Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani: Serbia is continuously trying to destabilize Kosovo (RFE)
• 47th failed attempt to form new Kosovo Assembly (media)
• Haxhiu: We have readiness to cooperate with NISMA (media)
• Limaj: I’ll meet Kurti this week, let’s see how we can overcome crisis (media)
• Citaku: VV has not offered any solution; we never avoid meetings (media)
• Two LDK MPs against early national and local elections at same time (media)
• Quni: Kosovo is faced with serious threats, unity is needed (AP)
• Kosovo Democratic Institute “Announces Job Call” for new MPs (media)
• Svecla: Exceptionally grateful for US support throughout Kosovo’s history (media)
• Kurti highlights necessity of implementing Berlin Process agreements (media)
• Osmani on a working visit to the Republic of Latvia (media)
• US Embassy congratulates Ibrahimi on completing Army Ranger School (media)
• Kosovo Accreditation Agency becomes a full member of EQAR (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Sentic: Question of legal position of Serbian Orthodox Church should not be a subject of politicization (Radio Mitrovica sever, Kosovo Online)
• Raska-Prizren Eparchy legal advisor: Legal status of SOC should be resolved with strong guarantees (Kosovo Online)
• Serbian Democracy Vice President met UK Special Representative for WB (social media)
• Democracia.com: How much do two small bridges over the Ibar River cost? (media)
• Hearing of first witness in case against Pantic and Zaric started today (Radio KIM)
• Students of veterinary medicine in the blockade diverted part of the aid to Metohija villages (KoSSev)

International:

• Admit Kosovo to the Council of Europe (ESI/media)

Albanian Language Media 

Osmani: Serbia is continuously trying to destabilize Kosovo (RFE)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani accused Serbia today of acting as a proxy of Russia’s efforts to destabilize the Western Balkans, but she did not repeat an earlier statement she made about US President Donald Trump’s reported role in preventing a flareup by Serbia in Kosovo.

Speaking in Riga, Latvia, alongside her counterpart Edgars Rinkevic, Osmani ruled out the notion of “tensions” between Kosovo and Serbia, saying that one party acts in self-defense and the other party is the aggressor. “I would not call them tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, because we try not to fall in the trap of equalizing both parties,” she said when asked about Russia’s role in tensions and escalations between Kosovo and Serbia. “We should never put the aggressor and the victim in the same bag. Serbia continuously tries to destabilize our country, including through acts of aggression, while we are constantly on the defense”.

Osmani said that “we never invaded or attacked even a centimeter of a territory of a neighboring country. What we have always done and continue to do is to protect our independence, our territorial integrity, peace and freedom, which we were won with so much sacrifice”.

47th failed attempt to form the new Kosovo Assembly (media)

All news websites report that MPs today have failed for the 47th time to form the new Kosovo Assembly. The deadlock in the Assembly has been going on for three months now. Parties that have been in the opposition in the previous mandate – PDK, LDK, AAK and the Serbian List – have refused to propose members for a committee that would oversee a secret vote on the new Assembly Speaker. They claim that this procedure goes against the Constitution of Kosovo. The Vetevendosje Movement, on the other hand, is adamant that a secret vote is in line with the law and calls on the other parties not to block the process. 

Haxhiu: We have readiness to cooperate with NISMA (media)

MP from the Vetevendosje Movement and candidate for Assembly Speaker, Albulena Haxhiu, told reporters today that Vetevendosje and NISMA have made it clear that they are willing to cooperate. Before the constitutive session, she said that Vetevendosje leader and caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti will meet with NISMA leader Fatmir Limaj. “We have made it clear that there is readiness from both sides to continue cooperation, but there is nothing concrete yet,” she said.

Limaj: I’ll meet Kurti this week, let’s see how we can overcome crisis (media)

NISMA leader Fatmir Limaj said today that he will meet with Vetevendosje leader and caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti this week. “I believe we will have coffee with Kurti this week. We need to talk about how we can emerge from this situation. The most ordinary thing has become extraordinary. I will talk with the Prime Minister, to see what depends on us and how we can overcome this crisis. It is important to do what is best for the country. We are open for cooperation,” he said.

Citaku: VV has not offered any solution; we never avoid meetings (media)

Senior member of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Vlora Citaku said today that the Vetevendosje Movement has not offered any solution to break the ongoing deadlock in the Kosovo Assembly. “The PDK has never avoided meetings. It has always been open for cooperation and constructiveness. But the time of words is over and now is the time for action. We can meet indefinitely but if Kurti continues to turn his stubbornness into a political instrument, then all meetings are useless … It is regrettable how they are treating the Kosovo Assembly. The Vetevendosje Movement has not offered any solution, they offered submission and the PDK does not agree to submission,” she argued.

