Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti received Germany’s Secretary of State (media)
• Abbott: Resolving situation in north requires patience and calm thinking (media)
• PM Albin Kurti interview with The Guardian
• EU ambassadors approve visa liberalisation for Kosovo (media)
• Dendias: Implement everything that has been achieved so far (media)
• Non-paper from Kosovo, Serbia politicians and activists meet in Switzerland (Nacionale)
• No agreement without compromises from both sides, analysts say (RTK)
• Hoxha: Radoicic decided who was police chief, and who was municipal director (Kallxo)
• Qalaj: Police officers in Leposavic are sleeping on cardboards (teve1)

Serbian Language Media:

• Djuric: Secret indictments against Serbs in Kosovo unacceptable type of political pressure (Tanjug)
• President Vucic met NATO Admiral Munsch on Tuesday (Tanjug)
• Admiral Munsch: KFOR carefully monitors situation in northern Kosovo (Tanjug, RTS)
• Serbs from the north of Kosovo the 11th day at the barricades (NMagazin, Beta, RTS)
• Civil society: Detention conditions of Pantic represent serious violation of his human rights (Kosovo Online, Radio KIM)
• KP on smashed shop windows in Bosniak Mahala: The anti-terrorism unit involved in the investigation (KoSSev)
• Radojevic on breaking shops’ windows in Bosniak Mahala and lack of police reaction (Kosovo Online, Radio KIM)
• Petkovic: “Kurti threatens and calls for liquidation” (KiM radio, N1, Beta)
• Brnabic, Vucic, Rakic react to Kurti’s statement on barricades and casualties (RTV, Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• KFOR commander for N1: Parties in Kosovo to allow freedom of movement (Kosovo Online)
• Dacic says removal of causes may lead to de-escalation of situation in Kosovo (RTV)
• Rakic: “Release of arrested Serbs, withdrawal of all units, removal of secret hit lists, a recipe for removing barricades” (Kontakt plus radio)
• Navaro: Spain will not support Pristina EU membership bid (Kosovo Online)
• Fajon: Respect of Brussels Agreement crucial (Tanjug)

International:

• Kosovo PM says Russia inflaming Serbia tensions as Ukraine war falters (The Guardian)

 

 

Albanian Language Media  

 

Kurti received Germany’s Secretary of State (media)

The Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti received today in a meeting Siemtje Moller, Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Germany, at the same time Deputy Minister of Defense.

Kurti expressed gratitude for the valuable contribution that the Federal Republic of Germany has given to the liberation, independence and state building of Kosovo. He also thanked Moller for Germany's contribution to KFOR and emphasised the role and importance of KFOR in Kosovo.

"He appreciated the role and support of Germany and reiterated the importance that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo attaches to the Berlin Process, as the best opportunity for cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans region for integration into the European Union".

They also discussed the support related to Kosovo's intention to prepare for application and acceptance in the NATO Partnership for Peace Program, as well as in other international organisations.

On the other hand, Secretary Moller appreciated the good and deep relations between Kosovo and Germany and emphasised that the frequent visits at the state level reaffirm the excellent relations between Kosovo and the Republic of Germany, as well as serve to further deepen friendship and cooperation.

Abbott: Resolving situation in north requires patience and calm thinking (media)

UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Nicholas Abbott, said today that “resolving the difficult and dangerous situation in the north requires patience and calm thinking. It is important that time and space is given to find long-term solutions for the benefits of all citizens”. In a Twitter post, Abbott also said: “Kosovo Police, KFOR and EULEX must be allowed to do their jobs professionally and without concern for political priorities”.

PM Albin Kurti interview with The Guardian

Local news websites cover an interview that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti gave to The Guardian, most of them highlighting his concern that the removal of the barricades in the north could result in casualties. ”Our worry is that the removal of the barricades cannot exclude casualties … And that’s why we want to be as careful as possible to make sure that there will be no destabilisation and relative peace and security will be in place. However, we cannot allow this violation of lawfulness and constitutionality for ever. So, yeah, this must end, sooner the better,” Kurti is quoted as saying.

