LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Serbia and Austria are good partners, support for the European path (RTS)
Brnabic: The state will never allow the March pogrom or the Storm to happen again (RTS)
Stefanovic: The army is one of the key guarantors of peace and stability (RTS)
EU Ambassadors: Union knows it can count on Serbia’s support to Ukraine, against Russian invasion (Nedeljnik)
Serbian CoE Representatives avoid taking position on Russia’s exclusion (Beta)
Opposition and analysts expect Vucic to make concessions (VIP)
Vucic: Peace, stability and security are important; diesel and petrol get cheaper (B92)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Eichhorst and Murphy hold meeting with representatives of B&H Citizens' Assembly (Hayat)
New round of negotiations on electoral reform in B&H continue (Hayat)
Schmidt: Konakovic’s and Radoncic’s ideas are very constructive; That would be realistic law (Dnevni avaz)
Komsic: As things stand now, I doubt agreement on electoral reform in B&H will be reached (FTV)
‘Istraga.ba’ criticizes Eichhorst’s decision to separate parties and leaving left-wing parties to discuss only technical issues (Oslobodjenje)
Reactions to Statement of Russian Ambassador Kalabukhov (N1, Dnevni avaz)
Zvizdic, Roth discuss situation in B&H during meeting in Berlin; Zvizdic convinced that Germany would never support those that block work of B&H institutions (FTV)
Crnadak, Zunic comment on Borrell’s statement on European Commission’s decision to stop projects in RS (BN TV)
B&H Security Minister Cikotic: Development of situation in Ukraine did not support expectations of those who wanted to project anti-EU and anti-NATO approach to relations (Hayat)
Armoured vehicles on B&H roads, airplanes in the air - as if it was war (Vecernji list)
Croatia

Grlic Radman: B&H's EU, NATO membership, equality of Croats in Croatia's interest (Hina)
Defence Minister: Croatia, UK Committed to Preparation for Future Security Challenges (Hina)
Radars did not recognize drone as right sort of alarm, Plenkovic says (Hina)
Reznikov vows that the wayward drone was not launched by Ukrainian forces (HRT)
Montenegro

Krivokapic wanted to make the decision on sanctions meaningless (RTCG)
Did Abazovic try to deceive opposition? (CDM)
Djukanovic: We’ve witnessed a serious, paid betrayal of Montenegrin national interests (RCG)
Albania
6 countries including Albania request UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine (Radio Tirana)
Xhacka: Today more than ever we must strongly urge that enlargement policy be returned to the attention of the European Union (Radio Tirana)
''Balkan Dialogue Initiative'', Mayor Veliaj: It is time to reflect (Radio Tirana)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Thursday 17 March 2022

