UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 12, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Prattipati: Actions undermining stability, serious challenge to partnership (media)
Osmani meets Prattipati, discuss latest developments (media)
A person arrested for suspected war crimes against civilians (media)
Hoti: Serbia is criminalizing and politicizing missing persons issue (Indeksonline)
Special Prosecutor’s Office denies any journalists under investigation (media)
Rubin says he’ll testify in the Hague next week (media)
Bislimi: Only government can revoke my mandate for dialogue (media)
Palokaj: Meetings just to confirm dialogue continuation make no sense (Koha)
Osmani meets new manager of the World Bank Kosovo office (media)
VV opens campaign earlier, experts cite legal loophole (Express)

Serbian Language Media:

North Mitrovica: Municipal inspection in the PIO Fund and RFZO building in N.Mitrovica (Kontakt plus radio, KoSSev, KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever)
Petkovic on raids at PIO and RFZO in Mitrovica North: Attack on Serbian health system (Kosovo Online, social media)
Djuric: Raid into PIO and RFZO branches in Mitrovica North unacceptable and inhuman act (media, social media)
RFZO on Kosovo police raid in Mitrovica North: Provision of health services directly jeopardized (media)
A suspect for war crimes against civilians arrested, a Serbian bus driver (KoSSev, Danas, KiM radio)
Post of Kosovo: Legal procedures completed, assets in Gracanica and Strpce taken over (Kontakt plus radio, KoSsev)
Nojkic: Belgrade could have prevented the shutdown of the Serbian Post Office in Kosovo and Gracanica to solve the registration (KoSSev, Medija centar Caglavica, N1, Beta)
The N. Mitrovica residents against the inclusion of Serbian healthcare and education in the Kosovo system - Belgrade still silent (Kontakt plus radio, KiM radio, KoSSev)
Ilir Deda on “coup d’etat” allegations (KoSSev, social media)
Hasani criticizes Kurti: “His goal is to destroy the basic foundations of the Declaration of Independence” (KoSSev)

International:

Kosovo war accused to begin defence of their ‘righteous fight’ in the Hague (BIRN)
The silent women of Mitrovica (Kosovo 2.0)

Albanian Language Media

Prattipati: Actions undermining stability, serious challenge to our partnership (media)

US Embassy Charges d’Affaires Anu Prattipati, in a statement to Koha news website, has expressed disappointment over the latest statements and actions by caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti. “We are disappointed by the recent actions and statements of caretaker Prime Minister Kurti which have increased instability and uncertainty in Kosovo. These actions undermine the political process, weaken Kosovo’s institutions and aggravate interethnic tensions,” she told the news website. “We are carefully looking into our response, but allow me to be clear, any action that undermines political and economic stability is a serious challenge to our partnership”.

Osmani meets Prattipati, discuss latest developments (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met on Thursday with US Embassy Charges d’Affaires Anu Prattipati and discussed latest developments, the importance of functionalizing all institutions, and highlighted the importance of respecting the temporary measure of the Constitutional Court and the final ruling.

On the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the US, Osmani said that Kosovo stands shoulder to shoulder with the American people today, tomorrow and forever, in defense of peace and a better future for the new generations. “On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, they also discussed activities that will be held that week, the planned meetings, and expectations,” a press release issued by Osmani’s office said.

A person arrested for suspected war crimes against civilians (media)

Most news websites report that the Special Prosecution of Kosovo said today that they arrested a person with initials R.D. on the suspicion of having committed the criminal offence “war crimes against the civilian population”. “The Special Prosecution, in cooperation with Kosovo Police, namely investigators from the Section for the Investigation of War Crimes, is undertaking all necessary investigative actions in line with the Criminal Procedure Code and the legislation in force,” a statement issued by the prosecution notes.

