LOCAL PRESS

 

Brnabic: EU most important political, trade partner of Serbia (Tanjug/RTS)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated on Monday night at a reception on the occasion of Europe Day in Novi Sad that the European continent has always been the engine of world science, culture and art, education and philosophy, but unfortunately of conflicts and wars too. Speaking at Novi Sad City Hall, Brnabic pointed out that that is why 9 May also represents the creation of foundations of the European Union, a project that is first and foremost a peace project, and only then an economic and political project, which provided a decade of welfare and prosperity. Serbia is a state that is defined by Article 1 of its Constitution as belonging to European principles and values. Today, the European path is more important than ever and represents a guarantor of peace and stability and progress for all our citizens, said Brnabic. She noted that Serbia and the Balkans are not the European periphery, as some like to say, or the soft belly of the EU or the European lobby. The fact that we are today in Novi Sad - the European Capital of Culture, a city that until recently was the Youth Capital of Europe, a city that is home to the European center of excellence Biosens Institute, is just one of many indicators that Serbia is not a periphery, but for centuries an inseparable part of the European community in terms of politics, economy, values and socially, the Prime Minister pointed out. She stated that the EU is the most important political and trade partner of Serbia. Europe is our past, Europe is our present, Europe is our future. We belong to the same family, we share the same values and we have a common future ahead of us. I wish a happy Europe Day to all our citizens and the citizens of the EU, Brnabic concluded. The reception on the occasion of Europe Day was organized by Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret and Novi Sad Mayor Milos Vucevic.

 

Giaufret: Russia starts a war, strong EU required, able to defense itself (Beta)

 

The Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret said on 9 May that, now that Russia had decided to go to war, it was important to have a strong and united European Union, able to defend itself, and added that the sixth package of sanctions against Russia was aimed at stopping the completely unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. “We are urging all our partners across the world to join the sanctions, Serbia included. As a candidate country, Serbia has a duty to progressively align its policy with the Union’s,” the EU Ambassador said, adding that a lot of states were dependent on Russian energy sources, but that the Union had decided to reduce that dependence gradually, because Moscow was an unreliable energy supplier, disrespecting arrangements. “We have to reduce the dependence in moderation. It might take longer for some states to do it. EU members and candidate countries have been urged to join the process of suspending Russian energy imports, and Serbia is one of them,” Giaufret explained. The EU diplomat said it didn’t go unnoticed that Serbia, too, was “working on diversification,” and that the focus was on “a Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnector, supporting the diversification process.” “The EU line is clear – to cut energy dependence,” Giaufret said.

 

Vucic meets with Sarrazin (B92)

 

Serbia will continue to follow its European path even more intensively, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday at a meeting with Manuel Sarrazin, the German federal government's special envoy for the Western Balkans. Vucic said he expected Sarrazin's engagement to provide an additional impetus to cooperation among Western Balkan countries, which he noted would significantly help to maintain peace and stability in the region, the presidential press office said in a statement. Sarrazin noted that the EU enlargement policy and work on strengthening the cooperation among Western Balkan states would be one of the priorities of Germany's foreign policy in the years to come, and stressed a desire for a stronger engagement of the entire EU in the region. Vucic said that, thanks to its serious and responsible approach to regional policy, Serbia was recognized as a dependable and responsible partner in the region that was committed to political dialogue and further development of regional relations in all fields. The president said Serbia attached great significance to the Berlin process as a forum for strengthening regional cooperation, advancing the reconciliation process and overcoming problems inherited from the past, as well as a forum supporting the European integration of the Western Balkans through concrete projects and measures. "Serbia is engaging strongly in all activities organized within the Berlin Process, and the Open Balkan initiative represents another proactive approach by our country to regional connectivity," Vucic said, adding that recognition of these efforts by the EU itself was crucial for providing an impetus and encouragement to countries in the region on the European path. Speaking about the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, the parties said dialogue was the only way to resolve open issues and reach a sustainable agreement. Vucic noted that he expected constructive support for dialogue and for finding a compromise solution that would ensure permanent regional stability through implementation of existing agreements - above all, the formation of a Community of Serb Municipalities, overdue for more than nine years now. Speaking about economic cooperation, Vucic reiterated that Germany was Serbia's largest external trade partner and that Serbia was interested in strengthening the cooperation further, being a country that is increasingly gaining a profile as one of the safest and most attractive investment destinations in the world. Vucic noted that Serbia was advocating full and consistent implementation of the Dayton Agreement but was against imposed solutions that did not have the consent of all three constitutive nations as it believed that such decisions could in no way lead to prosperity and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the statement also said.

 

Dacic meets with German Ambassador (Tanjug/Politika)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic met with German Ambassador to Serbia Thomas Schieb on Monday to discuss the current situation in Europe and in the Western Balkans, as well as further development of Serbia-Germany bilateral relations. Dacic said he was pleased with the very high level of bilateral relations, reflected in intensive exchanges of visits by senior officials, and added that Serbia was open to and ready for further development of cooperation, in particular in the economy and business. EU membership remains Serbia's foreign policy priority and it is ready to continue the process of necessary reforms once the conditions are in place, hopefully with Germany's support, Dacic said. Schieb noted that the Western Balkans was of particular significance to the EU and that Germany continued to support Serbia's European integration and advocated a continuation of the process of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. In light of the current global crisis, the Ambassador welcomed Serbia's decisions in recent votes in the UN, as well as its decision to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Dacic briefed Schieb on the legal timeframes for convening the next parliament and forming other state authorities.

