LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic: West should do more than issue statement on Kurti's vote ban (Tanjug/Politika)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday he believed the West would do more than issue a statement over Pristina PM Albin Kurti's decision to ban Kosovo Serbs from voting in the 17 December Serbian elections. "You would have to be politically blind to not see what Kurti is doing," Vucic, who had predicted the decision, said in a response to a question from reporters. "As I have told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, we will wait to see if they will even issue a statement in which they will say that this is contrary to democratic principles," Vucic said, noting that even a statement was in doubt but that it remained to be seen whether one would be issued. "There is one set of rules for Serbs and another for ethnic Albanians when it comes to the attitude of the powers that assisted the birth of the so-called Kosovo, and what remains for us to do is fight for the preservation of international order and for our country and its preservation," Vucic said. He added that the positions of the five EU member states that did not recognise the so-called Kosovo were firm and noted that he was confident they would not change.

 

Vucic meets with Peach to discuss developments in Kosovo and Metohija, region (RTV/Tanjug)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with the UK's special Western Balkans Envoy Stuart Peach on Friday to exchange views on current developments in Kosovo and Metohija and the region. "I reiterated that Serbia remains committed to preservation of peace and stability in the region, to a responsible policy and to fulfilment of agreements, primarily to establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities," Vucic wrote on Instagram.

 

Full understanding, years-long mutual support between Serbia, Cyprus (RTS/Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked yesterday with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidis and assessed that the two countries are tied by a strong friendship, the historically confirmed closeness and solidarity of the two peoples, based on full understanding and years-long mutual support. She pointed out that the holding of the third joint session of the two governments testifies to the commitment to improving cooperation and expressed her belief that the memorandums signed will contribute to stronger cooperation, primarily in the fields of education, science, technological development and innovation. As Brnabic assessed, the greatest possibility for the improvement of economic cooperation is the increase of Cypriot direct investments in the economy of Serbia, and she called on Cypriot companies to invest more in the Serbian market. She voiced her expectation that, in addition to increasing trade, the two countries will also consider cooperation in the fields of energy, agriculture and tourism, in which they countries have significant potential. President Christodoulidis said that Cyprus is committed to speeding up the process of accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU and conveyed firm support to Serbia on its European path, bearing in mind that only such a policy ensures stability in the region and Europe. Saying that the two countries have the same stance when it comes to respect for international law, the Prime Minister thanked Cyprus for its continued support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia.

 

Bilateral relations between Serbia, Cyprus based on firm friendship (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos expressed their satisfaction today with the bilateral relations of the two countries based on firm friendship, mutual trust, the historically confirmed closeness and the solidarity of the two peoples. During the talks, mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and Cyprus was expressed, with an emphasis on the necessity of fundamental respect for this key principle in international relations. The need for more intensive communication and mutual regular exchange of information at all levels on the most important issues for the two countries was highlighted. The Serbian side expressed its special gratitude to Cyprus for its continuous support to the European integration process of the Republic of Serbia. The two sides concluded that today’s Council for Cooperation between Serbia and Cyprus confirmed the strong commitment of the two countries to further strengthening of their all-round cooperation.

 

Positive development of bilateral cooperation between Serbia and Kingdom of Belgium (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic met late yesterday with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium Hadja Lahbib. During the talks, satisfaction was expressed regarding Minister Lahbib's visit to Belgrade, which is being realised at this level on the Belgian side after six years. Both sides pointed out that this visit is of great importance for improving the overall bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as for reviewing the current process of enlargement of the EU, since the Kingdom of Belgium will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January 2024. The Serbian side voiced the expectation that the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU will be successful and that it will give a positive impetus to taking the next steps in the process of the European integration of the Republic of Serbia. The two officials noted that bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Belgium is developing positively, especially in the field of the economy. They agreed that additional engagement is needed, in order to use the potential for its improvement in priority areas. Dacic and Lahbib exchanged opinions on the course of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the importance of long-term stability in the region, as well as on the main current international topics, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

Dacic: Zagreb was informed, unwanted diplomat engaged in intelligence activities (FoNet)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said Croatian diplomat Hrvoje Snajder was declared persona non grata because of a gross violation of the Vienna Convention, adding that his job was not to engage in intelligence but in diplomatic activities. These are documented findings and facts that Croatia was informed about some time ago and it should have taken measures but since it refused to do so, we declared Snajder persona non grata, said Dacic, commenting Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic’s claim that Serbia failed to provide an explanation for its decision to expel Snajder. They were informed on time and proof was supplied, Dacic reiterated. As for Croatia’s reciprocal move, said Dacic, it may seem as one, but it is not. A day after Snajder was declared unwanted by Serbia, the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs declared Petar Novakovic, an advisor at the Serbian Embassy in Zagreb, persona non grata. Did he violate the Vienna Convention? He took up his post in Zagreb in September, so even if he wanted to do something I don’t think he had time, and this is a person who works on consular affairs, said Dacic.

