LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic calls for understanding for Serbia's position (TV Pink/Tanjug)
• Serious state remembers its innocent victims, seeks justice for them (Tanjug/RTS/Politika)
• Excellent dynamics of bilateral relations with Argentina (Tanjug)
• Opportunities to improve cooperation with Bangladesh (Politika)
• Selakovic: Serbia true partner of African countries (Beta/Politika)
• Petkovic with Italian Ambassador on Kosovo and Metohija and dialogue (RTV/Politika/Tanjug)
• Odalovic: Bodies of missing in Kosovo and Metohija not found at Stavalj location (Tanjug)
• Dacic: Vucic to be sworn in as president on Tuesday (Tanjug)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Bomb threats reported in 110 primary and secondary schools in Sarajevo Canton (FTV)
• Dzaferovic meets with Stoltenberg in Brussels; He calls on NATO to strengthen NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo (BN TV)
• Dodik: Dzaferovic went to Brussels without consent of B&H Presidency; Stances he presented there represent stances of Muslim political circle in B&H (RTRS)
• Sarovic: Influence of RS representatives in joint institutions on creating B&H’s foreign policy is bad, insufficient (BN TV)
• Ambassadors of Quint countries urge Tegeltija and Turkovic for election funds to be secured (BHT1)
• US Embassy to B&H: B&H Council of Ministers has every right to approve election financing in absence of budget (Hayat)
• Peach meets Tegeltija; Tegeltija: Only internal dialogue with respect of DPA is key of progress of B&H (RTRS)
Croatia
• Milanovic emphasizes to Stoltenberg problem of legitimate representation; Milanovic argues that it could destabilize the entire region (N1)
• Milanovic: Croatia, too, could have indicted Vucic, but didn't (Hina)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: We need a patient, wise, well-meaning dialogue free from all demagoguery and prejudice (CdM)
• Sending WB to EU bench (Pobjeda)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Xhaferi locks MPs in parliament hall (Republika)
• VMRO-DPMNE will not support including the Bulgarian demands in the negotiating framework (Republika)
• Dendias: EU should open talks with Macedonia and Albania immediately (Republika)
• Pendarovski meets Abazovic (Republika)
Albania
• Premier reveals project for NATO naval base in Albania (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Wednesday 25 May 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Serbian Patriarch: SPC unanimously approves autocephaly of Macedonian Orthodox Church (Beta/Politika/RTS/Tanjug)
• Vucic, Pendaroviski on Serbian Orthodox Church’s decision, ties, Open Balkans (Beta)
• Vucic from Davos: Only topic in Davos is Ukraine (TV Pink/B92)
• Hill: US supports Serbia’s path to EU, Open Balkans, dialogue with Pristina (Beta)
• Selakovic meets with ASEAN Secretary-General (Politika/Beta)
• Support of Indonesia to territorial integrity of Serbia (Tanjug/RTS)
• Stefanovic meets with Wiermann (Tanjug/Politika)
• Mali: Serbia to store natural gas in Hungary next winter (Tanjug/RTS)
• Dacic expects cooperation with SNS to continue (TV Happy/Beta)
• Bilcik says sanctions against Russia important, already in report (Beta/Kosovo Online)
• SANU notes primitive tones of hatred in Croatian counterpart’s announcement (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H HoP rejects conclusion proposed by Bosniak Caucus to pressure B&H CoM to approve BAM 12.5 million for elections; HDZ B&H and SNSD’s delegates vote against proposal (O Kanal)
• Izetbegovic on B&H HoP’s session: It is time for HR Schmidt to react given that all other options have been exhausted (O Kanal)
• Komsic accuses Covic and Dodik of working together with renegade IC representatives who are working with HDZ on blocking of elections (O Kanal)
• Borenovic: SNSD and HDZ B&H want to prevent holding of the elections (Glas Srpske)
• Arnautovic discusses elections with Murphy, Kavalec: Postponing of elections is illegal; Murphy: Denying citizens’ right to vote is unconstitutional and anti-Dayton (Hayat)
• Sattler: Holding of elections in October as planned is not questionable (N1/O Kanal/Istraga.ba/Oslobodjenje)
• Bajrovic: Covic enjoys support of part of international community (Hayat)
• Dodik: I have received information that Schmidt will impose necessary decisions so that elections are held; This is unacceptable (Nova BH)
• Kavalec: Criminally persecute perpetrators of election frauds (Dnevni list)
• Dodik: Podzic and Masovic’s attendance at meeting on military assistance to Ukraine is part of Bosniaks’ joint enterprise aimed at destroying Dayton-based B&H (RTRS)
• Dodik calls for peaceful dissolution of B&H, stresses any kind of agreement on B&H’s future is impossible (RTRS)
• 30th anniversary of death of 12 Banja Luka babies marked (ATV)
• SDA comments Milanovic’s statements: This is threat to stability and peace in entire region (Dnevni avaz)
Croatia
• Milanovic: If Croats in fall start implementing what they announced, it may happen that someone turns international military forces against them (N1)
• Croatian President rules out possibility of armed conflicts in B&H (Hina)
• Milanovic tells Serbia indictment against Croatian pilots will cost it (Hina)
Montenegro
• Abazovic and Kurti: Dedicated to the development of infrastructure projects that will better connect the two countries (CdM)
• In Davos, Plenkovic invited Abazovic to officially visit Zagreb in June (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Pendarovski believes the recognition of the Macedonian church will advance reconciliation in our society: Pendarovski met with Vucic in Davos as Serbia recognized the Macedonian church (Republika)
• No progress in the meeting between Kovacevski and Petkov in Rome (Republika)
Albania
• McAllister: EU should start accession talks with Albania (Radio Tirana)
• Meta meets McAllister (Radio Tirana)
• Greece warns it will put up barriers on EU bid if Albania brings up Cham issue (Tirana Times)

