Albanian Language Media
Stoltenberg to meet Osmani and Kurti, and address NATO troops in Kosovo (Reporteri)
The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, will start his visit to the Balkans today. In the morning he will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, while in the afternoon he will arrive in Kosovo.
According to NATO's announcement, Stoltenberg will meet with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and then he will visit the KFOR Camp "Nothing Hill", where he will meet with the KFOR Commander and will address the troops.
He will also meet with the Director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team, Brigadier General Hammerstein.
On Tuesday, November 21, the Secretary General will be in Belgrade, where he will have meetings with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic.
Later that day, Stoltenberg will travel to North Macedonia to meet with President Stevo Pendarovski and Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski. He will also meet with the Speaker of the Assembly of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, and will deliver a speech in front of the Assembly.
On Wednesday, November 22, the Secretary General will attend a meeting with allied leaders from the region. The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, the President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajic, and the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob, have been invited to participate, according to the NATO announcement.
Kurti: Stoltenberg's visit to Kosovo, proof of NATO's commitment (RTK)
Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has said that the visit of the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is a proof of NATO's commitment to Kosovo's security.
In his profile on the 'X' platform, Kurti wrote that the surest path to peace is granting Kosovo candidate status in the European Union and integration into NATO.
“SG Jens Stoltenberg's upcoming visit to Kosova demonstrates NATO's firm commitment to our security. With the EU officially exposing Russia’s intent to provoke a new conflict in WB6, the surest path to sustainable peace is to grant Kosovo EU candidate status and integration into NATO,” Kurti wrote.
Kurti: A terrorist reorganization with the support of Serbia is happening in Raska (media)
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in a post on the social network Facebook wrote that in Raska of Serbia, the paramilitary and terrorist reorganization of Milan Radoicic and his group is taking place, with instructions and support from the state of Serbia.
Kurti said that on Friday, November 10, he led a meeting with about 40 Serbian politicians and officials of illegal municipalities from Kosovo.
"At the meeting held at the house of culture in Raska, he was accompanied by Svetlana Miladinov, the deputy of Petar Petkovic, the coordinator of the so-called Serbian office for Kosovo," he said.
According to him, during this meeting, in addition to the MPs of the Serbian List, its new chairman Zlatan Elek and the deputy-chairmen, Dragisa Milovic and Dalibor Jevtic, also participated.
"There was a request for mobilization for voting for the party-state in Serbia, SNS, in the December 17 elections. Those who are on the payroll have been conditioned with them, while others have been offered jobs for a period of 3 and 6 months. Milan Radoicic, after the terrorist attack in the north, was released within the day to continue his terrorist paramilitary activity in the service of Serbia's state policy against Kosovo", emphasized Kurti.
As he mentioned that it was five months after the kidnapping in Leposaviq of the border police officers Rifat Zeka, Beqir Sefa and Sheme Mustafa and eight weeks after the murder of the Kosovo Police sergeant, Afrim Bunjaku, Kurti wrote that KFOR, EULEX and the EU should come out with a public and official report in which they attribute to Serbia the act of aggression and the crime of terrorism, which condemns the reorganization of Radoicic's group. "Even after international pressure, Serbia still has not withdrawn all troops and artillery from the vicinity of the territory of Kosovo," he said.
Kurti said that Serbia continues to threaten the security of Kosovo with the forward operating bases of the Armed Forces of Serbia along the border. Moreover, Serbia has deployed anti-aircraft systems near the border with Kosovo.
"The threat from Russia and Serbia to regional stability, peace and security is increasingly being noticed. Russia aims to ignite a crisis in the EU's backyard, to defocus NATO, while Serbia fulfills its territorial ambitions towards its neighbors according to the "Serbian World" project, of Vulin and Vucic. The lack of sanctioning of Serbia increases the level of threat in the Western Balkans. The leaders of the terrorist group, instead of facing justice in Kosovo, continue preparations for other attacks towards Kosovo and collecting votes by blackmailing the Serbs of Kosovo", Kurti wrote.
Abdixhiku re-elected Leader of LDK (media)
Without any counter-candidate, Lumir Abdixhiku has been re-elected leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), in the tenth electoral Assembly of this party. He won without a single vote against, as the candidacy of Faton Bislimi was rejected by the Presidency of this party. Bislimi, who was not even allowed to speak, said that the decision was unconstitutional.
With 333 votes in favor, Lumir Abdixhiku has been re-elected leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo for another term.
