LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic: We condemn attacks on Israel (Beta/RTS)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned on Saturday the Hamas extremist group's attack on Israel and added that, now, more than ever, it was necessary for Israel and Palestine to stop the violence. "We condemn the horrific attacks on Israel. The Jewish people have historically suffered greatly and this is why Israel deserves a peaceful and safe life," Vucic said in a post on the X social media platform. "Today, more than ever before, the world needs Israelis and Palestinians to stop the violence together," the President of Serbia said. One Serbian citizen sustained a minor injury in Israel. Serbian citizens in that country have been urged to follow instructions fully, Aleksandar Nikolic, Serbia's honorary consul to Israel, said on Saturday.

 

Dacic: Meeting with Baerbock difficult but fair, double standards must be avoided (Tanjug/RTS/RTV/Politika)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said on Friday he had had a "difficult but fair" meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Tirana and that he had pointed out that double standards must be avoided in a resolution of the Kosovo and Metohija issue, as well as that the latest escalation in the Serbian province was a result of failure to implement the provisions of the Brussels agreement. "I have just finished a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who requested it. The meeting was difficult, but fair as well. We both presented our opinions. I said it is important to beware of double standards and that everyone's opinion needs to be taken into account. We do not consider 'Kosovo' as an independent state," Dacic said in Tirana, where he attended a meeting of Berlin Process Foreign Ministers. He noted that Baerbock had told him the crisis in Kosovo and Metohija was a result of failure to comply with the Ohrid Agreement, which also includes the Brussels agreement, and that she believed a Community of Serb Municipalities must be formed. "We pointed out that failure to respect the Brussels agreement, the terror against the Serbs and the passiveness of the international community when it comes to stopping Kurti are the problem," Dacic said. He said Serbia had been the party that had been warning for years that failure to respect the Brussels agreement led to an escalation of problems. "It leads to clashes in Kosovo and Metohija and that is the main cause of all problems in Kosovo and Metohija... The Brussels agreement implies Serb representation in the police in Serb-populated areas, and ethnic Albanian forces cannot come to the north without KFOR's consent, and also implies the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities and Serb representation in courts and prosecutor's offices," Dacic noted.

 

Drecun: The situation in Kosovo and Metohija is very difficult (TV Prva)

 

The Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Kosovo and Metohija Milovan Drecun said on Saturday that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija is difficult. As he stated, in a guest appearance on TV Prva, the situation is difficult because the Pristina authorities are trying to block the life of the Serbian people in that area under the pretext of implementing "anti-terrorist measures" and he assessed that any punishment of Belgrade for the events in the village of Banjska would harm not only the dialogue but would lead to rounding off a policy that is exclusive and one-sided. "The situation in Kosovo and Metohija is very difficult because Kurti's militarized regime is trying to completely block the life of the Serbian people under the pretext of some kind of implementation of anti-terrorist measures and does not pay any attention to the fact that there are already pronounced problems in the functioning of everyday life and in the supply of food, especially medicine," Drecun said on TV Prva. He estimated that in the coming period, Kurti will continue to make life difficult for the Serbian people in Kosovo, which, he added, can be seen through his intention to prevent the flow of any goods from Serbia proper to that area. "We have a statement from the commander of KFOR that they are now intensively working on this, because there are many alternative routes that lead from Serbia proper to the north of Kosovo, to close those routes, to completely prevent the Serb people from supplying themselves in the north of Kosovo with what they need necessary for everyday life. So, if the Serbs want to stay there, let them stay, if not, let them leave," he said. When asked if Europe is listening to the fact that the Serbs can no longer tolerate what is happening to them at Kosovo and Metohija, Drecun stated that it should be understood that the community consists of members who have a developed attitude towards the so-called Kosovo, and that among them, there are those who are on the side of Pristina and do not have a developed sense of justice and equal treatment. On the other hand, Drecun pointed out that there are also countries like Hungary, which has an understanding of the events in Kosovo and Metohija and which behaves responsibly, because it understands the situation in the region and the impact of what is happening in the region on the EU and its closest neighbors. "There are countries that take a much more rational view, but there are also countries that want to realize their goals to the end, to acquire the missing international legal capacity for the fake state of Kosovo at any cost, use the situation and the tragedy in the village of Banjska to put pressure on Belgrade," he said. Drecun stated that the key thing at the moment is how the investigation into the events in the village of Banjska will end, recalling that American and European officials said that an intensive investigation was being conducted and that they would take a position on what measures should be taken only when finish that investigation. "Belgrade is required to actively participate in that investigation, which Belgrade has shown. Some information was quickly obtained, although the possibilities for our competent authorities to determine what happened are limited. Politically rational reflection indicates that any punishment due to the events in the village of Banjska will undoubtedly harm not only the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, but it would lead to the conclusion of a policy that is exclusive, one-sided and can only destabilize the region and in no way open its way to the EU," he said.

 

Orlic: Serbia-Azerbaijan relations at historical high point (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Vladimir Orlic, who is on an official visit to Baku, said on Friday Serbia-Azerbaijan relations were at a historical high point and based on mutual respect, understanding and support. Orlic began the visit with a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, whom he thanked for the importance he attached to comprehensive bilateral ties with Serbia. Orlic conveyed to Aliyev the regards of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and confirmed Serbia's commitment to implementing a joint declaration of the two presidents that, among other aspects, noted the significance of exchanging visits and maintaining parliamentary cooperation with a view to further strengthening the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, the Serbian parliament said in a statement.

The parties confirmed that Serbia and Azerbaijan, unanimously and in a principled manner, respected international law and the UN principles and supported each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Orlic thanked Azerbaijan for its firm decision not to recognise the so-called "Kosovo" and for its support to Serbia, shown especially in the Council of Europe.

