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UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 26, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Stano says Serbia’s decision to recognize Kosovo plates is positive step (Koha)
• PDK sends Law on Sovereign Fund to Constitutional Court (Koha)
• Opposition: Kurti is trying to go to elections without forming Association (EO)
• Detention extended for suspects accused of Banjska attack (media)
• Tahiri on high electricity bills: Latest blow to Kosovar families (AP)
• “Citizens paying bills equal to those in Belgium and Luxembourg” (Indeksonline)
• CHDRF calls for urgent investigations into “abnormal electricity bills” (media)
• Another action in the north, police searching for smuggled goods (AP)
• Trajkovic calls on northern Serbs to join protests in Serbia (media)
• “Disarm the men!” – Call to action against femicide in Kosovo (Kallxo)

Serbian Language Media:

• Stano: The EU welcomes Belgrade's decision on the plates, it is expected that Pristina will respond in a similar way (N1, Kontakt plus radio)
• Vucevic: Kurti is continuing his terror against Serbs (Kosovo Online, TV Prva)
• MLGA: The collection of signatures for the replacement of the mayor in the north will begin soon (Radio Mitrovica sever, Kontakt plus radio)
• Aleksic: The Government's decision on RKS license plates a proof that Vucic is ready to do anything to preserve power (KiM radio, N1, FoNet)
• The Kosovo's Ministry of Culture has placed under protection and the Gornji Strmac church (Kosovo Online)
• EU: Violence unacceptable, investigate election irregularities (KiM radio, N1)
• Rada Trajkovic invited students and professors of the University in K.Mitrovica to join the protests (Danas)

Opinion:

• Palokaj: The dialogue has failed, only the culprit is being sought (Koha)

International:

• Kosovo says gunmen from Serbia are planning more attacks (Reuters)
• Kosovo’s Long-Awaited Visa Waiver Applies to Most, But Not All (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 26, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

Bislimi: We expect removal of punitive measures (RTK) 
Gervalla in the Holy See at Christmas Eve mass (RTK) 
Haliti: Vulin was in Kosovo on September 24 - internationals are aware of this (Reporteri) 
Potential risk of repeating Banjska scenarios, assessed (Koha)  
KFOR: We do not speculate about any future scenario in the north (Koha) 
Police seize dangerous equipment in Mitrovica North (media) 
The U.S. KFOR conducts security patrol near Leposavic (RTK) 
Northern Serbs protest against ban on import of Serbian goods (Koha) 
UBO poll: LVV first with 48.5%, PDK second, LDK third (media) 
Theft reported in UNMIK offices in the north, police: We found the windows broken (Telegrafi) 
Petkovic on mass protests: It is clear why Kurti supported opposition in Serbia (media) 

Serbian Language Media:

The Government of Serbia enable free movement of all vehicles from Kosovo from 1 January (Tanjug, RTS)
Dacic: Security situation stable, we will continue to protect constitutional order (Tanjug)
More Serbs denied Svecla's allegations that they were logistics for Banjska (KoSSev, KiM radio)
Business owners protested in North Mitrovica over the ban on Serbian goods (Kosovo Online)
Kosovo Ministry of Culture Reconstructs Orthodox Church at Gornje Vinarce as ‘Catholic’ Without Consulting Serbian Church (eparhija-prizren.com, media)
Families of Serbs killed in Banjska still waiting for autopsy results, Vucic says (N1)
Serbian Ministry of Defense: Planning an incursion into the territory of Kosovo is a notorious lie and complete nonsense (Radio Mitrovica sever)
PKS: Satisfaction in Pristina because of the violence in Belgrade (KiM radio)
UNMIK worried about unauthorized entry into its premises (KiM radio, Tanjug, Kosovo Online, Politika)
Cameras in public areas seized in Klokot, Partes and Ranilug; Media: “They were controlled by Belgrade?” (KoSSev)
Ambassador Hill spoke about the protest (Danas, Kosovo Online) 
Vucic after the protest on Sunday: Over 35 thugs arrested (N1, Beta)
Belgrade Sunday protest turned violent (N1)

International Media:

Serbia protests: Anti-government demonstrators try to storm Belgrade city hall (BBC)
Police in Serbia detain nearly 40 people as opposition plans more protests against election results (AP)
Vucic: We will not accept any Document that obliges us to support Kosovo’s Membership in the UN (sarajevotimes.com)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 22, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

