LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic: With or without Banjska, they’d think of ways for Serbia to recognize Kosovo (RTS)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was hosted on Radio and Television of Serbia’s (RTS) prime news, where he spoke about the details of the upcoming talks in Brussels. Vucic and the prime minister of the provisional institutions in Pristina Albin Kurti were invited to the talks in Brussels, which will be held on the sidelines of the EU leaders' summit at the end of the week, EU spokesman Peter Stano confirmed. "Instead of shifting the blame to others, I try to look at mistakes, sometimes mistakes, sometimes something that I could not have foreseen, because when you take over the leadership of a country where 500 thousand people have lost their jobs, where the public debt is growing at a tremendous speed, when you have the issue of Kosovo and Metohija every single day, where you have to take care of your population, where you have to take care of the Serbs, and you know what the pressures are like from the outside because most Western countries have agreed to the independence of Kosovo and Metohija and will not give up on it, in such conditions as the Prime Minister and as the President of the country, you deal with those big topics and you don't have enough time to hear all the needs of the citizens. It's my own fault," Vucic said at the beginning of his speech. Vucic said that we have to focus on people. "Roads and railways are very important, but it is more important to ensure that we can see at an early stage if a woman has breast cancer or any other change in her organism," said Vucic. Speaking about the "Find me" system, Vucic said that one life of a boy or girl is much more important than all the bridges we have built. "Even today, around the Amber Alert, we really built 1,440 bridges, we don't brag about every single one. But one life of one child is certainly more important than all those bridges," said Vucic. We do not know how many lives were saved by confiscating large quantities of weapons, he said. "Nevertheless, it was excellently done. And with this Amber Alert system, who knows how many lives we will save. With modern highways in Serbia, it is not easy to kidnap a child, as the reaction is very fast. It happens to us much less than before, as we have less domestic violence than before, but today it is being recorded and reported more. I said, whenever the police have a dilemma, let them issue a warning. Not with the intent to upset the public, but to save lives," Vucic pointed out. He pointed out that Serbia is one of the safest countries in Europe. "Especially in this situation of almost religious disputes in the world. Maccabi will soon come to play here and it is a big challenge. In this country nobody hates Arabs or Jews, but we have to take care of how we will continue to work. We have to develop each a mechanism that protects the lives of children and women, prevents peer and family violence," Vucic pointed out. Vucic said that in Brussels he will have meetings with Charles Michel, Josep Borrell and Miroslav Lajcak, as well as with Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron and Georgia Meloni. "There will be six of them, I will be the only one on our side. I already know what to expect. The "Big Five" brought its proposal for the Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO), we gave our suggestions. I can't reveal the details, but we are ready to talk about that," Vucic said. He pointed out that he expects the talks to take place in a good atmosphere. "But it won't be easy, there are no nice things or easy meetings. I can't wait to get back from Brussels to Belgrade, just as they can't wait to see off me and Kurti. My job is to protect the citizens of our country and to defend rights of our people," said Vucic. Commenting on Konjufca's statement that ZSO will not be a topic in Brussels, Vucic asked: "Then what will be the topic". "Banjska incident and everything else will be used to try to equalize the blame, as was done with some other things in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. But I don't think that European leaders can be blind and deaf to Kurti's attempts to hide the fact that he will not forms ZSO," said Vucic. He also pointed out that the Albanians will find countless reasons to reject the initiatives of the Serbs to hold elections. "I have to assure our people that they have a serious leadership and we will make the best decisions in order to preserve Serbia and the interests of our country," he added. The situation has become drastically more difficult for us after Banjska, as well as from the Albanians and certain factors in the international community, as well as from some in Belgrade, the president said. "Even when they don't know anything, they just say: "You're guilty, Vucic!" And if it wasn't for Banjska, they would have found something else. No matter how they allegedly condemned Kurti, they recognized "independent Kosovo". They will never retract that," pointed out Vucic. Vucic said that "most people know that the leadership is fighting hard", adding that we must not return to the time when factories were locked. "We have fewer people, and 550,000 more employees. This means that we have something to lose. Europe and USA know that. Belgrade has something to lose, and we must not allow ourselves to lose anything. Neither the economic future, nor the prosperity of this country, a chance for young people, as well as what is guaranteed by the Constitution," he said. Vucic said that in a few days pensioners will receive a 5.5 percent raise, and immediately after that a one-time payment of 20,000 Dinars will arrive. "We have to additionally help pensioners with smaller pensions. My parents have decent pensions, from which they can live much easier compared to some other people. It is another matter what kind of system we had in the past. From 1 January, there will be an additional increase in pensions," said Vucic. He said that it will be easier for recipients of social assistance to register, and that the state will help those who live on the brink of existence. "As for public sector wages, you know the minimum wage has gone up. What is important for all people in the public sector is the fact that there is going to be a significant wage increase, it will be in double digits. We will just look up at the exact numbers and inform the public about it," Vucic said. Vucic confirmed that the elections will be held on 17 December. "I will announce them next week. I am talking about the parliamentary elections for which I am in charge. Based on the reasoned proposal of the government, and the way the constitutional procedure goes in accordance with the law on the President of the Republic. Before that, the parliament speaker will announce local elections in 60 and something units of local self-government, on the territory of Serbia, and after that they will go to the announcement of provincial elections, and all of that will be on 17 December," said Vucic.