"We consider such a stance to be a proof of firm friendship," Orlic noted. He informed Aliyev of the extremely grave situation in Serbia's southern province - for which he noted Albin Kurti was exclusively to blame - and Kurti's terrible campaign of ethnic cleansing of Serbs. Orlic said Serbia remained committed to further development and to achieving new results in the economy, infrastructure and investments, as well as to cooperation with its friends in Azerbaijan. Aliyev noted that the partnership and the relations between the two countries were being advanced constantly thanks to his friendship with Vucic, which he said was seconded by officials and citizens of Serbia and Azerbaijan. Aliyev reconfirmed that Azerbaijan's firm support to Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty would be continued in the future and that Azerbaijan would stand with Serbia and represent its interests in international forums and organisations, the statement said. "Count on Azerbaijan, because we always stand with our friends and on the side of justice," Aliyev was quoted as saying.

 

Orlic meets with Azerbaijani parliament speaker in Baku (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Vladimir Orlic, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, met with his counterpart Sahiba Gafarova in Baku on Friday. They said they were pleased to be meeting again after Gafarova's visit to Belgrade in May this year, when they signed a MoU to confirm a commitment to continuing the dynamic cooperation. They agreed that relations between the two countries were at a historical high point and based on mutual respect and trust between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. "Such a relationship between the two leaders represents a strong impetus to intensifying and deepening the comprehensive bilateral relations and strategic cooperation, to which our parliament is contributing, too," Orlic said. Gafarova noted that Azerbaijan saw Serbia as one of its closest friends in Europe and added that Orlic's visit reconfirmed the close ties between the two countries. She said that, in challenging times for the whole world, Serbia and Azerbaijan needed to continue the unquestionable mutual support and defend the principles of international law together. Thanking Gafarova for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, Orlic informed her in detail of the terror against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, a brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing and the extremely grave overall situation in Serbia's southern province, for which he noted Pristina's Prime Minister Albin Kurti was exclusively to blame. He added that Serbia would stay on the side of the truth, law and preservation of peace, which he said was necessary to continue the country's overall progress. Orlic and Gafarova reviewed opportunities for joint work by their countries in many areas.

They confirmed a mutual commitment to continuing their dynamic communication and exchanging visits in the future. Orlic also held separate meetings with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to discuss further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

 

Hill: The truth on what happened in Kosovo’s north needs to be established (Euronews Serbia/Beta)

 

US Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill said on Friday that it was Belgrade’s responsibility to conduct a serious investigation into the recent attack in Banjska, in which a Kosovo police officers and three attackers were killed. “It is Belgrade’s responsibility to conduct a serious investigation and find out what happened there – certainly not peace and stability for Serbia, as it did not help either Serbia or the Serbs in Kosovo one bit,” Ambassador Hill said in a comment for Euronews Serbia. The US diplomat said that it was now necessary to find out what actually happened. When asked about possible measures against Serbia over the events In Banjska, Hill repeated that it was necessary to establish the truth. “When it comes to measures against Serbia, clearly there is a desire to find out what happened… It takes effort to continue the process – when there is a crisis, and when there is a replacement for a political process, that is dangerous. We need peace and stability, and the best way is to return to the dialogue,” the Ambassador said.

 

Stano: Serbia expected to cooperate fully with investigation (N1)

 

European Commission spokesman Peter Stano said on Monday that the EU expects unconditional cooperation from Serbia in the investigation into the Banjska armed incident. He confirmed that EU High Representative Josep Borrell met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, adding that the message to them from all EU member states is return to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue as the only way to normalize their relations. He said the situation in Kosovo has to be de-escalated. He said that Belgrade can’t hide behind formalities such as recognition since there are ways to share information and cooperate in a full investigation. What happened on 24 September is so serious that it has to be cleared up fully because there will be consequences, Stano said, adding that everyone who can contribute to the investigation is expected to cooperate fully and unconditionally.

 

British troops arrive to reinforce KFOR (N1)

 

NATO said that the first contingent of 200 British soldiers arrived in Kosovo on Friday to reinforce KFOR following the armed incident at the Banjska monastery when four people were killed. “The soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment are joining a 400-strong UK contingent already in Kosovo. The Romanian government on Tuesday announced it was also sending some 100 extra troops to bolster KFOR,” the press release said. “The deployment is based on a request by NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and was approved by Allies in the North Atlantic Council,” it added. KFOR currently has more than 4,500 troops contributed by 27 NATO Allies and partners.

 

Vilan calls Hamas attack brutal, says war will be fought in civilian areas (TV Prva/Beta)

 

Israeli Ambassador to Serbia Yahel Vilan said on Sunday that the incursion of the Palestinian extremist group Hamas into Israeli territory was "a brutal attack" and that in many ways had the same catastrophic impact as the 11 September attacks on the US in 2001. Ambassador Vilan told TV Prva that this was now a war that would mostly be fought in civilian areas and that Hamas continued to attack Israeli cities. He said Israel would have its revenge. Vilan said Israel was glad for the expressions of support from Serbia, from President Aleksandar Vucic, and from most countries in the world. He called Serbia-Israel relations friendly and added that as for Israel's recognition of Kosovo as an independent country three years ago "friends can disagree from time to time". Of course Serbia cannot be happy with that decision, but friends can disagree sometimes. We are happy with the support you sent. I have received support in Serbia all these years. I am conscious that our friendship is stronger than that and I hope our friendship will last, the Israeli ambassador said.

