LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic: West wants Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence and puppet regime in Belgrade (Beta/RTS)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday that the West expected Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence, de facto or de jure, introduce sanctions against Russia and have “a puppet regime” in Belgrade, adding that, for that reason, the pressures on Serbia would increase. “The underlying message is that we should also give up Republika Srpska, introduce sanctions against Russia and take an anti-Chinese stance,” Vucic said in his speech at the Presidency of Serbia. The President also said that Serbia was an independent country, but that it was not very fashionable in today’s Europe, which wanted “a puppet regime like the one that ruled until 2012” in Belgrade. Vucic also said that Pristina would not reverse its decision to ban the use of the Serbian dinar in Kosovo, and that Serbia would have to find a way to pay salaries and pensions to the Serbs living in Kosovo and Metohija. The Serbian President cited international pressure as well, without referring to any specific source, saying that “they” wanted a puppet government in Serbia, which, as puppeteers, they would be able to manipulate. As he said, Serbia was continuously being demonized over ostensible autocratic tendencies, its elections had been declared undemocratic without proof, and the status of the Serbian media community criticized as allegedly poor.

 

Vucic: They want to abolish Serbia as a state (B92)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the public at the first meeting of SNS for the upcoming Belgrade elections, after the session of the SNS board. "First of all, I want to thank everyone who is here tonight in Belgrade's Sumice Hall. We had problems because of Kurti's organized pogrom against the Serb people living in Kosovo and Metohija, the persecution of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. And during all that time, we suffered terrible pressure from those who pretended that they don't see it, or they saw it but thought it was the right moment for an additional attack on their country. It's no coincidence that the pressures around our foreign policy multiplied like that," said Vucic. "Introduce sanctions, distance yourself from friendship with China, do everything we ask, I just don't know why we need a state altogether. You think it's enough to send us a fax or post on your website and on that day, we all have to agree with your every decision. Then inside the country they started talking, counting on the opportunity to take over the authorities in Belgrade. Then they said 'we are looking for elections', I said 'impossible, just two months ago, you said we would not have elections'. Then, they have demanded elections and are threatening that if we do not call elections at the Belgrade and parliamentary level, that they will take to the streets, that they will break our bones... We fought with what we were doing and what is our plan and program, what are we going to do until 2027, highways, Expo, science and technology parks, higher wages and pensions. Then they said 'no, no, you stole the election', they are not even humanly capable of accepting the defeat, they still know today that they lied. You can see it by the fact that there is no euphoria with them that we are holding new elections. It is perfectly clear to them what the people in Belgrade and Serbia think," Vucic said. "They say: 'We will hide our leaders, so that it is not obvious that Djilas is our leader, and you must not appoint yours'. Here I say, 'if I win, I am ready to help you'. I suggest to them, if you're not allowed to put Djilas on the list, let's put Michael Roth or Andreas Schieder at the top of the list, that's your list for Belgrade, and you can add whoever you want to it, Bodiroga and Topalko, we'll beat you all together, because the people want those who will fight for Belgrade, for the people," he added. Vucic asked to avoid any conflict, and appealed to politicians not to run away from reasoned discussion. "We will never persecute them or do anything against them. The energy of decency must be stronger than the hatred they sow at every step. That is why I ask you for maximum energy, sacrifice, that is something they can never take away from us. They would like to abolish the state of Serbia, to take away our land, to answer the fax we receive with 'yes, bosses', and we will not have bosses and be servants to no one else except to our people. It is a much bigger game," said Vucic. He pointed out that they tried to turn them against our people in the Republika Srpska. "They tried to destroy everything possible, all our values, just to justify an ordinary defeat. If you lose, we will congratulate you and shake hands with you," said Vučić. "We, unlike them, will never destroy our country. It's not a problem if you fall, it's a problem if you are not able to stand up. We will always stand up and fight against the worst in our country and they can't imagine how much our persistence is strong," he said. Vucic asked everyone to go to the elections in as large a front as possible and added: "It is vital that we show how important unity is to us. To fight for Belgrade, for our Serbia, which we love more than anything. Forget about who will have how many councillors, stop arguing and save them for some other time and try to unite for one common front, for victory in all of Serbia." "It is important for us to find the best possible solution for our country. To help our people in Kosovo and Metohija as much as possible, so that at the same time the country progresses and grows, these are not easy tasks. That is why we are going to form a movement to gather all those people who, until now, were not members of our party. I know how difficult it is for you today, how diligently you worked for the previous elections. Now please show them how to fight for their country and their city, nicely, peacefully, by presenting ideas, programs, plans", Vucic said. "Thank you for always and at every moment showing how much you love your people and your country. I especially want to thank all the women, thanks to them we won and we will always win. Because women were the ones who always showed greater responsibility than us men", Vucic said. He emphasized that he has no personal interest in participating in any Belgrade campaign. "I have an interest as a citizen of Serbia because I would like Belgrade to continue to develop, and my biggest motivation is your support, strength, visit every house. Let us beat them, more convincingly than in December. And even stronger, with an even bigger margin, let's show them that you can't accuse honest people of being thieves, and let's show them that Belgrade is a cosmopolitan city, we're proud of it, but Belgrade is a Serbian city, and will be. Thank you for your love. Let the fight be unceasing until final victory, long live Belgrade, long live Serbia," said Vucic. The meeting was attended by the President of the Party Milos Vucevic, the Commissioner of the Belgrade Regional Office and the Vice-President of the SNS Ana Brnabic, the Vice-Presidents of the SNS Aleksandar Sapic and Vladimir Orlic.

