Vucic: Serbia on EU path but must look after its interests (Tanjug/Politika)

 

Despite growing Euroscepticism in the country, Serbia is substantially on the European path, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday, adding that the country must pursue a policy that is in line with its substantial interests. When asked by a reporter to comment on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's reference to a mutual recognition between Belgrade and Pristina and the fact that 2033 has been mentioned in Thessaloniki recently as the year when Serbia might join the EU, Vucic responded that this was untrue and noted that Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis had mentioned 2033 as the year for the entire Western Balkans - not for Serbia. "When do you think Bosnia and Herzegovina, or others that have not even opened the negotiations, could join? They did not mention Serbia, but the entire Western Balkans. I am not one who is too optimistic, I do not give people hope in situations where there is none but, to be fair, that was not a reference to Serbia, but the entire Western Balkans," Vucic said. As indicated by the latest opinion poll, conducted a few days ago, Euroscepticism is growing on a daily basis, Vucic said. "But we will need to try to look at things rationally. Can we do without European investments? I think we cannot. Are we emotionally overjoyed about the statement on Kosovo-Metohija or the pressure over our foreign policy? None of us are, but we must be reasonable and keep emotions from overwhelming rationality, and we must pursue a policy that is in line with our substantial interests," Vucic said. Vucic said that the negotiation framework with the EU officially included “full normalization” of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, but not mutual recognition. He added that he expected “fierce” criticism of Serbia in the forthcoming period, regarding Kosovo and the “non-imposing of restrictive measures” against Russia. When asked what he expected from the meeting of EU and Western Balkans’ leaders in Brussels on 23 June, Vucic responded that it would be “interesting” at the Union’s headquarters.

 

Popovic: Complete failure of Mechanism in cases on Kosovo and Metohija (Politika/RTS)

 

Serbia is pursuing a responsible policy of reconciliation in the region, without which there is no future, stability, economic development and normalization of relations, Serbian Justice Minister Maja Popovic said at the session of the Security Council. Addressing the session dedicated to the six-month report on the work of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, Minister Popovic pointed out some of the key issues concerning the current cooperation between Serbia and the Residual Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, the Justice Ministry announced. “The Prosecutor’s Office of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has failed miserably in investigations and trials for crimes committed in Kosovo and Metohija against Serb and non-Albanian civilians, significantly damaging the reputation and trust of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Mechanism. Impunity for the horrific crimes committed against the Serb population has practically become a policy that has found its strong foothold in the work of the Prosecutor’s Office of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia,” said Popovic. She emphasized that all references to the so-called Kosovo should be understood in full compliance with Security Council Resolution 1244 and that it is the obligation of all participants in the prosecution of war crimes and cooperation in the fight against crime to fully comply with this resolution. Popovic pointed out that ten requests for legal aid, which the Prosecutor’s Office for War Crimes of the Republic of Serbia sent to EULEX Pristina, which is conducting its activities relying on the authority of the UN Security Council, have not been answered yet. Regarding the Mechanism’s Prosecutor’s Office’s stalemate in the negotiations between Serbia and Croatia on concluding an agreement on establishing a framework for processing war crimes, Popovic noted that this is a bilateral issue that is not within the exclusive competence of the Mechanism or of special interest. The Minister conveyed that the agreement was not concluded because Croatia insisted on the abolition of universal jurisdiction in the legal system of Serbia. She emphasized that Serbia has made efforts to deepen cooperation with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in this area, stating that every crime must be adequately punished, regardless of who committed it.

Popovic pointed out that it is necessary for the countries in the region to take the same steps, because for now, Serbia is the only one that sincerely offers a hand of reconciliation. Popovic reiterated Serbia’s request and readiness for prison sentences handed down by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals to be carried out in Serbia, under the supervision of the Mechanism. The Minister also opposed the practice of long-term non-decision-making of the Mechanism on requests for early release of Serbian citizens, emphasizing that non-decision on requests flagrantly violates their basic human rights. She noted that in the reporting period, the Serbian War Crimes Prosecutor’s Office actively cooperated with the Mechanism’s Prosecutor’s Office, and in addition to regular high-level meetings, cooperation was achieved in specific cases against two high-ranking officials, which resulted in indictments and investigations. in other case. During this period, as she said, a working group composed of representatives of the Mechanism and the Prosecutor’s Office for War Crimes of Serbia was formed, in order to improve cooperation in specific cases, especially in terms of providing evidence.

 

Petkovic with Greek Ambassador: Pristina hinders continuation of dialogue (RTV/Tanjug)

 

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic informed the Ambassador of Greece to Serbia George Diakofotakis about the position of the Serb people in our southern province, as well as the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and thanked Greece for its commitment to respecting the inviolability of Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Petkovic pointed out that our side will continue to firmly and unwaveringly insist on the implementation of all agreements reached so far, the Office for Kosovo and Metohija announced.

