Albanian Language Media:

• COVID-19: 709 new cases, eight deaths (media)
• Osmani on national unity: Kosovo is here to stay (BBC, media)
• Kosovo discusses securing of anti-COVID-19 vaccine with Israel (media)
• Abbott meets Abdixhiku, discuss LDK and its role as opposition (media)
• Kurti and Osmani meet representatives of Gorani and Roma entities (media)
• Next status conference in Thaci et al. case on 24 March (Express)
• Abdixhiku accuses Kurti ahead of negotiations for Kosovo’s new president (euronews.al)
• Chairman of LDK in Kllokot resigns (media)
• Kosovo paralyzed, public transportation on strike asking subsidies for the pandemic (euronews.al)

Serbian Language Media:

• In Serbian areas 29 new cases of Covid-19 (Radio Mitrovica sever)
• 17th anniversary of March pogrom commemorated (Radio KIM, KoSSev)
• Patriarch Porfirije: Prayer for peace for all people in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• Vucic says Serbia won’t allow repeat of Kosovo violence (N1)
• Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry on March 2004 pogrom (Kosovo-online)
• Remembering victims of March pogrom in Mitrovica North (Radio Mitrovica sever, TV Most) 
• Even after 17 years, the images of the pogrom still live (KiM radio)
• Ratovac Siamasvili: UNESCO aware of the peculiarities and significance of the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• CI SDP: Pogrom is a crime no one was held responsible for (Radio kontakt plus)
• COM KFOR: Security situation stabilized after 2004 (RTS, Kosovo-online)
• Four principles of the new methodology of EU for Serbia’s accession (media)
• Raska-Prizren Eparchy requests those in charge to prevent attacks against religious objects (Radio KIM)
• Office for KiM: Continuous endangerment of Serbian heritage (Radio KIM)
• Vucic met Chen Bo, focus on Sinopharm factory construction (RTS)
• Montenegro PM tells N1 he wants better relations with Serbia (N1)

International:

• EU regulator ‘convinced’ AstraZeneca benefit outweighs risk (AP)
• Belgium Arrests Kosovo Ex-Guerrilla on War Crime Charges (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media  

COVID-19: 709 new cases, eight deaths (media)

Kosovo has recorded 709 new cases of COVID-19 and eight deaths in the last 24 hours. 385 persons have recovered from the virus during this time.

There are 11,379 active cases of COVID-19 in Kosovo.

Osmani on national unity: Kosovo is here to stay (BBC, media)

Acting president of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has given an interview to the BBC show “Hard Talk”. During the show, she was asked about her difference with the politicians of the older generation is, why should the youth of Kosovo trust her, her opinion on the trial of former President Thaci in The Hague, her position on the dialogue with Serbia and whether she would support unification with Albania.

Asked how she differs from the older generation of leaders, Osmani said that for 20 years she has never been in an executive position and that she has not had a hand in the decisions that have been taken in the country.

“There are many other reasons, but it is mainly due to the consistency we have shown over the last two decades, which has convinced the citizens of Kosovo to give us the extraordinary support they have given us,” Osmani said.

“The expectations of young people have not been met in many respects. As I said, one of the main problems in our country is crime and corruption, which we intend to stop through concrete actions in the next government, but at the same time I believe that it was about the example that will be set by the leadership of this country. So, we will lead by example, as we have proven over the years that we are incorruptible, but at the same time showing that we absolutely do not compromise with those who are corrupt. In this way, we will bring democracy first to the institutions of Kosovo and secondly by focusing on two main areas, which are education and jobs for the youth based on meritocracy. “

After the comment of the BBC journalist that she has been in politics for a long time and that she has made compromises during her career, Osmani replied:

“But I have only made compromises that have been in the interest of the country and in the interest of the people, never the opposite and the people of Kosovo know this and for this reason they put their trust in me and Mr. Kurti in our common list. As I pointed out, I have never had an executive role in decision making over the past two decades. When I was here, I was mainly in an advisory role and secondly, in the five terms I won in a row in the Assembly, I was in opposition to actions that were not in the interest of the people. So, being in politics does not necessarily mean that you played a role in the decisions that were made and that were not in the interest of the people.”

Asked whether she supported the establishment of justice in The Hague and not in Kosovo, and whether she supported Thaci’s trial over serious criminal charges, Osmani said that justice will not be done until Serbia brings justice to Serbian criminals who have committed crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide against the people of Kosovo.

“And this is the truth that no one can deny, because it happened in front of the eyes of the whole world. The whole world saw the crimes committed by Serbia. So, justice will be done only when Serbia regrets, apologizes and ensures that those who committed those crimes are brought to justice. Let me mention that Serbia today is led by one of Milosevic’s former ministers and unfortunately they still deny it,” Osmani said.

“Kosovo is doing the opposite. Kosovo has decided, through a constitutional amendment and a convincing majority in its assembly, to form the Hague-based Specialized Chambers, precisely because we have nothing to hide, precisely because we believe in justice and precisely because we want justice for all the victims and we are not afraid of the truth. I am neither a judge nor a prosecutor and I cannot determine what will be the final result of any trial anywhere in the world, but what I can say is that Kosovo has shown its high responsibility to the international community, but above all in front of their own people, showing that we are ready to do justice, if crimes have been committed,” she added.