 

Vucic: Guler's visit extremely significant for peace, stability in Balkans (Tanjug/RTS/RTV)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler's visit to Serbia was extremely significant and would make an additional contribution to the very important role the two countries had when it comes to preserving peace and stability across the Balkans. “We are committed to further advancement of overall bilateral cooperation and continued political dialogue, which are indicators of the highest level of the relations between the two countries in contemporary history,” Vucic wrote in a post on Instagram account after a meeting with Guler. He noted that Belgrade was fully committed to dialogue with Pristina but noted that ensuring security to Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija and implementation of all commitments from agreements reached to date without further delay was a priority at this time. “I look forward to the upcoming visit to Belgrade by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as it is an ideal opportunity to further strengthen mutual ties and cooperation,” Vucic said.

 

Constant fight for Serbia’s interests (Tanjug)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said yesterday in Brussels that she had good meetings with European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs Ylva Johansson, stressing that the fight for Serbia and its interests after the session of the United Nations Security Council continues. In a statement to journalists in Brussels, Brnabic expressed the hope that the government of Serbia will soon be able to sign an agreement with the European Commission on the deployment of Frontex on our border with North Macedonia, in order to further secure it and reduce the flow of illegal migration through Serbia. The Prime Minister stated that Commissioner Johansson praised Serbia for everything done in connection with visa policy, noting that the Commissioner has an understanding of Serbia’s policy regarding visa harmonisation. We, as a responsible partner, monitor on a monthly basis the number of entries and exits of citizens of those countries who do not need a visa for Serbia, but do need one to enter the EU, she said. We have the right to grant a visa-free regime to certain countries, but, as a responsible partner of the EU, on the other hand, we must ensure that these people do not use our visa-free regime to go further into the EU. Since last year, there has been a seven percent decrease in entry from Serbia to the EU. We have the situation completely under control, she said. Brnabic added that she discussed all current topics with Commissioner Varhelyi – about Kosovo and Metohija, media laws, the rule of law, but also the upcoming report of the European Commission on Serbia's progress. She expects positive progress in the European Commission's report because a lot has been done, especially in the area of the rule of law. She emphasised that in Kosovo and Metohija there is constant and daily repression against Serbs and all non-Albanians. We will fight for these people to have the basic conditions for life, she said.

 

Brnabic: Excellent meeting with Bilcik, we also discussed Western Balkans (Tanjug)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Wednesday in Brussels she had had an excellent meeting with European Parliament Rapporteur for Serbia Vladimir Bilcik and that they had discussed the current situation in the Western Balkans and the importance of regional cooperation and preservation of peace and stability. “We also discussed the upcoming elections in Serbia and ODIHR's recommendations for their management. In addition to the ODIHR observation mission, we will also send an invitation to the delegations of the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe the elections,” Brnabic wrote in an Instagram post. “I am glad that our international partners recognise the efforts we are making to improve the electoral process. Thank you for your support,” she added. Brnabic is in Brussels for a two-day Global Gateway Forum hosted by the European Commission.

