LOCAL PRESS 

Zeman: I apologize for the 1999 bombing and ask the Serb people for forgiveness (RTS/B92/Beta/FoNet) 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic began his official visit to the Czech Republic today in Prague. He was welcomed in the Prague Castle by the President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman, with military honors and the sounding of the anthems of the two countries, followed by a ceremony of awarding decorations. Zeman presented Vucic with the Order of the White Lion, and Vucic presented his Czech colleague Zeman with the Order of the Republic of Serbia on a Ribbon (a decoration awarded in 2020). The Czech President addressed the media, saying that Serbia was a traditional friend of the Czech Republic, which had been betrayed throughout history. “Serbia expressed its support for us, and we bombed it. Let me immediately say that I apologize for the bombing of the FRY. It was a mistake, worse than a crime. As a man, I would ask the Serb people to forgive us. It bothered me all the time,” Zeman said. As he explained, the Czech Republic was a young NATO member at a time and was looking for a way to prevent the NATO bombing, but it did not have support. “We asked for consent and desperately looked for at least one country to be against the bombing, but we were left alone. It was still a lack of courage,” Zeman said. “There, I said it and I saved my soul, and now let me move on to what we talked about,” Zeman said. Zeman said that he talked with Vucic about the successful development of economic cooperation, as well as about the attitudes of the two countries regarding international relations, and he especially emphasized Serbia’s ability to establish friendly or correct relations with all important countries. Zeman also praised the rapid progress of vaccination in Serbia, which, as he said, is related to the fact that Serbia has acquired vaccines from several countries. “I highly appreciate this visit, and I gladly remember my visit to Belgrade, and I hope that I will take another look at that city just before the end of my term,” Zeman said. Due to his poor health, President Zeman was in a wheelchair, but he found the strength to get up and greet Vucic, expressing his respect and friendship. After Zeman, Vucic also addressed the media, thanking Zeman for his words of support and apology for the NATO bombing of the FRY. “I know that it is not popular to talk about traditional and sincere friendship, but what I experienced today here in Prague and the hospitality that Serbia received here, and what you have prepared for us, it is something that touched me deeply,” Vucic said at the beginning of his address. “The words of President Zeman, a brave man with a unique character, who does not flatter anyone, mean a lot to me... I witnessed how much respected he is and I am a little envious, I want to thank him for these wonderful words he sent to Serbia. The Serbian people perceive the Czech people not as friendly, but as fraternal nation,” he added. “I am known for not flattering anyone, not only because I weigh 120 kilos, but also because I have a bad temper... We will be eternally grateful because what the Czech President said now is something that has never been said by anyone else and that gratitude will never stop,” Vucic, who also announced Zeman’s visit to Serbia, pointed out. Vucic also thanked Zeman for the Czech Republic’s support for Serbia’s EU accession. “Zeman will visit Serbia before the end of the year, because he promised it. And I promised that Serbia would solve a complicated property problem and that we would give the Czech house from 1928 to the Czech Republic. And I expect him at the opening,” Vucic said. He added that members of the Czech minority live mostly in South Banat and represent the real wealth of Serbia, and that is why he wants them to be able to have their own house, which belonged to them and was confiscated in the 1960s. Also, Vucic thanked Zeman for the order he awarded him. “For me, this means a great honor. First, I awarded him a medal, which he deserved many times, and what I wear today on the lapel of my jacket presents an additional commitment for me to fight for Serbian-Czech friendship, to work as much as possible. And you have my promise for that,” said Vucic. He added that it is wonderful to be a Serb in Prague today, and that Serbia will never forget Zeman’s words.

Vucic: Borders should not be changed, in accordance with the rules established by the United Nations (Tanjug/B92/RTS) 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the entire region is on the European path and that we should work on it together. He addressed the press after the session at the Brdo-Brioni Summit. “We have supported the intentions of others to open a date for negotiations,” he said.

“Serbia has always been committed to not changing the borders,” Vucic said. He stated that the initiative of Serbia was not accepted. “Borders should not be changed, in accordance with the rules established by the United Nations,” he noted. As he said, the borders for Serbia do not change, except for those accepted by the UN. He added that everyone knows the positions of the countries in the region on the issue of Kosovo’s independence, but that there are no open and inconsistent positions on other issues. “They would like to interpret the borders as they like, and not as interpreted by international law and the UN, and we have tried to find a compromise accordingly,” he said. “That initiative of ours was not accepted, but we are satisfied with the rest of the text,” he said. Vucic said that other parts of the conclusions, such as the lifting of borders within the region to facilitate the movement of people, goods, services and capital, were good. “There are many good things in the conclusions. But could we have agreed on everything? Of course, we could not. I am pleased that the majority was able to agree, with the exception of Pristina,” Vucic said. When asked if Serbia had stood alone in its positions or had support this time, Vucic responded that the positions of the countries in the region had been known for 13 years. “Everyone here knows what their positions are. Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Montenegro recognize the independence of Kosovo, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia do not. The positions on that issue differ, but there were no major differences or open disagreements on any other issue,” Vucic said. As he mentioned, he was not upset at the meeting, but enjoyed it. “I am satisfied that Dzaferovic said what he thinks, we said what we think,” he said. As he said, Dzaferovic had “six points against Serbia and six against Croatia”, to which Vucic replied that they did not make sense. “Albanians did not want to talk about the UN at any cost, we cannot talk about it differently, it is absolutely impossible,” Vucic underlined. The leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process adopted a declaration pointing to the significance of quick EU enlargement in the entire Western Balkan region, rather than just in individual states.