Asked if she would support the imprisonment of Hashim Thaci for a long time, in case he is found guilty of the charges of the Special Court, Osmani said: “To understand my answer, I must first talk about what happened in Kosovo, to talk about the families of the victims. I speak on their behalf, on behalf of all the families of the victims, and for this reason, it is not only my political duty, but also my moral duty to seek justice.”

“If we as the Republic of Kosovo have shown our readiness to establish Specialized Chambers. If the political leaders of Kosovo, who are now in The Hague, have shown their readiness to answer to justice, despite everything, then of course we have not only the right, but also the responsibility, and not only us as Kosovars, but we also expect the rest of the world to fight for justice, to call for justice, because the obligation to speak for justice for the victims of genocide is an obligation for everyone, not just us and as I said, I cannot hypothetically talk about what the final decision will be,” Osmani added.

After the lack of a concrete answer, the journalist insisted and repeated the question, adding a sub-question, whether Osmani would ask as president for Thaci to be pardoned, if he is found guilty. In this regard, Osmani stated:

“As you know, international law does not allow forgiveness for the types of crimes you are talking about, but the answer is very simple. The Assembly of Kosovo responded to this a long time ago, in 2014 and 2015, when we recognized the jurisdiction of the Specialized Chambers. We did not say that we would accept part of it but the whole of it, because we believe in international justice, but we also believe in the truth, and to us, there is only one simple truth, because it happened in front of our eyes and it was Serbia that committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and we were victims of those crimes.”

Asked if she thinks that Albin Kurti’s position that the continuation of the dialogue with Serbia is not among the main priorities, Osmani said: “He never said that he is not interested in dialogue with Serbia, but the people of Kosovo have trusted us with a platform that is based on jobs and justice and these will be the two main priorities for both of us and for the people who will work with us and the majority that we have in the Assembly. This does not mean in any way that we will not even focus on the dialogue as one of the priorities. As the President of the country, as the leader of foreign policy, I will make sure that we will not only present in this process, but at the same time will represent the interest of Kosovo in the best possible way. Kosovo has extended a hand of cooperation to Serbia, despite the fact that they have never apologized for the crimes they committed.”

Osmani also said that justice is a precondition for peace, stressing that some 1,700 people are still missing and mentioning mass graves in Serbia, which she said should be opened and that Kosovars should know the whereabouts of their loved ones.

The BBC reporter also asked Osmani if ​​her personal and family history of confronting Serbian forces during the war makes it difficult for her to consider a lasting peace with Serbia, Osmani replied that this in fact only increases her responsibility to make sure that this never happens to anyone again. “Regardless of ethnicity, they are all citizens of Kosovo that I represent. I want to make sure that the contribution I leave behind and the legacy we leave behind is a lasting peace, and that must be through the concrete and sincere commitment of all.”

Osmani also spoke about the fact that five EU countries still do not recognize Kosovo’s independence. “There is a lot of frustration regarding the lack of visa liberalization, because the EU has not yet fulfilled this promise, despite the fact that not only have we met all the criteria, but we have met twice as many criteria than any country in region, but we should not be overwhelmed by despair, but work hard to convince those countries that may still have doubts that the criteria have been fully met, despite the fact that the European Commission has repeatedly said that we have done so, and so did the European Parliament,” she said.

Asked about Kurti’s statement that he would support the unification of Kosovo with Albania, Osmani said she strongly believes in an independent and sovereign Kosovo and that she will continue to work for this. “Mr. Kurti and I have clearly answered questions about the current constitutional context of Kosovo.”

In the end, Osmani refused to respond directly to the question on how would she vote, if in the future a referendum was held for the unification of Kosovo with Albania in Kosovo. She however hinted that she currently supports an independent Kosovo and gave no indication that she would support unification in the current constitutional context.

“This is not a question I would answer, because according to our constitution, there can be no referendum on this topic. The constitution is clear and I really believe in this constitution. If this constitution were ever to be changed – although the provisions for changing it are extremely difficult, because they require two-thirds of non-majority communities, only if this constitution were ever changed… I am not sure – after a few decades, in that political context I could respond. In the current political context, of course, believing fundamentally in the freedom and independence of Kosovo, my answer is: Kosovo is here to stay, Kosovo is forever,” Osmani said.

Kosovo discusses securing of anti-COVID-19 vaccine with Israel (media)

After the recognition by Israel and the opening of the Kosovo embassy in Jerusalem, the Israeli state has decided to deepen cooperation with Kosovo, this time in the field of healthcare.

A statement sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, informs that the acting Minister of Health, Armend Zemaj and his counterpart from Israel, Yuli Edelstein will discuss today about providing anti-COVID-19 vaccines for the citizens of Kosovo.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Israel, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, has organized a virtual meeting between the Minister of Health of Kosovo, Armend Zemaj and the Minister of Health of Israel, Yuli Edelstein. This meeting was organized to discuss Israel’s assistance in providing anti-Covid-19 vaccines to the people of Kosovo.”