Petkovic also conveyed that Belgrade is ready and committed to substantial progress in the dialogue and resolution of issues important for the normalization of relations and everyday life of all citizens in Kosovo and Metohija, but that he expects such a solution from the other side, not obstruction and disrespect of the agreement. With the approach so far, Pristina has made it much more difficult to continue the dialogue and called into question the progress in the normalization of relations, Petkovic underlined, drawing special attention to the fact that Pristina has been avoiding implementing the agreement on establishing the Community of Serb Municipalities for nine years, which is  guarantee of collective rights if Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, but also permanent and sustainable stabilization of the situation on the ground. Petkovic also pointed to a series of ethnically motivated incidents that have occurred in the past few days, but also pointed to an increase in the number of incidents against Serbs, their property and Serbian Orthodox Church facilities, of which there have been 187 since the beginning of last year and which are generated with anti-Serb rhetoric and policy of impunity by Pristina. Petkovic stated that Belgrade is ready to continue negotiations, which are the basis for establishing peace, stability and economic development in the entire region. The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija especially thanked the Greek Ambassador for the fact that his country remains firmly committed to respecting international law and the principle of inviolability of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia, which is additional confirmation of sincere and strong friendship between our two countries.

 

Gratitude to France for supporting Serbia’s EU integration (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic met yesterday in Paris with a delegation of the French Senate, led by Chairman of the Commission for Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Christian Cambon. Stefanovic pointed out that Serbia and France have good bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, and the officials agreed that there is a mutual commitment to its further improvement. Stefanovic expressed gratitude for France's support for Serbia's European integration, emphasizing that full membership in the EU is our country's foreign policy priority and that France's support is important to us along the way. He reminded that one of the priorities for Serbia is regional stability, and that our country is determined to continue to be its key factor in the region. The Open Balkans initiative is aimed at stronger economic development and the creation of better living conditions for all citizens of the region, Stefanovic pointed out, adding that it is completely complementary to the process of European integration. Cambon pointed out the importance of Stefanovic's visit to the International Military Technology Fair "Eurosatory 2022" in Paris, as well as the importance of the common history of the Serbian and French people, adding that it is necessary to further develop cooperation on that basis.

 

Cooperation with UN in achieving concrete results in field of sustainable development (Tanjug)

 

Serbian Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic and Permanent Representative of the United Nations in Serbia Francoise Jacob chaired today the first Joint Steering Board for the implementation of the UN Framework for Sustainable Development with the Republic of Serbia for 2021– 2025. On that occasion, Joksimovic pointed out that Serbia, in cooperation with the UN, will achieve concrete results in the field of sustainable development – stability, but also climate, security, food and energy security, and thus, in difficult times, provide citizens with a better life. She stated that the UN Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development 2021-2025 launches a new five-year cycle of multi-enhanced partnerships to accelerate green and digital transformation. The Minister expressed confidence that further joint strategic approach, defined through a kind of basic plan of activities with which we are starting a new period today, will have concrete results and contribute to the interest of each responsible government, namely sustainability and stability, climate, security, food and energy security. is vital for everyone in Europe and the world. She added that Serbia is implementing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which it joined by signing the Sofia Declaration, at all levels within the accession and negotiation process. Joksimovic also reminded of the possibility of using IPA 3 funds and the perspective that allocates significantly more funds for projects related to the environment and sustainable development goals. The meeting marks the operationalization of the UN Framework for Sustainable Development with the Republic of Serbia, signed in February by Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic and Francois Jacob, in the presence of Joksimovic.

 

New round of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue to be held next week (Tanjug)

 

A new round of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue at chief negotiator level is due to be held next week, Tanjug learns. According to diplomatic sources in Brussels, the Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic and Pristina’s chief negotiator Besnik Bislimi are due to meet on Tuesday, 21 June, to discuss finalizing an agreement on energy and a declaration on missing persons. The sources also announced a possibility of another round of the dialogue being held at the highest political level before the summer recess in Brussels with the aim of confirming potential agreements reached on the issues by the chief negotiators and expert teams.

 

Bilcik: Serbia has to make a choice (N1)

 

European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia Vladimir Bilcik told N1 on Tuesday that alignment with European Union foreign policy on Russia is the key issue for a new Serbian government and added that the country has to choose where it wants to be. Serbia has to choose where it wants to be and I hope that the choice won’t be based on the past because I know that Serbia remembers war but it has to cross from the 20th into the 21st century, Bilcik said adding that Western Europe played a strategic role in relations with Serbia. He said that the EU would welcome Belgrade’s alignment with the sanctions policy. “The decision on opening clusters depends on all member states and if Serbia does not impose sanctions on Russia that could be used as an excuse by some countries not to continue integration… If you want to be part of Europe, are you prepared to work with us in these critical moments as we face war and Europe is united with 27 countries imposing the sanctions,” he said. According to him, Europe is prepared to help with the energy and economic situation but added that “we have to see progress in alignment with EU foreign policy”. Bilcik said it’s important that the European Parliament supports Serbia’s European perspective and is ready to work with it to achieve progress. He said the report adopted by the EP foreign affairs committee focuses on key reforms, adding that the EP is prepared to link up with Serbia’s newly elected institutions. We are prepared to link up in the inter-party dialogue as well, he said, adding that there are problems in Serbian politics but that the important thing is that the opposition took part in the elections and will hold seats in parliament. According to Bilcik, the important thing is for all pro-European forces to be as strong and united as possible on the country’s strategic path to the EU. He expressed concern over misinformation and propaganda over the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the EU in the Serbian media. Bilcik said that Europe ranks first in terms of trade and investments in Serbia and added that it is ready to continue down that path but that political change are necessary.