 

Five Serbian opposition parties wrote to international election observers (N1)

 

Five Serbian opposition parliamentary parties and organizations sent a joint letter to all relevant international factors for monitoring the elections in Serbia, with a request to declare the election conditions ahead of the upcoming ones and whether they will be considered unfree and undemocratic if they are implemented without the recommendations from the ODHIR report, that is, the OSCE, which the government of Serbia has undertaken to fulfil, the Freedom and Justice Party announced. This request was initiated by the Parliamentary group “Pravac Evropa” – Freedom and Justice Party, Pokret Slobodnih Gradjana, Pokret za Preokret – Sindikat Sloga, together with the Parliamentary Group “Zeleno-levi Front”, Ne davimo Belgrade, in which they reiterated the need for international actors and partners of the state of Serbia to publicly announce the non-implementation of their own reports and recommendations regarding “the low level of electoral conditions and freedoms in our country or to influence the government and the President of Serbia to fulfil the recommendations to which they have committed themselves”. “The election conditions, the regime’s media capture and the pressure on voters have worsened. A fully coordinated and united democratic and pro-European opposition in Serbia demands extraordinary parliamentary elections in our country because there is no other way for our country to get out of the current major economic, political and security crises,” the letter states. The SSP indicated that five parliamentary organizations assessed in the letter that the Vucic regime is absolutely unwilling to implement the reports and recommendations, and plans to have another election that is not real, but rigged and elections with pressure on the voters, “under the full control of the media of his regime and uncontrolled filling of ballot boxes with the importation of voters from B&H/RS”. They noted that they believe it is necessary to “hear your voice about the complete failure and unwillingness of the Serbian regime to provide free elections for our electorate and freedom from the pressures of the ruling party on employees in our public and private sectors, absolute control of TV stations with a national frequency and of our regulatory body, importation of voters from RS/B&H, violence and bribery towards voters and many other things that can be seen in your reports and recommendations”. This letter was sent to the Directorate General of the European Service for Foreign Affairs, the rapporteur of the European Parliament for Serbia Vladimir Bilcik, the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US State Department Gabriel Escobar, the EU and US Ambassadors in Serbia, their excellencies Giaufret and Hill, as well as the Heads of the OSCE Mission and the Council of Europe in Serbia – Brattu and Flesenkemper.

 

New Serbia Against Violence protest held in Belgrade (Beta)

 

Protesters in the latest Serbia against Violence protest marched again through Belgrade on 7 October, stopping in front of the Presidency building, where protest moderator Smiljan Banjac told Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic that the protesters would continue to be "persistent" and that there would be "no withdrawal, no surrender." "We know who we are -- we are the Light, they are Darkness," Banjac said, asking those present to turn on the lights on their smartphones and hold them up. Banjac said they had come to the place where "the main originator of all divisions in Serbia's more recent history" was. Banjac said Vucic had stammered through a recent interview with the CNN, and dared not enter local TV studios without prearranged questions. Banjac called on citizens to assemble in the same spot in front of the Serbian parliament at a protest on Saturday, 14 October. The Serbia against Violence protesters also marched past RTS building which Banjac said was paid by the people to report professionally, instead of kowtowing to the regime.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Meeting of Berlin Process Foreign Ministers takes place in Tirana; Ministers stress latest developments in north of Kosovo and RS President Dodik’s policy in B&H are obstacles on EU integration path of Western Balkan countries (FTV)

 

A meeting of the Berlin Process Foreign Ministers was held in Tirana on Friday, as part of preparations for the Berlin Process Summit that is scheduled to take place in Tirana on 16 October. On this occasion, the ministers of the EU member countries stressed the importance of the EU integration of the Western Balkan countries and reiterated that they need to complete the necessary reforms. They said that latest developments in the north of Kosovo and Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik’s policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) are obstacles on the Western Balkans’ EU integration path. Germany’s Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that the RS’ policy in B&H, i.e. the secession policy is chaotic and Dodik blocks the EU integration through such processes. She stressed that Germany does not approve such a policy, adding that the Berlin Process ensures better future for young people in B&H who deserve it.  EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Oliver Varhelyi said that the EC is coming with a new Growth Plan in the coming weeks, and that plan should aim to speed up the regional economic integration and should also create the opportunity for the Western Balkans to integrate gradually themselves into the EU Single Market before the accession takes place. FTV reported that the Kosovo and Serbian Foreign Ministers caused a tensed situation at the meeting. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Ivica Dacic, reminded that it was Serbia all these years that warned that tensions in Kosovo occur because the Berlin Agreement was not implemented. “That is the main cause of all problems in Kosovo”, Dacic added. Baerbock said they expect Serbia to shed some light on what happened during the recent incident in Kosovo. She said the situation is so tense that NATO decided to increase KFOR’s presence. She also said they remain careful but also determined to contribute to stability in a long term. The EU has a clear goal and that is enlargement. All participants at the meeting unanimously called on Serbia to clarify the circumstances regarding the recent incident in Banjska. Baerbock concluded that such incidents block the Berlin process.

 

Becirovic: Any form of violence and terrorism, from anyone is unacceptable (Nova BH)

 

B&H Presidency member Denis Becirovic said that he is following, with concern, the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, and he strongly condemns every form of violence, especially when innocent civilians are killed. B&H is committed to solving all disagreements through peaceful ways, with respect to international law principles, which is why any form of violence and terrorism, from anyone, is unacceptable, Becirovic said. Our state will keep on building the position of active, principles and credible actor at the international scene. Even before escalation of the latest wave of violence, B&H used to call for reaching fair peace between Israel and Palestine. We are still convinced that this is the only long-term solution.” Becirovic’s statement also reads: “Every attack and every act of violence represents a violation of human rights and democratic values. Peace is a universal value that we should all defend and cherish. No society should be exposed to terror and suffering. Peace is a priceless value, and this is a reminder of how important it is to work to preserve it, not only in our immediate environment, but around the world.”

 

B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns all forms of violence and calls for peace in Israel (N1)

 

The B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, on its official X account, on the current situation in Israel. The statement reads: “We condemn all forms of violence, especially the killing of innocent civilians. As victims of brutal attacks on cities and civilians, we deeply understand the value of every peaceful moment. We call for de-escalation of the conflict and the immediate pursuit of long-term peace accords.”

 

Covic expresses condolence over Hamas’ attack on Israel (Oslobodjenje)

 

Commenting Hamas’ attack on Israel, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic posted on his X platform: “I express condolence for every victim and destruction that occurred”. Meanwhile, Chairwoman of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Borjana Kristo also condemned “the unfair and brutal attack of the Hamas on Israel and its citizens”.