 

Brnabic offers Germany assistance in implementing ODIHR recommendations (Beta)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic continued on Saturday a debate on X with Michael Roth, chairman of the Bundestag’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, offering the German parliament assistance in implementing the recommendations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “You may call me if you need support in implementing the ODIHR recommendations. As a country that has been cooperating almost daily with the ODIHR since 2019, we are always ready to help. It is not easy, but you can do it,” Brnabic wrote on X. She reacted strongly on 1 March to an appeal by the German Federal Foreign Office that Serbia meet all of the recommendations prescribed by the OSCE/ODIHR in the organization’s final report on Serbia’s parliamentary and local elections last December, and to a statement by Roth describing the polls as neither fair nor free. The Serbian prime minister said that the German parliament had failed to implement a single recommendation by the OSCE/ODIHR for over 10 years, opening a heated debate with Roth on X. The German parliamentarian explained to her that an independent institution like the ODIHR had never confirmed huge election irregularities, organised the fixing of voter rolls or the transportation of phantom voters in Germany. Brnabic responded that he was commenting on the ODIHR report before he had actually read it, and that he was commenting on “arguments and allegations” voiced by the opposition, not facts.

 

Roth replies to Brnabic: ODIHR never confirmed such enormous irregularities in Germany (N1)

 

An independent organization such as ODIHR has never confirmed huge electoral irregularities in Germany, the organized fixing of the voter list and the transport of phantom voters, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag Michael Roth told Serbian Prime Minister in technical mandate Ana Brnabic. On X, Roth responded to Brnabic’s criticism that, instead of „giving themselves the freedom to share patronizing advice to others“, they should implement the recommendations that ODIHR sent to Germany, stating that they have not implemented any of them since 2017. “Dear Michael Roth and the German MSP, instead of sharing your every thought on the issues of other countries, and instead of allowing yourself the freedom to give patronizing advice to others, why don’t you, together with other German institutions, implement the recommendations that ODIHR has for you? Looks like you haven’t implemented any since 2017! That, my dear Mihaele Roth, is not a functioning democracy,” she said, responding to what Roth had previously written on X regarding the ODIHR report on the elections in Serbia: “That’s not how democracy works, Mr. Vucic.”

 

Dacic holds series of meetings at Antalya Diplomacy Forum (Tanjug)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic spoke on Saturday on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Lebanon, Panama, Moldova and Gabon, as well as with the King of Eswatini. At a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Dacic expressed his satisfaction with the achieved level of bilateral relations between the two countries. He added that intensifying the work of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between Serbia and Turkey could provide an additional contribution. At a meeting with Gabon's Foreign Minister Regis Onanga Ndiaye, Dacic emphasised that Serbia remains firmly committed to further improvement and deepening of overall cooperation with that country. At a meeting with King of Eswatini Mswati III, Dacic thanked the Kingdom of Eswatini for its principled position on not recognising the unilaterally declared independence of so-called Kosovo. In a conversation with Foreign Minister of Panama Janaina Tenaway Mencomo, he expressed his readiness for further improvement of mutually beneficial cooperation. During the talks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, he pointed out that the two countries have a long tradition of sincere friendship and that cooperation should be improved. Dacic also spoke with UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos about the current situation in Europe and the world, as well as the contribution which Serbia can give to the Alliance of Civilizations. Dacic pointed out that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum was a good opportunity to exchange opinions on a number of current topics with colleagues and friends from Europe and the world. He said that he also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Filip Ivanovic, Romania's Luminica Odobescu, Hungary's Peter Szijjarto, Russia's Sergey Lavrov, Luxembourg's Xavier Bettel, Palestine's Riyad Al-Maliki, Cameroon's Lejeune Mbella Mbella, as well as Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization Daren Tang.

