LOCAL PRESS

Vucic: Climate change emerging as key issue (TV Pink/Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is attending the COP26 summit in Glasgow, said climate change was emerging as a key issue and that attendance at the summit - hosted by the UN, the UK and Italy - was very important for Serbia. "The whole world has gathered in one place and we raised several important issues," Vucic told TV Pink. Vucic said he was confident European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would invite European energy ministers to gather in Brussels for discussions about ways of solving the problem of electricity prices and about ensuring energy security in the future. He said the gas price had been discussed as well. "The price is slightly lower following Putin's reaction in the market, but it is still very high and we need to see what to do about that," Vucic said. "Evidently, climate change is emerging as a key issue. We live in a global village and we all need to do the same things - reduce harmful gas emissions and work on creating new renewable energy sources... We will need more money, but it will be for the progress of our economy," he said. Vucic said he was due to meet with Hungarian PM Viktor Orban to discuss the possibility of Serbia buying a 5, 10 or 12 pct stake in Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant. He said Serbia was also interested in other nuclear power plants in the region and that he would see if a stake in Bulgaria's Kozloduy power plant could be acquired. Vucic said he had had many meetings in Glasgow and that political issues had been discussed as well, but that climate change was the issue troubling the world. "The climate change issue is troubling the world, in particular, Africa, Asia, South America, as well as Europe. We will have to make many changes," he said. Vucic also said Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez had made a firm promise to him to pay a visit to Serbia, which would be the first by a Spanish head of government in 40 years.

Vucic: Local election loss not the only reason for Zaev’s resignation (TV Pink/Beta)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday that a decision by North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to resign was not only the consequence of his party's poor result in a local vote, but also his personal disappointment at the effects of the country's accession negotiations with the EU. "They promised to allow North Macedonia to open accession talks with the EU if he signed the Prespa agreement, but it hasn't happened yet," Vucic said in a comment for TV Pink from Glasgow, where he's attending the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). He said that after Zaev's resignation it was unclear how things would go, whether a new election would be held or the current majority would stay in power, whether North Macedonia might change its attitude towards Bulgaria or if tensions would rise in the country. Vucic added that he had met with many global leaders in Glasgow, discussing important issues like electricity prices and Serbia's energy security.

Mr. Zaev won't come to Belgrade (Tanjug/B92)

Prime Minister of North Macedonia Zoran Zaev, who resigned from that position, will not come to Belgrade on 3 and 4 November. Zaev was supposed to come to Belgrade for a meeting of the Open Balkans initiative. "Mr. Zaev will not come to Belgrade, given the political situation," Zaev's office told Tanjug. They add that North Macedonia will be represented at the meeting in Belgrade, and another political representative will be determined today or tomorrow. It was originally planned that Macedonian and Albanian Prime Ministers Zoran Zaev and Edi Rama would visit Serbia on 3 and 4 November, at a meeting on the Open Balkans initiative. However, after his party's poor result in the local elections in North Macedonia, Zaev resigned from the post of prime minister last night, which conditioned his coming to Belgrade. President Vucic, who is in Glasgow at the Climate Summit, met today with the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and with the President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski. "Strong support for the Open Balkans. Should we hold or postpone the meeting in Belgrade, having in mind the events in Skopje?", Vucic wrote on the official Instagram profile, with photos from Glasgow, before the COP26 Summit.

