OSCE and Serbia's Chairmanship in 2015

OSCE and Serbia's Chairmanship in 2015

One of the main topics in front of minister Dacic is definitely Serbia’s Chairmanship over OSCE in 2015. Minister presented Serbia’s Chairmanship Programme in Vienna this July. It is already announced that Serbia will be host of December’s OSCE ministerial meeting which will represent the introduction of Serbia’s OSCE Chairmanship. Mr. Dacic stressed that ‘Serbia doesn’t want to be part of the problem, but it wants to be the part of problems resolving’. He also believes that Serbia’s negotiating experience with Kosovo’s Albanians will be helpful during Serbia’s chairmanship. During his address in front of the OSCE’s Standing Committee Mr. Dacic presented the main goals of Serbia’s chairmanship. These goals include support to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, strengthening of cooperation and post-conflict rebuilding of the Western Balkans, support to the dialogue in so called ‘frozen conflicts’. Mr. Dacic announced that Serbia will organize Ecological-Economic Forum in 2015 and that Serbia will initiate adopting of the Youth Action Plan in Security Area. Serbia will strongly support fight against terrorism, organized crime and corruption during its OSCE leadership. Minister told that he will visit all OSCE missions in Balkans including the one in Pristina. At the beginning of December Swiss town of Basel will be host of the OSCE ministerial conference which will be first step of Swiss delegating of OSCE chairmanship to Serbia. It is expected that Serbia will chair first session of the OSCE Standing Committee in the middle of January 2015.  Minister Dacic expressed hope that Serbia will be able to help Russia and Ukraine to resolve the current misunderstanding in Ukrainian crisis. He called president Putin and president Poroshenko to find the route toward mutual understanding and peace. Serbian head of Diplomacy and First Deputy Prime Minister used his presence at the UN GA to present his views on OSCE’s role in resolving European security crisis. At the beginning of October Mr. Dacic visited Finland and spoke with his colleague Mr. Tuomioja. This visit was very important having in mind that Serbia will preside over the OSCE in the 40^th year since the adoption of the ‘Helsinki Accords’. It will be a great opportunity for Serbia and Finland to mark this important jubilee. Minister Dacic held numerous meetings with his Swiss colleagues including Mr. Didier Burkhalter, the foreign minister of Switzerland and Ambassador Gerard Studman, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman for the Western Balkans. No doubt it shows good cooperation between Switzerland and Serbia, the two co-presiding countries over OSCE in 2014/15.

Toncev’s Case Closed

Toncev’s Case Closed

After urgent control of national security’s advisor’s properties origin National Anti-Corruption Agency of Serbia decided to close investigation concluding that there are none irregularities regarding Toncev’s properties.

Agency stated that there is no basis for further investigation against Mr. Toncev. The investigation started last year February after media’s campaign against the national security advisor of that time PM of Serbia.

After the start of campaign against him Toncev decided to wait decision of the Agency but also he has left the post of MP in the National Assembly. He is in the group of several politicians who have decided to leave double posts in Serbia. Toncev decided to leave MP’s post in January 2013.

Who is IvicaToncev?

Who is IvicaToncev?

photo: vesti-online.com

IvicaToncev, one of the closest associates of the president of the Socialist Party of Serbia and chief of Serbian diplomacy IvicaDacic, was mentioned in several media reports in Serbia and abroad. These reports were mainly related to the ‘’yellow press’’ accusations regarding Toncev’s academic qualifications but also about some connections between him and some controversial business mans. Anyway, official state control found that there are none irregularities regarding academic and professional background. Toncev supported these research activities but he also wandered why he is the only state official under such a public pressure. He believes that some interest groups stand behind the negative campaign against him because he doesn’t belong to none of these groups. State control report has shown that Toncev never studied at disputable school in Pec and that he finished elementary and high school in his hometown of Surdulica. The Ministry of education also concluded that Toncev was studying management in Belgrade and Zajecar, but not in Pristina as some ‘’yellow press’’ has tried to present.  It should be stressed that Toncev hasn’t been subject of any civil or criminal allegations investigation ever. At the same time some ‘’yellow press’’ tried to judge not on the base of concrete evidences but on the basis of some photos which were made some twenty years ago. 

