United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 10 June 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic on elections (TV Pink/Tanjug)
Drecun on Resolution 1244: Document that is an obstacle to those who would like Kosovo to acquire UN membership (RTS)
Botsan-Kharchenko: Disrespect of Resolution 1244 source of instability (Politika/Tanjug)
Dacic, Turkovic: Region needs joint agreement on opening borders (Beta/RTS)
Dacic, Aurescu: Successful cooperation between Serbia, Romania an example for entire region (RTS)
Another 66 cases (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

It remains unclear who forms majority in FB&H parliament (FTV)
Izetbegovic: All coalition partners would like to weaken position of SDA ahead of local elections (Hayat)
Cvijanovic claims people who were recently appointed to B&H CEC are ‘politically colored’ (EuroBlic)
OSCE: Relevant institutions in B&H have legal obligation to secure funds necessary for organization of local elections (Dnevni list)
B&H CC upholds State Attorney’s Office’s appeal on registration of military property; RS PM Viskovic: Another decision of B&H CC which will not be implemented (N1)
B&H, Serbian Ministers of Foreign Affairs meet: B&H and Serbia have good, neighborly relations (FTV)
Bosniak Caucus of B&H HoP pays visit to Potocari; Call for adoption of law on banning genocide denial or for OHR to impose it (Dnevni avaz)
Cvijanovic and Sattler discuss EU path (RTRS)
Coronavirus cases spike in B&H with 53 positive tests in one day (N1)
Croatia

FM says Croatia condemns any act of provocation that hurts ties with Hungary (Hina)
Croatian PM and German Chancellor talk EU Presidency, economy, tourist season (Hina)
Two new cases of coronavirus infection in Croatia (N1)
Montenegro

Stoltenberg to Djukanovic: Those who try to divide us will not succeed (CDM)
Risk of coronavirus still exists (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Government pretends that everything is fine: State of emergency to be lifted even though 1,000 COVID-19 cases were registered in a week (Republika/Fokus)
Carovska: Requirements for extension of state of emergency exhausted (MIA)
Government tasks MoI and inspectorates with stricter controls in areas with most Covid-19 cases (MIA)
Zaev: No reason to extend state of emergency, election should be held July 5 (MIA/Vecher)
In North Macedonia 125 new cases of Covid-19 (Libertas)
Albania

National Council of European Integration appreciates EC and EU states’ efforts for opening negotiations (Radio Tirana)
Rama: This is the last time the ambassadors intervene (Radio Tirana)
Zef Mazi: Big challenges ahead regarding EU integration (Radio Tirana)
Parliamentary opposition expresses dissatisfaction to Ruci about the Electoral Reform agreement (Radio Tirana)
Daily Covid-19 cases in Albania hit record high (Tirana Times)

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: We will say a firm ‘no’ to what is contrary to the Serbian national interests (B92)
Brnabic: Belgrade never used excuses not to continue dialogue (Tanjug/RTS)
Dacic: We are ready for dialogue with Pristina but compromise is needed (RTS)
Drecun: We will look at proposals but there is no imposing of a solution for Kosovo and Metohija (Tanjug/RTV)
Dacic and Meza-Cuadra Velásquez: Serbia, Peru committed to respecting basic principles of international law (RTS)
Montgomery: Only one person in the region is strong enough to reach Kosovo solution (Tanjug/B92)
Obradovic: We won’t recognize vote outcome or decisions by future cabinet and parliament (Beta)
Darmanovic: Montenegrins are not phantoms but living beings (Danas)
Another 69 cases, 11,348 recovered (B92)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Izetbegovic: It is high time to form FB&H government and entire FB&H level (Hayat)
Niksic comments Izetbegovic statement (Dnevni avaz)
SBB comments on formation of FB&H government (BHT1)
Latest research shows big support for EU integration of Western Balkans (Dnevni list)
HJPC could remain without EU funds (N1)
Dodik says Vucic is statesman devoted to prosperity and progress of Serbia and all countries of region (ATV)
RS reintroduces some measures to prevent spreading of Coronavirus (O kanal)
B&H sees slight increase in new coronavirus infections, death toll unchanged (N1)
Croatia

Maric comments on Croatia’s outlook for post-COVID-19 economic recovery (HRT)
There are no newly infected people in Croatia, two people died, another measure is being relaxed (N1)
Montenegro

Hrapovic to Loncar: Whoever loses has the right to be angry (CDM)
Oana-Cristina Popa appointed head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia

Corona press conference turns testy as experts confirm that the Second Wave of the epidemic was caused by Muslim holiday gatherings (Republika)
Health minister says not responsible for case hike, issued measures ‘well founded’ (MIA)
In North Macedonia 87 new cases of Covid-19, 5 people recovered, and 1 died (Libertas)
Albania

No more embassy-run negotiations Rama says (Tirana Times)
Ruling majority proposes next general elections date (ADN)
Fifty-four percent of Kosovo citizens against unification with Albania, seventy percent support the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Tirana Times)
In Albania 36 new Covid-19 cases (Tirana Times)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

ODIHR opens special election assessment mission in Serbia (OSCE press release)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 8 June 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: If there are no new barriers we can sit at the negotiating table (RTV/Tanjug)
Brnabic: Pristina's decision great news for everyone (Tanjug/Novosti/Politika)
Vucic welcomes removal of trade barriers between Belgrade and Pristina (TV Prva/Beta)
Vucic confirms attendance at Victory Parade (RTS/Tanjug)
Vucic receives letter from Chinese President (RTS)
Dacic thanks Kenya for its consistent position on the Kosovo issue (Tanjug)
Obradovic calls opposition parties to withdraw candidates (FoNet)
Jeremic: Grenell working on final solution, many indications pointing to territorial exchange (Beta/NSPM)
SzS: Regime manipulating numbers of COVID-19 cases and threatening nation’s health (Beta)
Another 73 cases (B92/RTV)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Respirators Mafia turns journalists into targets (Dnevni avaz)
Arnaut: Our Party will not form new majority in FB&H with HDZ B&H and SBB (Face TV)
Dodik: DNS can appoint new minister but that person cannot be from Prijedor (ATV)
DNS not to participate in elections in coalition with SNSD (RTRS)
Kovacevic: Meeting with DNS to be held (RTRS)
General Edwards: Stability and security of B&H are of vital importance for NATO (Dnevni avaz)
Plenkovic discusses B&H’s EU, NATO paths with Covic (N1)
Increased number of illegal migrants reported in B&H (BHT1)
Another 32 coronavirus cases in B&H, health authorities advise caution (N1)
Croatia

Plenkovic opposed to wire fence on Croatia-Bosnia border (Hina)
No new coronavirus cases reported in Croatia in last 24 hours (N1)
Montenegro

Statement of Ana Brnabic too hypocritical, we can’t reopen border with Serbia until next Monday (CDM)
Darmanovic: If our country’s safety is jeopardized, NATO mechanisms will help (CDM)
US Ambassador to Montenegro: American government calls on all actors to start constructive dialogue (Pobjeda)
Markovic: Montenegro has opened its borders to 131 countries (CDM)
Nrekic invites Kosovo citizens to go on holiday in Ulcinj (Dan)
Republic of North Macedonia

Decision on elections will depend on government’s position on state of emergency (MIA)
Minister Chulev: Elections necessary, but public health comes first (MIA)
Osmani: North Macedonia to receive EU draft negotiating framework by midweek (MIA)
Slovenia introduces 14-day quarantine for arrivals from North Macedonia (MIA)
Macedonia ranks 103rd in coronavirus response (Republika)
In North Macedonia 127 new Covid-19 cases, 3 patients die (Republika)
Albania

Electoral Reform, parties reach agreement (Tirana Times)
New electoral code paves way for upcoming elections in Albania (ADN)
Meta with Thaci; They expressed willingness to boost cooperation (Radio Tirana)
European Commission is expected to propose today the negotiating framework for Albania (Radio Tirana)
In Albania 17 new Covid-19 cases (Tirana Times)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Serbian President Says Kosovo's Tariff Move 'Opens Possibility' For Resuming Talks (RFE/RL)

LOCAL PRESS

Brnabic: Pristina must withdraw measures in order for dialogue to continue (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
Brnabic: What can one say to remain polite, politically correct, without using harsh words? (Tanjug/B92)
Vucic: Serbia will be exposed to strong pressure (Beta/B92)
TV N1: Dacic denies claims about Serbia stopping campaign against Kosovo (Beta)
Dacic: Not up to EU representatives to determine outcome of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (TV Pink/Politika)
Djuric: Abolishment of “reciprocity measure” first big test for Hoti’s government (RTS)
Another 96 cases (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Tegeltija accepts Radoncic’s resignation (O kanal/RTRS)
EC sends letter to HJPC, expressing concern over situation in B&H judiciary (O kanal)
Izetbegovic: Prosecutor's Office of B&H and HJPC are biased and under political influence (Hayat)
HJPC deems statements made by SDA regarding work of Prosecutor's Office of B&H in 'Respirators' case as inappropriate and unacceptable pressure on justice system (N1)
Covic: Relations between Croats and Bosniaks must relax, appointment of CEC members is bigger affair than all other affairs (Vecernji list)
Komsic: B&H in standstill on EU path, HDZ B&H biggest obstacle (FTV)
Dodik meets Ivantsov in Banja Luka (RTRS)
CEC President informs colleagues about meeting with representatives of PIC (Nezavisne)
SDP B&H Presidency insists on amendments to B&H Law on Elections and forming of Serb Caucus in FB&H HoP (BHT1)
New coronavirus cases reported in B&H, 2,606 people tested positive so far (N1)
Croatia

