Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani congratulates Marco Rubio: Kosovo ready for close cooperation (media)
• Osmani, ambassadors pay homage to Rugova on anniversary of passing (media)
• Orav remembers Rugova: His legacy, testament of hope for generations to come (Zeri)
• Guerot: Rugova's vision for free, democratic Kosovo gave him trust of international community (media)
• Osmani says she was invited to Trump's inauguration (Express)
• Italian KFOR soldiers undergo intensive training in crowd and riot control (media)
• Complaints to ECAP – the value of fines goes up to € 2 thousand (Telegrafi)
• AIP asks political parties to protect personal data during the campaign (media)
• Illegal camera removed in Leposaviq (Koha)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Vucic congratulated Trump: Serbia will be your dependable partner and friend (Tanjug, media)
• Serbian Foreign Minister Djuric congratulated Rubio on his election as US Secretary of State (Tanjug, media)
• Serbian FM invites Trump, Rubio to visit Belgrade (N1)
• Vucic discusses with Lajcak security challenges faced by Serbs in Kosovo (Tanjug)
• Popovic: “Kurti's campaign based on hatred toward Serbs and Serbian List” (Kosovo Online)
• First procession in Lokvice village, near Prizren, after 26 years (Radio KIM)
• Jablanovic invites Elek to TV duel (Radio KIM)
• Residents of central Kosovo (not)following election campaign (KiM radio, KoSSev)

International Media:

• Kosovo village celebrates Trump's inauguration (RFE)
• Serbian teachers strike as support for student protests grows (BIRN)
• Trump signs order to withdraw US from World health organization (FT)

Albanian Language Media 

Osmani congratulates Marco Rubio: Kosovo ready for close cooperation (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has congratulated Marco Rubio on his appointment to the position of Secretary of State of the United States of America.

“Congratulations Marco Rubio on your unanimous confirmation as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State. Kosovo looks forward to working with you to strengthen our enduring alliance, promote our shared values, and address the challenges of our time together. On behalf of the people of Kosovo, I wish you great success in this important role,” Osmani wrote on platform X.

Osmani, ambassadors pay homage to Rugova on anniversary of passing (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and the accredited ambassadors to Kosovo paid homage at Ibrahim Rugova’s grave on the 19^th anniversary of his passing.

"He made an extraordinary contribution to building the strong foundations of our state at an extremely difficult time when the extermination of our citizens, the people of Kosovo, was at risk. At that time, President Rugova not only united all citizens around the cause of freedom, democracy, and independence, but at the same time became the voice of Kosovo in the world by building powerful alliances that we knew most in those difficult times... President Rugova's vision was far-sighted, he was an extraordinary politician who brought to politics a human dimension, the dimension that was unfortunately missing for a long time, which is why he remains not only an example of vision and policymaking in Kosovo but also wherever we go in the world", Osmani stated.

Orav remembers Rugova: His legacy, testament of hope for generations to come (Zeri)

The EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, has said that the commitment of historic President Ibrahim Rugova to peaceful resistance continues to inspire everyone. “At the invitation of the President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani I had the honor of attending the commemoration of the 19th anniversary of Dr. Ibrahim Rugova’s passing. His commitment to peaceful resistance continues to inspire us all. His legacy remains a testament of hope for generations to come,” Orav wrote on X platform.

Guerot: Rugova's vision for free, democratic Kosovo gave him trust of international community (media)

The French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guerot, emphasized in a post on the social network “X”, that late President Rugova's resilience in the face of difficulties and his vision for a free and democratic Kosovo have gained the trust of the international community. “Homage to Ibrahim Rugova. His resilience in the face of difficulties and his vision for a free and democratic Kosovo gave him the trust of the international community and remains a source of inspiration,” Guerot wrote.

Osmani says she was invited to Trump's inauguration (Express)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, has stated that she was invited to the inauguration ceremony of President Donald Trump, but that she has delegated ambassadors "as other world leaders have done". Osmani said that in addition to the Kosovo Ambassador to the U.S., Ilir Dugolli, Rejhan Vuniqi, Osmani's advisor on foreign policy, also participated in this ceremony.

I have sent a Presidential delegation led by my Chief of Staff and Foreign Policy Advisor. Accompanied by our Ambassador to the US, Ilir Dugolli, they have participated in all the inaugural activities which are actually still ongoing, including meetings of the team that I have delegated and as soon as all their meetings are over, we will issue a statement in which we will inform the public about all these meetings”, said Osmani, while also mentioning the short meeting she had with President Trump in Paris.

