LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: With or without Banjska, they’d think of ways for Serbia to recognize Kosovo (RTS)
• Vucic: Guler's visit extremely significant for peace, stability in Balkans (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Constant fight for Serbia’s interests (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Excellent meeting with Bilcik, we also discussed Western Balkans (Tanjug)
• Brnabic speaks about Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia's EU perspective in Brussels (Tanjug/RTV)
• Great potential for further progress of cooperation between Serbia, Turkey (Tanjug/RTV)
• Importance of Serbian-Indian decades-long friendship, cooperation (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbian parliament adopts disputed media laws (N1)
• Opposition to govt: Change disputed provisions on restoring state ownership of media (N1)
• MP Aleksic: Proposed media laws take us back to the nineties (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• EUD: PM Viskovic misrepresented Sattler’s words and EU position on OHR (Dnevni avaz)
• Viskovic replies to EUD's statement: I did not wrongly interpret Sattler’s statement about Christian Schmidt (RTRS)
• Some 4,000 citizens gather at rally ‘We defend RS’ in Zvornik: Participants stress RS interests, its status and constitutional competences, borders, property and its democratic process are unquestionable (RTRS)
• Ambassador Kalabukhov announces new meeting between Putin and Dodik (Srna)
• Ministers Fajon, Schallenberg tell media Slovenia, Austria and Croatia want EU to open accession talks by end of year (Oslobodjenje)
• German Defense Minister Pistorius cancels his visit to B&H due to global security situation, B&H Security Minister Nesic asks security agencies to assess security situation in B&H (Glas Srpske)
Croatia
• Zagreb and Rijeka hold solidarity with Palestine rallies (HRT)
Montenegro
• Zivkovic: We welcome census postponement, boycott to last until conditions for its holding are met (CdM)
• ZBCG: We accept census postponement for 1 December, but any further postponement won’t have our support (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Marichikj – Koopman: N. Macedonia has partners who want to see it in EU, up to us to make the next step (MIA)
• PM: North Macedonia's EU path to be focus of Von der Leyen's visit (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Elections in regular slot, date to be agreed among all political parties in parliament (MIA)
• Will demand compensation over transit tax on Russian gas if Bulgaria doesn’t free up pipeline capacities, says Bekteshi (MIA)
Albania
• Rama at the "Global Gateway" forum in Brussels (Radio Tirana)
• Yuri Kim hosts speaker Nikolla at the State Department; Reforms enhancement on focus of the talks (Radio Tirana)
• Gjirokastra joins the global initiative in support of refugees (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 25 October 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: New Brussels discussions with Kurti due in two to three days (Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Dacic: Serbia reliable, predictable partner of UN in achieving common goals (Tanjug)
• Petkovic meets with CDU/CSU Foreign Policy adviser (Tanjug/RTV)
• Drecun: West trying to expedite normalisation and get Belgrade to recognise so-called Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Elek elected new Serb List leader (Tanjug/Beta)
• Orthodox cemetery in northern Mitrovica desecrated (RTS)
• Police of so-called Kosovo conducts searches in northern Kosovska Mitrovica (Radio Kosovska Mitrovica/Tanjug)
• Stoltenberg: Situation is Kosovo difficult, NATO increasing its presence (Kosovo Online/FoNet)
• Grenell: Pristina must select date for elections, form ZSO (Beta)
• Return of Serbian Army team from EU military operation in CAR (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Danube Forum 2023 begins in Slovenia (Dnevni avaz/Fena)
• B&H delegation attends Rose Roth Seminar; Admiral Bauer expresses support to B&H and hopes UN SC will adopt decision on extension of EUFOR mandate (Oslobodjenje)
• Viskovic touches upon issue of Schmidt during his conversation with EUSR Sattler (RTRS)
• Dodik informs Kalabukhov that RS will never accept ‘self-proclaimed HR’ Schmidt (RTRS)
• Kalabukhov on US blacklisting of Dodik’s children: The US is the only generator of chaos and corruption (ATV)
• Dodik: RS parliament is one of basic and very strong elements of statehood and existence of RS (RTRS)
Croatia
• Croatian PM: Israel-Hamas war can spur surge in illegal migrants (Hina)
Montenegro
• Spajic: We’re postponing census for another month, we want Montenegro to be united and bring economy into focus (CdM)