Brnabic: Serbia preserved economic stability despite challenges; instability caused by provocations by Pristina and attacks on Serbs (RTS/RTV/Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic presented today the results of work of the government she is heading during one year since its formation and underlined that the state was faced with great challenges, but nonetheless, she is satisfied as economic stability has been preserved. Speaking at a press conference at the Palace of Serbia, Brnabic said that the greatest challenges with which the government was faced are the coronavirus pandemic that is still ongoing, instability caused by provocations by Pristina and the attacks on Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, but also an unexpected energy crisis, which represents an additional blow to the economy. Despite all that, I am satisfied with the results, and I think citizens should also be satisfied because we preserved economic stability and jobs, she underlined. As opposed to other countries around the world, we didn’t have a growing unemployment, on the contrary, employment has increased, we have a higher inflow of foreign investments, growth of salaries and pensions, and we have continued with infrastructure projects. Economic results are better than expected and this has been confirmed by the IMF, World Bank, the EU, as well as in the European Commission’s (EC) Report, Brnabic underlined. Speaking about the coronavirus pandemic, she said that it was expected that it would diminish in 2019, but that didn’t happen. However, there is a big difference when it comes to the pandemic in relation to last year and that is that now we have coronavirus vaccines. In parallel with COVID-19 pandemic, energy crisis started, which no one expected and which represents a blow to the world economy, and naturally, it poured over to us too, she stated. Noting that the government was also faced with instability caused by actions of provisional institutions in Pristina, Brnabic said that a lot of energy has been spent on constant provocations and attacks on Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. According to her, in facing the problems related to the southern Serbian province, the Serbian government has had huge help and support from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Summarizing the past year of the government’s work, Brnabic underlined that there are four main issues, and these are – the functioning of the health system due to the current coronavirus pandemic, fight against organized crime, European integration and reforms in the field of the rule of law, as well as the economy. She expressed satisfaction with the results the government achieved in the field of health care, from the purchase of vaccines and the most modern medicines and the establishment of the most modern system in Europe for expressing interest in vaccination, to the construction of three covid hospitals and the start of construction of two vaccine factories. We opened three completely new hospitals in a few months only, first in Batajnica, then in Krusevac and in September in Novi Sad. We built them entirely and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and we have over 2,000 beds, by which we took the burden off other hospitals, she underlined. According to her, Serbia managed to be the first country in continental Europe to procure coronavirus vaccines, because it had the financial power to stand in line for each of these vaccines. Brnabic pointed out that the health system is getting stronger that way and salaries for medical and non-medical staff are being increased. She stated that the Serbian government fully focused on reforms in the field of the rule of law too, owing to which the EC recommended EU Member States to open two more chapters in negotiations with Serbia. We now send monthly reports to the EU Delegation to Serbia, EC and the EU Member States on what we did in every single area in the field of the rule of law. We are working on that with full transparency and dedication with our partners from the EU, Brnabic underlined. According to her, this year’s Report of the European Commission is one of the best we got in the last several years and it is taking us towards opening additional clusters within our European integration process. Concerning Kosovo and Metohija, she presented the data that there have been 114 attacks on Serbs this year until today, which is the biggest number of attacks since 2008. She recalled the horrible provocations by the provisional Pristina institutions in September and October this year. Only with the composed and smart politics of President Vucic did we manage to preserve peace and stability, she underlined and stated that the fact that the unity of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija has been preserved despite all challenges and provocations is also of utmost importance.

Selakovic, Sakellaropoulou: Traditional friendship, excellent cooperation of Greece and Serbia (RTS)

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic met in Athens today with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and conveyed regards from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. He expressed gratitude for the support which Greece provides to our country. The traditionally close and good historical relations, mental and spiritual closeness of our two peoples were crowned in 2019 with the Strategic Partnership Agreement, according to Selakovic. He said that strategic partners should help each other and Serbia was honored to help her Greek friends during the recent wildfires, and underlined that the brotherly Greek people can always count on help from the Serbian people. Greek support is present in two questions, which are very important to us. The one is support to Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija and we hope that this support will continue. The second is support to our membership in the EU, Selakovic said. According to him, since the very start Greece has firmly advocated support to the EU membership of the entire Western Balkans, for which Serbia is very grateful.

Selakovic expressed satisfaction with the upward trend in relations and cooperation between the two countries, adding that Serbia attaches great importance to political dialogue at the highest level with friendly Greece, and that we expect the visit of top Greek officials soon. Selakovic also voiced the expectation that the Fourth Meeting of the High Council for Cooperation between the two countries will be held after the epidemiological situation calms down. He praised the economic cooperation between the two countries, saying that we are very satisfied that Greece is one of the largest investors in our economy, and called on Greek companies to continue investing in Serbia. Sakellaropoulou thanked Serbia for its selfless help during this year’s wildfires that hit Greece and described it as proof of deep friendly relations between the two countries and peoples. Sakellaropoulou pointed out that Serbia and Greece maintain regular ties at a high and highest level, and that there is a lot of room for bilateral cooperation to be strengthened and improved. Greece wants to help Serbia strategically, and the Thessaloniki summit held in 2003 is a good basis for the Western Balkans to join the EU. We think that is the only way to achieve security and stability in the region and the well-being of all its peoples, said Sakellaropoulou.

Serbia and Cyprus linked by closeness, solidarity (Tanjug/Politika)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Monday, during the talks with speaker of the House of Representatives of Cyprus Annita Dimitriou, that the two countries are linked by strong friendship, historically confirmed closeness and solidarity between the two peoples, grounded on full understanding and years-long mutual support. Brnabic underlined that Serbia appreciates the support it receives from Cyprus on its EU path and that country’s active engagement on speeding up the process of EU accession of the countries of the Western Balkans as it believes that only such a policy ensures stability and peace in the region and Europe.

Bearing in mind that the improvement of relations in the field of the economy is in mutual interest, especially in the moment when it is necessary to maintain economic stability in the conditions of crisis caused by the pandemic, Brnabic voiced hope that conditions will be created for holding a third joint session of the two governments. She underlined that Serbia endorses continuation of cooperation in the trilateral format Serbia-Greece-Cyprus, as well as the improvement of parliamentary cooperation of our states. Brnabic congratulated Dimitriou on her mandate, first of all as the first woman at the head of the parliament of Cyprus and the youngest chairwoman of one of the most important state institutions. Dimitriou reiterated that Cyprus has a principled position regarding the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity and underlined that it will continue to support dialogue of Belgrade and Pristina, with the full implementation of the Brussels agreement.

