Albania
The Government launched the Media and Information Agency, former prosecutor general Adriatik Llalla was convicted of corruption, and the opposition divided. The agency will monitor “media publications and mass media, to identify the perception and attitude of the public towards the activity of state administration institutions.” The Tirana Appeals Court upheld another court’s verdict against Llalla. The Democratic Party’s leader Basha excluded former party leader Berisha from the party’s parliamentary group, with the latter now seeking more support among the party’s members.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Serb Presidency Member Dodik on Republika Srpska (RS) declaring independence, Croat Presidency Member Komsic on the country’s sovereignty challenges, and Bosniak Presidency Member Dzeferovic on the Genocide Denial Law. Dodik stated that without returning to the “original Dayton Agreement,” RS will exit agreements on the military and indirect taxes, will form an army, ban the work of the Constitutional Court, and declare independence in six months. Komsic accused Croatia and Serbia of holding “the ultimate goal of dissolution or disintegration of B-H and annexation of parts of its territories.” Dzeferovic praised the International Community for supporting the Genocide Denial Law.
Croatia
President Milanovic participated in the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, a legal dispute over Prosecco with Italy, and Police broke a migrant smuggling gang. Milanovic stated that the Afghan refugees should find their place in America, as the Afghan refugee crisis is their fault. Italy’s Prosecco producers claim that once it becomes an EU brand name, the Croatian Prosek could confuse consumers and risk weakening their sparkling drink image. The gang of eight Croatian nationals and a Serb smuggled more than 100 migrants from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Kosovo
Special Police Forces deployed at the border crossing Jarinje to secure the rule to remove Serbian license plates from cars entering the country, EU urged both parties to ensure freedom of movement, and the US called for immediate de-escalation steps. North Kosovo Serbs blocked roads in protest over license plate restrictions. Neighborhood and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said the measures should not be in place. US Embassy Nicholas J. Giacobbe stated that the present crisis “can have unintended consequences adversely impacting everyday lives of citizens.”
Montenegro
Prime Minister Abazovic met with Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop, the Parliament voted to sanction President Djukanovic over the Cetinje Monastery incident, and Patriarch Porfirije participated in the enthronement of the bishop of Budva-Niksic Methodius in Berane. Abazovic stated that Montenegro and Turkey are “two brotherly countries beyond friendship.” The Constitutional Court should decide on whether Djukanovic violated his constitutional responsibilities by backing the protesters. Porfirije stated that the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral chair will be in the Cetinje Monastery until the end of the world.
North Macedonia
EU Commissioner Varhelyi paid an official visit to Bulgaria, the country’s delegation headed by Ambassador Abdul Qadir Mimidi participated in Expo 2020 Dubai, and more than one million citizens have been counted in the ongoing census. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Stoev said that their position toward North Macedonia remains the same. The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry explored investment cooperation with the country. The State Statistical Institute stated census is going well and by the planned intensity.
Serbia
President Vucic commented on the ongoing crisis in Kosovo, Interior Minister Vulin visited Special Police Unit in Kraljevo, and heavy weaponry was seen moving toward the Jarinje border crossing. Vucic stated there would be no talks until official Prishtina withdrew its forces from the North of Kosovo. Vulin said that “the gendarmerie is ready, trained, technically equipped, but most importantly highly motivated, to defend its people wherever it is needed.” The army troops in regions near Kosovo are on higher alert, accompanied by tanks and airplanes.