 

Mihajlovic: Serbia must defend its energy stability even if it would require changing ownership structure in oil and NIS (Beta)

 

Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Zorana Mihajlovic has said that Serbia has to defend its energy stability even if it would require changing ownership structure in oil and gas company NIS. “We have to defend energy stability at all costs, even at the cost of changing ownership structure of NIS. We would not be taking anything away from anyone, but we have to take care of ourselves,” Mihajlovic said in an interview with Beta on 10 May, replying to the question whether the government had the funds to buy out shares in NIS if forced to do so due to EU sanctions on the companies which were majority owned by Russia. Mihajlovic said that cooperation with NIS had been very good, adding she was aware of how much NIS “has been trying now, during the times which are not easy, to ensure enough fuels and other oil derivatives for all, but we have been witnessing that the EU has been introducing more sanctions against Russian companies and it is a reality we all have to consider”. She stressed that at the moment, Serbia had sufficient quantities of all types of fuels and that there had been no shortages so far, which had not been easy to ensure, “but, Serbia has been managing”. “The war in Ukraine has changed the world. It has changed it and is yet to change Serbia. What is extremely important for Serbia at the moment is to maintain political and energy stability. We have political stability, which has been verified with victories of Aleksandar Vucic in presidential elections and of the Serbian Progressive Party in elections at all levels. But in order to achieve energy stability, we have to do many things,” Mihajlovic noted. According to the minister, NIS is an important link in Serbia’s energy supply chain, adding that Serbia had to “maintain that energy chain and therefore none of the links can be weak”.

 

Macron: Western Balkans should continue its path towards EU membership (RTS) 

 

French President Emmanuel Macron and the President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen supported the reform of the EU at the conference on the future of Europe in the European Parliament. One of the main topics was the war in Ukraine. Macron said that Western Balkans should continue its path towards the EU membership. He said that even if Ukraine gained the status of the candidate for the EU membership immediately, the accession process might last for years or decades. Macron was quoted as saying: “The EU, with its current level of integration, cannot be the only way to structure the European continent in the short term. On the other hand, the Balkan countries are already in the process of joining the path that has already been paved and needs to be continued.” Macron proposed the creation of a European political community that could be joined by non-EU countries as well as those that have left it. Von der Leyen said she supports changes to the agreement and the move to a majority instead of a unanimous decision making. She said that the obligation of a unanimous decision making in crucial areas no longer makes sense if they want to be able to move faster. Thirteen countries of northern and eastern Europe made a joint statement that they do not want rushed and complicated changes to European agreements.

 

RIK confirms Vucic election win (N1)

 

The Republic Election Commission (RIK) adopted a report on the final results of the 3 April presidential elections on Monday. The report says that incumbent President Aleksandar Vucic won 582,224,914 votes or 59 percent of the vote, confirming the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) leader’s election victory. It said that a total of 3,811,585 people turned out to vote. The RIK determined the total number of eligible voters in Serbia at 6,739,441. The RIK also accepted an appeal by the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), United Serbia (JS) and Greens Serbia over a ruling by the municipal election commission in the southern town of Bujanovac where the vote will be repeated at one polling station.

 

GIK adopts results of Belgrade elections (Tanjug)

 

The City Election Commission (GIK) on Monday adopted the report on the results of the elections for the councilors of the Belgrade City Assembly. The list rallied around the Serbian Progressive Party has 48 mandates, and around the Socialist Party of Serbia eight in a 110- member body. The main opposition bloc United for the Victory of Belgrade won 26 places and the left-green coalition We Must 13. Three conservative, anti-EU groups also made it into the city assembly - NADA coalition with seven councilors and the Patriotic Bloc and Zavetnici with four councilors each. The new mayor will be elected by the vote of the councilors of the new make-up of the city assembly.

 

Will Dodik be prohibited to participate in elections (Politika)

 

President of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Suad Arnautovic recently told a private-owned TV station from Sarajevo that B&H CEC can prohibit SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic to participate in upcoming general elections. Arnautovic explained that B&H CEC can do so if Christian Schmidt says, on the occasion of presenting of his report to the UN Security Council, that Dodik and Covic are undermining the Constitution and Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA). In his statement, Arnautovic said that he is just waiting for Schmidt to publicly single out Dodik and Covic before the UN SC as “destroyers of B&H” and added that this will be enough for him to immediately include the question of their participation in elections in the agenda. “Whether Schmidt will get this chance, this will depend on whether Russia and China will prevent his address or not,” the daily added. Apart from this, Arnautovic said that he expects Schmidt to impose a decision by which he will force the Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H to immediately earmark funds needed for holding of the elections unless B&H CoM does this on its own. “Intentions devised in Sarajevo political circles, which Arnautovic publicly promotes as one of those who are bothered by Dodik’s fight for preservation of the RS and all competencies that belong to it as in line with the Dayton Peace Agreement, many believe are scandalous and completely unacceptable for Serb and Croat officials”, the daily noted. Journalist and political analyst from Mostar Zoran Kresic told RTRS that this is about arrogance: “Everything that we had a chance to witness in public appearances of SDA officials and other Bosniak politicians. In fact, they are convinced that everything that was written in the Declaration of B&H, which is plagiarism of the Islamic Declaration, must be implemented – meaning creation of a mini Bosniak state. Arnautovic too fits in the matrix of fulfilment of wishes of political Sarajevo.” Dodik’s advisor Milan Tegeltija said that Arnautovic’s announcement is a dangerous attempt to prepare the public for an unconstitutional and illegal decision, which has the capacity to destroy B&H as a state. Tegeltija argued that it is dangerous to even talk about prohibition of participation in elections for Dodik, let alone try to execute it. “Whoever wishes good for all people in B&H, they will not even think about something like that, because this is a sure way to destabilization of B&H,” Tegeltija told the daily and warned that all statements of political Sarajevo have only one goal – to remove Dodik from the political life aside of all democratic procedures and “behead the RS” in order to create the path to its merging into a unitary B&H.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

