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UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 26, 2022

Albanian Language Media:

• KFOR: We have no changes in our presence in the north (media)
• EULEX confirms there were armed people during July 31 tensions in the north (Kallxo)
• EULEX: We have not seen armed people in the north since July 31 (Gazeta Express)
• Contingent of Serbian and Russian forces in Kosovo north, security expert says (EO)
• Car of Serb police officer, who was attacked three days ago, set on fire (Kosovapress)
• Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, tomorrow in Belgrade (RTK)
• Special Prosecution starts investigations into major bribe affair (media)
• Kosovo government adopts co-funding agreement for Prizren-Tetovo road (Telegrafi)
• Police arrest person for burning Serbian flag in Gjakova sports hall (Koha)
• Mustafi accuses Vucic of trying to distort number of Albanians in Serbia (Koha)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic scheduled a session of the National Security Council (Kosovo Online, Vecernje Novosti)
• President Vucic will respond to the invitation of the Serbian List within the most urgent deadline, says Petkovic (Kosovo Online)
• Serbian List: We demand an urgent meeting with President Vucic (Kosovo Online)
• Serbian List and the new KFOR commander on the situation in the north (Kontakt plus radio)
• Vucic, Rama and Kovacevski on the energy situation (media)
• Brnabic to MPs: Serbia’s interests and independence are the red lines (N1)
• Petkovic cuts his visit in Kosovo short, says most of his program not approved (Kosovo Online)
• European Commission wants new Frontex agreements in Western Balkans (N1, Tanjug)
• Former US ambassador: Serbia seems to be siding with Russia (N1, FoNet, VoA)
• IPKO: SMS requested by the Kosovo MIA; The Deputy Ombudsperson demands an investigation (KoSSev)
• Vucic: Major military exercise underway in Serbia (Tanjug)
• Von Cramon visited Gorazdevac, spoke with local Serbs (Radio KIM)
• “In a wave of fake news, Serbian media in Kosovo are more careful” (Radio KIM)
• Von der Leyen to visit Western Balkans (N1)

International:

• Armed Persons ‘Worryingly Present’ in North Kosovo in July, EULEX Confirms (BIRN)
• Rape Used as Weapon During Kosovo War, Says NGO (BIRN)
• “The Other Serbia” Srdja Popović (Sbunker.net)
• Serbia Shuns Ukraine’s Crimea Summit After Russian Diplomat’s Plea (BIRN)
• Why Putin has proposed an energy hub in Turkey (arabnews.com)
• Electricity prices in Balkans: highest in Montenegro, lowest in Kosovo* (balkangreenenergynews.com)
• Authoritarianism as a Cause of War and a Duty to Resist (EWB)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, October 26, 2022

• Kosovo will not delay Serb car plate rule despite calls by West (Reuters)
• Hovenier: Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia to end as soon as possible (Koha)
• Kurti: Now isn’t the time for neutrality but for solidarity (media)
• Bislimi: The United Kingdom is a powerful ally of Kosovo (RTK)
• Ministry invites Serbs to convert license plates through text-messages (Euronews)
• 18 Serbs converted their illegal number plates to "RKS" (RTK)
• Surroi: Association is not possible within our constitutional system (Klan Kosova)
• Swiss keep an eye on tensions in Kosovo (Swissinfo)
• December deadline for European Council’s vote on Kosovo visa (Euractiv)
• Four key takeaways from EU’s Kosovo report (Prishtina Insight)
• Who should the government help? (Kosovo 2.0)
• Presevo Valley Albanians want to be part of Kosovo-Serbia agreement (RTK)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 25, 2022

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 25, 2022

Albanian Language Media:

• The Western Balkans Summit starts in Prishtina (media)
• Kurti: We have achieved a lot during a year and a half of governance (media)
• Peach: UK supports Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe (media)
• Hovenier: Kosovo should be in NATO (Klan)
• Kurti confirms, there is no postponement of deadline for license plates (RTK)
• “There are hopes for positive response on visa liberalisation by year’s end” (Telegrafi)
• Deputy PM: Another solution must be found for the Association (Kosovapress)
• PDK supports government on license plates if it is in coordination with the USA (RTK)

Serbian Language Media:

• About phone messages from Kosovo MIA, Vucic says: ''We are facing a difficult time'' (KoSSev)
• Petkovic on licence plates issue, says Kurti changes tactics in vain (Kosovo Online)
• Survey: Two thirds of Serbs in northern Kosovo ready for protests and civic disobedience (Kosovo Online)
• The Kosovan MIA calls for vehicle re-registration via SMS in the Serbian language
• (KoSSev, media)
• Survey says most Serbs against sanctions on Russia (N1, Blic)

International:

• LNG Alliance ensuring energy security for landlocked Balkan nations (gasworld.com)
• Fiscal pressure grows in Western Balkans as region heads into new storm (intellinews.com)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, October 25, 2022