LOCAL PRESS
• Masked and armed ROSU units stormed Serb houses; 6-hour harassment, 2 arrested (RTS)
• Petkovic: The idea was to erase every trace of Serbian survival and life in KiM (RTS)
• Jevtic: Police action and arrest in Strpce is pure politics (RTS)
• Lajcak: An agreement on some specific topics is close (RTS)
• Serbian President discusses EU oil ban with Russia, US and EU (TV Pink)
• Serbia supports launching OSCE's Moscow mechanism for war crimes investigation in Ukraine (Beta)
• Borrell: Public opinion in Serbia is more susceptible to Russian propaganda (N1)
• Vucic: Serbia has enough basic agricultural products (Beta)
• Austrian chancellor visiting Belgrade (RTS)
• President of Serbia received letters of credence from the newly appointed ambassadors of Algeria, the Republic of Korea, Libya and Egypt (B92)
• Jelena Milic named Serbia’s Ambassador in Croatia (VIP, Danas)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• EU HR Borrell visits EUFOR base in Butmir, he underlines importance of peace and security, says B&H must fulfil 14 conditions from EC’s Opinion (N1)
• Borrell meets Dodik, Izetbegovic, Covic (N1)
• Borrell meets with members of B&H Presidency, they discus current situation and EU path of B&H; Borrell says EU membership is future of B&H, but it requires fulfilling of some conditions (Hayat)
• Opposition leaders meet with Borrell: EU expects B&H to implement key reforms (N1)
• Kalabukhov: B&H's membership in NATO is now in realm of fantasy because there is no consensus on that in country itself (Nezavisne)
• Bosnia Presidency Chairman condemns Russian Ambassador's threats (N1)
Croatia
• Milanovic reacts to military planes flying over Zagreb (HRT)
• Plenkovic in Madrid on drone crash: This could have been any European capital (Hina)
Montenegro
• Abazovic: I have almost finished my work, the minority government is currently supported by minorities, Black on White and the SNP (CDM)
• Djukanovic: Montenegro welcomes the order of the International Court of Justice that Russia urgently suspends all military operations in Ukraine (CDM)
• Cabinet meeting interrupted; Krivokapic unwilling to vote for sanctions against Russia (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• The EU diplomat, who promised a will instead of a date, demands that the country continues with the reforms (Republika)
• Deputy PM Grubi asked Ambassador Byrnes for greater US involvement in the dispute with Bulgaria (Republika)
• Osmani-Le Drian phone call: Clear and unambiguous messages of support from France for readiness to start negotiations (Republika)
Albania
• Minister Xhacka: We will work with the allies to end war in Ukraine (Radio Tirana)
• Xhacka calls on Russia to obey the order of the Court (Radio Tirana)
• Peleshi: Albania in full support of Ukraine's sovereignty, condemns the violation of international law by Russia (Radio Tirana)
• Balla: EU enlargement process should be accelerated (Radio Tirana)
• Basha loses loyal MPs as calls for his resignation become overwhelming (Tirana Times)

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic on the intrusion of ROSU into Strpce: We are not naive to expect a reaction from the West (RTS)
EU increases pressure on Serbia concerning Ukrainian crisis (Beta, VIP)
The EU has no plans to help Balkan countries that have backed sanctions on Russia (Tanjug)
EU Ambassador tells Serbian church elder he is concerned over misinformation (Beta)
New US ambassador says Serbia is important partner (N1)
New Serbian ambassador to China: relations between Serbia, China at historical high (Beta)
Tadic gives up on nominating himself for president saying that “now is not the time for it” (Nova)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

B&H Presidency members and Covic exchange views on situation in B&H at European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (N1)
McAllister: B&H consists of two entities and three peoples with constituent status that need to reach agreement (N1)
Dodik comments on AFET session: There are two concepts in B&H – one that understands reality in B&H and another that advocates Bosniak principle and imaginary civic order (RTRS)
Dzaferovic: I have been insisting to respect DPA and 27 years of its implementation (AJB)
EU HR Borrell responds to B&H FM Turkovic’s letter: EU enlargement process based on clear criteria that are emphasized in EC’ Opinion on B&H’s Membership Application (BHT1)
Bosniak member of B&H Presidency Dzaferovic says EU and NATO must stop process of RS’ restoring of competencies (Nezavisne)
HR Schmidt: I hope there will be agreement on Law on Elections of B&H (Dnevni list)
HDZ 1990’s Cvitanovic: New round of talks on electoral reform should start on Wednesday evening (Vecernji list)
Oslobodjenje announces new round of talks on electoral reform for Thursday and presents proposals of SNSD and HDZ (Oslobodjenje)
Covic holds meeting with Plenkovic in Zagreb (Nezavisne)
Croatia

NATO Secretary General says drone crash in Zagreb was not an attack (HRT)
Plenkovic corrects Stoltenberg’s statement about drone that crashed in Croatia (N1)
Milanovic: Croatia shouldn't get involved in Ukraine war more than it's good and safe (Hina)
U.S. Secretary of State thanks Croatian Government for support to Ukraine (Hina)
Montenegro

Djukanovic: Russia severely invaded Ukraine’s independence, Serbia significantly contributed to realization of Russian interests in the Western Balkan (CDM)
Montenegro government imposes sanctions on Russia (Vijesti)
MEPs: European integration is the will of the people, Montenegro can be an example (RTCG)
Picula: The glorification of war crimes must not be tolerated (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia

Borrell: I cannot promise you a date (Republika)
Mickoski on Borrell’s statement: We make a lot of concessions, how can they look people in the eye and keep repeating the same thing (TV Kanal 5)
Finance Minister Besimi agrees that the economic measures will not be enough (Republika)
Albania
Cucci receives the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell (Radio Tirana)
Borrell introduces 4th Package of Anti-Putin sanctions from Tirana (ADN)

United Nations Office in Belgrade

Daily Media Highlights

Tuesday 15 March 2022

LOCAL PRESS
• European Commission expects Serbia to gradually align policy on Russia with EU’s (Beta)
• Vucic: It is easiest to lash out powerlessness and anger on Serbia (Blic)
• Vucic on drone crash in Zagreb: Such a plane would be shot down in Serbia in five minutes (Nova)
• Dacic: Sanctions against Russia to hurt Serbia, not Russia (Prva TV)
• It has been revealed which country is behind the pressure on Serbia (Tanjug)
• Center for Foreign Policy: Probably at least 80 percent of citizens” against introduction of Sanctions (Danas)
• Ukrainian embassy in Serbia calls on Belgrade to condemn support to Russian invasion (Beta)
• Seselj: We must stand with Russia just like it always stands with us (Politika)
• Ponos: Vucic will deceive someone – either his voters, or his western partners (Nova)
• SPC Rejects Claims from EP Resolution on Foreign Interference (VIP)
• Opposition leader: Serbia to seek its chance in the east, not the west (Pink TV)
• Another false bomb threat aimed at Air Serbia flight to Moscow (N1)
• UN's Guterres: We must do everything possible to avert hurricane of hunger and meltdown of global food system (Vecernje Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Vucic: Serbia will do everything to preserve peace; One wrong statement in region can provoke madness (Dnevni avaz)
• Dzaferovic: It is hard to expect Ukrainian scenario in Balkans (N1, TRT)
• AFET’s session on EU perspective of B&H and political situation in country starts in Brussels; EUSR Sattler and HR Schmidt talk to EU officials ahead of Tuesday’s meeting (FTV)
• McAllister calls on EU countries to cooperate with Western Balkans countries in finding solution for problems that hinder implementation of reform processes (BHT1)
• B&H Presidency members and HDZ B&H leader Covic to meet with AFET members in Brussels on Tuesday (N1)
• EU HR Borrell responds to Dodik’s letter from February 18 and comments RS moves to return once transferred competencies: Such moves significantly undermine chances for B&H’s accession to EU (Dnevni avaz)
• EU Delegation to B&H calls RS to return to B&H institutions (Oslobodjenje)
• IAWG Deputy Chair Colak: There are not changes to Law on Elections because of SDA (Srna)
Croatia
• PM Plenkovic talks with EU HR Borrell about changing Law on Elections of B&H (Dnevni list)
• Croatian FM visits Estonia, says Russian invasion could destabilise B&H (Hina)
• Milanovic: We need to start building an air defense system (HRT)
• PM: France will help us control Croatian airspace (Hina)
Montenegro
• Joanikije: Montenegro is projected to be a small Ukraine (Politika, Beta)
• Reactions to the Metropolitan Joanikije statement (Antena M)
• Djukanovic: By visiting Kosovo, I want to contribute to interstate understanding (CDM)
• Djukanovic: Threats are Serbia’s way of solving problems (CDM)
• Fuel prices hitting record highs, Bulajic blocked parliament (CDM)
• Zivkovic: Blockade of Parliament not a forced move, but a deliberate action; Montenegro has no time to lose (CDM)
Republic of North Macedonia
• Borrell announces fourth package of EU sanctions against Russia; says Russian invasion of Ukraine is moment of awakening Europe to revive process of enlargement to Western Balkans (AJB)
• Nikoloski: The Macedonian national identity is denied by Bulgaria just like Russia denies the Ukrainian identity (Republika)
• Internal divisions develop both in Macedonia and in Bulgaria as the June deadline draws closer (Republika)
Albania
• Borrel: Albania has met the conditions and Brussels is working hard to open negotiations within the French presidency (Radio Tirana)
• Crisis shows why we need an Open Balkans, Vucic: We will export wheat, flour and oil to Albania, we will adhere to contracts with countries in the region (Radio Tirana)
• Serbian wheat and corn market opens for Albania, Agriculture ministers reconfirm Open Balkans agreement (Radio Tirana)
• German Minister pushes for Albania’s EU accession talks (ADN)
• Balla official visit to Germany / Meeting with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Roth (Radio Tirana)