Hoti: Serbia is criminalizing and politicizing missing persons issue (Indeksonline)

Head of the Kosovo Government Committee for Missing Persons, Andin Hoti, said in a Facebook post that Serbia was continuing to “criminalize and politicize the issue of missing persons” from the war in Kosovo. “Now officially too, Serbia is avoiding the implementation of the Joint Commission by asking for changes to the terms of reference. In December 2024, as is broadly known, the Terms of Reference for the Joint Commission on the issue of missing persons were officially adopted. After the first failure on January 15, 2025, and now on September 11, 2025, at a meeting called by Mr. Sorensen, the Serbian side again refused to participate. But now with another excuse: they don’t accept the agreement they themselves accepted in December 2024, by asking for changes to the ToR. Such tendencies to not implement the agreement and to intentionally avoid any initiative for access to the archives have but only one name: Serbia is multiplying the crime. The Joint Commission has foreseen monitoring the implementation of the Declaration for Missing Persons in Brussels, and as a mechanism is responsible for monitoring the opening of archives and implementing pledges for access in Serbian territory in the locations of suspected mass graves. The refusal to take part in this mechanism is denying the rights of victims and a direct obstacle to finding, identifying and returning the missing. We call on the European Union and our international friends to intervene and enable us to implement the agreements that were adopted in their presence and with their approval,” Hoti said.

Special Prosecutor’s Office denies any journalists under investigation (media)

Kosovo’s Special Prosecutor’s Office has rejected claims that any journalists are under investigation, following comments by the President Vjosa Osmani accusing some reporters of links to Milan Radoicic and illegal activities.

Spokesperson Arbnora Luta told RTV21 that “there is no investigative procedure or open case involving journalists” emphasizing that the office continues its work in full compliance with the law while maintaining independence, impartiality, and professionalism.

President Osmani said in a press conference that journalists themselves were not the target of investigations, but that probes into Radoicic and his associates had revealed possible collaborators. She did not name individuals, citing investigations.

Rubin says he’ll testify in the Hague next week (media)

Several news websites report that James Rubin, former US assistant secretary of state for public affairs during the Clinton administration, said he will testify at the Specialist Chambers in the Hague next week. Rubin, who will testify as a witness called by the defense team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, said that he will have more to say in his testimony. “I will be in Europe next week because I am testifying in the Special Tribunal for war crimes in Kosovo. And as someone who was helpful to Madeleine Albright in creating the original war crimes tribunal, this is me coming full circle and I will have more to say on that next week,” Rubin is quoted as saying.

Bislimi: Only government can revoke my mandate for dialogue (media)

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Kosovo-Serbia chief negotiator Besnik Bislimi stated that his mandate for the process was given by the government, and only the government can take it away. He made the remarks following the criticism from other parties questioning the legitimacy of his role in the Brussels dialogue process. “The mandate was given to me by the government, and the government can take it back. The Democratic League of Kosovo did not give me the mandate, nor can it take it away, so everything else is illogical in light of the positions of that political party and other parties we have encountered in recent months,” Bislimi said.

Palokaj: Meetings just to confirm dialogue continuation make no sense (Koha)

Koha’s Brussels-based correspondent, Augustin Palokaj, said that the meeting in Brussels demonstrated that there is no point in holding meetings merely to confirm that the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue is ongoing. “The proposals are not meant to change the agreement; they are Kosovo’s requests to change the order in the sequencing plan for implementing the agreement. That plan was drafted long ago by the former EU Envoy for dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak. The Kosovo side had rejected it because it required Kosovo to establish the Association first, with other steps following later. Yet the agreement itself and the Ohrid Annex say that all points must be fully implemented and that their order in the text does not indicate importance or priority; each must be implemented regardless of the others. But here, the sequencing plan and Serbia’s demands, largely backed by the international community, make Kosovo’s obligation to establish the Association the first priority, while Serbia’s obligations are much smaller. What is most important for Kosovo, Serbia not obstructing its membership in international organizations, comes much later, near the end,” Palokaj told KTV.

He added that there is no genuine insistence from the European Union on both sides to implement the agreement fully. “Those following the situation in Kosovo and Serbia have little hope for quick progress in the dialogue process,” he said.