May 9 as Victory Day, Europe Day and Day of ‘Golden Lilies’ of RBiH Army marked with protest walk in Sarajevo in support of Ukraine; Dzaferovic: B&H has condemned Russian aggression on Ukraine despite internal disagreements (Hayat) 

 

May 9 as the Victory Day, the Europe Day and the Day of ‘Golden Lilies’ of the RB&H Army was marked in Sarajevo on Monday with a protest walk and gathering in front of the Eternal Flame Memorial to express support to Ukraine, which is in war and which is being invaded by Russia. Participants of the marking sent a message that fascism will never prevail. Addressing media before the Eternal Flame Memorial, Chairman of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic stated that he is pleased that, despite the internal disagreements, B&H has still condemned the Russian aggression on Ukraine. “It stands on the right side of history”, Dzaferovic noted. B&H Presidency member Zeljko Komsic reminded of the promise made by the world that such tragic events will never happen again, yet they are happening in Ukraine. Komsic announced a possibility of visiting Kyiv, noting that he would want B&H to provide more material assistance to Ukraine. “We contacted the Ukrainian Embassy, and as far as I know, they sent an inquiry to Kyiv. We are waiting for a response. I am willing to go there to express support to Ukraine in that manner, as well”, he stressed. SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic said that Ukrainian citizens have been attacked for no reason and they deserve to be saved. President of the Association of Victims of Genocide Murat Tahirovic warned that, politically speaking, 49 percent of B&H supports Russian aggression on Ukraine “and that is unfortunately a problem”. Tahirovic said: “B&H fails to do what the entire democratic world is doing.”

 

Cvijanovic: RS celebrates and observes two days of victory – 9 May and 9 January (RTRS) 

 

Wreaths were laid at the Monument to the Victims of Fascism on the Fallen Soldiers Square in Banja Luka for the heroes who gave their lives to break fascism in the World War II. Wreaths were laid by RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic, RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic, Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik, the delegation of the RS parliament, the RS government, and Ambassador of the Russian Federation to B&H Igor Kalabukhov. The Day of Victory over Fascism in the World War II is a day of great joy and pride and a day of solidarity of the Russian and Serb people and all anti-fascists in B&H, said Ambassador Kalabukhov. “Today is also a day of great sorrow because 27 million Soviet lives were lost”, he added. Cvijanovic has stressed that the RS has, and it celebrates and observes two days of victory, namely 9 May and 9 January. Cvijanovic said that the RS was created and defended so that the suffering from the World War II would never happen again. She emphasized that the Serb people rose up against Nazism and fascism when the highest price was paid for it. Dodik said in Banja Luka on Monday that the observance of 9 May, the Day of Victory over Fascism, is important for the RS, because the Serb people led the anti-fascist struggle in the former Yugoslavia. “Jasenovac, Jadovno, Pag, Prebilovci, etc., are symbols of the suffering of the Serb people in the World War II, which must not be forgotten,” said Dodik. He reminded that hundreds of thousands of Serbs died in the World War II and that the fascist movement was aimed at destroying the Serb people who have inherited the tradition of freedom. According to him, the Serb people are still fighting for the truth. Viskovic stated that Serbs have always been libertarian and people of peace and that this will be the case in the future. He pointed out that 77 years after the collapse of fascism, it was necessary to remind of the merit of the Serb people in that struggle. “At the beginning of the national liberation struggle majority of the movements were made of members of the Serb people, and even after the end of the national liberation war we know that they made more than 82 percent, then they are really funny, insane and frivolous statements of some people who say that they have greater contribution in the fight against fascism and its collapse than the Serb people,” Viskovic pointed out. Dodik stressed that the Serb people have always been on the side of freedom and justice, but that many revisionists want to spread lies. "This hid the fact that the mass uprising against fascism in this area was raised by the Serb people in 1941, but also against the Ustasha Independent State of Croatia (NDH), which was a machine for the destruction of Serbs in this area," Dodik said. "The RS can rightly say that it celebrates and marks and has two days of victory – 9 May, the Day of Victory over Fascism, when we defended ourselves from that evil, and 9 January, when it is also our day of victory, the day when the RS was formed to prevent such evil from happening again in this area," Cvijanovic said. Viskovic said that peoples who do not know their past will hardly be able to build their future. "The Serb people know their past. The Serb people have always been a libertarian people. The Serb people have always been a people of peace and will continue to be so in the future," Viskovic stressed. "Today is a day of warning, because we see neo-Nazism raising its head. We will achieve all our goals, we will get where we need to go. Today is a day of solidarity, solidarity of the Russian and the Serb people, solidarity with all anti-fascists in B&H," Kalabukhov underlined.