 

Schieb: The catalogue of obligations is clear (N1)

 

German Ambassador to Belgrade Thomas Schieb said Monday that the EU is not giving any “artificial dates” for membership because “that would not bring any benefits”, but that the catalogue of obligations that EU candidate countries need to meet is clear. Speaking in N1’s show Behind the News the Ambassador said it was good that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the region and Belgrade, bringing messages, of which the most important one is that the Western Balkans are in their hearts and Berlin’s priority. The Chancellor’s main message is that we want the Western Balkans and Serbia to become part of the EU when Serbia is ready for it and when it meets certain conditions, said Schieb. He explained that Scholz did not bring Serbia any new requirements, and that normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is currently important. It is difficult to imagine countries that have not recognized each other joining the EU, said Schieb adding that the issue of recognition will be raised at some point but that, as Scholz said, small steps and successes are now needed so the normalization process could advance. Addressing the issue of sanctions against Russia, Schieb said that Serbia wants to become an EU member, that the EU has decided to impose sanctions in an effort to stop the war, and that membership candidates are expected to join the sanctions. Schieb described Scholz’s visit as successful and said that he brought certain messages, formulated offers and signaled that they were willing to intensify cooperation in the field of energy, climate... The visit cannot be a major breakthrough, but it is an important signal, said Schieb. The Ambassador said that the Berlin Process is not a substitute for membership with the EU for the countries in the region but an initiative that is to facilitate their path to the EU by enabling their better economic integration.

Reconciliation is also an important element of the Berlin Process that will accelerate and facilitate the accession process, the Process is support to get into the EU faster, said Schieb.

We are here to support Serbia with all our strength, and in the end everything will depend on political will, on the membership candidate’s reform will, said Schieb who is nearing the end of his term in office in Belgrade. I am leaving the country with very positive impressions, Ambassador Schieb told N1.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Dodik meets with Cavusoglu in Istanbul to discuss infrastructure projects, economic cooperation and political challenges related to Ukrainian crisis (RTRS) 

 

Serb member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Milorad Dodik arrived to Istanbul on Tuesday, where he attended several meetings regarding the road infrastructure projects – which refer to highway which needs to connect Bijeljina and Brcko, Visegrad and Istocno Sarajevo, and Visegrad and Trebinje. Late on Tuesday afternoon, Dodik attended a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Main topic of their meeting was the current political situation in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Dodik and Cavusoglu also spoke about economic cooperation between B&H and Turkey. They addressed a pressing matter, which is the securing of artificial fertilizers for spring sowing. On his Twitter account, Dodik thanked Cavusoglu for his hospitality. In a telephone statement for RTRS, Dodik assessed that his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister was “very good”. He confirmed that they spoke of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Dodik emphasized that Republika Srpska (RS) shares most of the Turkey’s views on this matter. “We believe that there is no need for taking any sides; we believe we should be on the side of peace; that we should review the position of our own countries, and in that sense, to preserve the same values as them”, Dodik underlined. Dodik commended Turkey for having a “balanced policy” in all of this, adding that this country will most probably have a significant role “in the new world”. Dodik and Cavusoglu spoke about B&H, its political situation and relations, and Dodik said the Minister is well informed about all of the things that happen in B&H. “We can consider him a friend; equally as (Turkish President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, who has showed that he cares about all people, and all nations in B&H”, Dodik pointed out. He adds that Erdogan always emphasized a need for reaching an agreement within B&H, and between the domestic leaders. Dodik confirms that they once again reviewed the idea on holding a trilateral meeting between leaders of Turkey, B&H, Serbia and Croatia. He says the meeting would be attended by Erdogan on one side, by Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on the other, as well as members of the B&H Presidency. Dodik underlines the goal of this meeting would be to reach an agreement that would further stabilize situation in B&H. During his stay in Istanbul, Dodik spoke with Turkish officials about infrastructure projects, mainly focusing on the Belgrade-Sarajevo highway project. Dodik says that in the coming days, the companies from Turkey and China are expected to reach an agreement on the way in which they will approach the implementation of this project – the section that goes through the RS territory. “I believe we will have a good agreement regarding that,” Dodik told RTRS. He says Erdogan is really interested in implementation of this project, and its swift realization. Dodik thanked Erdogan and Cavusoglu for helping B&H with artificial fertilizers, which this country usually gets from Russia and Ukraine, but now, Turkey provided necessary quantities for the upcoming spring sowing. Dodik says they agreed the same quantities for autumn sowing as well.

 

AFET adopts report on B&H, condemning secessionist activities of RS and calling on political leaders in B&H to move their focus on EU integration (O Kanal) 

 

