UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 15, 2023

By OSPI-f  5 hours ago

Albanian Language Media:
Kosovo Police press conference on incident involving three police officers (media)
Kosovo leaders react to incident involving three police officers (media)
EU: We are in contact with both sides to understand what happened (Koha)
KFOR: In contact with Serbia about the three police officers (media)
Security Council of Kosovo to meet today (media)
Svecla: We don’t know where officers are, we’re coordinating with intls (Koha)
Svecla: Serbian goods cannot enter Kosovo (media)
Gervalla: Vucic will fuel destabilization further if not stopped by NATO (media)
Kearns: Very serious escalation, if Serbian forces entered Kosovo illegally (Klan)
Rama: We are not silent, waiting for KFOR reaction (media)
Begaj: Kidnapping of police officers a serious act of provocation (media)
Borrell: Severe consequences if Kurti doesn’t de-escalate situation (Reporteri)
U.S. ambassador to NATO requests restart of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
Kurti-led government revokes Klan Kosova license (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Vucic: I am afraid that we have crossed the Rubicon, Kurti wants to provoke a war at any cost (RTS)
Vucic again today to meet Giaufret and representatives of Quint (media)
Pristina bans goods from Serbia, entry to vehicles with Serbian license plates (media)
Momirovic: Pristina’s decision to stop the flow of goods contrary to all European principles (KiM Radio)
Stano on KP officers’ arrest: EU in communication with both sides, we are trying to understand what exactly happened (Blic)
Petkovic: “Kurti’s special forces were in the territory of central Serbia; our police did not cross the administrative line even a millimeter” (Radio Mitrovica sever)
Brkic: Kosovo special forces under full war gear, with automatic rifles entered the territory of central Serbia (Blic, Kosovo Online, N1)
Ristuccia spoke with Vucic and Mojsilovic: KFOR ready to face any scenario (KiM radio)
SafeJournalists: Safety of journalists in Kosovo still threatened (KoSSev, safejournalists.net)
Basic Court in Pristina: Milenkovic charged with “committing a terrorist act” in December 2022 (KiM radio)
International Media:
Kosovo says 3 border police officers ‘kidnapped’ by Serbia; Belgrade says they crossed illegally (AP)
Serbian arrest of three Kosovo police officers triggers new row (Reuters)
Kosovo, Serbia, Trade Conflicting Accounts Over ‘Kidnapped’ Police Officers (BIRN)
Serbia and Kosovo exchange barbs after policemen arrested in border area (euronews)
Kosovo Says Serbia ‘Kidnaps’ Three Police Officers In Volatile North (RFE)
EU to get tougher on Kosovo as tensions flare (Politico)
EU Announces Measures Against Kosovo Over Unrest in North (BIRN)
EU hits Kosovo with sanctions after Serb tensions flare up again (Financial Times)
EU Takes Rare Steps Against Kosovo for Failure to Lower Tension (Bloomberg)
Kosovo’s President Urges EU to Deliver a Credible EU Roadmap for Western Balkan’s Future (Schengen Visa)
Muslim-majority Kosovo wants ‘strategic partnership’ with Israel — former PM (Times of Israel)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 14, 2023

By OPSI-su  1 day ago

Albanian Language Media:

• EU is preparing a package of sanctions against Kosovo (RFE)
• EU on Kurti’s plan: We haven’t seen decisive steps towards de-escalation (media)
• U.S. calls again on parties to reduce tensions in the north of Kosovo (Koha)
• Geoana: NATO and the EU are making efforts for de-escalation (Koha)
• UK: First steps should be taken to de-escalate the situation (media)
• Lajcak’s report, Osmani closer to EU requirements (Top Channel, Koha)
• Albania-Kosovo meeting cancelled! Rama: I asked Kurti for bilateral meet (media)
• Kosovo govt reacts: First time a joint meeting is canceled unilaterally (media)
• AAK to Kurti: Urgently work with allies, Kosovo is in a difficult situation (Klan)
• Krasniqi reacts to not holding the meeting of governments: Alarming! (media)
• Osmani: Membership in the Council of Europe, an important step (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Peaceful night in the north of Kosovo; Vucic today with the representatives of the Quint countries (Danas)
• Vucic discussed situation in Kosovo with US senators (Tanjug)
• Brnabic: Kurti causing fresh escalation to avoid commitments (Tanjug)
• Petkovic: Situation in north of Kosovo toughest to date (Tanjug, media)
• Decani: The situation on the verge of a serious escalation, we pray to prevent deaths (KoSSev, Twitter)
• SNF: The Serbian List has lost credibility to represent Serbs from Kosovo (KoSSev)
• Serbian List leader Rakic assaulted by Kosovo Serb protesters (N1, nova.rs)
• RFE: Borrell cabinet to impose sanctions on Pristina (N1)
• Lajcak briefs North Atlantic Council on developments in Kosovo (N1)

International Media:

• Kosovo PM presents plan to defuse tensions in Serb-majority area (Reuters)
• The United States Is Creating a Kosovo Crisis (Financial Times)
• Kosovo proposes 5-point plan to defuse tensions with Serbia (Euractiv)
• Arrest in Northern Kosovo Tests De-Escalation Efforts (BIRN)
• Witnesses Accuse Serbian Ex-Police Officer of Abuse and Murder (BIRN)
• Kosovo PM Presents Plan to Defuse Tensions in Serb-Majority Area (VoA)
• Kosovo: Why is tension flaring up again? (DW)
• Plan To Defuse Tensions In Northern Kosovo Presented As Arrest Made In Clash With Peacekeepers (RFE)
• 3 Kosovo police officers injured during arrest of alleged organizer of Serb protests (AP)
• US Senator: Kosovo to establish Association and hold elections in north (euronews.al)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 13, 2023

