LOCAL PRESS 

 

Lajcak: Time to finish Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (N1)

Belgrade-Pristina dialogue should be brought to an end, the European Union’s Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and Western Balkans Miroslav Lajcak stated on Wednesday, on his Twitter account. Lajcak recalled that 10 years had passed since the UN General Assembly welcomed the readiness of the EU to facilitate the dialogue. “It’s high time to bring it to a successful end” he concluded. 

 

Grenell: We have put the question of borders aside (Tanjug)

Special adviser to the US President, Richard Grenell, says that the goal of the Belgrade-Pristina agreement is to leave the borders aside as much as possible. Grenell estimated that the agreement with the insistence on the economy will have repercussions on the international level as well. He stated this for "ACLJ.org", a program whose hosts and authors are lawyers Jay and Jordan Seculow, and he posted a link to the show on his Twitter account. 

 

Grenell reiterated on the importance of the economic agreement - the creation of jobs, the creation of conditions for business… He reminded that the agreement also included the recognition of diplomas, the opening of the Belgrade-Pristina airline and the development of railway and road traffic, which will contribute to the strengthening of trade exchange. He also reminded of the lake (Gazivode) of the feasibility study being done by the USA on how to use energy potentials. 

 

Grenell said that the United States, when agreeing on the question of the importance of the agreement at the international level, not only for Israel but also for geopolitical peace...said that the United States also tried to make the region more pro-Western.  

 

"There are two or three aspects of the agreement - the first is Hezbollah marked as a terrorist organization, the second both sides have agreed to diversify energy supplies and deepen relations with Israel" he said. 

 

For Serbia, where 100 percent of the energy comes from Russia, that means turning to other sources of supply, both sides have agreed to diversify the source of supply, Grenell said. 

 

According to the special adviser to US President Donald Trump, the agreement will deepen ties with Israel, Serbia will move the embassy to Jerusalem by July, Kosovo and Israel will recognize each other, which will strengthen their mutual relations. "It all moves the region to the west and turns away from Russia and China. It is a great diplomatic victory for Donald Trump" Grenell believes. 

 

When asked to comment on the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is also considering moving the embassy to Jerusalem (this is a proposal by the Serbian member of the B&H presidency Milorad Dodik) and whether it is a matter of moving away from Russia and China, Grenell said that all that makes the US safer. All this makes the United States have more allies and opens the possibility for American companies to expand their business in the region, he stated. 

EU officials: Talks focus on final Serbia-Kosovo agreement (Beta)

 

The agreement on the forming of the Community of Serb Municipalities, which was signed earlier, is once again on the agenda of the resumed Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, and everything that is being negotiated is in the function of the direct and prompt reaching of a comprehensive and legally binding agreement between the two sides about the regulation of mutual relations, as soon as possible, adding that the agreement has to be acceptable to the European Union and has to be reached in no more than a year, well-informed European officials in Brussels told Beta on Sept. 9. 

 

The agreement, as targeted by the European Union as the mediator and "provider of good service" in the dialogue, they said, must be acceptable by the EU and be reached in not more than a year. This was their explanation to Beta's inquiry about why EU mediator Miroslav Lajcak stated, after the Belgrade-Pristina high-level meeting on Sept. 7, that "there was talk for the first time, as part of negotiations about the legally binding comprehensive 

agreement, about arrangements for the non-majority communities" in Kosovo. They added that the arranged final agreement between the two sides that would completely open the path to joining the EU, "has to find solutions to all open issues." 

 

Lavrov: Moscow supports any agreement on Kosovo reached voluntarily (FoNet) 

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Moscow would support any agreement reached voluntarily by Belgrade and Pristina, the Sputnik portal reported. Speaking at news conference, Lavrov said that official Moscow views the White House Agreements as agreements reached by the two sides in the interest of resolving the situation. We have not reason to doubt that the Serbian leadership is continuing to support the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, the foreign minister said. 

 

Vucic to Putin: Serbia remains true Russian partner (RTS, B92)

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic talked on the telephone today about solving the Kosovo problem, the Kremlin announced. This is the first conversation between the leaders of Serbia and Russia after the signing of the Washington agreement. 