 

Brnabic speaks about Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia's EU perspective in Brussels (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Thursday she had informed the attendees of a European Policy Centre briefing in Brussels of the latest developments in Kosovo and Metohija and the overall security situation in the past two years. "I began my working day in Brussels, where I held a briefing at the European Policy Centre on EU membership in the new era and Serbia's perspective. I informed the numerous members of civil society and NGOs in Brussels of Serbia's European path and current reforms. I also informed everyone in detail of the latest developments in Kosovo-Metohija as well as the overall security situation in the past two years. Violence and repression against Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo-Metohija are unacceptable," Brnabic wrote in an Instagram post. She noted that she knew how hard Serbia had worked, how much it had achieved and what it would do in the times that were ahead, and added that, in many aspects, Serbia was already as ready for EU accession as the EU member states that had joined the bloc in its last round of enlargement had been at the time. "Everything that we have done, we have done for the sake of our citizens and with a view to improving their standards of living, and not for the sake of merely meeting the EU accession norms. Sometimes, the journey is as important as the destination itself, so I hope all the reforms we have carried out will be recognised in the right way," Brnabic wrote.

 

Great potential for further progress of cooperation between Serbia, Turkey (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic and Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Turkey Yasar Guler discussed yesterday the current security situation in the country, region and the world, as well as bilateral cooperation in the field of defence. Vucevic assessed that today's tete-a-tete talks and the meeting of the delegations of the two countries were fundamentally very well conceived when it comes to cooperation between Turkey and Serbia. In addition to topics that are of essence for bilateral military cooperation between the two countries, the issue of security in Kosovo and Metohija was also examined, Vucevic explained and added that the assurances we received from Guler regarding the security of the Serb community in Kosovo and Metohija were encouraging, since the new commander of KFOR is a Turkish general. The two officials also discussed sensitive issues, which we do not view completely identically, as well as cooperation with KFOR forces. He said that he is satisfied with the messages we received from the Turkish minister regarding the arming of the so-called "Kosovo security forces" and regarding the future and the use of what is present on the ground in the area of Kosovo and Metohija. We strongly encourage direct communication between the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces and the KFOR commander, and we insist that only KFOR members be present along the administrative line towards Kosovo and Metohija from the Kosovo and Metohija side, and that joint patrols by members of the Serbian Armed Forces and members of KFOR along the administrative line continue, Vucevic said. Guler stated that Turkey, which has taken over the command of KFOR, will continue to prioritise stability, security and public order in Kosovo and Metohija in an impartial manner.

 

Importance of Serbian-Indian decades-long friendship, cooperation (Tanjug/RTV)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic met yesterday with newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Republic of Serbia Shubhdarshini Tripathi. Dacic emphasised the significance of the Serbian-Indian decades-long friendship and cooperation, reminding that our two countries are marking 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. He expressed satisfaction with the intensification of bilateral relations between the two countries, expressing special gratitude for India's principled position regarding Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and support for our positions regarding the issue of Kosovo and Metohija.

 

Serbian parliament adopts disputed media laws (N1)

 

The Serbian parliament on Thursday passed the two disputed media laws which would allow the state to resume ownership of media outlets despite pledges to the contrary. The Law on Public Information and the Media and Law on Electronic Media were passed after a heated 3-day debate. Media organizations, experts, international and local journalist organizations have spoken up against the articles of the law which allow the state-owned Telekom Serbia communications giant to own media outlets counter to the national Media Strategy and pledges by the authorities that the government at all levels would not be allowed to own media outlets. The Media Strategy says clearly that the state has to give up its ownership of the media.

 

Opposition to govt: Change disputed provisions on restoring state ownership of media (N1)

 

The pro-Europe opposition parties have requested that the Serbian government amend the disputed provisions or fully withdraw from the parliamentary procedure the law allowing the company Telekom Serbia to now also legally own media outlets. “The government can still withdraw these laws before they are put to the vote, and we invite them to do so,” Green-Left Front MP Radomir Lazovic told reporters in the Serbian parliament hall. Lazovic said this pro-Europe opposition parties’ request follows a reaction from the European Commission which has asked the Serbian authorities to implement the national media strategy. The law should also be withdrawn since it is obviously being adopted because of the elections, “in order to enable greater control of media”, he added. “If this is not the case, then leave the law for us to discuss it at a later date, after the elections. The media strategy clearly and unambiguously says that the state is to withdraw from media ownership and we are glad the EC recognizes this,” said Lazovic, adding that the EC earlier said that this law is in conflict with the European integration process. Under the law in effect, Telekom should not have owned media, he said. “Even lobbyists were hired, all kinds of things were done in an effort to hide the fact that Telekom actually owns media. Today, this law is an attempt to legalize that situation. But the European Commission did not just react to the ownership issue, it also requested a free media environment, fair competition, protection of media pluralism,” said Lazovic.