The announcement also noted that Israel has expressed its readiness to exhaust all possibilities to help Kosovo in securing the necessary doses. The meeting will be held today, Wednesday (March 17) at 16:00 hours.

Abbott meets Abdixhiku, discuss LDK and its role as opposition (media)

The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo Nicholas Abbott met today with the recently elected chairman of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Lumir Abdixhiku.

“I offered Lumir Abdixhiku my congratulations over coffee this morning and heard about his plans for the future of the LDK and the constructive opposition role they expect to play,” Abbott wrote on his Twitter account.

LDK also informed about this meeting: “Chairman Abdixhiku informed Ambassador Abbott about his aims and his program in LDK, as well as LDK’s positions on the current political situation in the country and formation of Kosovo institutions. Leader Abdixhiku expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Abbott for the support of the United Kingdom given to the Republic of Kosovo in all the periods.

Kurti and Osmani meet representatives of Gorani and Roma political parties ( media)

The chairman of the Gorani party of Kosovo (JGP), Adem Hoxha, called the meeting with the candidate for prime minister, Albin Kurti, and the candidate for president, Vjosa Osmani, constructive. Although he did not speak if his vote is going to be for or against, Hoxha said that they do not see the blockade as a method for political solution of problems. He however asked for more support from the next government for the Gorani community.

“We are representatives of the Gorani people, and we support a sincere multiethnic society in Kosovo. We do not see the blockade as a method for a political solution to the problem. Of course, we also have minimum requirements, in order to increase equality in Kosovo’s institutions. When it comes to employment, you know that the Gorani community suffers the fate of the majority community, but we are specific and this specificity reflects that the Gorani are a small nation and therefore we believe that Kosovo society and institutions will support the Gorani community by making positive discrimination on this issue, in order for us to survive in those areas because the fate of every Gorani is that when he turns 18, he leaves the country. Let us stop this practice and I hope we will have an understanding with the president and the prime minister, and let us be successful together on that path,” he said.

The representative of the Roma Initiative, Gazmend Salievi after the meeting with Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani did not guarantee the vote for them.

After the certification of the election result of the early parliamentary elections of February 14, in which Kurti’s party scored a convincing victory, the constitutive session of the eighth legislature of the Assembly of Kosovo is scheduled for March 22. In addition to the constitution of the Assembly and the election of the government, the deputies must also elect the new president of Kosovo. In the February 14 elections, LVV won over 50 percent of the vote, securing 58 seats in the Assembly. The Democratic Party of Kosovo will have 19 deputies, the Democratic League of Kosovo 15, and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo 8.

Next status conference in Thaci et al. case on 24 March (Express)

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague has announced in its court calendar that the next Status Conference in the case against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi is scheduled for 24 March at 11:00 hours.

Following their arrests by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) on 4 and 5 November, and confirmation of the indictment, Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi were transferred to the Detention Facilities of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague.

The indictment, as confirmed, states that the war crimes of illegal or arbitrary arrest and detention, cruel treatment, torture, and murder, and the crimes against humanity of imprisonment, other inhumane acts, torture, murder, enforced disappearance of persons, and persecution were committed from at least March 1998 through September 1999.

The indictment, as confirmed, alleges that Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi are individually criminally responsible, under various forms of responsibility, for the crimes charged, which were committed in the context of a non-international armed conflict in Kosovo and were part of a widespread and systematic attack against persons suspected of being opposed to the KLA.

Abdixhiku accuses Kurti ahead of negotiations for Kosovo’s new president (euronews.al)

The negotiations between the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the winning duo, Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani will most probably not to go on quietly.  

Only two days before their intended meeting, during which the majority force will be discussing the establishment of its administrative institutions, which requires 2/3rds of parliament, the newly appointed leader of the LDK, Lumir Abdixhiku has already started with accusations against the Vetevendosje Movement (LVV)  and especially its leader, Albin Kurti.

According to Abdixhiku, the politics, beliefs and ideas of the LDK are much better than those of Kurti’s, who has always expressed a lack of political clarity and has never fully elaborated his ideas.

On Friday, he is expected to face Kurti and Osmani, in the roundtable of discussions, where he will be negotiating for the name of the future president of Kosovo as well as the process of the establishment of new government institutions.

Chairman of LDK in Kllokot resigns (media)

Hasan Rashiti, chairman of the democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) branch in Kllokot has resigned from his position. The news for KALLXO.com was confirmed by Rashiti himself. “I can confirm the news is true. The reasons are in the resignation letter,” he said.

“Given the recent political developments, especially after the poor election result of the LDK at the national level and especially after the latest election of the Assembly of the LDK, where the LDK elected a new chairman, which represents the beginning of change and LDK reform, wanting this change not to be symbolic and not a political bluff, but in order for the reform process to extend to all levels and directions and have the right dynamics, I present my irrevocable resignation from the position of chairman of the LDK branch in Kllokot.

Kosovo paralyzed, public transportation on strike asking subsidies for the pandemic (euronews.al)

Starting from today, there will be no public transportation in the urban and rural areas of the entire Kosovo.

The failure to reach an agreement between the Association of Passengers’ Road Transport and the Ministry of Infrastructure for the provision of a subsidy for transport operators, has led to this extreme decision.