He was the only candidate in the race, since Faton Bislim was refused candidacy by the LDK Working Presidency, since, according to them, the Statute does not allow applications from persons who are not party delegates. After his candidacy was officially rejected, he left the hall as a sign of dissatisfaction.
The head of the LDK said that he will exercise this four-year mandate with a Rugovist attitude.
Abdixhiku declared that the elections in this party are a celebration and that Sunday's electoral assembly determines the fate of Kosovo.
In front of the LDK delegates, he accused the Kurti government, saying that Kosovo continues to receive continuous attacks and that it is being led by populists.
Faton Bislimi, who was denied candidacy, has called the LDK's disallowance to compete for the chairmanship of this political entity non statutory.
Austrian MEP Lukas Mandl was also present in these elections. He said that the LDK is the party that the citizens of Kosovo need.
"What Kosovo needs is diplomatic behavior to gain this kind of recognition from the majority of countries on this planet. The LDK historically and now with Abdixiku is able to do it diplomatically properly. Abdixhiku's LDK knows how to make friends, who are the ones Kosovo needs. Thirdly, Kosovo needs internal reforms, in health, education and social issues, in many things", Mandl said.
Kurti: Serbia should propose agreement to allow Serb community to vote (Koha)
Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that there should be a special agreement with Serbia to enable the Serb community in Kosovo to participate in Serbia's elections. In the letter addressed to the head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Michale Davenport, Kurti said that this agreement should come from Serbia as an interested party, based on the sovereignty and independence of Kosovo.
"Regarding the same, and in relation to the issue of interstate cooperation for voting abroad, in order to enable the citizens of the Serb community in Kosovo with dual citizenship to vote in the Serbian elections outside the Liaison Office of Serbia in Kosovo, a special agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia is required. The request for this agreement must come from Serbia as an interested party", says Kurti's letter which the news website claims to possess.
According to the prime minister, with these conditions, Serbia must negotiate an agreement with Kosovo, and as Kurti said, the obligation of the Basic Agreement "to contribute to good neighborly relations, based on equal rights" would also be applied.
"And any such request must be based on the sovereignty and independence of Kosovo, as an equal state, in accordance with Article 2 of the Basic Agreement reached this year between Kosovo and Serbia. With these conditions, we encourage Serbia to negotiate such a special agreement with the Republic of Kosovo, thus implementing another obligation of the Basic Agreement: to contribute to good neighborly relations, based on equal rights and mutual respect of the rights of voters abroad", says the letter.
Local and parliamentary elections in Serbia will be held on December 17 of this year.
Maqedonci says "force" has historically brought Serbia to the table of political solution (Koha)
Kosovo’s Minister of Defense, Ejup Macedonci, asked in an exclusive interview for A2CNN why Kosovo failed to convince the international community to punish Serbia for the terrorist attack in Banjska, said that this is a political calculation of the partners. According to him, the lack of severe punishment for Serbia by the EU and the USA was a tactical move to enable the dialogue to continue.
"I think that all international partners are convinced that apart from the fact that this terrorist group had the aim of dividing and annexing a part of the territory of our country, it also had connections with the state structures of Serbia. This has actually been said by those who made more detailed statements about the Banjska case. I believe that a political calculation was made by the international community in this case. Some of our partners have considered developing a softer policy in relation to Serbia in this situation, perhaps from their point of view to enable the continuation of the dialogue", Macedonci said.
But the historical course of events in the Balkans, according to the Kosovar Minister of Defense, has always shown that Serbia sits at the table and softens only when "force" is used.
"Well, we have always had such situations in this region where, for Serbia, the only means of forcing it to sit down and make a political solution has been force. I think a stronger reaction was needed, sanctions should have been imposed and Serbia should have been informed that this hegemonic and aggressive approach towards its neighbors cannot produce any other result than the one in Banjska."
The Minister of Defense in Kosovo, Ejup Macedonci, has also spoken about the Serbian military bases that are located along the border with Kosovo, which according to him are a permanent danger. He indicated that in these bases, not far from the territory of Kosovo, 3 out of 4 Serbian infantry brigades are deployed, as he added that their tactical distribution shows that they are waiting for the right moment to carry out an invasion.
"48 Serbian army bases exist along the border. They are at a distance of 300 m to 5 km within the border of Serbia. They are a threat. The bases are hostilely directed towards the territory of Kosovo and are 3 of the 4 Serbian infantry brigades located in the south of Serbia. These are a short distance from Kosovo. These 3 brigades support 48 operational bases. These types of bases are placed in places where an invasion is expected. These bases await an opportune moment for Serbia to carry out military actions, or to support an attack like the one in Banjska. There were once 4,000 troops in these bases, equipped with weapons and tools for military attacks," Maqedonci said.
