UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, March 04, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: Our membership in EU structures, response to Serbia threats (media)
• Osmani welcomes opening of NATO Tactical Air Base in Albania (media)
• Begaj: Banjska proved how fragile security is in our region (media)
• Maqedonci: Air base in Albania, NATO’s message for Western Balkans (media)
• Haradinaj on NATO air base in Albania: A base for regional security (media)
• Baerbock: Security and stability of Western Balkans, crucial for EU (RFE)
• Konjufca: Government can propose draft statute for Association (RTV21)
• Svecla on reports about Russia arrest warrants for Kosovo police officers (Kallxo)
• Gashi: Fake news concerning security of Kosovo – the main problem (Kallxo)
• Kurti meets anthropologist Janet Reineck (media)
• Jaksic, Trajkovic to Vucic: You suffered a debacle in Banjska (media)
• Gruhonjic: West’s reaction to terrorism on September 24, serious slap to Vucic regime (Albanian Post)

Serbian Language Media:

• Mijacic: An opportunity for OSCE to conduct an impartial study on security in Kosovo with special emphasis on Serbs and impact on migration (KoSSev, KiM radio)
• How Serbs in Kosovo live one month after dinar was abolished (RTS)
• Principals of primary schools in north: CBK regulation made regular teaching impossible (Kosovo Online)
• Serbian Democracy files appeal to Ombudsperson over rejection of petition against allocation of land to Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs (social media)
• KDI criticizes CEC and MLSGA – Why process of verifying signatures to recall mayors takes so long (KoSSev)
• Filipovic: It is important that KFOR’s mandate is fulfilled in line with UN Resolution 1244 (Radio KIM, EWB)
• Milicevic: Government of parties currently in opposition would respect fact that Serbs live in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• Lawyer: Detention of Zarko Zaric extended for two more months (Kosovo Online)
• Fahri Musliu: ''Vucic would not end his political career if he recognized Kosovo independence'' (KiM radio, Media Center)

Opinion:

• The Myth of Rising Defence Spending in Balkans Needs Unpacking (Balkan Insight)

International:

• Kosovo Journalist Chronicles Rigged Trials of Milosevic’s ‘Ferocious Regime’ (BIRN)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Leposava, one of the last remaining Serbs in Pristina dies (Radio KIM, KoSSev)

Albanian Language Media:
• Osmani and Erdogan reconfirm deepening of relations (RTK)
• Kurti: We still have problems on the border with Serbia (RTK)
• Kurti participates in opening of PES campaign for European elections (RTK)
• Krasniqi asks Lajcak to play a role in lifting measures against Kosovo (RTK)
• Ukrainian ambassador in Albania: Recognition of Kosovo, a matter of time (media)
• Reuten: EU has surrendered to two destabilizers like Vucic and Dodik (media)
• PDK calls for elections: Government characterized by corrupt affairs (media)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic: The situation will be increasingly difficult; we need unity to save Kosovo (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, RTV)
• Elek: Due to the dinar ban, employees at the CHC in Mitrovica North are at risk; a shortage of food for patients (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, RTS)
• SL: Kurti's attacks are proof that we are working in the interest of the Serbs (Tanjug, Kosovo Online, Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Dacic meets Lavrov in Antalya (N1)
• Peach: Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina should create a multi-ethnic future (KiM radio, Tanjug)
• National Convention on the EU: Vucic’s claims about conspiracies are a distraction from certain topics (N1)

Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani travels to Turkiye for the Antalya Diplomatic Forum (media)
• Konjufca: EU has no competence to propose draft for Association (Kosovapress)
• Kusari-Lila: Meaningless to keep EU measures against Kosovo in force (Koha)
• Dinar in Brussels; Tahiri: Government’s biggest favor to Serbia (Albanian Post)
• Rasic criticizes CBK: Despite Kurti’s statement on transition period, I have not seen any concrete action (Nacionale)
• Pacolli on the Dinar: Kurti is making unnecessary drama (media)
• “Comprehensive defense” – Kosovo’s new concept for defense (RFE)
• OSCE report on school dropouts within compulsory education system (media)
• Assembly, VV MP sued for discrimination against LGBTIQ+ community (Koha)
• Selimi: The parliament of Kosovo is sinking low (media)
• Kabashi-Ramaj: Kurti government failed to guarantee national security (EO)
• Suspected bag with dynamite in Pristina, police arrest a suspect (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Pensioners in Mitrovica North can not withdraw their pensions (Kosovo Online)
• The premises of the CI SDP in Mitrovica broken into, new locks installed (KiM radio)
• Elshani: KAP privatized the building in which the CI SDP premises are located, the owner changed the lock (Kosovo Online)
• Serbian flag at Zvecan fortress removed, then returned back shortly after (KoSSev, social media)
• Andric Rakic: Non-existence of Law on Referendum can not be basis to reject petitions (Kosovo Online)
• Zarrazin visited Visoki Decani Monastery (Kosovo Online)
• Hill: Lajcak's approach to the Kosovo issue is correct (KiM radio, Tanjug, RTV)
• Serbian Chamber of Commerce says Open Balkan single labor market in place (N1)
• "From Fake to Verified": Dialogue on Disinformation in Kosovo (KiM radio, KoSSev)
• European Parliament calls for investigation beyond scope of ODIHR report (N1)

International:

• Kosovo Activists Protest MPs Blocking Assisted Fertilization Law (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti on absence in Tirana Summit: Visit to Britain was planned a year ago (Koha)
Kurti meets Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State, discuss cooperation (Reporteri)
European Parliament asks EU to change its approach to dialogue (media)
Hovenier: CBK regulation should be implemented after preparatory process (media)
Bislimi: Discussions with allies, always welcome (RTK)
Xhaferi: Kurti's intervention in North Macedonia’s elections, damages Kosovo’s image (Reporteri)
Hoti: Lectures in Northern Ireland, just an excuse to avoid Tirana Summit (Reporteri)
Signatures in the north verified, vote to dismiss mayors soon (Koha)
Electricity billing starts in the north (media)
A person arrested in the north for behaving aggressively towards KFOR soldiers with a toy gun (Klan)
Serbian Language Media:

Hovenier: US dissatisfied with quality of partnership with Kurti’s government (N1, BETA, KoSSev)
Petkovic, Kekic met representatives of US Embassy in Belgrade (Kosovo Online)
Serbian Democracy request for referendum against decision to allocate land parcel to Kosovo MIA rejected (KoSSev)
Sadiku: 2.216 citizens who signed petition should be respected (KoSSev)
Koha: CEC completed verification of signatures, 20 percent quote achieved (Kosovo Online)
Serbian List condemns arson of vehicle in Leposavic, demands international involvement in case (Radio Kontakt plus)
Vucic: We extremely appreciate friendship with Central African Republic (Tanjug)
State Department: Serbia should implement ODIHR recommendations without delay (N1)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 29, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: Our desire for peace exemplified by Basic Agreement (media)
• Krasniqi criticizes Kurti for not taking part EU-Western Balkans Summit (media)
• Freedom House: Kosovo ranked partly free despite progress (media)
• Hovenier welcomes new arrivals in KFOR (media)
• PDK: Kurti accepted Association with increased executive competencies (TeVe1)
• “Kurti sending Kosovo away from NATO, turned to Russian agenda” (Express)
• Xhaferi: Statements from Serbia, sign of possible escalation in the region (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic: Western Balkans growth plan to enable closer cooperation (Tanjug)
• Varhelyi: Western Balkan economies to grow under EU plan (N1)
• What are people who have been pulled out of institutions doing now? (KoSSev)
• Vucic: Despite Kurti’s unilateral moves Belgrade will find way to help Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• Suspects for attack on Serbian children in Laplje Selo released, issued financial fine (Kosovo Online)
• Sarrazin tells Kurti to implement court’s decision on Visoki Decani Monastery (KoSSev)
• Vehicle belonging to head of municipal administration in Serbian system set on fire in Leposavic last night (Kosovo Online)
• Elektrosever to start distribution of preliminary bills in four northern municipalities (Kosovo Online)
• Stano: Tangible improvements and electoral process reforms needed in Serbia (RTS, media)
• Dacic: Touadera's visit to boost our traditional friendly ties with CAR (Tanjug)

