Albanian Language Media:

• Prime Minister Kurti welcomes the German-French engagement in dialogue (media)
• Berlin confirms Scholz and Macron’s commitment to the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (RTK)
• Kurti: A minor who should be at school today is in a shelter, and this, due to a crime (media)
• Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi travels to the Czech Republic (media)
• Minister Mehaj on an official visit to Germany (RTK)
• LDK: The government’s package will not have an impact on overcoming the crisis (media)
• COVID-19: 29 new cases (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Kurti: “Serbs who feel unsafe in Kosovo are the criminals” (N1, KoSSev)
• Mayor of Bujanovac: ”Exchange of municipalities between Kosovo and Serbia would be fair” (Danas, Kosovo Online, FoNet, N1)
• Vucic, Botsan-Kharchenko discuss Kosovo, energy situation (Tanjug, N1)
• Jeremic: If ZSO is not established by December 31, negotiations in Brussels should be halted (N1)
• Djilas: Joint Declaration on Kosovo (KiM radio)
• Nedeljkovic pleads not guilty, sentenced to eight months in prison (Kosovo Online)
• Antonijevic: Trial of Nedeljkovic bad message to Serbian community in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• UNS and DNKiM condemned the harassment of the RTK2 journalist (KiM Radio)
• Serbian List: Pristina’s plan to abolish Serbian licence plates doomed to fail (Kosovo Online)
• Slovenian Ministry summons Serbian Ambassador over Vucic’s statement (N1)

Opinion:

• Jaksic on Brnabic’s visit: ”When Pristina is dissatisfied, then it does not approve visits” (Danas, N1, FoNet)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Serbian, Ukrainian first ladies discuss humanitarian crisis (N1)

Albanian Language Media  

Prime Minister Kurti welcomes the German-French engagement in dialogue (media)

The Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti, has spoken about the visit of the two advisers of the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, who will be accompanied by the European mediator in the dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak.

Kurti said that the involvement of Germany and France in the dialogue with Serbia is very important for Kosovo. He added that Kosovo understands the importance of European integration, for the Western Balkans in general and for Kosovo in particular, with Germany and France located in the centre.

“Therefore, we support the fact that two such important states, recognizing Kosovo, will help the mediation of Brussels for a legally binding agreement centred on mutual recognition,” Kurti told reporters.

Berlin confirms Scholz and Macron’s commitment to the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (RTK)

The spokesman of the German government Steffen Hebestreit confirmed the strong commitment of Germany and France to the normalisation of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue.

On Friday, September 9, the mediator of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, will be again in Pristina and Belgrade for talks, but this time accompanied by the two foreign advisers of the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and the French president, Emmanuel Macron. This was confirmed on Monday, in Berlin by the spokesman of the German government, Steffen Hebestreit.

“The purpose of the visit will be to see what the possible options in the progress of the normalisation of relations are,” answered Hebetreit to DW’s question.

“Security in Europe, and this is where stability in the Western Balkans comes in, is very important for Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. This also means strengthening the commitment to the full normalisation of Serbia-Kosovo relations. Based on the recent tensions, both of them have tasked the external advisers, Jens Plöttner, and Emmanuel Bone, to directly support the efforts of the EU Commissioner, Miroslav Lajcak,” explained Hebestreit.

Kurti: A minor who should be at school today is in a shelter, and this, due to a crime (media)

Today, the Kosovo Police marked the 23rd anniversary of its establishment. The President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Xhelal Sveçla and foreign diplomats participated in this ceremony.

During his speech, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that every day a police officer has the duty of the most noble profession, that of protecting citizens.

“Last week we were faced with a very serious case where a minor girl who should have been in school today is in a shelter because of a crime committed against her by 5 perpetrators. Therefore, you are expected to be at the level of security in every corner and everywhere. Make roads easily passable for everyone. During this time that we cooperate, you are witnesses that you are uncompromising towards crime, you did not stop even though different gangs pointed their guns and fired bullets,” Kurti said.

Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi travels to the Czech Republic (media)

Kosovo’s first Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue Besnik Bislimi, has travelled to Prague.

According to the press release issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, Bislimi will meet today and tomorrow with the Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic Mikulas Bek, and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs and Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic for Foreign and International PolicySecurity, Tomas Pojar.

Minister Mehaj on an official visit to Germany (RTK)

Kosovo’s Minister of Defense Armend Mehaj is on an official visit to the Republic of Germany, with an official invitation from the highest authorities of the University of the Armed Forces – Helmut Schimdt.