And who is IvicaToncev actually?

IvicaToncev, born in Surdulica (Serbia), as a young man goes to west Europe where he lived till 2008 year. He was successful businessman during his stay in west Europe. In the mid 2000’s, during the time of isolation of Socialist Party of Serbia, he decides to join SPS after he met IvicaDacic. After the parliamentary elections in 2008, Toncev became advisor of that time interior affairs minister IvicaDacic. Toncev was in charge of European integrations. After Dacic was elected as a Serbian Prime Minister in 2012, Toncev firstly became member of the parliament and few months later he was appointed as the national security advisor of the Prime Minister. Toncev was national security advisor since August 2012 till April 2014. In the meantime Toncev very often travels together with the Prime Minister as a one of his closest associates. At the same time he was engaged as a coordinating person during the emergency situations. He volunteered as a member of the Public Private Partnership Commission. After the reconstruction of Serbian Government in 2013 Toncev decided to relinquish earnings he received as a national security advisor. He explained that it is his contribution toward rationalized state spending. Toncev was engaged as a mediator in strengthening of friendly relations between Serbia and Bulgaria. He was also engaged on the preparing of the new Law on Asylum. In general, Toncev is perceived as a person with great networking skills thanks to what he was successful in several areas. It is also related to his managerial education and skills. Toncev graduated at the Megatrend International Expert Conzortium in Belgrade and later he became M.A. in management at the Megatrend University.

Since the end of 2012 he actively participates in the financial consolidating of the FC Red Star Belgrade. He is appointed as a vice president of the FC Red Star which expects champion title after six years break. He is opened toward sport journalists regarding the topics related to the financial and security issues but also for the competition issues. In the SPS he is a member of the Main Board. He was also engaged as a chair of the Financial Commission of the SPS. Toncev is among rare Serbian politicians who decided to resign on the MP’s post because of political functions dualism. While he was MP he was engaged in the work of parliamentary committees in charge of diaspora and economy. Toncev chaired the parliamentary group of friendship between Serbia and Austria. 

Manipulating with the Role of PM’s Advisor Toncev

Manipulating with the Role of PM’s Advisor Toncev

photo: telegraf

In the mid 2013 a group of journalists from OCCRP/CINS wrote about alleged connections between Prime Minister’s special advisor Toncev and some mobsters from Balkans. The final outcome of these claims can be defined as placing of many untested and unproved claims. It is more than obvious having in mind that official state research has shown that Mr. Toncev didn’t have any unauthorized relations with any of criminal groups.

Center for Investigative Reporting in Serbia quotes unofficial and unseen report of Serbian intelligence agency (BIA). CINS claims that in the previously mentioned report there are several names of Balkans criminals who can be connected with the advisor. Anyway there are not any strong proves for these claims. Mr. Toncev declined any negative context of his contacts with these persons. Actually he stressed that his meetings with these persons didn’t have any mysterious nature and that state authorities were aware of that. ‘I was acting for the good of country and state officials are aware of that. Therefore my conscience is clear’, said Toncev.

There are also quoted some allegedly suspicious connections with Montenegrin businessmen Branislav Saranovic who was killed in Belgrade in 2009. Toncev says that it is a fact that he has sold his construction company to Mr. Saranovic but that it is everything what he can say about that topic. Toncev asks why is he so interesting to journalists and some centers of power?  In his opinion it is the case because he is not involved in any of suspicious privatizations in Serbia but also because he doesn’t belong to any of these lobby groups. He also asked why os he so interesting to the investigative media which already conducted three researches about him? At the same time, there are at least 10,000 state officials who might be interesting topics for these journalists, said Toncev.