The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted the report on B&H on Tuesday. The report condemns secessionist activities of RS and calls on political leaders in B&H to move their focus on the EU integration. The report was passed with 44 votes in favor, eight against and five abstained from the voting. The report reads that B&H is faced with huge challenges that cause deadlock in the country, stressing that secessionist rhetoric and activities of the RS leadership represent a dead-end the same as the electoral reform negotiations. The report stresses that obstructions prevent B&H from implementing key reforms that are part of 14 priorities set of the EU. The MEPs called on political actors in B&H to unconditionally return to institutions and improve their work on reforms on the EU path, especially in the field of rule of law. European Parliament's Rapporteur for B&H Paulo Rangel published on his Twitter profile on Tuesday that the report adoption is “particularly relevant news in the context of war in Europe”. He stressed that the report emphasizes the importance of holding the free and fair elections in October in B&H and credible perspective of the EU accession. AFET Report strongly condemns non-compliance with national and international norms and obligations. The report on B&H also condemns hate rhetoric and disruptive activities, including withdrawal from institutions, especially by the leadership of the RS. According to the Report, in this way, one is destabilizing B&H, undermining its statehood by violating the Dayton Agreement and hampering key reforms. The Report rejects all attempts at forming parallel and para-state institutions and calls for return to B&H institutions. Rangel assessed that the report is coming at a crucial moment for B&H and Europe. "B&H faces two major challenges that pull it into an institutional deadlock: the secessionist acts and rhetoric of the RS leadership and the impasse in negotiations on electoral law, which must respect European and constitutional jurisprudence. These blockages prevent the country from focusing on the key reforms required by the 14 priorities set by the European Commission. There is a lot of work to be done. We support and believe in the European future of B&H which will bring peace and prosperity to all its citizens!" Rangel wrote on Twitter. In light of invasion of Russia against Ukraine, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) call on B&H to apply sanctions of the EU that B&H complied with. They warned of continuous interest of Russia to destabilize B&H. Rangel emphasized in the Report that B&H has not made significant progress in period between two reports, although the EU hoped for it. He stressed that when it comes to the RS, clear steps in wrong direction were visible, adding that these steps represent step backward in regards to progress of political situation. Rangel went on to saying that blockades and stalemate in talks on changes of electoral legislation are developments that do not give hope to overcome current situation. Rangel stressed that some signs in B&H have been worrying and indicating that some things going in wrong direction could happen.

 

Novakovic Bursac: B&H should stay neutral about Ukraine, AFET report on B&H is expected (Glas Srpske) 

 

The Head of the SNSD Caucus in the B&H House of Representatives Snjezana Novakovic Bursac said that the AFET’s adoption of the report on B&H – which demands end to the political deadlock and calls on authorities to impose sanctions to Russia – continues with its policy. She argued that they try to impose their stance and, in her opinion, this is expected. As for the sanction to Russia, she said that the AFET demines some politicians in B&H who say that the country already did this. According to Novakovic Bursac, politicians in B&H should stick to their own stance and remain neutral on this issue. She added that the Brussels has the right to impose its stance but they also have different views on the current crisis in the eastern Europe.

 

Izetbegovic: Brussels Agreement is good; Dodik will return to pro-EU policy, Covic focuses on B&H Election Law (Hayat) 

 

President of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic, asked about the political agreement reached by B&H leaders during a meeting in Brussels on Sunday, Izetbegovic said that he assessed it as very good and the response of the B&H political leaders was good. He assessed the involvement of the EU in the future and the work that will be done is going to be productive. Asked about changes to the agreement, Izetbegovic said that there were two kinds of rhetoric presented, one was for EU officials and the other for internal use, when one gets back to B&H. He added that President of SNSD Milorad Dodik repeated his stances about B&H being unable to survive and his opposing to foreign judges in the B&H Constitutional Court (B&H CC) and other institutions in B&H, but he then accepted everything opposite. Izetbegovic said that he noted that the changes to the B&H Election Law cannot be discussed until all authorities are formed after the general elections. Asked why Dodik changed his stances and accepted certain things, Izetbegovic said that Dodik will try to maintain pro-Russian and pro-EU policy at the same time for a while, and then switch to a pro-EU policy completely. He said that it is clear based on economy and other connections that B&H belongs to Europe and nowhere else. Asked whether all those who signed the agreement plan to respect it, Izetbegovic said that they will not respect it 100% but it can definitely be said that new powers and influences are present, which B&H officials will be likely to follow. Asked about the upcoming meeting of Western Balkans and EU leaders in Brussels this month, Izetbegovic said that he believes the agreement signed on Sunday returned B&H back onto its EU path. He said that B&H will not get EU candidate status immediately, but it is moving towards this direction. Asked about the refusal of President of HDZ B&H Dragan Covic to not attend the meeting on Sunday, Izetbegovic said that he does not understand the policy of Covic often and he suspects it was because of the presence of Croat member of B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic. He added that Covic hoped the focus of the meeting will be the B&H Election Law and he was disappointed. Asked whether the political agreement is the end of blockades in B&H, Izetbegovic said that it represents the beginning of the ending of blockades. Asked about the politics of Croatia, Izetbegovic said that Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic is more aware of wrong policies and the wrong policies established by Covic. He believes that Plenkovic cannot set things up properly because of the activities of Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. Izetbegovic believes that Milanovic cannot face the reality and he has a rigid stance. Asked whether it is possible for the pressure from Serbia to subside after changes in the policy of Dodik, Izetbegovic said that the pressure will subside and the failure of Russia in Ukraine contributes to this as well. Asked about the possibility of reducing competences of House of People, Izetbegovic said that the stances of the Venice Commission regarding this are recommendations. He added that verdicts of the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) are conditions that need to be fulfilled and this is more important for B&H. Izetbegovic said that the reduction of competences of the Houses of People will be requested by SDA. Asked whether FB&H President Marinko Cavara should step down from his post after sanctions were imposed, Izetbegovic said that many had sanctions and did not step down, but Cavara had to step down from this post for the reasons he was placed in this position. Asked whether EU officials are trying to repay for the prolonged EU path and lack of focus, Izetbegovic said that there is no need to be naïve and they do what is within their interest, which includes a stable Western Balkans and peaceful B&H. Asked about progress on the NATO path, Izetbegovic said that things will progress together and there will be a change in the stance of Serb leaders who will agree to NATO membership. Asked about the accusations of blockades being placed onto SDA, Izetbegovic said that if the people are so naive to believe this, while SDA is opposing blockades of HDZ B&H so strongly, then it is the fault of the people. He said that equalizing Covic, Dodik and Izetbegovic is like equalizing the aggressors with those who are defending. Asked how much the Russian invasion of Ukraine affected the change of Brussels towards B&H, Izetbegovic said that the change was dramatic and fateful. He said that Europe understood this invasion can cause a domino effect and this is their answer. Asked about threats made by Russian Ambassador to B&H Igor Kalabukhov, Izetbegovic said that the threats are serious and reminded of the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic eight years ago. He said that many are ready for bad things to stop the NATO path in the Balkans. Asked about general elections and the opposition, Izetbegovic said that the parties united against SDA do not have any ideology that unites them and they are making agreements with Covic in advance already. He said that these parties created rivalries by joining HDZ B&H to remove SDA, and they will do this with SNSD as well. Izetbegovic said that they do not wish to defend B&H but to break its spine and the force that defends it for 30 years. Asked how he accepts the criticism of the Troika in Sarajevo, especially those who used to be his former close associates, Izetbegovic said that disappointment is common in life and these processes are sped up in policy, because policy only consists of interests. He said that one cannot be emotional in politics and he overcame that. Izetbegovic said that he does not have an issue to work for B&H with former associates of SDA. Asked whether it is possible to cooperate in accordance with the agreement from Brussels in the pre-election time, Izetbegovic said that unnecessary fights that force young people to leave B&H need to stop. He said that with the help of the EU a strong economy and industry can be built. Asked who will win general elections, Izetbegovic said that the people are tired of fighting and conflict, as well as false promises. He said that they need to turn to those who work the real work despite their mistakes. Izetbegovic assessed that SDA will win and that DF has the chance to do well because of its position and despite the fact that they are unable to work as much. He said that SBB will lose voters, SDP may maintain their voters, ‘Our Party’ (NS) will lose half of its voters as well as ‘Justice and People’ (NiP).