PM Calls for establishing who is responsible for undermining surveillance (Hina)
Grlic Radman satisfied with status of Croat minority in Montenegro (Hina)
Croatia Airlines restores flights to European destinations, including Sarajevo (Hina)
National Headquarters: No new cases in Croatia, eight people recovered (N1)
Montenegro

Montenegro marks three years since its accession to NATO (CDM/RTCG)
The upcoming elections are an important test for democracy in Montenegro (RTCG)
Montenegro adopts report on joint border crossings with B&H (RTCG)
Fukuyama: The EU and Montenegro are not ready for the enlargement (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia

EU Ambassador: Politicians to decide on elections as soon as possible (MIA)
Mickoski: It is madness to hold elections now (Republika)
Doctor Nikolov: Who will dare vote if the candidates are in quarantine? (Republika)
Bulgaria puts Macedonia back on the black list, orders mandatory 14 days of quarantine for our citizens (Republika)
In North Macedonia 177 new Covid-19 cases (MIA/Kanal 5 TV)
Albania

Basha's 'Okay' for Electoral Reform still pending (ADN)
Covid-19 Cases top 1212 in Albania (ADN)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Iran, Serbia discuss expansion of transport ties (Tehran Times)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 4 June 2020

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: There hasn’t been solidarity during coronavirus pandemic (Beta)
Brnabic: I hope the new government in Pristina will not conduct a populist policy (RTS)
Djuric: Serbs expect the new government in Pristina to end pressures, taxes and blockades (RTS)
Drecun on new Pristina government: Words promise, but deeds speak (RTS)
Agreements for strengthening energy cooperation between Serbia, Hungary (Tanjug)
Another 48 cases, 6,910 recovered (RTS)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

PIC SB: Reforms in judiciary, rule of law and fight against corruption top priority (O kanal)
Russia refuses to support PIC SB’s Communiqué (ATV)
Dodik: PIC is artificial body aimed at triggering international crime by HR through violation of DPA (ATV)
HJPC B&H harshly condemns pressure against B&H Prosecutor’s Office (BHT1)
Opposition parties in FB&H say they will cast vote of no-confidence in FB&H government before FB&H HoR in July (Dnevni avaz)
Crnadak interviewed in regards to visas issued to citizens of Pakistan by B&H Embassy (BHT1)
Dodik: SNSD will not support new Security Minister if some conditions are not met (ATV)
Resignation of Radoncic and withdrawal of SBB from authorities can affect SC and TC authorities (O kanal)
330 million Euros paid to sub-accounts of entity and Brcko District Ministries of Finance (ATV)
B&H records spike in new coronavirus cases, two more Covid-19 deaths (N1)
Croatia

Croatia ready for second wave of Covid-19 (HRT)
In Croatia, one new case of coronavirus infection, a total of 2247 (N1/Hina/Jutarnji list)
Montenegro

Citizens of Serbia will be allowed to enter Montenegro when number of coronavirus drops to 2000 (CDM)
Airports of Montenegro officially opened, but no traffic (TMN)
Republic of North Macedonia

Filipche: Gatherings, non-observance of measures, failure to punish violators – reasons for hike in cases and curfew reinstatement (MIA)
Thaci: Irresponsibility of Osmani and Islamic religious community is the main culprit for this situation (Republika)
Clauss: Elections in North Macedonia to affect position of some EU member states (MIA)
Extended weekend lockdown in Skopje, Shtip, Kumanovo and Tetovo (MIA)
Entry in Macedonia upon presenting negative PCR test or mandatory 14-day state (MIA)
Covid-19: 120 new cases in North Macedonia, 16 recovered, 2 die (MIA)
Albania

Electoral Reform/ The majority said “Yes”, now it is the turn of the opposition (Radio Tirana)
Kim leading Electoral Reform negotiations (Tirana Times)
Gov't and opposition united towards EU Integration (Tirana Times)
In Albania 13 new Covid-19 cases (Tirana Times)

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SOURCES

Serbia adopts anti-Semitism definition including anti-Israel hate (The Times of Israel)