LOCAL PRESS

Vucic at SNS ceremony (Tanjug/B92/Politika/Novosti/RTS/RTV/Beta)

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) marked 13 years of existence with a ceremonial academy in the Belgrade Arena. As a symbol of work, large infrastructure projects and investments, everything that has been done in Serbia since the SNS was the main pillar of the Serbian government, the Arena is adorned with the "Bagi Radisa" excavator. Thousands of members and supporters of the party gathered in the Arena, from Subotica to Strpce, and many citizens stayed in front of the hall, so they watched the ceremony through video beams. Upon entering the Arena, President Aleksandar Vucic was greeted with long-lasting applause and shouts of "Aco, the Serb", while a large banner with Vucic's face, flag and coat of arms of Serbia was spread on the stands. Arena is also decorated with large banners "Kosovo and Metohija with our President Aleksandar Vucic", Skopje, Lebane, "Vojvodina is Serbia", "Vojvodina is with Vucic". The gathering is attended by SNS members, but also guests from other parties, SPS leader Ivica Dacic and Socialist official Dusan Bajatovic, President of the Union of Vojvodina Hungarians Istvan Pastor, and there are also representatives of the Serb List from Kosovo and Metohija Goran Rakic and Igor Simic. The ceremony began with the performance of the anthem "God of Justice", and then a short film was followed by a reminder of all the challenges that Serbia faced during the coronavirus epidemic, as well as investments in health care.

While the SNS is in power, this country will pursue an independent policy

Vucic thanked everyone who came, and especially those who did not manage to enter Arena.

"Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, I want to apologize, because there are 25.000 people in front of the Arena, but there was no more room here." He said that today they showed what a decent Serbia looks like. "Those who wanted to ban others from freedom today did not know that Serbs are tough and stubborn and that they like it best when someone endangers their right to freedom. That is why you came here and showed everyone how much you love Serbia. Today you showed what a decent Serbia looks like. While you were coming peacefully, by bus, others behaved differently," said Vucic. He reminded that surrender is not an option, as well as that there is no withdrawal in front of anyone. "I am proud to have seen some young people, eager to do a lot for their country. They came from different parts of our country,” he said. He stated that we are currently building ten highways and expressways. "We have built more hospitals and health centers, renovated more than has been done in 50 years," said Vucic. President reminded that four scientific and technological centers have been built, in which young people work, who are pulling Serbia forward. "And while some have closed museums and theaters, we are opening them. While some have owed premiums to our athletes for years, we are paying them immediately. And I say that because in these 13 years as a political party we have managed to change the consciousness of our people. Yes it is no longer valid for us to be placed last in every competition". Vucic said that he is happy today because he expects success in all areas. "When you look at cumulatively in 2020 and 2021, Serbia will be the country with the highest economic growth in the whole of Europe," said Vucic. He pointed out that in 2008 Serbia was altogether different country, but from the bottom. "How things change quickly. That is why the nervousness of some, who are used to foreign embassies forming their opinion. And I am proud that as long as the SNS is in power, this country will pursue an independent policy, in the interest of the people and citizens of Serbia. And I can't describe to you how proud I am of that decision," he said.

Serbia will not give up friendship with Russia and China

Vucic said that no one can deceive people, and that people have eyes to see progress and improvement. "I think it's very important today to show seriousness. Not to show hatred and passion." He stated that today he received thousands of messages from people asking him to let them deal with "these" that blocked roads. As he says, they are also our brothers and sisters, and we have to take care of them as well. "We are too small as a country to have the right to conflicts. Let others provoke conflicts, we will unite the people and all decent and normal people. That is the only future of this party and our country. And thank you for representing a decent Serbia," he said. Vucic said that Serbia is on the European path, but that Serbia will not leave its friends. "Serbia now has the lowest gas price in Europe, and it can count on support on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. Serbia will not give up its friendship with Russia and China. And neither will they give up their friendship with us," Vucic said. He said that Serbia is strengthening its army so that no one could humiliate us like in the 1990s and 2000s. "Those who think they are the strongest, they do not know that something will arrive in Serbia soon, and it will arrive much sooner than what they bought," said Vucic. He emphasized that "Storms", "Flashes" and pogroms will not be repeated, regardless of all pressures. "You can attack me as much as you want, but I will not allow to do that to Serbia. Serbia will show care for its people, even when everyone attacks it." As he states, our sin is that we have faith in our people, and in our alphabet, but also in the fact that we are not ashamed that we are Serbs. "We haven't threatened anyone. We did not and will never threaten anyone. We will not be ashamed of Serbs in Montenegro, and we will help all Serbs as much as we can," he stated.

I will not run for SNS president again

Vucic says that he wants everyone to consider Serbia as their country, all minorities living in our country. "I believe that we will be exposed to numerous pressures, because we would like to be stronger," he said. As he says, we must be firm and strong, and keep what is ours. He added that he wants our strength to be our work, faith in the future and a bulldozer that pushes the country forward. He reminded of the difficult situation he found in 2012, and that there was no money in the state treasury. Vucic said that he would not run for the presidency of the SNS at the next assembly of the party. "But I will never leave this party, and I will fight with all of you in the upcoming elections, and I ask you to make it the greatest victory ever. There is no retreat before the worst, before those who would plunder our country. And so I want you to fight stronger than ever. And I tell you that I love you more than ever, and that I am proud of you. There are four months left, and that is why the greatest victory so far, a victory for Serbia, and for our children".

This is the last election with me at the head of SNS

Vucic addressed those gathered in front of the Arena. At the beginning, he thanked everyone who came to the ceremony. "Thank you very much for being here with us tonight, for not finding it difficult to be in front of Arena. It is our duty to fight for our country and people, but also for every person in the country." He emphasized that many will do a lot to destroy Serbia, but that the SNS can win more convincingly with its work and sacrifice than before. "My heart is full when I see you, to say thank you again." "I love you very much, these are the last elections in which I am leading you. But together we will pursue victory and secure the future for our children, who are the most important, as well as our Serbia," Vucic said. Vucic refused to accept the unanimous proposal of all members of that party to run again as the only candidate for the president of the SNS, said the vice president of that party Ana Brnabic. He has repeatedly said that the SNS is the largest, most organized and most responsible political party and that change will be at "all levels". On 21 October, officials of the ruling SNS marked 13 years of the party's existence by planting 13 maple seedlings in the Peace and Friendship Park in New Belgrade. SNS was officially established on 21 October 2008.

