United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 4 October 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic responds to Ukrainian Ambassador’s statement: We will not allow pressure (FoNet/Politika)
• Tolkac: Increasingly difficult to understand Serbia’s decision not to join sanctions against Russia (N1/Beta/Politika)
• Vucic: Difficult times are coming (B92)
• Vucic: We will make southern, northern Serbia more secure (Tanjug/Politika)
• Nehammer: Serbia will be helped to repatriate migrants to countries of origin (Tanjug/Politika)
• Orban calls for new dimension of trilateral cooperation (Tanjug/Politika)
• Vucic meets with Giaufret (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: New government to be formed within constitutional deadlines (TV Blic)
• Theophylactou: Cyprus continues to be on the position on non-recognition of “Kosovo” (RTV/Tanjug)
• Djilas: EU stand on Serbia hypocritical at times (N1)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H CEC updates preliminary, unofficial and incomplete results of general elections: Becirovic, Komsic and Cvijanovic elected B&H Presidency members (BHT1)
• Dodik elected new RS President: I am proud to be the RS President (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic elected new Serb member of B&H Presidency: I will invoke protection of vital interest of the RS whenever it is threatened (RTRS)
• SNSD leads in race for B&H HoR and RS parliament (ATV)
• Covic: We have achieved best result in history; Kristo: I am moral winner of elections (AJB)
• Komsic: HDZ is true winner of elections (N1)
• Becirovic, Izetbegovic, Cudic comment on election results (RTRS)
• HR Schmidt says main goal of his latest decision re electoral reform was to prevent blocking of FB&H (O Kanal)
• US Department of the Treasury blacklists FB&H Prime Minister Novalic (N1)
Croatia
• Covic: If we want to enter process of EU integration, if we want candidate status, first thing we need to do is amend Election Law and Constitution (HRT1)
• Milanovic: I will support the self-government of Croats in B&H (Hina)
• Grlic Radman: President Milanovic's rhetoric harmed the processes in B&H (HRT)
• Plenkovic: Despite Milanovic's insults, Schmidt made right decision, thanks to arguments we presented about protection of rights of Croats in B&H, and it will facilitate formation of authorities in B&H, especially at FB&H level (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Boskovic: DPS will submit a new initiative for shortening the mandate to the Assembly (Gradska TV)
• Shortening the mandate of the Assembly: DF and Demos do not believe that the initiative will pass, URA for elections (RTCG)
• Zelensky thanked Djukanovic and the presidents of eight countries for supporting Ukraine's NATO membership (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovachevski and Schinas discuss dealing with migration, EU screening process (MIA)
• Support expressed for next steps in EU integration process at Kovachevski – Geer meeting (MIA)
• Deputy PM, former Croatian chief negotiator discuss bilateral screening, Euro-integration
• experiences (MIA/Telma)
Albania
• German Special Envoy Michael Sarrazin wraps up Albania visit (DW/ADN)
• US Senator: US concern over Russian funding in Wester Balkans (Panorama/VoA)
• Iran threatens to attack Albania with drones (Top Channel TV/Tema)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Serbia to align visa policy with EU by end of year (Tanjug/RTS)
Brnabic: Serbia committed to principles of freedom, respect for international law (Politika/Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic to German envoy: There will be no independent Kosovo as Berlin plans (Beta)
• Bulgaria-Greece gas interconnector put into operation (Tanjug)
• Serbia remains committed to European path, values (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic speaks with Donfried (Tanjug/Politika)
• Brush: All ambassadors were disappointed with Vucic; Brnabic: that statement shows that Serbia changed (VoA/RTS/Politika)
• Petkovic: Single-digit number of re-registered vehicles in one month (RTS)
• Serbian opposition in Washington: Serbia needs to align foreign policy with EU’s (Beta)
• Hill: Serbia too dependent on Russian energy (Nova S)
• Konrad: Serbia should join sanctions against Russia (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Schmidt imposes amendments to B&H Election Law to prevent blockades in formation of authorities and to ensure functionality of FB&H (FTV)
• EUD comments Schmidt’s decision: Strengthening of functionality of B&H institutions is key priority on EU path (Dnevni avaz)
• US Embassy firmly supports Schmidt’s decision: This solves issues which have been burdening FB&H for years (Dnevni avaz)
• Ambassador Reilly: We support Schmidt’s decision, functional authorities are crucial to ensure progress and stability (Dnevni avaz)
• Plenkovic welcomes Schmidt’s decision to impose changes to B&H Election Law (Klix.ba)
• B&H politicians react to HR’s decision (Klix.ba/Dnevni avaz)
• B&H CEC publishes preliminary data on midnight; Becirovic, Komsic, Cvijanovic to enter B&H Presidency: Trivic and Dodik both declared victory (Oslobodjenje/Glas Srpske)
• Becirovic addresses public expressing gratitude for support (Oslobodjenje)
• Niksic: For first time Bosniak member of Presidency is not from ethno-nationalistic party (Oslobodjenje)
• Izetbegovic admits defeat, says SDA improves its scores (Oslobodjenje)
• Komsic declares victory (Oslobodjenje)