The meeting, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the Brdo-Brijuni initiative, was attended by the leaders of Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Decent relations with Milanovic 

When asked by journalists what his relations are with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, Vucic said that he has decent relations with him. “We know what his views are, he knows what our views are, there is nothing to add or subtract. We want good relations with Croatia, we don’t think we have to flatter anyone in Croatia or that anyone from Croatia should flatter us,” said Vucic. He said that over time, relations with Croatia will be better and that we will succeed in building them together, when we show greater respect for each other. “I have no objections to his co-presidency today,” Vucic said. Speaking about Serbia's entry into the EU, Vucic said that, even if Serbia fulfilled everything, it would not be in the EU again. “The real situation is such that there is fatigue from enlargement,” he noted. He said that it was important for Serbia to implement reforms for its own sake, in order to grow as fast as possible. When asked about the continuation of the dialogue with Pristina, Vucic said that a will for compromise is needed. “If you come and say: it must be as I say, it will not be possible. It must be talked about, not ordered,” he said.

Vucic after the meeting with Stoltenberg: KFOR remains on Kosovo and Metohija (B92/Tanjug/RTS) 

President Vucic talked on Monday in Brussels with the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. They discussed co-operation between the two sides and the KFOR mission in Kosovo and Metohija. After the meeting at the joint press conference, Stoltenberg was the first to address the public, saying that the conversation with the President of Serbia was constructive. He said NATO is committed to peace and stability in the Western Balkans, and has been making efforts in that area for decades. The KFOR mission, he says, is the best proof of that commitment, because that mission provides a peaceful environment, freedom of movement for everyone in Kosovo, based on the mandate of the UN Security Council. Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO respects the neutrality of Serbia. “We are facing common security challenges, and the partnership can bring benefits to the citizens of Serbia,” he underlined. He reminded that NATO is working with Serbia on the reform of national security structures, as well as that Serbia is working with NATO on the training of Iraqi military doctors. After the meeting, Vucic said that he could say that he was satisfied with the content of the meeting. “I received a lot of assurances from Stoltenberg about security in the Western Balkans. We had raised questions about certain speculations and we received a clear answer from the Secretary General. He emphasized the importance of KFOR. I think that will bring calm to the hearts of the people, not only in Kosovo and Metohija, but in the entire region,” Vucic said. Vucic said that Serbia would mark the 15th anniversary of the Partnership for Peace and invited Stoltenberg to come to Serbia, and said that he hoped to find enough time to visit Serbia at that time of year, which would be a good confirmation of good relations. Vucic says that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was also on the agenda. “Serbia is 100 percent committed to dialogue,” Vucic said, emphasizing that Serbia will commit itself to a compromise solution. Vucic emphasized the importance of peace and stability, and personally thanked Jens Stoltenberg for his readiness to discuss the problems that Serbia is facing. He also said that Serbia remains militarily neutral.

Vucic, Lajcak: Serbia ready to continue dialogue with Pristina (Tanjug/RTS) 

In a conversation with the EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in Brussels late on Monday Serbia was ready to continue the dialogue with Pristina. “A good conversation with Miroslav Lajcak in Brussels this evening. Serbia is ready for a resumption of the dialogue with Pristina. There is no solution without dialogue and I would like us not to leave the problems of previous generations and our generation to our children,” Vucic wrote in a post on the Instagram profile buducnostsrbijeav. He met with Lajcak at the Serbian Embassy in Brussels. Earlier in the day, Vucic said a resumption of the dialogue would be “difficult” considering the positions of Pristina officials at the Brdo-Brijuni Process meeting in Slovenia. Before the meeting with Lajcak, Vucic met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the alliance’s Brussels headquarters. From Brussels, Vucic headed to Prague for a two-day official visit to the Czech Republic.

