LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic arrives in Bratislava, meets with Sefcovic (Tanjug)
• Petkovic meets with Botsan-Kharchenko (Tanjug/Politika)
• Serbia, Azerbaijan sign Agreement on cooperation in field of energy (Tanjug)
• Drecun: Unacceptable new proposals on ZSO, von Cramon not to interfere (Tanjug/RTV)
• Petkovic: Belgrade to protect Serbs from Kurti’s irrational policy (Tanjug/RTV)
• It is high time they reacted (B92/Kosovo online)
• Parliament of Free Serbia, Action Platform and Ecological Uprising sing Declaration of Unification (Beta)
• Jeremic: Serbia doesn’t see to be exposed to strong pressure to introduce sanctions against Russia (Euronews Serbia TV/Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• 429 primary and secondary schools in RS receive reports of bombs planted in their premises (O Kanal)
• Cvijanovic: Competent authorities need to find those responsible for sending threatening e-mails; Other RS officials also condemn threats sent to RS schools on Wednesday (RTRS)
• False bomb alert registered in BPC government, BPC MoI buildings, police stations in Sarajevo, two schools in Travnik (FTV/O Kanal)
• Turkovic welcomes motion for resolution on B&H addressed to US Congress Senate (FTV)
• EPP adopts final version of resolution on B&H; Covic: Despite of the fact that resolution does not mention term “legitimate representation”, EPP still recognized key historic moment and challenges that B&H is facing (BHT1)
• Komsic: Removal of term “legitimate representation” from EPP’s resolution proves that HDZ B&H policy has failed (BHT1)
• SDA: Urgent resolution on electoral reform in B&H adopted by EPP Congress is great victory of state-building and European policy of SDA (N1)
• Dodik on EPP’s resolution: B&H's progress towards EU and European prospects is not blocked by RS; The only blockades that exist come from SDA (RTRS)
Croatia
• Grlic Radman: EPP resolution contains all key terms which are derivative of already existing document which specifically speaks of constituent status of Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks (N1)
• Plenkovic: EPP must advocate solving of basic problems in B&H such as adoption of changes to Election Law of B&H (HRT1)
• Plenkovic meets with Scholz in Berlin; Plenkovic expects the policy in B&H to be pursued in line with Paris-Dayton Agreement (N1)
• Plenkovic: Ukraine deserves EU candidate status (Hina)
Montenegro
• Guterres and Abazovic: I welcome your commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection and the well-being of children and young people (CDM)
• Volker: It’s time for Montenegro to do everything to prepare for EU membership; new government should take this unique opportunity (Gradski.me)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mickoski: We will intensify cooperation with EU members to ensure quality future for citizens (Republika)
• Mickoski meets Plenkovic in Rotterdam (Republika)
• Byrnes: US and Macedonia have ample opportunities to expand their partnership (TV Atlas)
Albania
• Albania takes over chairmanship of UN Security Council, Rama to lead forum on justice (Radio Tirana)
• Albania takes over SC Presidency, Hoxha: Respecting international law and human rights, priorities (Radio Tirana)
• Hoxha: Kosovo cannot be compared with situation in Ukraine (ADN)
• Berisha accuses Rama of denying Serbian genocide in Kosovo (ADN)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Serbia acting in line with principles of international law (Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Serbia wants peace in Ukraine as soon as possible (Tanjug/RTS)
• Agreement on cooperation in field of energy improves relations with Azerbaijan (RTS)
• Opposition slams Vucic for taking oath before pre-election parliament composition (Beta)
• Dacic: Postponement with constitution of government over complaints (TV Prva/FoNet)
• Escobar urges Serbia to impose sanctions on Russia (Beta)
• London and Moscow in clinch over B&H (Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik on Vucic’s speech: I am convinced that successful cooperation will continue (RTRS)
• Cvijanovic: Political Sarajevo does not respect fact that Serbia recognizes territorial integrity of B&H (RTRS)
• HJPC disappointed by failure of B&H HoP to amend Law on HJPC; Lagumdzija: I will not hesitate to request from HR Schmidt to impose amendments to this law if that is necessary (N1)
• White Armband Day Marked/Reactions (Hayat/FTV)
• Osmanovic: HDZ B&H is not only obstructing elections, but also exerts pressure on B&H CEC (Oslobodjenje)
• EPP adopts document on Western Balkans and B&H (Dnevni list)
• Milanovic: Croatia asks little in regards to rights of Croats in B&H (Dnevni list)
Croatia
• President Milanovic says EU citizens will bear the brunt of the sanctions (HRT)
• Croatian President does not believe that EU sanctions have any effect (Hina)
• PM says Milanovic is acting to advantage of Russia (Hina)
Montenegro
• SDP and DPS: Open Balkans would involve the adoption and amendment of a number of laws (City portal)
• Ahmetovic met with Djukanovic’s advisors: Germany wants to see WB in EU, no alternative to Berlin Process (CdM)
• Lajcak: Montenegro shouldn’t be nervous about Macron’s proposal (MINA)
• Krivokapic and Peach: Montenegro is recognized as a reliable ally (CdM)
