LOCAL PRESS 

Stefanovic to Osmani: There is no border with Kosovo and Metohija (RTS/Tanjug) 

Serbian Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic told the President of the provisional institutions in Pristina Vjosi Osmani, reacting to her statements “that if the Serbian Army tries to cross the border with Kosovo, it will face the army of the USA and other NATO members”, that there is no border with Kosovo and Metohija. “There is only an administrative line with our southern province, which is a huge difference,” Stefanovic pointed out in a statement for Tanjug. Stefanovic added that he wanted to “thank her for her interest in the Serbian Army”. “It is understandable that it is getting bigger, because the Serbian Army is getting stronger day by day and will continue to get stronger. That is why I am sure that the representatives of the provisional institutions in Pristina will respect UN Security Council Resolution 1244. I am also 100 percent sure they know why they are not allowed and cannot enter the north of Kosovo and Metohija by force,” Stefanovic said, adding that it was clear that they were constantly nervous.

Stefanovic also pointed out on the occasion of Osmani’s assessments of international exercises in which the Serbian Army participates, that “Serbia wants EU membership, which is our strategic goal, but that Serbia is also a military neutral country”. “And that is why he has the opportunity and privilege to organize exercises with the United States and Russia, but also with other countries, whenever it is in the interest of our country,” said Stefanovic.

Brnabic: I believe agreement on election conditions is possible (Beta)  

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Thursday that she believed it possible to reach an agreement with the opposition on election conditions. The first meeting within the dialogue on election conditions between the authorities and the opposition, mediated by the European Parliament, has been announced for 9 July. "I believe that, from this side, an agreement is possible. Those who seek excuses for not reaching an agreement are responsible for the whole situation," Brnabic stated, adding that work was under way on the implementation of the OSCE's recommendations for the improvement of the election process. "We are always here for dialogue and we do not seek excuses, but look how to make democracy in Serbia and strong as possible, for more people to turn out on election day, and for judgment to be based on merit and nothing else," Brnabic said.

Vucic tells MEPs every pragmatic suggestion is welcome (Beta) 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told the European Parliament officials mediating talks between the authorities and opposition that every pragmatic suggestion that could improve election conditions is welcome. A press release from the President’s cabinet quoted him as saying that “rational and pragmatic proposals which would promote election conditions are welcome and that the essence of the talks is to hear suggestions from all sides with no conditions in order to create an atmosphere of trust in an adequate and constructive manner with a serious and responsible approach by all political players”. It said that European Parliament mediators Tanja Fajon, Vladimir Bilcik and Knut Fleckenstein assessed the inter-party dialogue to date as very constructive. Bilcik is quoted as saying that the MEPs are prepared to get involved in the dialogue as much as possible. “There are no deadlines, the dialogue has been ongoing since 2019 and we want to achieve results on time before the elections announced for 2022,” he said. Vucic and the MEPs are quoted as saying that the important thing is to use the dialogue to reach a better understanding of the situation, adding that a constructive dialogue is possible and could lead to significant results.

MEPs: Dialogue tied to Serbia’s strategic choice (Blic/Beta) 

European Parliament mediators in the inter-party dialogue on election conditions in Serbia said in an op-ed on Friday that the dialogue between the authorities and the opposition was directly linked to Serbia’s strategic choice. Vladimir Bilcik, Tanja Fajon, Knut Fleckenstein and Eduard Kukan, who signed the op-ed, recalled the European Commission's reports on Serbia for 2019 and 2020 and a European Parliament resolution which state that it is essential for the ruling majority and the opposition, each in their own role, to talk with each other about finding an agreement on the most important political issues. “The dialogue provides a platform to political parties, movements and actors to engage on equal terms, regardless of how small or big they are. (...) We want to secure a political space that can help in achieving a consensus on certain unresolved issues ahead of the next elections in Serbia,” says the op-ed in Blic. The authors point out that they are not bringing ready-made solutions to Belgrade, rather they are helping to create room for dialogue. “We remind the participants, whenever necessary, that they should all adhere to the norms of mutual respect in such dialogue, to be pragmatic and realistic and, above all, to respect the legal and constitutional framework,” reads the article. They added that they expected full commitment and good will of the dialogue participants and underscored that the politicians in Serbia were the ones with political ownership and responsibility for the outcome of the dialogue. “We come to Belgrade with a strong commitment to the success of this dialogue. Maybe some are wondering why there is a need for dialogue. The answer is simple - only through dialogue can we reach a consensus, and that is the basis for meeting the expectations of Serbian citizens,” the MEPs added.