 

Dodik expresses his support to Israel and says terrorism must be defeated (RTRS)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik issued a statement on his official X account, regarding the escalation of the salutation in the Middle East. The statement reads: “I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks on Israel in which several hundred civilians died, more than a thousand were injured and many taken hostages. Terrorism all around the world must be defeated! The RS fully supports Israel's right to self-defence and protection of its territory and its people. Our prayers and our thoughts are with the people of Israel, its leaders and institutions. Our common history of suffering binds us together.” The RTRS presenter adds that the flag of Israel was projected onto the RS parliament in Banja Luka, to show support.

 

Dodik: RS parliament deems it is time for B&H with its two entities and three peoples to take over responsibility; If this is not discussed anytime soon, it is necessary to initiate talks on peaceful separation (Srna)

 

In an editorial, dubbed ‘The Border Exists’ (posted on his blog), RS President Milorad Dodik stated that the “border exists”, the one verified by Annex II of Dayton Peace Agreement, as well as the border how far something can go or how much something can be endured and when it is necessary to say- “enough”. “The border exists- not only as a border line between the RS and the FB&H, but the border also exists in patience, tolerance and acceptance,” wrote Dodik. He continues by saying that in line with Annex II of the DPA, the border is not just the border between two states - the RS and the FB&H, which created B&H in Dayton. “This is a so-called “state”, but without determination what it is according to state structure. The closest definition of this and such B&H is that this is an entity with internationally recognized borders and as such a member of the United Nations,” wrote Dodik. He repeated that the undetermined B&H is composed of the RS and “Muslim-Croat federation”, which is officially named the FB&H and according to the DPA, the RS and the FB&H, “as two states within Dayton framework have their legislation, executive and judicial bodies, their armies and police, their customs and their border services, their taxes and their finances, from which they finance the minimal and necessary at “B&H” level, which is stipulated by Annex IV of the DPA as B&H Constitution.” According to Dodik, “state of B&H” according to the DPA has nothing, except of what two statehood entities allow it and give it, underlining that Dayton B&H has only three bodies- B&H Presidency, Constitutional Court and Central Bank, which all have limited and precisely listed competencies. “All other, unlisted state competencies, functions and bodies- belong to two states- the RS and the FB&H”, wrote Dodik.  He claims that the border between two statehood entities exist and is clearly prescribed by Annex II of the DPA, which reads: “The border between the FB&H and the RS, “inter-entity boundary line”, will be as it was drawn in a geography map which can be found in ‘Appendix’”. Dodik further continued, stating that according to the international law, the people is a carrier of sovereignty and this is where the sovereignty of the states emerges from and with the Declaration from January 9, 1992, based on majority opinion of Serb people, the Serb people in B&H founded their political and administrative unit within then Socialist Republic B&H, invoking the right to self-determination in line with then Constitution of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The RS President further writes that there are numerous international documents which regulate the issue of people’s right to self-determination, including UN Charter and two international documents which became part of Annex IV of the DPA, which is International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which reads: “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit, and international law. In no case may a people be deprived of its own means of subsistence. The States Parties to the present Covenant, including those having responsibility for the administration of Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories, shall promote the realization of the right of self-determination, and shall respect that right, in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations”. Dodik wonders how this sounds in comparison to unconstitutional decisions of the Constitutional Court of B&H, adopted by outvoting and agreement of three foreign judges with the OHR, which deprive Serb people and the RS of agricultural land, forests, waters, mines, and they are deprived of the right to dispose with their wealth and natural resources. Stressing that they sound illegal and invalid, Dodik stressed: “What is even worse is the intention of a non-elected foreigner, a German representative and not the side, as Annex 10 of DPA prescribes, to take away what undoubtedly belongs to the RS as the state of Serb people and all others who live with them together”. He argues that this belongs to the RS in line with its state status “confirmed and not given” by the DPA, underlining that statehood of the RS and Serb people cannot be changed or falsified by the B&H CC decisions, reached by outvoting of Serb and Croat judges, “about the alleged constituent status of everyone at entire territory of B&H”. Dodik continues by stating that competencies that were transferred to B&H level after the war by imposing, deceits and frauds, are not constitutional, as the Constitution of B&H has not been changed, which is why these B&H’s competencies are of provisional character. The RS President that repeated Dayton-based B&H, which the RS agreed to by signing the annexes of international treaties, “is not hinderance and problem”, adding that Dayton-based B&H enables peace, stability and development”. He noted that the problem lays in illegal, anti-Dayton B&H, created through interventions of foreigners, high representatives and the B&H CC, adding that such B&H is necessary only to foreigners for maintaining of tensions where they will be important, order democratically elected bodies what to do and what not to do and all this without any responsibility. “This, their anti-Dayton B&H is heading toward dissolution and does not serve any of the peoples or citizens in B&H”, noted Dodik. He stressed that even the UN Charter is adamant that the UN has no right to interfere into internal mattes of the state, adding that if the UN has no such right, the third states do not have it either, explaining that these third states are gathered “in the self-proclaimed Peace Implementation Council, PIC’s Steering Board, OHR, but even more in the offices of certain Embassies in Sarajevo- these self-proclaim ones have reach the end of the road. We refuse to recognize Christian Schmidt, because he is not the appointed high representative in line with Annex X of DPA”. Dodik underlined that “they” refuse to recognize Christian Schmidt first because of the RSNA stances and decision from March 10, 2021 which underline that Schmidt was not appointed in line with Annex X, which is a sufficient foundation for rejecting of any appointment of the HR without procedure stipulated by Annex X. He noted that the RS parliament deems that it is high time for B&H, with its two entities and three constituent peoples, to take over responsibility for its own development in line with the DPA. “If this is not on the agenda anytime soon, it is necessary to initiate talks on peaceful separation, in line with UN Charter which guarantees every people right to self-determination and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which in line with Annex 1 to Annex IV are part of B&H Constitution,” stressed Dodik. Further on, Dodik stressed that Schmidt was not nominated by signatories of Annex X, but by Germany, so the UN Security Council could not have confirmed him as the HR, noting that his nomination was discussed by UN SC on 21 July 2021, but only two member-state voted in his favor, while 13 abstained from voting. Dodik further elaborates the thesis that the entities are the states, noting that this is undoubtable in this case, noting that this was confirmed by Venice Commission in the opinion No. 337/2005 adopted at 63rd session held on 10-11 June 2005, where the Venice Commission discussed “whether Annexes IV and VI of GFAP are unilateral acts of B&H or international agreements?”. The Commission noted that these Annexes should be considered part of GFAP and therefore they are to be considered international treaties and their character or interpretation are therefore led by international law, most notably by Vienna Convention on the Law on the Treaties. Dodik noted that the B&H CC confirmed the priority of the international law in Decision 5/98, stressing that therefore the Vienna Convention on the Law on the Treaties refers to international DPA, citing Article 34 and 35 of the Convention, as well as Article 36, which reads: “A right arises for a third State from a provision of a treaty if the parties to the treaty intend the provision to accord that right either to the third State, or to a group of States to which it belongs, or to all States, and the third State assents thereto.” Dodik underscores that signatories of the DPA and 11 of its annexes have given no written right or obligation to third states, including PIC and PIC SB: “Therefore, it would be beneficial for the foreign ambassadors in Sarajevo to start abiding of another Vienna Convention, the one on Diplomatic Relations, whose Article 41 ban interfering to diplomatic representatives into internal matters of the state, where they are ambassadors and nothing else.” Dodik concluded that the RS is preparing documents which will serve for the lawsuits via friendly states before International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court for violation of international law and DPA. “Lawsuits will also be before courts of certain states against their citizens, but also before domestic courts against collaborators and assistants, as well as those who work in working groups of the non-existent OHR.”