CINS quotes that some foreign diplomats accredited in Belgrade warned Prime Minister Dacic about Mr’ Toncev’s incapacity for highest state duties. In Toncev’s opinion it can not be the case because he had friendly and professional contacts with many diplomats accredited in Serbia including those from the EU member states. ‘Do you believe that it is appropriate and in accordance with diplomatic practice to accuse PM’s advisor in private chat with the Prime Minister? It sounds pretty funny’, said Toncev. Toncev added that he never was accused for any of criminal activities in front of the state authorities. He stressed that there must be made distinction between regular state procedures which includes investigative authorities and judiciary and some ordered investigations carried out by some investigative press. Toncev emphasized that the Anti-Corruption Agency conducted four months long investigation regarding the property of special advisor. The final outcome was the official report which states that there are not any irregularities regarding Toncev’s property and its acquisition. Toncev believes that the Agency did its job very professionally but he also believes that the investigation was initiated by media campaign which was organized against him.   

Ivica Toncev emphasizes the importance of modernizing of Serbia what includes better conditions for foreign and domestic investments. He also expresses huge admiration for the energy delivered by leaders of Serbian Government, Mr. Vucic and Mr. Dacic. Regarding himself, Mr. Toncev believes that previously mentioned officials know if his role is useful for the wellbeing of Serbia. He strongly believes that commitment and honest work are the strongest arguments in his professional defense. It is not an easy way to defend personal and professional integrity in our political life but it is the only right way’, said Mr. Toncev. 

Toncev might be appointed as a new State Secretary of the Serbian Ministry of Interior

Toncev might be appointed as a new State Secretary of the Serbian Ministry of Interior

photo: telegraf.rs

According to the several Serbian newspapers special advisor (in charge of national security) of the former Serbian Prime Minister might be appointed as a new State Secretary in the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia.

Toncev is a member of the Socialist Party of Serbia. Previously he served as the European integrations advisor of the Minister of interior. 

The Telegraph

Ukraine crisis: Poland asks Nato to station 10,000 troops on its territory

Nato is divided over demands from Poland and the Baltic states for a permanent deployment of the Alliance's troops to defend them from Russia

photo: pravda.rs

Poland asked Nato to station 10,000 troops on its territory on Tuesday as a visible demonstration of the Alliance's resolve to defend all its members after Russia's seizure of Crimea.

Nato foreign ministers met in Brussels to consider requests for soldiers to be deployed in Poland and the Baltic States, all of which share borders with Russia.

Nato generals and admirals have been ordered to devise ways to better protect alliance members that feel threatened by Russia, and "all practical civilian and military cooperation" with Russia.

President Vladimir Putin has massed about 40,000 troops nearUkraine's eastern frontier, giving himself the option of seizing more of his neighbour's territory.

On Monday, he assured Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, that some of these forces would be withdrawn. But the ministers disclosed that Russia had yet to keep this promise.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10737838/Ukraine-crisis-Poland-asks-Nato-to-station-10000-troops-on-its-territory.html

Toncev Emphasized the Importance of Economic Stability for Sustainable Development of Serbia

Toncev Emphasized the Importance of Economic Stability for Sustainable Development of Serbia

photo: chicago.vistage.com

Ivica Toncev, Serbian Prime Minister’s advisor for national security spoke several times regarding the interconnection between national security and economy. Mr. Toncev stressed that the crucial issue for national security strengthening is development of national economy.

Therefore, Serbia needs to make further steps toward creating even better conditions for foreign direct investments but also and for the domestic investments. ‘That means easier procedures for starting of business in Serbia, state’s support for large volume investments, supporting measures for new employments etc.’, said Toncev.

Toncev was personaly engaged in these issues during his official visits to some EU countries. He has visited Italy several times regarding these issues. 

South China Morning Post

Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida urges dialogue with China to ease tensions

Fumio Kishida urges talks on maritime defence to reduce risk of an increase in territorial tensions

Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Photo: AP

China and Japan should resume talks on establishing a maritime defence communication mechanism and other practical issues, Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told the South China Morning Post.

Resolving these issues would reduce the risk of an unintended escalation in territorial tensions in the East China Sea and pave the way for improved relations overall, Kishida said in an exclusive interview with the Post in Tokyo.