 

The statement adds that the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, informed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation today about the talks in Washington and Brussels, held on September 4 and 7. "Special attention is paid to the problem of Kosovo. Vucic informed (Putin) about the negotiations in Washington and Brussels on September 4 and 7. Putin confirmed Russia's unchanged position on developing a balanced and compromise solution that is acceptable for Belgrade, and which should be determined by the UN Security Council" the statement said. It added the Russia – Serbia strategic partnership was also discussed and that Moscow "highly appreciates" Vucic's contribution to that.  

 

As it is stated, the telephone conversation between the two presidents was initiated by the Serbian side, and it is added that special attention was paid to resolving the Kosovo issue, TASS reports. 

 

"Putin confirmed firmness of Russia's principled position regarding the finding of a compromise and balanced solution acceptable to Belgrade, which must be approved by the UN Security Council" the statement said. The readiness for further close cooperation with him on the whole spectrum of issues of the bilateral, regional and international agenda was emphasized. 

 

Belgrade pledged to stay a true Russian partner and protect country's military neutrality, regardless of its complex geopolitical, military and economic position, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday after a phone conversation with Putin. "Regardless of the severity and complexity of its geopolitical, military security and economic position, Serbia will protect its military neutrality and remain a true and honest partner to the Russian Federation" Vucic wrote. He quoted Putin as reiterating Russia's support of Serbia in its effort to preserve the territorial integrity and that Moscow would coordinate its foreign policy activities with Serbia to protect the international law order. 

 

Serbia won't move its embassy to Jerusalem if Israel recognizes Kosovo independence (Beta) 

 

Serbia will not fulfill the pledge to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem if Israel decides to recognize the independence of its enemy, Kosovo, a source close to the government in Belgrade said to the Times of Israel on Sept. 9. The same source has also warned that the formal recognition of independence Kosovo proclaimed in 2008 would "destroy" the relationship with the Jewish state. "It might end up in complete chaos, unless 

there's a compromise with respect to the final form of Israel's relations with Kosovo," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It's one thing to establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo, but quite another to recognize it as an independent state. It would destroy relations between Israel and Serbia," the paper quoted the Serbian source as saying. The source has also cautioned that Serbia will not move its embassy if Israel recognizes an 

independent Kosovo, as "the Israeli move would harm the otherwise close bilateral relationship, which could never be the same after that." 

Palestine ambassador to Serbia: I ask Vucic for audience and expect explanation (NIN)

 

The Palestine ambassador to Serbia Mohammed Nabhan said on Thursday he asked President Aleksandar Vucic for an audience to get an explanation for the decision to relocate the country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 

 

“We respect President Vucic and Serbia who we have traditional, friendly and deep relations with. I believe the President did not want to harm our relations and the Palestine issue by accepting that agreement” the ambassador said. 

 

In a statement to the Belgrade NIN weekly, Nabhan said Serbia had always respected the UN 1244 Resolution regarding Kosovo, and that he expected it to honor the Resolution 478which condemned the Israeli occupation during the six-day war in 1967. He added he believed Vucic thought the agreement would be implemented after Israeli – Palestains conflict was solved in the establishment of the Palestine state on all those territories. 

 

Nabhan also said that the news about the relocation of the embassy was met with bitterness in Palestine, “which had always stood by Serbia in its efforts to preserve sovereignty and integrity” and caused many negative reactions in the region. 

 

“Pristina also surprised me, because the (Washington) agreement could lead to the withdrawal of the recognition of Kosovo by 57 Arab League countries and the Islamic Organization for Cooperation” Nabhan told NIN weekly. 

 

Earlier, he told Nova S TV that his country, although directly jeopardized by Serbia's decision, would not implement any counter-measures, but added that one should show courage and say 'no' to great powers, "to the US in this case." 

 

Serbia to suspend military activities with all partners in the next six months (Beta)

The Serbian Ministry of Defense reported on Sept. 9 that the Serbian government had decided to suspend all military exercises and activities with all of Serbia's partners in the next six months, in order to preserve its position of military neutrality. Following a session at which the decision was made, Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vulin said that Serbia was under "horrible and undeserved pressure" of the European Union (EU), the defense ministry reported. 