Lajcak: I appreciate having talks with Vucic (N1) 

EU envoy for the Belgrade- Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak tweeted on Monday he appreciated the opportunity to speak to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic about the latest development in the dialogue and the EU-Western Balkans relations. He said he talked to Vucic between his visits to NATO headquarters in Brussels and his trip to the Czech Republic.

Borrel expects Western Balkan leaders to explain political developments in the region (Beta) 

EU High Representative Josep Borrell expects Western Balkan leaders to use the 18 May dinner in Brussels to share their view of the political situation and development in the region, a spokesperson for the European Commission Peter Stano said on Monday. Speaking at a briefing at the Commission, he was answering a question by the Beta correspondent what Borrell expected from the region's leaders and what was his message to them, having in mind that the EU high representative had warned EU foreign ministers the week before that the situation in the Western Balkans posed a serious geopolitical problem. The fact that the meeting was taking place was also important, because Borrell reacted to a lack of such meetings between EU senior officials and Western Balkan leaders, Stano added. According to the EC spokesman, it’s a logical follow up to last week’s debate about the region by EU foreign ministers, who had taken a broader strategic and political view on the Western Balkans, not only enlargement. “The reason and purpose of the meeting is to hear from the Western Balkan leaders how they see the political situation and the state of things in the region,” Borrell’s press officer said.

Dacic: Important for UNMIK, KFOR to remain in Kosovo and Metohija (Beta) 

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic met on Monday with UN Secretary-General Representative and Director of the United Nations Office in Belgrade (UNOB) Mari Yamashita.

Dacic stressed that the work of the UN Office is of exceptional importance for Serbia as it is the main channel of communication with the UN Mission in Kosovo and Metohija (UNMIK), whose presence and activities in Kosovo and Metohija is of key importance for the country. He said that the cooperation with UNOB and its leadership has so far been excellent and expressed hope that we would continue to jointly contribute to the effective implementation of the UNMIK mandate. He pointed out that Serbia attaches great importance to UNMIK’s activities and once again underlined the importance of continuing the international presence in Kosovo and Metohija, both UNMIK and KFOR. Emphasizing the long-term partnership between Serbia and the UN, Yamashita said she was ready to contribute to its successful continuation and full realization of UNMIK’s role. At the guest’s questions about the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Dacic stressed that Belgrade is genuinely committed to finding a compromise solution and that dialogue is the only way to reach it.

REGIONAL PRESS 

 

Inzko on ‘Buk Bijela’ project: Foreign investments are welcome in B&H, but they have to be in line with B&H laws (Nova BH) 

Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabic and Republika Srpska (RS) Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic laid the foundation stone for the construction of hydroelectric power plant 'Buk Bijela' on Monday. Nova BH noted that there is the question of whether construction of hydroelectric power plants on the Drina River is in accordance with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) because there is a decision of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H from 2002 which clearly states that rivers are state property and public good. Representatives of the Office of Attorney General of B&H said that the Drina River has status of international navigable river and that it forms part of the state border towards the state of Serbia which represents public good and therefore, it is state property. Deputy Attorney General of B&H Ismet Velic reminded that the Law on Temporary Prohibition of Disposal of State Property of B&H, which was imposed by the High Representative, is still in force. "Therefore, the Law is in force and this Law excludes the possibility of disposal, i.e. transferring rights, and certain changes in property that belongs to the category of state property," Velic pointed out.