Osmani meets new manager of the World Bank Kosovo office (media)

Most news websites report that Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani hosted on Thursday the new manager of the World Bank Kosovo office, Carole Megevand, congratulating her on the new role and wishing her success throughout her mandate. “President Osmani expressed her gratitude for the World Bank’s contribution to the Republic of Kosovo over the years, a contribution that, in addition to supporting the country’s sustainable economic development through investments in human capital, has also helped improve the general well-being of its citizens,” a press release issued by Osmani’s office notes.

VV opens campaign earlier, experts cite legal loophole (Express)

One day before the official start of the local election campaign, Vetevendosje Movement (VV) is launching its electoral campaign today at “Zahir Pajaziti” Square in Pristina, ahead of the September 13 official opening for the October 12 elections.

Eugen Cakolli of Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) commented that this move is about organizational innovation and more about exploiting a legal gap: the pre-election period is not regulated by law. As a result, the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the Elections Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) can not supervise or issue fines for potential violations. Cakolli emphasized that, until the official campaign starts, political activities are not affected by any legal accountability, including issues such as hate speech or uncontrolled spending.

Serbian Language Media

North Mitrovica: Municipal inspection in the PIO Fund and RFZO building in N.Mitrovica (Kontakt plus radio, KoSSev, KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever)

Workers of the PIO Fund (Pension and Disability Insurance Fund run by Serbian system) are leaving their workplaces, Kontakt Plus learned from the scene.

Municipal inspectors are currently in the building of the PIO Fund, located in Kolasinska Street in North Mitrovica.

Assistance to municipal inspectors is provided by members of the Kosovo Police, confirmed for Kontakt Plus the Deputy Commander of the Kosovo Police for the North Region, Veton Elshani.

According to him, the inspectors are currently reviewing the documentation, and in addition to the municipal inspectors, there are also PIO Fund workers on the ground.

Municipal inspectors removed two Serbian flags from the building, and the workers are currently leaving their workplaces.

Radio kontakt plus reported around midday that municipal inspectors have left the PIO Fund premises, previously placing the tapes on the building. KFOR and EULEX members were seen present on the ground.

Several persons attempted to enter the building to access services they came for, however, during the action they were not allowed to enter.

According to subsequent media reports, this building houses the Republic Institute for Health Insurance (RFZO), the branch for the Kosovo-Mitrova District and the branch of the Republic Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance (PIO).

Petkovic on raids at PIO and RFZO in Mitrovica North: Attack on Serbian health system (Kosovo Online, social media)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic said today after Kosovo police plainclothes officers entered the building in Mitrovica North hosting branches of Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO) and Republic Health Insurance Fund (RFZO), that this act represents an attack on Serbian health system and asked the EU if it will “stop Albin Kurti”? Kosovo Online portal reported.

“Kurti’s police raided PIO and RFZO branches in Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbian institutions of extreme importance offering services to enormous numbers of people. This is also an attack on the Serbian health care system” Petkovic wrote in a post on X.

He also said this is how Albin Kurti starts campaigning for elections and “gives the final blow to the dialogue”.

“Will the EU stop the pyromaniac”, Petkovic added in a post.

Djuric: Raid into PIO and RFZO branches in Mitrovica North unacceptable and inhuman act (media, social media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said today’s raid of Kosovo police to the premises of Serbian Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO) and Republic Health Insurance Fund (RFZO) in Mitrovica North represent an unacceptable and inhuman act, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Djuric said by targeting institutions offering health care protection and pensions, this action strikes at the most vulnerable, sick, the elderly and socially disadvantaged.

“Such unilateral steps undermine dialogue, threaten regional stability and blatantly disregard basic human rights and existing agreements. We call on the #EuropeanUnion, @UN and all responsible international actors to react without delay and to ensure that essential services for #Serbs in #Kosovo and Metohija are protected. Health and human dignity must never be used as a political weapon”, Djuric said in a post on X social platform.

RFZO on Kosovo police raid in Mitrovica North: Provision of health services directly jeopardized (media)

Serbian Republic Health Insurance Fund (RFZO) said that today at 10:30 a.m Kosovo Police plainclothes members broke into the premises of the RFZO branch in Mitrovica North, took pictures of all the premises, asked the workers for their ID cards, searched their work space and personal belongings, and then asked them to leave the facility, Kosovo Online portal reported.