By OSPI-f  2 days ago

Albanian Language Media:
Kosovo leaders thank NATO for military intervention in 1999 (media)
U.S. and UK remember 12 June 1999 (media)
Osmani: Arrest of criminal groups, necessary for non-repetition of actions (Koha)
Rama: Kurti, Vucic to decide for themselves, but region is not only theirs (media)
Palokaj: Suspension of visa liberalisation not an option (KTV)
Osmani talks with Milanovic, thanks Croatia for continued support (media)
Abazovic: I don’t like Kurti’s disagreement with internationals (media)
Belgium to open its embassy in Pristina (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Vucic says talks with Serbs from Kosovo difficult, concerned over situation (RTS, Tanjug)
Brnabic: Situation in Kosovo to be main topic of House of Lords dinner (Tanjug)
Quint ambassadors did not attend ceremony organized by Osmani and Kurti (Kosovo Online, N1)
International Media:
The Pursuit of ‘Stabilocracy’ in Kosovo has Failed (BIRN)
Kosovo: Decades-long search for missing persons continues (Al Jazeera)
Voices from Prishtina Pride (Kosovo 2.0)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 12, 2023

By OSPI-f  3 days ago

Albanian Language Media:
Kurti says removing ‘criminal gangs’ resolves tensions in north Kosovo (media)
Escobar on Kurti: Sometimes he’s a difficult partner, but he’s a partner (RFE)
Rama’s draft statute for association, Kosovo government reacts (media)
Konjufca on Rama’s draft statute: Unilateral action (media)
Lajcak: We hoped for more, tensions remain high (media)
Leaders pay homage at Rugova’s grave on Day of Liberation (Klan Kosova)
A few Serbs protested in Zvecan, while in Zubin Potok, none (Klan)
Milatovic: First elections in north, then the Association (Reporteri)
Police confiscate cryptocurrency production equipment in Zubin Potok (media)
Presevo Valley Albanians to raise their concerns at European Parliament (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Elections in northern Kosovo only half-solution, Kurti took over role of a judge (KoSSev)
Lajcak on outcomes of Pristina and Belgrade visits, says tensions still high (Kosovo Online)
Jevtic responds to Kurti’s chief of cabinet about Serbs “being the most protected ethnic group” (social media, media)
Prosecution in Vranje refutes allegations that cultural house director in Bujanovac was arrested (Radio KIM)

International Media:
Pride Parade Shines Under Rainbow Flags in Prishtina (Prishtina Insight)
For Some, Kosovo’s NATO Anniversary Stirs Mixed Emotions (BIRN)
US-Kosovo Diplomatic Spat Casts Shadow on Bilateral Relations (VoA)
Bitter at US Snub, Kosovo Leader Signals Hard Line Amid Flareup (Bloomberg)
The West has lost the plot in the Balkans (Aljazeera)
‘Monotony And Tension’: Life’s On Pause As Familiar Unrest Roils Kosovo (RFE)
“Rama’s draft leads to Kosovo-Serbia mutual recognition” (Euronews Albania)
Serbia’s Vucic demands Kosovo concessions on autonomy for local Serbs before new vote (Reuters)
Montenegro’s Europe Now Movement Wins Snap Vote (RFE)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 9, 2023

By OSPI-f  6 days ago

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti to Cleverly: Only rule of law can pave way for early elections (Koha)
Osmani talks to Senators Shaheen and Ricketts (media)
Abdixhiku calls on Osmani to have clear position on the north (T7)
Hill: Vucic, a good partner – I don’t know if we can consider Kurt as such (VoA)
Abbott: Difficult time, Kosovo should listen to advice of friends (Express)
Muja: Police, mayors won’t withdraw as long as there are ‘criminal gangs’ (media)
Hungarian President: Situation in Kosovo can quickly escalate (NZZ/Klan)
Limaj: Resolution 1244 is becoming current again in north (TV Dukagjini)

Serbian Language Media:

Lawyer: Serb from Zvecan arrested at Jarinje yesterday released (Kosovo Online)
KFOR removed barbed wire in Leposavic (Kosovo Online, KoSSev)
Lajcak and Escobar to report on outcomes of talks in Belgrade and Pristina today (RTS)
“Self-determination Movement with new video – “fascist militia”, “genocidal Serbia” and “triumph” of Kosovo” (KoSSev)
US Ambassador: Serbia is our partner, the question is whether Kurti is (N1, BETA)
British Ambassador to Kosovo Govt: Listen to international friends (FoNet, Radio Free Europe)
RS Parliament adopts Resolution on Protection of Serbs in Kosovo (N1)

International Media:

Kosovo complains of biased western envoys in talks with its former foe (AP)
Kosovo Cautious on Albania PM’s Plan for Serb Municipalities Association (BIRN)
Fewer sticks, more carrots (peacefare.net)
Behind the Renewed Troubles in Northern Kosovo (ICG)
Fears simmer as an interethnic conflict brews in Kosovo (Aljazeera)
Kosovo adopts IHRA antisemitism definition (The Jerusalem Post)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 8, 2023