He urged China to continue "our candid exchange of views" and hoped the discussions would lead to high-level political talks between the two sides.

His appeal came at time when bilateral ties have been severely strained by disputes over the Diaoyu Islands, known in Japan as the Senkakus, and the visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in December to the Yasukuni Shrine that honours the country's war dead, including 14 leading war criminals.

Since that visit, Beijing has suspended most official exchanges with Tokyo and said Chinese leaders would refuse to meet Abe and other senior Japanese officials as the countries became locked in a global public relations battle.

In the latest move to ratchet up political pressure, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved two national remembrance days to commemorate the Nanking massacre and Japan's defeat in the second world war.

The tensions have stoked international concern over the chance of an accidental confrontation between the two countries - the world's second largest and third largest economies after the United States - as Japanese and Chinese fighter jets and patrol ships shadow each other around the Diaoyus.

Kishida said it was necessary and important for both countries to take concrete measures to reduce unnecessary misunderstanding and friction.

"It indeed serves no-one's interest - neither Japan's, China's or relevant countries - to have an accidental incident between the two countries," he said.

To avoid unintended consequences, he said both sides should move ahead to implement a bilateral maritime defence communication mechanism, which has already been agreed in principle.

He said: "Although the Japan-China relationship is at a difficult stage right now, it is important that we continue our candid exchange of views so that various dialogues, such as the maritime communication mechanism, lead to high-level political dialogue. I hope the Chinese side will respond from the same perspective to our call for dialogue."

Throughout the interview, Kishida repeatedly called for dialogue in a conciliatory tone, saying the bilateral relationship was one of the most important for Japan. He said he wanted to advance the mutually beneficial relationship based upon the common strategic interests of the two countries.

"China's peaceful development is a great benefit and opportunity not only for Japan but the entire region and the international community," Kishida said.

He added that Sino-Japanese relations were closer and more mutually dependent on each other than ever before, citing bilateral trade, Japanese investment in China and tourism figures showing that about five million people visited each other's country every year.

Asked if China had responded in any way to Japan's calls for dialogue, Kishida said there had been various talks between the two countries on working-level co-operation and exchanges in the private sector.

In an interesting development, even as Beijing ratcheted up political pressure on Japan, it has quietly begun easing controls over bilateral economic and cultural exchanges imposed since Abe's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.

Last Monday, Japan announced that the three Chinese delegations representing young rural officials, journalists and middle-school students, which were originally scheduled to visit Japan in January, would resume their visits from later this month.

Kishida defended Abe's visit to the shrine, which drew condemnation from China and South Korea, who both see the shrine as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism. The visit was even rebuked by Japan's most powerful ally, the United States.

Kishida said Japan's diplomatic policy and recognition of history had not changed at all. "With regard to our relationship with China and [South Korea], I believe it is important to develop a future-oriented, co-operative relationship."

The Chinese foreign ministry agreed with Kishida's suggestion that Sino-Japanese disputes should be resolved through dialogue, but said it had seen no support for such talks from Tokyo.

"China's position in the East China Sea and Diaoyu Islands is consistent," ministry spokesman Qin Gang said yesterday during a daily press briefing .

"We think that both two sides should properly manage their disputes through dialogue and consultations.

"[However], the Japanese government recently stirred up trouble over the Diaoyu Islands issue, and refuses to carry out real and sincere dialogue and negotiation with the Chinese side.

"That's why the two sides have disputes and differences on the Diaoyu Islands issue and issues in the East China Sea.

"We hope the Japanese side will respond sincerely to China's position, face up to facts and history and carry out real consultation with the Chinese side on relevant issues."