 

Minister Vulin said that Serbia had been "asked not to attend a prearranged military drill with Belarus, unless it was willing to pay the price of abandoning a future in Europe, and be exposed to increased pressure on its policy, the Serbs in Kosovo and Republika Srpska." The minister explained that in the next six months Serbia "will not take part in any military exercise or activity with NATO, Russia, the United States, China or the EU - either with the East or with the West." 

 

He stated that our participation in peacekeeping operations will be specially considered and, if necessary, suspended. 

 

"The process of equipping and strengthening our army will not be stopped, and we will work to increase our combat readiness more and more persistently than ever. This is the only way to preserve military neutrality and this painful decision obliges us to rely only on ourselves and our own", Minister Vulin emphasized, concluding the statement with the message: "Long live Serbian Army, long live Serbia". 

 

The Belarusian Ministry of Defense had reported previously that the Army of Serbia, together with Russian troops, would take part in tactical military maneuvers hosted by Belarus in the second half of September. 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

 

Members of B&H Presidency meet with US’ Palmer (BHT1)

US Special Representative for the Western Balkans and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Matthew Palmer paid a two-day official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) on Wednesday. The outcome of the first day of Palmer's visit to B&H is getting support and a call of the US for more commitment and work on the reform path and return to economic reforms. Palmer held a number of meetings with B&H officials on Wednesday and the first one was a meeting with members of B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik, Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic.  

 

According to BHT1, aside for the call for more commitment and work on reforms, turning towards the future by building a more efficient and safer country, marking the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, the issue of participation of B&H in military exercises with NATO forces and their allies in the fight against human trafficking, the relation of B&H towards the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue were also topics of the meeting.  

 

Addressing media following the meeting, Chairman of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic said: “It was clearly stated that this process has nothing to do with any state in the region and that it only concerns Belgrade and Pristina”. Dzaferovic added that when it comes to marking of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, all three members of the Presidency will be committed to this process.  

 

Addressing media in Istocno Sarajevo later during the day, Dodik stated that he pointed out to Palmer that all issues should be reached with consensus and that this is the only way that B&H can build the future. Dodik said: “As for the NATO, we talked about …now there is a story on formation of some commission for integration with the NATO on the agenda and this commission will not be formed. The commission for cooperation with the NATO can be formed but not the commission for integration with the NATO. Of course, we emphasized it during this meeting”. Palmer will visit Mostar on Thursday and meet leaders of political parties after which he will address a press conference.  Dodik said that among other things, they discussed marking of the 25th anniversary of the DPA. He stated that it is necessary to honor all victims of the last war in B&H, but also to reject different speculations that are frequently present in a political life in B&H about qualification of the conflict in B&H. According to ATV, Dodik addressed Palmer during the meeting and explained that the DPA defined the war in B&H as the tragic conflict, adding that some have been talking about aggression. The Member of B&H Presidency underlined that such qualification cannot be tolerated. Also, Dodik said that the Presidency can prepare a program to mark the anniversary of the DPA, adding that if a strong political message of the Presidency is expected, such statement should talk about the end of the mandate of the High Representative. Dodik also stated that he informed Palmer about his initiative to relocate B&H Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Dodik emphasized that this could improve relations between B&H and the US, adding that he does not oppose the initiative of member of B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic that the Presidency should discuss recognition of Kosovo. Dodik underlined that member of the Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic and Komsic constantly used term Euro-Atlantic integration during the meeting, while Palmer talked about European integration and cooperation at technical level. 

 

Tegeltija: US supports and calls on B&H for more commitment and work on reform path (ATV)

Following the meeting with members of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency on Wednesday, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer met with Chairman of B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Zoran Tegeltija, Republika Srpska (RS) Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic and Federation of B&H (FB&H) Prime Minister Fadil Novalic.  

 

It was stated from Tegeltija’s Cabinet that economic topics were in the focus of this meeting. It was added that participants concluded that funds for elimination of consequences of Coronavirus pandemic should be invested in healthcare sector and revival of economy.  

 

Viskovic stated that during the meeting, Palmer expressed interest in the situation in B&H in regards to the pandemic and entities’ governments’ measures concerning this issue. Viskovic underlined that they informed Palmer about activities of entities’ governments and B&H CoM in this regard. The RS Prime Minister emphasized that they underlined that if the US has serious intention to provide assistance to B&H that such assistance should go in direction of economic recovery of B&H.  