• ZBCG and Democrats agree that census should be postponed, more census takers needed (RTNK)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Osmani's offer to VMRO-DPMNE: Vote for constitutional changes, then decide election date (MIA)
• Tupanchevski: Ties with Belgrade experienced renaissance, cooperation should deepen (MIA)
• Xhaferi condemns ‘illegal elections’ in occupied Ukrainian territories at Crimea Platform Summit (MIA)
Albania
• Speaker Nikolla received at the US State Department (Radio Tirana)
• Spiropali: Willingness to initiate technical procedures for visa waiver with the USA (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Monday 23 October 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Guterres calls on Belgrade, Pristina to refrain from unilateral actions (Tanjug)
• Vucic: EU, US officials’ only goal is for Serbia to recognize Kosovo; claims foreign services have a plan to oust his SNS party (TV Pink)
• Vucic says he has “sleepless nights” because of the Quint (FoNet)
• Lajcak: We expect Kosovo, Serbia to meet all of their agreed obligations (Beta/RTS/RTV/Politika)
• Vucevic: The opposition winning the election would mean Serbia giving up its military neutrality (Beta/FoNet)
• Mojsilovic meets with new KFOR commander (Tanjug/RTV)
• Serbian Defense Ministry rejects Kurti’s accusations (N1)
• Drecun: New plan of Big Five for deblocking Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug)
• Conference on Kosovo and Metohija in Washington, Djuric: Kurti’s goal is ethnic cleansing (RTV/Tanjug)
• US, EU confirm joint commitment to stability in Western Balkans (RFE/Beta)
• Belgrade sees 25th Serbia Against Violence protest (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• OFAC imposes sanctions on Dodik’s children; Both Dodik and his children say that sanctions only confirm that Dodik is pursuing best policy for RS (Nova BH)
• US Department of State: Sanctions aimed at destroying of network which facilitates Dodik’ leading role in undermining DPA and authority of HR (Dnevni avaz)
• US Embassy to B&H comments on sanctions to Igor and Gorica Dodik, says Milorad Dodik has been using his official position to gain personal wealth (Nezavisne)
• Vucic sarcastically comments on Washington's decision to impose sanctions on Dodik’s children (Nova BH)
• Dodik on latest developments/Comments on Dodik’s statements (Oslobodjenje)
• Cvijanovic on RS parliament’s support to her veto: It is clear message that Bosniak vision of unitary B&H will not be achieved (RTRS)
• Still no agreement on Law on Courts of B&H ahead of Von der Leyen visit (Hayat)
• Komsic expresses concern regarding support Western countries give to Israel (Hayat)
• B&H Presidency member Denis Becirovic meets with Pope Francis (Nova BH)
Croatia
• Milanovic: Europe without borders impossible (Hina)
Montenegro
• Civic Movement URA: Vucic to refrain from stirring national tensions in Montenegro ahead of the census (CdM)
• Milatovic: I consider comments of foreign officials on the formation of govt and census inappropriate (CdM)
• Brajuskovic Popovic: The validity of census data will be questioned if a boycott happens (MINA)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kiraly: If EU enlargement fails it will create void to be filled by other stakeholders (MIA)
• Nemeth: Enlargement process of Western Balkans needs attention here and now (MIA)
Albania
• Nikolla meets representatives of the Pan-Albanian Federation Vatra in New York (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 19 October 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Serbia signs record 18 deals in China (Beta/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Xi: Serbia our ironclad friend, we support its sovereignty, territorial integrity (CCTV/Xinhua/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Vilan: Israel not at war with Palestinians but with Hamas (Beta)
• Petkovic to German Ambassador: Pristina using events from Banjska for additional terror (RTV/Tanjug)
• Obradovic: Opposition should rally into two columns – pro-Western and sovereignist (Beta)
• Djilas: Vucic “brutally attacking” opposition because he feels threatened (Danas/Beta)
• EP adopts Resolution calling for measures against Serbian government over Banjska (N1)
• Bilcik: Link between Banjska events, Belgrade leadership not established so far (Kosovo Online/FoNet)
• Sarrazin: Clear agenda needed for calming situation in northern Kosovo (Kosovapress.com/Beta)
• Demostat: KFOR most trusted by northern Kosovo Serbs, trust in Serbian government declining (Demostat/Beta)
• Ministry denies draft media laws changed overnight (N1)
• Vuletic: Serbia has contract with Gazprom, not interested in Bulgaria’s decision (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• PIC SBA warns against any action which could undermine integrity and impartiality of B&H CEC (Dnevni avaz)