For the full transcript of the South China Morning Post’s interview with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, visitwww.scmp.com/kishida

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as Japanese minister appeals for dialogue

Source: http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1439661/japanese-foreign-minister-fumio-kishida-urges-dialogue-china-ease

Toncev: (Week) Economy is the Biggest Threat to National Security

Toncev: (Week) Economy is the Biggest Threat to National Security

Ivica Toncev; photo: kurir-info.rs

Ivica Toncev who is engaged as Serbian Prime Minister’s advisor spoke for ‘’Danas’’ about national security of Serbia. He has underlined that week economy and lack of large investments can lead toward rise of corruption and organized crime. He is aware that citizens of Serbia are in fear because of the current state of Serbia’s economy. ‘They are also frightened that they might loose their jobs’, told Toncev.

Last October special advisor decided to work without salary in the Government. He explained that as a measure of support toward other citizens who are in difficult economic situation.

Toncev emphasized the policy of the PM Dacic and his deputy Mr. Vucic regarding future economic measures within Serbia. He believes that all social groups should support these measures which should strengthen Serbian economy and its citizen’s life standard.

Even though many people were surprised by his decision to work as a volunteer in the Government special advisor told that he has a lot of professional experience and enough property to allow self volunteering engagement.

Few months ago special advisor was subject of several newspapers which were writing about Toncev’s controversial academic and business connections. After special advisor’s insisting state authorities condemned several checks which have proved that his professional and academic background doesn’t have any irregularities.

Source: danas.rs

You can real complete article in Serbian on:  http://www.danas.rs/danasrs/drustvo/ekonomija_je_najveca_bezbednosna_pretnja.55.html?news_id=268909

BBC NEWS

13 April 2014 Last updated at 21:24 GMT

Could use of force in Ukraine's east backfire?

By David SternBBC News, Kiev

photo: afp

Ukraine's President Oleksander Turchynov has issued an ultimatum to pro-Russian activists and gunmen in the country's east - lay down your arms and vacate government buildings by Monday morning, otherwise the government will call in the army.

It would seem he has no time to lose. Large parts of eastern Ukraine are slipping out of Kiev's control.

More and more police stations and government buildings have been falling to the protesters and unidentified militants.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

All the people here are against the government. They may not entirely like the taking over of the police station, but people here are angry”

YuliaJournalist in Sloviansk

Donetsk, Luhansk, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka - these are the cities or towns where the activists have established themselves, with reports of building takeovers in Mariupol and Yenakiyevo.

Ukraine's state security head, Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, was categorical: "We don't have much time left. Tonight and tomorrow will be crucial."

Red lines

But, according to the government, this is not a home-grown insurrection.

Mr Turchynov repeated accusations, supported by western officials, that Russia is behind the tumult.

Many of the gunmen carry Russian weapons and look very much like the Kremlin forces who took Crimea.

"The aggressor has not stopped and is continuing to sow disorder in the east of the country," he said.

Ukraine's newly installed leaders have already set down a red line. They say they will respond to Russian incursions into the country with force.

Now, they say, this line has been crossed.

However, the Kremlin has also drawn its own line.

Russian officials have said Kiev must refrain from any violence against the protesters, otherwise it risks "sparking a civil war" in the country.

Moscow has declared it has "no intention" of sending troops into Ukraine.

But, Russia's legislature has also authorised President Vladimir Putin to intervene in Ukraine militarily, if Moscow's interests are threatened.

These interests, according to Mr Putin, include Ukraine's Russian-speaking population - though the overwhelming majority of them are in fact ethnic Ukrainians.

But a military crackdown on the protesters carries not just a threat from abroad. There are internal risks as well.

If what the Kiev, Washington and Brussels officials say is true - that Russian organisers and special forces are among the activists - there are apparently still a number of locals there, too.

It bears remembering that this government was itself swept into power on a wave of outrage at the deaths of Ukrainians at the hands of former President Viktor Yanukovych's government.

Sceptical

The people in the east of the country are Ukrainian citizens. Many of them say they do not want to see the country divided.

And so far there has been an upsurge of unity and patriotism, driven by the perceived threat from Russia.

But many of them also remain sceptical of this new government. They believe it is made up of people from the country's west and centre, who do not have their needs and concerns at heart.

Others are on the fence. They are waiting to see what the next days will bring. If there is bloodshed, it may turn them against Kiev.