• B&H CEC: Dodik has the most votes for the president of the RS (Nezavisne)
• Kristo: Election results from local communities with Croat majority show that HDZ B&H convincingly won the elections; Cavara insists Kristo is legitimate representative (Oslobodjenje)
• Sarovic admits he lost race to Cvijanovic; Cvijanovic: My victory demonstrates support of citizens to SNSD (Glas Srpske)
• Arnautovic: I am pleased how election day has passed, I hope irregularities will undergo adequate sanctions (Hayat)
• Media on irregularities registered in Doboj including incident with OSCE observer (ATV)
• International, regional officials on general elections 2022 (ATV)
Croatia
• Croatia’s foreign ministry condemns Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian regions (Hina)
Montenegro
• Shortest session ever! Djukanovic did not get a word (Kurir)
• Djukanovic: I won’t dissolve the parliament, re-examination on proposed PM-designate is unconstitutional (VoA/CdM)
• Djurovic: Parliament shows it works, Djukanovic shouldn’t creatively interpret Constitution, I won’t resign (CdM)
• Djurovic responded to former ruling majority concerning their initiative for Djukanovic’s dismissal (CdM)
• Radunovic: We have majority for new govt, Djukanovic should invite Lekic for consultations (CdM)
• Djukanovic: I defeated many more serious opponents than Dritan Abazovic (CdM)
• Djukanovic: Goal is to return Montenegro to Greater Serbia, Abazovic a contractor (MINA)
• Djukanovic: Montenegro strongly condemns any attempt to appropriate parts of Ukrainian territory (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Bulgarian President Radev reminds of the bilateral obligations (MIA/Telma)
• Sofia’s rhetoric toward Skopje calmer now, Pendarovski says after meeting Radev (MIA)
• EC Head: I welcome positive momentum between Bulgaria, North Macedonia (MIA)
• Pendarovski and NATO’s CEE presidents reject Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian
• Land (MIA)
Albania
• President Begaj reacted to the annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia (Radio Tirana)
• UN, Albania-US resolution against referendums in Ukraine, Russia vetoes (Radio Tirana)
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen meets President Begaj, Rama and govt & opposition representatives (Radio Tirana)
• American senator: We greatly appreciate Albania's support regarding the war in Ukraine and the help to resettle Afghan refugees (Radio Tirana/VoA)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 30 September 2022

LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic with Bilcik: Serbia on the EU path, but as an independent country (RTS)
• Bilcik with parliamentary groups in the Serbian Parliament
• Lajcak on the dialogue with Scholz's adviser, Jens Ploetner (RTV)
• Germans work on drafting CSM statute, the document is secret; How did that happen? (Novosti)
• Lajcak and Germans drafting statute for Community of Serb municipalities (Novosti)
• U.S. Officials: Agreement between Serbia, Russia step in the wrong direction (Beta)
• Vulin: Serbia is not a reserve, we make our own decisions (N1)
• Oath keepers oppose sanctions against Russia (Beta)
• MEP Groselj: Nobody Is Forcing Serbia to Join EU (N1)
• Vucic at the reception marking China's National Day: "Steel friendship" (Tanjug)
•

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• General elections in B&H scheduled for Sunday, October 2 (Hayat)
• HR Schmidt sends letter to 20 prosecutors in B&H: Fair and democratic elections must be protected (Dnevni avaz)
• HR Schmidt: I have not given up on changes of electoral legislation; B&H is too close to elections for major interventions (Nova BH)
• Ambassador Sattler calls on citizens of B&H to vote: There is chance on October 2 (Dnevni avaz)
• OSCE PA Charalambides meets Genjac in Sarajevo: There is big interest of international officials for general elections in B&H (Nova BH)
• SNSD’s Dodik says he does not need to prove his patriotism, notes SNSD has clear program for strengthening of RS: I want to see RS on its own, stable and proud (Glas Srpske)
• Cvijanovic: I will represent interests of RS and work to preserve its autonomy using all available means; I want to crrate conditions for prosperity and development of both entities if possible, but I will not hesitate to use mechanisms to protect RS (Nezavisne)
• Sarovic: SNSD has nothing to offer except staged crises, Dodik run away from B&H Presidency sessions and hid behind false patriotism; I do not have to prove my patriotism, we will focus on progress and EU path (Nezavisne)
• PDP’s Trivic rejects accusations on receiving financial aid from USA, lists measures which she plans to implement if she is elected RS President (Glas Srpske)
• Covic calls on Croat voters to go to the polls in mass numbers, says it is hard to predict when election results will be implemented (Vecernji list)
• Orban expresses support for Dodik at general elections (RTRS)
Croatia
• Croatia’s PM: EP initiative to suspend negotiations with Serbia “logical” (Hina)
• Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic says it is very important for Croats to be represented by legitimate representatives (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Several people suspected of collaborating with Russian secret serviceꓼ no one arrested yet (CDM)
• Abazovic: Several people arrested, their names can only be revealed by SDT; Prosecutor Radonjic: No one currently arrested (CDM)