The president of the association, Kurtishaj emphasized that this sector has suffered the greatest losses in the economic aspect because of the government’s measures to halt the spread of COVID-19. He also announced that the protests will be taking place within the bus stations until they can see the government act upon their promises. If their demands aren’t met, around 1 thousand buses are ready to line up in front of the government buildings. 

Acting PM, Avdulla Hoti has requested the Association of Passengers’ Transporters, to return to their job and public services as soon as possible, as he expressed his willingness to discuss with the representatives of this sector in order to come to a favorable solution.

Serbian Language Media

In Serbian areas 29 new cases of Covid-19 (Radio Mitrovica sever)

In the Serbian communities in Kosovo, in the past 24 hours, out of 90 samples, 29 are positive for coronavirus, the Crisis Staff of the Municipality of Kosovska Mitrovica announced.

12 cases of Covid-19 in North Mitrovica, 3 in Zvecan, 5 in Leposavic and 4 in Zubin Potok. 

In the Serbian areas of central Kosovo, 5 new cases of coronavirus were registered, two each in Gnjilane and Priluzje and one in Strpce.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, a total of 16,698 tests have been performed in Serbian areas. The virus was confirmed in 5,018 samples. A total of 121 people died.

17th anniversary of March pogrom commemorated (Radio KIM, KoSSev)

On this day 17 years ago, a March pogrom against the Serbs, their properties and holy shrines took place in Kosovo, Radio KIM reports. KoSSev portal recalled it was the largest ethnic violence following arrival of the international military and civilian forces.

The anniversary will be commemorated in Mitrovica North, Gracanica and Belgrade with a number of activities.

A program “Day when everything was burning – may it not be forgotten” starts at 10.00 in Mitrovica North by laying the wreaths at the Monument of Truth dedicated to the Mitrovica North residents killed in the violence in March 2004, Jana Tucev and Borivoje Spasojevic. After that an Academy on the pogrom would be held in “Mitrovacki Dvor” premises.

Central manifestation to commemorate the pogrom’s anniversary starts in Gracanica at 11.00 with a memorial service held at Gracanica Monastery, followed by laying white roses in front of “Missing” arts installation dedicated to the missing persons in front of a House of Culture in Gracanica. An arts exhibition “Autumn in Prizren 2020” would be open afterwards, as well as an Academy dedicated to the March pogrom. Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic would attend Gracanica commemoration program.

March pogrom anniversary will be commemorated in Belgrade as well. At 13.00 a Memorial Day starts at the National Theatre in Belgrade, with the attendance of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Radio KIM recalled that a wrong news aired by Kosovo public broadcaster (RTK) that Serbs have been responsible for the drowning of Albanian boys in the Ibar River, in Cabra village was a trigger for a massive violence, persecution, murders of the Serbs and destruction of their properties and holy places.

KoSSev portal reported that several hundred Serb houses, more than 35 churches, monasteries and cemeteries have been either destroyed or burned down, more than 4.000 Serbs living south of the Ibar River have been expelled. Eight Serbs and 11 Albanians (who died in clashes with US and French KFOR attempting to prevent the violence) have been killed.

According to other figures, 28 persons have been killed, and 870 injured. 72 UN vehicles have been destroyed in the violence. International prosecutors and judges in Kosovo concluded seven cases related to the March violence and sentenced 67 persons to punishment in prison ranging from 21 months to 16 years.

However, the main misterminders for this – as international cycles assessed in several occasions – organized violence have not been found up to date.

According to Raska-Prizren Eparchy data from April 2004, a total number of church premises destroyed during the pogrom were near 100. Masterpieces of medieval Christian arts, including Holly Mother of Ljevis Church from XIV century, currently under UNESCO protection, Devic Monastery, Church of Saint George, seat of Raska-Prizren Eparchy, seminary Saint Kirilo and Metodij, in which Prizren resident Dragan Todorovic also died, an old Prizren settlement Kaljaja, Monastery of Saint Archangels, the Church of Holy Saviour and the Church of Saint Sava in Mitrovica South have been destroyed.

In a process of reconstruction that started in 2005 around 70 percent of premises have been restored or repaired to certain extent, the KoSSev portal said.

A list of holy shrines and cultural artifacts destroyed in March 2004 violence can be seen on the website of Raska-Prizren Eparchy at:  https://bit.ly/3bWqWNa

Patriarch Porfirije: Prayer for peace for all people in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

The Serbian Patriarch Porfirije said in the Pec Patriarchate that the response to the burning, demolition and looting of the property of Serbs and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo will be a prayer for the destroyers not to do it anymore because, as he said ”we pray in temples for them, their children, their closest ones”.

“We will pray to God to give strength to those who remained in Kosovo and Metohija to persevere and build their lives in peace. We will also pray that the destroyers stop destroying, the arsonists stop burning, the robbers stop robbing, because in those temples we pray for them and for their closest ones, for their children,” said Porfirije. 

He called for prayer for peace among all people living in Kosovo, regardless of their religion and nation.

Patriarch Porfirije paid tribute to his holy predecessors, archbishops and Serbian patriarchs and victims of the March 2004 pogrom, in the temple of the Pec Patriarchate monastery.