Dacic: There will be progress in dialogue once Pristina is put under pressure (K1 TV/Tanjug) 

For there to be progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, pressure must be put on the side that is not meeting its commitments from the Brussels agreement, and that is Pristina, Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic said on Thursday. In an appearance on K1 TV, he said it seemed that Pristina was “not listening to anyone” – neither Brussels nor the US – and that Kosovo Albanian politicians were divided as some were working for the US, some for the EU and some for Germany. Dacic said the Serbian side would need patience and that the functioning of working groups on technical issues was important for some kind of progress to be made. However, it is a difficult process and everything is uncertain, he said. “We will endure everything stoically, we will be patient and we will never leave the negotiating table. Serbia will be constructive,” Dacic said, noting that a quick and successful resolution of the crisis did not suit a large number of factors.

Odalovic: The Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija is under international administration; Resolution 1244 is alive (RTS) 

The focus of the work of the Commission for Missing Persons is finding the bodies of six soldiers buried in Kosare. The President of the Commission Veljko Odalovic told the Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) morning press review that he expects that, regardless of some political statements lately, they will still start searching the locations. Veljko Odalovic said that it was a shame for Dragica Gasic’s neighbors in Djakovica to allow themselves to be abuse a woman who doesn’t bother anyone. “This has gone to the other extreme, I don’t want to talk about their institutions, all the credit to the man who had the courage to visit her. I hope that after all the pressures and campaigns on both sides – for her agony to stop, and secondly, those non-governmental organizations that gathered and raised their voices against the Serbian woman who does not endanger anyone - the international community will react,” says Odalovic. He points out that at no moment does he want to forget that the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija is under the administration of the international community, Resolution 1244 is alive, this is a classic example of what they should prevent. Speaking about the “Kosare” case – they are working on searching for the bodies of six soldiers, Odalovic said that the location of Kosare is one of the ten requests that we have intensified over the past few years and handed over to Pristina through the mechanism of the working group, the International Committee of the Red Cross. “I expect that, regardless of some political and some other recent statements, I have in mind Kurti’s statement, that this will start happening, we will start searching for locations. Of course, this is a message that all other locations on any part are the topic that we are ready to discuss,” he said.

US: Outstanding Bytyqi case illustrates urgent need for Serbia to focus on rule of law (Beta)  

The US again urged the Serbian authorities on 8 July to conduct a full investigation into the murder of three US citizens, Yili, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi, emphasizing that “this case, and numerous others, illustrate the urgent need for Serbia to resolve outstanding war crimes investigations and focus on strengthening the rule of law.” “Twenty-two years have passed since three Americans, Yili, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi, disappeared while in the custody of Serbian special police. Their bodies were later discovered on a base in Petrovo Selo in eastern Serbia, under the control of a unit led by Goran Radosavljevic – Guri,” the U.S. embassy announced on the occasion of the 22ndanniversary of the Bytyqi brothers' murder. According to the announcement, the Bytyqi brothers were executed, shot in the head with their hands tied behind their backs, yet after more than two decades there has not been a full investigation. “We cannot and will not forget this crime,” the announcement added. "The United States government again calls on Serbian authorities, who have promised to assist in this case for years, for a full investigation. This case, and many others, illustrate the urgent need for Serbia to resolve outstanding war crimes investigations and focus on strengthening the rule of law,” the announcement also said.

Lutovac: If we cannot have free elections, then there is rebellion and disobedience (RTS/Beta)  

Democratic Party (DS) leader Zoran Lutovac said on Thursday that since the start of dialogue with representatives of the European Parliament he had expected key issues pertaining to free and fair elections and pressure on voters in Serbia to finally be discussed. "The key question is why are we negotiating? Because we don't have free and fair elections. Because the citizens are uninformed, because the electoral process is not democratic. The subject of the talks will be the removal of defects and how citizens can go to the polls freely and without pressure," Lutovac told RTS. He said that unless the conditions for free and fair elections were created, then the option of civil disobedience and rebellion would be created. He said that many citizens were being blackmailed to vote for the authorities under the threat of losing their job or suffering other consequences and that the boycott of previous elections would have been much more convincing had that not happened. Commenting on a statement by Member of European Parliament Vladimir Bilcik that all of the participants of the dialogue needed to commit to elections, Lutovac said that it was not his job to get the opposition to participate in elections but to act in accordance with the European Parliament's recommendations.

CRTA:  Authorities and opposition extremely unequal on prime time news (Beta)  

The CRTA organization announced on 8 July that "the extremely unequal representation of the authorities and the opposition" was the main finding of the year-long post-election analysis of the content of central new broadcasts of TV stations that have national coverage. The central news broadcasts were analyzed on the following television stations: RTS, Pink, Prva, Happy and B92 TV, where "political pluralism is not present even in traces. "CRTA has stated that, from July 2020 to the end of June 2021, representatives of the authorities occupied 93 percent of time in political shows, while the opposition parties were represented during only seven percent of air time. Reporting about the authorities was "mostly neutral (63 percent) and positive (37 percent), while opposition figures were presented mostly in a negative light – during 57 percent of the time allocated to them." Over the past year, the trend of great presence of Aleksandar Vucic was maintained from month to month, with him being "practically every other collocutor on TV news" as the president of Serbia and of the Serbian Progressive Party.