Vucic meets with Pahor in Belgrade; Pahor says enlargement of EU to Western Balkans is only answer to growth of nationalism and idea of changing borders in region (RTS) 

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor in Belgrade on Sunday. Vucic and Pahor, among other things, discussed the situation in the region, bilateral relations and Serbia's European prospects. Following the meeting, Vucic told a press conference that every meeting, including this one, can be a stone in the house of peace that we are trying to build in the region. "We discussed the situation in Kosovo and Metohija and our relations, the dialogue in Brussels and the problems we are facing... I can say that it is always Borut Pahor's interest to preserve peace and stability and I, on my part, stressed the importance of preserving peace, stability and security for all the people in the region," Vucic underlined.

Vucic said the Slovenian contingent in KFOR was the international military mission's seventh-largest. He added that Serbia wanted to have even closer cooperation with KFOR, which he said had a very important role in maintaining peace in Kosovo and Metohija. Vucic noted that Serbia met all the conditions for opening new clusters in negotiations with the EU, but that there is always a possibility that someone blocks the continuation of Serbia's integration process. Pahor stated that the enlargement of the EU to the Western Balkans is the only answer to the growth of nationalism and the idea of changing the borders in the region. Pahor, who is one of the initiators of Brdo-Brijuni Process and one of the strongest advocates of the EU enlargement, said that he is worried about the development of the situation in the Western Balkans. Pahor discussed the growing mistrust among leaders in the region with Vucic, calling it a threat to peace and security in the region. "I have been warning these past years that, according to my assessment, the accession process of the Western Balkans is too slow. I believe that both sides have to do much more than has been done in the past years. The only answer to the growth of nationalism and the idea of changing the borders is EU enlargement and the Union has a responsibility to focus on that better than before," Pahor underlined. Pahor expressed concern about the stalemate in dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, calling on Pristina officials to implement the Brussels agreement. Pahor and Vucic also discussed the Open Balkans initiative, expressing hope that, in addition to Albania and North Macedonia, others will understand the benefits of this initiative. "Most of my colleagues welcomed this initiative with restraint. I welcomed it with approval because I do not see it as an alternative to the enlargement to the Western Balkans, but as a parallel process which supports and inspires cooperation between the peoples and countries in the region," Pahor emphasized.

Blinken: Serbia has indispensable role in promoting regional stability (Tanjug)

In a letter to Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the US was committed to strengthening political, economic and security cooperation, and noted that Serbia had an indispensable role to play in promoting regional stability and prosperity. "Thank you for your letter celebrating the 140th anniversary of US-Serbia diplomatic relations. I too honor this important milestone in our shared history. The strong friendship between our countries was forged fighting alongside each other in two world wars and has flourished across generations of people-to-people ties that have enriched our societies," Blinken said in the letter, seen by Tanjug. He said the US stood with Serbia on its path forward as a modem, prosperous country in the heart of Europe. "We are committed to ever-stronger political, economic, and security cooperation, and to working with you to advance domestic reforms, foster peace and good relations with all of your neighbors, and achieve your goal of European Union membership. Serbia has an indispensable role to play in promoting stability and prosperity in its home region. As part of this, I applaud Serbia's advocacy on regional economic integration which, with inclusive implementation, will benefit all the citizens of the Western Balkans," Blinken said. "Today, I see an even brighter future working together with Serbia as a friend and partner in Southeast Europe and as fellow security contributors on the global stage. I trust our countries will forge ever stronger bilateral relations in the years to come," he added. Blinken concluded the letter to Selakovic with a handwritten note saying: "I appreciate your efforts to strengthen relations between our countries - which I greatly value."

Serbian, US special forces hold joint exercise in Serbia (Beta/Politika)

Serbian Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic, the Serbian Army Chief-of-Staff, General Milan Mojsilovic, and the US Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey attended the closing performance of a joint military exercise by Serbian and US special operations units at the Peskovi training ground, near Pozarevac. Stefanovic thanked representatives of the U.S. European Command. "We have staged several joint exercises over the past 12 months, which is a good indicator of our interoperability and readiness to learn from each other and work as partners. This is a good way for our boys to learn and see how it's done by other special forces, from the largest and most powerful countries of the world," Stefanovic underlined. Ambassador Godfrey thanked the Army of Serbia's special units for hosting the event, describing it as an example of what could be accomplished together, as partners and friends. The joint training exercise took place from 8 to 26 November, with an emphasis on anti-terrorist combat procedures in urban areas.

Spanish government: We do not recognize unilateral independence of Kosovo (Blic/Europa Press)

The Spanish government reaffirmed its decision not to recognize the independence of so-called Kosovo, although it says that it is taking a "constructive approach" to that issue, supporting a solution in the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, reports Europa Press. This was announced in a parliamentary response to MP Mariona Illamola (Junts), who asked about Pristina's aspirations to join the EU. In the response, the Spanish government confirmed to the Europa Press agency its position on the non-recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence that Pristina adopted in 2008, because it is a unilateral act. The government, however, said that from a constructive point of view, it thinks it is time to make a final effort to resolve the issue of Kosovo's territory within the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, through an agreement that respects international law. When it comes to the aspiration of so-called Kosovo to join the EU, the government said it was actively committed to EU enlargement policy and fully believed in the need to establish a new impetus for accession of the Western Balkans. Illamola also asked the executive branch about the summit held in Slovenia between the EU and the Western Balkans in October, which was attended by the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez. The Catalan MP asked if the government considers that the image of Spain is being damaged by imposing a veto on flags and symbols of a country such as so-called Kosovo. She referred to the fact that, in order to facilitate the participation of Sanchez and leaders of other EU countries that do not recognize the southern Serbian province as independent, it was decided not to use symbols at this event. "The stance of non-recognition does not mean a cessation of participation," said the Spanish government, adding that for participation, some conditions agreed within the EU had to be fulfilled.

Serbian Ambassador to chair UNESCO Executive Board (Tanjug)

Serbian Ambassador to UNESCO Tamara Rastovac Siamashvili has been elected chair of the organization’s Executive Board, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Tanjug on Friday. Fifty-six of 58 Executive Board members voted for Rastovac Siamashvili, while two abstained. She will be in the position for the next two years. "Sincere gratitude to members of UNESCO Executive Board for electing Serbian Ambassador Tamara Rastovac Siamashvili as Executive Board Chair! Great honor for our country! We look forward to this new opportunity to work together on promoting UNESCO' s goals!" the Serbian delegation to UNESCO commented in a post on its official Twitter account.