 According to the announcement, during this visit, Mehaj will have a meeting with the German Minister of Defense Mrs. Christine Lambrecht. Mehaj will also participate at the next meeting of the Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine, which is organized under the patronage of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, in Ramstein.

“The visit of Minister Mehaj to Germany, after mutual visits at the ministerial level, is of great importance for the development processes of the country in general and for the development and integration processes of the Ministry of Defense and the KSF in particular,” the announcement of the Ministry of Defense states.

LDK: The government’s package will not have an impact on overcoming the crisis (media)

The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has criticized the government regarding the new economic relief package, calling it a ‘panic package’ to buy social peace.

Besian Mustafa from the LDK, through a media conference, said that the government has presented a new panic package, however, according to him, this package will not have any impact.

“We call on the government to treat this crisis seriously and to take concrete measures,” Mustafa said. He added that the package is ineffective and discriminatory and gives the same value to those who with 300 euros and those with 2 thousand euros salary.

“The government has completely ignored the private sector, which is the engine of the economy,” he said.

COVID-19: 29 new cases (media)

29 new cases of COVID-19 have been registered in the last 24 hours in Kosovo, out of 213 tests performed, the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday. 42 people have recovered from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, while the number of active cases is. 

Serbian Language Media 

Kurti: “Serbs who feel unsafe in Kosovo are the criminals” (N1, KoSSev)

Criminals and corrupt people living both north and south of the Ibar River are the ones who feel unsafe, said Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in response to Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic’s statement that the safety of Serbs in Kosovo is the “red line” for the Serbian government, reported N1, citing KoSSev portal.

During her visit to Kosovo on Monday Brnabic said that Serbia “will not allow new storms and pogroms” and added that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is trying to find a compromise in order to ensure “at least some kind of safety for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija”. 

“We are prepared for almost everything, to preserve peace and stability at almost any cost, but there are red lines, and it is important for me to repeat this here before you, just like you have heard this from President Aleksandar Vucic so many times. This red line is the safety of our people in Kosovo and Metohija. There will be no new storms and no new pogroms,” Brnabic said at the Banjska Monastery in northern Kosovo.

Responding to Brnabic’s statement, Prime Minister Kurti said that people living in Kosovo, including members of the Serb community, are safe, Kossev reported.

“The citizens of the Republic of Kosovo are safe because Kosovo is a democratic and independent state, with sovereignty and territorial integrity, which does not tolerate and that fights against organized crime and corruption of all kinds, so members of the Serb community, both south and north of the Ibar River, are safe,” Gazeta Express quoted Kurti as saying.

However, he claims that those who “feel unsafe” are actually the criminals.

“Those who are insecure and maybe even feel unsafe are the criminals,” said Kurti, adding that “the state’s justice and the power of the law are merciless towards them”.

Mayor of Bujanovac: ”Exchange of municipalities between Kosovo and Serbia would be fair” (Danas, Kosovo Online, FoNet, N1)

The exchange of municipalities between Kosovo and Serbia would be fair, believes Mayor of Bujanovac, Nagip Arifi, reported Danas daily, citing portal Kosovo Online. 

As he stated, it would be correct if Serbia “takes the part north of Mitrovica, and Kosovo the Presevo valley”, the daily cited. 

He said that he raised the issue at the beginning of the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, but that Bislimi did not answer anything.

“Bislimi did not answer, maybe he was surprised at that moment. I think it is the best solution for the Albanians of the Presevo Valley, as well as for Kosovo,” said Arifi.

“President Vucic always mentioned compromise and probably meant something like that. But he thinks that only part of the Presevo valley should be given to Kosovo and the north should be taken,” said Arifi, who believes that “Kosovo should be given the entire valley”.

As he added, he was optimistic that one day there would be an exchange of the Valley with the north of Kosovo, although, as he said, they did not contact the Serbian leaders on that occasion.

Arifi pointed out that the conversation with Bislimi was fraternal and that the association of Serbian municipalities in Kosovo was discussed.

If the Serbs in Kosovo are given the right to this mechanism, then the Albanians in the south of central Serbia would be ready to act in the same direction, Arifi announced, reported Danas.

He asked Bislimi that the Government of Kosovo should have a pragmatic and direct approach to the interests and demands of the Albanians from the Presevo Valley in the future.

He reported that it was requested that at future meetings with the representatives of Serbia, the problems of the Albanians of the Presevo Valley be discussed, adding that their request was that the rights enjoyed by the Serbs in Kosovo should also be enjoyed by the Albanians in Serbia.