LOCAL PRESS

Vucic and Baerbock: The most important thing is peace and stability, through dialogue until the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is resolved (RTS)
Minister dismisses claims of Serbian fighters being recruited by Russia (Beta)
Several dozen cars drive through downtown Belgrade in show of support to Russia (Beta)
Ukrainian ambassador to Serbia: Ukraine does not recognize Kosovo, respects Serbia’s integrity (Beta)
Visoki Decani Monastery: How long will this vandalism be covered up by silence? (Tanjug)
MEPs from ‘Renew Europe’ ask EU to temporarily halt accession talks with Serbia and suspend financial aid to Serbia until it harmonizes its policy on Russia with EU (RTS; Vecernje Novosti)
Giaufret: Blackmail is a myth; the EU has spread its arms to welcome Serbia (Blic)
Lajcak: The sixth meeting of Belgrade and Pristina on license plates was held (RTS)
SNSD’s Novakovic Bursac: intention of law prohibiting abuse of the term ‘genocide’ was to build new bridges of understanding, but Bosniaks insist that they are only victims of war; Sarajevo uses hysteria regarding Ukraine to push narrative about alleged malign influence of Russia (Vecernje Novosti)

REGIONAL PRESS

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Attendees discuss issues related to B&H and country’s approach to EU integration (N1)
Dodik and Dzaferovic meet with President Erdogan in Antalya, discuss Ukraine, Belgrade-Sarajevo highway (RTRS)
Dodik meets NATO Sec-Gen Stoltenberg on sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum; says Ukrainian crisis cannot be compared or brought into any connection with B&H (Nova BH)
SDA Presidency convenes; Izetbegovic: Ukraine is under attack because of NATO ambition (Hayat)
SDA Presidency accuses RS and Dodik of dysfunctional B&H, Dodik says everything making SDA discontent is success for RS (ATV)
HNS Main Council condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine (Nova BH)
Schmidt and Sattler to talk about B&H behind closed doors on Monday, Covic stresses the need for agreement on electoral reform (Vecernji list)
EU HR Borrell to pay visit to B&H (BHT1)
Croatia

Plenkovic: EU was united, quick and efficient in response to Russian invasion (Hina)
Milanovic: Drone arrived from Ukraine, was not directed against Croatia (Hina)
Plenkovic: It has to be established who launched the drone and how it reached Croatia (Hina)
Croatia asking for US Patriot air defence system (Jutarnji List)
Montenegro

Abazovic: It’s clear to everyone that we strongly support our EU and NATO partners, we condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine (CDM)
Montenegrins should know that the US will defend every inch of NATO territory (Pobjeda)
Djeljosaj: Minority government agreed (RTCG)
Bulajic: We all have responsibility to make new govt. a factor in calming political crisis (Antena M)
Abazovic: We must keep the EU enlargement process alive (RTCG)
Republic of North Macedonia

Osmani: Full integration of the region is in EU’s direct political, security and economic interest (Republika)
Pendarovski-Borrell: Macedonia is a proven partner, and the new geopolitical reality indicates the need for regional integration in the EU (Republika)
Albania
‘Speculative’ spike in prices sparks protests across Albania (Tirana Times)
Rama rebukes EU at the Antalya diplomatic forum for not opening negotiations with Albania (Radio Tirana)
As vocal for Ukraine as for Presevo valley (ADN)