UNMIK Media Reports View All →
UNMIK Headlines 20 November
• INTERPOL General Assembly to vote on Kosovo’s bid today (media)
• “Last-minute” lobbying (Koha)
• Veseli: All should give account about public property (Epoka)
• Veseli travels to Brussels, seeks Belgium’s support for visa liberalization (Epoka)
• CEFTA, hostage of Kosovo, Bosnia, Serbia disagreements (Zeri)
• Thaci asks court to interpret govt’s decision for properties in the north (media)
• Ministry of Trade and Industry issues new order (Facebook)
• Vucic: No dialogue until Pristina withdraws recent measures (Klan Kosova)
UNMIK Headlines 19 November
• Voting for Kosovo’s membership at INTERPOL, on Tuesday (Epoka)
• Illegal migration and lack of reforms, obstacles for visa liberalisation (Koha)
• Kosovo Army will not be formed on November 28 (Zeri)
• Haradinaj: I did not compile veterans’ lists, I found them there (Zeri)
• Philips: Division of Kosovo, part of Putin’s strategic plan (Zeri)
• Haxhiu: Vetevendosje in coalition with LDK, under one condition (Gazeta Blic)
• Kurz assembles Balkans leaders, including Haradinaj and Brnabic (Bota Sot)
• Charges against Serbian criminals to be filed at Kosovo prosecution (Telegrafi)
UNMIK Headlines 17 November
Headlines – 17.11.2018 U.S. support Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, request national consensus (media) In a response to KosovaPress, the Embassy of the United States of America stressed that the U.S. supports Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and requests national consensus in order progress. The Embassy however did not want to comment on President Hashim Thaci’s meeting with Russia’s President Valadimir […]
Read More →UNMIK Headlines 16 November
• Haradinaj: Only the President can represent Kosovo in dialogue (media)
• Clashes between Thaci and Haradinaj could lead to early elections (Zeri)
• President Thaci meets Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó (media)
• Tahiri: Haradinaj made a hasty political statement about Thaci (T7/Express)
• Zaharova: Agreement must be in the interest of Serbian people (media)
• Cuoci: Kosovo does not have agreement with NATO or KFOR on KSF competencies (Bota Sot, EWB)
• Ramadani: No one can stop KSF transformation (Epoka)
• Warnings for destabilization prior to INTERPOL membership (Gazeta Metro)
• Meta: We support Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, opposition should be part of it (Bota)
• Serbia, Bosnia won’t attend CEFTA meetings in Pristina (Koha)
• Hajdari: They’re sending me messages about the Pronto case (media)
UNMIK Headlines 15 November
• UN Security Council discusses report on Kosovo (media)
• Haradinaj: Elections not favorable at this time (media)
• Germany against Kosovo – Serbia border changes (Zeri)
• Assembly President Veseli visits Finland, meets Rissiko and Ahtisaari (media)
• The late offensive for visa liberalization (Koha)
• LDK’s Hoti says parties should discuss dissolution of Assembly (Epoka)
• Rashiti: U.S. and EU expect agreement by April (media)
• Appeals court confirms Limaj’s innocence (media)
UNMIK Headlines 14 November
• UN Security Council to discuss situation in Kosovo today (Zeri)
• Haradinaj: Elections are not on our agenda (Epoka)
• Hoxha: EU should keep its promise on visa liberalization (Epoka)
• Soltes: There is time to convince EU states on visa liberalization (media)
• Djukanovic: Thaci’s and Vucic’s idea, affecting progress in Balkans (Bota)
• U.S. opposes increase of tax on Serbian and Bosnian products (media)
• Thaci wont allow Haradinaj to appoint Shoshi as AKI deputy chief (Koha)
• Import from Serbia and Bosnia falls, incomes grow for €300 thousand (Epoka)
UNMIK Headlines 13 November
• Thaci meets Putin, says Russia supports Kosovo-Serbia agreement (dailies)
• Thaci: Meeting with Putin, enormous step for Kosovo diplomacy (Klan Kosova)
• Veseli considers Thaci-Putin meeting, positive development (Klan Kosova/Zeri)
• Hoxhaj: Thaci-Putin meeting, recognition of Kosovo reality (Telegrafi)
• Kurti: Thaci can discuss with Putin only his political asylum in Russia (Zeri)
• Osmani: Thaci’s handshake with Putin does not do service to Kosovo (Klan)
• Haradinaj: If borders are touched, we will request president’s dismissal (T7, RTK)
• Veseli: If Serbia willingly gives us Presevo, we will take it (Klan)
• Hoxhaj seeks Germany’s support on visas and dialogue (RTK)
• Government of Kosovo could be heading for a fall (Zeri)
• Mustafa: Dialogue unacceptable until Serbia stops obstructions (RFE/Koha)
UNMIK Headlines 12 November
• Thaci: Trump supports Kosovo-Serbia agreement 100 percent (Epoka)
• Status quo dangerous but reconciliation with Serbia is not impossible (RTK)