By OPSI-mu  1 week ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 8, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti, Escobar deny claims of deadlines for proposals on situation in north (Koha)
• Escobar: For Euro-integration, Kosovo should give more autonomy to Serbs in north (media)
• Kurti replies to Escobar: Kosovo has not written a Draft for the Association (Express)
• U.S. Senators call for calm between Kosovo and Serbia (media)
• Kurti at Camp Belvedere: Amazing successes on law and order in north (media)
• Durmishi: We’ll never compromise with sovereign and territorial integrity (Koha)
• “Kosovo, not Kurti and Osmani, to pay price of breaking relations with US” (media)
• Begaj: Violence is not a solution, sovereignty is indisputable (media)
• Grenell: I’ve seen the consequences, it isn’t pretty (media)
• Vucic promises envoy he will convince Serbs to take part in elections (Koha)
• World Bank affirms Kosovo’s 3.7% GDP growth forecast for 2023 (SeeNews)

Serbian Language Media:

• PM Brnabic, President Vucic addressed public last night (N1, RTS)
• Vucic, Peach discuss developments in Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Drecun on plan for de-escalation, Pristina acts (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Grenell: Severe consequences for Kosovo if Kurti refuses US and EU demands (Danas, social media)
• Petkovic conveys concerns for safety of Kosovo Serbs to German ambassador (Tanjug)
• Srdjan Sentic appointed deputy Ombudsman in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
• President of India visits Serbia (RTS)

International Media:

• Kosovo president open to new elections in Serb-majority municipalities (Reuters)
• Kosovo PM slams ‘Belgrade’s intrusion’, welcomes elections once ‘fascist militia’ brought to justice (France 24)
• US Balkan envoy urges Kosovo and Serbia to deescalate tensions or jeopardize progress toward EU (AP)
• US envoy urges Kosovo to grant Serbs autonomy (DW)
• Belgrade To Prod Ethnic Serbs In North Kosovo To Vote In Elections (RFE)
• To join EU, NATO, Kosovo needs to give Serbs more autonomy: U.S. envoy (tvpworld)
• EU, US want Serb-Kosovo spat resolved, demand new elections, dialogue (Euractiv)
• In North Kosovo, Expect the Expected (BIRN)
• Decades-old tensions drive escalating conflict in northern Kosovo (Courthouse News Service)
• Insights of an Adventurous Political Tour to Kosovo (Prishtina Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 7, 2023

By OSPI-f  1 week ago

Albanian Language Media:
• Escobar warns of consequences if international proposal for situation in the north is not accepted by Wednesday (Koha)
• Escobar: US-Kosovo ties are strong (Euronews)
• Lajcak told opposition consequences Kosovo will have from tensions in north (Koha)
• Lajcak, Escobar ask Serbian List to take part in new elections (RTK)
• Hovenier: De-escalation in north and new elections (Koha)
• Guerot: Situation in north worrying, stop divisive rhetoric (Telegrafi)
• Mehaj and Abbott talk about security situation in north (RTK)
• Kurti meets Australian ambassador, discuss Kosovo-Serbia relations (Koha)
• British MP slams US and EU for response to tensions in north (Euronews)
• Bislimi’s advisor: When will intl community react to Serbia’s obligations (media)
• Serbs in southern municipalities do not mind Kosovo police and flag (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic: Time for Pristina to meet its commitments (Tanjug, media)
• Escobar: Whenever we talk to Kurti and Bislimi, they only want to talk about Serbia (KoSSev)
• Escobar on A/CSM: It will be formed; the only question is who will form it and how long we have to wait (KoSSev)
• Lajcak to Serbian List: Serbs to participate in new elections in the north (Kosovo Online, Twitter)
• Serbian List representatives reiterated the demands of the Serbs to Escobar and Lajcak (Kosovo Online, FB)
• Escobar: The crisis in the North a failure of the political leadership of both sides (KoSSev)
• There are voices in the Serbian community that need to be heard, read the letter from the civil sector, said Escobar (KoSSev)
• Vucic and Brnabic to address public today (media)
• Mijacic: Kurti was late for the meeting with Lajcak and Escobar because of football (Danas, N1, Beta)
• Zakharova: Comparing Belgrade-Pristina agreements with Minsk agreement is wrong (Beta, N1)
• CCIS President: Region ready to become part of common EU market (N1, Beta)
International Media:

• EU and US Envoys with Requests for Kosovo Government (Prishtina Insight)
• Minister: Kosovo open to new elections in municipalities hit by unrest (Reuters)
• Will the United States Abandon Kosovo? (BIRN)
• Reporting on the Special Court from a distance (Kosovo 2.0)
• Albanian ‘terrorists’ in Milosevic’s prisons (Kosovo 2.0)
• Kosovo c-bank reopens competition for governor (See News)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 6, 2023