Blinken: Pristina, Belgrade to peacefully resolve their dispute (media)
Kosovo-Serbia relations, topic of discussion between Kurti and Peach (media)
Osmani: Kosovo remains committed to peace and security (media)
Kosovo authorities don’t expect quick agreement with Serbia (Koha)
Osmani received Albanian representatives from Presevo Valley (media)
Visas scrapped between Kosovo and Bosnia (BIRN)
Von Cramon: Franco-German proposal should be considered (media)
Ischinger: Because of history, Balkan region carries explosive potential (Klan)
Ischinger: I believe a final agreement will be reached by 2024 (T7)
Hasani: German-German model would be a disaster for Kosovo (media)
Summit on security, economy, and peace to be held today in Pristina (Telegrafi)
Mustafi: No Kosovo-Serbia agreement without U.S. involvement (Koha)
Rohde: Germany will support Kosovo in building a solar park (media)
Discussions over Kosovo-Serbia intensify, whispers of snap elections emerge (Exit)
Military service could become compulsory in Kosovo (euronews.al)
Greek, Kosovar ministers meet to enhance economic collaboration (Ekathimerini)
Russia hopes to exploit conflicts in Balkans, British expert warns (BIRN)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, October 25, 2022

• Blinken: Pristina, Belgrade to peacefully resolve their dispute (media)
• Kosovo-Serbia relations, topic of discussion between Kurti and Peach (media)
• Osmani: Kosovo remains committed to peace and security (media)
• Kosovo authorities don’t expect quick agreement with Serbia (Koha)
• Osmani received Albanian representatives from Presevo Valley (media)
• Visas scrapped between Kosovo and Bosnia (BIRN)
• Von Cramon: Franco-German proposal should be considered (media)
• Ischinger: Because of history, Balkan region carries explosive potential (Klan)
• Ischinger: I believe a final agreement will be reached by 2024 (T7)
• Hasani: German-German model would be a disaster for Kosovo (media)
• Summit on security, economy, and peace to be held today in Pristina (Telegrafi)
• Mustafi: No Kosovo-Serbia agreement without U.S. involvement (Koha)
• Rohde: Germany will support Kosovo in building a solar park (media)
• Discussions over Kosovo-Serbia intensify, whispers of snap elections emerge (Exit)
• Military service could become compulsory in Kosovo (euronews.al)
• Greek, Kosovar ministers meet to enhance economic collaboration (Ekathimerini)
• Russia hopes to exploit conflicts in Balkans, British expert warns (BIRN)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 24, 2022

Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani: There is misinformation about requests of our partners (Kosovapress)
• Von Cramon: French-German initiative, great opportunity for EU integration (Telegrafi)
• Kurti: We consulted the Quint too on Kosovo’s Security Strategy (Nacionale)
• Stewart Peach for an official visit to Kosovo (media)
• Osmani invites justice institutions to be part of the vetting process (media)
• Hovenier: More commitment in fight against organized crime and sexual violence (Klan)
• Nikolla to CoE: Correct tragic mistake against Albania and Kosovo (Klan)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic met German Minister Luhrmann (Tanjug, media)
• Vucic met Bocan-Kharchenko: Serbia continues to lead a policy of peace and cooperation (RTS)
• Vucic presented candidates for new Government of Serbia (N1)
• Petkovic accuses Pristina chief negotiator of ‘excelling in lies’ (N1)
• Von der Leyen to visit Belgrade on Friday (Tanjug, media)
• Withdrawal of witnesses in case of Oliver Ivanovic (RFE, KiM radio)
• Djukanovic’s DPS falls from power in local elections (N1, Vijesti)

International:

• Discussions over Kosovo-Serbia intensify, whispers of snap election emerge (euractive.com)
• Vucic Continues ‘East-West Balancing Act’ With New Serbian Govt (BIRN)
• ‘Winter will be difficult’ (Kosovo 2.0)
• World Bank sees Western Balkans economy growing 3.4% in'22, 2.8% in '23 (Reuters)
• Dubravka Đedović Negre to become Serbia’s energy, mining minister (balkangreenenergynews.com)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, October 24, 2022

• Osmani: U.S. never asked for agreement without mutual recognition (media)
• Kurti: We do not tolerate touching sovereignty and integrity of Kosovo (media)
• As Deadline Looms, Kosovo Licence Plates Push Falls Flat (BIRN)
• President Osmani held meetings with high officials of several countries (media)
• Vetevendosje Movement elects the new leadership (media)
• Lajcak: Up to Kosovo, Serbia to decide on final deal (Albanian Daily News)
• EP Rapporteur for Kosovo to hold press conference today in Pristina (media)
• EU-Balkans Summit will be held in Tirana (Gazeta Express)
• “UNMIK, EULEX criticised for doing little in addressing war crimes” (Koha)
• Serbia’s Electronic Registration to Legalise ‘Passivation’ of Albanians (Exit)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 21, 2022