 

MP Aleksic: Proposed media laws take us back to the nineties (N1)

 

Opposition MP Miroslav Aleksic told the government that, if they are refusing to withdraw the media laws, then they should at least adopt the proposed amendments, because “that is good for the society, citizens, for you and for your children”. The proposed laws take us back to the darkest times of the nineties, said Aleksic. The Minister should understand that he should not represent any side, but equal media market conditions, these are those European values, he added. He said the submitted amendments should prevent the plundering of Telekom. “Five hundred million euros was siphoned out of Telekom in 2018-2019 to purchase Kopernikus Technology, which was worth 10 million at the time. That same Kopenikus purchased Prva TV and B92 TV. Now you are changing the law so Telekom could again purchase Prva TV and B92 TV. It’s not enough that you once did a transaction and stole 180 million euros from the Serbian citizens, but you want to do it again. We won’t allow it, this is not your inheritance, it is not a bottomless pit, stop plundering Serbia. That is why Telekom is not paying out dividends, because you gave it all for the Premier League, when have you paid out the dividends? Telekom owes a billion and three hundred, you have destroyed that public company and you won’t stop,” said Aleksic. He criticized the incumbent Information Minister saying that, during his term of office, he never once reacted to the daily violence, obscenity and immorality in Serbia. “You don’t mind the REM (Regulatory Body for Electronic Media), and you continue doing the same things. You think the media should operate in a way that they serve you, politically, so you can manipulate some people and then anything is allowed. You destroy morality through the media. What is the price of dishonor? I know that, as a folklore music dancer, you have learnt to dance to one’s tune, but now you are a minister and you need to think about what people will remember you by and what kind of laws were passed during your term of office,” said Aleksic. He said that, “following the change of government, all the thieves from the SNS who plundered the state for 11 years, will be arrested”. Their assets will be seized and returned to the citizens, I publicly promise you this, added Aleksic.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

EUD: PM Viskovic misrepresented Sattler’s words and EU position on OHR (Dnevni avaz)

 

The EU Delegation (EUD) to Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) reacted on Wednesday to wrong comments by Republika Srpska (RS) Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic following his meeting with Head of the EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in B&H Ambassador Johann Sattler held on Tuesday. According to the EUD, PM Viskovic misrepresented both Ambassador Sattler’s words and the EU position on the Office of the High Representative (OHR). The EUD’s statement reads: “The European Union supports the mission of High Representative Christian Schmidt and his Office. Threats against High Representative Schmidt, the campaign to undermine his legitimacy by the RS leadership, undermining the constitutional order of B&H and divisive rhetoric and actions are unacceptable. During the meeting, Ambassador Sattler recalled the EU’s longstanding position, which is that on the path to the European Union, the 5+2 Agenda will need to be fulfilled, allowing the OHR to be closed. In principle, extensive international supervision and the use of executive powers are incompatible with EU membership. Also, executive powers are a measure of last resort. Ambassador Sattler moreover emphasized that the criminalization of defamation, as well as draft legislation to limit the freedom of civil society are significant steps backward for fundamental freedoms, a key element of the 14 Key Priorities. He strongly called for the draft legislation on civil society to be immediately withdrawn from legislative procedure. The EU Ambassador also urged PM Viskovic to ensure that the current opportunities presented by the new momentum on EU enlargement are not missed. The EU expects support for reforms that enable progress on the EU path. This includes for example the Law on Courts and the Law on Conflict of Interest and the introduction of electronic signatures. Reforms to strengthen democracy and human rights, fight corruption, improve the business climate and support the green and digital transition are the only way to a more stable and prosperous B&H and a future in the EU”. Dnevni avaz reminds that PM Viskovic said on Tuesday that Sattler agrees it is unacceptable that a country on the EU road has an unelected foreigner, who intervenes into the legislation. “I want to say it publicly, even if Mister Sattler denies it”, said Viskovic.

 

Viskovic replies to EUD's statement: I did not wrongly interpret Sattler’s statement about Christian Schmidt (RTRS)

 

RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic told RTRS on Wednesday that he has not wrongly interpreted words of Head of the EU Delegation to B&H Johann Sattler about the OHR. “They are trying to say something, without insulting the bosses, those who issue orders, and it is more than clear what this is all about. There is no wrong interpretation simply because of a single reason- everything I have said in Serbian language, they adjusted to English translation, but what is more important is what B&H’s obligations on the European path are and there is no mention there of a High Representative and foreign judges in the Constitutional Court of B&H,” said Viskovic. He noted that Tuesday’s talks with Sattler were fair and there was no agreement on either side that the content is not to be presented in the public. “I am not holding it against Ambassador Sattler and his team because they are not in position to freely present stances, but they always have to present them in a more difficult way, which is to try to curry favor to one, other and third side in B&H, which is very difficult,” said Viskovic. Viskovic also said that he and Sattler openly talked about many topics and that they agree on many issues. Viskovic emphasized that there is no High Representative anywhere on B&H's path to the EU, and that this is one of the most important things that were discussed.