By OSPI-f  1 week ago

Albanian Language Media:
International requests: Calm situation in north, elections, return to dialogue (media)
Escobar, Lajcak to meet President Osmani and opposition parties today (media)
State Department again calls on Kurti and Vucic to reduce tensions (Koha)
Rohde: Fulfillment of EU requirements to begin urgently (Koha)
Opposition: OSCE intervention in elections in north, backtracking (Klan)
British Parliament debates on situation in north of Kosovo (Koha)
Sladjana Pantovic appointed deputy mayor of Zvecan (Reporteri)
Svecla speaks about Police actions in north of Kosovo (Koha)
“Mayors taken by police, sent to offices, not knowing where they’re going” (media)
Kurti in Pride Week: Freedom to love is a universal right (Koha)
Gervalla attends SEECP Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Budva (media)
Serbian Language Media:
Serbs continue gathering in northern Kosovo, voice same demands (RTS, media)
London calls on Pristina to withdraw special police forces from north (N1, SRNA)
Sladjana Pantovic appointed deputy mayor of Zvecan (KoSSev, media)
Vucic to meet Lajcak and Escobar this evening (media)
Moliqaj criticized Kurti for making list of Serbs (Kosovo Online)
International Media:
I won’t appease friends of Putin, says Kosovo PM (The Times)
US commander describes attack on troops in Kosovo by Serb ‘agitators’ after elections (Stripes)
Serbia’s cunning Kosovo deflection (IPS Journal)
Ethnic Albanian journalists attacked, vehicles vandalized during Serb protests in northern Kosovo (CPJ)
Turkish forces arrive in Kosovo to bolster NATO-led peacekeepers after recent violence (AP)
UN Expert Assails Serbia For Using Mass Killings To ‘Stir Up Hatred,’ Attack Rights Defenders (RFE)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 5, 2023

By OSPI-f  1 week ago

Albanian Language Media:
Kurti: I cannot compromise with the democratic republic (RFE)
U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Finer’s call with Kurti (media)
EU High Representative statement on behalf of EU on latest developments (media)
Escobar: Escalation of tensions in the north was avoidable, Kosovo did not listen to the international community (BBC, media)
OSCE CiO reveals 9-point plan for reducing tensions in north Kosovo (Euronews)
Kurti: With US and EU, we may have differences in approach, but not in goals (The Geopost)
Escobar and Lajcak in Kosovo “to continue pressure” on government (Koha)
COMKFOR Ristuccia interview with Corriere della Sera (media)
Sarrazin: Parties in the conflict have lost great deal of trust (media)
Kurti thanks Leposavic mayor, “exemplary position for law and order” (Euronews)
Minister Elbert Krasniqi visits the mayor of Leposaviq (Klan)
Stoltenberg welcomes the sending of Turkish troops to Kosovo (Koha)
Davenport: No normality without participation of Serbs in institutions (media)
Bilcik in Belgrade: Hope Serbs will return to institutions (Euronews)
Serbian Language Media:
Day 10 of crisis in northern Kosovo (RTS, media)
Serbs in Kosovo urgently call on EU and USA to help resolve crisis (KoSSev, N1, media)
“The time when Kurti confronted police shields and threw tear gas“ (KoSSev)
Serbian List: Kurti draws targets on Serbs in northern Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)
General Ristuccia on situation in northern Kosovo, Pristina acts (RTS, Corriere Della Sera)
International Media:
Kurti: International community to put pressure on Belgrade, not Pristina (Euronews)
Turkey to send commandos to Kosovo in response to Nato peacekeeping call (The Guardian)
Macron and Scholz urge Kosovo to hold fresh elections to ease Serbia tensions (The Guardian)
‘We’ve never felt free of Serbia’: Kosovan Albanians blame Belgrade for violence (The Guardian)
PM Kurti accuses Belgrade of whipping up tension in northern Kosovo (Euronews)
Five questions (and expert answers) about the recent clashes in Kosovo (Atlantic Council)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 2, 2023

By OPSI-mu  2 weeks ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 2 , 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Borrell: We have three clear demands (RTK)
• France and Germany demand new elections in the north (RFE Albanian)
• Kurti: Stop violence until new elections in north (media)
• Rama thanks Macron and Scholz for meeting with Osmani and Vucic (media)
• Hovenier: Kurti has not changed his mind about the U.S. demands (RTK)
• Kurti: More concerning than international sanctions, fascist militia in north (Koha)
• Kurti receives phone call from three U.S. senators (media)
• Several Kosovars arrested by Serbian authorities; Kosovo Foreign Ministry: Don’t travel through Serbia (media)
• COMKFOR congratulates soldiers: You prevented the clash that would lead to civilian casualties (Koha)

Serbian Language Media:

• Day 8th of crisis in northern Kosovo, requests to hold new elections (RTS, media)
• Gatherings in northern Kosovo continue, demands remain the same (KoSSev, media)
• Vucic: It is increasingly clear who is responsible for problems in Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Dacic: No one will be on Pristina’s side if it defies entire world (Tanjug, media)
• Arsenijevic, Aktiv on remarks Pristina officials use about protesters in northern Kosovo (Radio KIM, social media)
• Two Serbs from central Serbia arrested at Jarinje sent to one month detention (Kosovo Online)
• Albanians protest in Mitrovica South following call for “March for the North” (N1)

International Media:

• Kosovar President Open To New Elections In Areas Of Northern Kosovo Where Clashes Occurred (RFE)
• Macron, Scholz call for new elections in tense northern Kosovo districts (France24)
• Kosovo crisis: France, Germany call for new elections (DW)
• Kosovo’s Kurti says mayors must work in offices, will not back down (Reuters)
• Standoff in Tense North Kosovo, as Serb Protests Continue (BIRN)
• Violence in northern Kosovo: The United States’ failed bet on Serbia (ecfr.eu)
• Kosovo Journalists Left Unprotected in Violent Protests in North (BIRN)
• Kosovo Holds Serbian Citizens for Weapons Possession Amid Protests (BIRN)