Powerful explosions in the north on Saturday after midnight (media)
Kosovo’s national broadcaster reported that the north of Mitrovica woke up peacefully on Sunday, even though the peace after midnight was disturbed by a noise that disturbed the residents of this area.
The Police say that after midnight they received information about two detonations in the north of Mitrovica.The deputy director of the Kosovo Police in the north, Veton Elshani, informed RTK that there was no damage to people or material.
"Somewhere after 12 o'clock at night, we received information about two detonations that happened in this part of the city, the police have been around the city, but we have not come across any material damage, neither human nor material damage", Elshani said.
The police inform the citizens that they have no reason to worry and that the entire north is under the control of the security institutions of Kosovo.
"Even if such explosions happen, even if they happen with hand grenades, whatever kind of explosion we have enough human capacities to deal with them, so there is no need for people to worry", added Elshani.
In the last two months, the situation in the northern municipalities has been largely calm. Serb citizens have expressed great interest in changing illegal license plates to RKS ones, as well as to be equipped with passports of Kosovo.
Serbia continues to violate the agreements reached in Brussels (RTK)
Kosovo’s national broadcaster reported that the secretary of the liaison office of Kosovo in Serbia, Fatmir Haxholli, has warned that Serbia has stopped providing physical security for him as a diplomat.
Political experts in Kosovo emphasize that this shows that the Serbian state is not interested in peace and normalized relations with Kosovo.
Although Kosovo and Serbia negotiated a series of agreements over the years, most of them are not being implemented. Recently, Serbia violated a point of the agreement, that of providing physical security for Kosovar diplomats.
The university professor, Dorajet Imeri, told RTK that this approach of Serbia shows that it is not interested in peace and normalization of relations with Kosovo.
"Serbia has continuously violated the Brussels and Ohrid agreement, even immediately after reaching this agreement. This shows that it is not interested in peace and normalized relations with Kosovo. The latest case with the Kosovo diplomat engaged in Belgrade shows that, in addition to the basic agreements, it will not implement the agreements that will be reached in the future. Therefore, as long as the European Union will make such concessions, of course Serbia will continue to apply the same destructive approach", Imeri said.
Political analyst, Arta Tahiri Beqa, also said that Serbia is constantly neglecting the agreements reached in Brussels and Ohrid.
"What happened recently to the diplomat in the Liaison Office in Belgrade shows that this is the seriousness of Serbia and this is the approach it has for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. In fact, what is most worrying is not Serbia's approach to Kosovo, but what is more worrying is what measures should be taken towards Serbia to show its lack of seriousness in terms of international agreements", she said.
RTK has also sent questions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo to understand what their actions are on this issue, but they have not responded.
Education, media, and power spread propaganda about Kosovo (RTK)
Experts in Serbia assess that education, media, and power spread propaganda about Kosovo, affect the misunderstanding and negative attitude in society and among young people. The research of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights has shown that half of the young people in Serbia do not see that the reconciliation of Serbs and Albanians is possible but think that reconciliation should be worked on.
"The messages they get from politicians are very confusing. We have negotiations, but on the other hand, a very negative attitude towards the possibility of reconciliation. The issue of Kosovo, especially with the events of September in Banjska, shows that we have a conflict that is not constantly violent, but that can escalate, therefore it must be resolved, and the young people feel this situation very well", author of the research Rodolub Jovanovic said.
Kosovo, the disintegration of Yugoslavia and war crimes cause confusion and rejection in Serbian society. Coping also becomes more difficult with the active life of war criminals, reports RTK.
Former Serbian general Nebojsa Pavkovic held a class at a primary school via video link from the Finnish prison where he is serving a war crimes sentence in Kosovo, while war criminal Vojislav Sesel also promoted his book at the Book Fair.
"We have to solve this issue institutionally. When we stop war criminals from going public, from political campaigns, from publishing books, then we can start talking about what really happened, what the truth is, and start confronting who committed war crimes in whose name", said Marija Vasiq, Professor of Sociology.
Experts assess that the breakup of Yugoslavia has not been well interpreted in school textbooks and it is considered that a cultural consensus is needed on the role of Serbia in the recent past.
Serbian Language Media
Elek refutes Kurti’s allegations that Radoicic gathered new Serbian List leadership (KoSSev)
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said last night that “reorganization of Milan Radoicic’s group under instructions and support of the Serbian state” was underway, and presented claims that former vice president of the Serbian List, Milan Radoicic gathered new Serbian List leadership in Raska and “requested mobilization for voting” at upcoming elections in Serbia, KoSSev portal reports.