“Today, in this holy Stavropegial laurel of Serbian patriarchs, where my holy predecessors, Serbian archbishops and patriarchs rest, witnesses not only of existence but also patrons and creators of the highest European culture with which we ennobled the Kosovo-Metohija land, we prayed for the souls of our brothers and of our sisters who died in the March pogrom 17 years ago,” the patriarch said.

He said that we also remember the suffering from 40 years ago, when this monastery was also burned in March, it is stated on the internet portal of the Serbian Orthodox Church, reported Kosovo Online.

Vucic says Serbia won’t allow repeat of Kosovo violence (N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told a commemoration of the 17th anniversary of March pogrom in Kosovo that Serbia will have a responsible, clear and serious response to any repeated violence against the Kosovo Serbs adding that it has no expansionist pretensions, N1 reports.

The rioting and destruction of a number of churches and monasteries started in Mitrovica North and spread across Kosovo following the drowning of three Albanian boys in the Ibar River. The deaths were blamed on Serbs and angry crowds of Albanians attacked local Serb communities, N1 added.

The day ended with six towns and nine villages cleansed of their Serb populations and more than 4,000 Serbs forced out of their homes as well as the deaths of eight Serbs and 11 Albanians, more than a thousand people injured, including several dozen KFOR personnel. Houses, schools and medical centers were also burned along with 35 Serbian Orthodox Church shrines which were also looted.

Speaking at the commemoration in the National Theater in Belgrade, Vucic said that “Serbia will never allow another pogrom. Serbia, like everyone else, has the right to take care of its people, their health, safety and prosperity that the Serb people have a right to like everyone else”.

He added that “Serbia will not rattle sabers, not dream of deaths, not call for blood and has no desire to take anything from anyone. That does not mean that Serbia will allow anyone to repeat March 17. Serbia is not prepared to do that and will never be prepared. The right to life is the basic human right and we will always defend it”.

“We are not waging any expansionist policy, this is not a dream of some Serb world, this has nothing to do with Serb hegemony nor do we want to rule anyone but ourselves and our state”, Vucic said, adding that Serbia “has no aspiration towards territories and is not making threats but only wants to be allowed to meet its obligation – remember and not allow crimes to be repeated”.

“There is only one possible conclusion for us. Kosovo is not our burden but our cross and we see resurrection from the cross better than from under it”, he said.

Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry on March 2004 pogrom (Kosovo-online)

Serbian Foreign Affairs Ministry on the occasion of 17th anniversary of March pogrom recalled that in large scale violence around 4.000 Serbs and other non-Albanians were expelled and forced to leave their homes, Kosovo-online portal reports.

“Wednesday marks the 17th anniversary of the large scale violence, organized by Albanian extremists in #KosovoandMetohija against Serbs, known in #Serbia as “the March Pogrom”, the Ministry wrote on Twitter.

“Around 4000 Serbs and other non-Albanians were expelled from their homes and had to run for their life, 935 objects, such as schools, hospitals, kindergartens and homes were destroyed and 35 Serbian churches and monasteries were desecrated and burned down”, the Ministry added in a second post.

Remembering victims of March pogrom in Mitrovica North (Radio Mitrovica sever, TV Most) 

Commemoration of the seventeenth anniversary of March pogrom and suffering of Serbs in 2004 began with a memorial service at the “Truth” Monument in Mitrovica North, Radio Mitrovica sever reports.  

Memorial service was held in presence of the families of victims from Mitrovica in the March pogrom, Jana Tucev and Borivoje Spasojević, but also the President of Serbian List, Goran Rakic, the President of Mitrovica Interim Municipal Authority Aleksandar Spiric, and Mitrovica North Mayor Milan Radojevic.

Rakic pointed out that “Serbian people must not and cannot forget the crimes committed”.

“Seventeen years have passed since the vandals tried to destroy everything that is Serbian and everything that is Orthodox in the area of ​​Kosovo and Metohija, and with only one goal, to destroy our culture and our spirituality. Thirty-five religious buildings were set on fire and over 4,000 Serbs were expelled from their centuries-old homes”, Rakic said.

“We do not forget and know that every crime has two names, the name of the victim and the name of the perpetrator. Unfortunately, to this day, we only have the names of victims while the perpetrators have not yet been identified”, he added. He also expressed belief that merited punishment would reach those responsible.  

Serbian List Deputy President Igor Simic said the victims of the March pogrom must not be forgotten because, as he emphasized, it’s been 17 years that this crime without punishment lasts. 

Even after 17 years, the images of the pogrom still live (KiM radio)

The memorial service for the victims of the March pogrom, which was served in the monastery of Gracanica by Archimandrite Ilarion, marked the seventeenth anniversary of the greatest post-war suffering of the Serbian people in Kosovo, their property and cultural heritage. “We must remember this day, because it has long been attached to the collective memory of our martyrdom,” said the director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, reported KiM radio.

One misconception published by the Kosovo Public Service (RTK) that Serbs were responsible for the drowning of Albanian boys in the Ibar village of Cabra was the trigger for the persecution, murder of Serbs and the destruction of their property and shrines.