 

Some 4,000 citizens gather at rally ‘We defend RS’ in Zvornik: Participants stress RS interests, its status and constitutional competences, borders, property and its democratic process are unquestionable (RTRS)

 

RTRS reports that a “magnificent” people’s rally under the slogan ‘We defend RS’ gathered more than 4,000 citizens in Zvornik on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials of the RS and the RS representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) institutions also attended and addressed the rally, together with other politicians and leaders from the RS. Participants conveyed a message that the RS interests, its status and constitutional competences, borders, property and its democratic process are unquestionable, as well as that the RS leadership with RS President Milorad Dodik at the helm has full support of the RS people and residents of the region of Birac and Podrinje as well. Zvornik citizens expressed their full support to Dodik and the RS leadership. Serb member of B&H Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic (SNSD) said in her address that the RS has always been wining in each crisis situation and it will be winner this time as well, because all the cities and municipalities in the RS are aware of the values and importance of institutions and how much it is important now whether the RS will have the future or not. Cvijanovic stressed that the RS officials want to show that the RS will have future and that it deserves to have it. RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic (SNSD) called for respect of the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) and the Constitution of B&H. He stressed that the main message from the rally in Zvornik and similar ones is that humiliating of the RS, its institutions and RS President Milorad Dodik will no longer be tolerated. RS parliament speaker Nenad Stevandic (United Srpska) stated that Dodik signed decrees on the two laws that got support of the RS MPs elected by the RS people, otherwise he would have violated the Constitution and betrayed all the votes of people. He stressed that Dodik thus chose between “a trap from Sarajevo, the international conspiracy and respect of his people”, so he decided to respect those who elected him and the RS parliament’s decisions.

 

Ambassador Kalabukhov announces new meeting between Putin and Dodik (Srna)

 

Russian Ambassador to B&H Igor Kalabukhov told Srna on Wednesday that meetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin and RS President Milorad Dodik are good reference for continuation of successful cooperation. He announced that another meeting between Putin and Dodik will take place in the following period, about which they will inform the public in time. “Every time these are the talks between friends and officials who act in a responsible manner,” said Kalabukhov. The Ambassador announced signing of more agreements that will further improve relations between Russia and the RS: “Basically, this is not about political but economic, humanitarian and other relations important for Russia and the RS.” He concluded that one of the important things is construction of Russian Temple in Banja Luka and opening of the Russian Consulate in the RS.

 

Ministers Fajon, Schallenberg tell media Slovenia, Austria and Croatia want EU to open accession talks by end of year (Oslobodjenje)

 

Following the Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), held in Slovenia, Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon stated that Austrian, Croatia and Slovenia want Brussels to open accession talks with B&H in the next two months. “Yes absolutely. We have a joint goal to have the talks between EU and B&H regarding the accession, to start by end of this year. We are working on this with diligence. However, this is a two-way street- both the EU and candidate states have to be ready,” said Fajon. “Austria, Croatia and Slovenia are great friends of the enlargement. We trust that now is the political moment for the EU to move toward new enlargement, so Europe would become stronger and more united because of the geopolitical situation,” said Fajon. Austrian Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg said that Austria, Croatia and Slovenia are good friends of B&H, but “not the only friends”. “We want the talks with B&H to start,” said Schallenberg. Schallenberg noted that some also advocate opening of the accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova by end of the year, asking for accelerated procedure for these countries. However, he said that they advocate united and the same status for all candidate states.