Serbian List President Zlatan Elek refuted Kurti’s allegations about meeting of new Serbian List leadership in Raska with Radoicic and his presence there, saying he hears about that for the first time.
“A complete rebuttal in this regard. I do not understand what Milan Radoicic has to do with the Serbian List any longer”, Elek told KoSSev, adding that on October 24, new president of the party and vice presidents have been appointed.
“I have no idea about such meetings and Albin Kurti’s allegations”, Elek underlined. He also termed Kurti’s allegations about the meeting in Raska as “ridiculous matter”.
He said that Serbian List advocates that parliamentary and local Serbian elections due on December 17 are also held in the territory of Kosovo.
Petkovic: EC proposal to abolish visas for Kosovo Serbs excellent news (Tanjug)
Serbian Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic said Friday a European Commission proposal to abolish visas for holders of Serbian passports from Kosovo was excellent news for Serbian citizens, Tanjug news agency reports.
The passports are issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate.
"Following an intensive diplomatic struggle and activities by the state of Serbia led by President Aleksandar Vucic, who unequivocally said as early as six months ago we would win the fight to get the visas abolished for our people in Kosovo and Metohija as well and that we can expect good news as early as before the end of the year, that has happened", Petkovic said.
He added that European Integration Minister Tanja Miscevic and her team have worked intensively with European Commission representatives on the proposed decision over the past several months.
Stoltenberg to visit Belgrade during November 19-22 trip to region (media)
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will be visiting the Western Balkans from November 19 through 22 and travel to Belgrade on Tuesday, November 21, NATO announced on Friday.
"On Tuesday, November 21, the Secretary General will be in Belgrade. He will have meetings with the President of Serbia, Mr Aleksandar Vucic and the Prime Minister, Ms Ana Brnabic. Mr Stoltenberg will also engage with Serbian scientists who will present technology developed in the context of NATO’s Science for Peace and Security projects", reads the statement.
Serbian MIA refutes Haxholli that security provision was denied to him (KoSSev, media)
Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs refuted claims of the secretary of Pristina liaison office in Belgrade, Fatmir Haxholli that Belgrade had violated the Brussels agreement and stopped offering physical security to him, KoSSev portal reports.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs underlines that claims of Fatmir Hadzoli that the Republic of Serbia denied 24-hour security to him, which he has in line with Brussels agreement, were untrue (…)”, reads the response of the Ministry.
It added “that liaison officer from Pristina Jetis Jasari and his assistant Hadzoli have 24-hour security in line with their rank” and that “Serbia unlike Pristina respects all Brussels agreements (...)”.
Serb arrested at Jarinje on Saturday released (KoSSev, RTS)
Serb S.N. (1964) arrested by Kosovo police at Jarinje crossing point on Saturday was released following interrogation. The news was first published by Serbian public broadcaster RTS, and then confirmed by Kosovo police, KoSSev portal reports.
Serb from the village of Nevoljno, near Vucitrn was arrested under accusations for alleged war crimes, however the prosecutor made the decision to release him.
The source close to the family told the media that the prosecutor assessed it was about the mistaken identity, but the police said they could not say so, adding the decision was on the prosecutor following the interrogation.
Reacting to the arrest, the Office for Kosovo and Metohija said in a statement it was about a campaign of systematic intimidation of the Serbian people by yet another ungrounded arrest of a Serb accused of alleged war crime and an attempt to discourage return of displaced persons.
Ministry denies removal of ethnic Albanians from voter registry (N1)
Serbian State Administration Minister Aleksandar Martinovic denied media reports that thousands of ethnic Albanians were taken off the electoral rolls in the south of the country, N1 reports.
“Claims that thousands of Albanians from the so-called Presevo valley were deleted from the electoral rolls and that the police passivized their addresses leaving them without personal ID documents are unacceptable and we reject them as absolutely untrue”, a statement said.
It said that the Internal Affairs Ministry (MUP) is in charge of residence registration and passivization, adding that the MUP reports daily on changes to residence to the State Administration Ministry. “The law is the same for everyone and is implemented on all citizens”, it added.
“There is no so-called passivization of residence being implemented on citizens of Albanian nationality in southern Serbia and in that sense, the citizens of the Republic of Serbia of Albanian nationality have voter and all other rights just like other citizens of the Republic of Serbia”, the statement said.