President of Bulgaria to pay official visit to Kosovo today (media)
Koopman: Liberalization will help exchanges between Kosovo and EU (RTK)
Kurti met Turkish community in Prizren, talked about free movement in EU (RTK)
Svecla on attack of policeman in north: Situation there has improved significantly (Koha)
Aliu: Specialized Chambers, project of Serbia against Kosovo (RTK) 
Krasniqi: Kurti government has brought regression to Kosovo (media)
Complaints of former KLA leaders about changed conditions of detention, rejected (media)
Albanians to be represented by one MP in Assembly of Serbia (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: Letter to show foreign interference (N1)
Petkovic: Rajska banja usurpation a robbery of Serbian Orthodox Church property (Tanjug)
Hoxha: Mistake to present Rajska Banja as a political triumph, it is a purely technical issue (KiM radio, Kosovo Online)
Serbian gov't aware of ODIHR mission's conclusions, awaits final report (Tanjug)

International Media:

Serbian tabloids accusing Germany of fuelling violent protests in Serbia, DW denies any involvement (EWB)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 21, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: Few indictments for countless paramilitary attacks (Koha)
• Lajcak: We’re ready to make reasonable corrections in proposed statute (Express)
• Osmani: Serbia’s aggression presented constant challenges (Dukagjini)
• Hammerstein: Security situation in Kosovo is deteriorating (media)
• Tense situation in Kosovo north and Bosnia, “Albanian Army vigilant” (media)
• Police confiscate alarm siren, six sound amplifiers in Mitrovica North (Telegrafi)
• Police officer assaulted in Mitrovica North on Tuesday (media)
• Schieder: I haven’t seen anywhere what I saw in Serbian elections (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Milovic on Rajska Banja spa complex: I expect international community to raise voice and stop usurpation (N1, RTS, Kosovo Online)
• Mijacic and Radosavljevic: Taking away the Rajska spa is illegal and problematic (KiM radio)
• Vucic: Serbs to survive in Kosovo, preserve their property (Tanjug, KoSSev)
• Serbian National Forum: Vucic without support of Kosovo Serbs for further Kosovo politics after the elections (N1, FoNet)
• Brnabic: SNS can form next Serbian government on its own (Tanjug)
• Kosovo police removed alarm siren in Mitrovica North (Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic: With the free legal aid project, the EU sending a clear message to Pristina (Tanjug)
• Dasic: I was hit several times by the Kosovo police in Jarinje, I will sue them all (N1, NMagazin, KoSSev)
• General Ralf Hammerstein: Germany sending an additional 200 soldiers to Kosovo (Tanjug)

International:

• NATO peace mission continue patrols to ensure security on Kosovo-Serbian border (AA)
• Witness Identifies Kosovo Village Attack Trial Defendant in Court (BIRN)
• Serbia’s Telecom to Appeal Kosovo Fine for not Notifying Mergers (Balkan Insight)
• Serbia: Alarm over indications of serious elections breached (transparency.org)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 21, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

U.S. State Department: We will continue to ask Serbia to return to dialogue and reduce tensions(Express)
Ahmeti: Greece is one step close to recognizing Kosovo (Koha)
Musliu: Kosovo faced aggression of Serbian terrorist attacks like never before (Reporter)
Kosovo claims that Rajska Banja is theirs, to Serbia it was occupied (RFE)
Rizvanolli: Government has not paid electricity bills in north for a year (Koha)
Kosovo’s Competition Authority fines company owned by Serbian telecom MTS with over €1.5 million (Reporteri)
Representatives from Kosovo and Serbia to meet in January for missing persons (Reporteri)
Police Union after meeting Svecla: We expect improvement of well-being of every member (media)
Jablanovic: Serbian List has lost trust of Serb citizens of Kosovo (Indeksonline)

Serbian Language Media:

Lucic: Pristina fined MTS in Kosovo to prevent it from expanding (RTS, Tanjug)
The custody of Zoran Kostic from Priluzje extended for two months (RTS)
OSCE: Bring to justice those responsible for desecration the Serbian cemetery in Orahovac (Kosovo Online, KiM radio, KoSSev)
Trikos: The state’s interest was to ensure K.Serbs’ right to vote in their hometowns, but the party’s interest took precedent (KoSSev)
Bilcik covering up criticism of the Serbian authorities (N1)
CoE Congress calls for investigation of irregularities in Serbia’s elections (N1)

International Media:

State Department: Urgent call for breakthrough on the association of  Serb Majority Municipalities (The Pavlovic Today)
Serbia to hold election rerun at 30 polling stations (DW)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 20, 2023