Forum ‘Deconstruction of myths on co-existence in Sarajevo and Srebrenica genocide’ takes place in Belgrade; Dodik: More Serbs suffered in Sarajevo than Bosniaks in Srebrenica (RTS)

At ‘Deconstruction of the Myths on Coexistence in Sarajevo and the Srebrenica Genocide’ forum held in Belgrade held on Thursday, Chairman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Milorad Dodik said via video link that the narrative regarding the alleged genocide in Srebrenica aimed to be used against Serbs as genocidal people is unacceptable. RTS reports that Dodik said he will never accept that the genocide was committed in Srebrenica and he will fight against additional demonization of Serbs in order to abolish Republika Srpska (RS). “The fraud included the international factor in that to magnify the suffering and qualify it in a way they want in Srebrenica and to minimize the suffering of Serbs during the civil war. By the way, more Serbs certainly suffered in Sarajevo compared to Bosniaks suffering in Srebrenica, which shows that we constantly need to be awake and constantly to talk about it,” said Dodik. The reporter comments that the number of people buried in Potocari “is bid’’, from 1,200 forensically proven, 4,000 to 5,000 estimated by The Hague Tribunal, to over 8,000 according to the Bosniak sources. Member of the Commission for Sarajevo Nenad Kecmanovic said that while it is talked and written about Srebrenica, it being forgotten that Sarajevo was the “place of the biggest ethnic cleansing in B&H’’ and that in Sarajevo, that was the biggest Serb city after Belgrade before the war, less than ten per cent Serbs remained. “If we sum up all ethnic cleansings of Bosniaks and Croats, joint and from the RS territory, in Banja Luka, Doboj, Bijeljina, Trebinje and other cities, it is much less compared to 150,000 Serbs who are no longer at the pre-war addresses in Sarajevo,” said Kecmanovic. Member of the Commission for Sarajevo Darko Tanaskovic said that documents and testimonies of people in the Report by the Independent International Commission on suffering of Serbs in Sarajevo “destroy the myth about the wartime Sarajevo in which Serbs were the only torturers. That truly martyr city was not only the martyr whose torturers were Serbs, allegedly. All suffered in Sarajevo, including of course Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, and a picture was provided for which I think is objective”. The reporter concludes by saying that the Report on suffering of Serbs in Sarajevo in the period 1992-1995 will not overnight change the image created for years of solely Serbs’ responsibility in the war in B&H, but it is a good starting point to those who are ready to seek for the truth, thus the Report must be available to both, local and international public. Dodik also said that the idea about the RS needs to remain pure and that truth is inevitable. According to Dodik, the RS is not fighting for its own truth but rather for an objective approach to facts. Dodik pointed out that it is necessary to reject all forms of demonization and undermining the name of the RS, along with rejecting all things that are not in line with the law. “We cannot accept the story about the alleged genocide in Srebrenica, because there is an aim to use it against Serbs to present it as genocidal people and to abolish the RS,” Dodik noted. The Presidency Chairman added that the Serb people is a libertarian people and they will continue to live in that way. He concluded that the independent international commission, which investigated the wartime events in Srebrenica and Sarajevo, has established what happened based on a series of documents and facts, which had not been published before. Dodik also said that the RS is committed to the fight for truth and unbiased approach of facts, which is the reason why the imposed report on Srebrenica was rejected by the international community three years ago and the reason for the formation of the two commissions to establish the truth on the killing of all peoples in Sarajevo and Srebrenica.

REGIONAL PRESS 

 

State-level authorities in B&H did not declare 11 July as mourning day for Srebrenica victims this year; FB&H declares 11 July as mourning day in FB&H (N1)  

 

State-level authorities in B&H did not declare 11 July as the mourning due to marking the anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in 1995, the same as last year. According to B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) Chairman Zoran Tegeltija (SNSD), B&H CoM had no opportunity to discuss possible declaring 11 July as the mourning day in B&H due to procedural reasons, explaining that B&H Foreign Ministry sent the relevant proposal to B&H CoM with delay. Meanwhile, the Federation of B&H (FB&H) government held a session in Mostar on Thursday and declared 11 July as the mourning day in the FB&H on the occasion of marking the 26th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in 1995. Flags will be lowered to half-mast at the FB&H institutions, cultural and entertainment programs cannot be held in public places and media outlets are obliged to adjust their program contents.  