 

Dacic, Lavrov meet in Turkey: We want Serbia to develop good relations with Russia (Beta)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic has said that he met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during an international conference in Antalya, Turkey, on Saturday. “We want to develop good relations with Russia, and are thankful for Russia’s positive stance at the UN Security Council’s session on Kosovo. We need to work on our own interests first,” Dacic said to reporters. “Whenever Russian influence in the Balkans is mentioned, the reference is to Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. I do not see how Russian influence can make it difficult for North Macedonia to open accession talks with the European Union, or disrupt any other bilateral relationship,” Dacic said. Having attended a panel called, Challenges and Opportunities in the Western Balkans, during the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya, Dacic told reporters that Serbia “firmly holds the defense line against any attempt at imposing Kosovo’s entry into international organizations and institutions using a side road”.

 

Vucic continues consultations, meets with representatives of SPS-led list (Tanjug)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic began Monday's consultations about a PM designate with a meeting with representatives of the Socialist Party of Serbia-led Ivica Dacic - PM of Serbia electoral list. SPS leader Dacic said the SPS-led Ivica Dacic - PM of Serbia electoral list stood ready to continue to cooperate with the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and Vucic, and announced that all state bodies would be formed in the weeks to come. "We have already said on several occasions, and we also reiterated today, that we are proud of all the good results we have achieved together (with the SNS) since 2012 and that we believe preserving political stability is vital for the development and the future of Serbia as that is the precondition for defending the state and national interest as well as for accomplishing the development goals," Dacic said after consultations with Vucic on a PM designate. He said Vucic had spoken about the current political situation as well as about foreign policy aspects, pressure on Serbia, economic affairs and issues of further development. "The discussion confirmed what we have been saying in the past months - that we are mutually interested in continuing our cooperation," Dacic said.

 

Stefanovic: EU will help us implement ODIHR recommendations (N1)

 

Deputy leader of the opposition Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP) Borko Stefanovic, who returned Sunday from a trip to Brussels, Paris and Rome where a delegation of the Serbia Against Violence (SPN) coalition spoke with international officials about the post election crisis in Serbia and the ODIHR report on the Serbian December elections, said they received assurances that “we will have important EU presence in Serbia in terms of assistance for the implementation of recommendations” contained in the ODIHR report. “Everyone in Europe sees that Vucic and the SNS stole the elections. Our task is not to allow for Serbia to be isolated as its non-popular government is,” Stefanovic told N1. He added that EU organizations are not coming at the invitation of the opposition or to help the opposition, but the people of Serbia, adding that “they don’t need an invitation from anyone, because we are a candidate country”. “That man has lost his positions and international presence in Serbia will happen, there will be several steps over the next few months where someone will come here to help the people so the government is forced to implement the recommendations of ODIHR, European Parliament, because we are a candidate country,” said Stefanovic. Commenting the recent Quint countries’ join statement welcoming Vucic’s pledge to implement ODIHR recommendations and saying they expect the government of Serbia to seek ODIHR’s assistance for ensuring that its recommendations are implemented fully and effectively before elections in spring, Stefanovic said it shows that they do not believe all recommendation will be implemented. “This situation has shown quite effectively that we can think about delaying the elections, by adopting a lex specialis,” he added. Ending pressure on citizens, freeing RTS and, most importantly, cleaning up the voter roll, are the most important recommendations that need to be implemented, said Stefanovic. “The SNS lost not only the elections, but also this post election crisis. This is a great victory of the Serbian citizens, because we showed that Belgrade and Serbia do not want this kind of government. We want to implement the ODIHR recommendations in every legal way possible,” Stefanovic said.

 

Veselinovic: No sensible reason for Belgrade vote to be held in April (Beta/Nova)

 

Dobrica Veselinovic who topped the ticket for the opposition Serbia Against Violence (SPN) in the Belgrade elections said that there is no sensible reason why new Belgrade elections would be held in April and that the government needs to take the ODIHR recommendations very seriously. In an interview with Nova Veselinovic described the decision to repeat the Belgrade elections as “a victory of the opposition”, and stressed that the next step are joint efforts to improve the electoral conditions. He said a cleaned-up and transparent voter roll is a prerequisite for fair elections. Asked to comment on the format in which the opposition will participate in the vote in the light of the announcements that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is reviving the idea of a movement formation, Veselinovic said the opposition should evolve and advance its current model of action.

