UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 25, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Sixth attempt to constitute new Assembly of Kosovo fails (media)
Haxhiu: We are ready to talk about the date of elections (Nacionale)
Kusari-Lila: Deadline for constituting Assembly ends on April 27 (Koha)
Murati: Elections are last option; call for reflection to constitute Assembly (Koha)
Krasniqi: Going to extraordinary elections in May would be a solution (AP)
OSCE takes note of the court’s decision to repeal the law on the IMC (media)
KFOR welcomes contribution by Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands (media)
“Great discussions with Nokia how to bring investments to Kosovo” (media)
Osmani thanks Malaysia for “30-day visa exemptions for Kosovo citizens” (media)
KOSTT Board of Directors dismiss chief executive officer (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: I am planning trip to US soon, I think I will have opportunity to talk to Trump (RTS)
Vucic grateful to Cyprus for respecting UN Charter, trade cooperation to be advanced (Tanjug)
Christodoulides: Cyprus to participate in EXPO 2027 (Tanjug)
Serbian List, Office for KiM react to “KLA” graffiti being inscribed in Gorazdevac (Kosovo Online)
OSCE reacts to closure of Belgrade-run institutions in Sptrce and Leposavic (Kosovo Online, social media)
Serbian students start relay run to Brussels (N1)

International:

Kosovo’s parliamentary deadlock raises prospect of new elections (BIRN)
“The war was over, but they were still hiding”: Swedish photographer recalls his work during the Kosovo war (BIRN)
World Bank cuts Kosovo’s 2025 GDP growth projection to 3.8% (SeeNews)

Albanian Language Media

Sixth attempt to constitute new Assembly of Kosovo fails (media)

All media are reporting that the sixth attempt to constitute the new Assembly of Kosovo, after a fourth failed attempt by the Vetevendosje Movement (VV) to have their candidate for Assembly Speaker elected. Albulena Haxhiu got 57 votes from the MPs today. PDK and LDK MPs voted against the candidacy, while three MPs from NISMA abstained from voting.

Haxhiu: We are ready to talk about the date of elections (Nacionale)

MP from Vetevendosje Movement and candidate for Assembly Speaker, Albulena Haxhiu, said today that this party is ready to talk about the date for extraordinary elections if the MPs fail to form the new assembly. “VV has expressed its position very clearly. There is a lack of readiness to constitute the Assembly. We are ready to talk with the parties about the date of the elections. If they refuse to constitute the Assembly, it is clear that the country needs to go to elections,” Haxhiu is quoted as saying.

Kusari-Lila: Deadline for constituting Assembly ends on April 27 (Koha)

MP from the Vetevendosje Movement, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, has referred to the Constitution of Kosovo today about the deadline for constituting the new Assembly. “The Constitution foresees that after the certification of election results there are 30 days to constitute the new Assembly. The 30-day deadline ends this Sunday, on April 27. This situation cannot go on indefinitely, and it can bring us to a different situation where a joint discussion with other parties about a date for new elections is coming closer,” she said.

Murati: Elections are the last option; call for reflection to constitute Assembly (Koha)

MP from the Vetevendosje Movement, Hekuran Murati, said today that new elections are the last option and that it is not this party’s goal to send Kosovo to elections. “It is not our goal to go to elections. That would be the last option for us. But if the MPs refuse to form the new assembly, then that remains the last option,” Murati told reporters after another failed constitutive session today. “It is up to us to call on other parliamentary parties to reflect on this situation and vote. We have seen that the other camp that is voting against [the VV candidate] has only 46 votes. It is not like they have 61 votes. So political consensus is required”.

Murati also said that VV’s candidate for Assembly Speaker, Albulena Haxhiu, “is the most voted woman in the last elections, so she has every right, and it is completely unfair to see that she does not meet the requirements. In reality every MP meets the requirements, and we have taken one step further by proposing a female candidate for Assembly Speaker”.

Krasniqi: Going to extraordinary elections in May would be a solution (AP)

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi accused today the Vetevendosje Movement of not wanting to unblock the constitution of the new Assembly of Kosovo by refusing to change their candidate for Assembly Speaker. He argued that if the new assembly is not constituted, a solution would be for Kosovo to go to extraordinary elections in May. “One thing is certain: Albulena Haxhiu [VV candidate for Assembly Speaker] cannot pass. If they want a solution, they have a choice today, the day before yesterday, four days ago, and they have the same choice even the day after tomorrow. They can change their candidate,” he said.

OSCE takes note of the court’s decision to repeal the law on the IMC (media)

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo said in a Facebook post today that it takes note of the Constitutional Court's decision to repeal the Law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC).