Serbian MPs adopt changes to expropriation law; Opposition: Unconstitutional (N1)

The Serbian parliament passed on Friday another controversial legislation, the Law on Expropriation, which many saw as the legalization of forcible seizing people's property which happened to be in the way of government projects. The opponents of adopting the amendments to the Law believe that it is inadmissible for the government to have a discretionary right to non-transparently declare projects of particular importance without prescribed criteria, thus making it the basis for property expropriation. On the other hand, the government claims the amendments to the Law on Expropriation additionally define the cases and users of expropriation, shorten the proceedings’ deadlines, resolve the issue of illegal property in appropriation and define the administrative transfer. Later on Friday, the opposition Assembly of Free Serbia warned that adopted amendments to the Law on Expropriation violated Article 58, paragraph 2 of the country’s Constitution and appealed with the Constitutional Court to launch the procedure to annul the changes. Article 58, paragraph 2 stipulates that “the right of ownership may be taken away or limited only in the public interest determined based on law, with a compensation that cannot be lower than the market one”. The Assembly said that the adopted amendments gave the government the authority to declare the projects based on an international agreement in which one of the signatories is Serbia’s state, as of public interest. “In this way, the private interest of a foreign company’s profit is declared a public interest.”

Environmental activists, citizens stop traffic in several cities (Beta/NSPM)

Environmental activists and citizens halted traffic for one hour in several Serbian cities on Saturday in protest against legislation on referendums and expropriation. Belgraders blocked the Gazela Bridge, while in Novi Sad protesters stopped traffic on the Varadin Bridge. The major high-speed motorway Ibarska Magistrala was also blocked. According to the Kreni-Promeni (Get Moving for Change) initiative, the announced one-hour warning blockade was successful thanks to the "magnificent courage and dignified protest" of all participating citizens. The protesters are demanding that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic not sign an expropriation bill and for amendments to be passed to the Law on Referendums and People's Initiatives. Initiative Director Savo Manojlovic said that if the two conditions were not met by 4 December, he would call on citizens to block highways and major motorways with their cars. Rodoljub Sabic, attorney and head of the Civil Council for Protecting Human Rights Defenders and Whistleblowers, said the numerous instances of police taking citizens participating in peaceful protests into custody and examples of their use of excessive force against them are very concerning from a standpoint of human rights and legality.

Opposition say will run in election albeit unfair (Beta)

The opposition parties rallied around the Freedom and Justice Party, the People's Party and the Democratic Party, announced on Friday they would run together in the next polls. "We will run and have signed and arranged a joint election campaign. The word 'election' should be taken with reservations, as Serbia still does not have free and fair elections," the three parties agreed. Aside from opposition leaders Dragan Djilas, Vuk Jeremic and Zoran Lutovac representatives of the Free Citizens' Movement, the Free Serbia Movement, the Turnabout Movement, the Civil Platforms, the Democratic Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians and the United Trade Unions "Sloga" will feature in a joint address to the people. Lutovac said that, having listened to the voice of the people and relevant polls, we have decided to launch a frontal attack, together with the citizens. The Democratic Party's leader explained that the opposition parties had decided to set up an alliance, having overcome ideological and political differences, in order to create a state where the rule of law prevails and were offering themselves as an alternative to Aleksandar Vucic.

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Dodik meets Vucic: RS will not let anyone abolish or destroy RS’ right to existence (ATV) 

Serb member of B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, in Belgrade on Sunday. Dodik stressed that Republika Srpska (RS) wants peace, but it will not let anyone abolish or destroy the right of the RS and the Serb people to existence. Dodik informed Vucic about the situation in B&H and further plans of political Sarajevo to accelerate the process of takeover of government competences from the RS. Vucic informed Dodik about his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Representative for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar. They also discussed the construction of gas pipeline between Serbia and the RS, the construction of the Sremska Raca-Kuzmin-Bijeljina highway section and other infrastructural projects. Dodik announced that he will travel to Moscow this week where he will discuss important issues regarding the current political situation in B&H. He said that Russia will be informed about all important issues regarding Serbs in B&H. According to Dodik, activities of the Western factors in B&H that destroy the RS through unlawfully appointed new High Representative and three foreign judges of the Constitutional Court of B&H who completely undermine the Dayton Peace Accords’ (DPA) concept in an attempt to make B&H unitary and centralized state will be also discussed. He said that the economic cooperation between Russia and the RS will be also discussed during his visit to Moscow and that focus will be on gas prices, expressing hope that the current level of gas prices will remain unchanged.  He added that details of the construction of the Balkan Stream pipeline section from Raca to Banja Luka are supposed to be agreed upon. Dodik also said that a possible visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Banja Luka after completion of construction works on the Serbian-Russian church and spiritual and cultural center in Banja Luka will be touched upon in Moscow. Dodik concluded that a small community such as the RS is impressed to have understanding from a big country such as Russia, adding that “the US’ understanding would be impressive as well but unfortunately there is no such a thing and this is why the US presence here is terrifying because they are not benefactors – they are inquisitors”.

Bratic: Situation in B&H is coordinated activity of RS authorities led by SNSD’s Dodik, Serbia led by Vucic, and Russia, it undermines peace in B&H and region (Hayat) 

 

Bosniak officials, SDA’s RS representative Senad Bratic and DF’s representative in the Prijedor City Assembly and surviving prisoner of war (PoW) Mirsad Duratovic, discussed the current political crisis in B&H. Speaking about the current crisis in B&H, Bratic stated that the situation is very serious and that the crisis is created by the RS authorities led by SNSD leader and Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik, with support of Serbia and its President Aleksandar Vucic and Russia. According to Bratic, activities of the Russian Embassy to B&H, the ambassadors of Russia in the region, and in the UN indicate that this is a matter of “coordinated activity that undermines peace in B&H and the region”. In his opinion, this represents the culmination of pressure exerted on returnees in the RS. Given that he is currently visiting Germany, Bratic said that the B&H Diaspora asked him if there will be a war in B&H, adding that he told them that this question should be posted to Dodik and “his partner Vucic, as well as Russia”.

 

Dodik: Escobar's message is very serious (RTRS) 

 

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar sent a serious message when he made it clear that he managed to break the united front of the RS defense by drawing the opposition to his side, said Milorad Dodik. He assessed that in the end, it will be seen who is on the RS’ side. “You will see who is on the side of the RS - its preservation, development, existence, and who is on the side of betrayal that they will dispute, point out at every meeting where they are and say - just stop Dodik, sanction him, that is all gone now. It is not gone, the RS does not depend on Dodik, the RS is not Dodik, but today Dodik is the one who defends it together with all his associates and I am proud of that,” Dodik underlined. He added that they decided to continue, because they believe that “the RS has no price”. “There can be no price for whether Dodik will be under sanctions or not. Let there be (sanctions), but it is important that the RS remains. It does not matter to them; it is important to them to flatter some who are now like some representatives here. So, what if someone is a representative of America? We are talking about our issues here, not American issues,” Dodik pointed out. He reiterated that US officials are coming here and want to create a unitary B&H, to reduce the RS.