Dacic: Cyprus is Serbia’s best friend in Europe (Beta)

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic said on Monday Cyprus was his country's best and most loyal friend, which had always supported Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. “We host a representative of the country which is our best friend in Europe. Cyprus has always been on our side; it has always understood for the problems Serbia has been facing in defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty, as Serbia has always had understanding for the Cyprus problem, for the occupation of a part of the country,” Dacic said after meeting the new Cyprus parliament speaker Annita Demetriou. She said she was honored to have a chance to address the Serbian parliament on Tuesday. “We talked about bilateral relations and agreed to improve them in future,” Demetriou told reporters. She added that before Belgrade, she had visited Athens. “It is not by chance. Serbia and Greece are our best friends, particularly Serbia, which understands our past and present and knows about our struggle, which it also fights.”

Milivojevic: Opposition should run two presidential candidates (Beta)

Political scientist Cvijetin Milivojevic said on Monday that the opposition should run two candidates in the coming presidential vote in Serbia - a nationalist and a non-nationalist one. Milivojevic told Beta that the opposition should not insist on a sole candidate in the first round, as two candidates would ensure a run-off round of the vote. “The important thing is that the entire opposition make an iron-clad deal to vote against Aleksandar Vucic in the run-off, i.e. for whichever opposition candidate wins the most votes in the first round. The opposition should apply the Montenegrin election formula and not ‘force’ a shared candidate, but pick the best ones in the non-nationalist and nationalist opposition parties,” the political scientist explained. He stressed that a significant number of Serbian Progressive Party voters “aren’t a sure vote base for them”. “The opposition candidate would need to stand for everything Aleksandar Vucic’s voters perceive as his advantages, and be the antithesis to the sitting president in all other respects,” Milivojevic said.

B&H leaders negotiate on changes to B&H Election Law (RTS)

Foreign diplomats and Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) leaders negotiated on the changes to the B&H Election law last week. The main issues that need to be solved are the election process for the B&H Presidency, as well as the one for the House of People at the Federation of B&H (FB&H) and B&H level. Professor Nenad Kecmanovic reminded that Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik travelled twice to Zagreb, while President of HDZ B&H Dragan Covic went to Belgrade. He added that the USA and EU appointed their own diplomats for the negotiations and the situation is tense. Kecmanovic believes that the situation is tense because there will be a solution found soon for the FB&H. Analyst Zarko Puhovski said that HDZ B&H proposed a solution for the election of B&H Presidency members to enable the election of a legitimate representative for the Croat people. RTS carries that it is expected for the solution to be found among Croats and Bosniaks in order to move forward. Dodik announced that the RS will support any agreement reached in the FB&H. Puhovski said that there is no will to reach an agreement and the Serb representatives act like nothing concerns them, with Dodik occasionally supporting the position of Croats. Kecmanovic assessed that the Serb side would profit of a success for Croats because it would be a victory against Bosniak hegemony. He added that Dodik is staying back in the negotiations because he does not want to be involved in the agreeing to changes to the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA).

REGIONAL PRESS

 

People's Movement of Serbs from Kosovo criticize Dodik’s views of Kosovo and claim that RS elites want to sacrifice Kosovo for their own interests (O Kanal) 

 

People's Movement of Serbs from Kosovo Otadzbina (Fatherland) stated that the views of Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik about Kosovo in the last ten years are rather problematic. Even though they support Dodik in his political struggle of keeping the competencies of Republika Srpska (RS), as well as Dodik’s decision not to implement the law imposed by the former High Representative to B&H Valentin Inzko, they believe that the political elite from Banja Luka wants to sacrifice Kosovo for their own interests. They added that, in the legal-political sense, it is much easier to keep Kosovo within Serbia than to separate the RS from B&H. The movement also believes that various non-papers backed by, as they said, the current regime in Serbia confirm their understanding and that the leaders of the RS have been supporting, as they called it, the treacherous regime in Belgrade for ten years.

Leaders of ruling coalition in RS conclude RS will work on return of its competences in three fields (ATV) 

 

Leaders of the SNSD-led ruling coalition in the RS concluded at their meeting in Banja Luka on Monday that the RS will work on return of its competences in three fields for now, in full compliance with the Constitution of B&H and the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA). SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, DEMOS leader Nedeljko Cubrilovic, SP RS leader Petar Djokic, ‘United Srpska’ leader Nenad Stevandic, NPS leader Darko Banjac and NDP leader Dragan Cavic attended the meeting. They stressed that all competences of the RS that were transferred to the level of B&H will be returned legally and politically, noting that the RS does not trust B&H institutions anymore. Addressing the press conference after the meeting, Dodik said that that parties of the ruling coalition agreed on withdrawal of the RS’ consent for the formation of B&H Armed Forces, the Indirect Taxation Administration (ITA) of B&H and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of B&H at the RS parliament, as well as to regulate this within the period of six months by passing new laws. Dodik announced that all the documents are supposed to be forwarded to the RS parliament next week, after which the RS parliament Collegium will hold a session to set the date of the RS parliament’s special session. Dodik also announced talks on this issue with representatives of business community and experts, and he again called on the RS opposition to join the talks stressing that “this is a patriotic story – not a political one”. He stated that when it comes to indirect taxes, the agreement is that the rate of 17 percent remains single and that each entity have their own indirect tax service and revenue collection authority.