 

US Embassy to B&H says those who fail to fulfil promises given in Brussels should be called to responsibility; Analyst Kuzmanovic claims USA and EU have no sincere will to do anything concrete in B&H (EuroBlic) 

 

The US Embassy to B&H on Monday stated that political leaders who fail to fulfil their promises given in Brussels on Sunday will have to be called to responsibility. “B&H leaders, unfortunately, scored poor results in taking advantage of opportunities to lead the country forward through implementation of reforms. Those who fail to fulfil their reform promises and, instead, continue to prevent B&H from fulfilling its full potential should be called to responsibility,” the US Embassy to B&H noted. Political analyst Darko Kuzmanovic said that it is incredible to see that the Western leaders still do not understand that domestic leaders never fulfil their promises and he added that it is incredible that the Western leaders are letting corrupt politicians from B&H toy with them in this way. Kuzmanovic wondered who is it that should call domestic leaders to responsibility and added “had there been a sincere will of USA or EU to do anything concrete, this could have been done already”. “Instead of imposing utterly irrelevant and unnecessary (former High Representative Valentin) “Inzko’s law” (on prohibition of genocide denial) last year, which only prolonged life of politicians such as (SNSD leader Milorad) Dodik or (SDA leader Bakir) Izetbegovic whose careers were already on life support systems, a new Election Law or Public Procurement Law should have been imposed and concrete results in the field would have been seen in record time,” Kuzmanovic claimed and added that it is clear that the current authorities are surviving thanks to loans approved by structures of countries which are allegedly committed to prosperity of B&H. Kuzmanovic concluded by saying that the latest press statement of the US Embassy to B&H, just like many similar ones, deserve no attention because it is always politicians who gain benefit from such statements.

 

Covic: Unitary state cannot come to life; Most European officials do not buy story about civic state (Dnevni list) 

 

HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic stated that he believes that the proposal of changes and amendments to B&H Election Law, proposed by HDZ B&H delegates, will be adopted Wednesday’s session of the B&H House of Peoples. Asked to comment on stances on abolishing of Houses of Peoples, Covic said that he understands what they want. He added: “They want to make a civic state… A unitary state cannot come to life. One part of people works with good intention in a wish to have a different society, and others with a very clear goal to get one area here, which will be in accordance to some laws which are not in line with European values.”  Covic also noted that most European officials do not buy the story about the civic state. He believes that the time has come to start to think about B&H in a different way.