Stoltenberg: NATO strongly supports unique state structure in B&H and multiethnic AF but it is concerned due to inflammatory rhetoric from RS (N1) 

 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that NATO strongly supports a unique state structure in B&H and the multiethnic Armed Forces (AF). “However, we are concerned due to the inflammatory rhetoric from the RS, so we will discuss the permanent role of NATO in promoting stability and security in the region,” Stoltenberg noted. MP in the UK parliament Alicia Kearns also commented on the situation in B&H, saying that she would like to see foreign leaders united in their stance on this matter. Kearns stressed that she mentioned the situation in B&H twice to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and that she expressed an idea based on which Western nations, NATO, and G-7 countries should gather in their commitment to stability and peace, given that Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik responds to pressures. Ahead of a summit of Ministers of Foreign Affairs that will be held in Riga at the end of the month, Stoltenberg announced that they will discuss the situation in B&H. He stated that the NATO strongly supports single, state structures and multi-ethnic Armed Forces of B&H, adding that they are worried about inflammatory rhetoric that comes from the RS. He announced: “We will discuss the continuous role of the NATO in improvement of stability and security of the region.”

Dodik: No issues will be discussed until OHR recalls law imposed by Inzko; Denies Izetbegovic has proposed prohibition of denial of crimes committed in Jasenovac to be included (ATV) 

 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik said that if the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in B&H, or “those who command the renegade institution” failed to recall the law imposed by former High Representative (HR) in B&H Valentin Inzko, there would be no dialog on any issues, including “the issue treated by the so-called Inzko’s law”. Asked to comment on the statement by SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic that he had earlier proposed amendments to the B&H Criminal Law, in addition to amendments imposed by Inzko, that would include prohibition of denial of the crimes committed in Jasenovac to be adopted, and that Dodik proposed something he had done one month ago, Dodik said that “Izetbegovic could write down the meetings if his memory is failing him”. Dodik also said that if Inzko’s law is withdrawn, the RS will present its proposal on how to resolve the issue of B&H Constitutional Court which wants to deprive the RS of its right to property. Commenting Izetbegovic’s statement, Dodik said that it is inappropriate of Izetbegovic to talk about Jasenovac. He underlined that Jasenovac cannot be used for political bargaining, and that Serbs do not want the truth about genocide to be imposed by law. “We know what happened, the civilized world knows it too, we will not allow any law to regulate the issue of our suffering. Nor will we use law to force others to respect our victims,” said Dodik. Dodik also emphasized that all property located in the RS belongs to the RS, and that only real estates located abroad which are part of the Yugoslavia succession deal can be registered as the property of the state.

SDA Presidency holds session; Izetbegovic presents conclusions: SNSD to stop with blockades (O Kanal) 

The SDA Presidency held a session in Sarajevo on Friday and they discussed the issue of the B&H Election Law and the current political situation in B&H. Following the session, leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic addressed a press conference and presented conclusions adopted during the session. Izetbegovic stated that they discussed the crisis caused by Milorad Dodik and they called on SNSD to stop with blockades that dramatically deteriorate relations and the situation in the country. In his opinion, the crisis is present for 15 years, i.e. since failure of the April Package and now it culminated, while damages that SNSD inflicted to citizens in the both of the entities in B&H are immense. According to Izetbegovic, many people would not leave B&H if the policies were different. According to Izetbegovic, SDA welcomed engagement and the support of representatives of the US and the EU to find solutions for the reforms of the Constitution of B&H and the B&H Election Law, but SDA also expressed concern with announcements of some officials that at this moment, it is necessary only to solve the issue of the election of members of the B&H Presidency, i.e. a request of HDZ B&H. He reminded that HDZ B&H staff blocked formation of a new FB&H Government and implementation of election results for already three years, as well as formation of a Constitutional Court for already two years. Izetbegovic underlined that the issue of functioning of the house of peoples will have to be solved along with the issue of election of members of the B&H Presidency. Izetbegovic also informed the public that SDA Presidency insists that all parliamentary parties take part in the next week’s negotiations on the B&H Election Law, arguing that the attempt to work in reduced form – to which the international community (IC) insists – is already doomed to fail. Izetbegovic explained that SDA and HDZ B&H cannot solely propose what other parties will just accept, arguing that everyone have to create solutions because this is a matter of the future of B&H.

Izetbegovic stressed that the original Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) advocated by President of SNSD Milorad Dodik does not exist and changes were planned in the DPA itself. Izetbegovic said that all changes done and approved by both entities and the B&H parliament are irreversible.

Izetbegovic added that he is concerned about what could happen next week during the new round of talks on the electoral reform. Izetbegovic confirmed that it is already known that the only model that will be discussed next week is the model of election of the B&H Presidency, although SDA keeps insisting on reducing the competences of the Houses of Peoples (HoP) of the Federation of B&H and B&H.

Dodik responds to claims of Izetbegovic that there is no original Dayton (ATV) 

Milorad Dodik responded on Saturday to the latest claims coming from Bakir Izetbegovic. ATV reported that Izetbegovic accused Dodik of the crisis in B&H and he said that centralized B&H is the future, far away from the Dayton. Dodik said that if it was for SDA, the agreement reached in 1995 would have failed a long time ago. Commenting on Izetbegovic’s words that there is no original Dayton that Dodik mentions, Dodik said that there is the original Dayton and it is related to the initial text of the Dayton that was significantly devastated and ruined with action of international factors and policy of SDA. Dodik said that foreigners and judges of the Constitutional Court (CC) of B&H created the fuss in B&H, but also the policy that SDA is leading. Dodik underlined: “I am fighting against B&H that Bakir Izetbegovic imagined in his head and that (late) Alija Izetbegovic (imagined). I am fighting against B&H in which Muslims are dominant people who want to perform majorization over Serbs the way they are doing it with Croats. I am fighting for the RS that has a status that is clearly and precisely separated from Bakir Izetbegovic. I do not share his way of life and he is not sharing my way of life with me.”