Read the full interview at: https://bit.ly/3G7sTFM

EU ambassadors approve visa liberalisation for Kosovo (media)

The ambassadors of the European Union have approved the text of the compromise for the liberalisation of visas for Kosovo. This step was taken before the final approval by the Council of the European Union.

The expert on European affairs, Demush Shasha, said that today the liberalisation of visas has been sealed.

"The EU ambassadors just sealed the liberalisation of visas for Kosovo. This is the last step for this year and a step that closes the technical procedure for visa liberalisation. In the first months of next year, only the formal vote remains in the plenary session of the European Parliament and the Council for Internal Affairs," he wrote.

Dendias: Implement everything that has been achieved so far (media)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Nikos Dendias, stayed in Kosovo today on an official visit after visiting the capitals in Albania and Serbia. In a press conference with the host, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Donika Gervalla, Dendias said that the agreements reached so far within the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue must be implemented. 

"If I may say, in our analysis, the EU is the final destination for the entire Western Balkans. We talked about cooperation in the energy aspect and this is important after the Russian invasion in Ukraine, so that you can be independent in the field of energy and move away from coal," - he told reporters in Pristina.

"It is important for both sides to implement everything that has been achieved so far. This was my message in Belgrade as well. We support the role of EULEX and the high representative of the EU, Lajcak, and the American representative, Escobar. Our aim is for the Balkans' journey towards the EU to be one-way," he said

On the other hand, Gervalla said that she expects cooperation and support from the Greek state. "He is the foreign minister with the highest frequency of visits to Kosovo. He is an actor with great experience in politics in the region. The Hellenic Republic and Kosovo in foreign policy are on the same line, NATO and the EU and the same position regarding the war in Ukraine. It was a meeting in the wake of meetings on different topics. We discussed the economy, cooperation, Kosovo's membership in the EU and EC. Kosovo has applied this year to both and is on its way to NATO. What makes Kosovo special is that its people are more pro-EU and more pro-US," she said.

Non-paper from Kosovo, Serbia politicians and activists meet in Switzerland (Nacionale)

The news website claims to have secured the copy of a non-paper from a meeting between politicians and activists from Kosovo and Serbia in Switzerland in November. 

The non-paper published by the news website notes that the participants have agreed on the following points:

1. The war in Ukraine has created a strategic momentum for a speeded-up process to integrate the Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic structures
2. It is the common national interest of Kosovo and Serbia to develop good, stable, and predictable relations.
3. After the recent events, the participants from Serbia and Kosovo are very concerned about the security situation, in particular in the four Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo’s north. While the international community has its role, Kosovo and Serbia bear the primary responsibility to maintain peace and stability at home. Specific actions need to be taken without delay to address and remedy the current situation.
4. The participants call for efforts to be multiplied to address the longer-term issues. They would welcome a strong, concerted third party initiative to support Serbia and Kosovo in their endeavours to find a lasting solution in a Comprehensive Framework Agreement. This is the only way forward. Reaching such an Agreement is becoming urgent.
5. For this to happen, the participants call for key international actors (EU, Germany, France, USA) to set up a new robust framework conducive to lead Kosovo and Serbia through a negotiation process that will eventually result in such an Agreement.
6. The key international actors as a party with their own legitimate interests in the process are invited, together with Serbia and Kosovo, to commit to a common ultimate goal and the establishment of a roadmap for the negotiations including timeframes.
7. The participants also welcome other experienced and committed third parties to support this process as needed.

No agreement without compromises from both sides, analysts say (RTK)

Political commentators in Pristina argue that given the situation in the north, an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia cannot be expected soon, and that there can be no political settlement without compromises from both sides.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti mentioned March 2023 as the time when an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia can be reached based on the French-German plan, but no details were revealed about any concrete agreement.