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 21, 2022

Albanian Language Media:

• German government denies involvement in draft statute of Association (Telegrafi)
• EU: We expect the Association to be formed (Gazeta Express)
• Haradinaj: Final agreement with Serbia must have U.S. seal (media)
• Abazi: There is no German proposal for the Association (Kosovapress)
• Defence Minister Mehaj meets NALT leaders (media)
• U.S. Embassy: Escobar had full and productive visit to Kosovo (media)s
• Murati: Redefinition of borders, only solution to Albanian-Serbian problem (Lajmi)
• Mustafi: Presevo Valley is on Washington’s agenda (Koha)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic: Important talks with Quint ambassadors and EU (Kosovo Online)
• Quint ambassadors concerned over possible impairment of stability in region (N1)
• Vucic: Pressure growing, I could resign to buy time (N1, Prva TV)
• Personal documents, usurped properties, and lack of language rights respect - three main problems affecting Serbs in Klina (Radio KIM, Radio Gorazdevac)
• Albanian flag placed on Christ the Saviour Temple’s door in Pristina (Kosovo Online, RTS)
• McCarthy: Postponing implementation of decision on vehicle re-registration would be constructive measure
• Serbia introduces visas for citizens of Tunisia and Burundi (RTS)
• Stano: EU does not set deadlines for reaching Belgrade-Pristina agreement (RTS)
• Escobar says there are no deadlines (RTS, Kosovo Online)
• Serbian Army Chief of Staff and new KFOR Commander discuss security situation in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, October 21, 2022

• Government: Ethnicity-based associations, in conflict with Constitution (Koha)
• Vucic: “German” draft was written in Belgrade (Gazeta Express)
• Hasani: “German draft” is anti-constitutional; can lead to total paralysis (Koha)
• Escobar: I expect dynamic continuation of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Euronews)
• Bislimi meets Hovenier: Kosovo remains an active party in dialogue (RTK)
• Rohde: Berlin Process is back, don't miss opportunity for cooperation (media)
• Svecla: Kosovo committed to the initiatives of the Berlin Process (media)
• Krasniqi rejects Kurti’s call: No reason to invite us for technical issues (Koha)
• LDK too rejects Kurti’s invitation to a meeting (Koha)
• Palokaj: If Germany authored the draft, govt should consider it (Koha)
• Rashiti: Postpone deadline on licence plates in exchange for Green Card (RTK)
• Body art ban: Kosovo Army expels recruits with tattoos (BIRN)
• War games: Replaying Yugoslavia’s military conflicts as entertainment (BIRN)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 20, 2022

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, October 20, 2022

Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani meets ambassadors of Norway, Greece and Luxembourg, discuss visas (Klan)
• KFOR and government coordinated on security in Kosovo (RTK)
• The German minister for Europe is visiting Kosovo this week (Koha)
• Ursula von der Leyen next week in Kosovo (KosovaPress)
• Government on Esobar's proposal on licence plates: We have rule of law as our obligation (Koha)
• Exclusive: Pre-agreement draft between Kosovo and Serbia (Koha, Albanian Post)
• Police arrest Serb suspect in Oliver Ivanovic assassination case (media)
• Kurti's former advisor: Legal entity separated from Kosovo is being created (Nacionale)
• The draft statute of the "new" Association with its old points financed by Serbia (Reporteri)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic with Escobar about the possibilities for finding "sustainable solutions" (N1)
• Petkovic with Escobar: Belgrade for the continuation of negotiations, but also for the implementation of all agreements reached (Beta, Danas)
• Escobar: We asked implementation of decision on re-registration be postponed by ten months (N1)
• Pristina increasingly asking the end of the UNMIK mandate, the Serbs saying that this mission is necessary (euronews.rs)
• Reactions to Todosijevic’s verdict over his remarks on Racak (Kosovo Online, media)
• EU Ambassador: No deadline for Belgrade to impose sanctions on Russia (N1)
• Varhelyi: Serbia to step up efforts to align with EU, including sanctions (Beta, N1, media)
• Gracanica: Decision on land swap annulled (KoSSev)
• Selakovic to attend Berlin Process meeting tomorrow (Kosovo Online)

Opinion:

• Montgomery: The irony is that we defend Ukraine, and Kosovo was taken by force; the EU has nothing to offer Serbia (Kosovo Online, Politika, RTV)

International:

• Kosovo-Serbia Talks May Advance ‘in Weeks’, US Diplomat Says (Balkan Insight)
• Defaced Putin Mural Tells the Story of Russia's Waning Influence (Financial Post)
• Serbia’s Parliamentary Rightists Unite on Platform to Reclaim Kosovo (Balkan Insight)