 

RIK: No conditions for holding of 17 December elections in Kosovo and Metohija (Beta)

 

The Republic Election Commission (RIK) said on Thursday that there are no conditions for the holding of the 17 December Serbian elections in Kosovo and Metohija, so Kosovo Serbs will be able to cast their ballots in the towns of Vranje, Kursumlija, Raska and Tutin (in Serbia proper). The local administrations will subsequently determine at which polling stations the Kosovo Serbs will vote. RIK President Vladimir Dimitrijevic said they wrote to the Office for Kosovo and Metohija to inquire about ways in which voters from Kosovo could be enabled to vote in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. “We have been informed by the Office that it is not possible to carry out the election procedure in Kosovo that would be in accordance with the legal regulations, because the interim Pristina institutions, with Albin Kurti at helm, have made the voting conditional upon the recognition of the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo and are refusing to ensure the activities of OSCE, which has been assisting in elections since 2012,” said Dimitrijevic.

 

Lutovac: We will give pensioners back everything that Vucic took (Beta)

 

Democratic Party President and Serbia Against Violence ticket candidate Zoran Lutovac said yesterday that after the change of government, pensions, which were cut by the incumbent authorities in 2014, would be restored. Lutovac told Beta that returning pensions had been one of the Democratic Party's first promises in the existing parliament. "If we want rule of law, then we must honor the Serbian Constitution and give back what was taken away from pensioners contrary to the Constitution. This is not a contest in populism, but the credibility of the state, rule of law and the Constitution at stake." He said that Serbia had become a country of hungry people, and that the most vulnerable were children and pensioners.

 

Veselinovic says Belgraders decided to change government back in May (Beta)

 

Dobrica Veselinovic, the first candidate on the Serbia Against Violence ticket for elections in Belgrade, said yesterday that Belgraders had decided to change the city government back in May, when, as he put it, the most horrific price was paid for the violence that all of society had been pulled into. Asked based on what the opposition thought there would be a change of government in the capital on 17 November, Veselinovic told Beta in an interview that the citizens were fed up with violence, crime and corruption. "My fellow citizens made this decision back in May when we paid the most horrific price for the violence that all of society has been pulled into. Inflation and high prices only cemented this decision. This city needs change and you feel that in the air and in the streets," he said. According to him the legacy of the Serbian Progressive Party in Belgrade would be unmet promises and feelings of being let down. "The Serbian Progressive Party is going to leave us a city treasury emptied through corrupt schemes by a small number of privileged individuals, a city of cement with much less greenery in an urban chaos resulting from urban planning by investors who only looked after" their own interests and not those of all Belgraders, he said. Asked by Beta whether he knew anything about whether personal interests and lucrative schemes had been behind decisions by some city officials and the directors of city companies, Veselinovic said that corruption had enveloped all of society. "We have created a team of seasoned individuals, which includes former police officers, financial forensic experts and attorneys who, after the change of government, will investigate all cases which suggest that corruption was involved," he stressed.

 

Obradovic: Change of government only way to stop trend of national defeats (Beta)

 

Serbian Movement Dveri leader Bosko Obradovic stressed yesterday that the incumbent authorities' inability to have elections held in Kosovo spoke best about the fiasco that their policy on Kosovo was. He called on citizens to vote for the National Gathering - Statehood Building Forces coalition made up of the Serbian Party Oath Keepers and Dveri. "The only solution to stop this trend of national defeats is dismissing the incumbent authorities in elections on 17 December. I call on everyone who opposes the Franco-German ultimatum for recognizing the false state of Kosovo and wants to keep it a part of Serbia to vote in elections for option number four," Obradovic said in a written statement. He said that the coalition guaranteed that the government's detrimental policy of the past 10 years would be scrapped and changed.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Marking of B&H Statehood Day; RS MoI banned gathering (FTV)

 