Arifi said that Bislimi promised that at the meeting with the Serbian delegation, all the issues and concerns of the Albanians from the municipalities in the south of central Serbia would be discussed, reported the daily.

Vucic, Botsan-Kharchenko discuss Kosovo, energy situation (Tanjug, N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko on Tuesday to discuss the energy situation and geopolitical developments in the wider region, as well as joint infrastructure projects, Tanjug news agency reports.

“An open, serious and cordial conversation with Ambassador Botsan-Kharchenko about the energy situation and geopolitical developments in the wider region, as well as about joint infrastructure projects”, Vucic wrote in a post on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram profile that also included photos from the meeting.

Vucic also informed Botsan-Kharchenko about the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, and steps Serbia undertook to mitigate the consequences of unilateral acts of Pristina authorities on everyday lives of Serbs and their security in Kosovo. Vucic added Serbia remains committed to the dialogue as a difficult but the only way to seek a compromise solution. 

Jeremic: If ZSO is not established by December 31, negotiations in Brussels should be halted (N1)

Leader of Serbian opposition People’s Party (NS) Vuk Jeremic told news conference in Belgrade today that Serbia should propose a deadline for establishment of Community of Serb-majority Municipalities (ZSO) and that negotiations held under the auspices of the EU should be halted and declared unsuccessful if the ZSO is not formed by December 31 of the current year, N1 reports.

“A series of concessions has been made, and the Community of Serbian Municipalities was requested in return…Was it wise to seek only that I would leave (for discussion) some other time. However, it is a fact that we got ZSO on paper. I think the time has come to look our international partners in the eyes and ask them if the ZSO will ever be formed”, Jeremic said.

He added that the People’s Party proposes to halt the negotiations unless the ZSO is formed.

“It must be implemented in practice. We suggest there should be no further discussions until the ZSO is implemented and a deadline is given. I think that today we are in a position to say, given we did not get what was promised nine years ago, that Serbia should declare the negotiations in Brussels unsuccessful if the Community of Serbian Municipalities is not formed by the end of the year, December 31. Either we will get the ZSO or there will be nothing from this business, the Brussels dialogue should be declared a failure. The Resolution requires the Government of the Republic of Serbia to establish a clear negotiation platform, no later than October 15, and define a detailed negotiation framework, strategy and goals for further discussions with representatives of the provisional institutions of self-government in Kosovo and Metohija”, Jeremic said.

People’s Party will propose Resolution on Kosovo to the Serbian Assembly by which it would demand from the state to oblige that it will never recognize Kosovo and Metohija, and that it will, among other, halt negotiations under the EU’s auspices, if the Community of Serbian Municipalities is not formed by December 31. 

Djilas: Joint Declaration on Kosovo (KiM radio)

The President of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), Dragan Djilas, said that there were many divisions in society, and that the MPs should come out with a joint declaration from the parliamentary session where the topic was Kosovo and Metohija, and added that the SSP was working on a document that should say that what most people in Serbia think, reported KiM radio. 

As he said, the declaration should say that all topics were acceptable to be put on the table, except for the recognition of Kosovo’s independence, and if someone thought that the majority of citizens were in favor of Kosovo’s independence, they should initiate an amendment to the Constitution which steted that  Kosovo and Metohija was integral part of Serbia.

Djilas added that the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Serbian Orthodox Church and other umbrella institutions should be included in the writing of the declaration.

He assessed that the normalization of relations with Pristina was good for Serbia and that vehicle plates did not recognize someone’s independence.

The EU has treated Serbia in a hypocritical manner for two decades, believes Djilas, and said that ”Serbia is part of Europe and cannot go against its own continent, and that it is in Serbia’s interest not to be in a conflict with the part of the world in which we live, that is Europe”. He said that he was personally against sanctions against Russia, but also that he was aware of the risks if Serbia did not introduced at least some of them, reported KiM radio.

“Germany has withdrawn all its companies from Russia, and what will we do if all the German companies in Serbia, where 300,000 people work, withdraw at the blink of an eye, will they then go to those people,” he said. 

When asked about Europride, Djilas said that Serbia itself applied for that event in 2019 and that the state must ensure that it takes place.

When asked what his personal position was, he said that the SSP supported everyone who “peacefully fights for their rights on the street” and the state must ensure that, not that only those who were stronger could walk.

“I think it is no longer possible to cancel it. I am aware of all the security problems, but if the state cannot guarantee security, then it is no longer a state,” said Djilas.