• Western diplomats seek consensus for agreement with Serbia (Koha)
• The failure to launch the agreement (Koha)
• Hoxhaj: If visas do not liberalize we will condition the dialogue (media)
• Haradinaj: They thought I want to send army to north, it’s not true (media)
• Soltes: I hope visa liberalisation will happen by May next year (Zeri)
• Mustafa: Dialogue with Serbia to be conditioned (Kosova Sot)
• VV doesn’t want Serbian List votes to bring down government (Bota/Zeri)
• Montenegro, FYROM abstain on Kosovo’s admission vote to ENTSO (Bota Sot)
Opinions View All →
Decentralization is an alternative to partition (Prishtina Insight)
By: David L. Philips Kosovo is at a critical crossroads, and devolution of power from the executive would advance good governance, equality and the strengthening of democracy. Down one path lies partition, which seeks to placate Serbia. Proponents wrongly believe that adjusting borders will help Kosovo gain greater global recognition. Another path involves decentralization, which […]
Read More →Kosovo’s Interpol bid – and its ramifications for EU (EUobserver)
Eliott Behar, former domestic criminal prosecutor and international war crimes prosecutor, writes in an op-ed for EUobserver that as Interpol’s General Assembly prepares to vote on whether to admit Kosovo as its newest member, there is little question that Kosovo meets the criteria for membership. “It has a large police force, numbering over 8,000 employees […]
Read More →Breaking old habits in the Balkans (European Council on Foreign Relations)
By: Robert Cooper Opinions cost nothing, but it is not our opinions that matter – let’s not take sides before we know what has been proposed. “An intellectual hatred is the worst”, says W B Yeats, “So let her think opinions are accursed.” That’s what I used to think when I was involved in diplomacy […]
Read More →Fresh Momentum for the Balkans (Project Syndicate)
Javier Solana, former EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and former Secretary-General of NATO, writes in an opinion piece for news organisation Project Syndicate that the last decades have brought more frustration than progress to the Balkans but that no conflict is unsolvable when “diplomatic creativity and political will are brought to bear.” […]
Read More →Kosovo-Serbia Deal – Saving Faces or Saving Borders (Balkan Insight)
By: Gezim Krasniqi The contradictory reactions to proposals to resolve the Kosovo issue through border changes has exposed the international community’s confusion over what its priorities are. Recent announcements by the presidents of Serbia and Kosovo, that they are considering border changes to reach a historic peace settlement, have sent shockwaves across the region. Speaking […]
Read More →An Offensive Plan for the Balkans That the U.S. Should Get Behind (The New York Times)
By: Charles A. Kupchan A Kosovo-Serbia land swap would be peaceful ethnic cleansing. But at least it would bring peace. The Balkans remains in strategic limbo. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia 10 years ago, but Serbia has yet to come to terms with its loss — refusing to recognize Kosovo and stirring trouble between the […]
Read More →Kosovo, billed as a model of western intervention learns a difficult lesson (TRT World)
By: Aidan Hehir With the West in disarray, Kosovo is finding out that its territorial integrity is up for grabs. To the surprise of most observers of Balkan politics, the presidents of Serbia and Kosovo have recently floated the idea of a territory exchange. While the details are not yet clear, the idea appears to […]
Read More →The hollow compromise of ‘border corrections’ (Prishtina Insight)
By: Florian Bieber Talks of partition and territorial exchange, facilitated by a weakly managed dialogue and support from undemocratic regimes, have found traction within the EU and now the Trump administration. Talk of border “corrections”―a new euphemism for border changes ―has recently become attractive to Western policymakers, for lack of tangible alternatives. The Brussels talks […]
Read More →Articles from Kosovo media View All →
Foreign Ministry reacts on INTERPOL, mentions blackmail and corruption by Serbia (media)
Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed great disappointment today over the failed bid to join INTERPOL and criticized what it called blackmailing approach by Serbian officials toward INTERPOL and some delegations of African countries. The Ministry said in a statement that members of the Serbian delegation tried to corrupt some representatives of INTERPOL member states. […]
Read More →United Kingdom disappointed with rejection of Kosovo’s bid to become INTERPOL member (RTK)