Analysts say that despite the insistence of the international community an agreement until March is not likely. Dorajet Imeri, political commentator, told the news website that Serbia is using the current situation in the north of Kosovo to delay an eventual agreement. “The situation in the north of Kosovo can be used as a mechanism by Serbia to delay a potential agreement. But what is most important is that the parties have probably agreed on the framework of the dialogue. Because there cannot be infinite negotiations that don’t produce a solution. Since day one, Serbia has maintained the approach of keeping hostage the process of concluding the dialogue with Kosovo,” he argued.

Demush Shasha, from the EPIK research institute, said that so far very little is known about the French-German plan, but that according to him from what is known it suits Kosovo more. He also said that there will be no agreement without compromise. “There will be no important political agreement between Kosovo and Serbia without compromises. Namely, both Kosovo and Serbia are going to have to make compromises,” he said.

Hoxha: Radoicic decided who was police chief, and who was municipal director (Kallxo)

Syle Hoxha, former prosecutor with the Special Prosecution of Kosovo, who led investigations against Milan Radoicic, told Kallxo on Tuesday that “Milan Radoicic decided who was police chief, and who was municipal director” in the north of Kosovo. “It is well known that organised crime operated there. I feel sorry for the population whose voice was not heard either then or now”.

Hoxha also commented on the removal of barricades in the north of Kosovo in 2019 and the resistance there. “There was a kind of resistance; alarms went off; and in another case when they went there to arrest Radoicic, shots were fired. Then police officers who were part of the civil protection were arrested. There was resistance, but those actions were successful. From the information I had, organised crime had the main say in the north,” he said.

Qalaj: Police officers in Leposavic are sleeping on cardboards (teve1)

MP from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and former Director of Kosovo Police, Rashit Qalaj, said in an interview with the TV station that Kosovo Police officers at the police station in Leposavic are in a bad condition.

Qalaj said the police officers that have remained blocked since the erection of barricades in the north, have faced food shortages and that they are sleeping on cardboards. He said that the institutions are keeping silent about their situation. “The situation of the police officers in the station in Leposavic is very bad, and surprisingly the Government, Interior Ministry and the General Directorate of the Police are keeping silent,” he said. 

According to Qalaj, the barricades in the north were erected only to block the movement of Kosovo Police, because, as he argued, Serb citizens are moving freely and are even crossing into Serbia. He said their movement is enabled by KFOR and EULEX.

 

 

 

Serbian Language Media 

 

Djuric: Secret indictments against Serbs in Kosovo unacceptable type of political pressure (Tanjug)

Secret indictments against Serbs represent an unacceptable method of political pressure exerted on the already disenfranchised Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Ambassador to US, Marko Djuric said, Tanjug news agency reports.

“There can be no justification for their secrecy given that agreements, mediated by the EU, foresee mechanisms for mutual legal aid between central government in Belgrade and provisional institutions (in Pristina) with mediation of EULEX”, Djuric told Politika daily.

He added transparency of actions undertaken by institutions was a necessary precondition for building the trust in them.

“But how can we talk at all about trust on an individual level, if they even trample over collective political rights of entire people guaranteed by Kosovo constitution?”, Djuric said. 

President Vucic met NATO Admiral Munsch on Tuesday (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Admiral Stuart Munsch, the commander of the NATO Allied Joint Forces Command, in Belgrade on Tuesday.

The meeting, scheduled for 10 am, took place in the building of the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic of Serbia, the presidential press office said in a statement.

Following the meeting, Vucic wrote in a post on Instagram “a good conversation with Admiral Munsch. I asked him that NATO protect our people in Kosovo and Metohija and thanked him for understanding Serbia's policy of neutrality”. 

Admiral Munsch: KFOR carefully monitors situation in northern Kosovo (Tanjug, RTS)

Commander of NATO Allied Joint Forces Command in Naples, Admiral Stuart Munsch told Tanjug news agency yesterday that KFOR carefully monitors the situation in northern Kosovo and is ready to offer a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities across Kosovo in line with the mandate based on UN SC Resolution 1244.

