UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, August 4, 2021

By OSPI-f  8 hours ago

• Head of Financial Intelligence Unit sacked (media)
• Investigations against senior officialsmentioned in recordings (Betimi per Drejtesi)
• “Proof that prosecution, judiciary are influenced by interest groups” (Telegrafi)
• Vetevendosje people in the board that government proposed to Assembly (Koha)
• Haradinaj calls on government to treat wildfires more seriously (media)
• Vetevendosje implies Arben Vitia will run for Prishtina Mayor (Express/ATV)
• COVID-19: 110 new cases, 1 death (media)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, August 3, 2021

By OSPI-rq  1 day ago

• Kurti: Citizens know our government cannot be compared to others before (Kallxo/RTK)
• Abdixhiku on Government’s 100-day report: Empty and disappointing (media)
• PDK’s Tahiri: Kurti government has done nothing of what it promised (EO/RTK)
• Hajdari: Implementation of reciprocity requires good organisation (Telegrafi)
• Petkovic on reciprocity: Kurti destroying dialogue (media)
• LVV supporter seemingly confirms Vitia’s candidacy for Pristina mayor (media)
• 10 active fires remain in Kosovo, out of 50 (media)
• KSC experiencing serious problems with Albanian translation (Klan)
• COVID-19: 48 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Belgium to share COVID-19 vaccines, Kosovo among beneficiaries (media)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, August 2, 2021

By OSPI-f  2 days ago

• COVID-19: 100 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti on Open Balkans: Creates space for influence from the East (KP)
• Kosovo honors Beau Biden, late son of US President (Reuters)
• Kosovo MPs to debate today on first 100 days of Kurti-led government (media)
• Gervalla denies reports suggesting her removal from post (Kallxo)
• Police arrest person for breaking into Gasic’s flat (Koha)
• Kosovo wins international recognition … at the Olympics (Politico.eu)
• Experts’ exodus from Kosovo accreditation body sparks blame game (BIRN)
• Minor earthquake shakes Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia (media)
• Kosovo men in search of WWII aircraft at bottom of Lake Ohrid (Euronews.al)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 30, 2021

By OSPI-rq  5 days ago

• Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania Push Forward On ‘Open Balkans’ Initiative (RFE)
• Government of Kosovo reiterates position against Open Balkans initiative (media)
• Analysts support Kosovo’s position on Mini-Schengen (Kosovapress)
• LDK: Berlin Process should be the starting point for Kosovo (Telegrafi)
• Kosovo Dismisses ‘Visionless Mini Schengen’, Urges for Trade Deal with the EU (Exit)
• Over 55% of respondents consider rejection of “Open Balkans” will not negatively affect Kosovo’s economy (Telegrafi)
• Demi: Easy for Rama and Vucic to make calls for not keeping hostage to the past (Koha)
• Spahiu: Kosovo loses politically by not joining Open Balkans initiative (Klan)
• Osmani, Kurti, and Konjufca pay respects to the victims of bus crash (media)
• Kurti: Ireland, an important voice in speeding up the visa liberalization (media)
• President Osmani has telephone conversation with Israeli President Herzog (media)
• Gervalla to pay an official visit to North Macedonia today (media)
• Four laws in four months (RFE, media)
• COVID-19: 72 new cases, no deaths (media)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 29, 2021

By OSPI-hh  6 days ago

• Families bury victims of tragic bus crash (media)
• Germany’s state secretary Berger meets PM Kurti, President Osmani (media)
• Hasani: EU and U.S. could ask for a break in dialogue (Klan)
• PDK warns it will not vote international agreements (media)
• Haxhiu: Four prosecutors to join Special Prosecution of Kosovo (media)
• Rama, Vucic, Zaev meet today at Skopje’s Economic Forum (media)
• Renowned Serb returnee to Gjakova suffers break-in (Prishtina Insight)
• COVID-19: 58 new cases, no deaths (media)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 28, 2021