First time since the aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), the Statehood Day of B&H will not be marked in Mrkonjic Grad. The Republika Srpska (RS) Ministry of Interior (MoI) banned the gathering under explanation that it could pose a threat for the security in the town. Nova BH reports that the RS MoI has banned a public gathering in Banja Luka, announced for November 25 by SDP B&H. In a statement for Nova BH, SDP BiH Vice President Vojin Mijatovic said: “We do not want to endanger anyone in Banja Luka, or anyone that would come to Banja Luka, for someone’s political goals. Will there be surprises for them? Of course, there will be if they thought that they will stop with this the thing we have been doing for long now. I am in Banja Luka as early as tonight. We will see you on the Statehood Day and let keep everything else a surprise for the regime and members of the regime”. Chairman of the B&H Presidency and DF leader Zeljko Komsic, asked to comment decision of the RS MoI by which the marking of the B&H Statehood Day was banned in several cities, stated that the ban on celebrating the Statehood Day in Mrkonjic Grad is an attempt to say that B&H as a state does not exist. “When you forbid such things, the rule is that you forbid them because you are afraid of something”, Komsic assessed. Komsic believes that RS President Milorad Dodik wanted to ban this holiday in the RS because he fears people of the RS might actually start liking that holiday, and that they would wish to mark it. For that reason, Dodik put a stop to this, Komsic said. “This is an attempt to say that there is nothing to that story – B&H as a state. That B&H as a country has no roots or anti-fascist traditions”, Komsic said. Speaker of the RS parliament Nenad Stevandic said that there is no legal ground to mark November 25 as holiday. He added that at this moment, those advocating November 25 as holiday are those who abolished names of streets in Sarajevo named after antifascists and antifascist Serbs. “Those abolishing antifascism in Sarajevo would celebrate it in Banja Luka. It is an act of provocation”, emphasized Stevandic. SNSD’s Radovan Kovacevic said that B&H does not have law on holidays and consequently does not have holidays. “In order for B&H to have holidays, they need to be adopted in B&H institutions, primarily B&H Parliament”, explained Kovacevic. Earlier, Association of the RS Army Veterans (BORS) in Banja Luka stated that they will prevent any attempt of public celebration of November 25 and that they will ban such gathering. Member of B&H Presidency Denis Becirovic first of all underlined importance of ZAVNOBiH and stressing that this is a date that all B&H citizens should be proud of, as this is a day when B&H took the anti-fascist side of the history. Stressing that this holiday does not discriminate anyone, Becirovic noted that statehood of B&H is indisputable fact and legacy of ZAVNOBiH is important encouragement to strengthen security, peace and human rights of all citizens and peoples. These are the premises that B&H’s path toward EU and Euro-Atlantic integration will be built on.

 

OHR: Collaboration between all B&H institutions is crucial for B&H’s prosperous and united future (Klix.ba)

 

OHR issued a press statement stating that 25th November marks a significant day in the history of B&H. “Commemorating the 25th November as Statehood Day of B&H connected to the historic session of ZAVNOBiH (B&H State Anti-Fascist Council for People's Liberation) which took place 80 years ago and reflecting on this pivotal moment from B&H’s past”, the High Representative Christian Schmidt stated and remarked that this generation of B&H leaders has to focus their energy on making the B&H institutions to work collaboratively towards a prosperous and united future. “The institutions of B&H, established through the Dayton Agreement in 1995, play a vital role in maintaining peace, stability, and democratic governance. As we remember the session of ZAVNOBIH, we emphasize the importance of these institutions working in harmony to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The collaboration between the Presidency of B&H, the Parliamentary Assembly, the Council of Ministers and Governments of two B&H entities is essential for fostering a climate of cooperation, inclusivity, and progress. B&H leaders can build a future that promotes the values of tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect”, said HR Schmidt. Statement reads that maintaining a diverse and inclusive society is a fundamental cornerstone in ensuring a stable and harmonious environment within the country, setting the stage for a promising future, particularly in the context of B&H's aspirations to join the EU. “In Europe that cherishes diversity and unity in equal measure, B&H unique composition positions it as a potential bridge between different cultures and traditions based on the historic legacy of ZAVNOBIH and by upholding the principles embedded in the Dayton Agreement”.

 

Helez: Training camps and para-military formations exist in the RS/Reactions (N1/Nova BH)

 