  

Zvizdic: There is neither wish nor will in B&H CoM to declare Day of Mourning in B&H (O kanal)  

  

Deputy speaker of the B&H House of Representatives Denis Zvizdic, asked about 11 July as a Day of Mourning in the FB&H and solutions for it to be a Day of Mourning in the whole B&H, said that there is neither wish nor will in the B&H Council of Ministers (CoM) to declare the Day of Mourning in B&H. Zvizdic reminded that, in the period from 2015 to 2019, when Zvizdic was the Chairman of the B&H CoM, they unanimously adopted the decision on declaring July 11 as the Day of Mourning in e whole B&H every year. According to Zvizdic, not doing so is a moral downfall of the B&H CoM. Zvizdic argued that the excuses are unsubstantiated and unconvincing. Commenting on the fact that countries in the region like Montenegro and Kosovo have adopted resolutions which condemned genocide in Srebrenica and banned denial of genocide in Srebrenica, Zvizdic pointed out: “This speaks of a civilizational step of the legislative authorities in Montenegro and Kosovo”. Zvizdic said that they need to follow the example of the European Parliament, which passed a resolution on Srebrenica, calling on all EU and Balkan countries to mark July 11 as a day of remembrance for the genocide in Srebrenica. Regarding reactions to resolutions on Srebrenica in Serbia and B&H, Zvizdic said: “The citizens of Serbia, that is, the Serbian government, must experience catharsis. Catharsis has always led to social, economic, political, moral and cultural recovery. I expect that both Bosnian Serbs and Serbs in Serbia will make a step that is always on the side of truth and justice, that there will be catharsis, that they will also adopt a resolution recognizing the genocide in Srebrenica, which will be a good basis to start a serious process of reconciliation and cooperation”.   

  

Abazovic attends Genocide Denial and Right-Wing Narratives forum in Sarajevo (BHT1)  

 

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazovic arrived in Sarajevo, where he participated in the ‘Genocide Denial and Right-Wing Narratives’ forum organized on Thursday by the International Republican Institute. On the occasion, Abazovic said that the adoption of the Resolution on the Srebrenica genocide by the Montenegrin parliament is a civilizational act that “is not directed against Serb people, but at condemning the crime in general”. Abazovic also said the only way for the region to distance itself from the past and from what happened in Srebrenica is to start creating conditions for better life, whilst everything else is useful only for the corrupt politicians. Abazovic will attend the Commemoration at the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Center 11 July. Abazovic will meet with B&H Presidency members Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic on Friday, when he is also expected to meet with B&H Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic. Abazovic will also attend the commemoration and collective funeral of the Srebrenica genocide victims on 11 July. Serb member and Chairperson of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik stated earlier that he will not attend the meeting with Abazovic because of the Resolution on Srebrenica adopted by the parliament of Montenegro.  

  

Dacic: It is not acceptable to condemn crimes committed against only one side (Srna/Nezavisne)  

 

Speaker of the Serbian parliament Ivica Dacic stated that adopting of Resolution on Srebrenica in the parliaments in the region and Pristina is not consequence of anyone’s pressure, but of attempts to curry a favor and create the atmosphere that Serbia is the only one who is not condemning genocide. He underlined that Serbia never justified crimes that took place, but it is not acceptable to condemn only crimes on one side and ignore the crimes committed against Serbs. “If one wants to be just, they must condemn all crimes,” said Dacic. Asked if the texts of resolutions adopted by Montenegro and Kosovo are the same, Dacic said that he has not seen the texts, but he believes that they are all based on the same template. He reminded that Montenegro adopted a resolution on Srebrenica already in 2011, but it was probably deemed unsuitable because it did not contain the world “genocide”. He reminded that Serbia earlier called on all parliaments in the region to condemn all crimes, but until now nobody did that. Dacic wondered what would happen if Serbia would adopt a resolution on Jasenovac and whether Croatia would see that as something directed against their people. “It is a pitiful situation that crime against Serbs is not a news and does not deserve attention”, said Dacic. He concluded that the resolutions point to the past, and that with such views, the region cannot move forward.  

  

Uebber says German government proposed Schmidt for new HR in B&H because he is well familiar with situation in B&H (BHT1)  

 

German Ambassador to B&H Margret Uebber said that the High Representative (HR) in B&H should monitor the implementation of civil aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and is necessary to maintain stability and territorial integrity of B&H. Uebber said the German Government gave the candidate for the new HR in B&H because the goal is to make B&H more important topic on the international agenda. “Germany proposed the candidate for the HR in B&H. It is Mr. Christian Schmidt who is exceptionally experienced parliamentarian and politicians, who is very well-acquainted at the international level, and is exceptionally well familiar with the situation in the Western Balkans, and particularly with the situation in B&H. Mr. Schmidt has already announced that he would dedicate all his energy and knowledge to the HR office and that he wants to contribute to further progress of the country,” said Uebber.  