Nedeljkovic pleads not guilty, sentenced to eight months in prison (Kosovo Online)

Nikola Nedeljkovic, a young Serb man, arrested on June 28 at Gazimestan for allegedly inciting hatred and discord, and kept in detention ever since pleaded not guilty today at the Basic Court in Pristina, Kosovo Online portal reports.

The hearing of the witnesses in this case has been concluded. A third witness, also a police officer who took part in the arrest of Nedeljkovic was interviewed today. He said that Nikola chanted “Kill, kill Shiptar” and “Kosovo is Serbia”.

Later today, the portal reported that the court sentenced Nedeljkovic to eight months in prison, including the time he spent in detention. This decision can be appealed.

Nedeljkovic’s parents attended the hearing. His mother Slobodanka said her son was not guilty adding she “didn’t expect such a scandalous verdict”.

Nedeljkovic’s defence lawyer, Jovana Filipovic said that evidence presented by the witnesses, all three of them police officers were not relevant adding it was symptomatic that only them heard the chanting.

Antonijevic: Trial of Nedeljkovic bad message to Serbian community in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

Former director of the Open Society Foundation in Belgrade and lawyer, Milan Antonijevic said the trial of Nedeljkovic “sends a very bad message to the Serbian community in Kosovo”, Kosovo Online portal reports. 

In  a post on Twitter, Antonijevic also asked Kosovo institutions what is the basis for this proceeding  and keeping Nedeljkovic for more than two months in detention.

“A very bad message to the Serbian community in Kosovo, and I rightfully ask the question what are the basis for this proceeding and keeping in detention”, Antonijevic said, adding the question goes to the Kosovo government, (Prime Minister) Albin Kurti and to the judiciary primarily.

Antonijevic made those remarks before the court sentenced Nikola Nedeljkovic to eight months in prison for “inciting ethnic hatred and discord”.

UNS and DNKiM condemned the harassment of the RTK2 journalist (KiM Radio)

The Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS) with its branch the Association of Journalists of Kosovo and Metohija (DNKIM) condemns the verbal attack on the journalist and editor of the Second Channel of Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK2) Marija Peric by a group of minors the day before yesterday in the centre of Pristina and demands that the police find out who the culprits are of this incident, reported KiM radio.

KiM radio reported that the verbal attack happened close to the television building where she works, while she was trying to park a car with Serbian licence plates.

As KiM radio reported, the minors were saying to her “Kosovo is Albania” in English and Albanian, simultaneously forming a double-headed eagle with their hands.

The radio recalled that Marija Peric was subjected to a similar attack a few months ago. UNS and DNKiM require the competent authorities to conduct a detailed investigation so that such situations do not occur in the future.

Serbian List: Pristina’s plan to abolish Serbian licence plates doomed to fail (Kosovo Online)

Serbian List said today intentions of Pristina and (Kosovo Interior Minister) Xhelal Svecla to convince Serbs to renounce Serbian documents and licence plates are doomed to fail, given that “Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija will never listen to Albin Kurti (…)”, Kosovo Online portal reports.

Serbian List also said that mistrust of Serbs in Pristina authorities and disobedience in the north was evident, adding it wonders “how Svecla plans to confiscate 9.000 vehicles in northern Kosovo and Metohija and was he aware that the right to possess private property was inviolable”.

The Serbian List also commented on the arson case of the house of a Kosovo police member in the village of Dobrava near Leposavic, expressing the doubts that the case happened as reported, adding it would not be surprised if the person in question could have been implicated in the case. 

Slovenian Ministry summons Serbian Ambassador over Vucic’s statement (N1)

The Slovenian Foreign Ministry has summoned Serbian Ambassador to Slovenia, Zorana Vlatkovic over  President Aleksandar Vucic’s statements made during Slovenian President Borut Pahor’s recent visit to Belgrade, N1 reports.

N1 further reported that the ministry said it was surprised by Vucic’s statements and once again informed Belgrade authorities on its position on Kosovo, which has been recognized by Slovenia.

During the press conference in Belgrade Vucic asked the reporters how he is to explain to his nation that Serbia is imposing sanctions on Russia but not on Slovenia.

“Russia has not violated Serbia’s territorial integrity, but Slovenia has. And we see that we have good relations with Slovenia”, Vucic said, adding Slovenia has recognized Kosovo which is, from Serbia’s point of view, a violation of international law, UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

The Foreign Ministry in Ljubljana expressed hope that Serbia will not problematize Slovenia’s position on Kosovo because Slovenia’s support for Kosovo is not directed against Serbia.