In an interview for N1 on Wednesday, B&H Minister of Defense Zukan Helez said that he has the information on military training camps and para-military formations at several locations in RS. “We have information about ongoing trainings on the territory of the RS at several locations”, said Helez. When asked by the host what the aim of training is, Helez said that the aim is to train young men “to be fit for military service, and some people from Russia and we recorded that. And that can be easily eliminated. There are only those camps there”. Helez's claims that paramilitary exercises are being held in RS caused loud reactions, especially from the RS. B&H Minister of Security Nenad Nesic was quoted as saying: “This is unprecedented spreading of fear in the public and undermining the country's stability. We expect the Intelligence and Security Agency of B&H (OSA) and the Chairperson of the B&H Council of Ministers, Borjana Kristo, to inform the public of the facts and stop these monstrous constructions. There are no camps in the RS, nor are any trainings conducted”. “If there are any paramilitaries in B&H, they are the ones with which Helez is threatening, and that should be dealt with by the Prosecutor's Office of B&H. All the rest are notorious lies aimed at sowing fear and spreading intolerance and destroying the integrity of the RS Ministry of Interior (MoI),” Nesic was quoted as saying. Deputy Chair of the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Stasa Kosarac asked Chair of the B&H CoM Borjana Kristo to convene an urgent session of the Executive Intelligence Board following the claims of Minister Helez on the existence of military training camps and para-military formations on the territory of the RS. Kosarac noted that he requested holding of the session so that they, together with leadership of the Intelligence and Security Agency (OSA) of B&H, can establish whether Helez’s claims are true and also to learn the official stance of the B&H OSA. “It is extremely dangerous to have the Minister of Defense publicly present such claims against the RS without a single piece of evidence. This can be assessed as stirring up of ethnic intolerance and fear. He is not contributing to stabilization of circumstances in B&H with such actions at all”, Kosarac said. Kosarac also said that it is obvious Helez is knowingly participating in a negative campaign against the RS and anti-Russian hysteria, which is completely unacceptable behaviour. “His claims that alleged military trainings are being carried out by Russians on the territory of the RS only confirm that Helez accepted narrative of US Ambassador Michael Murphy and other foreigners on the existence of malignant Russian influence in B&H, as well as that the RS advocates secessionist and militant policy, which is a notorious lie and nonsense”, Kosarac stated and pointed out that the RS stays committed to the policy of peace, stability, cooperation and respect of the Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), as well as that it advocates reaching of an internal agreement of the two entities and three constituent peoples. “It is obvious that, unfortunately, political representatives of the Federation of B&H (FB&H) have a different agenda. Insinuations made by Minister Helez are the additional proof that there are extremely disputable and problematic intentions of structures from the FB&H, which excluded Serb ministers in the CoM from meetings with high-ranking European and world officials”, Kosarac said and concluded that those structures in the FB&H do not allow representatives of the RS at the joint level to adequately present its official policy and stances at meetings with international representatives. B&H House of Peoples (HoP) and Deputy Chairman of the B&H Parliament’s Joint Commission for Defense and Security Radovan Kovacevic (SNSD) said on Thursday that Helez came up with notorious and hideous lies the aim of which is to smear the RS in the eyes of the international public and cause an international intervention against the RS. Kovacevic said that Helez, with his last night’s statement that in the area of the RS, together with the Russian, there are military training camps and that they are para-military units, he (Helez) stated stupid things, lies and hallucinations. Deputy B&H Minister of Defense Aleksandar Goganovic stated that since the beginning of his mandate, B&H Defense Minister Zukan Helez has been causing panic among citizens with his decisions and statements and he has been undermining the defense system, based on which he committed many criminal offences and undermined the DPA. Speaker of the RS parliament Nenad Stevandic said that there were only Mujahideen camps in B&H. “And as you know, there were arrests, there was also shooting at the US Embassy, and these are the only camps that existed in B&H. There are of course camps in Zukan Helez’s head which move B&H away from EU integration,” Stevandic said. The Russian Embassy to B&H stated that they would not be surprised if Minister Zukan Helez started to see Russians in his own home. The Russian Embassy added in their footnote “because Helez does not deserve real comment” that others were seeing Russians too. They emphasized that US Secretary of Defense who served in the period 1947-1949 was running around psychiatric ward and shouting: Russians are coming, they are everywhere, before throwing himself out of window. The Russian Embassy underlined that Helez does not deserve a real comment, adding that they got convinced in it when Helez visited the Russian Embassy to B&H.

 

Head of EUD to B&H Sattler visits Banja Luka (BNTV)

 

Leadership of the RS parliament and heads of Caucuses met Head of the EU Delegation (EUD) Johann Sattler on Thursday in Banja Luka. BNTV reported that members of the ruling parties and the opposition had different impressions about atmosphere during the meeting. Representatives of the ruling parties assessed the meeting as constructive. Speaker of the RS parliament Nenad Stevandic said that he insisted that High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt is a disgrace for which the EU looks for a solution. According to Stevandic, the topic of the meeting was not the request of Brussels to withdraw the so-called law on foreign agents, but it was speeding up the EU integration. Stevandic said that during the meeting, Sattler spoke about the EU path and finding compromise. The reporter noted that on the other hand, representatives of the opposition said that they told Sattler that corruption imprisoned this country for which the ruling parties are responsible and that Stevandic’s claim on the law on foreign agents is untrue. Head of RS SDS Caucus Vukota Govedarica said: “It is untrue that Mr. Sattler did not mention the law on foreign agents. Mr. Stevandic either did not hear that or he pretends he did not hear that. There was insisting precisely on this law that clearly defined that this is a totally wrong direction, and that this direction will bring no good”. Head of RS PDP Caucus Igor Crnadak said that once again, they witnessed that the ruling parties tell one thing to European officials while doing a totally different thing. After the meeting in the RS parliament’s building, Sattler did not give any comments for media. Commenting on this issue, ‘For Justice and Order’ leader Nebojsa Vukanovic said that: “If Mr. Sattler cannot address the public and answer questions, then this tells you more than thousand words. I guess that gentlemen coming from Europe should bring us their rules on transparency and openness. He responded to questions that I asked him by turning his head away and directing his eyes in another direction and he left from here. I understand that an agreement was reached again to detriment of citizens”. He also denied Stevandic’s claims related to this meeting, adding that they did not see strong Serbs fighting for independence and secession, but people as quiet as a mouse. Vukanovic said that the EU bears the biggest responsibility if they take those who threaten to media, corrupted politicians, those who apply violence and those who usurp as partners with whom they make secret agreements that go to detriment of the people. In Vukanovic's opinion, this is betrayal of the people, the RS and B&H. Representatives of the opposition warned that there is no benefit of adoption of European laws unless B&H gets good laws that will change the situation about corruption, especially in election sector. Sattler emphasized that the EU will continue to support B&H in the reform process. Sattler reminded, however, that the European Commission's report on B&H marked the recent criminalization of defamation, as well as the draft law on foreign agents, as backward steps on B&H's European path. Sattler urged the RS authorities to withdraw these two laws from the procedure. Sattler was quoted as saying: “We are concerned about what is happening in the RS parliament. The draft law on foreign agents was adopted in the first reading. The law, which is clearly aimed at restricting freedom of speech, restricting civil space and restricting fundamental freedoms”.