"All of the people here are against the government - even those who went to the capital to demonstrate," said Yulia, a local journalist in Sloviansk.

"They came back from there, and they saw a bunch of oligarchs made governors - just the people they were fighting against," she said.

"They may not entirely like the taking over of the police station, but people here are angry."

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27014672

John Kerry faces dilemma after latest Middle East impasse

www.theguardian.com

John Kerry faces dilemma after latest Middle East impasse

J Scott Applewhite/AP

US secretary of state is facing demands in Washington to get tougher with Israel over key issue of settlements

Israeli officials were reportedly astounded to hear John Kerry pin the blame on Binyamin Netanyahu for the impasse in the latest round of peace talks with the Palestinians. Maybe they were being a tad naive? Or perhaps Kerry didn't intend to be that blunt? But there's little doubt it was bad news for Netanyahu.

The US has since made soothing noises suggesting that the secretary of state was not in fact pointing the finger exclusively at Israel. Still, his account to the Senate foreign relations committee suggested otherwise: first in the sequence of events he described came Israel's refusal to free 26 prisoners (vital for Mahmoud Abbas to demonstrate he has something tangible to show for negotiating); then the announcement of 700 new settlement units ("Poof, that was the moment," Kerry said); and only then came the violation by the Palestinians – their unilateral move to sign up to international treaties to allow them to tackle Israel's 46-year-old occupation through legal means.

Kerry has invested a huge amount of time, effort and diplomatic capital in an effort to cajole the parties into coming back to the negotiating table and then staying there and making enough concessions to ensure the process continues. Kerry and his officials insist that it can still go on, though the onus is on both protagonists to make sure it does.

The original US deadline of the end of April for an Israeli-Palestinian "framework agreement" now appears impossible to reach, and there are warnings that the window of opportunity for a two-state solution to the conflict is set to slam shut. Kerry has predicted that Israel will face new pressure – in the form of growing calls for boycotts or sanctions – if that option is no longer available.

In the febrile, closely observed world of the peace process, things never stand still for long. Netanyahu's own commitment to a viable two-state outcome may be hard to assess, but the difficulty with his coalition partners was highlighted immediately when his minister of the economy, Naftali Bennett, of the far-right Jewish Home party, vowed that Israel would never apologise for building in Jerusalem.

Settlement in the occupied territories remains the single most important issue on the table – far larger than the recently introduced demand for Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.

Retaliation was not long in coming: Netanyahu on Wednesday ordered his officials to stop meeting their Palestinian counterparts. The only exception was Tzipi Livni, Israel's chief negotiator. Whether there will be anything much for her to talk about is a different matter. In the absence of a meaningful process, things look more favourable for the Palestinians in the long term.

It is hard to say whether there ever really was a fair chance for Kerry's effort in the face of Palestinian internal divisions as well as Israeli conditions. But it would still be an uncharacteristically bold US administration that admits to total, final failure. "For better or worse, in some form, the overall process will go on and on – and on," said Aaron David Miller, an old hand at the game.

But the US may need to change tack. "The only reason there's any public ambiguity about who is to blame for this latest diplomatic crisis is that the Obama administration … won't play referee," wrote the liberal Jewish American columnist Peter Beinart in Haaretz. "It won't point out the obvious: that one party to the current talks accepts the 1967 lines as the basis for talks and the other doesn't."

Kerry faces a dilemma about what to do next, as well as explicit demands in Washington to get tougher with Israel. Zbigniew Brzezinski, a former US national security adviser, and other foreign policy luminaries quickly urged a stronger line on what so many on both sides consider to be the key roadblock.

"US disapproval of continued settlement enlargement in the occupied territories by Israel's government as 'illegitimate' and 'unhelpful' does not begin to define the destructiveness of this activity," they wrote. "Nor does it dispel the impression that we have come to accept it despite our rhetorical objections. Halting the diplomatic process on a date certain until Israel complies with international law and previous agreements would help to stop this activity and clearly place the onus for the interruption where it belongs."

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/09/john-kerry-dilemma-middle-east-israel-settlements