The three-day pogrom in Kosovo killed 19 people, destroyed about 900 houses, expelled 4,000 Serbs, and destroyed and desecrated 39 churches and monasteries.

After the memorial service, white roses were laid in front of the “Missing” installation in the yard of the House of Culture in Gracanica and an exhibition of works from the Art Colony “Autumn in Prizren 2019” was opened, dedicated to renewal and creative response to the destruction of cultural heritage.

Also, on the occasion of marking the seventeenth anniversary of the Pogrom, an Academy dedicated to the victims was held in the House of Culture in Gracanica.

The abbot of the Draganac Monastery, Archimandrite Iarion, said that “sometimes one needs to forget the mockery and paradoxes that exist in the world and see the inner beauty”.

“Unfortunately, we are in different whirlwinds, man is one complex being, which has yet to return to simplicity, where everything is harmonious, good, where there is room for everybody. Unfortunately, there are divisions, but not only political but also others. That is why each of us should testify that there is that space where we are all together, and that can only happen in prayer where there is room for every person, it is important to open our hearts and dive into the secret from which emerged the sacred Gracanica, in which we prayed today,” said Father Ilarion. 

Although 17 years have passed since the unpleasant event, the pictures are still alive and frightening, said the director of the Office for KiM, Petar Petkovic.

“One nation suffered in the heart of Europe in the 21st century only because it has a Serbian name and surname and because it lived on its centuries-old hearths. Even after 17 years, almost no one was responsible for the crime. We must remember this day because it has long been attached to the collective memory of our martyrdom, it is important to remember the victims and martyrs,” Petkovic said.

The President of the Commission of the Government of Serbia for Missing Persons, Veljko Odalovic points out that March 17 is smaller in scope than the NATO bombing in 1999, but in a way heavier.

The president of the municipality of Gracanica, Srdjan Popovic believes that the pogrom marked the lives of all Serbs living in Kosovo.

The President of the Association of Families of Kosmet Victims, Natasa Scepanovic and the Member of the Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ivana Popovic also spoke at the Academy, and the leaders of Serbian and Kosovo institutions also attended.

The organizers of the program were the Gracanica House of Culture, the Diocese of Raska-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija, the Association of Families of Kosmet Victims, with the support of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, reported KiM radio.

Ratovac Siamasvili: UNESCO aware of the peculiarities and significance of the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)

Serbian Ambassador to UNESCO Tamara Rastovac Siamasvili stated today that at this moment there are no informal announcements that Pristina will apply for membership in UNESCO, but that Serbia is ready and is actively working to prevent any such attempt, reports Tanjug, quoted portal Kosovo Online.

In a conversation with Tanjug, she said that there are statements by officials in Pristina in which they persistently repeat that they are in the process of preparing to submit the application, but she notes that at this time those are only media announcements.

“You never know whether it is for internal use or what the reason is, but I will repeat – absolutely all unilateral moves by Pristina are unacceptable to us and Serbia, through its active engagement in UNESCO and its bodies, uses it to strengthen its position and to defend the issue which is priority to us, and that is the protection of our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” said Rastovac Siamasvili. 

Speaking about the cultural heritage in Kosovo, and on the occasion of 17 years since the pogrom when a large number of Serbian shrines were damaged, she said that the Serbian delegation to UNESCO is in direct communication with the World Heritage Center, because all goods on the World Heritage List require communication with UNESCO and any intervention requires the consent of that organization.

“At that time, the church of Our Lady of Ljeviska was exposed to violence and vandalism, and it was set on fire and looted inside. We are certainly in communication with the World Heritage Center. It is a long process that is further complicated by the Covid pandemic; when UNESCO and all of their institutions work from home,” the ambassador said.

She pointed out that UNESCO is fully aware of the peculiarities and importance of Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo, which they have emphasized countless times, and in the next period, as she said, it will be in communication on a number of plans submitted by the Serbian delegation to the World Heritage Center.

Speaking about the Decani monastery and its endangerment due to Pristina’s attempt to build a highway in the protected zone of the monastery, Rastovac Siamasvili says that UNESCO is aware of that and that the international community and UNESCO itself reacted at a high level.

According to her, Serbia uses every opportunity to draw UNESCO’s attention to some other individual activities of Pristina that endanger the cultural heritage, as well as that the organization is aware of the importance and sensitivity of that issue.

As he says, the activities of Serbia provoke a reaction not only from UNESCO but also from the wider international community

“It is very evident what Pristina is trying to do. When they want to apply for UNESCO, they show an alleged interest in the protection of cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija, and just such moves show how true our claim is that not only they are not committed to protecting our cultural heritage in the province, but they endanger them with their activities. And not only are they trying to endanger our cultural heritage with a whole series of activities, Pristin otherwise is trying to erase the traces of the centuries-old existence of the Serbian people on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija,” she said.

She added that in talks, officials and the permanent delegation with UNESCO officials constantly point out that there is a continuous attempt by Pristina to cover up and falsify what is an indisputable historical fact about the identity and affiliation of our monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija, the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian people

“We constantly point out that this is the priority of our permanent delegation and the talks of our highest officials with UNESCO representatives, and we plan a number of activities to prevent the theft of cultural goods. Therefore, we ask our interlocutors, if the temporary institutions in Kosovo and Metohija are not ready to accept Serbian cultural heritage, how can be expected of them to provide adequate protection. And that is a very legitimate issue and is attracting a lot of attention in UNESCO,” she said.