Cubrilovic stated that devastation of the RS’s competences has lasted for more than 20 years and these were practically forced moves given that institutions that were formed in such a way have not proven the expected efficiency. Banjac said that the RS opposition representatives should also join the ruling coalition when it comes to return of the RS’ competences and they should support the RS in the RS parliament. Stevandic said that the RS will defend its political freedom, independence, constitutional order, use of rights that belong to the RS from the Constitution of B&H and the right for its institutions to pass decisions.

Borenovic: RS opposition will not give consent demanded by Dodik and his coalition partners (Nova BH) 

 

Representatives of the RS ruling coalition held a meeting in Banja Luka on Monday and they reached a conclusion on endorsing the initiative of Milorad Dodik for return of the competences from the level of B&H to the RS. The ruling coalition called on the opposition to support their initiative, but the opposition rejected the initiative as destabilizing and they confirmed they will not endorse it. PDP leader Branislav Borenovic stressed that the opposition will not give such form of consent demanded by Dodik and his coalition partners. “We will remain consistent. We will not participate in dangerous agreements or call for conflicts and wars in the country. It is only possible to discuss issues in the RS parliament,” Borenovic stated.

OHR: Sovereignty lies with state of B&H and not entities (BHT1) 

 

The Office of the High Representative (OHR) issued a statement regarding recent claims made by the RS politicians about sovereignty of entities. The OHR stated that the B&H Constitution defines entities as part of the internal structure of B&H, which continued in existence under international law as a state with its internal structure modified. They stressed that sovereignty rests with the state of B&H and not with the entities.

NATO: We strongly support sovereignty of B&H, leaders should refrain from divisive rhetoric (Dnevni avaz) 

 

NATO Headquarters Sarajevo noted that B&H went a long way to restore trust among different communities. The statement emphasizes that NATO strongly supports B&H’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it continues to encourage reconciliation. NATO called on political leaders to refrain from divisive rhetoric. NATO remains dedicated to maintaining a strong political dialogue and practical cooperation with B&H, and continues to offer continuous support to B&H’s reform efforts on its Euro-Atlantic path.

Cvijanovic meets Tenney; Cvijanovic: Consistent respect for DPA and Constitution are prerequisites for political stability and efficient functioning of joint institutions (ATV) 

 

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic met with US Congresswoman Claudia Tenney in Washington on Monday. They discussed the current political situation in B&H and security challenges in the region. Cvijanovic informed Tenney about stances and the position of the RS, stressing that the consistent respect for the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) and the Constitution of B&H are prerequisites for political stability and efficient functioning of joint institutions. Cvijanovic arrived in the USA for an official visit. During the visit, Cvijanovic will meet with representatives of institutions and organizations of the USA, as well as members of the US Congress. Cvijanovic met certain officials already and stressed that respecting the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) is the condition for peace and stability of B&H.

Cvijanovic meets Cooper; Cvijanovic: RS is determined to defend DPA and to fully protect its constitutional competencies (RTRS) 

RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic met on Monday with US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Laura Cooper. The meeting discussed current political and security issues in the RS and B&H, as well as the security challenges facing the countries of the region, the Cabinet of the President of the RS announced. On this occasion, Cvijanovic emphasized the strong commitment of the institutions of RS to the preservation of peace and stability, and pointed out that the RS is determined to defend the Dayton Agreement and to fully protect its constitutional competencies. In this context, the RS President pointed out that she appreciated the current cooperation with the United States in the field of security, expressing confidence that it will continue in the future - which the interlocutors confirmed, and concluded that there is room for civil-military cooperation, especially in the areas of civil protection and cyber security. Cvijanovic stressed that the institutions of RS expect a balanced approach from all international factors when it comes to B&H and expressed concern over the tendency to privatize joint institutions and functions in those institutions, done by one political party and one constituent people, and to the detriment of the other two constituent peoples. Cvijanovic informed Cooper that the RS is committed to cooperating with everyone, in accordance with its constitutional and legal solutions, and in accordance with the expressed will and commitment of its citizens, statement of the Cabinet of the RS President said.