 

Erdogan meets Cvijanovic, Dodik who attend congress of AKP (O Kanal/N1)

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met member of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic and RS President Milorad Dodik in Ankara on Saturday. The meeting was closed for the public. O Kanal learns that during the meeting that discussed bilateral relations of B&H and Turkey as well as regional issues, Erdogan expressed gratitude to the guests for participation at the 4th extraordinary congress of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Following the meeting, Dodik stated that they also discussed the political situation in B&H and influence of some western countries on decisions Bosniak politicians reach. Dodik expressed his gratefulness to Erdogan, after their meeting. Dodik said that he is very grateful to Erdogan for taking the time to meet and talk with him and Serb member of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic. Dodik added that he does not want to give any details about what was discussed at the meeting, except for the fact that he is pleased with the conversation. Dodik pointed out that at the meeting with the Turkish President he could hear again that foreigners cannot bring anything good to B&H and that everything depends on an internal agreement. Dodik confirmed that Erdogan is a firm believer that the answer to the current crisis in B&H is agreements between the constituent peoples of B&H and not foreign interventionism. “A Dayton B&H enables peace, stability and development, while a non-Dayton B&H is only good for foreigners to maintain tensions without any responsibility”, said Dodik. Dodik argues that the RS has more and more friends who do not justify pressures of part of western countries. “I tell our friends that the RS is capable and ready to defend its integrity and the Constitution,” said Dodik, reminding that he met last week with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and during the meeting Hungary expressed readiness to take over projects in the RS which German Government cancelled. He repeated that the RS is still dedicated to the EU membership and noted that everyone can go into the talks with the EU when two things are accepted, first one being that decisions can be made without foreigners. Second thing is for Sarajevo to show they have given up on obstructions of the RS participation in the process of Euro-integration in its full capacity.

 

Dodik sends message to Putin on his birthday: Relations between Russia and RS of great importance (RTRS)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the occasion of his birthday. Dodik wished Putin a happy birthday. Dodik pointed out that Putin dedicated his life to a high and noble mission - serving his people, and that he gained indisputable authority as a great politician and an exceptional professional. “Your political wisdom, principledness and consistency contribute to the strengthening of relations between our fraternal peoples, mutual understanding and support, for which I sincerely and from the bottom of my heart thank you”, added Dodik. The RS President said that he attributes great importance to the relationship between the Russia and the RS. Dodik concluded: “I am ready to make additional efforts, together with you, in order to improve and raise our friendly relations to an even higher level. With the best wishes for good health, well-being, perseverance and success in professional and personal life, I send you the expressions of my deep respect and appreciation.”

 

Lavrov: The West behaves as if it is hunting for Dodik (ATV/RTRS)

 

The position of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that RS President Milorad Dodik is defending the Dayton Peace Agreement, and that the West is behaving as if it is “hunting for” Dodik, was conveyed by historian Aleksandar Rakovic, who spoke with Lavrov in Sochi as part of the 20th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Club. (The Valdai Discussion Club is a Moscow-based think tank and discussion forum) He also said that Lavrov pointed out that, despite the fact that Dodik is working to defend the Dayton Peace Agreement, the West considers him a disruptive factor because the West does not respect the Dayton organization of B&H. Rakovic stated that in the conversation with him, Lavrov said that the West is using Serbia's desire to join the EU in order to put pressure on it, as well as that there is a possibility that Serbia will be forced not to be a friend of Russia, because it will have to implement a policy that is established in Brussels. According to him, Lavrov stressed that Russia will remain a friend of Serbia even if Serbia enters the EU, and that it is up to Belgrade to decide which way to go, but that it should be borne in mind that only Turkey has been negotiating EU accession longer than Serbia and that one should ask why it is so. Rakovic told RTRS that Russia finds that “so-called High Representative” Christian Schmidt has no legitimacy. Rakovic noted that Russian Prescient Vladimir Putin said many times that Serbs are an undefeatable people.