However, according to Nova BH, it seems that Viskovic and Brnabic are not much concerned about the Law on Temporary Prohibition of Disposal of State Property of B&H, the decisions of the B&H CC and the motion filed by 24 B&H parliamentarians last year which calls on the B&H CC to take a position on the construction of hydroelectric power plant 'Buk Bijela'. "If you take waters, if you take forests, if you take agricultural land, what are we left with? Do you want to take away our territory via the decisions of the Constitutional Court? That will not happen", Viskovic stressed. Brnabic stressed that about 280 different concessions have been issued on the territory of B&H. "All those different concessions were issued by either the entities or the cantons. No one else. And there was not a single problem in any of these concessions," Brnabic underlined. Laying of the foundation stone for the construction of hydroelectric power plant 'Buk Bijela' provoked a number of reactions in B&H. High Representative Valentin Inzko stated that foreign investments are welcome in B&H and that they are guarantor of strengthening the economy and jobs, but that foreign investments have to be in line with the B&H laws. Inzko reiterated that rivers are state property and that verdicts of the B&H CC which say that rivers are public good are known. Reacting to the project, the OHR issued a statement: “High Representative reminds that, in its prior practice, the B&H CC determined waters are considered state property, and that, as in the case of the neighboring and other countries, includes ‘inland waters’, and that the decisions related to the state should be made at the level of the state of B&H, having in mind that B&H has the exclusive competence over deciding on the status of state property”. Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic noted that construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Drina River is a matter of the state of B&H and that entities do not have a say in that. "I believe that this is not the right way to initiate construction of such a facility in such a way because that is violation of international law. The Drina River is an international river and, in my opinion, without the consent of the institutions of B&H, without the participation of the institutions of B&H in that process, all deals and contracts are null and void," Dzaferovic underlined. B&H Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic issued a statement, noting: “Since there is no approval from the state of B&H, by entering this project, Serbia risks economic damages and does not contribute to good neighborly relations”. Turkovic added B&H is ready for all investments and joint projects in the interest of the citizens, but with respect for the Constitution, laws and institutions of B&H. Turkovic called on the Serbian authorities to bring back the cooperation into the inter-state framework. “The authorities of the entity of the RS have been refusing to implement the B&H CC’s rulings for a long time and they continued to dispose of state property i.e. the potentials of Drina River. I want to believe that Serbia does not support such illegal activities and that they will not invest their taxpayers’ money in projects that violate the laws and the decisions of the CC,” noted Turkovic. Our Party (NS’) representative in the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Damir Arnaut, who is among the parliamentarians who signed the motion, said that Drina River belongs to B&H, not the entities, and this is thus exclusively a domain for the B&H institutions, rather than the entity institutions. Arnaut said that the statement of Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic on this issue is arrogant as this is already an open issue, adding that there is a common practice of the CC when it comes to use of public goods. SDA MP Adil Osmanovic stated that the decisions related to use of public goods could have been reached via the B&H Council of Ministers, i.e. if the process was launched in institutions of B&H. SBB B&H stated that laying of the foundation stone for ‘Buk Bijela’ is unacceptable for as long as the CC of B&H renders a decision on whether the project of water management is legal at all, knowing that waters are the resource of the state and not of the entities. SBB B&H’s Anis Krivic urged the Government of Serbia to give up any kind of cooperation with the RS in the context of construction of a hydro-electric power plant on the state property of B&H and also urged Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to carry out all future activities related to ‘Buk Bijela’ with the CoM of B&H. Krivic added that “incapability of B&H CoM surfaced in this case as it was unable to protect the real property of B&H” and concluded: “In the end, we urge the competent ones in the smaller of B&H entities to finally stop playing the state”.

Istocno Sarajevo: RS, Serbian governments hold joint session; Brnabic: Serbia will invest EUR 787 million in the RS (RTRS) 

 

The RS government led by RS Prime Minister (PM) Radovan Viskovic and the Serbian government led by Serbian PM Ana Brnabic held a joint session in Istocno Sarajevo on Monday. According to announcements, ministers reached agreements on construction of the hydropower plants on the Drina River, construction of an airport in Trebinje and the highway section Raca-Bijeljina, while Serbia will continue helping some municipalities in the RS and in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H). Thus, Serbia will invest a total of around BAM 1.6 billion in the RS until the first quarter of 2022 in sectors of energy, transport, health and education. Addressing media, Brnabic said that through the projects, Serbia invests around EUR 500 million in the RS and taking into account the project ‘Gornja Drina’, the amount of the investment will reach to a total of EUR 787 million in the next couple of years. Addressing media, Viskovic stated that strong Serbia is a guarantor for faster economic development and progress of the RS. He argued that the RS registered growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of two percent during the first quarter of 2021. Brnabic commented on this issue and expressed hope that the investment cycle and numerous donations coming from Serbia played a role in growth of the GDP. Brnabic congratulated the RS for the fact that it took a loan at the London Stock Exchange. During the session, RS ministers presented a report on spending of Serbian funds in details. During the session, Viskovic also expressed gratitude to Serbian leadership and its citizens for help during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Zvizdic: Serbian government’s neglecting attitude is result on non-functional Council of Ministers (Dnevni list) 

 

Deputy speaker of the B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Denis Zvizdic (SDA) commented on the joint session of the governments of the RS and Serbia (held in Istocno Sarajevo on Monday). Zvizdic reminded that the Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H and the Serbian Government held a joint session in Sarajevo in November of 2015 during which they talked about many projects important for whole of B&H and all its citizens. According to Zvizdic, it was the time when the CoM worked hard on progress and development of B&H, improving good neighborly relations and regional cooperation based on principles of mutual respect, as well as on European integration. Zvizdic stressed that come May 2021, the Serbian government is meeting with the RS government, completely ignoring the CoM, which is one of most provocative actions in relations between two internationally recognized countries. According to him, the Serbian government’s neglecting attitude is a result of a non-functional CoM, stressing that representatives of policies from the RS have been working on belittling functionality of the CoM and the state of B&H.