Albanian Language Media:
• Sarrazin: We’ve asked for sanctions on Radoicic, we don’t have quorum (Klan)
• Barbano: Decision on Decani Monastery land is binding (media)
• Osmani meets Zelenskyy: Ukraine’s victory is Europe’s victory (media)
• Osmani meets Albanian PM Rama, “discussions and coordination” (media)
• New KFOR Turkish contingent arrives in Kosovo (media)
• Kurti visits St Matthew School in Belfast (media)
• Kamberi: Vucic won’t meet Albanians’ requests in Valley if no intl pressure (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Vucic: Ukraine a friend of Serbia, does not recognise Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Vucic and Zelenskyy met in Tirana (Kosovo Online, social media)
• Vucic: At our request, Tirana declaration makes no mention of sanctions on Russia (media)
• Barbano: Court’s decision on Visoki Decani land binding to all individuals and institutions in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, social media)
• Vucic: Kurti wants to become a legend by destroying Serbs (Kosovo Online, media)
• Sarrazin: Refusal of Kosovo politicians to participate in meetings discussing dinar indicates less sovereignty (Kosovo Online)
• Brnabic: Serbian Government to continue to cooperate with ODIHR (Tanjug, media)
International Media:
• Both Sides in Serbia Claim Victory Over ODIHR Election Report (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 28, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

• SRSG Ziadeh meets Sarrazin, dialogue is only viable way forward (Express)
• Osmani certain Ukraine’s recognition will come with victory over Russia (Koha)
• State Department: Talks on the CBK regulation must continue urgently (RFE)
• U.S. disappointed with no progress on implementation of Basic Agreement (Koha)
• German Embassy: Kosovo to make next step, form Association (Koha)
• UNDP publishes Public Pulse Brief, “decreased satisfaction with leaders” (media)
• CBK high delegation holds meeting at Kosovo embassy in Brussels (media)
• Bislimi meets Sarrazin, calls for lifting of EU measures (media)
• Konjufca meets delegation of the German Bundestag Defense Committee (media)
• Zubin Potok mayor: We don’t rule out possibility of tensions in Zvecan (media)
• UNICEF, EU publish study of children in street situations in Kosovo (media)
• Bislimi meets United Nations Office for Project Services representative (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic from the Tirana Summit: Important topics ahead, and a conversation with Zelensky (RTS)
• “We haven’t faced our own crimes“ (KoSSev)
• Youth in Strpce employed through programme My First Salary gathered in front of post office hoping to withdraw their salaries (Kosovo Online)
• Queues in front of Zvecan Postal Saving Bank office, citizens say they feel endangered (Kosovo Online)
• Surlic: Brussels meeting showed that there is no dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (Tanjug)
• ODIHR report on Serbian December 17 elections (N1)
• Brnabic: ODIHR recommendations show elections were fair, democratic (Tanjug)
• Lazovic: ODIHR report is just what Serbian opposition expected (N1, BETA)
• Tepic: ODIHR final report confirms election fraud (N1)
• Belgrade, Pristina dialogue without progress; this year crucial to preserve peace and security (Kosovo Online)
• Konrad: EU has pressure mechanisms, but Belgrade and Pristina must reach solution (Kosovo Online)
• Members of German Bundestag visit Visoki Decani Monastery (KoSSev)
• Without Kosovo Serbs living dignified lives, there can be no peace and stability in the Western Balkans (Kosovo Online)

International:

• Separate Kitchen, Private Gym – Life Behind Bars Comes with Perks for Albania’s VIP Prisoners (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media:

Lajcak indicates more meetings, “many political questions remain unanswered” (media)
Ismaili: We didn’t negotiate regulation; it is in force and does not change (Koha)
CBK says new regulation was not contested (media)
Agreement reached a year ago not implemented, EU considers both parties responsible (Koha)
Osmani: We remain united in our support for Ukraine (RTK)
Sarrazin and Ahmeti discuss Kosovo's membership in CoE (media)
Krasniqi and Abdixhiku meet German emissary, make requests and promises (Kallxo)
Britain requests from Kosovo and Serbia to implement agreements (Koha)
KFOR: Bondsteel, main pillar of mission throughout Kosovo (media)
EU to present soon mandatory roadmap for implementation of Basic Agreement as condition for integration of Kosovo and Serbia (Albanian Post)
RTK publishes video showing Radoicic punching Serb (media)
Kamberi: No peace in Balkans without Kosovo-Serbia normalization (Kosovapress)
Janjic says CBK regulation is legal (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Petkovic: Belgrade demonstrated full commitment, solution at political level a must (Tanjug)
Lajcak: Many political questions remain unanswered, additional meetings needed (Tanjug, media)
Milivojevic: Results in Brussels expected, Pristina is not for progress in dialogue (Kosovo Online, RTV)
Serbian politicians from north meets Sarrazin, criticize attitude of Kurti towards Serbs, demand reaction from international community (KoSSev)
Poll: One year after EU agreement, majority of respondents say things have changed for worse (KoSSev)
Stano: Kosovo and Serbia will not progress towards EU unless they implement agreements (Kosovo Online, RFE)
Dacic receives his Central African Republic's counterpart Baipo-Temon (media)
Serbia Against Violence refuses consultations with President Vucic (N1)
Vucic to attend Ukraine-SEE summit in Tirana (Tanjug)