UN SC to discuss situation in B&H on Tuesday; Dodik: If final version of Resolution contains OHR and HR in it, then EUFOR mission to B&H will not be extended (N1/RTRS) 

 

N1 learns that the situation in B&H will be discussed during Tuesday’s session of the UN Security Council (UN SC). Primarily, the participants will talk about extension of the EUFOR mission to B&H, and then the current situation in B&H will be discussed – and based on the report of High Representative, Christian Schmidt. Sources told N1 that negotiations are still being led behind closed doors on whether Schmidt will be allowed to address the session via video link. N1 learns that Schmidt’s report has arrived to the UN. Ahead of the UN SC session, at which a decision on extending the EUFOR mission to B&H will be reviewed, a number of other issues will also be discussed. RTRS investigates if the UN SC will allow Schmidt to address the session, how Russia and China will react to this, and whether the EUFOR mission will be extended. EUFOR will soon become a foreign military force on the territory of B&H without a clear status, unless the UN Security Council extends its mandate. The consent of the EU Foreign Affairs Council means nothing without a decision from the East River. The author notes that the appointment of Christian Schmidt has complicated relations in B&H, and also between the five permanent members of the Security Council with the right of veto. The least likely possibility is that the United States, Great Britain and France will agree to discuss the “legitimacy” of Schmidt and thus avoid the “ramp” of Russia and China for the continuation of the EUFOR mission. That is why there is speculation about a third option. Deputy Chairwoman of the Joint Commission on Defense and Security of B&H, Dusanka Majkic told RTRS that the third option is mentioned quite frequently. “This tells that Western countries would give up on EUFOR mission, which would then mean it is finished in B&H. By doing that, they would prevent Russia from placing a veto, and they would also prevent any type of discussion on that topic. So, it is almost obvious that B&H will be left without an EUFOR mission,” Majkic concluded. In 2014, there was also a discussion on EUFOR mission to B&H, and at that that time Russia abstained from voting – saying B&H is inexplicably being pushed towards joining the EU. Today, Russia supports EUFOR mandate in B&H, but it does not support the text of the UN SC Resolution, which besides the extension of EUFOR mission, also mentions the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and the High Representative. The RS officials see nothing disputable in the extension of EUFOR mission, but they do not accept mentioning of an illegal High Representative. Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik said the proposed text of the Resolution is unacceptable, and if the final version contains the OHR and the HR in it, then the EUFOR mission to B&H will not be extended. Representatives of the EUFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo did not wish to comment this matter, saying they would not like to speak about political matters. However, they do believe they will remain in B&H for at least another year. “Those are annual acts that demand adoption of decisions at the highest political and strategic level. EUFOR’s task is not to speculate on these acts but to perform its tasks in line with its mandate and the Dayton Peace Agreement provisions”, reads statement of the EUFOR Headquarters. Dodik believes that Christian Schmidt’s report on the situation in B&H will not be adopted in the UN Security Council (UN SC). Dodik said this report was a “propaganda pamphlet” that was written in favor of the Muslims, and which is full of fabrications, subversion of guilt and ambiguity. “That was written by some Muslims in his (Schmidt’s) office, and he just sent it. But that is his problem; he is reckless, not me. So, he is not a High Representative, he cannot dismiss anyone, and he cannot do anything to anyone. Basically, he is nothing” Dodik told reporters. Dodik further elaborated that he does not comment Schmidt as a person, an individual, he only comments him in capacity of a High Representative – which Dodik says he is not. “What we have here, as such a figure (High Representative), that just simply does not exist,” Dodik concluded. Meanwhile, negotiations are still ongoing among member states on whether to allow Schmidt to address and present a semi-annual report on the current political situation in B&H. There is also a discussion on the extension of the mandate of the EUFOR mission, which expires on November 5 this year. The session will begin at 16:00 hours, according to B&H time. This was confirmed by B&H Ambassador to the UN Sven Alkalaj.

Zaev case is lesson both for Balkans and for the EU (Oslobodjenje) 