Corrigendum: UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 14, 2023

By OPSI-mu  22 hours ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 14, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani on crisis in north: A challenge we will overcome, we are close (media)
• Stano: EU did not sanction Kosovo, it imposed restrictive measures (media)
• Smith: Kosovo to withdraw police from municipal buildings in north (Koha)
• Police: Border officers believed to have been kidnapped inside Kosovo territory (media)
• Svecla: Serbia kidnapped three Kosovo police officers inside Kosovo territory (media)
• Citaku: Kosovo’s future cannot be jeopardised over a fistful of votes (media)
• Hoti: Kosovo needs normality in politics, economy, and foreign relations (media)
• Haradinaj: Kosovo will safeguard and strengthen partnership with NATO, U.S. (media)
• Vllasi advises Kurti: Not the time “to show our teeth” to Americans (Indeksonline)
• Another Kosovo Police vehicle demolished in the north (Kallxo)
• Bulliqi on arrests of Kosovars: We suspect vengeful act about situation in north (Klan)

Serbian Language Media:

• Serbs continue protests in Zvecan and Leposavic (Kosovo Online, media)
• Lawyer Vlajic: Arrest of Milenkovic yesterday was extremely brutal (Tanjug)
• Protest walk in support of Milun Milenkovic organised in Mitrovica North today (RTS, Kosovo Online)
• Vucic on meeting with KFOR Commander: Correct talks (Kosovo Online, social media)
• Vucic: I decided not to say a word about the meeting with Quint, it’s better that way (media)
• Lazarevic: Risky police action in Mitrovica, great dissatisfaction of Serbs (N1)
• “Ensure a safe working environment for journalists” (KiM radio)
• Serbian police arrested three armed Kosovo special police officers (Novosti, Kosovo Online)
• Freedom and Justice Party demands withdrawal of special police from north, release of arrested Serbs (N1, BETA)
• American senator: Kurti placed NATO troops in danger, it will not bring good to Kosovo (FoNet, N1, Kosovo Online)
• Office for KiM: Kosovo police mistreated medical workers from Strpce (Kosovo Online)
• Milivojevic: We are on the verge of a complete escalation, there is no adequate reaction (RTS, Blic)
• EULEX mandate extended, Barbano new Head of Mission (Beta, N1)
• Drecun: Groundwork for arrest of Kosovo Serb laid days beforehand (Tanjug)
• Police didn’t allow Arsenijevic and Sadiku to place flags of communities in Kosovo Government yard (KoSSev, Radio KIM)

International:

• Kosovo could face imminent Western sanctions (Euractiv)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 13, 2023

By OPSI-mu  2 days ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 13, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti presents five-point plan for “full de-escalation” (media)
• Svecla: One of organisers of attacks against KFOR is arrested (media)
• Hundreds of Serbs gather in Mitrovica North, many of them wearing masks (Nacionale)
• Haxhiu: Every criminal must be identified, prosecuted, and adjudicated (Klan)
• Sanctions could start today; “if he doesn’t reflect, Kurti must be isolated” (AP)
• Osmani to address European Parliament on Wednesday (media)
• Congressman Self: Nothing is new about disputes in the North Kosovo region (media)
• German Embassy: We didn’t boycott state reception for Liberation Day (RFE)
• Ahmeti: CoE membership strengthens vital pillars of democracy in Kosovo (KSP)
• Paint thrown at Kosovo minister’s car in Leposavic (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Serb arrested in Mitrovica North, sirens went off (RTS, Kosovo Online, social media)
• Protests in northern Kosovo continue (KoSSev)
• Milovic: Serbs are citizens of their municipality, on their own land, not terrorists (Kosovo Online)
• Pristina minister briefly visited Leposavic municipal building (RTS, KoSSev)
• Place where fiercest conflicts in Zvecan took place turned into a promenade (RFE)
• Singer displays an Albanian flag in the north: “Everything Albanian is ours, thanks to Albin Kurti…“ (KoSSev, Radio kontakt plus, Kosovo Online, social media)
• Milivojevic terms Kurti’s plan for north an attempt to avoid Quint sanctions, shift blame on Belgrade (Kosovo Online)

International:

• What Kosovo PM represents to BiH: Some Interests cannot be bought by Lobbying (Sarajevo Times)
• The reasons to stay (Kosovo 2.0)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Kurti: Kosovo most democratic in WB; number of women in institutions must increase (EO)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 12, 2023

By OPSI-su  3 days ago

Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani: Forever grateful to friends for helping us make independence a reality (EO)
• Kurti: NATO intervention stopped Serbia’s genocide, forever grateful (Indeksonline)
• Krasniqi: Past should serve to strengthen ties with strategic partners (Reporteri)
• Haradinaj: Forever grateful to KLA and NATO led by U.S. (Lajmi)
• Escobar reported – U.S. does not intend to overthrow Kurti; penalties for irresponsible parties are being considered (Albanian Post)
• Rama: Without strategic allies, there would be no Republic of Kosovo (media)
• Serwer on Rama’s draft: An unnecessary complication (media)
• Kastrati: Kosovo should have national strategy for the north (KTV)
• “Border redefinition best solution, not radical or dangerous as autonomy” (Nacionale)
• Serb politician says interviewed by BIA for supporting Kosovo (Nacionale/Sinjali)

Serbian Language Media:

• Peaceful protests in northern Kosovo continue (Kosovo Online)
• Serb political representatives from Kosovo meet Vucic, inform him of difficult situation they face (Kosovo Online, media)
• Petkovic: Resolution 1244 should be basis for Kurti’s political actions (Radio KIM)
• Radosavljevic: The crisis in the north is the culmination of unilateral moves from Pristina (KiM radio)
• ”The placing of the flags of constitutionally recognized communities in front of the Government of Kosovo”, Arsenijevic announced (KiM radio, Danas)
• Serb from Pomoravlje arrested last Thursday for alleged war crime released (Radio KIM, KoSSev)
• Le Figaro: Macron and Scholz discussed how to join the Western Balkans and Ukraine to the EU (Beta, KiM radio)
• Petkovic: “Kurti’s extremist policy stoking attacks against Serbs” (Tanjug)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 9, 2023

By OPSI-mu  6 days ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 9, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• KFOR: Criminal groups were behind violent protests in Zvecan (RFE)
• Kurti: Rule of law needed in north for fair campaign before elections (media)
• Berlin on Rama’s draft: We received it, cannot comment the content (Nacionale)
• For EU, Rama’s draft statute for Association “a serious text” (RFE)
• Wisner: We’re Kosovo’s friends, Kurti knows this; disagreements suit only Vucic (AP)
• Kurti travels to Croatia, participates in an international conference (Kallxo)
• Molliqaj: Kurti’s actions in north are dangerous, door to compromise must open (EO)
• Suspension of visa liberalisation for Kosovo is not an option (RFE)
• Ben-Meir criticises Kurti of shortsightedness, “he must now correct” (Nacionale)
• Police armoured vehicles are leaving Leposaviq (Express)
• Kosovo Police arrest a Serb suspected of war crimes in Kamenica (Kallxo)
• Explosion in Mitrovica South, suspected hand grenade (Koha)

Serbian Language Media:

• Gallieni: KFOR present in northern Kosovo because of crisis (Kosovo Online)
• Situation in Zvecan calm, Serbs continue gathering (media)
• Serb from Pomoravlje region arrested yesterday over war crimes allegations (KoSSev)
• Office for KIM says arrest in Bosce intimidation aimed at driving Serbs away from their places (Kosovo Online)
• Liturgy that “inspires Serbs to violence” and deleted text (Radio KIM)
• Vucic to participate at UN conference in Dubai (Tanjug)

Humanitarian/Development:

• The Fifth Assembly of The United Nations Youth in Kosovo is held (Klan)
• The Fifth UN Kosovo Youth Assembly began in Prizren (Media Centar Caglavica)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 8, 2023

By OPSI-mu  7 days ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 8, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: If there is compatibility, I can deepen my draft vision for Association (Reporteri)
• Albanian PM Rama submits draft on Association to Macron and Scholz (media)
• Hoxhaj: Rama is trying to help Kosovo, not damage it (Nacionale/Paparaci)
• Gashi to Rama: Only government of Kosovo is competent for Association (Koha)
• Bislimi: Belgrade wants Association as Trojan Horse, preparing way for partition (Koha)
• U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robinson postpones visit to Kosovo (Nacionale)
• Kearns and Kurti talk about the need to de-escalate the situation (RTK)
• Ambassador Szunyog reiterates the EU’s call for return to dialogue (Reporteri)
• Mehaj talks to Clark about the latest situation and easing tensions (Klan)
• Kurti attends farewell reception for EULEX chief (media)
• “Vucic’s pretence coming out, surprisingly international factor trusts him” (Koha)
• AmCham in Kosovo calls on govt to take measures to lower tensions in north (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Serbs in northern Kosovo continue gathering (KoSSev, media)
• Petkovic: Kurti’s accusations of Belgrade no longer fly in West (Kosovo Online)
• Andric-Rakic, Petronic about situation in northern Kosovo, ‘lists of Serbs’ (Radio Mitrovica Sever)
• Vucic thanks India for supporting Serbia’s territorial integrity (Tanjug)
• President Murmu delighted to visit Serbia on her first trip to Europe (Tanjug, media)
• Vucic: There will be no transitional gov’t as long as I am president (Tanjug, media)
• Opposition reacts to Vucic, Brnabic public address (N1)

International:

• Turkey Likely to Take Command of NATO-led Force in Kosovo (Bloomberg)
• Kosovo’s Kurti Under Mounting Pressure Amid Quarrel with Western Allies (BIRN)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 7, 2023

By OPSI-mu  1 week ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 7, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Sanctions awaiting Kosovo if Kurti says no (Albanian Post)
• Murati: If sanctions were to be discussed, they should be against Serbia (Koha)
• Ceku: Kurti will very soon have an answer for all (Koha)
• Stoltenberg: Violence is setting back Kosovo and the entire region (Koha)
• Haradinaj: We have votes to initiate motion against Kurti government (media)
• Abdixhiku to Abbott: Kosovo’s clash with allies, strategic deviation (media)
• Selimi: Lajcak, Escobar to report if Kosovo approved de-escalation plan (media)
• Peci: See you in isolated and bankrupt Kosovo (media)
• Raci: Hard to believe Kurti will be on list with Radoicic, Dodik (media)
• Fried: The government of Kosovo abused the trust of the USA (RFE)
• Unknown assailants attack two persons in their vehicle in Zvecan (media)
• Govt adopts Sovereign Fund bill; Kurti: The core of our economic sovereignty (Telegrafi)
• Rasic says not whole state of Serbia should be blamed for war crimes in Kosovo (Koha)
• LVV’s Atic meets PDK’s Peci: Northern municipalities will become citizens’ (Telegrafi)
• Kosovo, Albania governments to meet on June 14 (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Citizens in northern Kosovo continue protesting (Radio KIM)
• Lajcak: A long conversation with Vucic, an urgent political solution to the current crisis needed (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Lawyers of two Serbs arrested at Jarinje on May 31 file appeal against detention measure (KoSSev)
• North Macedonia FM submits to OSCE plan for normalisation of situation in N. Kosovo (Beta, N1)
• Liturgy in Leposavic: Bishop Teodosije called for peace; Gazeta Express: Inspires Serbs to violence (KoSSev)
• Dacic: Unity and political stability top state and national interest (Tanjug)
• Serb from northern Kosovo in detention in Belgrade, charged with urging Serbs to leave Kosovo (KoSSev)
• Petkovic meets Gori, discusses situation in northern Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

