United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Wednesday 15 December 2021
LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic, Brnabic: Opening of Cluster 4 signal of EU support; Vucic: Pristina will not allow holding of referendum (Tanjug/RTS/Politika/RTV/Beta)
• Borrell congratulates Brnabic on opening of Cluster 4 in EU talks (Tanjug/Beta/RTS)
• Selakovic with Chen Bo: Serbia and China continuously strengthening friendship (RTV)
• Dacic expects continuity of policy of growth in 2022 (Tanjug/Politika)
• Hill: Mutual recognition between Serbia and Kosovo best way to strengthen regional stability and security; Resilience to malign external influence, including from Russia and China (Beta/NSPM)
• Vitale: NATO offers support, respects Serbia’s neutrality (FoNet)
• Petkovic once again banned from visiting Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• General Affairs Council adopts conclusions on enlargement and stabilization and association process; Condemn blocking of B&H institutions and delay in reform processes in B&H (AJB)
• Schmidt: Parliaments in B&H can discuss any issue, as long as it is in line with DPA framework (FTV)
• UK Special Envoy Peach starts visit with members of B&H Presidency (O Kanal)
• President of Hungary meets with B&H Presidency members; Dodik attends meeting as well due to close relations with Orban (FTV/O Kanal)
• Sarovic: Restoration of entity competences is legitimate, but risky and dangerous (Dnevni list)
• Bosniak officials: Return of RS competences from level of B&H is very dangerous and anti-constitutional process (Hayat)
• Mijatovic: I asked Ambassador Kalabukhov to condemn unconstitutional decisions of RS parliament (O Kanal)
• SDP, NiP, NS issue statement asking SDA to confirm honesty of their intentions (Dnevni avaz)
• Dzaferovic and Komsic meet with members of ‘Association of RBIH Army Generals’ and nobody from international community reacts (Nezavisne)
• Okolic: Waitz is certainly not well-intentioned towards all citizens in B&H; Meeting with generals is message to Serbs that Sarajevo will defend its interest with threats (ATV)
• B&H HoR’s session adjourned without agenda being adopted; Representatives accuse HDZ B&H of supporting SNSD and blockade (BHT1)
• “Pro-Bosnian” parties to possibly withdraw from talks on electoral reforms; Lovrinovic criticizes such move (FTV)
• Grlic Radman: I doubt there is majority support in EU for sanctions against Dodik (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• PM: B&H Crisis should be solved through agreement, starting with election law (Hina)
• Plenkovic against erasing of peoples in electoral reform in B&H (Vecernji list)
• Sarajevo-based parties threaten they will boycott continuation of electoral reform talks (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• URA, SNP, CIVIS and minority parties to sign Memorandum of Cooperation (CdM)
• DPS would get 30.5% of votes; DF 20.4; Democrats 19.3% (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• BESA party calls for early elections after the latest veto Macedonia received at the European Council (Republika)
• Osmani believes that six months is too long time to wait for the Bulgarian veto to be lifted (Republika)
• Alternative party willing to overlook the latest veto in exchange for the promise of its share of government largesse (Republika)
• Mickoski: We will have open relations with our neighbors, but we also demand reciprocity (MRT)
Albania
• EC gives "OK" for first intergovernmental conference with Albania (Radio Tirana)
• Former minister arrested over corruption related to trash incinerators (Tirana Times)
• SP Group chair meets PM of Kosovo (ADN)
• Analysis: Future uncertain for DP as parallel assemblies strive for control (Tirana Times)

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Serbia to enter 2022 with healthy public finances, preparedness for challenges (Tanjug/RTS)
Brnabic: Opening of Cluster 4 important turning point for Serbia (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)
Joksimovic: Opening of Cluster 4 great success for Serbia (Tanjug)
Selakovic: Meetings in London good opportunity to represent Serbia (RTS/Tanjug)
Botsan-Kharchenko: Pristina’s demand for Serbia to recognize Kosovo is nonsense; Russia advocates abolishment of HR in B&H (FoNet/RTV/Tanjug/NSPM/N1)
IRMCT again tells UN Security Council that Serbia should extradite Radicals Jojic and Radeta (Beta)
Brammertz: Genocide deniers still exist in Serbia (N1)
Germany asks from EU to impose sanctions against Dodik (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