Albanian Language Media:

• Bislimi: Serbia is refusing to sign and implement the Basic Agreement (media)
• Why did the Dinar spark Kosovo-US tension? (Atlantic Council)
• Gerxhaliu on the Dinar: Biggest gift for Serbia, it speeds up the Association (EO)
• EULEX: Security situation in the north is stable but fragile (Gazeta Blic)
• U.S. European Command on meeting with Maqedonci (media)
• Svecla meets head of Institute of Crimes committed during War in Kosovo (EO)
• Maqedonci: Kosovo alongside UK continues to train Ukrainian recruits (media)
• Kastrati: Ready for census; online registration system for diaspora (media)
• Kusari welcomes European Parliament’s adoption of anti-SLAPP directive (media)
• Osmani: We are grateful for Turkiye’s enduring support (media)
• Sandulovic to Lajcak: You were silent about my assassination attempt (media)
• 16 anniversary of Kosovo independence to be celebrated in Belgrade today (Klan)

Serbian Language Media:

• Momir Stojanovic elected the new president of the Serbian National Council in KiM (Blic, N1, media)
• Members of KFOR in Prizren threatened, the police arrested one person (N1, KoSSev, Kallxo)
• Workers of Jumkos in Z.Potok, Kindergarten teachers in Leposavic, Roma in Gracanica, in front of Postal Savings Bank branches (Kosovo Online, KiM radio)
• Petrovic and Obrenovic admitted their guilt for participating in the conflict in Zvecan (KiM radio)
• Attorney Arsic: The Prosecution did not provide strong material evidence for Djokovic's guilt (Kosovo Online)
• Mijacic: The last year's agreement expected to calm the tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, but it didn't happen (Kosovo Online)

Opinion:

• Zarkovic: Don’t Ignore the Real Causes of Kosovo Serbs’ Population Decline (BIRN)

International:

• Turkish Women's Cup 2024 football: India finish runners-up after late heartbreak against Kosovo (olympics.com)
• BIRN Crew Attacked While Covering Church-Building Initiative in Kosovo (BIRN)
• Serbia Investigates Allegations of Police Assault on Two LGBT People (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media:
• Kurti signs MoU with EBRD for €400 mil in investment funding (media)
• CBK leaders to represent Kosovo at meeting on Serbian Dinar in Brussels (media)
• Hoti: Government didn’t want agreement with allies in Pristina (media)
• Citaku: Instead with allies, our institutions coordinating with Belgrade (media)
• Buland hosts US – Kosovo bilateral defense consultations (media)
• KFOR: We don’t interfere with freedom of movement of individuals (media)
• Gervalla meets Hovenier, discuss efforts to strengthen security, stability (media)
• Ukrainian MP message for Kosovo: Arm yourself, no one will defend you (media)
• “Radoicic brutally beats opponents” (RTK)
Serbian Language Media:
• Trend Analysis: The majority of surveyed Serbs concerned about security (KiM radio, KoSSev)
• The Office for KiM: The auxiliary building on the property of a returnee near Klina set on fire (RTS)
• SL: The international community must prevent the expulsion of the Serbs from their ancestral homes (Kosovo Online)
• KFOR denies that it forbade certain Pristina officials to visit the North (KiM radio, KoSSev)
• Vucic, Sarrazin discuss upcoming Brussels meeting, situation in Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Brnabic at Western Balkans Investment Summit (N1)