 

Kalabukhov explains Russia’s stance on B&H’s accession to NATO, claims that B&H is free to make its own decisions but so is Russia (Face TV)

 

The guest of Face TV Central News was Russian Ambassador to B&H Igor Kalabukhov who spoke about B&H’s path to join NATO and the EU, the relations between Russia and RS, the issue of state property in B&H and Russia’s refusal to acknowledge Christian Schmidt as the High Representative (HR). Commenting on B&H’s path to join NATO and the EU, Kalabukhov actually read a poem he wrote in which he essentially explains how it is up to B&H to make its own decision about the accession to NATO, but B&H will be tricked and fooled by NATO whereas Russia offers salvation to B&H. He said that B&H’s accession to NATO is not a matter of B&H’s salvation because NATO is primarily “an economic instrument” which helps the US to get rich from mandatory allocations of other member states. “I truly think the key for B&H lies within B&H while NATO is a defense alliance which has nothing to do with internal affairs of any of its member states”, Kalabukhov stated and added that each sovereign country makes its own decisions, whether it is about the accession to NATO, the EU or something else, but they have to consider how it affects their own security. He clarified that Russia is not preventing B&H from joining NATO and B&H is free to make its own decision but so is Russia too. He reminded that NATO refused to accept Russia as a new member state in the 1990s despite Russia’s strong interest in the accession, adding that NATO sees Russia as an adversary and each member state has to align with NATO’s policies but Russia sees NATO as a potential adversary. He stressed the accession to the EU is not automatically accession to NATO and each country has to decide if one or the other will be in its best interest. He stated that sovereignty is what matters the most and he is not sure if people who advocate B&H’s accession to NATO or the EU realize that B&H will lose its sovereignty by joining either of the two organizations. He pointed out that Russia is not telling B&H what to do and B&H has freedom and sovereignty to determine if the accession to NATO is in its own best interest but what truly matters is whether or not there is consensus about it within B&H. However, he categorically denied that Russia is against B&H’s accession to the EU but said that it is normal for the EU to set requirements for B&H’s accession, but B&H should also set some requirements for the EU. He said that B&H and Switzerland are the only countries in Europe to sign an agreement with the US not to extradite the US citizens to the International Criminal Court and since signing of an extradition treaty is among requirements from 14 priorities from the European Commission’s Opinion, it will be interesting to see if the US Ambassador to BiH (Michael Murphy) will undermine B&H’s agreement with the US in favor of the EU’s requirement. He deems that the EU membership is often included in the same package deal as NATO membership because the EU is not as attractive as it used to be and it is no longer guided by wishes of common people but aspirations of bureaucracy in Brussels to turn the EU into a geopolitical actor. As to claims of US Ambassador Murphy that the US will not leave B&H to Russia and Russia will not decide about B&H’s accession to NATO, Kalabukhov argued that there is no difference if it is up to Russia or to the US to decide about B&H’s accession to NATO but Murphy’s claims are the confirmation of total disrespect for B&H’s sovereignty because he treats B&H like an object and no one asked him if B&H will be given to Russia or the EU. He noted that he can understand why the US officials would be advocating B&H’s accession to the US but they are openly advocating B&H’s accession to the EU, as if the US is the boss of the EU. He explained that Russia’s interest in B&H and the region stems from traditionally good relations and many people in B&H are very fond of Russia’s tradition, culture and literature but many would not hesitate to work in Russia as well. Kalabukhov dismissed allegations that Russia is involved in the latest incident in Kosovo and Russia planned to cause similar incidents in B&H in order to cause problems to the EU and shift focus away from Ukraine, saying that such false narrative is fabricated by political analyst who are paid to do so. He stressed that Russia only wants to create the conditions for B&H to be sovereign and decide for itself if it needs to be saved or it wants to cooperate with someone. Asked about the relations between Russia and the RS, Kalabukhov stated that Russia respects stances of each official in B&H, including RS President Milorad Dodik, but whether the RS will secede from B&H or not depends solely on people in B&H, and it does not seem right when individuals within B&H’s leadership are calling for sanctions against B&H citizens. He claims that Russia, as a guarantor of the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA), has a task to monitor if everything in B&H is in line with the DPA. As to Dodik’s frequent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kalabukhov said that the two have consensus regarding certain important issues, such as respect for the international law, respect for the role of the UN and refusal to acknowledge “legitimacy of the so-called HR” but there is also the economy and opening of the Russian Embassy’s office in Banja Luka. He clarified that the office in question is the Russian Embassy’s office, not Russia’s consulate. Commenting on the issue of state property in B&H, Kalabukhov argued that the Annex 10 of the DPA is the key as it stipulates that everything has to be agreed upon by two entities and this could be the solution to the issue of state property. He claims that everything in B&H has to be agreed upon and this whole concept is based on the DPA. Asked about Russia’s refusal to acknowledge Christian Schmidt as the HR, Kalabukhov said that Russia does not acknowledge Schmidt as the HR because his appointment was not confirmed by the UN Security Council. As to Schmidt’s claims that is a propagandist, Kalabukhov said that he is a propagandist of the truth because he only propagates the truth.

 

Milanovic calls on Iran to recognise Israel and Israel to recognise Palestine (Hina)

 

Croatian President Zoran Milanovic has called on Iran to recognise Israel, and Israel to recognise Palestine, calling for peace and restraint after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a major offensive against Israel. “I can repeat what I said to the Iranian president, whom I met in New York, that it would be good, fair and logical for them to recognise Israel,” Milanovic told reporters on Sunday, adding that it would also be good for Israel to recognise the Palestinian state. “But that will not happen, no matter what we say, no matter what support we provide today to either side, no matter whose flags we hang. For me, there is only room for one flag in this country, and that is the Croatian flag, and all others can only be lower, but not at the same level. Neither the EU nor NATO, let them be here, but it is not the same level, especially the flags of third countries,” added Milanovic. The Croatian president said he hoped no Croats had been killed in Israel and condemned the killing of civilians. “I call for peace and restraint because what we are seeing is terrible (…) We are not seeing that in Ukraine, we have not seen that for a single minute. Israel will retaliate in a more advanced way, even more people will be killed,” Milanovic said. Iran, an ally of Hamas and an enemy of Israel and Saudi Arabia has congratulated Hamas on its “heroic offensive.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that “Israel is at war” and warned that it will be “a long and difficult war” against Hamas.