Avaz analyzes Izetbegovic’s behavior, arguing that he is only pretending to act in interest of the state, while in fact he is working on dismantling of B&H and his end goal is forming of small Muslim state in heart of Europe (Dnevni avaz) 

 

Dnevni Avaz (daily owned by Bosniak SBB B&H leader Fahrudin Radoncic) carries an analysis which starts with a claim that SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic is a proven liar, which is a known fact to anyone who ever dealt with him in politics or outside of the politics and in this regard the daily reminds of Izetbegovic’s claim that former leader of ‘Our Party’ Predrag Kojovic was not in B&H during the war, but in Serbia which Kojovic decisively denied. Article noted that problems of Izetbegovic’s character are especially visible in the last couple of days, when US and EU intensified their activities in B&H, following Milorad Dodik’s blockades, failure to form the Federation of B&H (FB&H) government, and Dodik’s announcements of unilateral returning of the RS competencies. Author noted that the US and EU senior officials are intensively visiting B&H in the last couple of weeks trying to reach a solution, adding that Izetbegovic is trying to present himself as a constructive collocutor, who is defending state interests, but at the same time he is using his “para-intelligence and media underground” to prevent any agreement and solving of any of the problems. Author argues that Izetbegovic is doing this using the mixture of “hilarious conspiracy theories and the lowest possible lies and slanders towards every foreign diplomat who is dealing with our country”. Daily argues that tasks of public discrediting and creative constructions are awarded to journalist Avdo Avdic (whom the author further on refers to as ‘Av-Av’- most likely hinting to him being the ‘barking Avdo’), “Bakir’s ventriloquist and close associate of Osman Mehmedagic Osmica” who will go to places his bosses would not even touch and who will publish constructions that even “regime journalists are ashamed to publish”. Backing up this claim, daily reminds of series of article that Avdic published before the arrival of High Representative Christian Schmidt, labeling him as a man of dangerous intentions, who is plaining to end division of B&H in cooperation with Russia. After this construction was proven to be wrong, Avdic continued with slandering of US Special Envoy for Electoral Reform Matthew Palmer, labeling him as “a Serb player”, using the ethnicity of his spouse “as the ultimate evidence”. Similar construction was used for Director for Western Balkans and Turkey of European External Action Service Angelina Eichhorst, whom Avdic also accused of being “the Serb player” and a fan of Dodik. Similar constructions were used for series of other international officials. In this regard, author noted that Avdic’s latest blog which was published by majority of regime media, published ahead of Palmer’s arrival to B&H, Avdic used conspiracy theories and creative constructions to slander SBB B&H leader Fahrudin Radoncic, claiming that there is a coalition between Dodik, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic and Radoncic which has the same political goals- which is division of B&H and weakening of B&H institutions. As a proof for this claim, Avdic uses Radoncic’s insisting on the removal of SDA corrupt officials, such as Osmica, President of the Court of B&H Ranko Debevec and even uses Radoncic’s support to protests of miners as a proof that Radoncic is working on “undermining of the FB&H energy sector. However, as the ultimate evidence of Radoncic’s treason, Avdic uses Radoncic’s mentioning of constituent status of peoples and necessity to enable Croats to elect their own member of B&H Presidency. The article reminds Izetbegovic that constituent status of peoples was first made official by his father, Alija Izetbegovic when he signed Dayton Peace Agreement and then the motion before Constitutional Court from 1998, filed by Alija Izetbegovic, which was basis for B&H CC judgement from 2000 which rules that all three peoples are constituent on the entire territory of B&H. Author goes on and argues that it was Izetbegovic, not Radoncic who used his nepotism relation to undermine each and every institution in B&H and he was the one who enabled HDZ B&H and SNSD to take over control over B&H House of Peoples, just as he allowed Dodik to control the Council of Ministers and allowed Dodik to block B&H and Covic to block the FB&H authority. According to the author, the reason for this attack on Radoncic ahead of Palmer’s visit is the fact that Izetbegovic is trying to prevent any kind of agreement and progress in B&H, as Radoncic has proved to be a competent collocutor, who can be a bridge between different stakeholders. The article concludes that all Izetbegovic’s attempts to prevent any form of agreement, will result in international community giving up on B&H and giving free rains to Dodik to continue with dismantling of B&H, which is in fact Izetbegovic’s end goal – to form a small Muslim state in the heart of Europe.

Palmer and Eichhorst arrive in B&H for new round of negotiations on changes to B&H Election Law (BHT/FTV) 

US Special Envoy for Electoral Reform Matthew Palmer and Director for Western Balkans and Turkey of European External Action Service Angelina Eichhorst are paying another visit to B&H. BHT stressed that a new round of negotiations with foreign officials on changes to the B&H Election Law lies ahead of the political leaders in B&H. Ahead of his arrival in B&H, Palmer said that tough decisions lie ahead of the political leaders in B&H and that tough negotiations are to be expected, but that he will try to overcome the differences between the leaders and agree on a compromise. Meanwhile, SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic is sticking to the position that it is necessary to first solve the situation in the parliament where, as he claims, minority is discriminating against the majority, stressing that this is being done by HDZ B&H. HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic, on the other hand, stated that he will not give in to anyone’s conditioning. "We will negotiate exclusively, absolutely exclusively, the four elements we agreed at the last interrupted meeting which will continue on Monday, and it should take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and should end on 2 December, and I hope it ends permanently. One of the key topics are models of electing members of the Presidency and the House of Peoples (HoP). The other thing we agreed is that we will solve it in a way to eliminate any form of discrimination," Covic underlined. At the same time, leaders of other political parties in B&H do not have high hopes when it comes to the announcements of foreign or domestic officials. DF leader Zeljko Komsic said that new negotiations will not bring about changes and that a new political conflict is possible. Journalist from New York Erol Avdovic said that Palmer is definitely coming to B&H with a slightly altered agenda and changed rhetoric. "Will he make a remarkable success and solve the issue of the Election Law so that everyone is satisfied, which to me, but not only to me, seems almost impossible in B&H in such a short time," Avdovic said. FTV noted that there are many obstacles in reaching an agreement regarding the B&H Election Law – as leaders are unable to agree on what should be included in the new legislative solution. The biggest obstacle is whether this new law will contain election of the B&H Presidency members, or will it also include election of delegates to the Federation of B&H House of Peoples (FB&H HoP). The leaders must decide if they will approach this matter through the lens of legitimate representation or through the civic concept lens.

Komsic criticizes certain international officials involved in electoral reform (Oslobodjene) 

 

Chairman of the B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic assessed that certain international officials, engaged on the issue of electoral reform and limited constitutional changes in B&H, are demonstrating unfair biasness. He stressed that this is contrary to the public policies and principles of the USA and EU. Komsic said that this completely degrades the connotation of two letters sent by US State Secretary Antony Blinken, where he clearly stated that it is necessary to carry out limited changes of the Constitution and Election Law of B&H. “I deem that none of representatives of pro-Bosnian parties has right to agree to ethnic division of the state.” said Komsic.