 

Pensioners: It's high time to stop Pristina's decisions (TV Most/RTV/Tanjug)

 

It is the first day of March today, and the first category of the population who came to pick up their money at the Postanska Stedionica Bank branch were the pensioners. In front of the office in Kosovska Mitrovica, pensioners gathered to learn more about the possibility of withdrawing their pensions, as some did not manage to do this the previous month, either. "We gathered because we are denied access to the money we've earned, it has come to the point where pensioners can't even afford medicines, let alone food. We also gathered to appeal on the international community and all people of good will to put an end to this terror and this offensive behavior, by Kurti and that unauthorized government," Jovanka Lecic told TV Most. She stressed that this is not only the stance of pensioners, but also of healthcare workers, who have been treating Serbs, Romani, Albanians and everyone in Kosovo for 60 years. "We are here in our Serb land, where there is room for all people of good will, as it has been until now, so it should be from now on," she said. Pensioner Ilija Prelevic said that it was high time, a final warning to the government in Pristina that they must solve the problem. "Kurti, Osmani and others must solve the problem during next week. Many pensioners did not receive their money last month either. Bed-ridden pensioners, those who are cared for by others, disabled pensioners and disabled persons are the most affected," says Prelevic. Outraged by Pristina's decisions, they once again appealed on the international community to put an end to this.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

EUD welcomes progress on EU path, calls for adoption of remaining laws (Oslobodjenje)

 

EU Delegation (EUD) to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) stated, in their post on X, that this week “we saw some positive steps for B&H’s EU path, including: Council of Ministers adopted economic reform program, House of Representatives adopted Civil Service Law amendments.” Legislative procedure needs to be completed as soon as possible. Public Procurement Management Board adopted Strategy. Needs adoption now in Council of Ministers. But some of the most important laws on EU path, especially Law on Conflict of Interests and Law on Courts, have not been finalized. Crucial these are adopted and are in line with European standards before European Council meet on 21-22 March,” EUD wrote.

 

Cvijanovic comments on visit of Foreign Ministers of Austria, Italy and Germany: It is important for the EU to change certain things in its approach (RTRS)

 

RTRS carries that another EU delegation is set to visit B&H on Monday, to discuss progress on B&H’s EU path. The delegation will be made up of Austria Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, Italy Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Germany Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and they will hold a meeting with the B&H Presidency. Serb member of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic commented on the upcoming visit of European FM’s for RTRS, stating that so many visits by representatives of European countries show that they are interested in seeing B&H move along the European path. “I think we need to take a rational approach, which must take into account the new geopolitical circumstances, if Europe cares about the Western Balkans being represented in the EU, having its own chair and place in EU institutions, deciding together with colleagues on the fate of the continent,” said Cvijanovic. She pointed out that it is important for the EU to change certain things in its approach and reiterated previous statements of B&H political representatives that only getting the green light for negotiations, and not getting a date for negotiations, is not a big deal. “It is more at the manifestation level because, in order for you to have movement in a concrete sense, it implies a whole series of practical operational institutional steps, an intergovernmental conference and other things that should be scheduled in order to begin the formation of negotiating group, the appointment of the main negotiator, the definition of defining negotiation positions,” added Cvijanovic. She noted that it remains to be seen whether it will be serious or just a green light, or “whether the EU will remain trapped with itself like this, without awareness that it should lend a hand to the Western Balkans.”

 

Hungary offers assistance of their diplomatic bodies in securing positive response from European Council (Dnevni avaz)

 

Dnevni avaz daily reads that congratulations from the Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on occasion of B&H Independence Day is a symbolic confirmation of opening a new chapter in relations between two states. The article noted that Hungary offered assistance of their diplomatic-consular representation offices in the world in efforts to secure a positive decision of the European Council regarding opening of the talks with B&H at their session on 21 March. Meanwhile, B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konakovic will pay a visit to Hungary, upon the invitation from Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. Minister Konakovic will be a speaker at Wednesday’s gathering of all Hungarian Ambassadors. The officials should also sign action plan on cooperation and education of B&H diplomats. B&H diplomats will get a chance to spend couple of months in Hungary, in order to complete the training and obtain the knowledge that will be required from them in the following phases of EU integration of B&H.

 

Covic: There is possibility that we say on Monday or Tuesday that a level of harmonization is reached (Dnevni list)

 

HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic has assessed that when it comes to the Election Law of B&H, the Law on Courts of B&H and the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest, a great deal of work has been done, although not everything has been harmonized. According to Covic, there is a possibility “for us to say” on Monday or Tuesday that a level of harmonization has been reached and that the Council of Ministers of B&H adopts the proposals in question, adding that everything comes down to two or three days. Covic further stated in Banja Luka that he trying to find enough sense to believe that B&H will get the positive answer from the EU. He further stated that he is convinced that B&H will not be functional until legislative and executive authorities, the political power in B&H that people elected, assume the responsibility for their decisions. “That way we will close the door to those who think they can do some things by impositions or by some other way”, added Covic. He also stressed that for the sake of stability, development and progress of B&H, it is necessary to end practices that undermine rights and equality of the three constituent peoples. In that sense, it was underlined that changes and amendments to the Election Law of B&H have to be immediately undertaken.