• Abazovic and Peach: Montenegro and Great Britain are permanently committed to preserving regional stability and security (CdM)
• Russia expels one Montenegrin diplomat (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Vasilevska: Xhaferi’s arbitrariness causes violation of human rights and freedoms, new parliament speaker is needed (TV 24)
• Besa Movement: Early parliamentary elections is the right option (Republika)
• No language, people, history: If the Bulgarian demands are included in the negotiating framework with the EU, the Macedonian ones will be excluded (Republika/BGNES)
Albania
• Rama meets Guterres, discussing about program and priorities of Albanian Presidency of UN Security Council (Radio Tirana)
• Rama meets Linda Thomas Greenfield (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla in Germany, meets with the head of Bundestag (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic sworn in as president (Tanjug/B92)
• Vucic meets with von Cramon (Tanjug/RTS)
• Von Cramon: EU best partner for diminishing of Russian influence (Tanjug)
• Lo Cascio: Serbia plays key role in protecting peace in WB (Beta/Politika)
• Serbia wants relations with Algeria to progress (RTV/Tanjug)
• Petkovic to Osmani: They know only about hate speech in Pristina (RTV/Tanjug)
• Botsan-Kharchenko: Serbia’s decision not to impose sanctions against Russia firm, unwavering (Beta/ TV Russia-24/TASS)
• Lajcak: EU needs to speed up integration of Western Balkans (FoNet)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Novakovic-Bursac: Banning Dodik’s candidacy would be drastic move that could justify the right of the RS bodies to conduct according to their will in the election process (ATV)
• Komsic submits request to B&H CC for constitutionality review of FB&H Constitution, RS Constitution; Requests provisions related to vital national interest to be declared unconstitutional (O Kanal)
• Vulic strongly criticizes Komsic’s motion for assessment of constitutionality of protection of vital national interest (Nezavisne)
• Popovic, Stevandic, Petkovic criticize Komsic's motion on vital national interest as dangerous (Glas Srpske)
• RS opposition says ruling authorities have given up on transfer of competencies (BN TV)
• Dodik: Sarovic and Ivanic should answer Borenovic who cooperated with former HR Ashdown (RTRS)
• Zakharova criticizes Truss’ statement made during visit to B&H about malignant influence of Russia in Western Balkans (RTRS)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: When text of Fundamental Agreement with SPC is harmonized, it will be available to public (CdM)
• At the Open Balkans Summit as observers, EU is our goal (RTCG)
• Vucinic: The Open Balkans in Montenegro can be decided without the Parliament (RSE/Pobjeda)
• Djukanovic with Lajcak: Western Balkans in EU is a geostrategic investment in the stability of Europe (CdM)
• Abazovic and Lajcak: It is important that we achieve results, and more importantly that they be recognized (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski says EU perspective in foreseeable future is unfortunately over (Republika)
Albania
• Even the third round for election of President failed, Balla: SP will propose a name in the fourth round (Radio Tirana)
• From 1 June, Albania takes over the Presidency of the UN Security Council (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: Good deal arranged with Putin (Beta/Politika/RTS)
• Providing sufficient quantities of energy, food set as state priority (Politika)
• Serbia’s position in accordance with international law (RTS)
• Mihajlovic: Serbia should do everything to join EU (Politika)
• Vulin: Serbia will not impose sanctions against Russia (Beta)
• Differences in Western Balkans should be resolved through agreement, compromise (RTV/Tanjug)
• Support for Serbia confirmed during NATO PA spring session (RTV/Tanjug)
• Sormaz: Pristina not implementing Brussels agreement’s provisions (Tanjug)
• Improving cooperation with Montenegro in field of tourism (RTS/Tanjug)
• Djilas: Serbia’s best interest is following EU policy and avoiding isolation (TV Prva/Beta)
• Cochard: We believe in Serbia’s EU future, to continue with harmonization (Tanjug/RTV)
• Mexican Ambassador to Serbia: Mexico has an explicitly clear position in favor of respecting integrity and sovereignty of Serbia over Kosovo and Metohija (Politika)
• CRTA: Most of the votes in Bujanovac to list Coalition of Albanians (RTV/Tanjug/Klan Kosova)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Dodik: RS supports intent of Serbia judiciary to legally process war crimes of Croatian military (N1)
• Dodik: B&H Presidency did not take a position on the announcement of the Russian Embassy (RTRS/ATV)
• Tegeltija: No sanctions for Russia (RTRS/Nezavisne)
• Turkovic: Secession in B&H has begun (Corriere della Sera/Nova BH)
• Cvijanovic: Unitarization and Bosniak domination are goals of policy that Turkovic belongs to (RTRS)
• Reactions to B&H CC decision annulling RS pariament conclusions (BN TV)
• Politicians react to decision of Constitutional Court of B&H which determined that HDZ B&H’s proposal does not threaten Vital National Interest of Bosniaks (Nova BH)