German government calls on EU to impose sanctions against Dodik (FTV/BNTV)
Dodik: If Germany introduces sanctions, RS will respond (FTV)
Schmidt condemns conclusions passed by RS parliament (BNTV)
MEPs Franz, Waitz meet B&H Presidency members, members of IAWG to amend Election Law of B&H, RS reps boycott meetings (FTV)
Truss reiterates UK's commitment to protect democracy and freedom in region (Al Jazeera Balkans/BHT1/O Kanal/N1)
Komsic and Dzaferovic discuss current security and political challenges in B&H with representatives of B&H Generals’ Association (Nova BH)
Kovacevic says Komsic and Dzaferovic are thinking about war due to their meeting with Association of Generals of B&H (ATV/RTRS)
Covic says Dodik is not bluffing (RTL/RTRS)
Dodik is threatening, but Schmidt is not waking up (Oslobodjenje)
Disband House of Peoples of parliament of B&H (Dnevni list)
RS CC’s VNI Protection Council rejects Bosniaks’ motion for VNI protection (Nova BH/BNTV)
Hatred and genocide denial have to stop (Oslobodjenje)
Bosniak lobbyists advocate sanctions (Glas Srpske)
Croatia

Plenkovic: Croatia does not wish to see any separatist and secessionist tendencies within B&H (HRT1)
Montenegro

Krivokapic: Resignation only if we don’t implement budget by June; $20m squandered to overthrow government (CdM)
Krivokapic's Op-Ed: Honor and shame live forever (gov.me)
Milatovic and Kordic in Brussels: EU membership is Government's strategic priority (gov.me)
Minister Radulovic meets with US Deputy Assistant Secretary Escobar in London (gov.me)
Republic of North Macedonia

No support in the EU to let Albania go ahead with its accession talks without Macedonia (MIA)
Osmani thanks Escobar on US strong support for start of EU accession talks (Republika)

United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Monday 13 December 2021
LOCAL PRESS