The statement underlined that the raid on RFZO branch in North Mitrovica directly threatens the further provision of health services to patients and other most sensitive social categories, as well as to all residents in Kosovo.

"The anti-Serb policy of Albin Kurti has been completely exposed by this illegal and violent action of the police, who are now striking the most sensitive institutions in Kosovo that provide services to thousands of beneficiaries", the statement said. It added that RFZO never posed a threat to anyone, but was a pillar of providing health care services.

The RFZO also said such escalatory and unilateral acts of Pristina authorities represent violation of the Brussels agreements, in particular the one related to the Community of Serbian Municipalities and functioning of the Serbian health system.

A suspect for war crimes against civilians arrested, a Serbian bus driver (KoSSev, Danas, KiM radio)

Based on the order of the Special Prosecutor's Office of Kosovo, investigators from the War Crimes Investigation Directorate of the Kosovo Police arrested R.D. today, on suspicion of having committed the crime of "war crimes against the civilian population".

As announced by the Special Prosecutor's Office, the suspect was charged with war crimes committed during the war in Kosovo.

The Special Prosecutor's Office, in cooperation with the Kosovo Police - more precisely, investigators from the Department for the Investigation of War Crimes, conducts and will continue to undertake all necessary investigative actions in accordance with the Law on Criminal Procedure and current legislation, the Special Prosecutor's Office further stated.

"The Special Prosecutor's Office and the Kosovo Police remain committed to the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes," the joint statement said.

As KoSSev unofficially learns, the person in question is a Serbian national from the North, and he worked as a bus driver.

Post of Kosovo: Legal procedures completed, assets in Gracanica and Strpce taken over (Kontakt plus radio, KoSSev)

The Post of Kosovo announced that it officially took possession of "its property in Gracanica and Strpce", which was used by "an illegal operator" until the beginning of this year, reported Kosovo Online.

"After the finalization of the legal procedures, this property was registered as the legal property of Public Company 'Post of Kosovo' A.D. and will be used in the function of the Post's mission, putting itself fully at the service of the citizens and the economy of Kosovo, without distinction," announced the Post of Kosovo.

It is added that the Post of Kosovo "remains committed to providing quality, secure and transparent postal and financial services throughout the country".

Nojkic: Belgrade could have prevented the shutdown of the Serbian Post Office in Kosovo and Gracanica to solve the registration (KoSSev, Medija centar Caglavica, N1, Beta)

The former director of Post of Serbi' in Kosovo, Randjel Nojkic, told the Media Center that the state of Serbia could have prevented the closure of the Serbian post office in Kosovo, reported KoSSev.

"What happened now was attempted ten years ago, but we prevented it. At that time, through the chambers of commerce of Kosovo, Serbia and the European Union, there was a possibility to find a solution. We then managed to prevent the shutdown of the Post Office, because the problem was solvable - we could get a license from the Kosovo institutions. They promised it to us, it was only necessary to submit a request, and we also had strong support from the international community. The representatives of the international community saw that our policy works within the framework of the institutions of Kosovo and that it is possible to find a solution," Nojkic said.

As he added, Belgrade did not show readiness to solve the problem then.

"Despite my claims that this issue is solvable, they sent their representative from Belgrade to Kosovo to check everything. He spoke with the institutions of Kosovo, and they confirmed what I told him - that the problem is solvable. However, after that there was no reaction from Belgrade, so it could be expected that this would happen one day."

Commenting on the statement of the current director of the PC Post of Serbia in Kosovo, Ivan Milojevic, that the Post of Serbia was registered in the cadastre as Post Gracanica, and that this has now been changed, Nojkic explained:

"The post office in Gracanica is located on the territory of the Gracanica municipality, according to the Kosovo system. Therefore, the cadastre responsible for the Gracanica Post Office is the Municipality of Gracanica, and that problem should have been solved through the municipal institutions," said Nojkic.

According to him, the problems related to the license have not been resolved, because "Belgrade had no ear, and now Kurti and his administration are solving it this way".