Covic announces negotiations on changes to B&H Election Law from Monday until Thursday; Covic: It would be easier to discuss civic model if B&H had three federal units (Nova BH) 

 

The deadline for reaching an agreement on the B&H Election Law is getting shorter, noted the presenter. According to the announcements of political actors, the talks should be finalized next week. Neither the HDZ B&H nor the SDA give up their positions and they said that there is no compromise. This was confirmed on Friday by the leader of the HDZ B&H Dragan Covic after a two-day session of HDZ B&H Presidency in Kupres. Covic said that there is no compromise regarding the House of Peoples and the Election Law and there will not be a compromise. He announced that intensive talks on changes to the Election Law would begin on Monday, which should end on 2 December. After the leader of the SDA Bakir Izetbegovic said that the HDZ blockades at the FB&H level had reduced the chances of reaching an agreement and that the HDZ B&H would not get anything, Covic said that the competencies were clearly defined by the Constitution. Covic stated: “Those who think they can tell someone 'I will give you or I will not give', I think they have strayed into the politics and future of this country. I believe that everything that such people say, they do first of all to strengthen their political position or to set this dimension in the next negotiation process. We will negotiate absolutely exclusively on the four elements that we agreed on at the last meeting, which continues on Monday. It should take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and end on Thursday, 2 December. I hope it ends permanently.” Representatives of international institutions will participate in the meetings, added the reporter. Covic said that the issue of the Election Law should be resolved exclusively by the SDA and HDZ B&H with their partners. Covic pointed out that the future of B&H cannot be built on the current approach, and that those who have outvoted Croats on several occasions so far have not deceived the Croat people, but the whole of B&H. Covic believes that foreign officials have become aware of the problem of legitimate representation in B&H. Covic said: “Today, most of those who thought differently yesterday, or doubted, or were not at all interested in the situation in B&H, understand that. It was not just Mr. Macron who did it. You can hear that from the representatives of the US administration these days, when it comes to the Croat people.” According to Covic, most of the Western politicians who have not so far paid attention to B&H have started to realize true political problems, especially problems regarding the legitimate representation. Covic stressed that he would have been happier if ‘Herzeg-Bosnia’ or three republics had remained part of the Constitution of B&H, but that someone has defined it differently. He added that it would be lot easier to talk about civil concept with European officials with three federal units based on civic concept in which everyone would be satisfied, but there are the two entities and three constituent peoples instead. Covic also commented on the upcoming new round of talks on the electoral reform, noting that HDZ B&H will insist on applying what “the Constitution clearly defined on legitimate representation” and everything agreed with SDA last year in Mostar. Covic stressed that HDZ B&H will insist on resolving the issue of the election of members of the B&H Presidency according to “the Mostar agreement on legitimate representation” the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the B&H CC, and the limited constitutional reforms. Covic considers changing the competences of the HoP as something that is practically impossible to achieve, as it implies serious intervention in the Constitution. Covic reacted to the statement in which Izetbegovic said that HDZ B&H will not obtain anything if it does not renounce the mechanisms for blockades. In his reaction, Covic remarked that some politicians appear to have a dream about something and then they present it as an idea the next morning. In his opinion, such statements only aim to strengthen one’s political position. Covic also provided his point of view regarding the idea on a temporary suspension of Valentin Inzko’s decision on imposing amendments to the Criminal Code of B&H to allow B&H officials to agree on amending it, and stressed that he does not believe this could help resolve the crisis in B&H soon.

 

Escobar: US and B&H political actors are working on changes to B&H Election Law (Hina) 

 

US Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar stated for the Hina news agency that the US is currently working – along with B&H political actors - on changes to the B&H Election Law. Escobar said that organization with the three constituent peoples remains the basis of the US policy in B&H adding that the Dayton will not succeed without vibrant and politically active Croat population in B&H. Escobar said that the goal is to enable Croats to feel safe, comfortable and economically sustainable in B&H. In his opinion, systemic corruption and lack of credibility of political actors – that affect functioning of the state institutions - are a way bigger problem than ethnicity. Escobar stated for Hina that the problem in B&H is not an ethnic one but the problem of systematic corruption and the lack of credibility of political actors, who influence the capability of state institutions to function properly. He also said: “Political consensus can be reached with limited reforms, not with change of the Dayton structure.” Escobar stressed that the USA is currently working with B&H politicians on change of B&H Election Law. He added: “We must have vibrant and politically active Croat population in B&H. The Dayton will not succeed without it so our goal is to secure that they feel safe, pleasant and economically sustainable in B&H.” Escobar argues that pressure on politicians to accept reforms must come from citizens. He added: “It is important that they elect politicians who want to reach solutions that will suit all in the country and not just their political party and people.” Escobar added that pressure can be achieved by sanctions as well and he stressed that he does not like to talk about the sanctions since he does not want that the region has an impression that America is engaged there primarily with the sanctions. Escobar said: “The sanctions exist, but they will not be directed against Republika Srpska, the Federation of B&H or their citizens, but on corrupted individuals.” Asked if Washington speaks with Western European countries about the need to accelerate the EU enlargement process, Escobar said that they have been talking about this all the time.

Vecernji list reveals details of Macron-Plenkovic talks about B&H Croats (Vecernji list) 

 

The daily notes that messages that French President Emmanuel Macron and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic made about the countries in south-east Europe, foremost about B&H and preserving equality of constituent peoples, remained in the shadow of a contract on procurement of Rafale F3R fighter jets. According to the daily, the message carries extreme importance ahead of the new round of negotiations about the electoral reform that is expected to take place in B&H next week. The daily adds that all this is a result of a carefully prepared and systematic approach of official Zagreb, especially of Plenkovic’s cabinet. It further reminds that Macron said, among other issues, that there are problems in the Western Balkans countries and that ‘we’ will try to stabilize the situation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, “so we could insist that the election law in B&H is reformed in order to respect all constituent peoples in B&H”. The daily underlines that Macron’s message is completely against the vision of the Bosniak policy in Sarajevo i.e. the policy of denial of rights of other constituent peoples, foremost the Croats, stressing that the local mainstream media in Sarajevo kept quiet about Macron’s messages and that the statement about the constituent peoples “got lost in translation”. Daily’s sources, who took part in a ceremonial dinner between Croatian and French delegations at ‘Gallo’ restaurant in Zagreb, reveal that Plenkovic stressed that the issue of position of Croats in B&H is Croatia’s strategic issue as agreed in the Dayton-Paris peace agreement. According to the daily, it is the constituent peoples and their rights that are the foundations of the said agreement, adding that there are efforts in the EU to relativize this, with strong engagement of Germany and the Netherlands. The daily further carried Plenkovic who said that ‘we’ explained Croatia’s position and that a solution will be identified in the coming weeks and months that would help reform the Law on Elections of B&H in a just way, so legitimate representatives of all three peoples are elected, just as it was agreed in the Dayton-Paris agreement from 1995.