 

Meeting of Troika and HDZ B&H scheduled for Thursday postponed (Nova BH)

 

Meeting of ‘The Troika’ and HDZ B&H leaders scheduled for Thursday has been postponed. NiP leader Elmedin Konakovic said that the meeting was postponed over SDP B&H leader Nermin Niksic’s health condition and ‘Our Party’ leader Edin Forto’s scheduled trip abroad. He added that planned topics of the discussion included current political issues and functioning of the authority in the FB&H, noting that the new meeting is expected to take place soon. Addressing the press conference on Thursday, Konakovic said that the next meeting will likely take place on 28 November. He went on to explain that the focus of Thursday’s meeting should have been on processes in the FB&H, including adoption of the FB&H Budget, but also on issues “where there has not been some progress, i.e. the (B&H) Election Law that we are very much interested in due to all judgements of international courts”. Konakovic added that the partners should have also discussed their opinions on processes at the state level. “We have (the issue of) the state IPA coordinator that we should resolve. There are many open processes-related issues’’, said Konakovic. N1 carries that a meeting of the ruling coalition at the B&H level was also supposed to be held in Mostar on Wednesday, but it was postponed due to the visit of SNSD leader and RS President Milorad Dodik to Hungary. “We are here to talk, but I do not see the need to block everything because of that, because all the citizens of B&H are losing a lot. In the RS, the citizens will surely lose as much or more than the citizens in the FB&H if we do not take the opportunity to use this large, only part of the six billion package. We are talking about twenty percent of the funds for B&H, for the economy, agriculture, education. It is a serious injection, we should not miss it. Ask Dodik what SNSD and he will do and how they will proceed. We extended a hand that means progress for all citizens of B&H equally,” Konakovic said. “The topics would certainly be the Election Law and the appointment of a judge of the Constitutional Court, as well as views on all processes at the B&H level for the purpose of preparing the meeting that will be held on 5 December, but also the decision that should follow on 14 December at the meeting of the European Council”, said Konakovic.

 

Plenkovic on the expulsion of Croatian diplomat from Belgrade: We reacted immediately (HRT)

 

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic made introductory comments on current political events at the government session. The Prime Minister referred to the presentation of the budget for 2024, which he and Finance Minister Marko Primorac presented in the Croatian parliament on Tuesday. On the expulsion of the Croatian diplomat from Belgrade: We reacted immediately. He emphasized that the government reacted immediately and declared one diplomat undesirable. “We reacted the only way we could in such situations, regardless of the election situation in Serbia,” he said. “Such moves do not contribute to the establishment of trust between the two countries,” Plenkovic said.

 

Becic: We are close to unblocking the judiciary (RTCG)

 

Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Internal Policy, European and Foreign Affairs Aleksa Becic said that the Supreme State Prosecutor and three members of the Judicial Council will be chosen in the next month. As he pointed out in the show "Arguments" on TVCG, this will mean the complete unblocking of the Montenegrin judicial system. Commenting on the election of Farkuk Resulbegovic as the seventh judge of the Constitutional Court, Becic said that his promise that the seventh judge would be elected in November had been fulfilled. "I announced about twenty days ago, actually two or three days after the election of the Government, I promised that the seventh judge of the Constitutional Court would be elected in November. I am glad that the promise was fulfilled and that after three years of incomplete functionality of the Constitutional Court, we got the largest judicial instance that can work at full capacity", said Becic. He pointed out that he did not hear that anyone challenged Resulbegovic in a moral but also in a professional sense. "It is our fault that more than the required 49 MPs voted for Resulbegovic. They sent a strong message, which is only the beginning of good and optimistic news that we expect in the coming period", said Becic. Becic said that he looks with a significant dose of optimism at the resolution of the remaining two issues, namely the election of the Supreme State Prosecutor and three members of the Judicial Council. He believes that they will be elected in the next month and a half. "With a great deal of optimism, I believe that we can finish this issue in the next month, month and a half... There are certain procedures, so it cannot be predicted precisely," said Becic. He emphasized that he is sure that the two remaining issues will be resolved, which mean the complete unblocking of the Montenegrin justice system. "This also means a strong injection to our European integration", said Becic.