 

German Defense Minister Pistorius cancels his visit to B&H due to global security situation, B&H Security Minister Nesic asks security agencies to assess security situation in B&H (Glas Srpske)

 

German Defense Minister Robert Pistorius unexpectedly cancelled his visit to B&H citing global security situation as the reason. B&H Deputy Minister of Defense Aleksandar Goganovic stated that he is not familiar with concrete reasons for cancellation of Pistorius’s visit. B&H Minister of Security Nenad Nesic stated that if the reason for cancellation are security threats, then this is something that all security agencies in the country need to address. Nesic said that he already sent a request to all B&H security agencies to assess whether a terrorist attack in B&H is likely, and whether there is a possibility of B&H nationals committing a terrorist attack in Europe or elsewhere in the world. Nesic underlined that it is necessary to check if operative information in possession of German authorities are correct, and whether internal security in B&H is jeopardized. He noted that according to the available information, the security situation in B&H is stable. Security expert Radislav Jovicic stated that relevant institutions should use the official channels to check the real reasons for cancellation of Pistorius’s visit. He underlined that B&H authorities should insist on a clear explanation and check if German authorities possess information on a terrorist threat in B&H. He reminded that Italian media recently reported that there are around 20 jihadists cells in the Balkans, preparing to commit terrorist acts in Europe. Dean of Banja Luka Faculty for Security and Defense Stojan Zupljanin stated that in his opinion, the reports of Italian media are credible. According to him, these cells also organize the migrant routes across Balkans, and security agencies should pay them great attention. Asked to comment if recent rally of support to Palestine held in Sarajevo represent a message of support to Hamas, Nesic said that he expects Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior to check if extremist organizations participated in the rally.

 

Zagreb and Rijeka hold solidarity with Palestine rallies (HRT)

 

A Rally of Solidarity with Palestine was held in two Croatian cities, Zagreb and Rijeka, on Wednesday. Organizers said that the protest is part of the global response to the situation in which Gaza is being mercilessly bombed and in which a massive number of innocent Palestinians are being killed. Protesters against Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of the Gaza strip in Zagreb and Rijeka demanded freedom for all Palestinians. The organizer of the solidarity rally Emina Buzinkic: “We understand that the Hamas attack should be condemned unconditionally, and we stand here in solidarity with all the victims of the Hamas attack. But we also decontextualize, and we don't look at it in a vacuum and we look at this retaliation that is happening today in Gaza with thousands killed and thousands wounded. We have gathered here and are asking for an immediate stop, a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors.” Ahead of the rally in Zagreb, the Zagreb police announced that would video record the entire public gathering in the city center in accordance with the Law on Police Duties and Powers. In announcing the solidarity rally to the media Buzinkic emphasized that the protest is part of the global response to the situation in which Gaza is being mercilessly bombed and in which a massive number of people trapped in the Gaza strip are being killed by Israeli forces: “We condemn the apartheid, settler regime and demand freedom for all Palestinians. We are calling for de-occupation and decolonization. An immanent stop to this war. We call for peace and the establishment of freedom in the Palestinian territories.” The Workers' Front also called for a peaceful gathering of solidarity with Palestine through social networks.

 

Zivkovic: We welcome census postponement, boycott to last until conditions for its holding are met (CdM)

 

We welcome the census postponement, but the boycott continues until the conditions for its holding are met, the acting DPS leader Danijel Zivkovic said. He added at the press conference that the essence was to obtain a legal process under full control, where, as he pointed out, the institutions would not be subject to fraud or theft. “PM-designate Milojko Spajic’s position that the census should be postponed confirms that the state was not ready to conduct the census. The purpose of the census is not a national count. We are not the only ones who pointed out the deformities of this process. The bottom line is that we get a legal process under full control, where institutions will not be subject to fraud or theft. Considering that we do not have a date for the Parliament session for the election of the government, DPS remains with the stance of boycott until all the legal requirements and monitoring of this process are met in order to get accurate reports”, he said. According to him, enumerators are still politically colored today. “Should we talk about who the enumerators in Niksic and some other municipalities are? The statement of distrust towards this process was given not only by DPS, but also by other political entities and the NGO sector, councils of national minorities”, Zivkovic pointed out. He emphasized that the request of the DPS was clear – they were not asking for anything more than in 2011. “We know how census commissions are designed and we know what the ultimate goal is”, he added. Answering the question of whether it is true that DPS activists broke into the premises of the census commission in Ulcinj last night, Zivkovic said that this was untrue. “I was there and saw what was happening. That is a disgusting untruth, I have nothing to add. When you hear that from PM or Finance Minister, you know what they are talking about”, he said. Zivkovic pointed out that DPS would an invitation to Eurostat and the European Commission to monitor the census as they did back in 2011.