 

NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation expresses deep concern over internal crisis after visiting B&H last week (Dnevni list) 

 

A NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) delegation visited B&H last week. The statement issued by the delegation following the visit shows that the internal crisis in B&H is causing serious concerns in the NATO and EU in the moments of serious international tensions in Europe caused by the Russian war against Ukraine. The statement reads that B&H is coping with the most severe political crisis since the country emerged from the ashes of a bitter war almost thirty years ago, and that political fissures in B&H have recently deepened while Russia’s war against Ukraine and meddling in the Western Balkans have exposed the country’s vulnerabilities. The statement refers to the meeting with High Representative Christian Schmidt who recently used the Bonn Powers to secure funding for organization of the 2022 General Election. Schmidt told the NATO PA delegation that nationalistic narratives will not contribute to reconciliation nor promise a future. “I do not know who will win, who will run, and what I did was to ensure that there is paper for ballots.  The tensions are getting higher. We have to try to cool this situation down. We have to bring cooperative understanding to this country”, Schmidt said in the meeting with the NATO PA delegation. The delegation members heard that although Russia is the source of very little investment and economic support to the country, it remains an outsize political factor in parts of the country, notably in the RS, and contributes to hardening divisions and political instability, members heard. The head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative Johann Sattler noted that the EU worked hard to counter Russia’s false narratives in the country, especially in the wake of its war against Ukraine. EUFOR Commander Major General Anton Wessely told the delegation that reinforcement of the EUFOR Althea mission was a prudent measure due to tensions and spill-over potential of Ukraine. He added that the goal now is to make this increase a permanent signal of the EU’s 100-percent commitment to stability in B&H. The delegation heard from several observers that B&H’s political system is handicapped by a political elite that purposefully ratchets up ethnic tensions to perpetuate their positions in power and to expand their privileges and access to an overly large public sector. The statement of the NATO PA delegation further reads that the ambition to accede to NATO remains vibrant with a large majority of citizens, albeit not in RS. There is a greater consensus on the notion of EU accession, but the country has made very little progress in meeting the conditions designated as essential before EU candidacy status could be considered.

 

Schmidt: Legitimate representation is demonstrated in elections (HRT1) 

 

Guest of HRT central news was High Representative in B&H Christian Schmidt. Reporter reminded that the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) in B&H warned recently that stability of B&H is in danger. Schmidt said that there are two dangers, adding that first one refers to war of Russia against Ukraine that jeopardized stability of entire Europe. “We have to cooperate and stand together, because we do not know how far Vladimir Putin’s expansionist policy will go”, explained Schmidt. He added that when it comes to second danger, there are “old acquaintances” in B&H, adding that B&H failed to make progress in regards to some issues for years and these issues need to be solved. High Representative Schmidt explained that he refers to the EU path of B&H, amending of the Election Law of B&H and departure of well-educated young people from B&H. Asked whether he is prepared to use Bonn Powers in order to impose more just Election Law of B&H, Schmidt stated that Bonn Powers exist, adding that he hesitates to use them. High Representative stressed that he will not hesitate to use these competencies if necessary, adding that national solution in B&H will always have priority. He went on to saying that thanks to statement B&H political leaders adopted during recent meeting with President of European Council Charles Michel and thanks to amendments to this statement submitted by (leader of HDZ B&H Dragan) Covic, electoral legislation in B&H should improve. He expressed hope, it will be done on time. “I will carefully observe what will happen in six months”, stated High Representative in B&H. Asked if it is acceptable for one people in B&H to elect representatives of other people, Schmidt said that in entire Europe this question can be asked only in B&H. He added that situation in B&H is different and he respects it, because it is defined by the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA). Schmidt underlined that there are three peoples in B&H and there is no minority, but Others. He emphasized that when it comes to Croats as constituent people that has been relatively reducing as group, there are numerous discussions in this regard. High Representative underscored significant progress in regards to this issue was made during talks in Neum, adding that he cannot see why these talks should not be resumed. Asked about what terms legitimate representation and constituent peoples mean for him, Schmidt said legitimate representation is demonstrated in elections, adding that it is principle in the Europe and in democracy. High Representative emphasized that it is important question, adding that it does not mean someone else should decide on behalf of voters. “We have to find balanced mechanism where everyone will feel represented. No one can be discriminated,” concluded Schmidt.

 

Brammertz: Croatia unwilling to prosecute crimes against Serbs and Muslims (AJB) 

 

The Hague Mechanism's chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz warned on 14 June before the UN Security Council that Croatia was unwilling to prosecute Croatian war criminals who had committed crimes against Serbs and Muslims. "The overall impression is that there is a will in Croatia today to achieve justice for Croat victims, but not victims of other nationalities," Brammertz stressed in a regular report to the U.N. Security Council in New York. The chief prosecutor underlined that the "Croatian government has passed a political decision to block the judicial process" in cases in which the victims were non-Croats. The prosecution in The Hague said that Brammertz had concluded that Croatia was stalling cooperation with Serbia and B&H in prosecuting the culprits of war crimes. He said that in Serbia, Croatia and B&H "there are still over 3,000 suspects" for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide who needed to be prosecuted. Brammertz called on the states of the former Yugoslavia to "cast aside their political differences and substantially improve cooperation in the search for missing persons".