 

Croatian PM strongly slams Hamas attacks against Israeli cities (Hina)

 

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Saturday condemned the actions of Hamas that fired hundreds of rockets from the Palestinian territory on Israeli cities. “I strongly condemn the Hamas attacks against Israel. These terrorist acts against civilians are shocking and unacceptable. Croatia stands in solidarity with Israel and its people in this difficult moment,” Plenkovic wrote on the X social media platform. The armed wing of Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, announced that it had launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israel and fired more than 5,000 rockets on Saturday. Armed militants also entered some parts of Israel. In the attacks, a woman died, and dozens of people were wounded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said in the meantime that his country is “at war” with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

 

PES parliamentary caucus: New round of negotiations with ZBCG and URA might take place (RTCG)

 

Session of the Europe Now (PES) parliamentary caucus was held late in Podgorica, and the attendees discussed further steps concerning the formation of a new government. There were several options, including the new round of talks with the For the Future of Montenegro bloc (ZBCG) and maybe even URA, but in the end they concluded that the party’s management should consider concrete further steps in the negotiations over the new government, reports the RTCG portal. The session was attended by the Prime Minister-designate and the Leader of PES, Milojko Spajic, and many MPs. It was held after the Democratic Montenegro announced that they would not accept that the decisive vote for the formation of the government comes from a DPS MP. Mr Spajic was nominated prime minister-designate on 10 August, while the deadline for the formation of a new government expires in early November.

 

Besic: Govt. must be formed or PES won’t exist, sooner or later Spajic will have to opt for DPS or ZBCG (RTCG)

 

A month before the deadline for the formation of the government, Professor Milos Besic believes that it must be formed. The question is, however, who will do it. Besic says that Milojko Spajic is forced to choose between DPS and the former Democratic Front, and whoever he chooses will suffer some damage. It was clear from the election night that the process of forming the government would be difficult, says Professor Besic. He believes that this process will take some time, but he has no doubt that it will be completed, most probably in the last days of the legal deadline. “Europe Now (PES) must form this government. PM-designate Milojko Spajic simply has to do it. Hence my argument that there will certainly be a government. Because if he does not form this government, PES will be halved at the next elections, and then it will quickly disappear”, Besic believes. According to him, PM-designate Spajic is currently in a difficult position. He faces the disloyalty of MPs from his own list, so he is forced to choose between two, as he claims, inconvenient partners. For Besic, it would not be surprising if Europe Now receives support for the formation of the government from DPS, regardless of the fact that it won power on the platform of the fight against that party. “That party has reformed its personnel, that’s one thing. Another thing, which is very important, is that DPS has a traditional structure that knows how to manage the state. And the third thing that is most important for PES is that they don’t have any ideological differences”, Besic says. Although they have no ideological differences, PES and DPS have a difference in coalition potential which, as he states, makes the whole process of government formation paradoxical. Spajic, he says, must not allow himself to lose, but must decide with which of the partners he will implement the program most effectively. No matter who is chosen, the government must also have representatives of minorities, Besic stresses. The problem that exists between them and the For the Future of Montenegro coalition is solvable, it’s all just a matter of political agreement, Besic concludes.

 

Army Chief of Staff Gjurchinovski meets Serbian Defense Minister Vucevic in Belgrade (MIA)

 

Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic met Friday with Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Vasko Gjurchinovski, who is paying an official visit to Serbia, MIA reports from Belgrade. Minister Vucevic and General Gjurchinovski referred to the importance of continued cooperation in the defense sector and exchanged opinions on the political-security developments in the Western Balkans. Vucevic said commitment and good will from both sides is needed for further strengthening of bilateral relations and added that such meetings are the best indicator of this, while noting that the Open Balkans initiative is an excellent form of cooperation among regional states. The Serbian Defense Minister positively assessed the presence of troops of the Army of North Macedonia in KFOR, "which represents the only guarantee for safety of the Serbian population in Kosovo." General Gjurchinovski highlighted the excellent cooperation in the field of military medicine and military education, adding these joint activities contribute to the general bilateral relations, the Serbian MoD said in a press release.

 

Osmani – Docherty: North Macedonia’s EU accession process - an investment in country’s stability, prosperity (MIA)

 

Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani held a meeting Friday with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe and North America, Leo Docherty, on the sidelines of the Berlin Process ministerial meeting in Tirana, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release. According to the Ministry, Osmani and Docherty hailed the excellent relations between the two partner countries, with Osmani voicing gratitude for the continued British support for the democratic and economic development of North Macedonia and the region. Minister Osmani briefed the British Minister over the country’s European dossier and the process of constitutional amendments, as a necessary step to resume the country’s EU negotiations. “The new geopolitical reality has injected a new dynamic to the Euro-integration processes of the countries of the region. The unity of the continent within the Union is no longer only a question of economic or political integration, but it is also a question of security. Therefore, we must use this one-time opportunity to fulfil the remaining political task of the constitutional amendments and continue towards the opening of the first cluster by the end of 2030 without any further delays,” underlined Osmani. Docherty reiterated the United Kingdom’s position that the continuation of North Macedonia’s accession process is an investment in the country’s stability and prosperity, and it will boost the European Union’s credibility. At the meeting, positions were exchanged over the current political and security developments in the region, and other current international topics. In his role as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Osmani informed Docherty about the Organization’s next activities, as well as the upcoming challenges which call for a joint response.

