumbed to the disease. Eight new coronavirus cases were also confirmed in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infected patients to 475 in Albania. The map of infected patients was extended to Kukes, after one person from the medical staff tested positive for the coronavirus. So far, tests have been conducted on 4306 people. Out of the total 37 patients at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, five are in intensive care and one is intubated. At the COVID 2 Hospital, nine patients are hospitalized, seven of whom are in intensive care. The Ministry of Health also announced that so far, a total of 248 patients who tested positive for the coronavirus in Albania have now recovered. However, they will have to be quarantined at home for 14 days. Currently, the geographical distribution of the infected patients across Albania is as follows:

 

Tirana 227 cases

Durrës 42 cases

Lushnje 6 cases

Elbasan 15 cases

Fier 32 cases

Kavaja 8 cases

Rrogozhina 4 cases

Korça 17 cases

Vlora 5 cases

Shkodra 71 cases

Lezha 14 cases

Berat 2 cases

Has 13 cases

Kruja 6 cases

Tropoja 4 cases

Puka 5 cases

Mirdita 3 cases

Kukes 1 case

 

The Albanian government has restricted movement of automobiles and pedestrians throughout the territory by imposing a curfew from 5 am to 17:30 pm, with only one person per household being authorized to move. This week, citizens will not be allowed out of their houses on Saturday and Sunday. All international air, sea and land travel is banned and schools, kindergartens, bars, restaurants, hotels, stadiums, concert halls and parks are also closed.