Speaking about the annual report that is submitted to the organization, Rastovac Siamasvili says that it clearly states how endangered our cultural heritage is in Kosovo, which is under day and night protection and supervision.

“In addition, we are very careful, since Serbia strongly insists on the depoliticization of UNESCO, that our reports be expert and concrete. This is something that is recognizable, because we have exceptional cooperation with the World Heritage Center where professionals who respect our engagement and Serbia’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage,” she said.

CI SDP: Pogrom is a crime no one was held responsible for (Radio kontakt plus)

On the occasion of the anniversary of the March 2004 pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija, the Civic Initiative Freedom, Democracy, Justice (SDP), founded by Oliver Ivanovic, said in a statement that “to this day, no one was held accountable for those crimes against Serbs and their properties, as well as cultural heritage”, Radio kontakt plus reports.

CI SDP recalled all the crimes committed during the March pogrom saying that “over 950 Serb, Roma, and Ashkalli houses were burned down, six towns and nine villages ethnically cleansed of Serbs, 4000 people expelled from their homes, and a large number of frescos, icons and church relics were destroyed”.  

“Although we are still living in fear, the Serbian people, turned towards their country, expect protection and believe that something like this will never happen again”,  SDP concluded in a statement.

COM KFOR: Security situation stabilized after 2004 (RTS, Kosovo-online)

KFOR Commander Major General Franco Federici said today that the security situation in Kosovo since 2004 “has developed much and is stable”, RTS reports.

“NATO-lead KFOR Mission on a daily basis continues to carry out its mandate to ensure safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, in line with UN SC Resolution 1244 adopted in 1999”, General Federici told Kosovo-online portal after being asked how he assesses current security situation and could KFOR guarantee violence as that one of March 17 in 2004 would not happen again.

General Federici also said that KFOR monitors the situation, connects with all institutions and communities in Kosovo, has regular contacts with Serbia’s representatives, as well as with other international organizations in Kosovo, in particular with the European Union.

He also said that KFOR “is able to face all possible challenges within the parameters of its UN mandate”.

General Federici emphasized the importance of preventing acts or use of words that may cause misunderstanding and escalation of violence.

“NATO continues to support dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, including through the dialogue supported by the EU, as the only lasting political solution for Kosovo and the region”, he said. 

Four principles of the new methodology of EU for Serbia’s accession (media)

The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi will present in Brussels to the EU member states a document proposing a way to apply the new, revised methodology in Serbia’s accession process, reports Radio Television of Serbia (RTS).

The so-called “non-paper”, which Tanjug agency had insight into, emphasizes that the proposed changes, within the revised methodology, must be applied within the existing negotiating framework and with the consent of Serbia, which Belgrade insisted on, RTS quoted.

It is added that the revised methodology must be in the mutual interest of both Serbia and the member states.

The document presents four basic principles of the future process of Serbia’s accession to the EU.

The first principle insists on the credibility of the process and puts even more focus on rule of law reforms.

It states that “new chapters should not be closed until the transitional criteria in fundamental chapters 23 and 24 are met”.

The second principle implies “stronger political governance of the accession process”, which should give member states a greater role in monitoring and reviewing progress in Serbia.

“Intergovernmental conferences and the Stabilization and Association Council should serve to strengthen the dialogue between member states and Serbia, with clear guidelines when it comes to key reform processes necessary for progress,” the Commission’s proposal reads.

The first such Serbia-EU Intergovernmental Conference should serve to clarify the application of the new methodology and planning, and “Serbia could open clusters if it meets the opening criteria, and member states agree that significant progress has been made in the rule of law.”

The third principle of the revised methodology emphasizes the importance of accelerating the dynamism of Serbia’s accession negotiations with the EU, which should be achieved through the opening of several chapters included in six clusters.

So far, Serbia has opened all chapters from the first so-called “fundamental” cluster, and the European Commission proposes to start assessing the country’s readiness in each of the remaining clusters as soon as possible in order to identify the basic shortcomings and guidelines for their opening.

It is emphasized once again that “in parallel” with the preparation for the opening of chapters by clusters, reports on the country’s progress in the field of rule of law will be worked on, which will be an additional condition for new steps in the accession process.

At the same time, the acceleration of integration measures during the harmonization of Serbia with EU policies and standards is announced. 

The European Commission singled out the predictability of the process as the fourth principle of Serbia’s future accession path.

The text of the proposal insists that the EU “be clearer in all expectations” from Serbia, so that the country can focus on concrete next steps on the path to accession, on the criteria for closing the chapters, i.e. priority reforms.

Within this principle, “corrective measures in case of problems during the negotiations” are also proposed, which refers to sanctioning serious stagnation or possible setback in the implementation of reforms.

According to the new revised methodology, the annual reports of the European Commission should remain crucial in the analysis of Serbia’s progress on the path to EU accession.