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 20, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Kurti: Killing of children in Kosovo are Serbia’s most heinous crimes (Klan)
• Osmani: We are ready for any scenario from Serbia (media)
• Svecla: Illegal investment was made in Banjska hotel, it is property of AKP (Koha)
• Sources: “Banja complex, shelter of terrorists, fighting point on Sept 24” (KSP)
• Svecla: Report on Banjska and policemen kidnaped by Serbia, soon (Klan)
• In his year-end speech, Stoltenberg mentions importance of security in Kosovo for peace in Western Balkans (Klan)
• Haradinaj: AAK ready for parliamentary elections whenever they are held (EO)
• MP Musliu refuses Prime Minister Kurti's gift for the end of the year (Koha)
• Molliqaj: Santa’s 2023 balance: Many gifts for LVV, punishment for KLA, and Zajednica for Kosovo (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• US Congresswoman Tenny: Suspend aid to Pristina (KiM radio, Tanjug)
• Antonijevic: I expect sharp reaction from US and EU over incursion of Kosovo police to Rajska Banja spa complex (Kosovo Online, social media)
• US calls for investigation into election fraud claims (N1)
• Brnabic: Just 20,000 crossed border on election day (N1)
• Senators Shaheen and Ricketts call Belgrade to consider rerun of elections (VoA, N1)
• Ugljanin: The next steps in the process of replacing the mayor - when the Ministry's answer arrives (Kosovo Online)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 20, 2023

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 20, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
• RLI: Likelihood of new attacks on Kosovo remains considerable (media)
• Kurti meets Barbano, discuss security, rule of law, and justice (media)
• Osmani’s office and AAK trade blame for failed meeting on Tuesday (media)
• Krasniqi: Consultative meetings have no effect on Association draft statute (Koha)
• Tahiri reacts to Vetevendosje: Panicking in fear from constitutionality (media)
• Svecla: Smuggled cigarettes confiscated in Mitrovica North, law and order (Klan)
• PAK: Complex in Banjska has been rented to Ministry of Interior Affairs (RFE)
• Kearns: Serbia sheltering man guilty of murdering Kosovo police officer (media)
• Pristina ranked 10th in list of cities with high air pollution (Indeksonline)
Serbian Language Media:
• Kosovo Privatization Agency took under its control Rajska Banja spa complex in Banjska (KoSSev, Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic reacts to decision of Kosovo Privatization Agency to take over Rajska Banja spa complex (media)
• Serbian List: Kurti in front of international community usurps Rajska Banja and Serbian properties (media)
• Serbian Democracy on Rajska Banja spa complex take over: Step towards deteriorating security situation (Radio KIM)
• Privatization Agency: Complex in Banjska given for lease to Ministry of Internal Affairs (Kosovo Online, Radio Free Europe)
• Reactions to decision of KPA: Institutional violence (media, social media)
• Serbian cemetery in Orahovac desecrated (Kosovo Online)
• European Commission on Serbian elections (N1)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 19, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• EU concerned – Serbia does not implement Ohrid agreement (Deutsche Welle)
• Selimi: Serbia’s path to EU is 100% conditioned by Kosovo’s path to UN (media)
• Germany on Serbia elections: Unacceptable irregularities (RFE)
• Von Cramon: Serbian elections held under uneven playing field conditions (media)
• Bilcik: We haven’t seen any systematic irregularities in Serbian elections (AP)
• Vetevendosje slams opposition parties for sending laws to Court (media)
• Rohde describes Moller’s visit to Kosovo, Grenell reacts (media)
• Bogujevci on CoE membership: On the right path, we have great support (media)
• Albania to chair Adriatic Charter in ‘24: Kosovo membership, a priority (Express)
• Szunyog advises Aliu to prioritize environment protection legislation (media)
• Hovenier meets Rizvanolli: Kosovo’s energy future is bright (media)
• Murati denies govt excluded any category from subsidies for electricity (media)
• Kurti visits Kosovo Pensions Savings Trust (media)
• Kurti meets community students that benefited from scholarships (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• CEC opened way for initiation of petitions for removal of mayors in three norhtern municipalities in Kosovo (RTS)
• KoSSev: Kosovo Ministry of Environment will maintain roads in the north as well (Beta, NMagazin)
• "KLA" sign placed above North Mitrovica (N1, RTS)
• Returnee house in Belo Polje near Pec burnt (Radio KIM, Radio Gorazdevac)
• Office for KiM: Pavlovic family has been facing pressure for months (Kosovo Online)
• Road works continue in Banov Do despite locals' opposition (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever, TV Most)
• China state leadership congratulate Vucic for victory (RTS)
• Bilcik: There were no major irregularities in elections in Serbia (N1, Insajder)
• Von Cramon: Irregularities on and before Serbian elections (N1, social media)
• Five days without electricity, residents of Susice village, near Strpce ask for help (RTS)