The N. Mitrovica residents against the inclusion of Serbian healthcare and education in the Kosovo system - Belgrade still silent (Kontakt plus radio, KiM radio, KoSSev)

The North Mitrovica residents adamantly opposed the inclusion of Serbian health and educational institutions in the Kosovo system. Officials from Belgrade have not yet made an announcement, writes Kontakt plus radio today.

A week after the statement of the chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Pristina, Anna Prattipati, that Serbian educational and health institutions in Kosovo "will eventually have to be included in the Kosovo system", North Mitrovica residents told Kontakt plus radio that they are against it. At the same time, no official from Belgrade has yet spoken about this message from the American embassy.

Prattipati stated in an interview for a Serbian-language media group that "parallel institutions run by Serbia must eventually be integrated into the Kosovo system."

"However, the manner in which it will be implemented is of key importance... All changes affecting the Kosovo Serb community must be implemented in consultation with that community. There is no alternative," she said.

She added that the closure of "parallel Serbian institutions" without coordination with the affected communities causes concern and emphasized that "this process cannot be carried out unilaterally".

"It is up to the Kosovo Serb community and the GoK to work together, with a special emphasis on ensuring that the institutions maintain or improve the quality and consistency of services," said Prattipati.

In a survey conducted by Kontakt Plus on the streets of North Mitrovica, the residents were categorical - they are against the inclusion of Serbian health and educational institutions in the Kosovo system.

First interlocutor of Kontakt Plus radio pointed out that health and education are "red lines for the survival of Serbs in these areas", which, he added, was also in Ahtisaari's plan, which Serbia did not accept.

"That part has to be solved in some other way. That integration can be in the form of registration of private healthcare and education, as it exists everywhere in the world, which means that the Republic of Serbia will continue to have authority. We cannot work here according to some other systems, and that our children are educated differently from children in Serbia," he pointed out.

When asked what he thinks about the fact that official Belgrade has not spoken out on this issue so far, he believes that this issue has already been tacitly resolved by the Ohrid Agreement, which is why representatives of the EU do not speak out about the frequent shutdowns of the remaining Serbian institutions in Kosovo.

"In some realistic story, healthcare and education will be private institutions for the needs of the Serbian people," he believes.

The elderly N. Mitrovica resident believes that it would be the hardest blow for the local Serbs if the announcements of the chargé d'affaires at the American embassy in Pristina come true.

"Let Europe find a place for us, because there are not many of us, and let them take good care of us,'' she said among other things.

When asked why the official Belgrade is silent, she believes that "it is not easy for Serbia, that it cares very much for its people in Kosovo", but that it is "the interests of the great powers that the Serbs disappear as a people".

"We may disappear from Kosovo as a people, but our shadows will not give you peace that day and that century," she said.

Her fellow residents believe that healthcare and education in Kosovo should remain separate systems and that "they should not succumb to pressures across Ibar".

"It's their system, let them study there, let them get treatment there, they have their own doctors, their own everything. I'm not going to go to them for treatment or go to school with them. Let them live their lives, we'll live ours," he says.

He sees the absence of reaction from official Belgrade as a diplomatic reaction from the Republic of Serbia.

"Diplomacy must work, not insulting and reacting to a single statement of the ambassador. She is not an ambassador. She succumbed to their pressure, and they are what they are. We can't change them," he jokingly concludes.

The last interlocutor from Zubin Potok pointed out that now education and health are the only things left for them out of all Serbian institutions.

"For every paper, we have to go to Raska or Brnjak bridge, because we have nothing in Zubin Potok. If everything were to be canceled, where would we go from our houses? Just them to throw us down the Ibar and let us go," she pointed out and concluded that she does not know why there were no reactions from officials in Belgrade.

Although this is one of the key issues for the life of Serbs in Kosovo, not even after seven days of the American official's statement, no representative of the authorities from Belgrade has spoken out on the matter.

Ilir Deda on “coup d’etat” allegations (KoSSev, social media)

Former Kosovo Assembly MP and political analyst Ilir Deda disputed claims of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani on “coup d’etat plans”, by saying that “such a plan can not exist without participation of Kosovo Security Forces (KSF)”, KoSSev portal reported.