• Covic holds press conference: We will not falter under pressure of foreigners to violate procedures (N1)
Croatia
• Milanovic: European Delegation in Sarajevo is threatening Croat side (HRT1)
• Plenkovic: Government will do its best to protect indicted air force pilots (Hina)
• Five Croatian diplomats in Russia declared personae non gratae; Croatia's Ministry says expulsion of diplomats from Moscow illegitimate (Hina)
• Montenegrin and Croatian FMs push for resolving open issues as good neighbours (Hina)
• Kosovo hopes Croatia will support its bid to join EUSAIR (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic and Erdogan discuss developments in Europe, situation in WB and SEE (CdM)
• At the Open Balkans meeting, Abazovic mustn’t take on any responsibility on behalf of the state (Pobjeda)
• Ibrahimovic: Open Balkans does not have my or the blank support of the Bosniak Party (CdM)
• Grlic Radman: Open Balkans does not have the operational capabilities of the Berlin Process (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Nikoloski urges citizens to join 18 June protest for early parliamentary elections and a way out of the crisis (Republika)
• VMRO-DPMNE to file non-confidence motion against Xhaferi today, Besa will support it, AA hasn’t stated its position yet (Republika)
• Bisera Kostadinovska Stojcevska: Open Balkans countries are working on establishing a joint film fund to which co-productions initiated by the three countries will apply (Republika)
• Osmani: Freedom of Macedonia is defended in Ukraine (MNTA)
• The EU Ambassador has high hopes for the start of negotiations (Republika)
Albania
• Former president Bujar Nishani passes away at 55 (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 27 May 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic to talk to Putin about gas, cooperation on 29 May (Beta/RTS/Tanjug/Politika/Novosti)
• Vulin responded to Klichko: Who compares Kosovo and Metohija and Donbass should go all the way in comparison (RTV/RTS)
• Djilas’ party blasts Klichko over Kosovo statement (Beta)
• Mihajlovic, Friedman on cooperation in energy, including nuclear (Beta/Politika)
• Varhelyi: EU should step up engagement in Western Balkans (N1)
• National Convention on EU condemns minister’s hate speech against Albanians (Politika/Beta)
• Serbian-Albanian festival “Miredita, Good Day” interrupted die to bomb threat (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Bevanda removes decision on financing elections from session of B&H CoM; B&H CoM adopts draft law on budget of B&H institutions and international obligations (O Kanal)
• Rancic: There are no legal obstacles to allocating funds for financing elections without adopting budget of B&H for 2022 (O Kanal)
• Tegeltija certain that B&H CoM has capacity to adopt B&H Budget by June 10 (RTRS)
• OHR: There are no obstacles to B&H Council of Ministers approving funds for elections; EU Delegation, US Embassy and USAID also reacted (O Kanal)
• Izetbegovic comments on his conversation with Schmidt: I think he has already made decisions but has not announced them yet (O Kanal)
• Schmidt: Solution for electoral reform must come from local politicians but I will not hesitate to use Bonn powers if state and its structures are endangered (Nezavisne)
• Izetbegovic: By insisting on legitimate representatives of constituent peoples, HDZ B&H has been attempting to limit strength of multiple times stronger pro-Bosnian bloc and multiethnic factor that has stronger support than HNS (Hayat)
• Truss meets Turkovic; Truss: UK has been attempting to reduce influence of Russia in Western Balkans (Hayat)
• Truss meets with B&H Presidency members; Dodik: RS’ position is that foreigners cannot regulate relations in B&H; RS does not accept artificially imposed HR (RTRS)
• Dzaferovic: Truss sent the strongest messages of support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of B&H (BHT1)
• Russian Embassy in B&H comments on Dzaferovic's stances: Accession of any country to Alliance implies absolute support for NATO's military and political goals, i.e. anti-Russian steps (BHT1)
• Russian government accepts proposal to open branch office of Russian Embassy in Banja Luka (Nezavisne)
Croatia
• Russia says disappointed with Croatia's hostile behaviour (Hina)
• Jandrokovic reassures Ukrainian official of Croatia's continuing support (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djurovic: If Open Balkans would stop Montenegro’s European path, we wouldn’t be part of that initiative (CdM)
• Montenegro belongs to the European family (RTCG)
• Radulovic: Djukanovic showed in Kosovo that Montenegrins are not alone (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Vasilevska: There is organized chaos in the parliament, well directed by Xhaferi (Republika)
• Micevski: VMRO-DPMNE’s MPs to file non-confidence motion against Xhaferi (Republika)
• Aziri: AA to decide whether it will support VMRO-DPMNE’s non-confidence motion against Xhaferi (Alsat TV)
• Petkov gathers coalition partners to confirm veto on Macedonia (BNR)
• Osmani visits Ukraine (Republika)
Albania
• European Parliament: Albania's foreign policy, fully in line with that of the EU, contribution to European security (Radio Tirana)
• Albanian government approves protocols for NATO membership of Finland and Sweden (Radio Tirana)