  

Dodik: Merging of offices of RS President and Serb member of B&H Presidency is good for RS because it would allow RS representative presence on international scene (Nezavisne)  

 

Speaking for RTRS on Wednesday evening, SNSD leader and B&H Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik commented his idea to merge the offices of RS President and Serb member of B&H Presidency. According to Dodik, merging of the offices would strengthen the position of the RS and allow the RS to have its representative appear on the international scene. He noted that it is indicative that both PDP and SDA are opposed to the idea. Dodik announced that he will discuss the idea with his coalition partners before designing a concrete proposal. Dodik also reiterated that the RS Council of Peoples does not exist in the Dayton Peace Agreement, but its formation was subsequently imposed by former High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch. He argued that if Bosniaks want to abolish the status of constituent peoples, then RS Council of Peoples should be abolished too. Commenting SDA’s idea to increase the number of delegates in B&H House of Peoples, Dodik said that SDA is entitled to present its ideas, and those ideas can be discussed. He also said that the RS is not satisfied with the method of election of RS delegates to B&H House of Peoples who are elected by secret ballot among RS MPs.  

  

Sarovic: Dodik’s wish to merge post of B&H Presidency member with RS President will not be fulfilled (FTV)  

 

President of SDS Mirko Sarovic stated on Thursday that the proposal of President of SNSD Milorad Dodik to merge the post of the Serb member of B&H Presidency and RS President into one post will not be fulfilled. He stressed that he is certain that Dodik’s wish will not be fulfilled. Sarovic said that it is unacceptable to abolish the post of the RS President because citizens of the RS elect the RS President directly and give meaning to this post. According to Sarovic, Dodik’s proposal originates from personal and practical reasons, since he is already performing the function of the RS President and RS Prime Minister and everyone knows that.  

  

Zvizdic: Milanovic’s bypassing B&H institutions and B&H officials during his upcoming visit to B&H is deliberate provocation (O kanal)  

 

Deputy speaker of the B&H House of Representatives Denis Zvizdic asked to comment on President of Croatia Zoran Milanovic’s announced visit to B&H, his mini-tour in Herzegovina and Milanovic bypassing B&H institutions and B&H officials in his visit, stated that he sees that as deliberate provocation. Zvizdic emphasized: “It cannot happen that the protocol of the President of Croatia does not know that 11 July is the day when all people who adhere to human and moral values, who adhere to international law and civilizational values, are in Srebrenica or that their attention is fixed on Srebrenica, and not at all on a visit to some local utility projects in three or four municipalities in B&H”. Zvizdic noted that Milanovic’s ignorance of history and the essence of B&H, as a multiethnic country of equal peoples and citizens, is stunning. Zvizdic added that he does not understand how someone at such a high position cannot understand that or does not want to accept that. Zvizdic argued that Milanovic’s involvement with awards to convicted war criminals shows that Milanovic does not recognize international law and is trying in some way to relativize the crimes committed in B&H, for example by receiving generals accused of crimes against Bosniaks. Zvizdic mentioned Milanovic's insulting messages to B&H over the years. Zvizdic pointed out: “Being elected by left-wing people in Croatia, who are social democrats, who understand social justice and the need for people to cooperate, and to flirt so strongly with the radical far right and to invoice all that to B&H, is something I do not understand”. Zvizdic added that no one in B&H, among those who love B&H and want good cooperation with Croatia, will accept that. Zvizdic pointed out that Milanovic has spent a great deal of his time in the past six months paying more attention to B&H than to Croatia’s internal issues, considering that Croatia is also not doing well economically, socially and in every other sense. Asked to comment on Zvizdic leaving SDA, reactions his departure caused and whether he plans to establish a new party, Zvizdic said that it is logical that there only three possibilities - launching a new political project, supporting existing projects or coalitions and the status of an independent representative. “What will be in the future, I will decide on the basis of conversations with people I value, people who have very serious experience, knowledge and skills in the field of B&H politics and international politics and with serious analysts. We will determine what would be the best for B&H's interests and in what way, I and all the people I value, who would eventually go along with me, can help B&H in its progress, internal integration, EU and NATO integration,” claims Zvizdic. When asked whether he intends to run for the office of the B&H Presidency member in 2022, Zvizdic said: “At the moment when B&H is facing a pandemic, the fourth wave is coming and, unfortunately, B&H is the third country by mortality (from COVID-19) in the world, any candidacy from anyone is inappropriate. We do not have vaccines, which will remain the biggest stain of this mandate of this executive power”. Zvizdic added that running in the elections is not his imperative. “Leaving SDA has nothing to do with functions. Leaving SDA has the intention to continue fighting for those interests and priorities of the state that I believe can help B&H. I have left the comfort zone that many want to enter. Therefore, candidacy is not imperative for me, but I do not rule out that possibility,” emphasized Zvizdic.  