By OSPI-rq  1 week ago

• Osmani, Kurti and Konjufca meet the survivors of accident in Croatia (media)
• Ministers Vitia and Svecla give update on the bus crash developments (media)
• Kusari-Lila: We expect reviewed budget to be approved (Koha)
• Abdixhiku: LDK’s rightful place is at the top, current government made of interns (G. Express)
• PDK’s Tahiri slams Government for not submitting 100-day report (media)
• Haradinaj: Kurti’s government will not last long (RTV Dukagjini/Telegrafi)
• Spain awaits dialogue’s epilogue to decide on recognition of Kosovo (RTV Dukagjini)
• A bakery opens in the Kosovo Correctional Center in Lipjan (T7)
• Dragica Gasic claims her flat was broken into (RFE)
• OSCE issues report on assessment of community rights (Telegrafi)
• NGOs: Assembly will disable work of organizations and deprive public of right to be informed (media)
• COVID-19: 42 new cases, no deaths (media)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 27, 2021

By OSPI-rq  1 week ago

• COVID-19: 14 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Ministry: So far, 20 percent of people in Kosovo have been inoculated (Telegrafi)
• Only 30 percent of Kosovo teachers have been vaccinated (RFE in Albanian)
• 10 victims of Kosovo bus crash identified, funeral arrangements underway (media)
• Ministry: 26 persons to be discharged from hospital, 15 to continue treatment (media)
• Kosovo mourns 10 compatriots killed in Croatia bus crash (AP)
• Due to the terminology on Kosovo, Serbia failed four regional agreements (Koha)
• Kosovo expects GDP growth to exceed projected 7.9% this year (intellinews.com)
• 60 films in 6 days, female directors prominent in Prishtina Film Festival (euronews.al)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 26, 2021

By OSPI-rq  1 week ago

• COVID-19: 25 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kosovo bus crash leaves 10 dead, 45 injured (media)
• Condolences extended to families of victims that died in bus accident (media)
• President Osmani declares day of mourning in Kosovo (media)
• Government fears mini Schengen gives rise to Russia and China influence (Koha)
• Osmani meets with the Prime Minister of Japan (media)
• Judge rejects Thaci’s request for interim release (media)
• Janjic warns that Belgrade’s campaign could lead to armed conflict (Koha)
• Kosovo Wins Women’s Judo Olympic Gold (RFE)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 23, 2021

By OSPI-rq  2 weeks ago

• COVID-19: 28 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Government: PM Kurti has been open and transparent about dialogue (Telegrafi)
• EU: Kosovo and Serbia agreed to hold monthly meetings at negotiators’ level (Kallxo)
• Everything changing for the better in Kosovo, Kurti tells Diaspora members (KP)
• Serwer: International community to react to “Serb World” idea (media)
• RAEPC: Text messages in Decan from MTS operator will not be sent again (Koha)
• LDK’s candidate for Pristina pelted with eggs at event (media)
• Kusari-Lila comments on possibility of running for mayor in Gjakova (Telegrafi)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, July 22, 2021

By OSPI-rq  2 weeks ago

• COVID-19: Five new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti: We would welcome recognition from Greece (media)
• Political commentators discuss Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Klan)
• LDK’s Halimi criticises Kurti’s approach to dialogue with Serbia (Kallxo)
• Hyseni: Kurti to implement Washington agreement in entirety (T7/G. Express)
• Gerxhaliu, Blakaj discuss missing persons, exhumation efforts (Koha)
• KSC holds status conference against former KLA leaders (media)
• Kosovo Sentences Montenegrin for Chanting Serb Nationalist Slogans (BIRN)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, August 4, 2021

By OPSI-mu  2 hours ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, August 4, 2021

Albanian Language Media:

• EU Special Representative for Kosovo: Fighting corruption needs constant attention (Prishtina Insight)
• Wilson Center issues report: Consolidating Kosovo’s Sovereignty (media)
• CEC has so far approved 1,960 registration applications from Diaspora (Koha)
• Interest in COVID-19 vaccines increases in Kosovo, 14% of people fully vaccinated (KP)
• COVID-19: 221 new cases, one death (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Grenell’s visit during the “Open Balkans” project is (not) a coincidence (Danas, Kosovo Online)
• Serbia sends police choppers to help North Macedonia’s firefighters (N1)
• Jevtic: By introducing economic measures to Serbia, Kurti wants to end dialogue (Gracanica-online)
• Davenport and Mladenovic on language rights in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• Sheholli: ”Dragica ought to be sitting with Albanian women, apologizing, although she is not guilty” (Kosovo Online, Blic, Euronews)
• Kosovo portals say Bregovic inspired massacres (KoSSev, N1, Kosovo Online)