 

No other demands for North Macedonia except those agreed in ‘French proposal’, says Bulgarian PM (MIA)

 

I want to clearly state that currently Bulgaria has no other demands for North Macedonia except for the ones listed in last year’s EU decision, which was based on what was agreed with the so-called “French proposal”, said Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in a debate titled “This is Europe”. “Our relations worsened over the years, and I don’t think Bulgaria is responsible for that. The conditions must be fulfilled by North Macedonia in order to launch the negotiations process and from that aspect, I don’t accept any criticism of our country,” said Denkov, adding that the issue is not a matter of the relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, but between North Macedonia and the EU. According to MIA’s Brussels correspondent, Denkov’s position came as a response to the remark of German MEP from Alliance 90/The Greens, Reinhard Butikofer, who asked the Bulgarian Prime Minister what he will do in order to open the door for North Macedonia’s EU accession. “Is there someone who can question the sincere European aspirations of North Macedonia, which even changed its name in order to open its door to Europe,” said Butikofer. Butikofer noted that, at the same time, the members of the European Parliament were able to hear the hate speech of Bulgarian MEP, Angel Dzhambazki, who is a co-chairman of the nationalist VMRO – Bulgarian National Movement (VMRO-BND). In response to Denkov’s address, Dzhambazki said the Bulgarian Prime Minister should be guided by patriotism and the Bulgarian national interests, instead of serving “foreign interests”, and should highlight and protect the interests of the Bulgarian citizens. Dzhambazki stressed that Denkov should talk about the high prices of basic products and energy, which, according to him, are a consequence of “the EU’s green policies”, as well as about the attitude towards the Bulgarians “in North Macedonia and Serbia, whose human rights are being trampled and who are being persecuted to this day”. At the same time, Dzhambazki accused the MEPs of the liberal Renew Europe group of not saying anything about “the repression, violence and denial of the right to self-determination” of the Bulgarians. “In your group there are people who pretend not to see the violence against Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia,” said Dzhambazki.

 

Kovachevski meets with Sarrazin and Franges: Responsibility to prevail over partisan interests for North Macedonia’s European future (MIA)

 

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski held a meeting with Germany's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, and the Special Representative of Slovenia for the Western Balkans, Anzej Franges, during which they discussed current topics of essential importance for the perspectives of the country, said the government in a press release Thursday. According to the government, the North Macedonia’s role in the stability of the Western Balkans was also noted at the meeting. ‘Expectations were expressed that in the coming period, responsibility towards the state and the citizens will prevail over partisan interests, and that the political representatives chosen by the citizens will fulfil the will of the majority regarding EU membership and the opportunity ahead of the country,” said the government. Sarrazin and Franges reaffirmed the support of Germany and Slovenia for the country’s Euro-integrations and urged a swift continuation of negotiations without delay. The press release added that Kovachevski expressed gratitude over the continued support provided by Germany and Slovenia. “We value your commitment to the European integration of North Macedonia. Germany, as the largest EU member state, and Slovenia, as a part of our region, are leading a dedicated, responsible, and caring role for the future of the Western Balkans, which, of course, is reflected in the perspectives,” said Prime Minister Kovachevski at the meeting, according to the press release.

 

Kovachevski: Details on elections to be defined at December meeting in parliament (MIA)

 

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said Thursday there is enough room to administer regular presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2024, noting that all details related to the elections will be defined at a meeting in the parliament over the course of December.

On the caretaker government, Kovachevski said it is a legal obligation to have one 100 days prior to elections. "There are two decisions to be taken on the elections. One relates to the Electoral Code amendments by incorporating all OSCE/ODIHR remarks, and a working group is active in this regard. I believe that an Electoral Code that includes these recommendations will be unveiled very soon, thus building on the democratic elections in recent cycles, unlike the 11-year period (of the previous authorities), when the elections were seen as undemocratic," Kovachevski told reporters. He said next month's meeting in Parliament would define all details related to the elections. "This is the same as in the past. Next year, North Macedonia will administer elections in line with the laws and the Constitution," said Kovachevski. Regarding joint lists of candidates with DUI at the parliamentary elections, the PM said this is a decision for political parties to make and subject of coalition agreements, and "something that cannot be discussed with certainty at this moment".