Asked if he perceives the current security situation as endangered, Munsch responded that KFOR has been reinforcing its presence since October, by additional forces, and patrols in northern Kosovo this week.

“We expect all actors to be in close coordination with KFOR and to restrain from provocative demonstration of force, in order to maintain security and safety of all communities”, Munsch said.

He also urged all sides to act constructively to ensure safety and freedom of movement in Kosovo and Metohija.

“KFOR will continue fulfilling its mandate as set in the UN SC Resolution 1244 for all communities in Kosovo. Solutions must be sought through dialogue”, he stressed.

Asked why KFOR allows heavily armed Kosovo police to come to the north, despite claims of the Serb political representatives that this is not in line with the 2013 agreement on operations of Kosovo special forces in the north, Munsch responded that “KFOR continues supporting dialogue in order to reduce tensions and resolve disputes”.

“We call on all actors to avoid unilateral acts that may lead to increasing tensions. KFOR is dedicated and committed to its UN mandate, which foresees preservation of security and freedom of movement for the benefits of all communities living in Kosovo”, he said.

Asked to comment on Serbia’s request addressed to KFOR and related to the return of Serbian security personnel in Kosovo in line with Resolution 1244, Munsch responded that “KFOR has received a letter from Serbia, and the request is currently in a phase of consideration and assessment”.

Serbs from the north of Kosovo the 11th day at the barricades (NMagazin, Beta, RTS)

The main roads in the north of Kosovo are still blocked, and the Serbs are at the barricades for the 11th day in the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, RTS reported.

The condition for the removal of the barricades is the release of the three arrested Serbs, including former members of the Kosovo Police Dejan Pantic and Sladjan Trajkovic, as well as the withdrawal of the special police forces from the north of Kosovo.

Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti said on Monday that "the barricades will be removed soon", and that in the conversation with the KFOR command, he was told that KFOR is asking for additional time in order to make a decision on the measures to be taken to remove the barricades, reported Serbian media.

The director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petra Petkovic, said that the barricades in the north of Kosovo mean freedom for Serbs and represent "their peaceful resistance to the lawlessness of Albin Kurti".

Commenting on the Kosovo Prime Minister's statement that "the barricades in the north of Kosovo will not remain for long", Petkovic said in a written statement that it would be good for Kurti to immediately release Dejan Pantic, withdraw the special forces from the north, and to "abolish the lists for persecution and arrest" of Serbs.

Roadblocks began after the arrest of Dejan Pantic, who was suspected of an alleged terrorist attack on the premises of the Central Election Commission of Kosovo in Kosovska Mitrovica, recalled Serbian media.

Civil society: Detention conditions of Pantic represent serious violation of his human rights (Kosovo Online, Radio KIM)

Representatives of 11 non-governmental organisations expressed in a statement “serious concern over the situation in which former member of Kosovo police, Dejan Pantic is”, Kosovo Online portal reports.

They called upon international representatives to get involved in the case, and ensure respect for his human rights.

“As organisations dealing with the rule of law and human rights, we express protest over the treatment of Mr. Pantic, who is kept in detention outside of the detention centre, in the premises that certainly do not meet detention standards either under Kosovo regulations or international conventions”, they said in a statement.

“Also, disabling contacts with members of the family and defence team represent serious violations of his human rights and demand urgent engagement of the both, respective institutions in Kosovo and international missions and organisations dealing with human rights”, the statement adds.

They also urged representatives of institutions and international missions to visit Pantic and get acquainted with his health and conditions in which he is held. 

The signatories of the statement include: Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture (ACDC), Forum for Development and Multiethnic Cooperation, Human Center Mitrovica, Institute for Territorial Economic Development (InTER), Communication for Social Development, New Social Initiative, Aktiv, Business Women Association Avenija, Center for Social initiative, Youth Activity Partes, Gracanica online. 

