UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 4, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti meets Costa: Kosovo ready for advance on EU path (media)
Kurti meets Kallas; “I discussed terrorist attack on critical infrastructure” (media)
Osmani talks with O’Brien about attack in Zubin Potok (RFE)
Police Director: Attack on Iber Lepenc similar to a war-time sabotage attack (RTK)
Svecla publishes photos of confiscated ammunition, weapons and arms (media)
Osmani to meet with new president of EU Council and EP president today (media)
Bislimi accuses Serbia of aggressive discrimination against Albanians in the Valley (media)
Osmani honors “extraordinary contribution of persons with disabilities” (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: Whoever caused incident on water canal did not do it in Serbia's interest (media)
Vucic: Discussion with Kallas open, difficult (Tanjug)
Kallas: Normalization of relations is only path to EU membership (media, social media)
Vucic meets Lajcak: Serbia will insist on truth and protection of Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)
Djuric meets Chinese Ambassador Li Ming (media)
Lin: China condemns attack on infrastructure in Kosovo, rights of all ethnic groups should be protected (media)
Jevtic: Incident on Ibar-Lepenac water canal benefits Kurti, I’m increasingly convinced it was preplanned (Kosovo Online)
Gogic: Pristina did not receive desired outcome from EP Foreign Affairs Committee (media)

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti: Slovenia, a model for countries of former Yugoslavia (media)
Maqedonci: KSF is not forbidden in the north, but coordination is required (media)
​​New head of European Council to host Balkan leaders today (media)
Prosecutorial Council and Office of Chief State Prosecutor react to Kurti (media)
One month detention for suspect in Iber-Lepenc attack (media)
Serwer: We’ve seen a series of attacks against Kosovo (media)
Chief prosecutor in Belgrade: Decision on indictment for Radoicic soon (media)
Education union head warns with mass protest (media)
Prevent: Some Telegram channels promote actions against Police and KFOR (Koha)

Serbian Language Media:

Arsenijevic terms Selim Pacolli’s posts as ‘open call for ethnic cleansing and hate speech’, Raska-Prizren Eparchy expresses grave concerns (KoSSev, media)
Aleksandar Arsenijevic files criminal report against Selim Pacolli (social media)
Visoki Decani Monastery on Selim Pacolli’s posts (social media)
Residents of North Mitrovica on increased presence of special units: repression and pressure (Kosovo Online)
Jevtic: Events in north part of Kurti's long-term strategy to displace Serbs (media)
Arsenijevic: Key people in Kosovo Government need to resign over explosion at Ibar-Lepenac water canal (Danas, FoNet)
Vucic: Important meetings ahead in Brussels, Zurich and Berne (Tanjug)

International:

Legal experts sound alarm over ‘rushed’ Serbian criminal code changes (BIRN)
Trump 2.0 and the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: Anticipating the unpredictable (Sbunker.org)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 3, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti: Links of arrested individuals indicate presence of foreign actors (media)
Maqedonci: Attempt of attack was to kneel state and humanitarian disaster (KTV)
Gervalla: Serbia is copying Russia's strategies (media)
Kurti to meet with Kaja Kallas in Brussels today (RTK)
Hacker: Zubin Potok attack resembles Russian attacks in Ukraine (RTK)
U.S. reaffirms commitment to address global scourge of human trafficking (media)
Calls for armed rebellion and changing of constitutional order in Serbia (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Djuric informs UK's Doughty of Serbian positions on Ibar-Lepenac water canal attack (Tanjug)
Mijacic: Explosion at Ibar-Lepenac canal certainly not an act of local community, nor official Belgrade (Kosovo Online, social media)
Members of European Parliament request impartial investigation on water canal attack, evidence for accusations (Tanjug)
Radojevic: “Serbs in North Mitrovica feel as if under occupation, intimidated by Kosovo police” (Kosovo Online, media)
Kosovo police deny accusations of violence against Jahirovic family (Radio kontakt plus, media)
CSOs from north: Serious violation of human rights (Radio kontakt plus, media, social media)
Radio KIM: Selim Pacoli calls for “Storm”, accuses SOC of being “the main instigator and screenwriter” (media, social media)