 

Komsic and Dzaferovic’s statements on Victory Day spark reactions of Dodik (N1/ATV) 

 

Bosniak and Croat member of the B&H Presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic respectively, commented on the Day of Victory over Fascism Monday in their manner. Namely, Dzaferovic and Komsic described the RB&H Army as an anti-fascist movement and said that "golden lilies" defended B&H from aggression and rehabilitated fascism. "From 1992 to 1995, the Army of the Republic of B&H managed to defend the values of anti-fascism and the values of all those free-minded people in B&H who fought to defend and preserve B&H," Komsic was quoted as saying. "This date also marks the Day of the Golden Lilies, the bravest and most honorable sons of this country, who stood out in the fight of the Army of the Republic of B&H for the survival of the state," Dzaferovic was quoted as saying. ATV stressed that without any shame, the two members of the B&H Presidency, in the same way glorified "their so-called golden lilies" all in order to equate them through their twisted history with those who brought freedom to all peoples. Komsic's and Dzaferovic's statements provoked sharp reactions in RS. Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik said "calling the so-called Army of RBiH and the golden lilies an anti-fascist movement, as Zeljko Komsic does, is not only historical revisionism, but also the rudeness of an unfinished man who is preparing for another election theft of a position that does not belong to him." Dodik pointed out that "the so-called B&H Army" was a criminal army whose generals were convicted of war crimes. "When you take all that into account, then an attempt like Komsic's and some others seems miserable. It is known that some high-ranking politicians, families and Alija Izetbegovic himself - and there are documents to prove it - that he participated in the Handschar Division, which shows that they can never nurture what they are trying to steal," Dodik said. Dzaferovic reacted as well, saying that this statement reflects Dodik’s sick delusions which have nothing to do with reality. He said that no member of ARB&H was sentenced for genocide and persecution in front of any B&H, regional or international court.

 

MEPs Schieder, Koster and Reuten arrive in B&H; Schieder says MEPs and especially Social Democrats will do everything they can to ensure B&H obtains status of candidate for membership in EU as soon as possible (AJB) 

 

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Andreas Schieder from Austria, Dietmar Koster from Germany and Thijs Reuten from The Netherlands arrived in B&H on Monday. The MEPs, who initiated introduction of sanctions against B&H Presidency member Milorad Dodik because of, as they said, secessionist activities and threats to peace and stability, met with a number of B&H lawmakers on Monday with whom they discussed the current political situation in B&H. At the same time, B&H lawmakers from HDZ B&H and the parties from RS did not accept the invitation to attend the meeting with Schieder, Koster and Reuten. "Unfortunately, I have to say that ethno-nationalist politicians such as Dodik and others are not working on the future of their peoples. They are blocking the path between their country and the EU. They are not doing a good job on the path to Brussels, on the contrary they are doing a bad job. We discussed electoral issues and I believe that it is important to hold the elections in the fall, most likely in October. We would have liked to have seen the electoral reform be carried out, but now it is important to do everything to hold fair and free elections," Schieder underlined. Schieder emphasized that members of the European Parliament and especially the Social Democrats will do everything they can to ensure that B&H obtains the status of the candidate for membership in the EU as soon as possible. MEPs and members of the B&H parliament discussed the EU membership as the only solution for B&H, and it has been warned that Russian influence through Dodik represents a threat. Schieder said that it is clear that the EU is not just an institution and it needs to present its values to all parties and political elites of countries aspiring to join the EU. Koster stressed that it is important that Dodik ensures that the state institutions continue to work, and he assessed that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic can help with that. “It is very important that we return to secure that the situation is not further destabilized,” Koster said. According to Koster, it is necessary for the EU to continue carefully following the development of the situation and this will be discussed in the EP as well. Reuter warned that “quo status is not the solution for B&H, and only pro-European policy provides a better future for B&H citizens”. MEPs stated that conditionings related to changes to the B&H Election Law are unacceptable and that is necessary to provide functionality of state institutions. MEP Schieder underlined that they oppose policies promoted by some in B&H. He added that nationalism supports divisions they want to overcome. Schieder stressed that MEPs provide support to all citizens of B&H in regards to the EU accession. MEP Koster stated that goal of aggression is to destabilize the EU and to influence B&H. The MEPs stated that conditioning of Croatian President Zoran Milanovic in regards to changes of the Election Law of B&H are counter-productive. They also pointed out dangers of Russian influence in the period of the aggression against Ukraine. Koster stressed that the main goal is destabilization of the EU, adding that they (Presumably Russia) use their influence in B&H to destabilize region. Koster added that it is important for them to strengthen political relations with B&H and to annul Russian influence. Reuten stated that it is time for B&H to truly start with the EU path and to accept European values. He called on all politicians in B&H who talk about necessity of the EU path to combine it with real acts of adoption of necessary reforms necessary to move towards the EU future. The MEPs welcomed the B&H Central Election Commission’s (CEC) decision to call general elections and stressed the importance of B&H politicians moving from words to deeds and working on fulfilling the necessary reforms which will accelerate the acquisition of candidate status for EU membership. Representatives of SDA, SDP, DF, Our Party (NS) and SBB participated in the meeting with the MEPs. Schieder was quoted as saying: “We support the European future of B&H as well as the steps towards gaining candidate status and full membership, but it is also clear that the EU is a community of values and those values must be implemented.” Koster was quoted as saying: “It is important that we have new information about the complex political situation in B&H. We are currently discussing a new report on B&H in the European Parliament. The goal is to bring the country closer to the EU, step by step.” Reuten was quoted as saying: “We are here for all B&H citizens. We are not against any citizen from any part of the country. We are in favor of promoting European values and we are against nationalist rhetoric that leads to even greater divisions.”

