United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 8 June 2023

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic thanks India for supporting Serbia's territorial integrity (Tanjug/RTV)
• Vucic: It's clear we will have early elections; Brnabic: You have my resignation (B92)
• Vucic, Peach discuss developments in Kosovo and Metohija, region (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Serbia only sees KFOR as a legitimate armed formation in Kosovo and Metohija in accordance with UN Resolution 1244 (RTV/Tanjug)
• Drecun: Plan for de-escalation is introduction into a trap – for Belgrade to accept Kurit’s nothing (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic conveys concerns for safety of Kosovo Serbs to German Ambassador (Tanjug)
• Hernandez: Cuba will always support the position that Kosovo and Metohija is part of Serbia (RTV/Tanjug)
• Opposition reacts to Vucic, Brnabic media conference (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• PIC SB ends session and publishes Communiqué: Entities have no right to secede from B&H and only exist legally by virtue of B&H Constitution (NAP.ba)
• HR Schmidt hold press conference following PIC SB session: International community is determined to support B&H and those who play with secession will suffer consequences (AJB)
• Dodik describes PIC session as shady gathering of people who are falsely presenting themselves (ATV)
• Kovacevic says issue of RS property has been permanently resolved by Dayton Agreement (ATV)
• Mehmedovic criticizes Schmidt over stances on solving of state property issue (Hayat)
• Nesic and North Macedonian Minister Spasovski discuss help with B&H’s cooperation with Frontex and issue of foreign fighters (FTV)
Montenegro
• Jenca: Montenegro should continue on the path of progress in the effort to reach full membership in the EU (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Serbia and North Macedonia abolish road passenger and freight transport permits (MIA)
• Kovachevski brings three proposals to meeting table with Mickoski (MIA)
• Mickoski: VMRO-DPMNE not supporting constitutional amendments under current conditions, prepared to enter government with SDSM but not DUI (MIA)
• Kovachevski: VMRO-DPMNE not against constitutional amendments (MIA)
Albania
• President Begaj: Kosova authorities must be patient, listen and coordinate with strategic partners (Radio Tirana)
• Begaj with the Estonian counterpart: Integration of the Western Balkans, a guarantee to the stability in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Balluku: Cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans and the EU, at the highest levels (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 7 June 2023
LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic tells Lajcak, Escobar time for Pristina to fulfil its obligations (Beta/Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Escobar speaks from Belgrade: Immediate de-escalation (B92)
• Vucic, Hokanson discuss regional peace, stability (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Petkovic: Kurti must be stopped in his aim to cause fire in Kosovo and Metohija (RTV/Tanjug)
• Osmani submits to OSCE plan for normalization of situation in northern Kosovo (Beta/TV Telma)
• Zakharova: Comparing Belgrade-Pristina agreements with Minsk agreement is wrong (Beta/RIA Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• RS parliament discusses Proposal of Resolution on Protection of Serbs in Kosovo and Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of Serbia; Stevanovic: RS parliament sent clear message to leadership of Serbia that it has full support of the RS in protecting territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia (RTRS)
• SDS submits amendments to Resolution on Kosovo; Part of RS opposition argues that Kosovo issue was discussed in the RS parliament because of the vote in the CoE by which Kosovo received support of B&H (BN TV)
• Putin awards Dodik for contribution to development of cultural and humanitarian ties between Russian Federation and B&H (RTRS/ATV)
• Situation in HNC regarding formation of new government becomes more complicated after DF’s decision to leave bloc with SDP and NiP and remain in opposition (Nova BH)
• PIC SB starts two-day session in Sarajevo (Hayat)
• Von der Leyen tells authorities in B&H and highest elected officials of B&H that she insists on implementation of reforms they committed themselves to when B&H received status of candidate for EU membership at end of 2022 (O Kanal)
• Cvijanovic: Von der Leyen's letter was sent to wrong address (Srna/RTRS)
• Chairwoman Kristo with EEAS’ Makovec: Compromise and consensus are key to further progress of integration process (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• Rise in APT cyber-attacks on Croatia’s infrastructure detected (Hina)
Montenegro
• Milatovic with Popa: Through dialogue with political subjects, I showed neutrality, necessary appointments in the judiciary (CdM)