 

President Begaj: Diaspora should be given the right to vote and have representation in Albanian politics (Radio Tirana)

 

President Bajram Begaj, during his speech on the second day of the Diaspora Summit, conveyed his heartfelt satisfaction in witnessing the convergence of Albanians from across the globe to deliberate on coordinating efforts for advancing cooperation, ultimately contributing to the country's welfare and progress. Albania may be geographically small, but you have bestowed upon it a global scope far beyond its size. Presently, Albanian communities dispersed even in the farthest corners of the world epitomize, above all, the indomitable spirit of freedom inherent in the Albanian identity. Today, hundreds of thousands of Albanians in the diaspora have emerged as talents of remarkable success. Diaspora stands as the most potent advocate of our culture and identity, serving as the emblem of Albanian essence worldwide. Throughout your journeys marked by sacrifices, Albania has never faded from your hearts. Each and every one of you, to the best of your abilities, has consistently contributed to our nation," expressed Begaj. According to him, Albania does not have the luxury of neglecting the diaspora. "We should not see it as a separate entity, but rather as a natural extension of our culture and identity. History teaches us that our country has only benefited from its diaspora abroad. Conditions have changed radically, but we still have much to do," he added. "Because the majority of your families or parents have emigrated from this country or our lands, Albania carries both the burden and the privilege of a dedication intertwined with emotion, idealism, nostalgia, and longing. Therefore, I am convinced that your commitment represents a significant added value for our society," he emphasized. "What makes our country especially cherished by Albanians and foreigners alike is the free and amiable relationships we foster, our distinct nature, culinary traditions, the convivial tables shared with family, friends, and well-wishers, and the reliance on our natural, human, and cultural resources. At the heart of all these is the Albanian language, which breathes life and significance into our experiences, both within and beyond our borders. I will continue to support the initiatives undertaken by state institutions for the dissemination of Albanian books to Albanian communities in the diaspora. However, this effort alone is insufficient. Children need more opportunities to learn Albanian, regardless of their location. The use of the Albanian language cannot be enforced; rather, it must emerge as a communal necessity to preserve our culture and national identity. Therefore, the pivotal role of parents in imparting the Albanian language to their children cannot be overstated," continued the President. "Learning and prioritizing the quality of using the Albanian language should be unifying goals for us all. Recognize this rare and rich language, nestled in the heart of Europe, as an investment in your future. Today, I extend a special thanks to all teachers and educators for their unwavering dedication and commitment to transmitting the Albanian language, vital for preserving our national identity," he remarked. Begaj appreciated the work accomplished, particularly in recent years, towards structuring the relationship between the Albanian state and the diaspora. "The establishment of institutional and legal mechanisms will facilitate closer cooperation, yielding tangible results," he underlined. "Albania will only achieve its full potential when Albanians living and working abroad feel as much a part of their country as those residing within its borders. To facilitate this, several necessary steps must be taken. Foremost is the issue of voting. Albanian citizens residing abroad should have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote without the obligation of physically returning to Albania. Implementing a model, successfully employed by many other countries, will empower the diaspora to become direct participants in shaping the political and administrative landscape of Albania," cited Begaj. "Secondly, the diaspora requires political representation to advocate for the concerns and priorities of Albanians residing abroad. These are transformative processes that cannot be achieved overnight. Nevertheless, they are not unattainable goals; above all, they are essential initiatives for us, as Albanians, to remain united despite the distance. There's something I feel compelled to express whenever I encounter Albanians living and working abroad: we owe you a debt of gratitude for your significant contributions. Your invaluable input extends beyond remittances. Albanians who have spent years abroad, enduring sacrifices, have returned and are contributing fresh ideas and initiatives across various sectors. These initiatives have proven highly successful and beneficial for entire communities," he highlighted. "On the other hand, students, athletes, and skilled professionals living and working outside Albania are, through their daily endeavours, conducting the most effective promotion possible for our country. Your contributions play a pivotal role in shaping the image and stature of our nation. Thousands of Albanians employed across diverse sectors worldwide are instrumental in bolstering the perception of Albania as a peaceful nation while fostering democratic principles, tolerance, and religious coexistence. They actively engage in communities, whether near or far from our region, and bring forth the finest representations of Albanian identity and values, enriching the daily lives of other cultures," stated Begaj. "Albania belongs to each one of us and to all of us collectively. It doesn't favour anyone more or less, whether inside or outside its borders. The contributions of Albanians, both within and beyond the country, have been equal in securing Albania's independence, nurturing democracy, fostering well-being, and advancing the goal of EU integration. Therefore, only through collective efforts can we propel Albania toward development, establishing it as a decisive influence in the region and a respected member of the European family. This unity will become our greatest asset, a legacy that we must pass down to future generations, transforming our history into a narrative of achievements and realized dreams, both within our nation and abroad," stressed Begaj.