Leaders of Brdo-Brijuni Process adopt joint declaration which says that EU needs to become more actively involved in Western Balkans and encourage countries to meet conditions for membership as soon as possible (Nova BH/N1) 

 

Leaders of the countries of the Western Balkans took part in a meeting at Brdo Castle near Kranj, Slovenia, on Monday which was held on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Brdo-Brijuni Process. Nova BH recalled that the Brdo-Brijuni Process was launched by Croatia and Slovenia in order to help countries to join the EU. However, according to Nova BH, all countries of the Western Balkans have numerous problems with their neighbors, noting that tensions in the region have been raised because of several so-called non-papers that suggest redrawing of borders in the region. The meeting at Brdo Castle near Kranj, which B&H Presidency members took part in, was marked by disputes and raised voices. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told media that there were a lot of replies and rejoinders at the meeting. "But we are used to that already. This is not the first nor the last time. Primarily between Belgrade and Pristina, all of us and Sarajevo, within B&H and so on. Nothing unusual and nothing particularly new," Vucic said. The topic of inviolability of borders was only opened at the meeting of leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process, but it was closed very quickly because it immediately became clear that there will be no consent. Croatian President Zoran Milanovic said that there were disputes and disagreements. "Let us say that the agenda of the Kosovo President (Vjosa) Osmani was somewhat more ambitious and that due to objections of Serbia, certain parts simply had to be left out. I see that as an acceptable price of a document which is good," Milanovic underlined.

Serbia was allegedly ready to agree to the conclusion which supports inviolability of borders, but only with an amendment that those borders have to be in line with the decisions of the UN.

Slovenian President Borut Pahor said that Vucic was not against the discussion on inviolability of borders, but that he proposed an amendment that would annul all Kosovo's diplomatic recognitions. "Croatia and Slovenia have recognized Kosovo, just like most of the members of the EU, but five of them have not. It became clear that if we open that discussion that we will not finish it," Pahor pointed out. Ultimately, leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process adopted a joint declaration which, among other things, states that leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process advocate a shared vision of Europe, whole, free and at peace. The declaration further states that the EU needs to become more actively involved in the Western Balkans and encourage countries to meet the conditions for membership as soon as possible. The joint declaration also calls on the EU to view all countries of the Western Balkans as a whole in the context of enlargement, but also in the geopolitical context because it is not complete without them. Also, the EU is expected to speed up the integration process, while the countries aspiring to become members of the EU are expected to speed up reforms. The leaders of the member states of the Brdo-Brijuni initiative also discussed other current topics, including the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and the EU investment plan for the Western Balkans. The Declaration reads: “The Western Balkans is on the path to EU. It needs to be accelerated and completed positively. (EU) enlargement throughout the Western Balkans is a political, economic and security interest of the EU, as well as geopolitical duty and a condition for stable, prosperous and sustainable future of Europe.” Milanovic said that “they are here to help their neighbors in the process of the EU integration”. Milanovic emphasized that the EU enlargement process cannot be completed without the Western Balkans. He called the text of Declaration a “compromise”, saying that all countries must be willing to compromise and give up on some things that are not good for the region. “Bilateral issues that the countries, which are part of the Initiative, have, will not be resolved within the Brdo-Brijuni Process”, Milanovic emphasized. Milanovic and Pahor were asked by members of the press how much the EU actually cares about the enlargement process at this moment. In line with Milanovic response, it could be concluded that upcoming elections in France could shift things in the positive direction and make the Western Balkans region a priority in continuation of the EU enlargement process. Hayat noted that enlargement comes at a time when ideas of peaceful dissolution within BiH are mentioned, and when various ‘non-papers’ are published on border redrawing. Milanovic said that ‘non-papers’ usually have authors, which are revealed to the public, but the recently mentioned ones do not have, which means that “it does not exist”. Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic said that there are many open issues between B&H and its neighboring countries, which need to be resolved in the future. Osmani protested the fact that the joint Declaration does not include the term ‘country’ and she accused Serbia that it uses the ideas on border changes to tear down Kosovo’s independence. Osmani and Vucic then entered into a verbal conflict. Vucic stated: “There were mentions of borders, how borders should be erased within the region in order to have freer flow of people, goods, capital and services. This is good. There are many good and smart things in the conclusions. Could we agree on everything? Of course, we could not, but I am pleased that most could reach an agreement. I think, with the exception of the representatives of Pristina, everyone else reached an agreement”.