 

FB&H Prime Minister Novalic stressed that economic topics have not been in the focus lately, due to Coronavirus pandemic, but also due to upcoming local elections in B&H. He stressed that economy is the only thing B&H society can count on as ground for its progress. Novalic emphasized that they talked about stronger assistance of the international community to public investments in B&H, improvement of business environment, reform of public companies and reform of healthcare sector. 

 

US’ Palmer meets reps of B&H HoP and HoR Collegium (Hayat)

US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer also met with representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) House of Peoples (HoP) and B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Collegium, within his two-day official visit to B&H on Wednesday. They discussed the recovery from consequences of Covid-19 pandemic and other important topics.  Palmer reiterated the US’ active support to B&H when it comes to implementation of the necessary reforms, strengthening of democracy and the rule of law.  

 

Deputy Speaker of B&H HoP, Bakir Izetbegovic said that the meeting with Palmer focused on 25th anniversary of Dayton Peace Agreement. “What I insisted on was rule of the law which will not differentiate the people by ethnicity and religious affiliation” said Izetbegovic. He said that he deems that it is necessary to change the stance of Serb representatives in the Council of Ministers and B&H Parliament need to change and move towards organizations which guarantee security and better lives of B&H citizens. Izetbegovic said that EU has to be more active in solving of the migrant crisis issue: “One minister cannot be solving this, everyone needs to assist. We have thousands of soldiers sitting in the military barracks, why would not they assist the Border Police of B&H and prevent entering of migrants? Why do we have EUR 250 million of assistance from the EU sitting idle, B&H is only one who will not withdraw these funds? Stance of Milorad Dodik has to change… All issues need to be handled more efficiently and I hope that American friends will influence thing to move in that direction” said Izetbegovic. Izetbegovic also said “I think that the attitude of the Serb representatives at the B&H Council of Ministers and at the B&H Parliament should be changed, to go towards membership in associations that ensure security and better life of our people. At the moment, we are almost at stand-by by their will’’ said Izetbegovic. 

 

US’ Palmer, HDZ B&H Covic: Euro-Atlantic integration is priority (FTV) 

 

US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer spoke with HDZ Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) leader Dragan Covic. On this occasion it was emphasized that Euro-Atlantic integration is the foreign policy priority of B&H and the importance of consistent execution of reform processes was stressed in order to open opportunities and allow for democratization of B&H society. On the economic plan, the importance of reforms, stimulating investment and international cooperation was discussed. 

US’ Palmer and Nelson meet with ‘The Four’ to discuss B&H’s future and upcoming elections (FTV)

US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer and US Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Eric Nelson attended a meeting with leaders of People and Justice Elmedin Konakovic, Our Party Prederag Kojovic and SDP Nermin Niksic on Wednesday afternoon in Sarajevo. The topics of the meeting were: B&H’s future, upcoming elections – with a special focus on elections in Mostar. Konakovic said that there were talks about ‘The Four’ being recognized for their fight against corruption and transparency. “We spoke about the anti-corruption team which has strong support of the US Embassy,” Konakovic was quoted as saying. 

US’ Palmer for B&H dailies (Vecernji list)

US Special Representative for Western Balkans Matthew Palmer first said that ‘we’ (the US) see this region, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) a place of excellent opportunities, and that the agreement that enabled opportunity for the first local elections in Mostar after 12 years is a big step forward. Palmer added by sassing he and Ambassador Eric Nelson will go to Mostar to meet the local officials, representatives of the civic society and young people to talk about the future. “I will encourage them not only to vote but to get involved in politics so their voice is heard”, added Palmer. He further said he thinks it is important to be here on the 25th anniversary of signing of the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA), which is an anniversary of huge importance that has to be marked. “That is why it is important not only to look back at the last 25 years but to look at the coming 25 years. As far as I am concerned, I am more interested in B&H in 2045 than what it was like in 1995” said Palmer.  

 

Asked how he sees the fight against Coronavirus pandemic in B&H, Palmer replied by saying this is a huge problem and challenge, not only for B&H, but for everyone including the US and the EU. Palmer added that if one is not careful, the number of infections will grow, and that the leaders certainly have a role to play in it, adding that the entities, the state, municipalities and cantons have to cooperate.  