• Knezevic: We extend a hand to Bosniaks and Albanians, we are ready to put a moratorium on the issues that divide us (TV Adria)
• DPS: Serbian leadership harms Montenegro’s sovereignty (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• EP calls for national consensus on EU integration towards goal of meeting criteria for EU membership by 2030 (MIA)
• Osmani: Decade of EU membership of Western Balkans, namely certain countries including North Macedonia (MIA)
• Marichikj: EU chance definitely missed if constitutional amendments not adopted (MIA)
Albania
• Tabaku, meetings in North Macedonia with a focus on the European integration of the region (Radio Tirana)
• Albania, Germany and France sign financial agreement to support electricity sector in Albania (Radio Tirana)
• Cuci signs the agreement with the head of FRONTEX for border operations: We guarantee human rights (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Situation escalating unnecessarily due to constant unilateral moves and provocations by Pristina (Politika)
• Vucic thanks UK Ambassador for contribution to strengthening of bilateral ties (RTS/Tanjug)
• Vucic: Good conversation with Dacic, tomorrow we will present what we have been working on for weeks (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)
• Dynamic development of economic cooperation between Serbia, UK (Tanjug)
• Visible results achieved in field of military cooperation with China (Tanjug/RTV)
• Milivojevic: Parliamentary elections after Belgrade local vote (Beta)
• UN rapporteur urges Serbian authorities to probe, punish intimidation (Beta)
• Serb List to run for office only after police withdraw from Kosovo’s north, ZSO is formed (RFE/Beta)
• Bilcik, Nemec see deep polarization between opposition, regime in Belgrade (Blic/Beta)
• Stano: EU prepared to call Vucic-Kurti meeting if tensions stop in Kosovo (Beta/Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• OHR Working Group for issue of state property of B&H starts its work (Nova BH)
• OHR reminds mandate of High Representative and his authority to impose decisions is based on Annex 10 of DPA and PIC declarations (Nezavisne)
• Kosarac pushing for decision that would secure advantage to import of fuel produced by Russian oil refinery in Serbia (RFE/Dnevni list)
• Ambassador Sattler assesses that B&H achieved modest improvement in terms of rule of law, but that significant steps forward have been observed when it comes to fight against organized crime and corruption at high level (FTV)
• Brkic attends SEECP ministerial meetings in Podgorica (Glas Srpske)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: We are proud to be part of the Euro-Atlantic family; Adzic: Montenegro confirmed the status of a credible ally (CdM)
• Milatovic and Djurovic attended the reception on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of Montenegro joining NATO (CdM)
• Novakovic Djurovic: It is time to further strengthen the ties of the Western Balkans with the EU (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• MoJ sends draft-initiative on constitutional amendments to government (MIA)
• Government to review draft-initiative on constitutional amendments at a later session (MIA)
• Marichikj-Bregu: EU is our goal, important to work on regional cooperation in parallel (MIA)
• Marichikj: Reforms and difficult decisions to be delivered, EU to deliver membership in foreseeable future (MIA)
• Osmani: Let's open up to opportunities offered by reconciliation, dialogue and dispute resolution (MIA)
• Xhaferi - Tabaku: Good neighborly relations ensure regional progress (MIA)
Albania
• Britain-Albania/Sunak Agreement: The number of Albanian immigrants has decreased by 90% (Radio Tirana)
• Albanian PM lashes out at Rishi Sunak for ‘bad taste’ over small boats (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka: The countries of the region have the responsibility to engage to dialogue and strengthen cooperation (Radio Tirana)
• Albania restored visa regime for Russian citizens, EC: The right decision, positive steps for EU objectives (Radio Tirana)
• Kosovo government takes the initiative for an agreement with Albania (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Escalation can happen every day. Kurti won't stop (TV Prva/B92)
• Vucic: I would never support dismissal of Interior Minister Gasic (Beta/FoNet)
• Vucic spoke from the Presidency: It's time to unite (B92)
• Vucic has a new message: Citizens of Serbia, on Wednesday... (B92)
• Government's priority preservation of peace, stability (RTS/RTV/Politika/Tanjug)
• Further improve cooperation between Serbia, UNEP (Tanjug)
• Dacic holds numerous meetings with world statesmen in Ankara (Tanjug)
• Vucevic: High risk situation in northern Kosovo (Politika)
• Petkovic: We demand release of innocent Serbs (Tanjug/RTV/Politika)
• SSP leader: Russia’s ambassador interfering with Serbia’s internal affairs (N1)