Italian KFOR soldiers undergo intensive training in crowd and riot control (media)

Italian soldiers from the Kinetic Battalion of the Regional Command West of the KFOR mission have conducted intensive crowd and riot control training, trained by their Hungarian colleagues from KFOR Tactical Reserve Battalion.  This was announced in a Facebook post by the NATO mission in Kosovo.

“This type of training places a particular focus on managing the fear of fire (Pyrophobia) and on acquiring techniques to minimize the damage caused by flames.

KFOR emphasizes that it continues to implement the mandate “based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 – to contribute to a safe environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and in an impartial manner. KFOR works in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) in their respective roles as security responders," the announcement further states.

Complaints to ECAP – the value of fines goes up to € 2 thousand (Telegrafi)

In just one day, the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) has imposed fines worth 42 thousand euros on political parties for violations during the election campaign.

According to the decisions published by the ECAP on 19.01.2025 on its official website, the only complainant in these cases is the ruling political party, Vetevendosje Movement.

The highest fines imposed by ECAP in these decisions is worth 8 thousand euros. Meanwhile the deadline for their payment is 15 days, from the day the decision entered into force.

In the complaint filed by LVV against PDK with the ECAP, it is stated that the LVV Center in Skenderaj has identified the poster placed in public spaces, specifically on "Osman Geci" street, of the PDK candidate for deputy, Blerta Deliu Kodra. The value of the fine according to this decision is 4 thousand euros.

AIP asks political parties to protect personal data during the campaign (media)

The Agency for Information and Privacy (AIP) has requested from political parties to protect personal data during the election campaign for the February 9 elections. In a statement sent to the media, it is stated that the AIP, in supervising the implementation of the law, namely the protection of residents’ personal data, in recent years has received complaints from citizens against political parties for the unauthorized use of citizens' personal data, by applying direct marketing, which cases are said to have been handled in accordance with the law.

“To ensure the implementation of the law, for the protection of personal data and at the same time to avoid any action by the Agency against political parties and entities involved in the electoral campaign process, the Agency requires political parties to implement legal obligations for the protection of citizens’ personal data by not exposing personal data during communication via electronic mail (e-mail), messages (SMS) and telephone calls, without prior consent,” the statement says.

Illegal camera removed in Leposaviq (Koha)

An illegal camera was seized in the Municipality of Leposaviq on Tuesday, Kosovo Police confirmed. Deputy Police Director for the Mitrovica-North region, Veton Elshani, told the news website that it was placed on an electric pole and removed on Monday. “No one has been arrested. We are consulting with the Prosecution on how to proceed,” Elshani said.

Dozens of illegal cameras have been removed in northern Kosovo by the Kosovo Police for several years now.

Serbian Language Media 

Vucic congratulated Trump: Serbia will be your dependable partner and friend (Tanjug, media)

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, sent a congratulatory message to Donald Trump, on assuming, as he said, the responsible and difficult duty of the President of the USA and wished him success in his new mandate, cited Tanjug agency.

"I look forward to cooperation and I believe in your vision of a world in which peace, freedom, law and justice will reign for all. In these efforts, Serbia will be your dependable partner and friend. You have always had the greatest support in all of Europe from the citizens of Serbia and that is why Serbia expects and hopes for exceptional and close cooperation," wrote Vucic from Davos in a post on X platform, where he is attending the World Economic Forum. 

He wished Trump success in his new term and said he is convinced that the new American president "will bravely face all challenges, as always before", and that he will continue, as Vucic stated, to fight strongly "for the prosperity of the United States and global peace, building bridges towards everyone who shares with you the highest moral, traditional and state values".

Serbian Foreign Minister Djuric congratulated Rubio on his election as US Secretary of State (Tanjug, media)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Marko Djuric, congratulated Marco Rubio on his election as US Secretary of State.

Djuric pointed out that he wants to work closely with Rubio in building a positive momentum of cooperation between the US and Serbia, strengthening ties between the two nations, as well as improving regional stability and solving global challenges for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the entire international community.

"Our historic partnership is built on common values of peace, security and prosperity, and I am confident that under your leadership we will raise our relations and cooperation to new levels," said Djuric in a post on the X platform.