LOCAL PRESS

• Brnabic: Serbia’s stance on war in Ukraine clear, but excludes sanctions (TV Happy/Beta)
• Orban, Vucic herald rough winter (Beta)
• Biden congratules Vucic second mandate: I am sure we can deepen close ties (RTS)
• Hill: There’s only one path for Serbia to the West, and the EU (Politika/Beta)
• Vucic: We joined none of EU’s 23 declarations against Russia (Beta)
• Brnabic: Serbia fighting to protect its position, decide independently (B92/Tanjug)
• Selakovic: Serbia will not be alone in fighting Pristina's CoE membership bid (Tanjug)
• Cuban Ambassador: For Cuba Kosovo is part of Serbia (RTV Panon)
• Djilas: Zero chance of Freedom and Justice Party joining Vucic’s government (Nova/Beta)
• Jeremic says hid party is no longer allied with Djilas after meeting Vucic (TV Prva/Beta)
• RIK confirms Vucic’s electoral victory, new vote in Veliki Trnovac (Beta)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Deadline for securing funds for organizing general elections in B&H expires (O Kanal)
• HR Schmidt: We will not allow that the elections fail; There is money in B&H (DW/Dnevni list)
• Deadline for political parties and independent candidates to apply for general elections in B&H expires, comments (Nova BH)
• B&H CEC: Application for participation in elections was submitted by 108 political entities (ATV)
• Seven opposition parties in FB&H announce Becirovic will be their joint candidate for Bosniak member of Presidency of B&H (Nova BH)
• Becirovic urges opposition not to underestimate ruling parties but to be cautious, serious and do everything that is required to ensure victory in 2022 general elections (Face TV)
• Becirovic assesses B&H’s relations with Croatia and Serbia, claims that both Croatia and Serbia must truly respect B&H’s sovereignty and not just profess commitment to its territorial integrity (Face TV)
• Izetbegovic, Covic meet with Michel in Sarajevo; Michel says he will help encourage further dialogue between all parties in B&H (Hayat)
• Stevandic on Izetbegovic’s statement that electoral reform will be discussed after elections: It is maneuvering to allow Bosniaks to elect Croat member of B&H Presidency, interfere with election of Serb member (RTRS)
• Dodik comments on his meeting with European Council President Michel (ATV)
• Komsic: President Milanovic acts on Russia’s instructions (Oslobodjenje)
Croatia
• Milanovic: Plenkovic only wants to show off and present himself as someone who cares for Croats in B&H, Michel does not decide on anything anyways (HRT1)
• Milanovic sends Stoltenberg a letter, does not mention vetoing Finland, Sweden bids to join NATO (Jutarnji list)
• Plenkovic meets Hahn, speaks about need to change Law on Elections of B&H (Jutarnji list)
• Covic: It would be wrong for HNS B&H to choose between Milanovic or Plenkovic (Hina)
Montenegro
• Montenegro celebrates 21 May – Independence Day (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Bulgarian parliament speaker announces that the veto against Macedonia will stay in place (Republika)
• Hopes for full EU membership evaporate with the latest Macron – Michel initiative (Republika)
Albania
• Stoltenberg telephone conversation with Rama: Finland and Sweden in NATO would strengthen the alliance (Radio Tirana)
• EU membership/ Meta makes an appeal to politics for urgent reflection! Focus on the resolution! (Radio Tirana)
• Durres port project / Rama: The extension in Prishtina makes us the gateway to the whole (Radio Tirana)
• Sali Berisha re-elected Chair of DP with 99% of votes (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Friday 20 May 2022