Oslobodjenje noted that last week’s local election in North Macedonia resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who is also a leader of SDSM, because of poor election results and he resigned both his PM post and his post of a party leader. Article noted that Zaev is considered a pro-European politician and despite the progress in reforms during his mandate as the Prime Minister, the EU stopped both the country and Zaev. The daily noted that North Macedonia was promised opening of negotiations and becoming a member of the EU as soon as possible, but this has not happened. Author noted that during the session of European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) on 19 October 2021, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi commented that delays in opening of negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia had a negative impact on the EU credibility, stressing that nobody talked about the issues and unfulfilled promises that Zaev was facing in his country. The daily noted that analysts agree that Zaev’s defeat is direct consequence of EU’s policy. Slovenian MEP Tanja Fajon (Group of Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP) noted that Zaev’s resignation comes at a difficult time for the country, but underlined that she respects his moves, as he once again demonstrated that he has high moral standards. She noted that as a MEP she strongly supports the EU path of the country and expects that the EU will open the negotiations in this year. Austrian MEP Andreas Schieder noted that he regrets Zaev’s resignation, adding that he always respected him and things he did and was doing for North Macedonia. He noted that despite progress in reforms, it was not possible to open the accession negotiations due to blockades from Bulgaria, adding that he hopes that despite of this country will continue with stability and reforms, concluding that he firmly believes that country’s future is in the EU. Croatian MEP Tonino Picula (Group of Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP) told the daily that this is a toxic combination of all issues in North Macedonia which are related to COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. He argues that positive changes in the country could be questioned because of halt in the EU integration process, and he underlines that European Parliament on several occasions warned that this Bulgarian veto was unacceptable and noted that he deems that this brings in question the entire EU enlargement process. Noting that Bulgarian political situation is not as stable, Picula noted that this veto provides opportunity to autocratic leaders in the region to make underestimating statements and create a rhetoric about the EU not wanting the enlargement. He underlines that recent joint statement of the EU and USA urging opening of negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania was positive, arguing that he expects exerting of pressure through silent diplomacy, over everyone who obstruct the processes. Political analyst Adnan Huskic deems that Zaev should not have resigned, and he should have stayed until general elections, as this is a better solution for North Macedonia. However, he deems that defeat of Zaev’s party in elections was greatly contributed by the EU’s stance towards the country after signing of Prespa Agreement. Huskic noted that it is difficult to explain acting of the EU, especially in the case of North Macedonia and he stressed there is no doubt that EU contributed to election defeat of Zaev’s party. He argues that North Macedonia was a unique example in the Western Balkans whose leaders were a right choice, turned towards the EU and ready to make changes. Huskic stressed that North Macedonia cannot be compared to any other countries in the Western Balkans and argues that it seems that the EU is much more lenient towards leaders who are playing power games than towards someone who truly tried to play by EU rules, as North Macedonia did. Stressing that “The EU is either disorientated or completely malicious” Huskic noted that if they treat North Macedonia in this way, what others can expect: “Russians or Chinese would not do this. They know how valuable partners are.” Political analyst form Croatia, Davor Gjenero stressed that “policy creators towards Western Balkans in the EU, proved to be completely inadequate for this job”. He argues that they accepted the image that this region lost reform potential, when the truth is that only Serbia is obstructing Euro-Atlantic and European values and this is the case since Aleksandar Vucic came to power. He stressed that the EU failed to protect the reform success of North Macedonia, adding that actors who constantly encourage instability, (Serbia and Russia) will continue to do the same job as they did so far. He deems that events in North Macedonia could be a copy of events in Montenegro, and Gjenero concludes that if the EU does not want Albania, North Macedonia, even B&H and Kosovo to follow Vladimir Putin’s direction, it is necessary to secure conditions for opening and implementing of accession talks.

North Macedonia is just ‘the last straw’ of complete collapse of West’s policy in the Balkans (Dnevni list) 

 

Dnevni list notes that North Macedonia Prime Minister, a social-democrat Zoran Zaev has tendered his resignation, which means North Macedonia will soon have snap parliamentary elections and most probably ultra-right VMRO-DPMNE in power. According to the daily, the said party is often described as anti-European and pro-Russian, which in turn means new troubles in the country. On the other hand, reads the article, Zaev did the unthinkable when he changed the country’s name in order to start the negotiations with the European Union (EU), but in return got “slap after slap from Brussels”. All this triggered author to say this represents the ‘last straw’ of the West’s, foremost the EU’s catastrophic policy in the Western Balkans, stressing that instead of having progress and close cooperation, the regional countries are seeing the return of the radicals who say they do not want to join the EU and NATO, that they want close cooperation with Russia and China etc.

 

Croatian Defense Ministry says it prevented international scandal in March regarding participation of Honorary and Protection Battalion at ceremony in B&H (HRT1) 

 

The Croatian Ministry of Defense (MoD) issued a statement on Monday reporting on the event that happened in March 2021 and it is related to participation of the Honor Guard Battalion of the Croatian Army in the marking of 27th anniversary of exchange of prisoners of war (PoWs) in Bugojno, in B&H. The statement reads that, chronologically, the Office of the Croatian President (Zoran Milanovic) informed Chief of the Main Staff of the Croatian Army Robert Hranj on March 17 that the Croatian President’s Special Envoy Marijan Marekovic and members of the Honorary Guard Battalion will attend the marking of the anniversary of exchange of PoWs in Bugojno. According to information that the Croatian MoD learned, members of the Honorary Guard Battalion were sent to B&H before Croatian Minister of Defense Mario Banozic passed an official decision on that matter and which is necessary for the purpose of crossing the border. This decision was passed a day later, on 17 March, after Admiral Hranj submitted a written request for arrival of the Honorary Guard Battalion in B&H. “With such an action, the Office of the Croatian President unnecessarily exposed the Croatian Army to such a situation”, the MoD warned. The MoD emphasized that participation of the Honorary Guard Battalion in the given anniversary marking is not disputable, nevertheless, the Office of the Croatian President should have respected the Law on Defense and the procedures it stipulates. The MoD’s statement further says: “By passing the decision, the MoD prevented an international scandal. On this occasion, the MoD emphasizes that competences of the relevant state bodies in the field of defense are clearly defined in the Law on Defense and such behavior was unacceptable.”