  

US Ambassador publishes new blog post: It is time for a truly independent judiciary to hold corrupt actors accountable (Dnevni avaz)  

  

In his new blog, US Ambassador to B&H Eric Nelson issued a warning to B&H leaders who do not put the prosperity of their citizens and their country before enrichment of themselves, their families, and their friends, saying that they must be ready to face consequences. Nelson noted that on 3 June, the White House released a National Security Study Memorandum that establishes the fight against corruption as a “core national security interest” of the United States. “President (Joseph) Biden directed the US government to study how the United States, working with international partners, can modernize, coordinate and resource efforts to better fight corruption at home and abroad and hold corrupt actors accountable.  President Biden’s update to the Western Balkans Sanctions Regime on 8 June makes clear that corruption is also an avenue through which individuals are threatening the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of areas or states in the Western Balkans” writes Ambassador. Wondering what this means for B&H, Ambassador stated: “The United States along with the EU, OSCE, OHR, and other members of the international community will continue to champion commonsense economic, legislative, and regulatory reform efforts to fight corruption, hold corrupt actors accountable, assist B&H on its path towards its Euro-Atlantic future, and strengthen an environment in which each and every citizen has opportunities to reach their full potential”. Nelson underlined that B&H citizens know too well that corruption is an existential issue: “The high levels of corruption and the inability and unwillingness of the criminal justice system to investigate, prosecute, and adequately punish corrupt actors fuels unprecedented brain drain as citizens of all ages depart for countries where their success will depend not on who they know but on their own talents and an honest day’s work. As I travel around this amazing country, I meet many citizens who tell me about how corruption impacts all aspects of their daily lives.  These are people who have deep love for their community and home and are looking for opportunities to better their lives in B&H, but feel blocked at every turn by the endemic corruption and systems that protect corrupt actors at the expense of honest citizens.  These hardworking people feel powerless in the face of the continuous undermining of the rule of law and democratic norms by well-connected and deep-pocketed corrupt actors who thrive from the status quo where true rule of law is absent”. Nelson argues that political leaders in B&H who do not put the prosperity of their citizens and their country before enrichment of themselves, their families, and their friends must be ready to face consequences. “Associates and family members who enable corrupt acts are also a subject to potential sanction.  It is time for a truly independent judiciary to hold corrupt actors accountable and for the international community to help shed more light on the deep-rooted and widespread corruption that pervades every corner of society.  It is also time for B&H’s citizens to demand more of their political leaders and to hold them accountable for the ever-higher levels of corruption and associated impunity that sees well connected criminals rarely punished for their actions,” wrote the Ambassador. Nelson noted that there are some glimmers of hope, mentioning that they continue their close cooperation with the Sarajevo Canton Anti-Corruption Office: “In Tuzla, the cantonal government recently took a much-welcomed step of establishing an Anti-Corruption Office.  We are pleased to see anti-corruption office cooperation with police commissioners who recognize the importance of a professional, modern, and independent police force with the capabilities and will to fight deep-rooted corruption.  As part of our commitment to building the capacity of these anti-corruption champions, we are focused on the integrated approach to fighting corruption in which B&H officials use all the tools available to them, including administrative regulations, to fire illegally hired employees and cancel illegal procurement contracts and construction permits.  The glacial pace of corruption prosecutions, if they even ever occur, requires creative thinking to break the cycle of corruption.  I commend the Council of Ministers for adoption of the amendments to the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) on June 23.  Empowering the HJPC to ensure a more transparent, accountable, and independent judiciary is an important step in breaking state capture of the judiciary.  I urge the Parliamentary Assembly to adopt this legislation without delay and without counterproductive amendments”. Stating that much can be done through adoption and implementation of relatively painless reforms: “Much can be accomplished through the adoption and implementation of some relatively painless reforms. The Public Procurement Law, a much-needed revision of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing legislation, Conflict of Interest legislation, political party financing and whistle blower protection laws on the Federation level, the establishment of a comprehensive e-governance system, implementation of the Common Regional Market initiative, and a State-level electricity and natural gas law, are but a few of the many commonsense reforms that will reduce corruption but have been delayed or blocked by powerful political interests. The pandemic of the last year-and-a-half has proven the case even more that these reforms are essential to the democratic function of B&H and to protect the lives and livelihoods of citizens. While the reward for being corrupt is illicit and unexplained wealth, we have seen the impact measured not only in opportunities lost but also lives lost. That’s why public procurement reform is a very important step in addressing the massive graft associated with the expenditure of public monies”. Nelson concluded that time and time again, when leaders are given a chance to take a stand that support key reforms they delay, bloc or claim the time is not right: “Citizens should cry out, if not now, when?  The United States observes political parties blocking basic reforms year after year to a point where the only explanation for continued blockage of reforms is willful protection of corrupt and other illicit activities. Arguments that these reforms are chiefly designed to transfer competencies from the entities to the state divert from the fact that these reforms are designed to create a state functioning and economically competitive at the standards of a Euro-Atlantic state, one in which both entities and the Brcko District and every citizen can thrive. Leaders who continue to fail to make progress on these reforms and who protect a system underpinned by corruption and not the rule of law, will leave stagnation and isolation as their only legacies”.   