After the European Commission presents its proposal today on concrete steps in the future process of Serbia’s accession, the EU member states should also declare about it individually, reported RTS.  

Raska-Prizren Eparchy requests those in charge to prevent attacks against religious objects (Radio KIM)

Over the last couple of weeks a series of thefts and burglaries into the Serbian Orthodox Church temples took place in the territory of Raska-Prizren Eparchy, Radio KIM reports.

“In the last ten days only, six temples and church premises have been broken into and burglarized”, Raska-Prizren Eparchy said in a statement.

The Eparchy added all the cases have been reported to the Kosovo police.

“Such a number of burglaries and thefts within a short time causes disturbance among our priesthood and people, in particular during the holy days of a Great Lent”, the statement added.

The Eparchy appealed to the Kosovo police, but also international organizations to invest maximal efforts in order to prevent attacks against the religious objects and bring those responsible to justice. It also said that frequent thefts and burglaries in the Serbian Orthodox Church temples indicate it was necessary to undertake additional security measures.  

Office for KiM: Continuous endangerment of Serbian heritage (Radio KIM)

Following the theft in the Church of Saint Nedelya in Gornja Gusterica village, the Office for Kosovo and Metohija said in a statement that this incident clearly demonstrates the Serbian religious heritage has been constantly endangered, thus disrupting the serenity of the Orthodox believers, Radio KIM reports.

“It is indicative that such cases intensify on the eve of marking March 2004 pogrom anniversary that left 35 religious objects destroyed. It is impermissible that in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija in XXI century, whose politicians in Pristina and international representatives declaratively stand for European values, religious tolerance and coexistence, that most horrible violation of religious rights and freedoms are happening on the ground”, the Office said in a statement.

It appealed to Pristina authorities but also international institutions to ensure peace and security of the Serbian people in Kosovo, protect Serbian property and religious heritage, and immediately resolve those cases as well as bring the perpetrators before the justice.  

Vucic met Chen Bo, focus on Sinopharm factory construction (RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met yesterday Chinese Ambassador to Serbia, Chen Bo and discussed the upcoming visit of Chinese Minister of Defense to Serbia, continuation of inoculation process as well as new factory that would produce Chinese vaccine Sinopharm, RTS reports.

Vucic once again expressed gratitude to friendly China and its President Xi Jinping for huge solidarity and help  provided to Serbia during Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to which Serbian citizens were among the first ones in the world to receive a good quality protection against coronavirus, President Vucic’s press office said in a statement.

As the statement added, particular attention was placed on a project of a new factory construction in Serbia that would produce Chinese vaccines. By doing this, Serbia would in the long term and strategically ensure regular supply of the vaccine and protection of its population, as well as population of the countries in the region.

Montenegro PM tells N1 he wants better relations with Serbia (N1)

Montenegrin Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic told N1 on Wednesday that his government wants better relations with Serbia, adding that relations are “slightly strained” at present.

“We will try to get those relations to where they should be and find the best solutions for all together through communication”, he told the N1 morning show.

“We will probably show that with practical examples in future because it’s not enough to just want something, we need results”, the Montenegrin PM added.

Asked about his meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Krivokapic said that he did not have an opportunity to talk to Vucic apart from a few words exchanged at the funerals of Serbian Orthodox Church Bishop Amfilohije and Patriarch Irinej. He said that he has no negative attitude towards anyone.

Asked about the mini-Schengen initiative, Krivokapic said that the Foreign Ministry had been instructed to analyze it and make a recommendation. “I haven’t taken a single decision without a clear analysis… As for freedom of movement for people and goods, I think that was never a problem”, he said.

See at: https://bit.ly/3qWxPlS

International

EU regulator ‘convinced’ AstraZeneca benefit outweighs risk (AP)

The European Union’s drug regulator insisted Tuesday that there is “no indication” the AstraZeneca vaccine causes blood clots as governments around the world faced the grimmest of dilemmas: push on with a vaccine known to save lives or suspend its use over reports of clotting in some recipients.

The European Medicines Agency urged governments not to halt use of the vaccine at a time when the pandemic is still taking thousands of lives each day. And already there are concerns that even brief suspensions could have disastrous effects on confidence in inoculation campaigns the world over, many of which are already struggling to overcome logistical hurdles and widespread hesitancy about vaccines.

“We are still firmly convinced that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing COVID-19 with its associated risk of hospitalization and death outweigh the risk of the side effects,” said Emer Cooke, the head of the agency.

See more at: https://bit.ly/30QCOtZ

Belgium Arrests Kosovo Ex-Guerrilla on War Crime Charges (Balkan Insight)

Pjeter Shala, a former Kosovo Liberation Army fighter, was arrested in Belgium after being indicted for war crimes by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

The Belgian authorities on Tuesday detained Pjeter Shala, a former Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA member after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers called for his arrest on war crimes charges.

“Pjeter Shala will be detained in Belgium, pending any transfer to the detention facility of the KSC [Kosovo Specialist Chambers] in The Hague,” said a statement issued by Specialist Chambers.

The statement said that the indictment will be made public “no later than the initial appearance of the accused” at the Hague-based court.

See more at: https://bit.ly/3qQVTXn