 

Dodik says that he will be candidate in general elections in B&H despite messages coming from Sarajevo (ATV) 

 

President of B&H Central Election Commission (CEC) Suad Arnautovic has stated that the B&H CEC will refuse to certify the participation of Serb member of the B&H Presidency and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic in the elections if Christian Schmidt says they are violating the Dayton Agreement and the Constitution. "On 11 May, the High Representative will submit a report to the UN Security Council (UN SC). I have not read it so far, but my associates have told me that names of some persons which he claims are behaving in an anti-Dayton manner are explicitly mentioned in it," Arnautovic said. Reacting to Arnautovic's statement, Milorad Dodik stated that he will be a candidate in the general elections in B&H despite the messages coming from Sarajevo. Dodik pointed out that, regardless of the obstructions, he will be a candidate in the elections again. "I believe that the CEC is not the one that decides on that. We know that they in Sarajevo are constantly talking about how to prevent Dodik from running because that means the collapse of RS... I will definitely run so we will see," Dodik said. Analysts also believe that the B&H CEC is an extension of SDA, stressing that Arnautovic's plan will not succeed. "Formally and in any capacity of the Election Law, such a thing is not legally possible. The Election Law clearly specifies who cannot be a candidate and who cannot take part in the elections," professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Banja Luka Nevenko Vranjes pointed out. Dodik said that Sarajevo politicians make these plans as they know the removal of Dodik from the election process would mean the “collapse of the RS”. Neither Dodik nor Covic felt scared upon hearing the CEC’s threats, nor did they react to Schmidt’s threats. On the contrary, Arnautovic’s move reaffirmed their stance that the B&H CEC is an illegitimate institution. The B&H CEC convocation suits the political Sarajevo, Dodik and Covic agree, but regardless of this fact, they both announce they will be taking part in the October elections. Covic said Arnautovic’s threats to Dodik only prove that the B&H CEC is a political organization which is controlled by SDA – and goal of this party is to control the election process. Covic told reporters that it is good that Arnautovic spoke of this publicly, because when such things are said in public then they have no chance of ever being implemented.

 

Kosarac slams Arnautovic, warns of dangerous intentions of leading Bosniak politicians (Dnevni list) 

 

Member of SNSD Presidency Stasa Kosarac said that unconstitutional and anti-Dayton statements of President of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of B&H Suad Arnautovic (on possible prohibition candidacies of Dragan Covic and Milorad Dodik in the general elections) show dangerous intentions of leading Bosniak politicians, foremost Bakir Izetbegovic and his followers, as well as international officials,  who support this composition of the CEC and who are trying to prevent the Serb people from freely expressing their political will. According to Kosarac, from an official who is supposed to implement the law, Arnautovic has turned, according to orders of Izetbegovic and Zeljko Komsic, into a politician who would like to abolish the entities as constituencies and constituent peoples, who are guaranteed by the Constitution to elect their representatives into institutions of B&H.

 

Komsic announces he will run for Presidency again, Dodik accuses Komsic of preparing another electoral theft (Nezavisne) 

 

B&H Presidency member Zeljko Komsic announced that he will run for the office of Croat member of Presidency again. In an interview on Saturday, Komsic said that he is forced to do so because HDZ B&H and parties close to HDZ B&H wish to establish the third entity. The daily reminds that Komsic was elected mostly thanks to the votes of Bosniak voters, which sparked a lot of disgruntlements among Croats and led to the talks on electoral reform. However, an agreement on this matter could not be reached. SNSD leader Milorad Dodik reacted to Komsic’s statement. Dodik said that Komsic is preparing another electoral theft of a post that does not belong to him, and which he has already usurped for three terms. Although he did not directly refer to Komsic, HDZ B&H leader Dragan Covic stated in Mostar on Monday that calling the election before the electoral reform represents a threat to stability and violation of provisions of the Washington Agreement.

 

HNS Presidency and HDZ B&H Presidency hold separate sessions; HNS will participate in general elections (Hayat) 

 

The HDZ B&H Presidency adopted on Monday the seven conclusions in which, among other things, it endorsed the conclusions previously adopted by the Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) on territorial reorganization of B&H. The HDZ B&H Presidency also harmonized its stance with the HNS Presidency to jointly participate in this year’s general elections in B&H, regardless of amending of the Election Law of B&H, but they still insist that the Election Law should eventually be amended. Addressing media after the HDZ B&H Presidency’s session, leader of HDZ B&H and HNS Dragan Covic did not want to comment on the statements of Croatian President Zoran Milanovic with regard to the third entity. Covic referred to the Croatian President as “a strong advocate of rights of Croats in B&H” but he specified that he would not want to provide a comment in Milanovic’s personal perception of idea of a third entity. Sessions of Presidency of the HNS and Presidency of HDZ B&H respectively were held on Monday. Among other things, the HNS Presidency adopted conclusions that all 12 political parties gathered around this organization will have a joint candidate for a member of the B&H Presidency. Their goal is to have legitimate representative of Croat people in the B&H Presidency. Covic stated that they will jointly participate in the elections, adding that they are aware of a role of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of B&H and political atmosphere. Covic stressed that it would be more detrimental if they did not participate in the elections. The leader of HDZ B&H reiterated that the current convocation of B&H CEC is illegitimate, as well as the elections because there are not technical nor legal preconditions to hold the elections and implement results of the elections. Covic claims a new round of talks on changes of the Election Law is possible with presence of high-ranking officials of the EU and it might take place on 22 May. Covic also said that the elections will be held in October due to influence of the international community regardless to whether the Election Law of B&H will be amended. The HNS concluded that they will work on implementation of the conclusion from February, namely that they will launch more concrete activities regarding territorial reorganization. Covic said that they will use legal and constitutional means in this regard. The HNS conclusions adopted on Monday read that this procedure was launched on May 4, when General Elections 2022 were called. Also, representatives of HNS harshly criticized B&H CEC. They underlined that some members of the B&H CEC were appointed in the illegal manner and that B&H CEC took side of radical unitary Bosniak factions. The statement issued by the HNS reads that the existing Election Law enables discrimination in the election process. They expressed suspicion in legitimacy of this process. Asked to comment claims leader of SDA Bakir Izetbegovic has been obstructing the possibility of an agreement on changes of the electoral legislation, Covic stated that this is a fact. He went on to saying that SDA and some other Bosniak parties have been avoiding talks on changes of the Election Law for several months. Covic also stated that he talked with representatives of the EU administration last Friday and they talked about the visit of key people of the European Parliament to B&H. Covic added that he informed his collocutors that the biggest obstacle is those who want status quo in B&H. Covic said that Bosniak parties are avoiding the negotiations and an atmosphere was created where anyone who would attend these meetings is assessed as a traitor. He reminded that the Mostar Agreement on the solution for local elections in Mostar was signed months after the date for local elections in B&H was set in 2020 and they conducted local elections in Mostar without any issues.