International:

• Kosovo president open to new elections in Serb-majority municipalities (Reuters)
• Kosovo Eyes Consequences as Deadline for US, EU Demands Approaches (BIRN)
• US, EU considering sanctions against Kurti if situation in north escalates (Euronews.al)
• Behind the Renewed Troubles in Northern Kosovo (Crisisgroup.org)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 6, 2023

By OPSI-su  1 week ago

Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani meets Escobar and Lajcak (media)
• Krasniqi: I’ve never seen such concern among internationals (Telegrafi)
• Abdixiku: Kurti to reflect, Kosovo at a critical moment (Koha)
• Escobar: U.S. is waiting for Kosovo to present draft on Association (media)
• OSCE Head of Mission: Strong support for EU call (media)
• Gervalla: Elections in north should be held, but preliminary actions are required (Koha)
• Svecla: Person who threatened Leposavic deputy mayor, arrested (Koha)
• Isufaj confirms investigations about tensions in the north (Nacionale)
• Haradinaj: Kurti is in love with the plan for Kosovo’s partition (Telegrafi)
• Hoti: Kosovo losing friends and allies because of Kurti and Osmani (media)
• Gashi: Opposition leaders concerned that internationals are concerned that Serbia is concerned (Nacionale)
• Sheholli: Albanians over 30 in Medvedja getting military service summons (Demokracia)
• The CEC says it is ready for new elections in the north (Koha)
• Hoxha: Advertisement for police officers in north closed, sufficient number applied (Kosovapress)

Serbian Language Media:

• Lajcak and Escobar met Serbian List representatives (Kosovo Online)
• Andric Rakic about the meeting with Lajcak and Escobar (KiM radio)
• Crisis in northern Kosovo day 12, citizens continue protesting, envoys to meet Vucic (KoSSev)
• Drecun: Escobar and Lajcak have a wrong view of the situation in the north of Kosovo (NMagazin, Danas, RTS, N1)
• Davenport meets Lajcak, emphasises importance of all communities participation in elections and institutions (KoSSev)
• DefMin: Serbian military still on high alert (N1)
• The EU Council extend the EULEX mandate until 2025 (RTS)

International:

• Why is there trouble in Kosovo again? (The Economist)
• Serbia backs ammunition shipments to Ukraine in westward pivot (Financial Times)
• Richard Grenell: If Kurti’s mayors are duly elected then why is the EU calling for new elections? (The Pavlovic Today)
• Joseph: Failure of the Serbia-Kosovo agreement would be a failure of Brussels and Washington (EWB)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Kosovar Artist’s Work in Amsterdam Art Week (Prishtina Insight)
• CAN Europe: Western Balkans took little to no action in preparing NECPs (balkangreenenergynews.com)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 5, 2023

By OPSI-su  1 week ago

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti to meet Escobar and Lajcak in the evening (Koha)
• Kurti: Law enforcement in north is necessary to remove criminal elements (Koha)
• Kusari-Lila: Police in the north when there is threat and danger to security (Reporteri)
• Tahiri: Kurti reduced sovereignty to yards of four municipalities (Telegrafi/Kallxo)
• “Vucic cannot condition Kosovo; elections in north were Kurti’s experiment” (Koha)
• Stano: EU ready to organise Kurti-Vucic meeting when conditions allow (media)
• KFOR removes some barbwires in Zvecan (RFE)
• The Kosovo Police attacked in Zvecan (Koha)
• Mustafa: Association cannot be formed in these conditions (media)
• Tahiri accuses govt: KFOR getting stronger in north, sovereignty getting weaker (Koha)
• Around 20 media have been attacked during tensions in the North (Albanian Post)

Serbian Language Media:

• Petkovic: Kurti arrests innocent Serbs, we demand the immediate release of Rados and Dusan (Kosovo Online)
• POKS request from Serbian Government protection for arrested Serbs in northern Kosovo (Novi Magazin, KoSSev, Kosovo Online)
• Reactivation of the Serbian National Council of Kosovo and Metohija in Gracanica (KiM radio, KoSSev, Danas)
• Radio KIM on inaccurate reporting during crisis in northern Kosovo
• KFOR removed barbed wire in Zvecan (Kosovo Online)
• Simic on the RFE article: Fake news that Serbian List has two conditions for participating in the elections (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, RTV, FB)
• Kosovo police entered street where people gather in Zvecan (Tanjug)
• Jevtic: Desecrated “Becir’s Church” on the way to the Brezovica Ski Center (Kosovo Online)
• Vucic meets Beyer, tells him Kurti persistently avoids fulfilling Brussels agreement obligations (Kosovo Online, media)
• Vucic to meet Escobar and Lajcak tomorrow (Kosovo Online)