 

Balkan Integration Forum 2021 in Podgorica, participants convey message that process of EU enlargement to Western Balkans has stopped (O Kanal) 

 

The Balkan Integration Forum 2021 was held in Podgorica on Saturday. Participants conveyed a message that the process of the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans has stopped and was removed from the EU agenda, stressing that this agenda should be activated especially if all the developments in the Balkans are taken in regard. B&H Presidency Chairman Zeljko Komsic and B&H Presidency member Sefik Dzaferovic also participated in the forum’s work and criticized the EU and the US for how they treat those who block the work of B&H institutions. Dzaferovic said that the EU is not sufficiently engaged when it comes to the Western Balkans and it should be much more engaged, noting that the US should be also engaged more in the Western Balkans. “As for the international assistance and international interventionism, future of this region as a whole would be in Washington-Brussels activity,” Dzaferovic emphasized, adding that this has special importance for B&H. Komsic stated that the international community in B&H deviates in its requirements from main public policies it constantly declares. Komsic also commented on the electoral reform negotiations in B&H and said that they are already destined to be a failure. EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues and former High Representative in B&H Miroslav Lajcak stated that given the current situation in the countries of the region, the EU must be sure that new member states will not bring additional problems but that he is afraid that the EU loses the Western Balkans committed to European values. Participants concluded that conflicts can be resolved by returning to principled solutions based on which the European democracy functions. Lajcak was quoted as saying: “Integration and full membership of the Western Balkan countries in the EU have no alternative”. Lajcak said that the EU must be safe and that the new members do not bring any additional problems. “I am absolutely convinced that we do not have the luxury of waiting for the EU to solve its problems first and then start dealing with the Western Balkans region”, stated Lajcak. According to Lajcak, the EU should restore credibility to the enlargement process and the countries of the Western Balkans should restore credibility to the process of European reforms. President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic said that their priority was not a set date for NATO or EU integration and they demand an answer whether there is room for Balkan countries in the EU or not. He added that even then, they will continue down this path because it is not done for membership but for themselves. The officials also discussed the ideas of the Berlin Process and Open Balkans initiative.

Djukanovic: Montenegro needs government in order to continue with EU process, and we don’t have it now (CdM) 

Speaking at the Balkan Integration Forum ‘EU Enlargement to the Western Balkans – How to Find a Way Out of Standstill Period’, the President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic said that in order to continue with the EC accession process, Montenegro needs a government, and it doesn’t give it now. He stressed that Montenegro had never hesitated to which strategic option it should belong to. In addition, the President noted that Montenegro wouldn’t give up on the European system of values even if there was no the enlargement. According to him, we are Europeans, being on our own and there’s no alternative to the European system of values.  “I wouldn’t say that Montenegro was at any point in recent history in doubt. It should be taken into account that Russia has very thoughtful expectations about Russian sentiments in our region. We were absolutely open, we were a country of transition and we were open to the interests of everyone who are interested in working with us, so that part of the interest was found by Russian investments, but not to the extent presented to the international public,” he said. Speaking about the politics, Djukanovic added, even before independence, we were persistently repeating that we wanted the restoration of independence in order to be able to manage our future, which will be European. On the idea of the Open Balkans, Djukanovic said he backed those who thought it was a political marketing rather than a well-thought-out idea. He reminded that the Open Balkans had been a part of the mini-Schengen idea. Djukanovic also said that he had heard from several addresses that a formula of privileged partnership could be implemented in the Western Balkans, and that deferred membership could be considered: “Those messages make me feel uneasy because I don’t think that’s the answer to the problem we have.” According to him, here we have the instability as a consequence of a long standstill period in the economic and democratic development.

Abazovic: We’re not for minority government (CdM) 

The Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro and the leader of the URA Civic Movement Dritan Abazovic has said that he does not support the concept of a minority government and that he is waiting for some things to be clarified. He says he wants this situation to be resolved, and “as far as I am concerned, we will see what the solutions are”. Abazovic says he does not expect anything to happen on 10 December, when the deadline for responding to the DF platform, requesting the formation of a new government, is set.

Djukanovic: There are two options we prefer – elections or political government (CdM) 

President of Montenegro and the leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, Milo Djukanovic said that there were two ways for getting out of the current political crisis – elections or a political government. “There are two options: first scenario includes elections. Everything else would lead to the stories about political corruption and betrayal of the electoral will of citizens. The second option is to have a political government,” the President told reporters. He also added that it’d be smarter to consider the formation of a political government with a full tenure. “The DPS’ views on the minority government are not the same as 15 months ago,” Djukanovic said. “Today we’re more careful, we’re in contact with partners, we have two solutions that we prefer more than the minority government, but I don’t want to talk about it now,” emphasized Djukanovic, adding that everything is better than the current situation.

Opposition to file a no-confidence motion against Krivokapic’s government (CdM) 

The opposition is to submit a motion of no confidence in the government of Zdravko Krivokapic to parliament today, CdM has been confirmed by several sources. SDP leader Rasko Konjevic has recently announced that the opposition will submit this request. As Konjevic says, there are many reasons for this. “Enough is enough. I believe that the government will ‘fall’ in parliament in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Constitution of Montenegro,” he has stated.