Opinion:

• Krstic: Some went to vote for the SNS in an organized manner, others voluntarily went to vote against (KoSSev)

International:

• Kosovo Opposition LDK Slates EU Document on Serb Municipalities’ Association (BIRN)
• Kosovo Fears New Labour Shortfall as Schengen Doors Open (Balkan Insight)
• Serbia challenges NATO, by threatening Kosovo (RLI)
• Serbian Opposition Parties Demand Annulment of Belgrade Election Result (Balkan Insight)
• Serbia’s elections held under ‘unjust conditions’, say international observers (The Guardian)

UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 19, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti and Osmani meet Moller talk about Germany's support in the field of defense (media)
Osmani meets Abdixhiku, discuss security and Association (RFE) 
PDK’s Krasniqi turns down Osmani’s invitation for meeting (Nacionale) 
LDK: Association's draft statute gives Serbs autonomous and territorial regulation (media)
Specialist Chambers extend detention for Thaci and Veseli (Indeksonline) 
Kurti meets representatives of Montenegrin community in Kosovo (media) 
Albania to assume presidency of Adriatic Charter: Kosovo's membership, priority (Reporteri)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: Peace, law and order will regain in Serbia, citizens should not worry (Tanjug, RTS, Kosovo Online)
Serbia Against Violence coalition holds protest rally in Belgrade (N1)
Brnabic: Opposition creates chaos and mistreats RIK (Radio KIM, social media)
Dimitrijevic: RZZS director and several members of commission attacked, RIK is not body to implement Belgrade elections (RTS)
International observers on elections, irregularities (N1)
Vucic: Good and open discussion with von Cramon (Tanjug)
State Department on cooperation with Serbia on strengthening democracy following elections (KoSSev)
Serbian List officials on elections (Kosovo Online)
Majority of Kosovo Serbs voted for Vucic’s list, Pec locals went for SPS (KoSSev)
Dimitrijevic: These elections will seal fate of Kosovo Serbs (KoSSev)

International Media:

Vaccine-Sceptic Doctor Becomes Kingmaker in Belgrade After Polls (Balkan Insight)

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 18, 2023

UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 18, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

• Rohde: Germany continues its support for Kosovo's integration into EU (RTK)
• Haxhiu: Venice Commission supports proposal for 7 members in KPC (media)
• Hoxhaj: Foreign policy without any results, only with tourist visits (media)
• LVV MPs continue boycott - meeting of Investigative Committee for Reserves fails (media)
• Kusari-Lila: Committee of Inquiry on reserves, absurd, its purpose is unknown (Klan)
• Serwer: Election results in Serbia are not good sign for dialogue (RFE, media)
• Haradinaj: The Association's draft statute has disturbing elements (media)
• Russia complains to UN about "good conditions" of former KLA leaders in The Hague (AP)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic on elections results, future of Serbia (N1, Kosovo Online, social media)
• Serbia Against Violence calls protest, alleges election fraud (N1, KoSSev, media)
• Bosnian Serb politicians respond to opposition claims (N1, media)
• Dacic on SPS election results (media)
• Petkovic: Serbian people demonstrated once again they are loyal to their state of Serbia (Kosovo Online)
• Pisonero: EU will not declare on elections in Serbia, before OSCE and ODHIR present their preliminary findings (FoNet)
• Kremlin on SNS elections results (Danas, BETA)
• Grenell on SNS election victory, Kurti (Kosovo Online, Tanjug, social media)
• Centre of Zvecan without electricity since last night because of malfunction (Radio Mitrovica sever, Radio kontakt plus)
• MFA of Germany: Our ambassador in Kosovo did not ask memorial plaque to be moved (Kosovo Online)
• Stefanovic: The checking of Radoicic's testimony ongoing, evidence being collected (N1, Kurir)

International:

• Serbian Progressives Win Parliamentary Election, Control of Belgrade in Question (Balkan Insight)
• ‘This is Kosovo’s Reality’: How Ethnic Insults Persist in TV Entertainment (Balkan Insight)
• Serbia’s Leader Tightens Grip on Power in General Election, Early Results Show (The New York Times)