Opinion 

Jaksic on Brnabic’s visit: ”When Pristina is dissatisfied, then it does not approve visits” (Danas, N1, FoNet)

Commenting on the visit of Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to Kosovo, former councillor of CI SDP led by the late Oliver Ivanovic, Marko Jaksic said that it always meant something to the people of Kosovo when any official of the Republic of Serbia visited them.

“The visit happened after a big crisis, which hasn’t happened in Kosovo since 2004 and 2008. Unfortunately, since these authorities have been negotiating in Brussels and since they have concluded agreements, every visit by the PM has followed some agreements to the detriment of the local population, and it is possible that this is the case this time as well. When Pristina is dissatisfied, it does not approve such visits. This visit took place after the verbal agreement between Kurti and Vucic in Brussels, at the time when Kurti’s unilateral decision came into force,” he pointed out in the N1 TV Show ”Dan Uzivo”, reported Danas daily. 

He said the PM’s messages were “symbolic and conciliatory” and explained what, in his opinion, was the purpose of the visit.

“Probably meeting the expectations of international mediators. Tensions in July were exceptional, on the verge of maybe even an armed conflict, the mediators asked to relax the situation on the ground, that’s what the visit is for. The PM never came to Kosovska Mitrovica, the fact that she says that she was denied entry is not true. The request is being submitted a few days before the visit; no one has had a permanent ban on entry to Kosovo by the Pristina authorities,” said Jaksic.

Before the visit, Kosovo PM Albin Kurti said that Serbian PM Ana Brnabic can come to Kosovo to see how democratic Kosovo is. Jaksic pointed out that Kurti ”is a dishonest man and politician and that such statements serve populism”, which, as he stated, was no less than ”the populism of Aleksandar Vucic”, reported the daily. 

“He talks nicely, and in practice he applies the most rigid methods, if I would say that they are compared to fascism, I would not be wrong. Kurti tries to present himself as a civilized and democratic leader, he is far from that. Apart from his cynicism, I don’t see anything else, practice shows something else on the field. Kurti is a populist who, in the most difficult situation in Kosovo, talks only about war crimes and the north of Kosovo, sometimes on reciprocity with Serbia. I often give that example – a liter of oil was 1.30, now it is 4 euros. That statement made by Kurti serves for his populist performance, to present himself as a democratic leader in the Balkans, which he is not,” said N1 interlocutor.

He stated that a similar letter, like the one received by Serbian President Vucic, was also received by Kurti, and probably by Vjosa Osmani, the President of Kosovo.

“The interest of Germany and France is related to Ukraine, they want a quick solution in Kosovo, I don’t think there can be any tangible progress. The positions of Belgrade and Pristina are diametrically opposed, Kurti wants to negotiate only on recognition. The Serbian side has no other option but to adhere to the Constitution, with these positions, there is no room for agreement. It is possible that in Brussels they will quickly agree on the missing or vehicle plates, but I doubt much progress, until something drastic changes in Kurti’s views. Vucic is ready to compromise, Kurti is more rigid, he goes to Brussels only to negotiate the recognition of Kosovo, regardless of Germany and France, I doubt that anything will happen, only if America gets involved. Like this – it will be difficult,” he stated.

He added that the Serbs from the north will not participate in the re-registration unless Belgrade pressures them to do so and that they are determined to oppose that process.

“A hundred re-registered by October 31 will be a huge success for Kurti, the Serbs accepted all the agreements under pressure from Belgrade. I would not be surprised if a compromise solution was found in two months, I believe that it is possible because the international community is aware of what happened on July 31 in Mitrovica, they are ready to prevent any violence. If the international community wants peace in Kosovo, it will put pressure on both sides. The plates are not a problem, but they represent a symbolic link with the rest of Serbia,” concluded Marko Jaksic.

Humanitarian/Development

Serbian, Ukrainian first ladies discuss humanitarian crisis (N1)

Tamara Vucic, the wife of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, spoke Monday with Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, N1 reports.

The topics discussed, at the initiative of the Ukrainian president’s wife, were the humanitarian crisis and the desire for peace to be established as soon as possible, Serbian public broadcaster RTS reported.

Tamara Vucic said Serbia will send two ambulance vehicles to Ukraine as a form of support from her country for resolving vital humanitarian problems in Ukraine.

“As a woman and mother, I want to share a personal wish with you – for peace to come as soon as possible as a prerequisite to any future progress for all people”, Tamara Vucic said in a video conversation with Olena Zelenska.

“Serbia will donate two fully equipped ambulances to Ukraine. This is our way of expressing support and showing that we care and understand the situation in Ukraine”, she added.