B&H Presidency members without joint stance at summit of Brdo-Brijuni Process (BHT1) 

 

The Brdo-Brijuni Process marked the 10th anniversary of its existence of Monday. Presidents of the Western Balkans countries have come to the Brdo-Brijuni Process meeting on Monday with different expectations when it comes to the EU integration and future regional cooperation, added the reporter. When it comes to B&H, this visit was marked by the fact that the members of the B&H Presidency have not reached a consensus again, regarding their participation in Brdo-Brijuni Process, noted the reporter. Serb member and Chairman of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated: “There was no consensus. We have presented our views individually. (The Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Sefik) Dzaferovic unjustifiably accused Serbia and Croatia on his own behalf, but that is his position. I believe that it is clear to the participants that it is not the position of the (B&H) Presidency”. Dodik found Dzaferovic’s presentation disputable, as Dzaferovic pointed out that B&H currently has many open issues with its neighbors, namely the borders with Croatia and Serbia, pointed out the reporter. Dzaferovic stated: “I listed all these open issues today. I think that this was the place (for that) and that the purpose of this summit is, among other things, to list which ones are the open issues. Let no one be angry, but these are open issues, we have a problem with that and I want us to solve this through agreements and discussions and if that is not possible, then by applying the international law and institutions of the international law”. Comments that B&H is led by three leaders with different wishes, therefore the lack of unity at the meeting was not surprising. Dzaferovic said for the media: “In my speech today, I openly and clearly said, i.e. pointed to open issues with our neighbors. One of those issues I mentioned today, and it is the announcement and start of the ‘Buk Bijela’ Hydropower Plant construction in cooperation between the Serbian Government and the Government of the B&H entity. I think that the path is not to start the construction of such facility in that manner, because it is a violation of international law.” Responding to this, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said: “Dzaferovic always makes a parallel, i.e. both Serbia and Croatia are equally guilty for him. He has made six items that Serbia is guilty of and six or seven items that Croatia is guilty’ of’. Dodik said for media: “The fact that the Federation of B&H (FB&H) has not formed the government until the present day shows that the stagnation is of crucial importance for B&H. The Election Law was discussed, and my opinion was that the agreement on the Election Law reform had failed, because agreement could not be reached at the level of two leaders who are the most important in that process, representatives of Bosniaks and Croats”. Dodik assessed that B&H is in a “frozen state” when it comes to its progress on the path towards the EU. Commenting different stances of the B&H Presidency members during the Summit, Dodik said: “There was no consensus. We stated our stances separately – I individually, Komsic individually and Dzaferovic individually. Unjustifiably, and on his behalf, Dzaferovic accused Serbia and Croatia – but, that is his stance”. Croat member of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic said that while he put the focus on the priorities of the EU, “Dodik made primitive comments”. There was also disagreement with regard to the agenda of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. Commenting on this, Dodik said important issues were discussed, with “representatives of Pristina insisting for almost two hours on some solutions that absolutely undermine the whole process or lead it to another direction.”

Dodik: EU enlargement is key issue that does not depend on B&H; There is significant number of EU member states that oppose enlargement (RTRS) 

The summit of the Brdo-Brijuni Process took place in Brdo near Kranj in Slovenia on Monday. Leaders of the Western Balkan countries called on the EU to speed up the enlargement process and adopted a declaration that points to the importance of accelerated EU integration towards the entire Western Balkans and not just to particular countries. According to attendees of the event, the Western Balkan countries want to join the EU which is why they call for acceleration of the EU accession as their integration would guarantee stability. Speaking about this issue, Chairman of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated for RTRS that the issue of the enlargement is the key issue that does not depend on B&H, arguing that there is a significant number of EU member states that oppose the enlargement. In his opinion, EU officials only declaratively mention the EU enlargement that is serving more as an illusion than as paving of some practical steps. Speaking about the situation in B&H, Dodik assessed the status of B&H as a deep and frozen and the fact that the FB&H failed to form its government proves that this deadlock is of crucial importance for B&H. When it comes to legislation, Dodik said that an agreement on the election legislation reform failed because two representatives of Bosniaks and Croats failed to reach an agreement on this issue.  According to Dodik, he spoke at the event about High Representative (HR) Valentin Inzko and not accepting the arrival of a new HR, about judges of the Constitutional Court of B&H who write a new constitution and thus, contribute to confusion in B&H regarding a possible plan of all sides in B&H. Dodik stated: “There was one of the requests not to make a fuss and the alternative is to remain silent. B&H is in a deep, frozen status, the budget was not adopted and key issues are not being solved and things will remain this way until putting of the issues on the agenda.”