 

Zaev: First to end the majority agreements and then resignation from the PM (Telma/Republika) 

 "PM Zoran Zaev's resignation from the post of Prime Minister will depend on when the negotiations with Alternative for the parliamentary majority end and the negotiations with Bulgaria," he told Telma Television. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani appealed to Zaev to remain the Prime Minister, not to jeopardize the European integration processes and the country not to enter into new problems. The leader of VMRO DPMNE Hristijan Mickoski asks Zaev, after his resignation in the party, to resign in the government. The current government is not credible, the people had their say during the local elections, and early general elections are needed for us to have a fully legitimate government, said VMRO-DPMNE President Hristijan Mickoski, Republika reports. This is the most criminal, most incompetent government that has ever functioned in Macedonia. The only decision that needs to be made in the coming period is the one to call early general elections. Anything else is an attempt by the minority partner in the SDSM – DUI coalition to attempt to show that they still have some political capital before the international community and to work to sell off the Macedonian national identity and the Macedonian state. That is something we will not allow, Mickoski said, adding that he is “shocked by level of humiliation DUI is exposing Zaev to by openly rejecting his decision to resign”. Zaev activated his resignation as SDSM party leader on Friday evening but is still trying to keep together his coalition with DUI, with his Albanian partner outspoken in their demand that Zaev remains as Prime Minister. Mickoski said that these continued delays are having a human toll, pointing to the series of accidents that culminated with the bus disaster in Bulgaria that killed 45 people, and is largely caused by corruption and incompetence of the regulatory institutions. The SDSM party Central Board accepted Zoran Zaev’s resignation as party leader on Friday evening. In a meeting that lasted well into the night, Zaev finally activated his announced resignation, which he postponed several times. A new feature in SDSM is that a leader is elected through a vote that includes all party members. The massive operation was first put in action this March, when 59,000 members voted in 227 polling stations across the country, and Zaev won all but about 800 of the votes. Now the party members will have to vote for a second time in less than a year, and will probably again have a sole favorite. Zaev openly endorsed the little-known Deputy Finance Minister Dimitar Kovacevski as the next leader.

Zaev currently doesn’t have majority in parliament, and only survived a vote of no confidence with the help of the apparent kidnapping of one opposition member of Parliament on the day of the vote. He is courting the small Alternative party, that could help SDSM get over the 61 thresholds. This nominally opposition party said that it will ask for a hefty price to help SDSM cling on to power, and will likely drag out the negotiations and make a final decision only after SDSM elects its new leader. Meanwhile, VMRO-DPMNE demands early elections that would reflect the clear swing in public opinion in their favor evident in the local elections in the Parliament. The key opposition party is also offering a chance to several opposition Albanian parties a chance to remove Zaev’s coalition partner DUI from power, for the first time after 2008. This puts Alternative and the other Albanian parties in a position to choose whether they would squeeze Zaev for more concessions or wait for early elections and divide the spoils accumulated by DUI over two decades of almost uninterrupted rule. Zaev’s First Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi again reiterated that Zoran Zaev needs to remain as leader of the government. DUI rejected Zaev’s resignation as soon as he announced it, and the party continues to point out that it has an arrangement with Zaev, either as a way to push him to remain Prime Minister, or to provide itself with an excuse for leaving the coalition. I wish them success in the leadership election. That is their own, internal matter and we respect it and will accept the outcome. Regarding Zaev’s resignation as Prime Minister, we believe it should wait. We have many important matters ahead of us in the coming months and we think we need to complete some processes with Zaev as head of the government, Grubi said on Saturday, while visiting an elementary school in Skopje with Bulgarian member of the European Parliament Ilhan Kyuchyuk. The school was attended by five children who were among the 45 killed in the devastating bus crash in Bulgaria on Tuesday morning. Grubi pointed primarily to the dispute with Bulgaria, as an issue that needs to be resolved by Zaev before he goes. Zaev declared readiness to accept Bulgarian demands aimed at Macedonia’s national identity and history, but this cost him badly in the ranks of his own party, and he suffered a major defeat in the local elections. Meanwhile, the Central Board of the Alternative party did not reach a decision to join Zaev’s coalition on Friday, but judging by its public statements, Afrim Gashi’s party is moving in that direction. The party empowered the leader to enter into talks with the current Prime Minister and the future Prime Minister, to see what their concept for exiting the crisis will be. We will hear their version and see if there is will for a shared program, and whether the partners in the Government will give up their power so there is some balance, said Alternative spokesman Orhan Murtezani. Once these talks, which likely include division of seats in the government as well as waiting to see how the internal crisis in SDSM develops, are over, the party will decide whether to give SDSM its four seats in parliament, that are enough to form another fragile majority.

 

Meta meeting with Lajçak: We appreciated the importance of the Berlin process! Albania fully supports the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Radio Tirana) 

The President of the Republic Ilir Meta met with the EU Representative for Dialogue Kosovo Serbia Miroslav Lajcak in Pristina. Meta says that Albania fully supports the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, while emphasizing that in this meeting they assessed the importance of the Berlin process. "It is a pleasure to meet in Pristina, the Representative of the European Union, for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Mr. Miroslav Lajcak. Albania fully supports the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue process, estimating that now it is the time to reach an agreement on mutual recognition of the two countries." Together we appreciated the great importance of the Berlin Process and all other comprehensive initiatives for the regional and European integration of our countries" says Meta.

The borders between Albania and Kosovo are 'merged', the movements will be monitored only with cameras (Radio Tirana) 

The Kosovo-Albania borders are being merged. At the joint meeting of the two governments, Kosovo and Albania, which is being held today in Elbasan, Interior Minister Bledi Cuci explained the three reached agreements. The three agreements aim to facilitate the movement of citizens on both sides of the border. "I want to start with the latter, which has to do with residence permits. Here we have made a very important leap to facilitate permits, to live on both sides of the Albanian border. Enabling every citizen in both countries to fill out a form and declare an appropriate address and immediately without any additional procedure he gets the 5-year leave and will immediately be entitled to permanent leave, without having to make another application. This permit is unified with the work permit. Without any document only this residence permits every citizen has the right to work on both sides of the border. I believe this is a very big relief and will facilitate human capital. The second agreement concerns the opening or transfer to another status of the border between Shishtavec and Krushevo, making it possible for this point to be used not only by locals, but also by others. This creates another artery of movement. I believe the benefit will be direct. The third agreement is the agreement that will enable the special facility or permits that the inhabitants of the border areas of the two countries will receive to move freely not only in the border areas. Both citizens of both sides will benefit from the same services in Kosovo and Albania. There are about 300 thousand inhabitants to benefit from this agreement. "They can attend school freely depending on the situation of the institutions, they can go to work without the need for any permit," said the Minister. Cuci further added that they are working to facilitate traffic at border crossings before the summer season. He said that they are installing a system of cameras, in order not to stop the vehicles, thus facilitating the circulation of vehicles. However, even for the holiday of 28 November, during the weekend there will be no checks on both sides of the border. "We have brought a package that has created a different environment, without the need for additional bureaucracy. It is not part of the agreement, but at the request of the two prime ministers, we have taken measures and will not wait for the summer season to facilitate circulation. We will set up a camera system at the border and traffic will be non-stop. Everything will be automatic without having to stop at the border at all. We have also made the work plan and it will be much sooner than the start of the season," said Cuci.