 

Berlin Process' achievements in 9 years (Radio Tirana)

 

The foreign ministers of the EU and the Western Balkans were this Friday in Tirana to prepare the big meeting of leaders that will be held here on 16 October. It is the first time that the Berlin Process will hold a summit in the region, and not within the borders of the union. The Berlin Process is an initiative aimed at increasing regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and providing assistance for the integration of the countries of this region into the EU. It was presented on 28 August 2014 by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. At a time when the EU was facing numerous challenges and its enlargement was on hold, the Berlin Process was launched to preserve the stability of the Western Balkans, support ongoing reforms and advance cooperation between the countries of the region. In 9 years, the focus has been on the economy, better trade exchange within the countries of the region and between the EU region, as well as the education of the Balkan youth in the EU. The main achievements of the Berlin Process are: the creation of the Regional Office of Youth Cooperation, the Investment Forum of the Western Balkan Chambers, the creation of green corridors within the region and green corridors between BP and EU countries. Roaming agreement in the region, according to which citizens from the 6 countries from 1 July 2021, do not have to buy roaming packages when traveling in the region. Another agreement, which came into force on the first day of this month, significantly reduced mobile charges for travelers between the Western Balkans and the EU. In the field of commercial exchange, goods and people, the three mobility agreements are active, which constitute important achievements of regional cooperation within the Berlin process. Main achievements of the Berlin Process: Creation of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), Investment Forum of Western Balkan Chambers (WBCIF), Green corridors within the region and between WB and EU countries, Roaming agreement in the region (started on 1 July 2021), Reduction of roaming charges between BP and the EU (started on 1 October 2023) and the three mobility agreements.

 

Hasani: Kosovo-Serbia dialogue should be raised to a conference level with the Franco-German plan as a guide (Radio Tirana)

 

In the joint press conference with the German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock and Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the end of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Berlin process in Tirana, Albanian Foreign Minister Hasani said that "a very serious event has occurred, a criminal terrorist attack in the north of Kosovo that anyone who would hold the office that I have, would react in the same way". "Our stance towards the normalization process, on the other hand, remains unchanged and is in line with that of the European Union and the United States", said Hasani. However, he added, "we have stated and requested several times publicly and officially in the highest instances of the Euro-Atlantic community that the format of the normalization dialogue should be raised to the level of a normalization conference with the Franco-German Road map at the negotiating table. "We expect Serbia to launch a serious investigation into the terrorist criminal group potentially involved in the armed attack in the north of Kosovo and their connections with arms traffickers and other individuals or entities in Serbia or elsewhere. But, especially in the current situation, Kosovo-Serbia dialogue is the only way to peace. The parties must work courageously to reach a comprehensive agreement supported by the European Union and the United States which will enable mutual recognition between the two countries, Kosovo's membership in the UN as well as the fair treatment of minorities always based on the Constitution and laws of Kosovo", Minister Hasani concluded.

 

Baerbock: EU should keep its promises, speed up Western Balkans' integration pace (Radio Tirana)

 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Annalena Baerbock, declared today in Tirana that the time has come for the EU to keep the promises made by the EU, while adding that the pace of integration into the EU should be accelerated. Baerbock stated that "It is a pleasure that the Summit of the Berlin Process will be held for the first time in the region, where it is at home, here in Albania in the heart of the Western Balkans. "On Monday, I was together with my colleagues from the EU and the EC in Kiev, where there was enthusiasm for Europe," she said. Baerbock emphasized that it is clear that the region's future belongs to Europe". "If Europe does not come to them, they will find out a way to it. Therefore, we all need to speed up the pace of EU integration. The visit to Kiev has made it clear to us that Russia's attack on the changes in the EU and the Western Balkans region is necessary in the dimension of geopolitics", she said. The German chief diplomat emphasized that in this context, young people rightly expect from us. "They want to break free from the chains of the past and have perspective on their future. The opening of a branch of the College of Europe in Tirana, a symbolic European institution, shows that Albania has arrived safely in our European family. Germany will also allocate 300 thousand euros to the fund for building bridges between young artists of the Western Balkans, paving the way for reconciliation", she added. "For the first time, young people can visit one-another without having to invest a lot. Their degrees are equally valid. We want to walk side by side with you towards the EU. For this, we need new and related reforms in the region, but also the rest of us together within the EU. The time has come to keep the promises we made a long time ago", Baerbock was quoted as saying.

 

Prime Minister Rama: Albania stands with Israel (Radio Tirana)

 

The dramatic developments in Israel, with hundreds of Israeli civilians killed, was on the focus of the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama on Sunday evening too, who shared a photo with the Israeli flag on the facade of the main building of Tirana State University. Albanian Prime Minister Rama, through this post on social networks, expresses solidarity with the Israeli people in these very difficult moments. 'Albania stands with ISRAEL. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of the cruel terrorist attack and of the innocent people taken hostage by the terrorists," writes Rama. The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, expressed support for Israel, taking the trigger from the projection with the Israeli flag on the facade of the main Tirana State University building. "Tirana is wearing the flag and joins the civilized world in solidarity with the suffering families and the Israeli people. Albanians of all religions saved the Jews from Nazi barbarism. Make no mistake! Today is no different - barbarism has nothing to do with religion!" - wrote Veliaj. The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj reacted through a post on the X social network, to the terrorist attack on Israel. "I strongly condemn the attacks of Hamas against Israel. In these moments, we stand by Israel. Our prayers go out to the victims and their families. Albania is determined against any form of terrorism." Parliament speaker Nikolla writes that the parliament of Albania strongly condemns the terrorist attack and that in these difficult moments they stand by Israel. Albania, underlines the speaker of the parliament, "will continue to be at the side of strategic partners in the fight against terrorism, for the protection of security and peace." "The parliament of Albania strongly condemns the terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel and stands by the Israeli people in these difficult moments. Our prayers, thoughts and support go out to the innocent victims and their families in Israel. Albania will continue to be at the side of its strategic partners, the USA and the EU, in the fight against terrorism, for the protection of security and peace", Nikolla writes. Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed his condolences for the terrorist attack in Israel and condemns the perpetrators who also caused loss of lives. In a reaction on Twitter, Rama writes that Albania stands firm with Israel and all its Muslim neighbors who have chosen the path of peace and cooperation. "We are deeply saddened by the indiscriminate attacks on Israel that have resulted in loss of life, and we strongly condemn the perpetrators and their supporters. Albania stands firmly with Israel and all its Muslim neighbors who have chosen the path of peace and cooperation", writes Rama.