 

Asked to comment on the agreement reached by HDZ B&H and SDA on changes to the Law on Elections of B&H, which would deal with election of delegates to the House of Peoples and members of the Presidency of B&H, Palmer said it is a hard topic and that he understands wishes and aspirations of the Croat community and the direction it wants to take. He further noted: “We are open to talks about this issue. I think the following is important: whatever reforms are implemented they must be consistent with the European obligations of B&H, that this country moves towards Europe and not to create new obstacles for the country as it goes towards its long-term goal – the membership in the European Union”.  

 

Asked to comment on Ambassador Nelson’s statement that B&H needs constitutional changes on its Euro-Atlantic path, and whether B&H can expect a stronger support from the US in that direction, Palmer said that the European agenda in B&H is very wide and that, eventually, B&H has to align with 8,000 pages of the European legal heritage. “The US is, of course, prepared to work on support to the Reform Agenda through partnership with the European Union and the authorities in B&H. However, I will not tell you what needs to be done and what is a bigger priority. I think the Europeans presented their expectations very well when it comes to the 14 priorities. The secret ingredient, the spice necessary for success, is the political will” said Palmer, adding it is the job for the leaders and that “we are here to help”. In this context Palmer said: “It is our ambition that B&H is integrated in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration. It is our vision for this country”.  

 

Asked to comment on statement of the Serb member of Presidency of B&H Milorad Dodik who said that if he (Palmer) cares so much for independence of Kosovo, why he is (Palmer) separating the issue of Kosovo from Republika Srpska (RS) because they are identical issues, Palmer said that as far as the US and a larger number of the European countries are concerned, there is no relevant comparison, and that Kosovo is a state with which the US has diplomatic relations. As far as the RS is concerned, continued Palmer, the framework for political future of the RS was set by the DPA. “The position of the US is a firm support to the Dayton Peace Accords and we believe it is the best possible future not only for people in the RS but for everyone in B&H” said Palmer. In this context Palmer also said that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was pretty clear when Dodik was in Belgrade a few days ago when he said these are separate processes. “What is happening with the RS is an internal issue in B&H” added Palmer.  

 

Asked to comment on recent events in Montenegro and analysts’ statements, who say Russia’s influence is growing, and how the US sees it, Palmer said that Russia has a different approach, that we constantly see efforts to promote misinformation and that Moscow wants the countries to be separated from one another. “Our vision is European B&H. Russia does not accept it. They work on building mistrust, not only in B&H but in the area of Western Balkans and other European countries”, said Palmer.  

 

Asked to comment on the European Commission’s warning, which warned with ending financial aid because of failure to implement reforms in area of judiciary, Palmer replied by saying that to him, there is no more important issue for the future of B&H than the rule of law. “Judiciary must be responsible for the role it has, and those who abuse public trust for personal wealth and public functions should be persecuted, punished and must be held responsible for their actions” said Palmer. 

 

Dzaferovic: Message that Pristina-Belgrade relations have nothing to do with B&H of key importance of meeting with US’ Palmer (FTV)

Chairman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic was a guest of FTV to comment the meeting held on Wednesday between B&H representatives and US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer, as well as other current topics.  

 

Asked to comment the key matter presented by Palmer on Wednesday’s meetings, Dzaferovic said that the US is the most significant foreign policy partner of B&H and the most important international guarantee of the integrity of B&H. Dzaferovic said that he believes that the key message of Wednesday’s meeting is that the Pristina-Belgrade relations have nothing to do with B&H nor can they be tied to B&H. He said that the message to everyone in the country is to strive towards reforms, for the B&H Presidency to be the leadership of the reforms, and to work on the recommendations issued by the European Commission (EC), the program of reforms which was submitted to NATO and the marking of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA).  

 

Asked to comment how Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik accepted Palmer's stances, Dzaferovic said that he believes Dodik did present at the end of the meeting his standpoint that if Kosovo has a right to sovereignty so should Republika Srpska (RS), but emphasized that this was in no way the point of this meeting and that the statement had no significance. Asked if he feels the economic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo will contribute to reducing tensions in the region, Dzaferovic said that Serbia and Kosovo should reach an agreement which is sustainable and which will lead to mutual recognition which is the only possible solution. He said that B&H and the region do not have ties to this, apart from Mister Palmer stating one thing which is important, “if B&H or any other states in the region see something from the region, something that is useful from that agreement, they should think about considering it and possibly accepting it. In that context, he mentioned the Mini-Schengen. I think this is not a bad idea to consider, and we would have to see what this means for B&H”.  