• EU urges Kosovo and Serbia to “immediately and unconditionally” de-escalate (N1)
• Fifth Serbia Against Violence protest held in Belgrade (Beta)
• The Serbs are in front of the municipalities in the north of Kosovo for the tenth day (B92)
• Spasovski: Prosperity of citizens depends on fulfillment of country’s obligations, including constitutional changes (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Becirovic and Osmani discuss ratification of mobility agreements (Dnevni avaz)
• Dodik says RS maintains stance to elect B&H Presidency member directly in its territory, argues current B&H CEC was not appointed legally (Nezavisne)
• Erdogan sworn in for presidential term; B&H leaders and politicians attend ceremony (ATV)
• Perovic: Murphy and Reilly, with Schmidt’s support, are preparing violent scenario to remove Dodik from power (RTRS/Russian Gazette)
• Becirovic’s call for EU to impose tougher sanctions on Dodik provokes many reactions in RS (ATV)
• US Embassy to B&H hints property not used by state might be registered to lower levels of authorities; Statement caused discomfort in Sarajevo, SDA claimes that the US Embassy intends to let the entities have the state property (Nezavisne/Faktor)
Montenegro
• Blinken invites Milatovic to visit Washington: War in Ukraine requires active commitment of all NATO allies (CdM)
• Six more days until elections (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• OSCE CiO publishes nine-step roadmap for de-escalation and normalization of tensions in Kosovo (MIA)
Albania
• Rama supports Borrell's stance: EU could not be clearer than that (Radio Tirana)
• Mediation of Macron and Scholz on the tensions in Kosovo, Rama: Attempts to resolve an absurd conflict shows the great European spirit (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic from Moldova: I begged Serbs to struggle peacefully, first true US condemnation of Pristina provocations (RTV/Tanjug)
• Vucic asked Erdogan to use his reputation and influence to help maintain peace and establish stability in the region (Tanjug)
• Serbia pays special attention to improvement of relations with Germany (Tanjug/Politika)
• Five permanent UN Security Council members condemned Pristina: Unprecedented consensus (Novosti)
• Kremlin: Russia supports Serbia, Kosovo Serbs’ rights must be observed (Beta)
• Washington is furious with Pristina: You will bear the consequences (Tanjug/B92)
• KFOR this morning took control of the main intersection at the entrance to Zvecan (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• IRMCT Appeals Chamber sentences Stanisic and Simatovic to 15 years in prison each for joint criminal enterprise, crimes against non-Serbs in B&H and Croatia (BHT1)
• Brammertz: Verdict in case against Stanisic and Simatovic proves that there was no civil war in B&H, but international conflict that political leaderships of neighboring countries took part in (BHT1)
• Becirovic: After the verdict against Stanisic and Simatovic confirmed JCE, B&H is closer to establishing full true on the aggression against RB&H (N1)
• Komsic: If international community chooses to reward project ‘Serb World’, verdict against Stanisic and Simatovic could only remain as a dead letter on paper (N1)
• Other FB&H politicians, political parties comment on verdict against Stanisic and Simatovic (N1)
• Dodik: No reconciliation was established by decisions of The Hague Tribunal but they created even deeper misunderstanding in this region (RTRS)
• Nuzdic; ICTY has not dealt with crimes committed against Serb victims, which means that it failed to include all the crimes in former Yugoslavia (N1)
• International, regional reactions to verdict in Stanisic and Simatovic case (FTV)
• OHR prepares new law to criminally charge those who do not respect decisions imposed by Schmidt (RTRS)
• Dodik: Western diplomats, the US and UK in particular, will not be able to ruin friendship between Serb and Russian people (RTRS)
Croatia
• EC President Von der Leyen: EU has new plan for Western Balkans to bring region closer to EU even before full membership (HRT1)
• Zoran Milanovic: Serbia must stop repeating "Kosovo is Serbia" (N1)
Montenegro
• EC offers new growth plan for WB; Von der Leyen: Common goal is to speed up the path to the EU (MINA)
• Turkish Ambassador: Erdogan is carefully following the events in the Balkans, the relations between Montenegro and Turkey will become stronger than ever (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski at GLOBSEC Forum: United Europe - only answer to crises and challenges (MIA)
Albania
• Rama from Bratislava: Serbian army on the borders of Kosova, power equal to zero. Parties should terminate the agreement (Radio Tirana)
• Bratislava Summit, Rama meets Macron (Radio Tirana)
• US Ambassador in Albania urges the members of the High Judicial Council to continue the implementation of the reform in Justice (Radio Tirana)