 

Covic: I believe that there is way to implement B&H CC’s decision on filling HoP by foreign intervention; Bosniak parties will do everything to get six delegates and fully take over the FB&H and expel Croats from the authority (Vecernji list) 

 

HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic, believes that some still experience B&H as backward even those who are way below B&H’s level. Covic added that they deeply believe that they can do what they like and build this society the way they see it. Speaking about the meeting in Brussels, Covic said that they did a great job during the preparations, adding that Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic was strongly engaged and then three days before the departure to Brussels everything changed. Asked who manipulated all this, Covic said: “People from Brussels, who really wanted to help, did not do it definitely. However, after a three-hour long talk, the format of the meeting and the agenda that we asked for during the meeting with President of the European Council Charles Michel was completely different in the end. The whole idea was to resolve disputes regarding the B&H Election Law. However, there was no talk about this in Brussels at all…” As for his support to the document from Brussels, Covic said that he did give his support but they also asked that the agreements from Brussels from 2013 where it was said that one people will not elect political representatives to the other people is stated in the preamble, as well as the agreement from Mostar about legitimate representation. Covic added that apart from this, they also insist on urgent resolving implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision in the item number 11. Asked how to resolve disputes regarding the election law and implement election results, Covic said: “I believe that there is still another way to implement B&H CC’s decision on filling the House of Peoples (HoP) by foreign intervention. There are solutions which would prevent outvoting or demotivate the other side. In any case, we must convincingly win in the elections. It is crucial if we shall know to communicate the things regarding the HoP, while it is obvious that others decide on the B&H Presidency.” Covic believes that the B&H HoP will adopt at its session, which is to take place on Wednesday (today), a proposal of the law on filling the Federation of B&H (FB&H) HoP, while it does not stand a chance to be adopted in the B&H House of Representatives. The journalist reminds that the B&H CC stated that Covic’s proposal is in accordance with the DPA and asked if it is possible to get support of the Bosniak side to basic principles at least. Covic replied: “This should not be expected without serious pressure of the American administration. All parties from Sarajevo are together if their opponents are Croats…” Asked if he was put in an awkward position due to stances of Plenkovic and Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, who commented the last meeting in Brussels in a completely different way, Covic said: “Every disagreement represents a sort of temptation for me. For me it is a priority to put resolving the Croat issue on the top of the agenda of all those engaged in the politics of Croats …” Covic also spoke about the phenomenon of two Bosniak members of the B&H Presidency and he said that the message they sent from Brussels was very risky but it is completely logical and principled. He added that everybody understood why they were not at the meeting although they went to Brussels. Journalist commented on this saying that the question emerges why the meeting in Brussels took place at all and Covic said: “In the end the message was sent that the EU is interested in B&H, which is excellent. I am grateful for this and I stated this in the letter sent to Michel, Plenkovic. Now, with a small distance from it, it seems to me that it was talked more about the Croat inequality than even if I had been talking there, where six, seven people opposed me. The true strength of the lobbies which support Sarajevo was obvious at the EPP gathering in Rotterdam where the power of the support network of Turkey, intelligence services and finances could be fully seen. It is quite sure that within the EU there are strong structures which are under influence of Turkey. We have seen in the case of Finland how important Turkey is.” Asked how is it possible to prevent that Bosniak parties elect six Croat delegates and even those who falsely present themselves as Croats, Covic said: “…The most important is that foreigners understand what the intention is. Strategically it strongly depends on how the Central Election Commission (CEC) will behave. Two years ago, conditions were created for illegal appointment of the CEC. All this was done on purpose… We have daily information from the field and even from the part of the international community that Bosniak parties systematically organize themselves and they will do everything to get six delegates and fully take over the FB&H and expel Croats from the authority. All this would lead to an absolute crisis. We believe that for the sake of relaxing the overall situation it would be important that the Bosnaik side is demotivated to do this.”

 

Djukanovic: Western Balkans EU membership is a geopolitical investment in global peace and stability (CdM) 

 

President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic clearly stated that the Western Balkans EU membership is a geopolitical investment into the global peace and stability. “Based on what we’re doing since the formation of a new government, our intention is to achieve as much as we can on the European path. Montenegro has demonstrated that it’s a functional parliamentary democracy, it had a democratic capacity to change power peacefully. The parliament dismissed the government which turned out to be incompetent,” Djukanovic told following the meeting with the President of the European Council Charles Michel. “We discussed the state of play in the region. There was a certain slowdown in the implementation of enlargement goals on the territory of the Western Balkans. The anti-European countries used it. The Russian aggression against Ukraine happened, which represents the aggression against the European security. The warning from Ukraine indicated the need for a lively dynamic of the EU towards the Western Balkans. It’s up to us to understand it correctly,” he said, among other things. Charles Michel pointed out that the EU planned to continue with strong support to Montenegro. “Now is the time to speed up the integration into the EU by cooperating with all institutions in Montenegro. The next step is to meet all indicators in the area of rule of law. We support both your country and the region.” According to him, it’s useful to listen to each other. “This is a possibility to create a shared future.” Asked about Montenegro’s EU membership and whether it’s realistic to expect that it’s going to be the next EU member state, Michel emphasized he really believed that Montenegro had achieved great progress. Michel said that he and Djukanovic had also discussed French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal for creating a "European political union" and reiterated that this was not a replacement for enlargement but "a tool that will bolster it." Commenting on the Open Balkans initiative, Djukanovic described it as being "too politicized" and that it "does not deserve the attention it is being given." He said that the initiative "comes from Eurosceptics who at one point began doubting the European perspective" and that this European perspective "is real and stronger as a result of the Russian aggression" against Ukraine.