Humanitarian/Development:

• The Pride Week in Kosovo opens today (Paparaci)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 2, 2023

By OPSI-mu  2 weeks ago

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 2, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Kosovo Assembly discusses situation in north (media)
• Osmani met British Foreign Minister Rishi Sunak (media)
• Lajcak and Escobar next week in Kosovo (media)
• Osmani describes meeting with Vucic: He was whining, complaining, and lying… (Koha)
• Gervalla: We showed we are open to early elections in the north (Nacionale)
• Bujar Osmani: As OSCE chairman, I join the call for new elections in the north (Reporteri)
• Von Cramon demands investigations of those who attacked NATO soldiers (RTK)
• Svecla visits police in north of Kosovo: Sovereignty is unalienable (media)
• Mayors resign in July, Osmani declares elections which are held in late August – this is the international plan to calm the north (Albanian Post)
• Hoxhaj: Serbia policy on Kosovo doesn’t have to do with people but territory (media)
• Events in the north, Gabriel Escobar’s post under question (Albanian Post)
• Kimberly West selected Specialist Prosecutor (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Hospital director: Condition of Dragisa Galjak still serious (Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic: “Hunting lists for Serbs reveal fascist character of Kosovo government” (N1, BETA)
• Professors entered secondary school to get documentation in Zvecan, request school to be freed (KoSSev)
• Rajovic: Kosovo police does not allow Trepca miners to do their job (Radio KIM, N1, BETA)
• Drecun: Serbs in north Kosovo to keep protesting until situation is resolved (Tanjug)
• Daniel Fried to VoA: Kosovo government caused crisis, Washington is furious (N1, Danas)
• Senator Murphy: “If PR wants to argue, Congress should make a decision on whether we’re ready for this ride”; Kurti again about elections (KoSSev, RFE, media)
• Peci on crisis in northern Kosovo, possible resignation of new mayors (KoSSev)
• KiM radio: Petrovic and Obrenovic were detained before the start of the riots in Zvecan (gracanicaonline.info, media)
• Lawyer: Condition of Dusan Obrenovic more stable, but I am still concerned about his safety (Tanjug)
• Strpce and Gracanica sent messages of support to Serbs from the north of Kosovo (Kosovo Online, KiM radio)

Opinion:

• Janjic: New Kosovo elections to calm the situation, send Kurti into opposition (Beta, N1)

International:

• Kosovo Leaders Agree to New Elections in Restive North (BIRN)
• Democracy Digest: Hungary troops attacked in Kosovo (BIRN)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Plenty of Work Ahead to Improve Children’s Well-being in Kosovo (Prishtina Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, June 1, 2023

By OPSI-su  2 weeks ago

Albanian Language Media:

• Blinken urges ‘immediate de-escalation’ in the north (Koha)
• Osmani: Allies need to help us stop Serbia’s destabilising actions (Koha)
• Kurti: The mayors in the north should be in the municipal buildings (Koha)
• Osmani meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (media)
• Borrell: Violence is not the right way, it must be punished (media)
• Kovacevski: Peace in Kosovo means peace in the Western Balkans (Klan)
• Kosovo Police: Calls for protest in Mitrovica South, ill-intended and suspicious (media)
• Police investigating announced protest; suspected to be initiated from abroad (Kallxo)
• Svecla: Calls for protest in Mitrovica South do not help Kosovo (media)
• Musliu on calls to protest: They are suspicious and ill-intended (Indeksonline/KSP)
• Albanian protesters leave: Did not even know who called the protest (Nacionale)
• Kosovo’s special prosecution investigating two Serbs for terrorism (Kallxo)
• Abdixhiku: Coordination is needed with international allies (Kosovapress)
• VV MP on Haradinaj’s motion: Ridiculous and paradoxical, you lack votes (Gazeta Blic)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic: I asked north Kosovo Serbs to persevere in peaceful manner (Tanjug, media)
• Osmani: Serbia has no place among European nations (Danas)
• Goran Rakic thanked KFOR; the existence of the miners of the “Crnac” mine is threatened (Tanjug)
• Former president of Zvecan Municipality: If ZSO had come to life, we would not have come to this situation (RTS, Tanjug)
• Todic: We expect the international community to reason with Kurti (Kosovo Online)
• The court in Pristina ordered the detention of two Serbs arrested in Zvecan, condemnation from Belgrade (Beta, NMagazin)
• Atiq requested membership in the Association of Municipalities of Kosovo (Radio Mitrovica sever, KiM radio, KoSSev)
• Andric Rakic: Kurti leads politics to the last NATO soldier (Beta, KoSSev)
• Ristuccia: Kurti brought the mayors despite the doubts of the international community (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• The former Minister of Agriculture of Kosovo, Nenad Rikalo, sentenced to three years in prison (NMagazin, Beta)
• Mitrovica: Protest over, one incident recorded (KiM radio)

International:

• Kosovo president calls on Serbia to stop destabilising country (Reuters)
• NATO chief says alliance ‘does not give up’ on political solution to Kosovo clashes (AA)
• EU Leaders To Discuss North Kosovo As Crisis Persists (RFE)
• Kosovo Counts Cost of Delays to Integrated Health Database (BIRN)