LOCAL PRESS

• Vucic: All crucial issues discussed with Michel (Tanjug/RTS)
• Michel: We want to deepen cooperation with Serbia, accelerate EU accession (Tanjug/RTS)
• Vucic: Science and technology parks reflect our change for better (Tanjug/Politika)
• Agreement for financing Serbian start-up community signed (Tanjug/Politika)
• Selakovic: Legally inadmissible and unacceptable request of Pristina (RTV/Tanjug)
• Serbia builds bridges of cooperation with all neighboring states (Tanjug)
• Pristina refuses six years to return land to Visoki Decani (RTV/Tanjug)
• Porfirije: After 55 years, the wound of schism with the Macedonian Church has been healed (Tanjug/Politika)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• B&H CEC cancels number of public procurement procedures due to lack of funds; It calls on authorities to ensure funds by midnight on Thursday (Hayat)
• OHR calls on B&H Council of Ministers to allocate funds (AJB)
• Covic: Someone deliberately wants to create crisis in B&H (ATV)
• SDA: Blocking of elections is criminal offense, judicial institutions must react (N1)
• Dodik: Agreement on changes to Law on Elections of B&H will happen when Bosniaks want it (Nova TV)
• Dodik: B&H will not impose sanctions on Russia (Sputnik/RTRS)
• Russian Federation: B&H is friendly country as far as Russia is concerned; Kalabukhov: B&H is not on Russia’s list of enemy states (RTRS)
• Dodik comments constant attacks on RS authorities done by RS opposition and international community officials (RTRS)
Croatia
• Plenkovic: Milanovic’s threats that he will block NATO accession of Finland and Sweden not helpful (HRT1)
Montenegro
• Abazovic & Bilcik: Positive energy in Brussels for Montenegro (CdM)
• Abazovic: Montenegro has a historic chance (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Mickoski on the Macron initiative – If it includes the Bulgarian demands, it would lead to our full capitulation and assimilation (Republika)
• Nikoloski: Bulgaria needs to give us guarantees before we amend the Constitution (Republika/Makfax)
Albania
• European Parliament approves report on Albania, Santos: Time to move ahead with the accession negotiations (Radio Tirana)
• EP urges EU to start opening negotiations on Albania, Foreign Minister welcomes decision: Time to show strategic vision (Radio Tirana)
• Nikolla welcomes EP vote: Albania unwavering towards the European family (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

• Regional cooperation first priority of Western Balkan countries (Tanjug)
• Kovacevski: Open Balkans boosted trade with Serbia (Tanjug)
• Petkovic with Hill: Pristina persists in its efforts to close door to dialogue (Tanjug/RTV)
• Patriarch welcomes Macedonian church’s decision to restore unity with Serbian church (Beta)
• Michel: European geopolitical community should include Western Balkans as well (Politika/Tanjug)
• Dzaferovic attacks Serb ministers as well (Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Tegeltija calls for preparations for elections not to be suspended: Unnecessary insisting on securing funds by a specific date brought us to this situation (Nova BH)
• Covic says that pressure on HDZ B&H is unfounded and that he is not afraid of sanctions (Nova BH)
• Djolnagic calls on HR Schmidt to resolve issue of securing funds for general elections (Hayat)
• Sepic: In the end, the OHR will solve issue of securing funds for general elections (Hayat)
• Hadzikadic expects that international community will engage more actively in issue of securing funds for elections (O Kanal)
• Dodik: I support idea to hold RS parliament session in order for RS to give its share of funds for elections (FTV)
• OHR: Citizens must be enabled to exercise their democratic right to free, fair and democratic elections (O Kanal)
• EU Delegation to B&H: Elections should take place on 2 October in accordance with law and Constitution (N1)
• US Embassy: HDZ B&H’s decision to block financing of elections is irresponsible and unjustified (Hayat)
• UK, German Ambassadors and OSCE comment financing of elections (FTV)
• Boskovic: International community is allowing that the elections are held in line with unconstitutional Law on Elections (Dnevni list)
• Dzaferovic’s claims about blockade of sanctions against Russia disprove accusations of RS opposition that Dodik allowed imposing of sanctions; Comments (RTRS)
Croatia
• Milanovic calls on Plenkovic to follow Turkey’s example and get favor for B&H by blackmailing Sweden and Finland (AJB)
• FM: Finland and Sweden's NATO aspirations have Croatia's "unreserved" support (Hina/Croatian Radio)
• PM: Croatia looks forward to deepening political and economic ties with China (Hina/Xinhua)
• State Department: At this moment we have nothing to announce, and we are not discussing sanctions against politicians in B&H (Vecernji list)
Montenegro
• Djukanovic: Relations between Montenegro and Kosovo exemplary, we support political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (CdM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Serbian PM meets N. Macedonian counterpart, economic cooperation on focus (MIA)
• Macron intervention in the dispute between Macedonia and Bulgaria (Republika)
• Bulgaria dismisses Osmani’s statement that the ball is in their court – this is not a football match (Republika)
• Kovacevski blasts Bulgaria for holding Macedonia and Albania hostage (Republika)
Albania
• Election of the President/ The opposition will bring the names of candidates in the second and third round (Radio Tirana)