 

Abazovic with Michel: We are leading Montenegro to the EU (CdM) 

 

We are leading Montenegro to the EU, Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic said during a meeting with European Council President Charles Michel, who is on an official visit to Montenegro. Abazovic pointed out that the positive signals coming from Brussels, but also from the member states, confirm that Montenegro has maintained its leading position in European integration. "It is clear to us that the turning point is just happening and that it will not last long. We expect that all relevant actors in Montenegro will understand the importance of the moment and use the months ahead so that the Progress Report in October can state that Montenegro has made significant progress. We are leading Montenegro towards the EU, we have delivered impressive results in a short period of time," said Abazovic. He also assessed that the non-paper concerning the rule of law is seen by Montenegro as a guide for obtaining a report on the implementation of provisional measures in Chapters 23 and 24. "It is very important for Montenegro to take this major step in the next two years in order to start closing the negotiation chapters as soon as possible. We are not looking for shortcuts to membership, but we expect the enlargement process to be merit-based. It is a model that gives faith in the European future," said the Prime Minister.

Michel said that Montenegro has been a consistent partner of the EU for a long time and that it has been 100 percent in line with the EU's common foreign and security policy for more than a decade, which shows Montenegro's strong commitment to becoming a member of the Union. He said now is the right time to speed up the integration process by working harder on reforms and that the EU is ready to bring new energy to the accession process. The interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and its implications for the EU and the Western Balkans.

 

Abazovic arrives in Kiev: Montenegro will continue to help Ukraine in this difficult time and humanitarian catastrophe (CdM) 

 

Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic announced that he arrived in Kiev with his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama in order to provide support to Ukraine and its citizens in defending the right to freedom. "Montenegro will continue to help Ukraine in this difficult time and humanitarian catastrophe," Abazovic said on Twitter. He is accompanied by advisor Djordje Radulovic and chief of staff Ana Rasovic. Abazovic traveled by train from the Polish-Ukrainian border. Earlier, the Montenegrin Prime Minister initiated the idea of ​​the Prime Minister of the Western Balkans going to Kiev together, but only Rama travelled with him. We remind you that Abazovic spoke on Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that Montenegro has openly supported Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty from the very beginning, emphasizing that European values ​​of freedom and the right to choose oneself are being defended outside the European borders. and that Montenegro fully supports the EU's attitude towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "We hope that Ukraine will get the status of a candidate for joining the EU, and Montenegro, as a leader in the negotiation process, is ready to provide the necessary expert and political assistance," Abazovic said at the time. Zelenski thanked Abazovic for Montenegro's support to Ukraine so far, its principled attitude towards the EU and its relationship with the United Nations.

 

Rama and Abazovic arrive in Kiev to hold a meeting with Zelensky (Radio Tirana) 

 

Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Montenegrin counterpart Dritan Abazovic arrived in the Ukrainian capital. It was the Prime Minister of Montenegro who shared on Twitter the photo of the streets of Kiev. "We arrived in Kiev with Edi Rama to offer sincere support to its citizens in defending the right to liberty. "Montenegro will continue to help Ukraine in this difficult time and humanitarian catastrophe," Abazovic wrote on Twitter. The two leaders met with the President of Ukraine, Zelensky, and the Prime Minister of Ukraine and will visit some of the areas most affected by the fighting.

 

Kim with President Begaj: US looks forward to continuing the excellent cooperation with you! (Radio Tirana) 

 

The US Ambassador to Tirana Yuri Kim met with the new President Bajram Begaj. In a Facebook post, the US embassy states that Ambassador Kim congratulated the new President Begaj, reiterating that the US looks forward to continuing the excellent collaboration with him in his new role. "US Ambassador Yuri Kim met with President-elect Bajram Begaj at the Presidential Palace (Palace of Brigades) in Tirana. She congratulated him on his election as the next President of Albania and reiterated that the United States looks forward to continuing the excellent collaboration with him in his new role. Ambassador Kim thanked him for his contributions to strengthening the US- Albanian relationship as Chief of Defense, especially during the Defender Europe 2021 military exercises, and noted she looks forward to many more meetings with President-elect Begaj during the course of his upcoming presidency," reads the message of the American Embassy.

 

Xhacka leads UN session with regional organizations, EU part of the meeting (Radio Tirana) 

 

While Albania awaits a European Council decision on the de facto launch of membership talks, the EU has been invited to the Security Council where Albania presides to discuss UN co-operation with regional organizations, guided by the latter's agenda. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania announced the holding of the meeting chaired by Minister Xhacka, a day after the open debate of the Security Council on “Keeping promises: The role of Regional Organizations in the implementation of the Agenda, Women, Peace and Security in the face of political unrest and Taking Power by Force”. RTSH has provided the document of this debate that will be held on 15 June, announced within the agenda of the Albanian presidency and directed at the ministerial level in the Security Council, an event which is expected to be attended by representatives of various international and regional organizations, including EU, OSCE (Secretary-General), African Union and Arab League. Even in the meeting on 16 June, chaired by Minister Xhacka, it is expected that the topic of cooperation between the UN and international and regional organizations will focus on the EU. In addition to the EU High Representative Joseph Borrell, from the UN will be the UN Under-Secretary-General, Rosemary Di Carlo. The EU has recently been exposed by Ukraine's request for accelerated membership, in addition to years of waiting for veto-blocking procedures for some countries in the European Council. It will be exactly Vice President Borrelli who will chair the European Council for Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg, an unpredictable meeting according to reliable sources for RTSH in terms of the decision on Albania's negotiations.