Reacting to the MoD’s statement, the Office of the Croatian President stated that they have received this statement, which was sent both to Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and then accused the Minister of Defense of undermining the international reputation of Croatia and the Croatian Army. According to the Croatian President’s Office, the MoD introduces a dose of distrust and casts a shadow on good relations of Croatia and B&H, especially the two state’s Armed Forces, and concluded that Banozic tried to conceal his incapability and lack of knowledge of laws. Admiral Hranj also reacted to the MoD’s statement, saying that he protests against such statement and referred to it as “serious untruth that completely distort the situation regarding the described event”. Abovementioned statement comes as a reaction to accusations by President Milanovic, amid conflict between Croatian Defense Minister Banuzic and Milanovic that started last week over the dispute regarding retirement of Commander of the Croatian Army Honor Guard Battalion - Brigadier Elvis Burcul.

 

Mandic: Government reshuffle story over, initiative for new government election to be launched (RTCG) 

One of the leaders of the Democratic Front (DF), Andrija Mandic, said that because of Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic and GP URA and Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic as well, the phase of government reconstruction was completed as far as DF is concerned. He added that the political alliance had launched an initiative to elect a new government. At the beginning of the press conference, Mandic has said that a new phase of political life in Montenegro is beginning. He added that they have made great efforts to resolve the political crisis in the country. In that alliance, as he said, they were ready to support the reconstruction of the government of Zdravko Krivokapic and actively participate in the reconstruction. "There was enough space, time, strength. Unfortunately, the time has come to state that because of Dritan Abazovic and URA and Prime Minister Krivokapic as well, as far as the DF is concerned, the phase related to the government reshuffle is coming to an end and we are no longer interlocutors for the reshuffle. As of today, we are launching a new initiative, the election of a new government, and we will propose to the partners from the parliamentary majority, who elected the previous government with 41 votes, that we elect a new executive, prime minister, ministers," Mandic said. He added that he would evaluate the work of those who have participated in the work of the government so far, and added that the DF has long been dissatisfied with the results of the government. Mandic said that in the next period, he would participate in the voting of laws which, as he said, are in the interest of the citizens of Montenegro. "Citizens will not suffer because of this decision, but we cannot allow citizens to suffer that we have a government that does not have the support of Parliament, which did not deliver the products we asked for. That is why the most important thing is to open a new political process," Mandic said, inviting parliamentary majority to vote on the DF proposal. He says that he will consider all possibilities.

Konjevic: Return mandate to citizens and go for new elections (CdM) 

The best solution is to return the mandate to the citizens, and to go for new elections, SDP leader Rasko Konjevic has stated, commenting on today’s DF announcement that it will launch an initiative for the election of a new government. “The attitude of the DF reflects the institutional chaos. Parliament has not sat for five months, and the government has no support in Parliament. The best solution is to return the mandate to the citizens. This situation does the citizens most harm” he has pointed out. According to Konjevic, judicial institutions are blocked.

Abazovic: In order to elect new government, the existing one must be overthrown (CdM) 

Commenting on the message from the DF that they will launch an initiative for the election of a new government and Prime Minister, DPM Dritan Abazovic has said that the existing one must be overthrown first. “I have no special comment on the DF proposal. Our views are clear. (…) Let’s not waste too much time and let’s find solutions. The citizens want Parliament to be unblocked. I don’t know if a new government will be elected. In order to elect a new one, the existing one must be overthrown,” Abazovic has told reporters after the session of the Parliamentary Committee on Security and Defense.

 

Pendarovski not officially informed over Zaev’s resignation, once informed he will present the government mandate (Republika) 

President Stevo Pendarovski has not been officially informed over the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, which entails the resignation of the entire government. Once informed, the President will present the government mandate, upon prior consultations, to the party or parties having majority in the parliament within the 10-day constitutional deadline. The President has not been officially informed over the resignation of the Prime Minister, which entails the resignation of the entire government. Once informed, the President will present the government mandate, upon prior consultations, to the party or parties having majority in the parliament within the 10-day constitutional deadline. The President, as before, in his actions will be guided by the established interpretation of the constitutional norm in practice in the past three decades, Pendarovski’s Office informed. According to Article 219 of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament, “The government, the Prime Minister or a member of the government may resign. The resignation of the government or the Prime Minister shall be submitted to the parliament speaker in writing and may be explained… The resignation of the government or the Prime Minister shall be immediately submitted by the parliament speaker to the members of parliament and the country’s President.” Article 220 further states that “The parliament at the first next session, without debate, concludes that the mandate of the Prime Minister, the government or a member of the government, terminates on the day of the session.” The parliament informed that so far it has not received the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. At yesterday’s coordination meeting with Xhaferi, there was no discussion at all about the next steps that would follow after last night’s statement by Zaev that he is resigning from his position as Prime Minister.