 

Izetbegovic: New negotiations will not bring any significant results because political atmosphere is bad; Dzaferovic: It is too late for changes election changes (Nova BH) 

 

MP of SDP Sasa Magazinovic commented on announcements of HDZ B&H regarding elections, saying that changes to the B&H Election Law will not take place. He said that there will be pressure for the changes to be implemented, but it is well known that they will not be adopted. Chairman of the B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic said that it is too late for changes and everyone who knows anything about B&H will not advocate for territorial and ethnic divisions. Magazinovic also said that the election match has started. According to political stances one can hear, the match started dirty, with blackmail, evasions and tactics, noted the reporter. Dzaferovic said: “There is no reform that will take place in B&H that would further, either ethnically or territorially, disintegrate B&H. There are (reforms) and only possible reforms are which will further reintegrate B&H, and thus take the reintegrated (B&H) to the EU and NATO”. SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic said that new negotiations, even with the presence of international officials, will not bring any significant results because the political atmosphere is bad. Magazinovic said that changes to Election Law will not happen. “Will there be pressure to do so? Yes, there will. But that will not happen. We already know that it will be so. So, the only thing that can happen is a few days of raising tensions again on the election law, which, especially now that the elections have been called, has no chance of being adopted”, stated Magazinovic. There can hardly be an agreement when everyone is playing on their own side of the field, commented the reporter. Magazinovic explains that HDZ B&H wants to take part in the elections and then block implementation of election results and formation of authorities. Magazinovic adds that HDZ B&H plans to condition all these processes with adoption of changes to the B&H Election Law.

 

Granic: Big number of EU states do not understand problem in B&H (Dnevni list) 

 

Special advisor to the Croatian Prime Minister and former Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic commented on statement of Croatian President Zoran Milanovic regarding accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO. According to Granic, when it comes to Milanovic’s statement, questioning something that is clear to the civilized world, to Europe and America, is not good. Granic added by saying that position of Andrej Plenkovic’s government is clear about it, that Finland and Sweden are two pillars of democracy in the world and that when they decided to seek NATO membership they should be supported in a strongest manner. Granic further stated that when it comes to negotiations about changes to the Law on Elections of B&H, “one should be persistent and resolute”. “The truth is that a big number of states in the EU do not understand the problem in B&H. That is why diplomacy exists in order to explain that what the Croats want has been agreed and signed”, added Granic.

 

Grlic Radman: Elections in B&H are implemented against constitution due to failure to implement verdicts of ECHR and B&H CC (HRT1) 

 

Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic Radman, asked about the EU perspective of B&H and the elections in October, said that Croatia shares the longest border with B&H, has the experience of co-existing in the former state of Yugoslavia and helped B&H during the war, and because of this Croatia has the biggest interest to see B&H in the EU. He said that B&H needs to be independent, territorially intact and institutionally functional, which it is not right now. Grlic Radman said that an opportunity was missed to change the B&H Election Law as this is one of 14 conditions set by the European Commission for B&H. He said that the Central Election Commission of B&H (B&H CEC) is an administrative institution and right now it was turned into a political one, which believes it can take on the role of legislative power and interpreter of the constitution. Grlic Radman assessed that the B&H Election Law is being implemented against the constitution, since verdicts of the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) and the B&H Constitutional Court (B&H CC) were not implemented. He noted that Croatian President Andrej Plenkovic put B&H on the EU agenda again and helped with sending international mediators who will arrive in B&H to participate in the process of negotiations on the B&H Election Law. Grlic Radman said that this is in the interest of everyone and one people will not lose anything if another people get more rights.