Serbian FM invites Trump, Rubio to visit Belgrade (N1)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said Tuesday that Donald Trump’s election as United States President is positive news for both Serbia and the region. A day after Trump’s inauguration, Djuric noted that the US president is familiar with the region and “does not view Serbia through the lens of the prejudices from the 1990s”, N1 reported.

Acknowledging that Serbia is not a priority in American foreign policy, Djuric emphasized that Belgrade is focused on building direct communication with the new administration.

“We are focused on establishing excellent direct communication with the new administration regarding our bilateral relations. We would like to see visitors from the new administration in Belgrade”, Djuric told Happy TV. Djuric also mentioned that a Serbian official has a scheduled visit to Washington in February, though he did not specify who.

He also congratulated Marco Rubio on his appointment as US Secretary of State and added that he would be sending a letter to Rubio Tuesday, expressing his intention to further deepen and strengthen cooperation, as well as his desire for both Trump and Rubio to visit Belgrade.

Vucic discusses with Lajcak security challenges faced by Serbs in Kosovo (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met today in Davos with outgoing EU Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina talks, Miroslav Lajcak and discussed with him the situation in the region, in particular security challenges faced by the Serbian people in Kosovo. The two officials also discussed the future of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

“I thanked the EU Special Envoy for cooperation thus far and wished him success in future career”, Vucic wrote in a post on his official Instagram account.

Vucic also said that he reiterated the call to the EU and member states to increase their engagement and influence in Kosovo in order to ensure the right to free life, justice and voice to the Serbian people there.

Popovic: “Kurti's campaign based on hatred toward Serbs and Serbian List” (Kosovo Online)

“Albin Kurti's campaign is solely based on hatred toward Serbs and restricting the rights of the Serb List”, Srdjan Popovic, a candidate of the Serbian List in the upcoming elections, emphasized, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Popovic pointed out to Newsmax Balkans Serbian List has faced various obstacles from the very beginning.

"We expected that we would have to fight to the very end and that more and more obstacles would be placed in our way. The rejection of our appeal was expected. We have been wronged, and this will certainly make our position in the elections more difficult", he said.

When discussing the legitimacy of the elections, Popovic stated that the government in Pristina clearly harbors more than just a personal animosity toward the Serbian List. "In the space that we have been given, we must fight. But we see that our people understand this in the right way", he added.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/qoRqJ

First procession in Lokvice village, near Prizren, after 26 years (Radio KIM)

The first procession after 26 years was organized yesterday in the village of Lokvice, near Prizren, on the occasion of Saint Jovan the Baptist, Radio KIM reported.

The procession was led by Father Jovan, Prizren parish priest together with the brotherhood of Archangels Monastery starting at the Church of Saint Ilija. The priest, together with a smaller number of believers from Prizren and displaced persons from this village moved through the village, next to the water spring, and all the way to the Saint Jovan Church where the ceremonial bread was cut off.

The host of the celebration was returnee Aleksandar Krstic. Lokvice village is located at around 3 kilometers from Prizren, in the hills on the way to Brezovica, at 677 meters altitude. 

Jablanovic invites Elek to TV duel (Radio KIM)

Leader of the Party of Kosovo Serbs (PKS) Aleksandar Jablanovic extended a public invitation to the Serbian List President Zlatan Elek for a TV duel, Radio KIM reported.

Jablanovic extended both personal invitation and that of his political party. He said they owe that to people, and potential voters in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He also said it is up to Elek to choose the TV studio, date and time, while all related costs will be covered by the Party of Kosovo Serbs. His only condition is that the TV duel is aired live and takes place in democratic and cultural manner.   

Residents of central Kosovo (not)following election campaign (KiM radio, KoSSev)

The election campaign for the parliamentary elections in Kosovo, which will be held on February 9, officially began on January 11. However, disinterest and pessimism prevail among the residents of central Kosovo in relation to the current political game, reported KiM radio today. 

Many residents of central Kosovo have expressed doubts about the sincerity of political parties and the lack of concrete solutions for their everyday problems.

In a conversation with the KiM radio, residents of Gracanica and other villages in central Kosovo shared their views on the current election campaign, which, they said, does not necessarily indicate the necessary changes. According to KiM radio, most of them say that, in fact, they do not follow the pre-election campaigns of Serbian political parties.

"No. Everything is always the same, nothing changes. They offer all kinds of things in the pre-election campaign then later they don't know the citizens. They are fighting for their positions, their ranks, their personal interest and the interest of individuals and their families, party comrades. Simply, trust in the entire government has been lost," one passer-by told KiM radio. 