Dodik: PDP, SDS brings so many problems to RS during their rule at B&H level, cleaning this mess is not easy; PDP’s Ivanic brings US soldiers on Manjaca with his decision (RTRS/Nezavisne) 

 

Chairman of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated that PDP and SDS – the pro-Bosnian parties – have brought so many problems to Republika Srpska (RS) during their rule at the level of B&H from 2014-2018 that cleaning of this mess is not an easy task to do. Dodik claims that rule of SDS and PDP in the RS would mean end of the RS because they ruined everything that they touched. Commenting on the question coming from PDP on how come US soldiers are on Manjaca, Dodik stated former leader of PDP Mladen Ivanic brought them with his decision and thus, he does not know why PDP did not ask Ivanic why he accepted this and gave his consent. Dodik said that PDP is faking to be criticizing the exercise (Immediate Response 21), arguing that he prevented use of weapons that Ivanic approved for this exercise. SNSD Vice President Nikola Spiric stated that SDS has openly joined pro-Bosnian parties from the FB&H that want disappearance of the RS. He added that SDS leader Mirko Sarovic is fantasizing about removal of SNSD, claiming that it would be best for the RS. However, Spiric underlined, this only proves how far removed from reality Sarovic is, since SDS is a minor party without any power. Spiric also said that SNSD would not even pay attention to the unrealistic statements of Sarovic if the RS opposition was not looking for allies among the biggest enemies of the RS at B&H and international level, thus bringing its survival in question. Spiric concluded that it is sad that from the role of a creator, SDS has become the opposition in the RS and concluded that citizens will surely award this with election defeat. SDS President Mirko Sarovic stated that the current internal relations in SNSD show that the idyllic period and winning atmosphere is over. According to Sarovic, SNSD has given too many resources to defects from other parties, arguing that there are many new hungry mouths and that nervous party army wants its share of the spoils. Sarovic noted that the future of relations within SNSD is very uncertain. According to him, it is obvious that some SNSD members did not get what they wanted, and some new players have emerged who want more control and more money. Sarovic also described the address of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik before the RS parliament as disgraceful and unbecoming of the position of the Chairman of the Presidency of B&H.

 

Croatian army company sent to serve as part of KFOR in Kosovo (Hina) 

The Croatian army's Motorized Company was seen off at a barracks in Gospic on Monday, leaving for the NATO-led Operation KFOR in Kosovo as part of the 35th Croatian contingent there, the Defense Ministry said in a press release carried by state agency Hina. The Croatian company will be deployed in Kosovo for a six months tour. It has 99 members, including nine women, and will operate as part of a multinational battalion, led by Italy, together with the troops of Austria, Italy and Slovenia. Defence Minister Mario Banozic said he was proud that a declared infantry company was being sent to KFOR for the first time, adding that Croatia, “as a credible NATO member, was thus directly contributing to stability and peace in Southeast Europe.” “Since we are talking about our immediate environment, our responsibility is bigger and requires of us active engagement and inclusion in the processes under way there. We all know well that there has been a change in the security paradigm and security perception in the whole world, and we are aware that security is not defended only on Croatia’s borders but also there where a threat arises,” Banozic said. Banozic said he was confident that “with their knowledge and capabilities, the Croatian troops would contribute greatly to the creation of a stable and safe environment.” “Investing in knowledge and security is investing in stability, prosperity and the well-being of every member and of our country. NATO’s Operation KFOR is an ideal opportunity to strengthen security, because by participating in the international environment and working with the best, we can become faster, better and readier for responding to all threats put before us,” Banozic said. The military Chief-Of-Staff, Admiral Robert Hranj, told the Croatian troops leaving for Kosovo that the Croatian army’s engagement in KFOR showed that it was willing to share the burden and responsibility, contributing to the building of a safer and more stable world, “motivated by the experience gained in the 1991-95 Homeland War.” “Our national security neither begins nor ends on the state border but is susceptible to geographically distant processes. That’s one of the reasons for the stronger involvement in Operation KFOR, whereby we wish to help to build a safer world for all those living in Kosovo, the region and, indirectly, for us. Our soldiers will perform a wide spectrum of tasks, the company is excellently trained and ready to take its role in KFOR,” said Hranj.

 

Abazovic thanks VC president and Varhely (CdM) 

The support of the Venice Commission (VC) has been of immense importance in this phase of reform of the Montenegrin Prosecutor’s Office, and it has created the necessary preconditions for a substantial and strong fight against corruption and organized crime, according to a letter sent by Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic to the VC president Gianni Buquicchio. Abazovic also presented the contents of the letter to the European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Oliver Varhelyi. In the letter, Abazovic has stated that Montenegrin MPs adopted the Bill with additional VC recommendations on 12 May, and stresses that the government of Montenegro and the Parliamentary majority will soon start a dialogue to resolve the temporary situation in the Prosecutor’s Office and judiciary.

DPS to boycott parliament in coming days (CdM) 

DPS MPs will not participate in the work of the plenary session, working bodies and committees in the coming days, the head of the party’s caucus Danijel Zivkovic has said at the press conference. He says that the arrogant behavior of the ruling majority has led them to this move.

“Not only during this current session, but also during all previous months. The ruling majority has shown that Montenegro’s European path has been collapsing in the past few months. If any of the representatives of the ruling majority, which has 41 votes, and the opposition has 40, thinks that we will be the décor in parliament and give legitimacy for the collapse of Montenegro’s European path, then they are grossly mistaken,” Zivkovic has pointed out.