 

Croatia will continue to assist Ukraine, says PM (Hina) 

 

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Monday Croatia would continue to assist Ukraine in various ways and that it was "very difficult to imagine" that the crimes committed in Bucha and Irpin were occurring in Europe in 2022. "Croatia will... continue to provide political, diplomatic, humanitarian, financial and technical assistance to Ukraine in this situation and, naturally, advocate the values we share," he told the press. He said the visit to Kyiv on Sunday was "carefully planned". "Our support as a government, a people, is evident, visible, I think." He and Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman visited Irpin and Bucha after meeting with Ukraine's leadership in Kyiv. "The destruction which took place in Irpin, which is a modern city, a city of young families where 100,000 people live, is unbelievable," Plenkovic said. In Bucha, a priest showed them a mass grave in a church yard. "Such a crime against the civilian population is horrifying and reminds us of the situation in the Homeland War. It's for utter condemnation, unacceptable." Plenkovic and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked about a Croatian national taken prisoner by Russian forces. Plenkovic said the Ukrainian authorities were familiar with the case and would inform the public when there were any news. Russian media have said that a "Croatian mercenary" has been taken prisoner in Mariupol. Asked if negotiations would be held with the Russians, Plenkovic said, "For now, we will talk with the Ukrainians and see what can be done." The dialogue with Russia and Croatia-Russia diplomatic relations have not been interrupted, he added. "Had we interrupted diplomatic relations, it would probably be more difficult."

 

Von der Leyen not coming to Mostar 

The prime minister also commented on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will hold general elections in October although the election law has not been changed. He said that contrary to media reports, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen was not coming to Mostar, but that "another high EU official will visit" in the next ten days. Plenkovic welcomed the decision of the Croatian National Assembly to participate in the elections, saying that "the Croats should elect their representatives as only then will B&H function well" and calling for dialogue. He said Croats in B&H were "often victims of electoral engineering and should in no way be considered the culprits for the situation in B&H." Grlic Radman, he added, "is regularly in B&H and it's good that he's often there to convey the policy and activities the government is undertaking in the interest of Croats in B&H, and we have been doing it constantly, for years, intensively, systematically, with arguments. We are trying to win over allies for solving the unjust position of the Croats."

 

Croatia understands best what Ukraine is going through, FM says (Hina) 

 

Croatia is the youngest and only EU member state which experienced the kind of aggression Ukraine is experiencing, so it understands best what it is going through, Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman said on Monday on the occasion of Europe Day. "We know what's going on, we know how they suffer, we know how proud they are, we know how brave they are and we know they are not allowing their identity to be attacked," he added. EU membership has brought Croatia additional protection, security and opportunities for growth and development, which is why Croatia is practically predestined to encourage enlargement, the minister said. He also spoke of his visit to Ukraine yesterday with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, during which they talked with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. "We visited the towns of Irpin and Bucha, which were bombed without reason or motive, houses were razed to the ground, civilians killed and thrown into a mass grave, 400 of them," Grlic Radman said. On the occasion of Europe Day, the European Parliament's Croatian office organized numerous events and workshops focusing on young people as 2022 was designated European Year of Youth. In the context of the Russian aggression on Ukraine, the EU's importance as a community of solidarity, values and rule of law was underlined. Speeches were delivered by the head of the office, Violeta Simeonova Stanicic, the head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, Ognian Zlatev, Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Kyrylych and French Ambassador Gael Veyssiere. Congratulating young people on Europe Day, Kyrylych said Europe was a strong international community which put up a strong resistance to the Russian aggression on Ukraine. "They are calling what is happening in Moscow today a victory parade. Victory is not a parade, victory is not a thing, victory is the wisdom and solidarity of the international community, victory is when leaders of peoples visit the guardian of Europe," he said. "That's what the strong do, that's what the wise and those who look to tomorrow do. Ukraine's big friend, the Croatian prime minister, did that, visiting Kyiv yesterday with the foreign minister," he added. Zlatev said the role of young people was more important than ever and called on them to use the possibilities and the potential at their disposal, highlighting the Erasmus+ project. Europe is at your disposal. Research, science and innovation are at the centre of the Union's strategy to stimulate growth and employment, he added. 2022 should have been the year of big recovery, of coming out of the pandemic, of economic growth, of green recovery and digital transition, said Simeonova Stanicic. But, because of the Russian aggression, the struggle for peace and security now comes first, she added.

 

Elections put off to autumn (RTCG) 

 

MPs have again adopted the amendments to the Law on Local Self-Government, which President Milo Djukanovic returned for a new decision. These amendments envisage that the elections in Podgorica and 13 municipalities are held by no later than 30 October. A total of 47 MPs voted in favor of the amendments to the Law, while 10 were against.

 

EU and US diplomats call for quick opening of Macedonia’s accession talks (Republika) 

 

EU and US diplomats call for quick opening of Macedonia’s accession talks

Western diplomats in Macedonia called for the quick opening of EU accession talks, which remain blocked by Bulgaria. The calls were made during the celebration marked to honor the Day of victory against fascism and Europe Day. The EU is the choice of our citizens, the choice of a stronger, more just and safe Europe, that belongs to all of us. Macedonia will always be Europe. Europe is the safe choice for a more secure future for our young and the future generations, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski during the celebration. EU Ambassador to Macedonia David Geer responded that the accession talks should be opened immediately and that Macedonia should be allowed to advance on its path of reforms toward the EU. US Ambassador Kate Byrnes went a step further and urged the quick accession of Macedonia in the EU. In her remarks she praised Macedonia for its unique identity and history of protection of human rights and freedom, while standing against dictatorship. She asked that all are united to ensure that every country has the right to choose its path, and that therefore Macedonia should be allowed to become part of the EU soon.