One day after Pristina-based Paparazzi cameraman Jetmir Mujaj was arrested and then released over recording the video on schooling of Osmani’s daughters, prompting harsh reactions from civil society and media professionals, Osmani addressed the media as well.

She told the public it may attack her, but not her children. She explained that her children left the public Ismail Qemali school for security reasons, among which she mentioned “risks from Serbia”.

Speaking about wider security challenges, she also mentioned that “plans for coup d’etat” in Kosovo were investigated. At the same time she mentioned some journalists she referred to as “Radoicics”, without mentioning names, as it would jeopardize investigation, she added.

“Journalists were not investigated, “Radoicics” were investigated. Plans for a coup d’etat were investigated. We cannot say the names so as not to obstruct investigation (…)”, KoSSev portal quoted Osmani as saying.

Ilir Deda: “If in ‘coup d’etat plan’ was not the army – then there was no plan either”

KoSSev portal reported that reactions of civil society and media experts to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani’s claims have continued. The recent comment came from former Kosovo Assembly MP and political analyst Ilir Deda who said the claims on “coup d’etat make no sense”.

“Coup d’etat is usually carried out by the army. Was KSF part of the “coup d’etat plan”? If yes, were the members of KSF arrested over participation in the coup d’etat plan? If not, then there were no plans for a coup d’etat”, Deda wrote in a post on Facebook.

“In Western countries there is neither room nor political culture that would allow for this kind of nonsense. Weak, very weak”, Deda said in a post.

Hasani criticizes Kurti: “His goal is to destroy the basic foundations of the Declaration of Independence” (KoSSev)

The former president of the Constitutional Court, Enver Hasani, said that the acting prime minister, Albin Kurti, aims to destroy ''the foundations of the state of Kosovo'', reported KoSSev portal last night, citing Koha.

According to Hasani, the way in which Kurti interprets judgments, but also constitutional norms, has ''the purpose of challenging the Declaration of Independence'', calling Kurti's interpretations "malicious."

As he said, Kurti will try to delay the process of appointing a prime minister even after the constitution is completed.

"There are three verdicts, and the rules of procedure of the Assembly is the constitution of the Assembly - a document that operationalizes the constitutional norms for the functioning of the Assembly. That is why there are such malicious interpretations - based on what I see happening, I am sure that even after this verdict, which is expected as a consequence of his policy in the Assembly regarding the representation of non-majority communities... After it is noted, he will again interpret it differently. The idea is to destroy the basic foundations - the Declaration of Independence," Hasani said in the show "Konfront" on KTV on Thursday, reported KoSSev.

A few days ago, the Constitutional Court passed a temporary measure prohibiting MPs from taking any action, as well as starting the procedure for the formation of a new Kosovo government. This measure was adopted ex officio, based on the request of the Serbian List MP.

At the end of August, the Assembly of Kosovo elected the president and four out of five vice presidents, splitting the vote on vice presidents from among non-majority communities. None of the deputies from the Serbian community received a sufficient number of votes to be elected as the vice-president of the Assembly, and the new president Dimal Basha declared the institution constituted.

After that, the largest political party of Serbs in Kosovo, Serbian List, appealed to the Constitutional Court claiming that Basha's decisions violated the Constitution by splitting the vote on vice presidents from non-majority communities. Kurti's party, the Self-Determination Movement, submitted comments asking that the Serbian List "not be allowed veto power."

International

Kosovo war accused to begin defence of their ‘righteous fight’ in the Hague (BIRN)

Defence lawyers in the trial of ex-President Hashim Thaci and three co-accused will seek to sow doubt about their command responsibility during the 1998-99 Kosovo war by calling witnesses who could include NATO and UN officials.

Almost five years after resigning as Kosovo’s head of state and being sent to the detention centre in The Hague to await trial on war crimes and crimes against humanity charges, former President Hashim Thaci is to finally start presenting the case for his defence in court on Monday.

The day before the first defence witness takes the stand, there will be a public manifestation of support for Thaci and his three co-defendants by their wartime Kosovo Liberation Army comrades, who will travel to The Hague from across Europe and from as far away as the United States to stage a demonstration on Sunday.