KP on smashed shop windows in Bosniak Mahala: The anti-terrorism unit involved in the investigation (KoSSev)

The windows of four Serb-owned shops, situated at the very entrance to Bosniak Mahala in North Mitrovica, were broken last night. The Kosovo police announced tonight that a shock bomb detonation was reported in this area last night, and that, according to the report, several windows were broken as a result.

“According to the preliminary information, it is suspected that the explosion could be caused by organised criminal structures as a continuation of efforts to raise tensions and destabilise the situation, to spread a sense of insecurity and fear,” the Kosovo police said.

KP previously confirmed for the KoSSev portal that the case is open. Moreover, they now reveal that the anti-terrorism units are also involved in the investigation.

“The Kosovo police with its units, including the anti-terrorism unit, are undertaking intensive actions in the investigation of this case to identify and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice,” the police said.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3jk5B6v

Radojevic on breaking shops’ windows in Bosniak Mahala and lack of police reaction (Kosovo Online, Radio KIM)

Former Mitrovica North mayor and a member of Crisis Committee, Milan Radojevic in a video statement said the Serb owners of the shops whose windows were broken two nights ago in Bosniak Mahala, tried to prevent vandals from destroying their shops, but what we heard was that some people throw pyrotechnic devices at them and run “in direction of South Mitrovica”, Kosovo Online portal reports.

He added that the latest acts of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti do not contribute to stability in northern Kosovo.

“Kosovska Mitrovica is the only multiethnic town in Kosovo and Metohija, and we all have invested much effort and energy to preserve that multiethnicity. However, the latest Kurti’s acts and sending police officers to the north of Kosovo do not contribute to the stability and the case that took place last night serves as an example to it. Although police officers were fifty metres aways from the shops they absolutely did not react or undertook any action, they idly watched people that left in the direction of the southern part of Kosovska Mitrovica”, Radojevic said yesterday.

He added Serbs are no threat to anyone and called on all to exercise restraint.

Petkovic: “Kurti threatens and calls for liquidation” (KiM radio, N1, Beta)

The director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, assessed the statement of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti "that the removal of the barricades cannot exclude the victims", "as a terrifying threat and a call for liquidation", reported KiM radio, citing the statement.

"When we know what he was prepared for in the previous period in order to provoke an escalation of the situation on the ground, we take such threats very seriously. The international community must urgently react to the ominous announcements to professors, doctors, children, students, single mothers, workers, who on the barricades day and night defend their freedom and human rights, their right to stay and survive (...) sent by Kurti", said the director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, reported KiM radio.

Petkovic assessed that the "illegal deployment of long barrels and special forces armed to the teeth" in the north of Kosovo does not aim at any "peace mission" but is a direct threat to the Serbian people.

"The nervousness of Pristina is obvious because it fails to provoke an unmeasured reaction of the Serbian people at the barricades and in its futile and failed attempt to criminalise the Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, it is now calling for their liquidation," the statement said.

Petkovic added that once again the decision to submit a request for the return of Serbian security forces to Kosovo proved correct.

"Let Kurti be convinced, Belgrade will never allow him to turn his threats into action," concluded the director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.

KiM radio recalls that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that the barricades in the north cannot be tolerated for much longer and added that he is concerned "that the removal of these barricades cannot exclude the victims", so that this is the reason for "very careful handling".

Brnabic, Vucic, Rakic react to Kurti’s statement on barricades and casualties (RTV, Tanjug, Kosovo Online)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said Kosovo Prime Minister “Albin Kurti through statements to Guardian newspaper showed the world his true face by threatening Serbs with death and violence”, Serbian media report.

“Through statements to @guardian, @albinkurti shows the world his true face, threatening death and violence to Serbs instead of choosing a rational solution by simply implementing the Brussels Agreement, respecting rule of law, and ceasing arbitrary arrests of innocent people”, Brnabic wrote in a post on Twitter, along with the excerpts of an interview Kurti gave to British newspaper. 