 

He said that even though Serbia has strong economy, there can be no harm for B&H if the procedures at border crossings are expedited and if the movement of goods, people, services and capital is made easier. He emphasized that B&H has serious restrictions in Kosovo and that this would be liberalized in some sense. He emphasized that this possibility must be seriously assessed after which a decision can be rendered, but noted that it cannot be of an institutional or political means nor can it be a replacement for B&H’s EU path.  

 

Asked to comment relations in the B&H Presidency, and initiatives made by members of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik and Zeljko Komsic (the request of Dodik to move the embassy of BiH from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Komsic requesting recognition of Kosovo), Dzaferovic said that the relations between the presidency members at their sessions have always been fair. He said that mutual respect is always present, and that when cameras are turned on, different stances are taken. “I am not glad Mister Dodik is acting in that way, he should not be insulting any colleagues. I think he must be aware that that speaks of him, above all” Dzaferovic said. He said that he is against the two sessions requested by Dodik and Komsic taking place before key issues such as the migrant crisis, EU path, NATO path, human trafficking is discussed. He said that it was harmonized that the sessions will take place on September 17, and that the first session will be upon Dzaferovic’s request, regarding key issues at 11:00 hours, followed by the session requested by Dodik and then the session requested by Komsic. He stated that the result of these two sessions are known – neither will the embassy be moved, nor will Kosovo be recognized by B&H and concluded that he believes that this whole thing is unnecessary.  

 

Dodik’s proposals on B&H joining the Mini Schengen Zone and relocation of the B&H Embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to be discussed at special session of B&H Presidency September 17 (RTRS)

Proposals of Serb Member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Milorad Dodik on B&H joining the Mini Schengen Zone and relocation of the B&H Embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem will be discussed at a special session of the B&H Presidency September 17.  

 

At a press conference held in Istocno Sarajevo, Dodik said that it is important for B&H to relocate its embassy “having in mind the efforts made by other countries, and it would be a clear indicator based on which we could strengthen our friendship with Israel’’. Dodik also said that he will vote against the proposal of Croat member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic that B&H should recognize Kosovo, and if necessary, he will initiate the mechanism for protection of vital national interest. “If B&H does not, in that procedure and it will probably be like that, recognize Kosovo, then it is duty of everyone from B&H to say: we do not recognize Kosovo, this has turned out to be a good opportunity, and I can now thank Mr. Komsic for the initiative’’ said Dodik.  

 

Dodik will also reason why it would be beneficial for B&H to join the Mini Schengen Zone at a special session of the B&H Presidency. According to B&H Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Stasa Kosarac joining the agreement with the association of countries that includes Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro that guarantees simpler flow of goods and people would strengthen B&H industry. “Very often in the foreign trade we have problems with specific documents, with recognition of documents, this would make all that easier’’ said Kosarac.  

 

RTRS reports that according to Chairman of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic, before deciding on the Mini Schengen Tone, its economic and political consequences must be carefully considered. “None of us should be against the free flow of goods, people, capital and services, but it certainly cannot be a special association, nor a substitute for our EU path” said Dzaferovic. 

 

Montenegro 

 

State symbols won’t be abolished, independence of Kosovo and cooperation with NATO are unquestionable (CDM)

 

Holders of three electoral list that won 41 seats in parliamentary elections, Zdravko Krivokapic, Aleksa Becic and Dritan Abazovic, signed an agreement and promised that the new government would not launch any initiatives or take any actions with the aim of changing state symbols. 

 

Krivokapic claims that the course of the three coalitions will be pro-Montenegrin. “Montenegro’s relationship with EU negotiations was declarative. We want it to be essential. Law on Freedom of Religion puts the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church in danger. We are going to fight against organized crime and corruption. That’s fight for Montenegro. We are not taking part in any affair” Krivokapic said at the press conference. 