Zaev will resign as Prime Minister and SDSM leader, wants to see SDSM remain in power (Republika) 

Zoran Zaev announced that he is resigning as Prime Minister of Macedonia and as leader of the SDSM party. The announcement comes after his party suffered major defeat in the local elections, losing almost all-important cities and urban centers. Zaev said that he still wants to see his SDSM party remain in power and continue to rule the country, through its coalition with DUI and a host of other parties, likely by appointing a crony as nominal Prime Minister. “I take responsibility for the bad results in these elections. I expect that the progressive forces will remain, will continue to fight. There is no need for early elections. I will remain as Prime Minister in the coming period until we re-organize a new government with a progressive majority that exists, and could grow in the future. We have excellent opportunities in the two years ahead of us, to continue to work and achieve economic success,” Zaev said. Zaev has 62 seats in parliament – out of 120. The reliability of many of his allies is uncertain, especially in face of the defeat in the local elections, in which nominal allies like DOM and LPD openly campaigned against him, while others, like DUI, obviously did not support his candidates in the second round of the elections.

Despite electoral defeat, SDSM and their coalition partners insist that they want to remain in power (Republika) 

Even though he announced that he intends to resign as Prime Minister and SDSM party leader, Zoran Zaev assembled his coalition partners to have them declare their support to his continued leadership. Several of his coalition partners, including top DUI officials, said that they asked Zaev to remain as Prime Minister. After the meeting of all two dozen coalition partner representatives, a joint statement was issued in which the coalition insists that it still has the necessary majority in parliament. The statement does not comment on Zaev’s proposed resignation, but his coalition insists that there is no need to hold early elections as the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party demands. The coalition partners from the parliamentary majority are unanimous that Macedonia needs a Government that will deliver results for all its citizens, especially given the pandemic and the energy crisis, and will have a clear Euro-Atlantic orientation, the press release insists. Zoran Zaev’s First Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi (DUI) told the press that the coalition members, who are meeting this evening, called on Zaev to remain as Prime Minister. All partners in the government were absolutely against Zaev’s resignation because they believe it’s hasty and that the citizens expect him to continue to pursue his policies. We can’t allow such adventures in fragile moments for the state, Grubi said, emphasizing that DUI and other coalition partners want Zaev to withdraw the resignation. SDSM members are already circulating a petition with the same demand, leaving the impression that Zaev is looking for ways to be persuaded out of resigning. Grubi insisted that Zaev must remain in place to continue to negotiate with Bulgaria, as that country blocks Macedonia from opening EU accession talks while demanding major concessions on Macedonian national identity issues – demands that any other Prime Minister is highly unlikely to accept. Grubi also cited the need to continue implementing Zaev’s Prespa Treaty and the continued “safeguarding of inter-ethnic relations” – a byword often used by DUI to indicate that tensions between Macedonians and Albanians will rise if that party is not in the government.  DUI party leader Ali Ahmeti said that he had a tense conversation with Zoran Zaev in which he asked him to revoke his decision to resign as Prime Minister and SDSM leader. “It was a very tense conversation. I told Zaev that I don’t agree with his decision, with his resignation from the party or the Government. I pointed to the strong DUI position in the local elections. A year ago, we won mandate to run the policies in the country. I spoke to Zaev again today, I told him that we can reach compromise on the main issues, and he can then resign. I still call on his party to revise this hasty and baseless decision,” Ahmeti said. Ahmeti expects Zaev to honor their agreement that an ethnic Albanian candidate will lead the government in its last year.

 

Open Balkans, Zaev cancels his participation in Belgrade meeting (ADN) 

 

After resigning as party chairman and Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia, Zoran Zaev has cancelled his participation in the Belgrade meeting for the Open Balkans initiative. Zaev resigned as party chairman and prime minister after losing the local elections. The summit will be held in Serbia on November 3 and 4, while the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, will also be present. "Due to the ongoing political situation in Northern Macedonia after the local elections, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has cancelled his participation in the meeting in Belgrade," Zoran Zaev's spokeswoman Leon Bakraceski said. At the next meeting for Open Balkans, the parties, already without Zoran Zaev, are expected to discuss the further steps that are expected to be taken in the framework of the free movement of people and goods between the countries.

While Kosovo has rejected this project launched by Albania, Serbia and Macedonia, it is unknown whether there will be representatives from Bosnia and Montenegro.