 

Together, no dream is impossible if we are determined / The strategy for the Diaspora needs to be revised (Radio Tirana)

 

At the 3rd Diaspora Summit, which is being held today (23 November) at the Palace of Congresses, Prime Minister Edi Rama delivered the message that only joining forces can lead to the realization of common ambitions and objectives. Drawing parallels with the qualification of the Albanian National Team to the Euro 2024 Finals, Rama said that the Albanians of Albania, North Macedonia and Kosova showed what can be done if we all have a common strategy. "The Summit is a crossroads where everyone unites regardless of beliefs or political affiliations, beyond all provincial affiliations and the location of each one, as Albanians who have something to say, to contribute on the way we will approach the challenges of the world where we live that affects the places where we are and how to better join forces to succeed in the realization of legitimate ambitions and common objectives. This Summit happens a few days after the best footballers of Albania, Kosova and North Macedonia, together in one team, not only took Albania to Europe [Euro ’24 Finals], but once again showed us what we can do when we unite our talents, strengths and above all when we have a strategy and the objective to win. Together, no objective, no matter how ambitious, is unattainable if we are determined to do our utmost to achieve it. If there is a great lesson that we can all learn from all those names that make us proud as Albanians, it is the lesson that they all had a much bigger dream than what their possibilities could advise, and they turned it real. Mira Murati, Dua Lipa, Mira Mezini, Ermonela Jaho, Rita Ora, Igli Tare, Lorik Cana and so on are names that have different paths and have reached different heights of the world, but what they have in common is the power to go to the end at any cost to realize their dream," said Rama. During his speech, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the strategy to Diaspora will be revised to address the current issues affecting Albanians abroad, despite the fact that this strategy, which was mainly signed with Kosova, lasts until 2025, it should be reviewed. "What started with the Committee for Diaspora, the Assembly Committee for Diaspora and Immigration, the joint schools and curricula of the Diaspora agreed with the government of Kosova are part of the national strategy for the Diaspora that has its own deadline until 2025 and until 2025, it needs to be rebuilt, to be updated in function of all those communications and those things that need to go faster and better. It is a document that to get materialized, requires actions and interactions, even with Kosova, and the Albanians in North Macedonia and Montenegro, because it is very important that we function as a mechanism in this," stated Rama. The head of Albanian government also emphasized that no other country in the world owes to the Diaspora as much as Albania does. This immeasurable power cannot leave without harnessing. "This time I believe that in the light of the 111th anniversary of independence that not only the conditions but also the desires are mature enough to believe the prophecy of a great admirer, Maximilian Lambertz, as he writes, the history of humanity will be complete only when the Albanians will be allowed to write their word," underscored Rama. He added that Albanians "have the right to complain and ask for more, because more needs to be done, but like today, Albanians have never before, never before had their weight and that is not only to make the decisions they wish where they are".

 

Albania has changed, showing the world how a western society is created (Radio Tirana)

 

During the proceedings of the Albanian Diaspora Summit, which is taking place in Tirana, the former prime minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazovic emphasized that Montenegro is ready to become part of the EU. In his speech, he was optimistic that at the next summit, Montenegro will be part of the big family. "To be together in the EU, there is a place for everyone, and it shows that we, as a historical country, have a place in the EU. I am sure that this summit shows that a challenge that we had with ourselves and later with others has ended. Now we no longer have this problem, so we are fully confident that at the 4th summit we will be together in the EU, having a similar living standard. I am sure that if we have good policies, we will try the opportunity to be in the EU, we can all together add value and contribute to the European culture," said Dritan Abazovic. Abazovic assessed that what has happened to Albania and Albanians during the last ten years, as far as the international arena is concerned, is a miracle. "Today Albania has international visibility that we never thought would happen, with a social transformation that we never thought that respect for Albania and Albanians would be higher. I want to say that Albania today, not only organizes the Diaspora Summit, as she deserves to do so, but also organizes International European Summits in Tirana, which also she deserved to organize, with many efforts to get here. Today, Albania has the floor in the Security Council, before to the whole world, showing both a moral and a political lesson, according to international principles, on how to create a peaceful, western and modern society," said among others Dritan Abazovic.

 

Albania and Kosovo should invest more time for the Presevo Valley, favourable stances are not enough (Radio Tirana)

 

The Mayor of the Municipality of Presevo Shqiprim Arifi has called on Albania and Kosovo for more support. In his speech at the 3rd Diaspora Summit that is being held at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Arifi said that both countries should invest more time and not just positive stances for the Albanians of the Presevo Valley. According to him, the Albanians in Presevo ​​are facing discrimination, as he emphasized that he has asked for a national strategy in defense of their rights. "Presevo is going through an incredible situation, a situation in which every citizen every day, as President Osmani pointed out, is slowly suffocating through a process of bureaucratic ethnic cleansing. We do not have an open front with Serbia, we have an invisible front which is used daily by Serbia to discriminate and to give the message that the citizens of the Presevo ​​Valley are of second-, third- and fourth-hand ones. We must be unified, and I have asked for a fundamental national strategy which includes Albanians in Montenegro, Presevo Valley, North Macedonia, Tirana and Pristina. If we Albanians in Tirana and Pristina don't understand that without investing, protecting the edges of our lands, both Tirana and Pristina are at risk. Every day we lose without activity in the Presevo Valley, is a loss for an autochthonous Albanian citizen in that region. I ask you to invest more time, in addition to positive stances," Shqiprim Arifi said.