 

ZBCG: We accept census postponement for 1 December, but any further postponement won’t have our support (CdM)

 

The For the Future of Montenegro (ZBCG) coalition accepts PM-Designate Milojko Spajic’s proposal to postpone the population census to 1 December 2023 for several reasons. This coalition wants the census to be regular so that no one would manipulate its results and that on it every citizen of Montenegro can freely and without pressure answer the questions provided for, as well as be sure that the replies will be credibly recorded in the Monstat database. The attempt to obstruct certain parties and mayors from their ranks, as well as the expressed concern of certain minority councils, could lead to the census scheduled for 1 November not being successful to the end, as well as the collected data not meeting the strict statistical requirements. They are asking their colleagues from the parliamentary majority to urgently amend the Law on Population Census in a way that would enable Monstat to eliminate any kind of obstruction of the census process and bring the whole work to an end in a valid manner.

 

Marichikj – Koopman: N. Macedonia has partners who want to see it in EU, up to us to make the next step (MIA)

 

The EU is ready to further promote the negotiations process with North Macedonia and the region in the coming period, which will lead to clear and visible results in the efforts of getting closer to the EU, said Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European affairs, Bojan Marichikj, and the Director General at the Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Gert Jan Koopman, at a meeting Wednesday. “The EU is ready to accelerate the negotiations, but reforms remain crucial for the progress towards full-fledged membership. It is important for us to know that we have partners who want to see North Macedonia in the EU and who believe that we are ready to make the next step for the good of the country and the citizens,” wrote Marichikj in a Facebook post after the meeting. The Deputy PM assessed the meeting as a positive and important meeting during which they spoked about the country’s relations with the EU, the support of the member states for the continuation of the country’s negotiations process and for the important reforms related to the Euro-integration, especially the rule of law and the fight against corruption. “The European path and the reform agenda must be above all, above the political interest, the dialogue must be active, and there must be a joint commitment to introduce European standards and principles in Macedonian society,” added Marichikj. Earlier on Wednesday, as reported by MIA’s Brussels correspondent, Marichikj held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, discussing the current political developments in the country, the state of play of the screening process, as well as expectations ahead of the 2023 Progress Report. In addition to taking part in the Global Gateway Forum, Marichikj will also meet with European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, MIA reports from Brussels. Marichikj will also hold a briefing with the working group of the Working Party on Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession to the EU (COELA), and a working meeting with Acting Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Michela Matuella, to discuss the screening process and the preparation of strategic documents - Roadmaps for opening Cluster 1 - Fundamentals.

 

PM: North Macedonia's EU path to be focus of Von der Leyen's visit (MIA)

 

Continuing North Macedonia's European integration path will be one of the key topics to be discussed during the upcoming visit of the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen in late October, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said Wednesday. In response to a reporter's question on whether Von der Leyen's visit was aimed at persuading the opposition to vote for the constitutional changes required for the country to continue its accession talks with the EU, Kovachevski said the decision to adopt the amendments was up to Members of Parliament. He added that North Macedonia "is currently the best in the region" regarding its EU integration reforms. "The EU, which has already started its own reform process, and given that new members will be admitted, wants to see the country amid its ranks. Because those who are the best should be the first to enter," Kovachevski said. He also said the country's elections would be held as scheduled, and the exact date would be decided by parliamentary consensus. The PM also said the EC head's visit would be an opportunity to discuss the screening process, the investments the EU has made in North Macedonia as well as the overall European integration process. "A great friend of our country is coming to visit," Kovachevski said, adding that Von der Leyen would meet with him and other government members as well as with President Stevo Pendarovski. Last week, the prime minister said the European Commission President's visit was part of the regular communication between the EC and North Macedonia, highlighting that "no one is arriving to torture anyone, as the opposition says." "One of the opposition leaders said the expected someone to torture him," Kovachevski said. "As you can see, no one was tortured, and no one was pressured."

 

Kovachevski: Elections in regular slot, date to be agreed among all political parties in parliament (MIA)

 

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said Wednesday that elections will be held in the regular slot and the date will be agreed among all political parties in the parliament. "Pertaining to the elections, I think that the VMRO-DPMNE leader is full of red herrings. He talked about early elections, I spoke of regular ones, which will eventually take place. This means that my words have remained the same since the very beginning, because VMRO-DPMNE said for a couple of years that early elections are just around the corner. On the date for the elections, it will be agreed by all political parties in the parliament, as always," PM Kovachevski told reporters. He added that the organization of the elections would begin once a solution is acceptable for all. "This process will take place in the coming weeks and months and once a mutually acceptable solution is reached, the organization for the parliamentary and presidential elections will begin," said Kovachevski. Asked who should initiate the working groups regarding the election date, the PM said such discussions have always taken place in the parliament. "If the government initiates these working groups, then they would take place in the executive, meaning that opposition parties would not take part. These discussions have always taken place within the Parliament, where all parties are represented, be it ruling or opposition," noted Kovachevski.