In reaction to the same interview, Serbian Minister of Defense, Milos Vucicevic called upon KFOR today to “prevent violence and terror against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija” and urgently react to dangerous threats of Albin Kurti, Radio Television of Vojvodina reports.

He noted that Kurti “honours neither human rights nor established European values”. “Serbia must not and will not allow a new ‘Storm’ (Croatian military operation that led to expulsion of Serbs from the country) or new pogrom from March 2004, because Serbia is part of the civilised world, factor of peace and stability”, Vucicevic said.

Meanwhile, Serbian List President Goran Rakic also reacted by saying that Kurti openly proposes “killing Serbs on the barricades”, adding that barricades will be removed once arrested Serbs are released, special Kosovo police units leave the northern Kosovo and, as he called it, hunting list for Serbs cancelled.

He also said Kurti’s remarks went without reactions from international representatives, adding it was impermissible.

Kurti previously told Guardian he worries that “removal of barricades can not exclude casualties” and that is why it was needed to be careful, but that, as he said, this violation of lawfulness and constitutionality can not be allowed forever. 

KFOR commander for N1: Parties in Kosovo to allow freedom of movement (Kosovo Online)

KFOR called on all parties in Kosovo to "engage constructively to enable security and freedom of movement", stressing that a solution to the situation should be sought through dialogue, KFOR Commander Angelo Michele Ristuccia stated for N1.

"KFOR is closely monitoring the situation in the north of Kosovo. KFOR has full capacity, including personnel, to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities, throughout the territory of Kosovo, according to its mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999," said Ristuccia

He adds that KFOR has strengthened its presence since October, including this week's additional soldiers and patrols in northern Kosovo.

"We expect all actors to cooperate closely with KFOR and to refrain from provocative expressions of force, to enable freedom of movement in Kosovo. KFOR will continue to fulfil its mandate under Resolution 1244 for all communities in Kosovo. We invite all parties to engage constructively to enable security and freedom of movement in Kosovo. A solution should be sought through dialogue," KFOR Commander Ristuccia told N1.

Dacic says removal of causes may lead to de-escalation of situation in Kosovo (RTV)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said elimination of the causes for the latest events in Kosovo and Metohija may lead to a de-escalating situation there, RTV reports.

Following the meeting with his Slovenian counterpart, Tanja Fajon, Dacic noted it has been clear what Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija had requested and what conditions for resolving the problems are. It includes an end to unilateral acts so the meaningful dialogue may continue, release of arrested Serbs and no secret lists for arrests.  

He underlined Serbs do not wish to be part of incidents, but rather part of the peaceful solution.

“While you arrest Serbs and refuse to implement agreements, you can’t talk about a new agreement”, Dacic said.

He once again emphasised that at this moment the biggest threat to peace and stability is Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti because he is causing individual incidents. He added barricades were not placed to impede the traffic but represent part of political protest because of lack of fulfilling Brussels agreement.

Rakic: “Release of arrested Serbs, withdrawal of all units, removal of secret hit lists, a recipe for removing barricades” (Kontakt plus radio) 

President of the Serbian List and member of the Crisis Staff, Goran Rakic, told Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti that "the recipe for removing the barricades is very simple - release all arrested Serbs, withdraw all units from the north of Kosovo, remove all secret lists, and some hit lists for Serbs", reported Kontakt plus radio.

Rakic reacted regarding Kurti's statement that "the barricades that the Serbs put up in the north will not be tolerated for much longer" and that he was worried because "their removal cannot exclude the victims".

Rakic pointed out that "Pristina's anti-Serb narrative has been going on for years and that our people have felt firsthand how much Pristina cares about respecting the rights of our people and the signed agreements".

"Nevertheless, Albin Kurti's last statement exceeded all limits. In his statement, Kurti openly suggests killing the Serbs at the barricades, because according to him, they cannot be removed in any other way. He is calling for the killing of our mothers, our sisters, workers, doctors, professors, who fight day and night and peacefully against his terror," said Rakic.