International:

• Serbia’s Ambassador to Russia Lazanski Passes Away (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, August 3, 2021

By OPSI-su  1 day ago

Albanian Language Media:

• War veterans’ leader: Special Court will fail, like EULEX and UNMIK (Telegrafi)
• Women’s Network: Gender equality is a legal obligation in local elections (Koha)
• COVID-19: 110 new cases, 1 death (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Selakovic: We will know how to answer if Pristina starts lobbying for new recognitions (KoSSev)
• Police: Fires in northern Kosovo localized and under control (TV Most)
• Vucic: Serbia will help Skopje in firefighting, “Open Balkans” stipulates it (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Serbian election dates leaked from ruling coalition-opposition meeting (N1)
• No new Covid-19 cases in Serb communities in Kosovo (KoSSev)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Book Explores Kosovo Albanian Tradition of Dream Interpretation (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, August 2, 2021

By OPSI-mu  2 days ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, August 2, 2021

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: We did not give up on reciprocity with Serbia (media)
• Protest against Open Balkans in front of Albanian embassy in Prishtina (Kallxo)
• Kosovo Defense Minister: We are monitoring fires (Klan Kosova)
• COVID-19: 48 new cases, no deaths (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Politika: Ten countries ready to withdraw recognition of Kosovo’s independence (Kosovo Online)
• Vucic: Serbia must be open, hatred towards Albanians brings nothing good (Politika, Beta, N1)
• UNESCO lists reasons why Serbian monasteries in Kosovo are endangered (Radio KIM, Euronews Serbia)
• Visegrad Group welcomes Open Balkans Initiative (N1)
• Petkovic: Albin Kurti threatens and ruins the dialogue (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Petkovic with Pinter on situation of Serbs, SOC in Kosovo, dialogue and ‘Open Balkans’ (Kosovo-online)
• One case of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas on Saturday (Radio KIM)

Opinion:

• Bajrami: Open Balkan of the Balkans people (Koha)
• Palokaj: Open Balkans cannot be built with deniers of genocide (Koha)

International:

• Trenin: Balkans are not a prime battlefield in the Russia-West confrontation (EWB)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 30, 2021

By OPSI-su  5 days ago

Albanian Language Media:

• President Biden to be awarded Kosovo medal on behalf of late son, Beau (media)
• Gervalla says ‘Open Balkans’ is a dangerous initiative (Kosovapress)
• Abdixhiku: Economic integration of the region to be preceded by political recognition (media)
• Haradinaj accuses Kurti of ‘selling’ patriotism while protecting Serbia’s products (media)
• Vitia: The pandemic is far from over, our only weapon is vaccination (media)
• COVID-19: 70 new cases, one death (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• EC on the Open Balkans Initiative: We support the leaders’ commitment to regional cooperation (Kosovo Online, Danas)
• Belgrade expects constructive Berlin’s support in dialogue with Pristina (N1)
• “Open Balkan” criticized in Pristina and Tirana (KoSSev)
• Vucic: Kurti mistaken in thinking he’ll win with chauvinistic messages and closing Pristina (KoSSev)
• Petkovic: We have delivered food and insulin to Dragica Gasic (Radio KIM)

International:

• Balkan ‘Mini-Schengen’ Leaders Eye Open Borders by 2023 (Balkan Insight)

Humanitarian/Development:

• US State Department again lists BIRN as a resource for fighting corruption (Prishtina Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 29, 2021

By OPSI-mu  6 days ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 29, 2021

Albanian Language Media:

• Rama, Vucic and Zaev sign cooperation agreement in line with Open Balkan initiative (euronews.al)
• In 2023 there will be no borders between our countries, Vucic says (euronews.al)
• Zaev: A new wind of cooperation is blowing today in Skopje (euronews.al)
• Rama: Regional cooperation brings us closer to the EU (euronews.al)
• Vucic: If you consider Asterix a disgrace, put Serbia with a square sign (media)
• Concept Paper on justice vetting proceeded for public consultation (Telegrafi)
• Health Ministry: Compatriots living abroad can be vaccinated in Kosovo (media)
• COVID-19: 72 new cases, no deaths (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• “Open Balkans” new name for “mini-Schengen” (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• Vucic, Rama and Zaev today at the economic forum in Skopje (media)
• Serbia-US friendship and alliance in 140 years of diplomatic relations (N1)
• Bishop Teodosije met German diplomat Berger (Radio KIM)
• Non-paper: European Council definitively rejects access to document (N1 Slovenia, N1 BiH)
• OSCE on burglary of Dragica Gasic’s flat (KoSSev, media)

International:

• Kosovo Faces Uphill Fight in Claiming Yugoslav-Era Property (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 28, 2021

By OPSI-su  1 week ago

Albanian Language Media:

• UNDP poll finds significant increase in people’s satisfaction with Kosovo institutions (media)
• “Kosovo has investment potential but political instability and corruption hinder it” (Klan)
• Kosovo Assembly adopts budget review (media)
• Muja: For the first time in Kosovo, revenues exceed €2 billion (Kallxo)
• Bodies of bus crash victims arrive at Kosovo (media)
• COVID-19: 58 new cases, no deaths (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• OSCE report on assessment of community rights in Kosovo presented (KiM radio, RTV Puls, RTK2, N1)
• Fabrizi expects Serbia’s progress in talks with bloc before end of 2021 (N1)
• Dragica Gasic after robbery at her flat: I am staying in Djakovica (Radio KIM)
• “Absence of reactions and tendentious reporting on incidents constitute their silent approval” (Radio KIM)
• Petkovic to seek additional security for Dragica Gasic (Kosovo Online)
• Cadez: It is important that political leaders realize importance of “mini-Schengen” (Kosovo-online)
• BSN: New weapons strengthen operational capacities of Serbian Army (N1)

Opinion:

• Is the Decani Monastery really endangered? (Kosovo 2.0)

International:

• Balkan trio push ‘mini-Schengen’ as they hit out at EU membership delay (Financial Times)
• ‘Genocide’ Controversy Erupts over WWII Massacres in Montenegro (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, 27 July 2021

By OPSI-mu  1 week ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 27, 2021

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: The government will help reduce the gap between communities (Koha)
• KIA Chief Petrit Ajeti reports to the supervising committee (media)
• Minister Mehaj gives details about the released from the hospital in Croatia (Zeri)
• Croatian Court sentences driver of crashed bus with one month detention (media)
• Economy committee votes proposal for ERO board members (media)
• Maas: A German citizen among the victims of the bus crash (media)
• 55 patients are being treated with oxygen therapy, one in serious condition (Koha)
• COVID-19: 42 new cases, no deaths (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• 58% of Serbian citizens support the EU-mediated BG-PR dialogue (KoSSev)
• Stefanovic: Serbia grateful to Indonesia for support and non-recognition of Kosovo (Kosovo-online)
• In Serbian communities in Kosovo one Covid-19 case (KoSSev)

Opinion:

• The genocide campaign (Danas, KoSSev)

International:

• Minuto-Rizzo: Balkans has regained a priority status for NATO (EWB)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Summer School on Transitional Justice in Prizren (RTK2)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 26, 2021

By OPSI-su  1 week ago

Albanian Language Media:

• COVID-19: 14 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti, Gervalla return to Kosovo, Vitia and Svecla stay on in Croatia (media)
• Svecla: Some of the passengers will travel to Kosovo, others will return to Germany (Klan)
• PM Kurti pays tribute to Enver Zymberi on anniversary of his death (media)
• Gervalla called on EU to stop “Mini-Schengen” initiative (Telegrafi)

Serbian Language Media:

• One case of Covid-19 registered in Serbian areas in Kosovo on Saturday (Radio KIM)
• Presidential, and Belgrade elections, possibly parliamentary in Serbia in spring, official says (N1, Beta, Vecernje Novosti)
• Serbian List expresses condolences to families of those who died in bus crash (Kosovo-online)
• Raska-Prizren Eparchy expresses condolence to families of victims, prays for recovery of those injured in bus crash (Kosovo-online)
• Vucic will get closer to Moscow, but he will not “grow cold” towards Erdogan (Danas)
• Joksimovic: Regional initiatives enable stability (RTS)
• “International community does not see difficult position of Serbs” (Politika)
• Bayramov: Azerbaijan respects principles of international law when it comes to Kosovo issue (Kosovo-online)
• Dacic to attend inauguration of Iranian president (N1)
• Bolton: Pristina has the right not to accept territorial changes, but then there is no progress in the negotiations (Kosovo Online, B92)

International:

• Enmity and Neglect Take Toll on Serb Churches in Kosovo (Balkan Insight)
• Enkel Demi: We Need to Know Each Other’s Literature (Balkan Insight)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Nora Gjakova wins Kosovo’s third Olympic gold medal (Prishtina Insight)
• Montenegro Makes History With First Same-Sex Marriage (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 23, 2021

By OPSI-mu  2 weeks ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 23, 2021

Albanian Language Media:

• COVID-19: 19 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti calls on Kosovo population to vaccinate (Klan)
• President Osmani received by Japan’s FM Motegi and Emperor Naruhito (media)
• Beqaj: Kurti’s approach to dialogue is right but unrealistic (Telegrafi)
• Questions regarding Kosovo’s international organisation membership bids (RFE)
• Thaci’s lawyer provides guarantee for his release from detention (media)
• Unwavering trust between Ankara and Belgrade (RFE Albanian)

Serbian Language Media:

• 22 years since the murder of 14 Serbian harvesters in Staro Gracko (media)
• Odalovic: It is certainly known who committed the crime in Staro Gracko (RTS, N1, Beta, KiM radio)
• Petkovic with Veselinovic: Mistreatment of Serbs must end (Kosovo-online)
• Rakic: We’ll continue to provide assistance, as it is only way to save our people (Kosovo-online)
• Serbian pilgrims banned from entering Kosovo (Radio KIM)

Opinion:

• Should Kosovo recognise Serbia? (Prishtina Insight)
• 11 years since the opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo’s independence (KoSSev)
• Non-Papers and the elephant in the room: Rule of law in the Western Balkans (EWB)

International:

• Montenegro Rules out Changes to Kosovo Border Agreement (Balkan Insight)
• Serbian interior minister in Madrid to discuss police cooperation, Kosovo (Euractive)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, July 22, 2021

By OPSI-su  2 weeks ago

Albanian Language Media:

• COVID-19: 28 new cases, no deaths (media)
• Kurti: Dialogue in Brussels is about status of Kosovo-Serbia relations (media)
• Osmani: Time to recognise irreversible reality of independent Kosovo (media)
• Kosovo Assembly ratifies IPA 2020 agreement (media)
• PDK initiates parliamentary debate on 100 days of Kurti government (Koha)
• VV MP: We are eradicating corruption (Ekonomia Online)
• PDK leader: Kosovo coordination with US, vital and irreplaceable (Klan Kosova)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic: We are changing the name “mini Schengen”, fast lanes for people from the region (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• “KLA” graffiti written on a church in Brod village, children’s playground in Susica
• Veselinovic transferred to Prizren for further interrogation (Radio KIM)
• Trajkovic: Kosovo institutions do not react to prevent pressure and do not condemn frequent incidents against Serb community (KoSSev, JUGpress)
• Danas: US delighted with Kurti’s democracy, shocked by Vucic’s authoritarianism (Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic on two-day visit in Kosovo (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Popovic received a summons to testify at the trial for Ivanovic’s murder (Beta, N1, KiM radio)
• Vucic spoke with Zaev and Rama ahead of Skopje Forum (Kosovo-online)

International:

• Balkan Athletes Hunger for Glory at Olympics Marred by COVID-19 (Balkan Insight)
• Vucic: Serbia will protect interests if Kosovo campaigns for independence (Euractiv)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Checkmate! Kosovo Elderly Find Solace – and Rivalry – in Ancient Game (Balkan Insight)
• Childbirth Often Traumatic in CEE, But Few Women Seek Redress (Balkan Insight)