 

War in Ukraine last call for EU decision on enlargement (MIA) 

 

Bojan Maricic, North Macedonian deputy prime minister for European affairs, said in Paris, on May 9, that the war in Ukraine was the last call for the European Union and its policy of enlargement to countries of the region, demanding strong leadership and a political decision that will not be bureaucratized. Maricic told the Balkan Dialogs regional initiative, organized by the French Senate, that this year was crucial for defining the enlargement policy, with the West Balkans expecting the EU integration process to move forward and affirm the European future of the region. "If the EU does not respond to this call, and North Macedonia and Albania don't receive dates for broaching talks, then the entire West Balkans goes by the wayside without a clear outlook and with the possibility of other outside influences. That is not in the interest of pro-European governments like ours, but benefits those that promote the Russian narrative that the EU is a failure," Maricic said.

 

Macron raises prospect of a two-tier Europe, that would likely leave Macedonia on the outside (Republika) 

 

Macron raises prospect of a two-tier Europe, that would likely leave Macedonia on the outside

French President Emmanuel Macron raised the prospect of a two-tier Europe, a core of closely integrated countries, and a broader periphery, where Macedonia will likely end up. The outer circle would include eastern European countries like Ukraine and Georgia, as well as the UK. The announcement came during Macron’s meeting with German Chancellor Scholz. The French President insisted that Europe must make an offer to the threatened eastern countries like Ukraine, while realizing that their full EU membership could take years or more likely a decade. We need to anchor democracy and stability in Europe and find the best geopolitical form of convergence and stability, Macron said. Macedonia is still waiting to open its EU accession talks, after being vetoed by Macron in 2019 and by Bulgaria since then – following decades of blockades from Greece.

 

Political leaders welcome the church decision – Mickoski says it supports the Macedonian national identity (Republika) 

 

Top political leaders in Macedonia welcomed the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to declare that the Macedonian Orthodox Church is seen to be in canonical unity with the other Orthodox churches – which could be a major step toward recognizing the full independence of the Macedonian church. VMRO-DPMNE President Hristijan Mickoski enthusiastically welcomed the news, congratulating to Archbishop Stefan on his “perseverance, wisdom and determination”. The Archbishop of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric and the Holy Synod of our church managed to ensure the continuity of our Orthodox identity which is an important segment of the identity of the Macedonian people. This decision confirms the centuries old identity of the Macedonian nation, as separate from the other Balkan nations. As President of VMRO-DPMNE, whose dream and ideal over centuries has been the struggle for Macedonia, and as a member of the MOC-OA church, all I can say is WORTHY!”, Mickoski declared. Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski shared a photograph from his meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew and said that “while the final status has not yet been determined, the most important and the largest step has been made. Now our Orthodox church is in communion with all other Orthodox churches, and this is a historic day after seven decades of total isolation”.

 

The Russian church dismisses Bartholomew’s move, says it still considers Macedonia under jurisdiction of the Serbian church (Republika) 

 

The Russian Orthodox Church reacted coldly to the announcement that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew accepted the Macedonian Orthodox Church into communion with the other Orthodox churches. A representative of the Moscow Patriarchy said that they continue to recognize the mandate of the Serbian Orthodox Church over Macedonia. The Russian Orthodox Church recognizes the exclusive canonical rights of the Serbian Church in Macedonia. The position of the Russian Church is that we should foremost take into consideration the approach of the Serbian Church, said Igor Yakimchuk, secretary of the Department for foreign relations of the Russian Church. Russia remains angry at Bartholomew who recognized the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2019. The announcement for Bartholomew regarding Macedonia is that the Ecumenical Patriarchy accepts the Macedonian church, but only under the name Orthodox Archbishopric, in communion, but still calls on it to settle its relationship with the Serbian church. There are reports that bishops from both sides are on the verge of some kind of agreement that will be announced soon.

 

Meta meets with Bundestag MP: Germany is an important partner and constant supporter of our country (Radio Tirana) 

 

On Europe Day, the President of the country Ilir Meta received in a meeting the member of the German Bundestag Volkmar Klein. In a reaction on Facebook, Meta says that during the conversation they shared valuable opinions on many issues, in particular the need to accelerate the process of Albania's integration into the European Union. Full response: "It is a pleasure to meet today, on Europe Day, the Chairman of the Task Force for Economic Cooperation and Development of the CDU / CSU parliamentary group, the member of the German Bundestag, Mr. Volkmar Klein. We shared valuable views on many issues, in particular the need to accelerate Albania's integration process into the European Union. Germany is a very important partner and constant supporter in the vital Euro-Atlantic process of our country and the Western Balkans, so the excellent relations, friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples deserve to be further strengthened and expanded."

 

Romania in support of Albania's EU integration process (Radio Tirana) 

 

The Speaker of the Assembly Lindita Nikolla received the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Romanian Senate, headed by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Titus Korlatean. Nikolla praised the very good cooperation and traditional relations between Albania and Romania. She noted that, “economic and trade cooperation should follow political cooperation. The expansion of parliamentary cooperation will serve to intensify economic and trade relations between the two countries. We meet on a symbolic day, Europe Day, and at a time when the world order and European security is threatened by Russia's attack on Ukraine. Albania is grateful to Romania for its firm support of the European integration process and the holding of the first Intergovernmental Conference as soon as possible. Nikolla praised some of Romania's positions on increasing Kosovo's role in regional initiatives and said that the time has come for Romania to recognize Kosovo's independence. The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Senator Korlatean, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation between the two countries and underlined that we should work for economic cooperation to rise to the level of political cooperation. The strengthening of parliamentary cooperation will also serve this purpose. Romania, like Albania, strongly condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Regarding Kosovo, Senator Korlatean underlined that although Romania does not recognize Kosovo's independence, it is applying a constructive stance in Kosovo's involvement in regional initiatives and integration processes in the Western Balkans.