“The Court’s findings underscore the crucial importance of safeguarding the independence and effectiveness of the IMC in line with the Constitution and international standards, including recommendations from the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission. We welcome this renewed opportunity for a comprehensive review of the legal framework. Broad consultation with both domestic and international experts will be essential to ensure that future legislation upholds the integrity and independence of the IMC. The OSCE remains committed to supporting Kosovo in strengthening democratic institutions and aligning legislation with international best practices,” the post notes.

KFOR welcomes contribution by Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands (media)

NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, said in a Facebook post on Thursday that a flag rising ceremony was held today at KFOR Headquarters, in Camp Film City, Pristina, to welcome back Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands as troop contributing countries to the NATO-led KFOR mission. Since early 2024, five additional European Allies have started contributing to the mission, in support of NATO’s efforts in Kosovo, including France and Portugal, in January and September 2024, respectively. Major General Enrico Barduani, KFOR’s Commander, presided over the ceremony. He expressed his appreciation for the arrival of new personnel and underscored that KFOR’s further growth attests to our collective, steadfast commitment to lasting security across Kosovo and regional stability, including through support to the EU-facilitated dialogue for the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

“Great discussions with Nokia how to bring investments to Kosovo” (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a post on X today “ I thank Nokia for the warm welcome yesterday in Helsinki. It was a pleasure to see all of their historic and ongoing success, which showcases the innovative spirit of Finland. We had a great discussion on how to bring Nokia investments to Kosovo, home to the most tech-savvy youth in our region”.

Osmani thanks Malaysia for “30-day visa exemptions for Kosovo citizens” (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, ahead of her visit to Malaysia next week, said she was “deeply grateful to the Malaysian authorities for their decision to grant visa exemptions for all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo for stays of up to 30 days. This important step, combined with the forthcoming opening of our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur during my visit next week, is a clear sign that the ties between our two countries are growing stronger by the day. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Malaysian institutions for this meaningful decision. I look forward to engaging with state leaders next week as we work together to deepen our cooperation and advance the shared interests of our people”.

KOSTT Board of Directors dismiss chief executive officer (media)

Several news websites reported on Thursday evening that the Board of Directors of the Transmission System and Market Operator (KOSTT) decided to dismiss chief executive officer Evetar Zeqiri. No official explanations were made about the decision. “We would like to inform you that the Board of Directors of KOSTT, during a meeting held on 24 April 2025, based on competencies and responsibilities and in line with the Law on Public-Owned Enterprises and the Statute of the company, took a decision to terminate the contract of the KOSTT CEO, Mr. Evetar Zeqiri,” the press release stated.

Some media outlets note that during a debate in TV Dukagjini on Wednesday, doubts were raised about certain energy companies with “suspicious” activities that were involved in energy transactions with the Kosovo Power Corporation and KOSTT. It was not made public if Zeqiri’s dismissal was related to this.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: I am planning trip to US soon, I think I will have opportunity to talk to Trump (RTS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said today he is planning a trip to the United States of America soon, where he is expected to talk to US President Donald Trump, RTS reported.

Vucic said he received an invitation to attend the Republican National Committee in early May.

"I think I will have two or three opportunities to talk to President Trump", he added. He also said he has confirmation for meetings with all important Republicans.

Vucic said he has an idea to organize a large global forum in Belgrade, gathering all world leaders and that he would seek support from US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin for that.

“I will seek support from Donald Junior and Donald Senior Trump and I will seek support from President Putin – I have an idea to organize a large global forum next year covering various topics and that to be held in Belgrade”, Vucic said.

Vucic grateful to Cyprus for respecting UN Charter, trade cooperation to be advanced (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said today trade cooperation with Cyprus and other fields of bilateral cooperation should advance, thanking the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides for respecting Serbian territorial integrity, Tanjug news agency reported.

President Christodoulides is paying an official visit to Serbia until Saturday. He arrived in Belgrade on Thursday evening.

In a meeting with Christodoulidis, Vucic said that he analyzed and closely followed the figures adding the numbers were quite good, but that more must be done regarding trade exchange, cooperation in the fields of culture and innovation, military cooperation, and other areas as well.

The President of Serbia thanked Cyprus for the latter's support to Serbia’s territorial integrity, respecting the UN Charter and UN resolutions.

Christodoulides: Cyprus to participate in EXPO 2027 (Tanjug)

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who is on a visit to Serbia, announced on Friday Cyprus would take part in the specialised EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, Tanjug news agency reported.

At the beginning of a tete-a-tete meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Christodoulides noted that Cyprus fully supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia.