 

EP: Croatia meets all conditions to join Schengen (HRT)  

  

The European Parliament adopted on Thursday a resolution that confirms Croatia has met all the conditions to join the Schengen border-free area. During a visit to Croatia in November 2020, the European Commission reaffirmed that the necessary conditions for the application of the Schengen acquis had been met, read the resolution of the European Parliament that was adopted with 505 votes in favor, 134 against, and 54 abstentions. All but two Croatian MEPs voted in favor of the resolution. Those two who voted against were the MEP of the European Conservatives and Reformists, Ladislav Ilcic, and independent Mislav Kolakusic. The Parliament also called on Croatia to address the identified shortcomings, especially in terms of staff training, the number of staff, and the capacity to protect the land border and to persist in a thorough assessment of respect for fundamental rights following repeated accusations by NGOs and the media on abuse, violence, and pushbacks against illegal migrants by border police officers. In that context, the document welcomes the establishment of independent mechanisms to monitor the actions of police officers towards illegal migrants and applicants for international asylum. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said in late May that he expected Croatia's membership in the Schengen area to be on the agenda during Slovenia's presidency of the EU in the second half of this year. In October 2019, the Commission said that Croatia had met the criteria for joining the Schengen area while in early June it invited EU countries to admit Croatia to the Schengen area. All EU countries except Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania are members of Schengen, as are four non-EU countries -- Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.  

 

Djukanovic to Palmer: Ruling powers change, but Montenegro will always be a reliable partner in preserving stability (CdM)  

  

 “Montenegro is very pleased with the attention paid to it by the United States, as a partner country within NATO,” said Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, who received US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer. He pointed out that the relations between the two countries were at an enviable level, and expressed satisfaction with the recognized announcements of more intensive US engagement in the region. This, Djukanovic said, “makes us happy, because it is a good way to settle the situation in the region and reduce malignant influences that carry the danger of destabilization,” Djukanovic’s cabinet has stated. “Recalling the earlier role of the United States in this area, he expressed the expectation that this time, too, it would be support for the region to move towards its goals – the EU and NATO, which guarantee stability as a precondition for overall development”, the statement says.  

Montenegro will always be a small, but reliable partner in overcoming destruction and in the way forward, Djukanovic said and added that the ruling powers were changing, but that there was no doubt that Montenegro would remain on this path and be a valuable partner in promoting stability and Euro-Atlantic values in the Western Balkans. During the meeting, they exchanged opinions on a number of regional and geopolitical issues.  

  

Becic: No alternative to dialogue if the EU is our top priority (CdM)  

  