He emphasised that "unfortunately, this threat goes without a response from international representatives, which is truly unacceptable."

Navaro: Spain will not support Pristina EU membership bid (Kosovo Online)

Spanish State Secretary for the European Union, Pascal Navaro told the Joint Commission for the EU in the Senate today that Spain does not recognize Kosovo and therefore will vote against any procedural decision or giving a candidate status to Kosovo, Kosovo Online portal reports.

He further explained that upon Pristina officially submitting a request for EU membership to the current Czech presidency a “procedural decision” must be made, which he assumes would come during the Swedish presidency of the EU Council due in January 2023.

Normal occurrence, he said, would be to seek the opinion of the European Commission and then to discuss it at the General Affairs Council and finally make a decision in the European Council.

“The Government will not support candidacy under current circumstances and this position has not changed”, he emphasised.  

Fajon: Respect of Brussels Agreement crucial (Tanjug)

After meeting with Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic, Slovenian Deputy PM and FM Tanja Fajon said on Tuesday in Belgrade normalisation of Belgrade-Pristina relations was the most important for ensuring the best possible life to citizens and noted that respect of the Brussels Agreement was crucial for future cooperation, reported agency Tanjug.

At a joint press conference, Dacic said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had informed Fajon of the problems in Kosovo-Metohija, and noted that the Brussels Agreement had been signed nine years ago and that it was clear that Pristina's PM Albin Kurti was unwilling to implement it.

"It appears as though Pristina has not even been a part of the negotiations process, which is creating an entire chain of problems," Dacic said, adding that Serbia was committed to peace and literal implementation of all commitments ranging from UN SC Resolution 1244 to the Brussels Agreement.

Fajon noted that Slovenia wanted Serbia to join the EU as soon as possible and commended Serbia for taking positive steps regarding alignment of its visa policy with that of the EU.

She said she also wanted to see Serbia make progress on alignment of its foreign policy with the EU, but noted that it was a sovereign state and would decide on the matter on its own.

Dacic and Fajon announced their governments would set a date for holding a joint session and said the level of economic cooperation was high.

"We are grateful to Slovenia for its support to Serbia regarding European integration, and it has also offered assistance in the form of expert staff when it comes to reforms in some areas," Dacic said.

Fajon said she wanted to use her visit to Serbia to boost bilateral relations and noted that the two countries had excellent political and economic cooperation.

"There are around 1,500 Slovenian companies operating in Serbia, providing 25,000 jobs. We want to strengthen that and to have more Slovenian companies in Serbia and more Serbian companies in Slovenia," Fajon said, adding that the volume of bilateral trade had risen to 2 bln euros.

Dacic and Fajon also discussed the issue of succession, and Fajon said there were certain differences in views and opinions on the matter but that there was also willingness to overcome those differences and continue the good relations.

Dacic noted that, under the Slovenian constitution, Serbs living in Slovenia are no minority, but an ethnic community, unlike Hungarians and Italians.

"There was no discussion about that because that implies an amendment to the constitution, but we want to use that segment as a good reason for developing our bilateral relations," he said.

 

 

International 

 

Kosovo PM says Russia is inflaming Serbia tensions as Ukraine war falters (The Guardian)

Albin Kurti warns rising tensions only benefit Putin as ethnic Serbs set up road blocks in north of country

Kosovo’s prime minister, Albin Kurti, has warned of Russia inflaming tensions between his country and Serbia due to the war in Ukraine faltering, as Belgrade took its first step in deploying troops to the region.

Ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo, where they are in the majority, have had barricades set up for more than a week, preventing the free movement of the Kosovan authorities, despite US and EU calls for the illegal road blocks to be dismantled.

A large group of members of the Narodne Patrole, a Serbian nationalist organisation with ties to the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, had also massed on Sunday on the Serbian side of the Serbia-Kosovo border threatening to confront Nato troops.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3YEQ9Cr