He said his visit to Serbia was substantial and the first before Cyprus's upcoming EU presidency in the first half of 2026. "With my visit today, I want to send a strong and clear political message about our commitment, about our readiness to work for substantial progress on the European perspective of Serbia. I am looking forward to discussing this issue, how we can coordinate our actions in order to see substantial progress during our presidency," Christodoulides said.

"At the same time, we will have the opportunity to discuss our excellent bilateral relations. We see eye to eye on all issues. Especially, today we would like to see how we can enhance our cooperation in defense and security, but also tourism", he said. "A few weeks ago, Cyprus participated for the first time in the tourism fair here in Belgrade, we are very glad to have a more than 200 pct increase in the number of Serbians visiting Cyprus, we have direct flights every day, so there are a lot of potentials there," Christodoulides also said.

Serbian List, Office for KiM react to “KLA” graffiti being inscribed in Gorazdevac (Kosovo Online)

Serbian List in a statement reacted to the graffiti inscribed in Serb-majority village of Gorazdevac, Pec municipality glorifying Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) saying that “this incident is a consequence of anti-Serb hysteria nurtured over the four years by Kosovo prime minister and now member of the Assembly, Albin Kurti”.

Serbian List also said it was about “a premeditated provocation to which the police authorities must respond as soon as possible and instead of remaining silent, conduct an investigation as well as bring those responsible to justice”. “It is paradoxical that Kosovo police, as per rule, are unable to find those who attack and insult Serbs, but they are very agile in arresting Serbs without any evidence”, the statement added.

Serbian List noted for the Serbs “it was particularly painful that those provocations against the Serbs were made in a village that still awaits response as to who organized and carried out a terrorist attack on Serbian children on the Bistrica River there, killing two of them”.

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija in their reaction said “the incident was a consequence of inflammatory and anti-Serb policy of Pristina headed by Albin Kurti”, adding that Kosovo police is obviously not willing or determined to resolve such cases. It also said this was not an isolated incident, as over the previous days, on several other locations, in particular in the entry to the village graffiti of similar content appeared.

"And the goal of such incidents is to make Serbs anxious and force them to leave their homes. That is why Serbs who live in enclaves, as the most sensitive category of the population, are especially under attack, however, they are determined to stay and survive despite all challenges and provocations", the Office for KiM added in a statement.

OSCE reacts to closure of Belgrade-run institutions in Sptrce and Leposavic (Kosovo Online, social media)

“The Mission notes the recent closures of Belgrade-run public utility facilities that occurred on 23 April in Štrpce/Shtërpcë and Leposavić/Leposaviq, which also impacted the operations of a Centre for Social Welfare. 1/3

Disrupting access to essential services without viable alternatives disproportionately impacts non-majority communities and risks exacerbating ongoing tensions. 2/3

Sensitive matters like these should be addressed through the EU-facilitated Dialogue, which remains the most effective avenue for sustainable and inclusive solutions. 3/3”, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo said in posts on X social platform.

Serbian students start relay run to Brussels (N1)

A group of 21 students started their relay marathon run from Belgrade to Brussels on Friday to hand the European Parliament a detailed letter about the situation in Serbia over the past few years, N1 reported.

The run is titled From My Village to Brussels (Od mog sela do Brisela in Serbian). The original plan was for 16 students to run in groups, the same as the number of victims of the Novi Sad Railway Station tragedy but was expanded to 21. They will run in turns with one group resting while the others run covering almost 2,000 kilometers.

The runners started their marathon at 7:10 am from in front of the Serbian public broadcaster RTS headquarters and were seen off by a large crowd. They expect to be in Brussels on May 12 in time for the European Parliament session which will discuss the situation in Serbia and the demands brought to Strasbourg by a group of some 80 Serbian students and supporters who rode bicycles from Novi Sad to that French city which hosts both the European Parliament and Council of Europe (CoE).

International

Kosovo’s parliamentary deadlock raises prospect of new elections (BIRN)

After the new parliament met four times – and still failed to elect a speaker – experts predict either the formation of a weak government, or snap elections.

What in theory should have been a routine procedural step in Kosovo has in practice become a serious stumbling block – as Kosovo’s parties fail to agree on forming vital institutions following the February 9 parliamentary elections.

Wednesday marked the fourth attempt by the new parliament to elect a speaker.

After only minutes, the acting speaker announced that the vote had failed again; the ruling Vetevendosje party’s candidate, Albulena Haxhiu, did not get enough votes.

Haxhiu had been put up for the post three times already. Each time, she won the support of 57 votes, four less than the 61 needed in the 120-seat parliament.