• EUD to RS authorities: Stop with retrograde initiatives and unconstitutional actions that undermine European path of B&H (Dnevni list)
• B&H CoM holds 25th regular session in Sarajevo; Law on B&H Courts and Law on B&H CC not on the agenda (N1)
• Dodik’s latest proposal on model of selection of judges in B&H CC sparks reactions (EuroBlic)
• Chairman Komsic with Ambassador Sattler, EU Member States Ambassadors, discuss B&H’s EU perspective (NAP/FTV)
• Dodik, Cvijanovic meet with Ambassador Reinertsen (ATV)
• Legal experts stated that the Court and the Prosecutor's Office of B&H are violating human rights and freedoms and acting according to non-existent provisions of the Criminal Code (ATV)
• Dodik: Sarajevo will have more than 96% Muslims, Bosniaks in next 10 to 12 years (RTRS)
Croatia
• Milanovic says Israel reacted “very brazenly and rudely” to his comment; Vucic has not yet given answers about the attack in Banjska (Hina)
• Milanovic: It is unfair Albania joined NATO in 2009, yet it is far from EU (Hina)
• Schengen countries move to reinstate internal border controls over Middle East conflict (HRT)
Montenegro
• MEPs’ warning messages: Come to senses, prevent eradication of Montenegrins as a separate nation and creation of a mini-Belarus in heart of Europe (CdM)
• EP passes Resolution on Montenegro: Amendments proposing census postponement adopted as well (CdM)
• Sehovic: SD decides to boycott census, there’s obvious intent to fake data (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Geer: Next European integration steps up to country's political stakeholders (MIA)
• Petrovska – Ford: North Macedonia a credible ally investing in national and collective defense (MIA)
• Kovachevski: Election date to be agreed by all parties, not only two (MIA)
Albania
• Begaj: Croatia supports EU enlargement. Direct airline Tirana-Zagreb, impact on economy and tourism (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj with the Croatian counterpart: Attacks in the north of Kosovo should be condemned; Dialogue, the only way out (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: China's support to Serbia on Kosovo issue extremely important (Tanjug/RTS/Politika/RTV)
• Raising Serbia-China cooperation in field of defence to higher level (Tanjug/RTV/Politika)
• Cooperation with China in field of disaster risk reduction (Tanjug/Politika)
• Three important contracts for infrastructure development in Serbia signed in China (Tanjug/Politika/RTS/RTV)
• Jovanovic: By fiber connectivity, Serbia is among leaders in the Balkans (Beta)
• Bulgaria’s tax on transit of Russian gas a move against Hungary, Serbia (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: With his moves, Kurti is dealing fatal blow to process of normalization of relations (Tanjug/RTV)
• Meeting on media laws successful (Politika/Tanjug)
• EU parliamentarians call on the EU to prepare sanctions against those responsible for the Banjska attack (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Court of B&H: Mirsad Strika will be presiding judge in case against Dodik (O Kanal)
• Attorney Pucar: Everything about indictment against Dodik and Lukic is absurd, this process should never have happened (ATV)
• Prosecutor’s Office of B&H confirms that it is not conducting investigation against HR Schmidt (Srna/RTRS)
• State level coalition partners agree on adoption of two laws (FTV)
• Berlin Process summit held in Tirana, EU officials asked for acceleration of integration of Western Balkans countries (O Kanal)
Croatia
• Opposition’s no-confidence vote against FM fails (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic: It’s not good that we’re going to have minority govt, and that the Bosniak Party won’t be part of it; I wouldn’t like it if Picula was used by some local politicians (CdM)
• Milatovic: We should do everything to speed up the process and for Montenegro to become the first next member of the EU (CdM)
• Picula: Montenegro misses its opportunities, the SPC is unfortunately an active political factor in the country, the census should not be used as a political tool to polarize society (CdM)
• Varhelyi: Montenegro to stop the period of political unpredictability; Bilcik: Politicians to act responsibly, please stay on the EU path (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski - Scholz: North Macedonia to resume European path, strong support from Germany (MIA)
Albania
• Rama: Relations with France boosted as a result of its re-engagement in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Macron: Visit to Albania, re-engagement in our relations (Radio Tirana)
• Albania-France, 4 cooperation agreements are signed (Radio Tirana)
• Albania abstains from the resolution submitted by Russia to the UN Security Council (Radio Tirana)
• There is no preferential lane in the integration process (Radio Tirana)