Opinion:

Absurdity of EU: Kosovo, victim of terrorist actions, but under sanctions (Koha)

International:

Kosovo continues to probe ‘terror attack’ on canal after weekend arrests (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti meets Quint ambassadors, informs them on November 29 attack (media)
U.S. and EU ambassadors address the media after meeting PM Kurti (media)
Kurti: Success in north increased Belgrade’s nervousness and aggression (RTK)
Rizvanolli: Municipalities supplied from Iber Lepenci could face cuts today (RFE)
Visibly smaller numbers of special police in Mitrovica North (media)
Rrustemi: Serbia orchestrating attacks, opposition minimizing them (Telegrafi)
Serb young man warns of new attacks in Kosovo (media)
Another suspect for attack in Iber-Lepenc arrested, police find weapons and ammunition (media)
AJK condemns death threat against journalist Berat Buzhala (Klan)
Gervalla to attend meeting of EP Foreign Affairs Committee (media)
Kurti: EU should show readiness to accept Kosovo's progress in the integration process (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Simic: Pristina uses explosion in Zubin Potok as an alibi for ‘crackdown’ on Serbs (RTS, Kosovo Online)
"It is no longer necessary for them to beat us or take out their guns, the time has come to say it is enough, let's go under the tent, this is no longer life" (KoSSev)
Raid in Mikronaslje: Jahirovic accuses police of “excessive use of force, discrimination and sexist harassment of his wife” (Radio kontakt plus, KoSSev, Radio KIM)
Kurti: I don’t know how far investigation has progressed; it’s too early, it’s still the weekend (Kosovo Online)
Djuric: Kurti made mistake in steps by accusing Belgrade for explosion, ‘we won’t let him go now’ (RTS)
Milovic: Kurti admitted he has no evidence, his goal is to accuse Serbia (Tanjug, TV Pink)
Miftaraj from KLI reacts to Kurti’s statements about KSF and the north (KoSSev)
Owner of Kosovo Online portal released from detention (media)
Mitrovica North and Zvecan without water supply again (KoSSev, Radio kontakt plus)
Prosecutor Stefanovic: I expect comprehensive investigation into water canal case; decision on indictment for Banjska soon (media)
Protest in front of Montenegrin Assembly over arrest of three young men from Niksic in Kosovo (KoSSev)

International:

Arrests follow as Kosovo attempts to repair damages following northern water pipe explosion (PI)
NATO rejects Pristina's request for Kosovar deployment to North (RFE)
Serbia rejects responsibility for a water supply explosion in Kosovo as tensions rise (AP)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 2, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti: Those responsible for the attack will be held accountable (media)
President Osmani’s reaction after attack in Zubin Potok (media)
Osmani meets QUINT and EU ambassadors following attack in the north (media)
Reactions to water canal attack in Zubin Potok (media)
Kurti: Serbian attack in Zubin Potok linked with Russian attacks in Ukraine (Koha)
Rizvanolli: Attack showed we are ready to confront such threats (media)
KFOR rejected Kosovo’s request to send KSF in the north (RFE)
Tahiri: Terrorist act in the north, part of Serbia’s dark mindset (Klan Kosova)
KFOR U.S. soldiers patrol in Zubin Potok (media)

Serbian Language Media:

KoSSev: KFOR confirmed Pristina asked authorization for ‘potential’ KSF deployment to the north, but they did not allow it
SRSG Ziadeh condemns attack on water canal, transparent investigation imperative (Kosovo Online, RTS, social media)
Vucic: Major hybrid attack attempted against Serbia (RTS, Tanjug, media)
Djuric, Petkovic react to last night Kurti’s conference, say he offered no evidence to support his claims (Kosovo Online, social media0
Serbian top officials dismiss allegations Belgrade is behind attack on Ibar-Lepenac water canal, offer support in repairing canal and investigation (media, social media)
Serbian political parties in Kosovo condemn attack on Ibar-Lepenac canal, call for impartial and comprehensive investigation (Alternativna.com, KoSSev, Radio KIM)
Civil society organizations from north condemn attack on water canal, call for responsible approach, prevention of misuse (media, social media)
Serbian opposition react to damages of water canal, situation of Serbs in Kosovo (KoSSev)
Increased presence of Kosovo special police forces in the north (Radio KIM, Kosovo Online, Alternativna.com)
Delevic: Vicentijevic remanded in custody for 30 days (Kosovo Online)
Arrested Kosovo Online owner accused of administering ‘Koridor’ Telegram page, allegations denied by Office for KiM and his lawyer (KoSSev)
KLA emblem among seized equipment at Svecla's and police press conference (Kosovo Online)