According to Becic, this agreement is the best response to the attempts to create artificial crisis. Becic says that the new government will be conciliatory and pro-European. “There won’t be any initiatives to change state symbols. Our objective is to reinforce civil Montenegro. We are not going back to the past. No revanchism. However, we demand responsibility, work and order. Constitution of new, democratic government is ahead of us. We want our citizens to live better” Becic said. 

 

Abazovic firmly believes that this agreement is the greatest historical achievement in the last decade. “The new government will urgently address economic situation in the country. Empty cash register, that’s what we have. Fight against corruption and crime is what lies ahead. This is the new page in the political life of Montenegro. European Montenegro has won” Abazovic said. 

 

Asked to comment on the fact that some members of the coalition “For the future of Montenegro” refuse to stand during national anthem, Krivokapic said it was quite natural. “Personal feeling cannot be dominant in any way”, he pointed out. 

 

Although they said mothers with three and more children would be given back fees, Becic declined to answer to the question if that will happen. “We will give you clear projection on what can happen. We have got an economic plan. Tax policy has to be changed. Reforms are necessary loan re-programming too. We are going to focus on strengthening tourism and agriculture and we’ll start with attracting investments. We are moving forward towards better life” Becic said. 

 

Abazovic thinks the new government will be formed before the end of October. The salvation government, as Krivokapic says. “Around 60% of oil and oil derivatives is in illegal flows. If that’s so, then we must impose measures to bring many into legal flows”, he says. 

 

Abazovic says that DPS has introduced church into Montenegro’s political life with the adoption of the Law on Freedom of Religion. Krivokapic thinks experts will be the top of the new government. “We do not accept blackmail model” Krivokapic commented on the message of the Bosniak Party. Becic said the cooperation with national minorities is stable. 

“I believe national minorities will be part of the new government” Becic said. 

 

“We have reached out to national minorities. This is the government of all citizens. If anyone thinks that he/he will manage to protect themselves from what they were doing with the governing party using tiny trades, well they are so wrong”, Abazovic said. 

 

Krivokapic added they “want full transparency of state authorities” while Abazovic points out that this government should be everything that DPS never was. He added that people who had committed genocide in Srebrenica had been defeated in these elections. 

 

“Milo Djukanovic served as Prime Minister back then. I will give you transcripts of his conversations with Radovan Karadzic. We harshly criticized events in Pljevlja. We defeated criminal octopus of global scale and we guarantee nothing bad will happen here” Abazovic points out. 

 

Instead of the government of demagogy, we will have government of economy, Krivokapic said. 

 

Historical agreement or betrayal of DF voters? (Dnevne novine)

The “historical agreement”, as it was dubbed by the leaders of the coalitions that won the elections, Drtan Abazovic, Aleksa Becic and Zdravko Krivokapic, brought nothing new or different in relation to the policy that has been pursued over the last decades. In essence, this agreement is the confirmation of all decisions made by the governments so far, especially those they have been opposing in the institution and in the streets. It was yesterday when the former opposition recognized results of the referendum held in 2006, it was yesterday when they recognized Montenegro’s independence, its anthem and its symbols. They also recognized independent Kosovo, said that NATO is our reality and the EU our future. 

 

How will Metropolitan react to this? Metropolitan was politically engaged during the referendum campaign. “Or NO to the Satan, sin and death, all false ideologies that poison human soul and move the divine spark into deadlock. Let’s say NO to the Satan – the murderer that poisons and darkens human mind, to that demonic heritage that endangers human dignity. Let’s say NO to lawlessness, while bowing to the God’s law. Let’s say NO to the dissent, to all that separates us from the God and from each other…” Amfilohije said at the liturgy in the Church of Saint Archangel Mihailo in Zavala village near Podgorica. However, those who he helped to come to power, yesterday agreed that Montenegro is an independent state and that the new government “will pursue pro-Montenegrin course”. 

 

Montenegrin public remembers well that in, October 2008, pro-Serbian political parties led by Democratic Front organized protests against Montenegrin independence, which then escalated to violent conflicts with police. Although it did not take part in the organization of protests, Serbian Orthodox Church endorsed them. And today, the same forces confirm Montenegro’s NATO membership. How will Metropolitan react to this, it remains to be seen. The same goes for state symbols. DF, as the strongest political subject in the trio forming the government, would deny Montenegrin flag and anthem. They even went that far as to request constitutional amendments. Agreement signed yesterday recognizes state symbols. 