 

Niksic: If law on conflict of interest is adopted this week, only remaining condition would be law on courts; Changes to Election Law are not condition for opening of EU talks (Dnevni avaz)

 

Dnevni avaz comments that the week ahead of us may be the crucial week when it comes to the EU integration of B&H, reminding that after adoption of Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and agreement with Frontex, B&H bodies should adopt this week the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest in B&H Institutions, as another priority on the path toward opening of the EU accession talks. Speaking for the daily, Federation of B&H (FB&H) Prime Minister and SDP leader Nermin Niksic said that with adoption of this law, B&H would be a step away from fulfilling the conditions that the EU set before B&H for opening of the EU accession talks. “As always the talks were difficult, detailed, but it is important that we all approach them in an open manner, with an honest intention to get closer to European standards with their adoption,” Niksic said. He reminded that changes to Election Law that demand changes of the Constitution are not one of conditions for opening of the talks, but they are one of 14 EC’s priorities. “If we adopt Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest, the only thing that would remain is law on courts so we would completely fulfil all the conditions. However, I think that EU cannot and must not be too strict toward B&H. We are not running away from the obligations, but the EU should also recognize the fact that in the last year we have adopted more reform laws and measures than in entire earlier mandates,” said Niksic. Niksic added that progress has been made on the issue of Election Law as well through harmonization of provisions that would protect integrity of elections. He repeated that things are very clear when it comes to election of B&H Presidency and implementing of ECHR judgements is a clear guideline and EU condition to implement these changes. He underlined that the solution is possible only through improving of constitutional and legislative framework, adding that they are not avoiding this issue, but advocate that it is solved as soon as possible. Niksic noted that EU’s positive response and opening of the talks would enable officials to discuss other issues in much more relaxed atmosphere and he expects EU leaders to see this and give B&H a chance.

 

Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Erdogan meets B&H Presidency delegation, says preservation of unity, peace and stability of B&H (O Kanal)

 

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with B&H Presidency Chairman Zeljko Komsic and B&H Presidency members Denis Becirovic and Zeljka Cvijanovic, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday. They discussed relations between Turkey and B&H, regional and global issues. Erdogan stated that the preservation of unity, peace and stability of B&H and deepening of relations between B&H and Turkey are very important for Turkey, stressing that his country will intensify its decisive, constructive and honest contribution regarding these matters. He said that steps taken with an aim to increase the trade level between B&H and Turkey and improve their cooperation in all fields will continue. Becirovic stated after the meeting that he thanked Erdogan for Turkey’s overall support to B&H and that it is very important for B&H to become the NATO member state. Cvijanovic told reporters after the meeting that the meeting with Erdogan was successful, stressing that concern expressed by Turkey when it comes to internal relations in B&H and encouragement in terms of creation of solutions by B&H politicians alone is important. She stated that it is highly appreciated that Erdogan himself promotes equal attitude towards all peoples who live in B&H. Cvijanovic stated that joint projects such as the construction of the Corridor 5C were also discussed at the meeting, reminding that Erdogan proposed a new trilateral meeting between Serbia, B&H and Turkey in order to define strategic projects and joint interests. Becirovic assessed Erdogan’s messages as encouraging for all citizens and peoples of B&H, especially his words that B&H should work on strengthening peace and stability, economic projects and strengthening of state institutions of B&H that should be functional and efficient. B&H Presidency members expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s support to B&H and said that they hope for continuation of the cooperation with Turkey and new projects. However, they expressed different stances regarding the NATO path of B&H.

 

Dodik: Successful talks with large number of important politicians at Antalya Diplomacy Forum prove that RS is recognized as important interlocutor (ATV)

 

In a post on his Instagram profile on Sunday, Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik reflected on the recent meetings he held on the sidelines at the Diplomacy Forum in Antalya. Dodik reminded that he and Serb member of the B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto, Slovakian Minister of Foreign Affairs Juraj Blanar, and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak. Dodik wrote: “At the Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, successful talks were held with a large number of important politicians, which proves that the RS is recognized as an important interlocutor on political processes in the region, but also in the world. Our interlocutors understand the position of the RS and understand our position that we are in favour of the European path, but that the constitutional structure of B&H, which is made up of the RS and the Federation of B&H (FB&H), is clearly visible. We are not ready to move along European paths, while at the same time reducing the strength of the RS.” At the meeting with Lavrov, Dodik discussed the construction of a gas-pipeline through the RS and the progress of construction of the Russian-Serb Orthodox Temple in Banja Luka. They also discussed Dodik’s latest meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pressures of the collective West and their policy of double standards. Dodik told reporters after the meeting that it was quite interesting to hear Lavrov’s stances regarding the global relations. Dodik and Orban discussed the implementation of joint projects, including projects in the field of agriculture as the most significant ones. Cvijanovic attended a panel at which Lavrov spoke about the growing China economy and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Lavrov stated that Russia had to oppose a regime that has decided to destroy everything with Russian prefix in Ukraine. He warned that the West has violated the agreement on Ukraine made with Putin, so the NATO member states have used this time to make Ukraine stronger in terms of its military capacities. Dodik said Orban is his good friend and announced Orban will visit B&H in the coming period. He says they will further strengthen their cooperation. Dodik told reporters that initially, Orban was set to come to Banja Luka on 7 March, but he had to cancel because of a trip to the US. Dodik added that they will talk by phone soon to determine when Banja Luka visit will be scheduled. “We spoke about our cooperation. Our cooperation is developing great. Our cooperation is friendly, but also out of interest, connected to economy, energy and all that is important for us to work on,” Dodik told reporters.