 

Will demand compensation over transit tax on Russian gas if Bulgaria doesn’t free up pipeline capacities, says Bekteshi (MIA)

 

Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi said he doesn’t expect the upcoming winter to be more difficult than the last in terms of energy, despite the new conflict in the Middle East which has caused an increase in energy prices and the Bulgaria’s introduction of a tax of 10 euros per MWh of Russian natural gas transiting through the country. Bekteshi said the government would demand compensation from Bulgaria and additional assistance from the EU over the implementation of the tax “if the capacities of the pipeline aren’t freed up” in line with the principles of complete market liberalization. “If the capacities aren’t freed up, we will demand compensation from Bulgaria and additional assistance from the European Union regarding the tax,” said Bekteshi in response to a journalist’s question on Wednesday. Bekteshi said while he is Economy Minister he won’t accept “any blackmail from any country in the field of energy supply”. “It is unacceptable to blackmail a country, and it is contrary to the principles of the EU, Bulgaria is an EU member, and it should immediately scrap the taxes not only towards our country, but also in general because they are unacceptable in the EU. They told us they will make an effort to free up the capacities and we are awaiting their decision. In case they don’t free up the capacities, we will use the current capacities and demand additional compensation from Bulgaria and the EU,” stressed Bekteshi. Earlier in October, Bulgaria imposed a tax on the transit of Russian gas through its territory in an apparent effort to impact the profits of Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom.

 

Rama at the "Global Gateway" forum in Brussels (Radio Tirana)

 

Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Brussels to participate in the 'Global Gateway' forum, addressing current European challenges and the significance of international cooperation. During his stay in Brussels, Prime Minister Rama also met with the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood, Oliver Varhelyi. As stated, the Prime Minister, they discussed the New Economic Growth Plan announced at the Tirana Summit. The Global Gateway Forum is a two-day invitation-only meeting in Brussels on October 25 and 26, bringing together government representatives from the EU and around the world, along with the private sector, civil society, financial institutions, and international organizations. According to the agenda published by the European Commission, the plenary session will start at 13:30, where the President of the EC, Ursula Von der Leyen, the Prime Minister Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Japan, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations will speak. United States, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the President of Senegal. The Gateway Global Forum has brought together government representatives from the European Union and around the world with the private sector, civil society, leading thinkers, funding institutions and international organizations on 25 and 26 October 2023. The discussion will be focused on issues related to global infrastructure investment, including challenges facing the public and private sectors, best practices, and lessons learned. A list of main topics is shown in the following: green energy transition and green hydrogen, Education and research, Critical raw materials, Transport corridors, Production of health products and Digital infrastructure. The Forum will also provide a platform to demonstrate the delivery of the G7 Partnership for Infrastructure and Global Investment.

 

Yuri Kim hosts speaker Nikolla at the State Department; Reforms enhancement on focus of the talks (Radio Tirana)

 

The speaker of the Assembly Lindita Nikolla met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State, the former American ambassador in Tirana Yuri Kim. Nikolla and Kim discussed about the political developments in Albania and the advancement of reforms, cooperation for defense and cyber security; Albania's leadership in the SC and contribution to the Human Rights Council; the fight against terrorism, the developments in the North of Kosovo and the need for the intervention of the Euro-Atlantic community to de-escalate the situation. They also discussed about the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue as the only way to guarantee peace; Albania's leadership in the Berlin Process and contribution as a factor for regional development, integration and stability; the contribution of the Assembly to guarantee the democratic legitimacy and comprehensive character of the European integration process, etc.

 

Gjirokastra joins the global initiative in support of refugees (Radio Tirana)

 

The city of Gjirokastra has joined the global initiative in support of refugees. The Mayor Flamur Golemi of Gjirokastra and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Representative in Albania, Toshitsuki Kawauchi, signed a declaration of solidarity. Major Golemi said that "Gjirokasta’s citizens have constantly opened their doors and hearts to protect and shelter foreigners who needed them in difficult times". Moreover, the Mayor referenced the historical rescue of Jews during the Second World War and the hospitality extended to the brothers from Kosovo in 1999. UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR protects the rights and welfare of refugees, assisting tens of millions in restarting their lives over more than six decades.