Prosecutorial laws, he adds, were the final straw. “We are experiencing the collapse of the institutional capacity of Montenegro, the Constitution, the collapse of the European path. We see that Montenegro is moving towards an economic downturn,” states Zivkovic. He stresses that they will continue to come to parliament and perform their tasks.

 

Zaev: The next parliamentary elections will be held in 2024 and there will be no early elections (MTV/Republika) 

The narrow majority keeps the government awake. I think it is time to work to the end, so that the next parliamentary elections would be held in 2024, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. The next parliamentary elections will be held in 2024 and there will be no early elections, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in an interview with MTV, when asked if, if there is no progress in the EU integration process, early parliamentary elections are possible along with the local elections. After serious processes, such as the constitutional changes, we went to the polls to check whether we have the support of the citizens, whether we are on the right track. The citizens decided that yes, we now have 4 years and we need to work an entire term. Early elections have an impact on the economy, which means lagging behind. And all the agreements, the Prespa agreement, the one with Bulgaria are for the economy, for jobs and selection, higher GDP, to bring Europe home, said Zaev. He also believes that the work of the parliament is not in question now, because with the vaccination, the government is not expected to have a problem with the majority, i.e. to have blockades from the opposition.

Pendarovski: Historical issues have nothing to do with the EU integration process (Republika) 

In a Facebook post on Monday, President Stevo Pendarovski writes that he is taking part in the tenth Brdo-Brijuni Process meeting in Slovenia together with the presidents of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro and discuss the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, and the economic recovery of the Western Balkans. EU enlargement process must continue in post-Covid-19 Europe. Historical issues have nothing to do with the EU integration process. Regional cooperation is key to faster progress of the Western Balkan countries, Pendarovski wrote on Facebook.

Milanovic: What is being done to Macedonia is trespassing, it shouldn’t be allowed (Republika) 

Macedonia is currently in an impossible position in the European integration process. It’s the conditions set for the country at a relatively advanced stage of negotiations with the EU, and it refers to content in some history textbooks. That’s trespassing into intimate space, it’s something that should not be allowed, and I will be against that, said Croatia’s President Zoran Milanovic after the tenth Brdo-Brijuni Process meeting at Brdo pri Kranju on Monday.

“Our role here,” Milanovic said, “is to help our neighbors in the region in the European integration process. Not everyone is on the same level in the progress of the negotiations. Some are more advanced, some are not. Macedonia is in an impossible position. This is a topic that we did not discuss at all in today’s talks, neither in the text of the joint declaration, nor did the Macedonians insist on it at all. It is about the conditions set for them in a relatively mature phase of negotiations with the EU, and it refers to the content in some history textbooks in Macedonia,” said Milanovic. He pointed out that both Slovenia and Croatia had a very lively and dynamic relationship, where Slovenia set some conditions, but, as he said, he never felt or saw that Slovenia wanted to harm Croatia or to prevent or humiliate it.

 

"Albania-US Extradition Treaty" approved / Gjonaj: The most effective cooperation in the fight against crime is guaranteed (Radio Tirana) 

The Committee on Legal Affairs, Public Administration and Human Rights approved the "Albania-US Extradition Treaty", approved by the Council of Ministers. The Minister of Justice Etilda Gjonaj, through a reaction on social networks states that, through this treaty, a new legal regulatory framework is created for the application of extradition to the citizens of the signatory states of the agreement. After the approval of this treaty in the Assembly, the most effective cooperation between the parties for the fight against crime will be guaranteed, she underlines.

As the responsible committee, the Committee on Legal Affairs, Public Administration and Human Rights reviewed today the draft law "On the ratification of the extradition treaty between the government of the Republic of Albania and the government of the United States of America". Invited to the meeting of the commission for the presentation of the draft act was Karameta, Deputy Minister of Justice, who focused in particular on the main objectives of the ratification of the extradition treaty, between the government of the Republic of Albania and the government of the United States of America. "The main objectives of the agreement in question relate to the creation of a new regulatory framework, in relation to the application of extradition to nationals of the signatory states of the agreement; ensuring the most effective cooperation between the parties in the fight against crime; as well as the elimination of legal obstacles to the extradition of the citizens of the requested state, for criminal prosecution, or for the execution of the sentence in the requesting state, by taking the necessary measures for the execution of this extradition," said Karameta. MP Klotilda Bushka in her capacity as rapporteur assessed that the initiative is in accordance with the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and emphasizing the importance of this agreement, invited the colleagues of the committee to approve it. After the discussions, the committee approved in principle, article by article and in full the draft law in question, passing it for consideration to the next plenary session.