The Embassy of the United Kingdom in Kosovo expressed disappointment that Kosovo’s bid for INTERPOL membership resulted unsuccessful. “The UK is disappointed that Kosovo’s Interpol membership application was unsuccessful in Dubai today. Kosovo worked hard to make the case for its membership to Interpol member countries. Kosovo’s membership of Interpol would enable better information sharing […]
Read More →President Thaci comments on Kosovo’s failed bid to INTERPOL membership (media)
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci said today he was disappointed that Kosovo failed in its bid to join INTERPOL. “In the integration processes, we are at a point that requires reflection, Serbia is pressuring the member states of INTERPOL. I want to thank the countries that have supported us. Kosovo has its own path as an […]
Read More →Kosovo’s bid for INTERPOL membership fails (Lajmi)
Kosovo did not gain enough votes (103) required for membership. In the first round of voting, Kosovo gained 73 votes, 56 were against and 22 abstained. In the second round, 68 votes were for and 51 against. The government of Kosovo has issued a press release expressing deep disappointment for not becoming part of this […]
Read More →U.S. Embassy: Lack of Kosovo’s membership at INTERPOL, a loss for everyone (RTK)
The U.S. Embassy in Kosovo issued a press release after Kosovo’s failing to become an INTERPOL member. “The Kosovo Police is a fully integrated and capable institution, with a demonstrated record of helping dismantle international terrorist, cybercriminal, narcotics, arms, and human smuggling networks. A majority of countries saw this and supported Kosovo’s application to join […]
Read More →Macron could support exchange of territories (Insajderi, RFI)
French International Radio RFI claims French President Emmanuel Macron could support the idea of ”border correction,” which would have to solve the problems between Kosovo and Serbia and would push Belgrade to recognize Kosovo’s independence. “After many years of inactivity, it seems that French diplomacy really wants to get involved again in Balkan issues, and […]
Read More →Veseli: Kosovo deserves visa liberalisation (RTK)
Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli said today after the meeting of Assembly presidency that Kosovo has fulfilled all the criteria for visa liberalization and that there is no reason for some other decision-making on the matter. “This week’s agenda will also be filled with several draft-laws related to the European agenda. The matter of visa […]
Read More →Assembly to hold extraordinary session on foreign policy on Thursday (media)
Most news websites report that the Kosovo Assembly Presidency decided today that the Assembly will hold an extraordinary session on Kosovo’s foreign policy on Thursday. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) had withdrawn its request for an extraordinary session last Friday due to the absence of MPs and Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli.
Read More →Serb. Monitoring View All →
Investigations of chief judge who accused EULEX of corruption finalized, results will not be published (KoSSev)
The European Union has wrapped up three investigations into a British judge and the chairman of the EULEX judicial council from 2014 to 2018, Malcolm Simmons, but will not make public the conclusions of the probes, KoSSev portal reports. The EU spokesperson confirmed yesterday that the disciplinary board had finalized three investigations into Simmons, Beta […]
Read More →Scott: US is disappointed, congratulations to Serbia (B92)
US Ambassador in Serbia, Kyle Scott said that the decision of Interpol not to accept Kosovo as its member is disappointing for the US, B92 reports. He added, such an outcome of voting at Interpol General Assembly is a diplomatic victory of Serbia, and congratulated to the Serbian state leadership for that.
Read More →Dacic: I don’t have to be nice – this is great Serbian victory (B92)
Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic said that “not even the support of the Austrian chancellor” had helped get the Pristina authorities in Interpol. “As they chose who to get to Interpol through – so they managed to do it,” Dacic said in a news conference held after the vote at the international police organization’s […]
Read More →Milisav Dasic released (KIM Radio, Tanjug)
Serb returnee Milisav Dasic, who was arrested on Sunday at Jarinje crossing point between central Serbia and Kosovo was released, under explanation there was a mistake, Chair of the Interim Council of Istok municipality Malisa Djuric told Tanjug news agency.