 

HR Schmidt addresses panellists in Antalya (N1)

 

High Representative Christian Schmidt addressed panellists during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. “I think that we need to reset and revise our approach and make it easier, a step-by-step approach, which includes that the opening of negotiations must be easier, not when it comes to the content itself, that will not change, democracy and non-discrimination, but the European Union must start thinking about own changes,” Schmidt stated. The focus of the panel was the European path of the Western Balkans. Declaratively, all interlocutors agree that this is the number one foreign policy goal of the region, but they are all disappointed by the slowness of the process. The European Union's indecisiveness opens up space for malignant influences from other countries. Russian aggression against Ukraine has changed the attitudes of the Union. After a number of years in the Brussels waiting room, the time has come, many believe, for serious changes. “I think that finally the EU institutions, our colleagues and friends from the member countries, are now thinking more in a political than in a technical sense when it comes to enlargement, and now they understand that EU membership of all candidate countries is the best way to preserve the stability and prosperity of the whole of Europe,” assessed Montenegrin Foreign Affairs Minister Filip Ivanovic. The panellists are of the opinion that the EU should change its approach towards countries applying for membership, and make certain concessions, especially when it comes to chapter openings. UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Stuart Peach said that the economic potential, strategic location, diverse resources and cultural wealth are prerequisites for a brighter future of the Western Balkans, and that the importance of that region is important for the whole of Europe. He pointed out that now more than ever before, all international partners should work with this region on the path to joining Europe, because that journey is now really necessary. He pointed out that the geography of this region is of key importance for the future of the entire continent.

 

Dodik: Montenegrin President Milatovic’s statement about knowing only B&H without entities insults RS and denies DPA (ATV)

 

ATV analysed the statement of Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, who – according to RS President Milorad Dodik – stated that he knows only B&H without entities. According to ATV, apparently consciously, Milatovic suppresses the fact that without the RS there is no B&H. Dodik wrote about his recent visit to Podgorica, where he met with Speaker of the Montenegrin Assembly Andrija Mandic, noting: “I visited the Assembly of Montenegro and the President of the Assembly Andrija Mandic. I do not know the internal communication of the government structures in Montenegro, but I did not expect Milatovic to invite me, nor to meet with him. His statement that he would visit B&H and that he only knows B&H, without entities, is an insult to the RS and a denial of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA).” Leader of ‘Free Montenegro’ Vladislav Dajkovic stated for ATV that Milatovic became a president of the Montenegro mainly thanks to the Serb people. Dajkovic assessed that Milatovic’s “negative, malicious comments” should not be taken seriously. Dajkovic added: “These are mostly people who welcome here the occupiers with flowers, who welcome the representatives of the NATO alliance that bombed our country and killed our children about 20 years ago. Therefore, their mentality does not know the spirit of freedom, as that of Mr. Dodik.” MP in the Montenegrin Parliament Milan Knezevic said there has been an anti-Serb narrative both in the Assembly and the institutions of the state of Montenegro. “The very fact that Mr. Mandic is now the Speaker of the Assembly of Montenegro speaks of the fact that now better winds are blowing both in the Assembly and in the institutions, and I believe that the cooperation with the RS and B&H will further deepen for the general benefit of the citizens of Montenegro, B&H and the RS”, Knezevic stressed.

 

Plenkovic: Croatia strongly supports B&H and Croats in it (Hina)

 