At the meeting of the leaders of the parliamentary parties, which was initiated by the President of the Assembly Aleksa Becic, certain conclusions were reached. The parties from the coalition For the Future of Montenegro, gathered around the Democratic Front, did not respond to Becic’s invitation. After the meeting, Becic said that it was agreed to continue the dialogue, and the next meeting will be at the beginning of August. “Participants are continuing the dialogue on the topics from the invitation letter. The next meeting will be in the first week of August at the latest,” Becic told reporters. One of the conclusions is that at the next meeting, everyone will appear with their proposed methodology for achieving a two-thirds majority regarding the election of members of the Judicial Council, the Constitutional Court, and the Supreme State Prosecutor. “Expectations were expressed that those who were not present today would join the next meeting. I understood that other entities did not rule out the possibility of being part of this process, and that in fact, they consider it their priority at this time. I respect the arguments of our colleagues and expect they will join this us in this process in the future. The dialogue between the government and the opposition has no alternative if European integration is our number one priority,” he said. “We are focused on conducting this dialogue on the topics from the Invitation Letter. But I repeated the views of the Democrats to the interest of certain colleagues. Our views are contained in a joint statement by me, Abazovic and Prime Minister Krivokapic. We oppose overthrowing the 42nd government and are against new elections,” he pointed out. Becic says that the citizens understand and remember well and thinks that they do not need additional explanations, and that they will decide for themselves who is politically principled and who is not. “Solution lies in the reconstruction of this government, in order to move forward even faster and more efficiently. We do have different views and so we shall have to wait and see what time will bring. We the Democrats have been offering a solution since day one: a reconstruction of the government as an agreement between this parliamentary majority and this government and Prime Minister Krivokapic. We are against new elections because Montenegro does not need to meet individual party needs, but to move towards EU membership. I will continue to call for compromise and we will drastically accelerate our European path,” Becic believes. Becic proposed changes to the amendments to the law on local self-governments, which merges local elections in Cetinje, Mojkovac, Petnjica, Ulcinj, Berane, Bar, Bijelo Polje, Danilovgrad, Kolasin, Plav, Pluzine, Pljevlja, Rozaje, Zabljak and Savnik. “In order for all elections to be held on the same day. This will ensure that we group 17 election processes in one day in March next year. I am convinced that there is strong support from citizens to do this, but we will see the attitude towards my proposal”, concluded Becic. The meeting was attended by DPS Vice President and Mayor of Podgorica Ivan Vukovic, SDP President Rasko Konjevic, SD President Ivan Brajovic, Unanimous list leader Fatmir Djeka, Democrat Secretary General Boris Bogdanovic, Demos President Miodrag Lekic, new URA GP Vice President Goran Djurovic, as well as the leaders from the Albanian list, Genci Nimanbegu and Nik Djelosaj.  

  

Szijjarto: Montenegro did everything to become EU member (Vijesti)   

  

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto has stated that Montenegro has done everything that was up to it, to become a member of the European Union, adding that Hungary is interested in investing in the Port of Bar and in the railways. In an interview Vijesti, he said that it was bad that Montenegro had provisionally closed only three chapters (of the33). However, he said, that was not only its fault, but also a bad result from the perspective of the EU. "It depends solely on the European Commission (EC) – actually not on the EC, but on the member states, when these chapters are closed. I believe you have done everything that was up to you and I see no reason why a country of 600,000 people, a NATO member that uses the euro, could not become an EU member," Szijjarto stated. When asked how he viewed Podgorica's accusations that Belgrade was interfering in the internal affairs of Montenegro, and destabilization of the Balkans, Szijjarto replied that both Serbia and Montenegro were friends of Hungary.  

 

Mickoski: So long there is VMRO-DPMNE, the Prespa Treaty will not be a done deal (Alfa TV)  

  

VMRO-DPMNE President Hristijan Mickoski responded to American diplomat Philip Reeker, who recently said that the Prespa Treaty is “a done deal”, when asked to address the opposition from VMRO-DPMNE to the imposed name change. The Prespa Treaty can’t be a done deal and that we remain the most corrupt and most criminal country in Europe. The Prespa Treaty can’t be a done deal and we remain out of the EU. The Prespa Treaty can’t be a done deal so long as VMRO-DPMNE exists. We can’t have double standards – to allow someone to kill, do what he wants, rob, steal, delay reforms, lie, just because he is pro-Prespa. I reject that, Mickoski said during his Alfa TV interview.  

  

Former US general Clark meets with Zaev and Ahmeti (Republika)  

  

DUI leader Ali Ahmeti, PM Zoran Zaev and other Government officials met with former American general Wesley Clark. Clark led the 1999 NATO campaign against Serbia, in coordination with Kosovan guerrilla groups where Ahmeti was a member – an experience Ahmeti used to start the 2001 war in Macedonia. According to DUI, Clark heaped praise on Ahmeti during the meeting, calling him a “legend” and insisting that with his help Macedonia is a powerful country of stability in the region. The general, who briefly ran for President of the US and now pursues business interests in the region, is visiting Kosovo and Macedonia.  

 

Rama makes an appeal to state Police: A 100-day deadline to find out and bring to justice all the infiltrators within the State Police, who cooperate with crime (Radio Tirana)  

  

At the end of the meeting with the newly appointed directors of the State Police, Prime Minister Edi Rama gave them a 100-day deadline to find out and bring to justice all the infiltrators within the State Police, who cooperate with crime. Rama was categorical, as he said that in these 100 days every district must definitely give results, to give clear examples that there is no impunity in the State Police. I want to tell you that you have 100 days to put your whole body back into maximum commitment from start to finish. No more days, only 100 days for the citizens to breathe freely and see the State Police on another level. No science, no invention, no war with a stranger, just the things you know, the things you know how to do well, the things people want as the foundation of their relationship with the state and their police, that’s why you were appointed. Rama was categorical, as he said that in these 100 days every district must definitely give results, to give clear examples that there is no impunity in the State Police.