Albanian Language Media:

• Zvecan municipality building attacked with hand grenades (media)
• Kurti about attack in Zvecan: These are criminal and terrorist acts (RTK)
• Zvecan Mayor condemns hand grenade attack on municipal premises (media)
• Svecla: No one can stop freedom, civil rights, through fear and terrorism (media)
• PDK condemns Zvecan attack: Clear attempt to intimidate Mayor Peci (media)
• Kurti: I always coordinated with President Osmani on foreign policy (media)
• Rohde: I told leaders about restrictions on election campaigns in Germany (media)
• Begaj reaffirms Albania's commitment to support Kosovo (RTK)
• “Provocation of two Montenegrin soldiers is a scandal, if not worse” (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Municipality of Gracanica asked KFOR's protection, police do not have capacity to ensure peace (KiM radio, Tanjug)
• Subaric discusses Gracanica incident with police: Criminal reports and promises they will work on case (Radio KiM)
• Serbian Democracy on the last night's incident in Gracanica: A serious threat to peace (Kontakt plus radio)
• Rada Trajkovic: Where did the honour and good-neighbour relations disappear? (social media)
• Residents of Gracanica: We are disturbed, provocations are not needed in this troubled time (Kosovo Online)
• Velebit: “Kurti uses political vacuum before Trump comes to power, escalation in intimidating Serbs to be expected” (Kosovo Online)
• Rohde: European draft of CSM Statute an official document; Kosovo must fulfil its legal obligations (Kosovo Online)
• Gogic: Kurti wants to reduce the CSM to the Association of Kosovo Municipalities, but the CSM has additional powers (Kosovo Online)
• Explosion in Zvecan: Explosive device thrown, increased police presence (N1, KoSSev)
• Svecla accuses ''criminal groups directed by Belgrade'' for last night's explosion in Zvecan while investigation is ongoing (KoSSev)

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: November 28 is fundamental date in Albanians’ history and identity (media)
• Osmani in Prekaz: We pledge we will protect every corner of the Republic (media)
• Rohde: Don't insult the club you want to join, this is never a good idea (media)
• Stano: Implementation of Declaration on Missing will only happen when parties agree on Joint Commission (Ekonomia)
• Stano ends mandate: Lajcak is envoy for dialogue until January (Sinjali)
• Albania, Kosovo's main partner for import and export from CEFTA countries (Koha)
• SpaceX’s “satellite train” crosses the sky of Kosovo (Telegrafi)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic: What’s happening in world is increasingly getting out of control (Kosovo Online, media)
• Chanting “Kosova, Kosova” and waving Albanian flags in middle of Gracanica (Radio KIM, KoSSev)
• Gracanica mayor on incident: Planned and organized (Radio KIM, KoSSev, Media Centre)
• Stojanovic at UN conference: Protect Serbian Orthodox sites in Kosovo (media)
• Perovic: Apprehension over apartments’ allocation is continuation of persecution (media)
• Kosovo police suspended six officers over lack of reaction to mural defacing in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)
• Defence minister's collegium meets in Belgrade (Tanjug)
• Ivanovic: Montenegrin Government closely follows arrest case of its three citizens (Kosovo Online)

Albanian Language Media:

Kosovo leaders congratulate November 28, Albania’s Independence Day (media)
Months away from elections, political parties start campaign on Facebook (RFE)
Gervalla congratulates Kallas on appointment as EU High Representative (media)
Serb arrested for threatening his sister of working for Kosovo institutions (media)
Lajcak in Greece, talks about security aspects of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
Lawyer: Investigations by SPO against Halil Cadraku have stopped (media)
Bolton doesn’t rule out return of Kosovo-Serbia land swap idea (media)
Mandic calls for the release of three Montenegrins arrested in Kosovo (media)
Kurti meets Albanian from Mitrovica elected mayor in Germany (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Graffiti dedicated to Serbian soldiers from Kosare battle painted over in North Mitrovica center (KoSSev)
Serbian List: Desecration of mural dedicated to Kosare soldiers is a hate crime against Serbs (Kosovo Online)
Kosovo police say they investigate who perpetrators damaging mural are (Kosovo Online)
Mbasogo: We do not recognize Kosovo (Tanjug)
Zvecan mayor marks Albanian Flag Day, optimistic about Serb reactions (KoSSev)
Mandic: Pristina has to release Montenegrin citizens (Radio KIM)

International:

New world first museum tells the stories of Kosovo war rape victims (SBS News)
Kosovo’s Kurti touts government’s longevity, but critics question results (BIRN)
Kosovo to build ammunition factory, drone lab to support defence industry (Reuters)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, November 28, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti, Osmani congratulate Kosovo Security Force on “Day of the Force” (media)
Osmani inaugurates Kosovo’s embassy in Colombia (media)
Maqedonci: We are on right track with regards to NATO membership (media)
Kurti congratulates Von der Leyen on forming new Commission (media)
Kurti hosts lunch for Hovenier and staff on Thanksgiving Day (media)
Two of three arrested persons in Kosovo, members of Montenegrin Army (media)
Joseph: U.S., EU must change approach in dialogue if they want success (media)
Skopje will still enforce arrest warrants for ex-KLA members, minister says (RFE)
“Serbia carrying out ethnic cleansing with passivisation of addresses” (KTV)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic congratulates EC president on new five-year term (Tanjug)
Strpce Municipal Assembly declares “Stojko’s House” object of public interest (Radio KIM)
Minister confirms: Two of three arrested young men from Niksic are exemplary members of Montenegro’s Armed Forces (KoSSev)
The Bishopric of Budimlje and Niksic condemns arrest of three men, says it is an attempt to intimidate pilgrims (KoSSev)
Dacic meets Somali minister, thanks him for retraction of Kosovo recognition (Kosovo Online)
Kosovo celebrates armed forces day as children appear in uniforms with KLA emblems (KoSSev)
Former construction minister Vesic released (N1)

International:

Kosovo announces start to domestic drone and ammunition production (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media:

Museum of survivors of sexual violence during war opened in Pristina (media)
Kosovo initiates procedures to open ammunition factory (media)
Two hand grenades thrown at police station in Zvecan (media)
Zvecan Mayor condemns hand grenade attack at police station (media)
Maqedonci on hand grenade attack in Zvecan: Isolated terrorist act (Paparaci)
Ruge: Western Balkans is very much on NATO’s radar (media)
February 9th elections, Konjufca calls on Diaspora to register (media)
VV announces elections for candidates for MPs on February 9 elections (media)
Osmani: Thankful for Colombia’s steadfast support for Kosovo (media)
20 arrested, €120,000 seized in police operation against cybercrimes (RFE)
Kurti on 80th anniversary of National Library of Kosovo (media)
Albanians of the Valley called to place national flag in their houses (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Djuric: Grenell had a different approach to Kosovo; I expect readiness for cooperation from the new Trump administration (RTV, Kosovo Online, TV Happy)
Rasic: Construction of new police substations in the north unnecessary (KiM radio, KoSSev)
Two hand grenades thrown in the yard of Zvecan police station (KoSSev)
Remains found at the site in Suvo Do, sent for examination (KoSSev)
Serbian Parliament passes 2025 budget bill (Tanjug, N1)
Vucic met with top military officials (Tanjug, RTS, media)

Opinion:

Endless Abnormality (KoSSev)

International:

Despite being ‘homeless’, Kosovo ballet troupe keeps on dancing (BIRN)