Read More →Vucic: We must not be euphoric (Danas)
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said today he is proud of Serbia’s struggle, that manage to fight back some of the most powerful world powers and prevent Kosovo to joint Interpol, Danas daily reports. Vucic added Serbia showed how much it matters to preserve the freedom, integrity and independence, however, we must not be euphoric over […]
Read More →Serbian Interior Minister reacts as Pristina Interpol bid fails (B92)
Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic has declared a victory in Dubai, where Interpol is holding its General Assembly, B92 reports. Namely, the latest attempt of the self-proclaimed state of Kosovo to join the organization – which Serbia strongly opposed – has failed. Stefanovic celebrated with a tweet showing the room where the voting took place, […]
Read More →Kosovo’s bid to join Interpol fails again (B92)
The self-proclaimed state of Kosovo has failed to become a member of Interpol in the two rounds of voting on Tuesday, at the General Assembly held in Dubai. B92.net learned this on Tuesday. The round’s result was 76 votes in favor, 56 against, 22 abstained. There was a 20-minute break before the second round. During […]
Read More →No dialogue until Pristina withdraws trade barriers – Vucic (Tanjug, B92)
Aleksandar Vucic said late on Monday that he is listening “on a daily basis to the wishes of westerners for Serbia to continue the dialogue with Kosovo.” Vucic reiterated that there will be no continuation of the dialogue until Pristina withdraws its measures, referring to an additional tax of 10 percent that Pritina has imposed […]
Read More →International View All →
Kosovo’s Bid to Join Interpol Fails (Balkan Insight)
Kosovo’s bid to join Interpol failed when it did not get enough supporting votes at the international criminal cooperation organization’s general assembly in Dubai. Kosovo failed to secure the necessary support of two-thirds of Interpol’s 192-member states in its bid to join the International Criminal Police Organization at its general assembly in Dubai on Tuesday. […]
Read More →Land swap talk sparks fears in Kosovo village (politico.eu)
ÇABËR, Kosovo — When the people of this village in northern Kosovo returned to homes flattened by Serbian forces in the 1998-1999 war, they hoped to rebuild and live in safety for generations to come. Now they fear they could be forced to leave again, under proposals to change borders as part of a permanent […]
Read More →Kosovo Tax Hike Halves Imports From Serbia, Bosnia (Balkan Insight)
Serbian and Bosnian exports to Kosovo have reportedly tumbled since Kosovo imposed taxes on imports on November 6 – with no resolution of the trade war in sight. Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce said exports to Kosovo had fallen by 50 per cent since Pristina slapped taxes on goods from Serbia and Bosnia, while the trade […]
Read More →The Kosovo quandary is a win for Russia (Al Jazeera)
For nearly two decades, President Vladimir Putin has been on a mission to make Russia great again – to borrow a phrase from his American counterpart – and to right what he sees as the greatest “wrong” in the country’s recent history: the collapse of the USSR and the loss of its superpower status. In […]
Read More →Serbia-EU: ‘Reform Process Stalls as Kosovo Dialogue Dominates’ (Balkan Insight)
Austria, who currently holds the rotating EU presidency, is hosting the 9th EU-Serbia intergovernmental conference on December 10. Despite slow progress on joining the EU so far, particularly as Serbia has been widely regarded as a frontrunner for membership, Belgrade is hoping new chapters in accession negotiations could be opened. The Serbian Minister for European […]
Read More →Cuoci: NATO should be consulted over change of mandate of the Kosovo Security Force (EWB)
Interview with Major General Salvatore Cuoci, Commander of KFOR. Cuoci was appointed as the 22nd KFOR Commander in November 2017. European Western Balkans: How do you see the role of KFOR in Kosovo? What do you see as the most important contribution of KFOR to Kosovo’s stability and security? Salvatore Cuoci: NATO-KFOR’s mission is to contribute to […]
Read More →Prosecutor barred from reading indictment in ‘Pronto’ affair case (Prishtina Insight)
Former and current public officials face nepotism charges at the Prishtina Basic Court on Thursday based on evidence leaked through wiretaps in 2016. Over two years after the controversial wiretaps between Democratic Party of Kosovo, PDK, officials were leaked to the Kosovo public, former PDK MP Adem Grabovci and 11 other individuals accused in the […]
Read More →Spain reverses stance on Kosovo athletes in the country (AP, The Washington Post)
MADRID – The Spanish government has decided to grant athletes from Kosovo the same rights as other nationalities when participating in international competitions held in Spain. A joint statement from the International Olympic Committee and the Spanish Olympic Committee on Wednesday welcomed the decision, which comes after Spain prohibited the use of Kosovo symbols during […]
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From Google News- IOC asks members to not grant event to India involving Kosovo 20/11/2018IOC asks members to not grant event to India involving Kosovo Hindustan TimesFull coverage
- Kosovo's bid to join Interpol fails, in victory for Serbia 20/11/2018Kosovo's bid to join Interpol fails, in victory for Serbia Washington PostKosovo's bid to join Interpol rejected at agency's assembly KTREUS Embassy reacts after failed bid of Kosovo to join Interpol Gazeta ExpressFull coverage
- Russians did not support us Monday, Kosovo vote Tuesday 20/11/2018Russians did not support us Monday, Kosovo vote Tuesday B92Full coverage
- IOC asks members to not grant event to India involving Kosovo 20/11/2018
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