• Brnabic: New agreement on strategic cooperation with Russia to be signed soon (Tanjug/Politika/RTS/RTV)
• Brnabic: Gratitude for principled position of the Holy See regarding Kosovo and Metohija (RTV/Tanjug)
• Vucic: Countries will disappear. The problem exists in the whole of Europe (TV Pink/B92/RTS/Politika/Tanjug/Beta)
• Sullivan: US sanctions loom over brother of Serbian President (Beta/Nova.rs)
• Dacic: Egypt remains with the stance of frozen recognition of Kosovo and Metohija (RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vulin: Racak is one big lie (Beta/Novosti/RTV)
• Mihajlovic: Continuation of abuse of topic of environment for election campaign (FoNet)
• Reduced protests block traffic in Serbia on Saturday (Beta)
• Lutovac: Naming opposition candidate in Serbia too soon would be mistake (Danas/FoNet)
• Vucic: Serbia respects territorial integrity of B&H (RTS)
• Dacic expresses support to RS (Novosti)
• Dodik: We do not want any kind of B&H except for Dayton one (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS parliament adopts conclusions on transfer of competences to RS level (FTV)
• Opposition parties in RS parliament leave special session (Al Jazeera Balkans/BHT1/BNTV/O Kanal)
• OHR representatives not allowed to attend RS parliament special session (ATV)
• Dodik: There is no going backwards (RTRS)
• Salkic calls judicial institutions and international community to react; Other reactions (Oslobodjenje)
• SDA issues press statement, says restoring of RS’ competencies would be attack on constitutional order of B&H (FTV)
• Dzaferovic, Komsic and Izetbegovic call for reaction of B&H judicial institutions following RS parliament session (Nova BH/BHT1)
• Stevandic: RS has started with fight for its internationally recognized rights (Glas Srpske)
• EU Delegation to B&H, Embassies of US, UK, France, Germany and Italy issue joint statement (BHT1)
• RS parliament conclusions escalate tensions (Oslobodjenje)
• Kavalec: Current political situation in B&H not just difficult but also concerning (Fena)
• Escobar: We do not meet with Dodik, do not invite him to Washington and he is not invited to Brussels (Dnevni list/News 24 TV)
• Turkey supports B&H (Oslobodjenje/Avaz)
Montenegro
• No-confidence motion against government withdrawn (CdM)
• DF to propose returning mandate to citizens and organizing new elections (CdM)
• Radulovic: Only facts stated in non-paper, mention of Djukanovic provokes this reaction; Opposition: Government should fall (CdM)
• Sehovic: The end of one-year embarrassment of Montenegrin govt (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• SDSM members elect Dimitar Kovacevski to replace Zoran Zaev as party leader (Republika)
• Hristijan Mickoski re-elected as VMRO-DPMNE leader, calls for a movement to transform Macedonia (Republika)
Albania
• Kim: Let America and Albania always hold each other close (Radio Tirana)
• Political crises in Albania / British Ambassador: We do not want to see parties on the streets again (Radio Tirana/A2)
• US appeal: EU should keep promises to open negotiations with Albania, North Macedonia without delay (Radio Tirana/VoA)
• DP Assembly summoned by Sali Berisha is being held at 'Air Albania' Stadium (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic at the Summit for Democracy (Tanjug/Politika/B92)
140 years of diplomatic ties between US, Serbia – cooperation, partnership and understanding (Beta/VoA)
Brnabic: Russia strong support for Serbia’s 2030 development agenda (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
Vucic published the decision to withdraw the Law on Expropriation (B92/RTS)
Serbian parliament unanimously adopts amendments to the Law on Referendum and People’s Initiative (RTS)
Dacic: Law on Referendum has nothing to do with Rio Tinto (RTS)
Selakovic: We are grateful to Greece on principled position concerning the issue of Kosovo and Metohija (RTS)
Highly developed cooperation with Greece in field of defense (Tanjug)
Office for Kosovo and Metohija: New pressure on Serb returnees (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Schmidt sends letter to B&H parliament calling for adoption of law on denial of genocide and glorification of war criminals in line with international standards so that law imposed by former HR Inzko is annulled (BN TV)
Zakharova: Russia has been pointing out to its partners in PIC SB that private person Schmidt cannot chair PIC, because it undermines status of international community (N1)
US Embassy supports Schmidt’s stances regarding law on genocide denial (Dnevni avaz)
Novakovic-Bursac: Schmidt’s letter is evidence that some international representatives have been attempting to solve situation they created; RS representatives in joint institutions still respect decision they will not participate in decision-making process (RTRS)
Covic: My readiness for mediation in solving crisis was rudely used in order to try and discredit me (BHT1)
Izetbegovic’s statement of that he abolished 9 January as RS Day causes reactions; Dodik: Izetbegovic should be focused on his own policy and stop spreading hatred (ATV)
Dodik votes in favor of decision adopted by B&H Presidency (Oslobodjenje)
RS parliament special session on return of RS’ competences to take place on Friday, Sulic says he did not allow OHR representatives to attend special session (ATV)
Sarovic says SNSD not aware of potential danger it is leading people and RS into (BN TV)
Macron: We must fight manipulation of several regional powers that want to destabilize Europe through Balkans (FTV)
Colomina emphasizes strong support for sovereignty, territorial integrity of B&H, functioning B&H AF, and B&H’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations (Hayat)
Komsic, Dzaferovic meet with Gahler to discuss current political crisis in B&H (FTV)
Dodik, Cvijanovic meet Portman in separate meetings; Dodik: International interventionism has been kept in B&H for too long (ATV)
More names will be added to US Treasury Sanctions list (Nova/Dnevni list)
Arnautovic: Methodologically whole process of negotiations on changes to B&H Election Law was started completely wrong (O Kanal)
Croatia

PM repeats support for reintegration of occupied Ukrainian territory (Hina)
EU: Croatia meets the conditions for implementing the Schengen acquis (HRT)
Montenegro

Krivokapic: There’s suspicion that 41st vote will appear for government removal; I can’t specify name (Pobjeda)
URA: We’re looking forward to Monday; whoever thinks that we’ll adjust our attitudes to anyone is grossly mistaken (CdM)
DF plans to launch initiative to shorten parliament mandate (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia

DUI expect that SDSM will honor their agreement to name an ethnic Albanian Prime Minister for a term of 100 days (Republika)
BESA is officially out of the government (Republika)
Mickoski: New party doctrine and new officials will be announced on Sunday (Skopje Info)
Macron denies Macedonia any hope for an accession date in December – he will push for a Balkan summit in June instead (Republika)
Schulz: The further delay in the start of EU accession talks due to the blockade by Bulgaria is indecent and dangerous for the stability of the region and the European vision (Libertas)
Albania

Rama discloses meeting with Escobar: Partnership with US, Open Balkans and Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Radio Tirana)
Escobar meets Xhacka (Radio Tirana)
Basha's message after meeting with Escobar (ADN)
US Embassy: Escobar's visit focused on fight against corruption and US support for Albania's EU membership (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade
Daily Media Highlights
Thursday 9 December 2021
LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: I returned Law on Expropriation to parliament, Referendum Law to be revised (B92/Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Law on Expropriation withdrawn from parliamentary procedure (Tanjug)
• Dacic: Government cannot withdraw adopted law (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Dacic says expropriation law up for public debate (TV Pink/FoNet)
• US identifies five Kosovo Serb businessmen as leaders of organized crime group (N1)
• Serbian environmental organization wants Rio Tinto plans removed (N1)
• Working Group for Rio Tinto project involves President’s aides, but diplomats, too (Beta/NSPM)
• Stefanovic: KFOR to act within the given mandate, Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical agreement (Tanjug/Beta)
• SNS MP: Vulin responsible for police acts, alleged deal with Russians (N1)
• Lecturer: Summit for Democracy – a bad idea for the world (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Escobar meets B&H Presidency members: Dzaferovic: Me and Komsic are encouraged by constant support that comes from US (Hayat)
• Dodik tells Escobar that international community needs to find way to withdraw Inzko’s law (RTRS)
• Izetbegovic’s announcement that all decisions of RS parliament on restoration of competences will be annulled by Constitutional Court causes reactions from RS: This is proof that SDA controls judiciary (Glas Srpske)
• Dzaferovic: RS parliament’s discussion of issues of B&H institutions would only lead to further escalation of already bad political situation (Hayat)
• IMF warns of consequences if RS decides to withdraw from ITA B&H (O Kanal/RTRS)
• Dodik says US tried to remove him and replace him with Cvijanovic; Cvijanovic: There are efforts to isolate Dodik (RTRS)
• Colomina: We call on Russia to take constructive role in Western Balkans (Oslobodjenje)
• Vulin with Viskovic; Vulin: Serbia insists on respecting DPA as only way to preserve peace (N1)
• Izetbegovic: It will be HNS’ fault if negotiations fail (Dnevni list)
• Bajrovic on possible boycott of elections by SNSD and HDZ B&H: Boycott of elections will not have any meaning, as other parties from the RS do not support the idea (O Kanal)
• PIC SB warns that any unilateral decisions will endanger peace in B&H; Schmidt: Entities are constitutional part of state, but that does not give them right to unilaterally secede from B&H (Hayat)
• Russian Embassy reacts to PIC SB’s session: B&H does not include entities, but it is made out of entities, OHR should be closed and NATO will never be a goal (O Kanal)
• Dodik harshly criticizes Schmidt and PIC SB’s conclusions (Hayat)
Croatia
• Milanovic comments PIC SB Communiqué: Report has all elements of colonial administration, which they try to systematically impose onto B&H (Hina)
• Milanovic: It bothers me that Serbs are insinuated that they are a genocidal people (N1)
• Plenkovic visits Ukraine amid rising tensions with Russia (HRT)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: I’m optimistic that government will fall; If a policy similar to reality shows prevails in Montenegro, I won’t be its stakeholder (Portal Dnevne)
• Government won’t fall – PM supported by Pozitivna and Democratic parties (CdM)
• Becic: I hope they’ll stick to his words and that parliamentary majority won’t support initiative for no confidence in government (CdM)
• Radulovic, Plenkovic: Croatia supports Montenegro's European path (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Minister Radulovic meets with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Bulgaria maintains its position and does not withdraw its veto - Albania can start negotiations with the EU, North Macedonia cannot (Libertas)
Albania
• US Ambassador to Albania reacts after sanctions imposed on Serb Group in Kosovo (ADN)