Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BELGRADE1200
2008-11-21 12:39:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Belgrade
Cable title:
SERBIA: FM JEREMIC TAKES A BRUISING IN THE PRESS
how-toVZCZCXRO6632 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHBW #1200 3261239 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 211239Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY BELGRADE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0659 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RHEHNS/NSC WASHDC RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0031
UNCLAS BELGRADE 001200
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL SR KV
SUBJECT: SERBIA: FM JEREMIC TAKES A BRUISING IN THE PRESS
Summary
--------------
(SBU) Recent articles in Serbia's media about the EU's displeasure
with Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic's rhetoric are causing a bruising
for the media-conscious Jeremic. The simultaneous timing of the
stories leaves open speculation that some within his Democratic
Party (DS) may be trying to reign in the outspoken FM. End
summary.
Media Reports EU Critical of Jeremic
--------------
2. (SBU) Serbian media recently published several articles about
how FM Jeremic's growing rhetoric is annoying EU member countries.
On November 20 Novi Sad-based daily "Dnevnik," (which is partly
owned by German media company WAZ) published an article citing a
supposed internal EU document drafted by EU officials following the
European Commission's annual report on Serbia's EU integration
process, which was published this month. According to "Dnevnik,"
the supposed EU document criticizes Jeremic's use of "unacceptable
rhetoric" and says that Jeremic's statements could be "undermining
Serbia's EU aspirations." The daily writes that many EU members
have expressed their displeasure at Jeremic's recent "outbursts."
German officials called his statements "damaging for Serbia."
Jeremic is "trying to blame the EU for his own government's failings
in advance," German diplomats believe, according to the daily.
"Dnevnik" reports that British officials find Jeremic's statements,
"detrimental to both regional stability, the role of the EU, and to
Serbia itself." The daily cites additional criticisms of Jeremic
from unnamed Italian, Belgian, Swedish, Hungarian, and Czech
diplomats.
3. (SBU) In the same tone, Belgrade daily "Blic" published a
November 21 article saying that according to European officials,
Jeremic is among the most unpopular regional politicians. The
article, citing a "Blic" source in Brussels, says Jeremic always
tends to "teach lessons to everybody", and therefore foreign
officials are trying to avoid meeting with him. "Blic" notes that,
due to his populist rhetoric and behavior, Jeremic's popularity in
Serbia is growing, while at the same time, his credibility among
neighbor states and the international community is plunging. In
foreign circles Jeremic is seen as a politician who changes
positions all the time and who "does not want to hear what his
interlocutors want to tell him," writes "Blic."
Comment
--------------
4. (SBU) Jeremic, who has closely followed his own rise in
Serbia's popularity polls, will likely take offense to the EU
criticisms against him and his jingoistic style. With these
criticisms now public, even among government-friendly media, Jeremic
may now be facing growing disdain for his leadership style from
within his own party ranks. End comment.
MUNTER
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL SR KV
SUBJECT: SERBIA: FM JEREMIC TAKES A BRUISING IN THE PRESS
Summary
--------------
(SBU) Recent articles in Serbia's media about the EU's displeasure
with Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic's rhetoric are causing a bruising
for the media-conscious Jeremic. The simultaneous timing of the
stories leaves open speculation that some within his Democratic
Party (DS) may be trying to reign in the outspoken FM. End
summary.
Media Reports EU Critical of Jeremic
--------------
2. (SBU) Serbian media recently published several articles about
how FM Jeremic's growing rhetoric is annoying EU member countries.
On November 20 Novi Sad-based daily "Dnevnik," (which is partly
owned by German media company WAZ) published an article citing a
supposed internal EU document drafted by EU officials following the
European Commission's annual report on Serbia's EU integration
process, which was published this month. According to "Dnevnik,"
the supposed EU document criticizes Jeremic's use of "unacceptable
rhetoric" and says that Jeremic's statements could be "undermining
Serbia's EU aspirations." The daily writes that many EU members
have expressed their displeasure at Jeremic's recent "outbursts."
German officials called his statements "damaging for Serbia."
Jeremic is "trying to blame the EU for his own government's failings
in advance," German diplomats believe, according to the daily.
"Dnevnik" reports that British officials find Jeremic's statements,
"detrimental to both regional stability, the role of the EU, and to
Serbia itself." The daily cites additional criticisms of Jeremic
from unnamed Italian, Belgian, Swedish, Hungarian, and Czech
diplomats.
3. (SBU) In the same tone, Belgrade daily "Blic" published a
November 21 article saying that according to European officials,
Jeremic is among the most unpopular regional politicians. The
article, citing a "Blic" source in Brussels, says Jeremic always
tends to "teach lessons to everybody", and therefore foreign
officials are trying to avoid meeting with him. "Blic" notes that,
due to his populist rhetoric and behavior, Jeremic's popularity in
Serbia is growing, while at the same time, his credibility among
neighbor states and the international community is plunging. In
foreign circles Jeremic is seen as a politician who changes
positions all the time and who "does not want to hear what his
interlocutors want to tell him," writes "Blic."
Comment
--------------
4. (SBU) Jeremic, who has closely followed his own rise in
Serbia's popularity polls, will likely take offense to the EU
criticisms against him and his jingoistic style. With these
criticisms now public, even among government-friendly media, Jeremic
may now be facing growing disdain for his leadership style from
within his own party ranks. End comment.
MUNTER