• Montenegro declared six Russian diplomats persona non grata; Embassy of Russia: Hostile behavior of the Montenegrin authorities, we are suspending the work of the consular department until further notice (CDM)
• Djukanovic: Montenegro strongly condemns any attempt to appropriate parts of the territory of Ukraine (CDM)
North Macedonia
• What should Macedonia expect from the elections in Bulgaria? (Libertas)
Albania
• Four regions seek union with Russia! USA and Albania, resolution against Moscow referendums (Radio Tirana)
• President Bajram Begaj receives the US Ambassador to our country, Yuri Kim, in the Presidency (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS
• Vucic: I will address the citizens on October 8 and I will talk about all important issues (RTS)
• Djuric with Escobar: We are continuing agreements to improve cooperation (RTS)
• Now quite precisely, compiled by Picula: Either sanctions or negotiations' suspension (Tanjug)
• Healthy Serbia Party proposes referendum on Serbian sanctions against Russia (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: EU produces more problems than solutions (ATV)
• Dzaferovic: B&H does not recognize referendum in Ukraine (BHT1)
• Dodik: No one is asking B&H whether it will recognize referendums in Ukraine (ATV)
• EU Delegation calls on B&H citizens to vote in elections; Sattler sends message to B&H citizens: Do not miss your chance (BHT1)
• Dodik: We will create wide coalition; There are good people in PDP and SDS, but their current leaderships are not good (Nezavisne)
• Trivic: My key promise is to return institutions to the framework of law and to oust corruption from institutions; all elements of statehood that make RS state within state remain in our hands (Nezavisne)
• Pendes says she is convinced Kristo will be elected Croat member of B&H Presidency (Dnevni avaz)
• Komsic: Zagreb wanted amendments to Election Law that would enable permanent participation of HDZ B&H in FB&H and B&H authorities (Hayat)
• Komsic: Visits of Milanovic and Vucic to specific places in B&H are attempt to mark borders of future division of B&H territory (Hayat)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: There is still time for the HR to impose changes to B&H Election Law (N1)
Montenegro
• Kovac: Djukanovic does not have the authority to shorten the Parliament's mandate, unless it does so itself (RTNK)
• Krivokapic: Serbia's creeping aggression on Montenegro can turn into a more active one, legal actions need to be taken (CDM)
Albania
• Rama: Russians who do not want to go to war are welcome in Albania (ADN)
• Hoxha responds to the Russian delegation at the UN: You cannot compare the war in Ukraine with Kosovo (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla: It's high time Indonesia recognized Kosovo as an independent state (Radio Tirana)
• Tabaku, meets Sarraz: We welcome the return of the Berlin Process (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Drecun: Prishtina is trying in every way to destabilize the situation (RTS)
• Hill: With the consultation plan, Russia wants to justify the war in Ukraine (FoNet)
• Russian Embassy: Hill’s statement is inappropriate (FoNet)
• Russia at the UN Security Council: What about Kosovo? "Double standards of the West" (Tanjug)
• KFOR held the "Golden Sabre" exercise (RTS)
• Djilas pays visit to U.S., says Serbia must not make the mistake of disconnecting from civilizational trends (Beta)
• MP: Either we will impose sanctions on Russia, or sanctions will be imposed on us (N1)
• Brnabic: Serbia is not neutral regarding the war in Ukraine, we condemned the aggression (Beta)
• Selakovic: Vucic’s address to the nation will most likely be on October 8 (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Croatian Government admits that proposals of changes to B&H Election Law from July this year are the result of secret negotiations between the leaders of Croatia and HR Schmidt; OHR did not confirm Croatia's involvement in changes to B&H Election Law (FTV)
• Komsic comments on Croatian Government's admitting that it negotiated changes to B&H Election Law with HR: Things have finally come to surface (Nova BH)
• HDZ 1990’s Cvitanovic expects OHR will make necessary interventions into Election Law (Vecernji list)
• Dodik: Bosniaks want political domination and elimination of Serbs and Croats; Croats should have their own third entity in B&H (Glas Srpske)
• RUGIPP: Constitutional Court decision refers to property registered as property owned by B&H, there is no such property in RS (Glas Srpske)
Croatia
• Croatian Parliament's Committee for Croats outside Republic of Croatia holds theme session ahead of general elections in B&H (HRT1)
• Head of Istria County: Italian far-right’s election victory is due to turmoil (Hina)
Montenegro
• Picula: Former ruling majority offers unsustainable options; U.S. Embassy reiterates that DF is not their partner (Gradski portal)
• Malliotakis presented Abazovic with a special award from the US Congress (CDM)
• Local elections in 14 municipalities, the main battle for Podgorica (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Kovacevski says talks being held with Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey on gas, electricity purchases (MIA)
Albania
• Homman meets Celibash: EU will continue to support the strengthening of Albania’s electoral process (Radio Tirana)
• Sarrazin in Tirana: Germany by Albania's side in this reform process (Radio Tirana)
• Exports to Kosovo increase by 1.5 billion ALL (Radio Tirana)