 

There are now many questions that coalitions need to answer: starting from the minimal wage of €350, Law providing mothers with three and more children with compensations, child allowances, free books for pupils in elementary schools, Montenegro as new Switzerland in the Balkans… And for now, not even a word about experts. 

 

Medojevic: Masons from “Vijesti” are forming the government without me (Dnevne novine)

 

Agreement between leaders of the coalitions that won in the elections held on 30 August, Dritan Abazovic, Zdravko Krivokapic and Aleksa Becic, although dubbed historical, seems to be a doubt to many advocates and voters of these coalitions, Dnevne novine writes. 

 

Leader of the Movement for Changes and the second on the list of the coalition “For the future of Montenegro”, Nebojsa Medojevic, was bombarded yesterday with questions on his Facebook profile, questions he had no answer to. 

 

Medojevic said that he had learned about the agreement at the press conference. “Look for the answers somewhere else” Medojevic replied to one of the questions. Some of his interlocutors states that they “did not fight of vote for this”. “I am stunned too. No one asked me anything” Medojevic said. He reiterated his views on the expert government. “I have publicly expressed my view. Masons from “Vijesti” are forming the government without me” Medojevic says. 

 

Official opinion of the Democratic People’s Party of Milan Knezevic confirms that Medojevic is not alone in this. “President of our party is not in the country at the moment. We expect that Professor Zdravko Krivokapic will acquaint DF with the details of the agreement they reached and presented to the public” said Jelena Kljajevic, DPP spokesperson. 

 

Agreement of the leaders of three coalitions is a proof that the new majority listens to what great majority of the Montenegrin public saw as danger to national and state interests, says Ljubomir Filipovic, political analyst. According to him, the purpose of the agreement is to calm down the national and international public. “This is like I wrote the agreement. When we see the list of the staff for key positions in the Government of Montenegro, then we’ll see the extent of commitment behind it” Filipovic said for Antena M. In his opinion, the agreement disrespects requests of the majority of the opposition. 

 

“The majority voted for the annulment of the decision on the recognition of Kosovo. This agreement forbids that. They voted for the change of national symbols, and this agreement does not stipulate that. And finally, what was the fundamental energy of the protest, the Law on Freedom of Religion, is not even mentioned in this agreement” Filipovic said. 

 

North Macedonia 

 

VMRO-DPMNE stages protest (MIA)

Reversal of the decision for increase of the electricity price, a VAT-free weekend and professionalization of the Energy Regulatory Commission were the three requests presented by VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski at Wednesday’s protest of the party in downtown Skopje. “Rich Government mafia, poor people. This is the reality in our Macedonia. When injustice becomes the law in the country, then protest and defiance is our obligation. Mafia or Macedonia, the choice is clear – Macedonia” Mickoski told the protest. He accused the head of the ERC Marko Bislimovski as the culprit for the electricity price increase by 7.5 percent. The opposition leader said resistance and protests will continue until the authorities are dethroned. “This is the first in the series of protests that show the anger of the people because of the injustice that has taken place in recent months. This is the first of many protests against the injustices of the mafia” added Mickoski. 

 

Zaev-Varhelyi: EC to continue to help North Macedonia both in financial and HR terms (MIA)

The economic-investment plan for the Western Balkans, good neighborly policy and the possibility of holding the first EU intergovernmental conference were in the focus of Wednesday’s online meeting of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi.  

 

Commissioner Varhelyi said the EC remained committed to providing assistance to North Macedonia, both in financial and human resources, the Government said in a press release. Varhelyi also said the preparations of the economic-investment plan, which allocates almost EUR 9 billion for the Western Balkans, are in the final stages. 

 

PM Zaev expressed his gratitude to the EU for its support in the fight against the coronavirus and presented the Government’s priorities for the next four years. “Reforms in the security system, public administration and judiciary are in the focus of the next Government. Furthermore, the Government’s strategic priority is to have open dialogue with all stakeholders, including the opposition, on all key issues and reforms that are important for North Macedonia’s progress” added Zaev. Zaev assured Varhelyi that the country remains committed to enhanced implementation of the European agenda and the technical processes that lie ahead, reads the press release.