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said in Banja Luka on Saturday he expects B&H to meet the conditions necessary for opening EU membership talks and added that Croatia will continue to strongly support B&H on its European journey, as well as the Croats living there. “We are fighting for B&H as if we were fighting for Croatia,” Plenkovic told the Croatian media, assessing that B&H has invested a lot of effort to meet the criteria set by the European Commission in order to recommend to the European Council to approve the opening of accession negotiations with B&H at its session on 20 and 21 March. The European Commission requested that B&H open negotiations with Frontex by then, pass three laws and carry out the electoral law reform. So far, the law on preventing money laundering has been adopted and negotiations with Frontex have been opened, but the remaining three legal solutions are still being debated, while the deadline for their adoption is approaching. Plenkovic said he is confident that B&H can still reach the set goal, adding that he is in constant communication with the Chairperson of the B&H Council of Ministers, Borjana Kristo. He underscored that legislation is being passed and reforms are being implemented, expressing his optimism that the remaining laws will be enacted and that his counterparts in the EU countries will acknowledge the progress B&H made since December. Plenkovic arrived in Banja Luka to attend a ceremony marking the ordination of Zeljko Majic, the new Bishop of Banja Luka. Following a meeting with Majic and now retired Bishop Franjo Komarica, he expressed his desire to provide support to the new bishop and extended his gratitude to Komarica for all the work he has accomplished. He stressed it is important that the Croatian government once again shows its support for the Croats in northwestern Bosnia, as it strongly supports the equality of the Croats as one of the three constituent peoples in B&H. Asked if there was anything else that could be done to encourage the return of Croats to ​​the Banja Luka diocese, where only about 30,000 believers are left, Plenkovic said the best thing to do is to ensure permanent stability and speed up the process of European integration.

 

Varhelyi: Whoever wants power in Montenegro, will have to follow European course (MINA/Vijesti)

 

In Montenegro, whoever wants to be in power will have to follow the will of the people, who mostly support the country’s membership in the EU, said European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi. Varhelyi says that Montenegro has everything at its disposal to become the next EU member and that the government and parliament have the capacity to implement the necessary reforms. In an interview for Vijesti, reported by MINA, he says that the government’s results so far have been very well received by Brussels, as well as by EU members. He has expressed hope that Montenegro will receive the closing benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24 in the coming summer. Commenting on whether Montenegro can become a member of the EU by 2030, Varhelyi stresses that the main question is whether Montenegro can prepare to become one.

 

SDSM Congress confirms Pendarovski's candidacy for second presidential term (MIA)

 

I expect a double win. We have our values and potentials, and we are better than them, said incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski after receiving support for a second presidential term at the 27th SDSM Congress late on Sunday. Pendarovski said the opinion polls presented by VMRO-DPMNE are fake, whereas the true ones show SDSM and Pendarovski will win the coming parliamentary and presidential elections. "The real polls they do not show in public show they have dropped below 45 MP seats while we have surpassed 50. Today's result by SDSM in the signature collection process is no coincidence. As of recently, trends have changed," said Pendarovski. According to him, VMRO-DPMNE has no position on the country's strategic issues. "What is their proposal for a negotiating framework? They say 'we will tell you once we come to power. You cannot even be head of a local community with such an approach. These are people who have not apologized for the biggest disgrace in Macedonia's history – 27 April," said Pendarovski. He added that VMRO-DPMNE did the biggest strategic mistake in history, because they worked actively on boycotting the recent census, resulting in 130,000 ethnic Macedonians listening to them and failing to register. "Do not fear, these are people with no qualities, the only wish being to assume power. We cannot allow this to happen," said Pendarovski. SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski sought the support from delegates over the candidacy for Stevo Pendarovski's second presidential term. Kovachevski said Pendarovski has a clear vision for the country's prosperity and its integration in the EU. "During his term, he showed the true meaning of a president of all. During his first term, he country joined NATO. During his second term, the country will join the EU," said Kovachevski. According to him, the coming presidential and parliamentary elections are an opportunity to choose the country's path - whether we move forward on the EU path or go back to isolation. "VMRO-DPMNE is offering only crises, retribution and isolation, for the country to be stuck for years, a status quo, no change, no progress, no future. SDSM is the only party that offers a real hope for a better tomorrow, a secure European future," noted Kovachevski. After announcing his candidacy on Friday, Pendarovski secured the required 10,000 citizens' signatures earlier today, with his Office saying they were collected in less than five hours.

 

Kovachevski: Pendarovski showed true meaning of president, EU membership in during his second term (MIA)

 

SDSM leader Dimitar Kovachevski sought Sunday the support from delegates at the 27th Congress over the candidacy for Stevo Pendarovski's second presidential term. Kovachevski said Pendarovski has a clear vision for the country's prosperity and its integration in the EU. "During his term, he showed the true meaning of a president of all. During his first term, the country joined NATO. During his second term, the country will join the EU," said Kovachevski. He added that over 20,000 signatures were collected for Pendarovski's candidacy during the day, saying they have refuted "all critics and sceptics who say SDSM is not the best option for the country." "This has confirmed in the best possible way what I have been saying for two years - that SDSM is the strongest, biggest and most organized party in the country," said Kovachevski. Kovachevski's address is followed by a working part of the congress, after which the presidential candidate will address the delegates. After announcing his candidacy on Friday, Pendarovski secured the required 10,000 citizens' signatures earlier today, with his Office saying they were collected in less than five hours.