"I don't follow, I don't have time," said one pensioner briefly.

"What should I watch when I'm not interested? They all do the same thing, nothing special or interesting. It's just difficult that we stayed here, we don't know what we're going to do and how we're going to do it. That's important, and everyone does as they want, as far as the election is concerned," said KiM radio’s interlocutor. 

"They don't offer anything; just to win and take advantage of this little that is left, because everyone who was good is gone. There is a residue left, and if they can get something out of that residue and that is it," stated the resident of Gracanica.

"I don't follow, I'm not interested," emphasized one lady.

"It will always be the same, probably. I'm not that informed, but so far it hasn't been any good. I would recommend that those who stayed in Kosovo have the advantage of employment," one passer-by told us.

Locals gave different answers to the KiM radio's question about what they would recommend to Serbian parties in order to make their campaign more effective and closer to the needs of citizens.

"The campaign is not important, what matters is what kind of people they are, that is, whether they lie or tell the truth. Are they there for the people or for themselves? Here, everything is done through connections, the interests of individuals are the interests of society and the state. Their interests are not general social, popular, national or state-building and that is evident. Everyone sees it, but no one will tell them in front of the camera and to their face," said a resident of central Kosovo.

"What to help after more than 25 years? It is too late for any initiative, it is unnecessary to stand in the parliament and represent that people," added one passerby.

"I would recommend that they unite," one passer-by told KiM radio. 

"I don't follow the election campaign, but I would say that it is necessary to form the Community of Serbian Municipalities, which would be the best. As long as these people live in Kosovo, we are not going anywhere and we will not move, but until the CSM is formed, we cannot do anything," said an elderly gentleman in Gracanica.

"I do follow, I am in the political party Opra Roma. For years, they have been promising to fix the streets up there (Roma neighborhood in Gracanica). They just get votes, no one looks up to us, it is a big shame," said one citizen from the Roma community.

"I follow a little. To begin with, I think that what they are offering in the election campaign is good. The message would be to improve the lives of the citizens, I mean the Albanian and Serbian population as well," one local resident told KiM radio. 

"I don't expect that there will be any changes, everything is getting worse and worse," said a passer-by to the radio. 

"All the institutions of the system have failed - from the judiciary, health, education, municipality, as well as the Government of Kosovo. Everything is done to the detriment of the citizens. Citizens are only there to pay taxes and nothing more. Simply, so that they can be next to the cash register and dispose of that money, without asking us anything, even though it is our money. They have social money at their disposal, and there is no improvement, nor is anything being built. You kind of see some changes, but in fact the only thing that matters is which party will win," concluded the elderly man in a statement to Radio KiM.

International

Kosovo village celebrates Trump's inauguration (RFE)

In the village of Bibaj, located in southeastern Kosovo near the U.S. Bondsteel base, citizens celebrated the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The villagers expressed hope that the Trump administration would continue to support Kosovo, particularly in resolving issues with Serbia.

See more at: https://shorturl.at/HJGsU

Serbian teachers strike as support for student protests grows (Balkan Insight)

Defying government orders to start the new semester, many teachers across Serbia have refused to hold classes in support of ongoing student protests while lawyers and actors are also taking strike action.

Dozens of schools in Serbia did not start the announced new term on Monday, as teachers went on strike in support of ongoing student protests – but also in protest against a deal that some unions made with the government.

Media reports said dozens of schools in many towns and cities held no classes, and that teachers or students held protests in Nis, Kragujevac, Novi Sad, Zrenjanin and other places.

Claims about the success of the strike differ.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/5k42j8us

Donald Trump signs order to withdraw US from World health organization (Financial Times)

Welcome to the FT’s live coverage of the US inauguration

Donald Trump was inaugurated on Monday as the 47th president of the US.

Markets were volatile. The dollar initially weakened after Trump’s inaugural address did not explicitly announce tariffs, but rallied after he said the US could impose 25 per cent levies on Mexico and Canada.

Trump postponed the ban on TikTok but said he “certainly could” put tariffs on China if Beijing failed to approve a deal to sell the app to a US company.

Trump signed a slew of executive orders that initiated the US withdrawal from the Paris climate accords and WHO, ordered troops to the border with Mexico, pardoned about 1,500 January 6 rioters and restarted permitting for natural gas export terminals. He also rescinded 78 Biden-era directives.

He said he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who earlier on Monday said Moscow was open to dialogue over its war in Ukraine.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/yc6drudj