 

580th anniversary of the League of Lezha, Begaj: Union, essential for the protection of freedom and common values (Radio Tirana)

 

The 580th anniversary of the Covenant of Albanian princes, one of the most important events in Albanian history, was commemorated in Lezha. As on 2 March 1444, on this day, delegations from the Albanian lands were present in the city of the League. The special feature of this anniversary is the presence of a large Arberesh delegation from Italy, accompanied by the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj. It is the first time that a head of state undertakes such an initiative as evidence of unity among Albanians. During his speech, the head of state said that this day brought together all Albanians, while he emphasized that the leitmotif of the League of Lezha, in the current geopolitical conditions, takes on even more special importance. According to Begaj, this event reminds us that unity and solidarity "are essential for the protection of common values ​​and freedom". "This is the day when all the Albanians are together in Lezha, the Albanians of Albania, Kosova, the Presheva Valley, the people of Arbëresh in Italy and wherever they are. The expression “our spread blood’ is true, because Albanians are found in every corner of the world, but today is the day when Albanians all come together. March 2 1444 stands as evidence of the will of the Albanian people to unite for freedom. Under the leadership of Skanderbeg, we remained carved in the important European chronicles of the time and the following centuries as an example of resistance for all of Europe. Today, the Albanian factor in the Balkans continues to play an important role for the peace of the entire region. In today's geopolitical conditions, where challenges and threats to the sovereignty of the peoples, including those of the region, the League of Lezha and the historical role of the Albanians, take on even more special importance. They remind us that unity and solidarity are essential for the protection of common values ​​and freedom," said the President. Present at the event, the speaker of the Assembly of Kosova Glauk Konjufca said in his greeting speech that 2 March 1444 laid the foundations of Albania's independence in 1912 and that the same spirit created the liberation war of Kosovo. "They decided that freedom is more important than anything else. So, the union of representatives, the construction of a military mechanism which unites those responsible for organization, the element of language, for us to create our freedom, is a dream that has never ceased since 1444. This inspiration, this energy created the independence of Albania in 1912 and the same energy created the liberation war of Kosovo because it is the same inspiration," Konjufca stated. On this day, the activity started with the march of school students and horsemen on Gjergj Fishta Boulevard of Lezha, to continue with the placing of flower wraths at the obelisk of the League, in the city center.

 

Rama: Southern Gas Corridor has made Europe safer (Radio Tirana)

 

Prime Minister Edi Rama declared that the Southern Gas Corridor has made Europe safer. In his speech at the 10th Summit of the Southern Gas Corridor in Baku, Azerbaijan, the head of government stated that soon the EU's supply of Russian gas will reach zero percent. Prime Minister Rama emphasized that “Indeed, this new energy Silk Road and the Southern Corridor have become a bridge for intense cooperation, bringing countries and companies closer together in a format that only enhances the desire and opportunities it offers.” He continued, “Today, this format has evolved into a bridge where a new integral part is the dimension of green energy. Thus, we are witnessing that the Southern Gas Corridor has transformed many lives and made Europe safer. The Southern Gas Corridor will continue to be one of the few sustainable and competitive sources of gas transportation to the EU.” "The percentage of Russian gas in the EU is currently at 40%, but it is expected to decrease to 8% soon, and eventually reach 0% as the green agenda and decarbonization efforts reach new heights. In this context, Azerbaijan's gas and the Caspian region are crucial for our common future," stated the Prime Minister. He mentioned that Albania is strategically positioned along the route of the Trans-Adriatic Gas Pipeline, which is a vital link in the Southern Gas Corridor. "We intend to capitalize on this transformative corridor by directing investments towards renewable energy projects and sustainable infrastructure development. Albania relies 100% on renewable energy. We aim to diversify our energy sources, which are mainly based on hydro sources," added Rama.

 

Seven countries, Greece included, address a letter to the EU for the fastest possible integration of the Western Balkans in the Union (Radio Tirana)

 

Seven EU member countries have addressed a letter to the EU requesting the fastest possible integration of the Western Balkans into the union. The letter addressed to the heads of the institutions of the union was signed by the foreign ministers of Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Greece. Greece seems to have changed its attitude towards Albania's European path, which it had threatened to block on the known as the Beleri case. The letter says that the time has come for decisive progress in the EU Enlargement Process towards the Western Balkans and that a clear and reasonable time for their membership in the Union is more urgent than ever. The aforementioned letter underscores also the fact that the seven countries welcome the New Growth Plan, for which a summit was held yesterday in Tirana. "Therefore, we call for your personal commitment to finalize with the highest priority the inter-institutional negotiations on "Facilitating Growth and Reform for the Western Balkans" before the European Parliament elections. Time is of the essence. Any delay will damage the credibility of the EU and have a negative impact on the European integration process of the region," the letter states, among other things.