Two LDK MPs against early national and local elections at same time (media)

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Alban Zogaj told reporters today that it would be a big damage for democracy if Kosovo held early national and local elections at the same time. “It would be a big mistake to go to two elections because this would be a big damage to democracy. We will go to local elections, and then we can discuss national elections. But there is no need for parliamentary elections, because it is possible to form coalitions,” he argued.

Another LDK MP, Armend Zemaj, said that this party does not prefer going to two elections at the same time. “We don’t prefer two elections. This is not good for the people of Kosovo and there can be misuses and abusals,” he said.

Quni: Kosovo is faced with serious threats, unity is needed (AP)

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Anton Quni said today that Kosovo is currently faced with many threats in terms of the security situation. “We are faced with threats both from outside and inside. The most serious threat comes from Serbia who does not recognize Kosovo’s independence and continues to have territorial aspirations. Behind it is Russia with its allies … In this situation with many difficulties and threats, there is no sense in posing threats to one another. We need to be more unified than never and be dangerous only towards those that don’t want a stable, developed and peaceful Kosovo,” he said. “This is why all political leaders must display political maturity and readiness to make compromises in the interest of stability and development. Putting Kosovo’s interests above party interests has always been a key principle for the LDK, especially when we are faced with different challenges and threats”.

Kosovo Democratic Institute “Announces Job Call” for new MPs (media)

As a sign of the dissatisfaction with the several month political crises in Kosovo which has made it impossible to form the institutions resulting from the February 9 elections, the Kosovo Democratic Institute has “opened a call” for new members of the Assembly.  Under the hashtag “state on break” the flyer reads “Job announcement for new MP. Apply today”

Svecla: Exceptionally grateful for US support throughout Kosovo’s history (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister of Interior Affairs, Xhelal Svecla, was asked to comment today on repeated statements by US President Donald Trump that he stopped a war between Kosovo and Serbia. “We are exceptionally grateful for the support of the United States throughout the history of the Republic of Kosovo,” Svecla said briefly. 

Kurti highlights necessity of implementing Berlin Process agreements (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti met on Monday evening in Pristina with the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Karen Pierce, at the residence of the UK Embassy. “This marks the second visit of Envoy Pierce to our country in this capacity, as she was previously part of the delegation of the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, during his visit to Kosovo in April. Prime Minister Kurti and Envoy Pierce discussed the relations between Kosovo and the United Kingdom, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation in various fields, from the creative industries and diplomacy to defense and security. In preparation for the upcoming Berlin Process Summit, which will take place this October in London, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for the implementation of agreed-upon commitments and the importance of mutual recognition of diplomas and free movement, which are vital for the success of the Common Regional Market and the Growth Plan. Prime Minister Kurti expressed his gratitude for the unwavering and continued support of the United Kingdom for the Republic of Kosovo,” a press release issued by Kurti’s office notes.

Osmani on a working visit to the Republic of Latvia (media)

Most news websites report that at the invitation of the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, is on a working visit to Latvia. “During the visit, President Osmani will be received by the President of the Republic of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, with whom, in addition to the tête-à-tête meeting, she will hold a working meeting with the relevant delegations. She will also participate in the working lunch hosted by President Rinkevics. Following the meetings, the two presidents will hold a joint press conference, during which President Osmani will present President Rinkevics with the Presidential Military Medal awarded to the Latvian Defence Forces for their contribution to peace and security as part of KFOR. During the one-day visit, Osmani will also visit the NATO Center of Excellence for Strategic Communications (STRATCOM), hold meetings with representatives of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce, and engage in a discussion with experts and academics on policies that guarantee sustainable peace and security. President Osmani’s visit aims to further strengthen interstate relations with Latvia, advance bilateral cooperation in the fields of foreign policy, defense and security, economy, Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as exchange experiences in strengthening democratic institutions,” a press release issued by Osmani’s office notes.

US Embassy congratulates Ibrahimi on completing Army Ranger School (media)

Most news websites report that the United States Embassy in Kosovo congratulated Second Lieutenant Vesa Ibrahimi on becoming the 3rd Kosovo Security Force (KSF) member to complete one of the toughest military training programs in the world - the U.S. Army Ranger School. “From leading complex operations under extreme stress to navigating rugged terrain with minimal support, Lt. Ibrahimi’s accomplishment reflects the grit, endurance, and exceptional leadership that guarantees the security of our countries. A proud moment!” the embassy said in a Facebook post.

Kosovo Accreditation Agency becomes a full member of EQAR (media)

Most news websites report that the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA) has been accepted as a full member of the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), following a positive evaluation by an independent panel of experts from the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).

In an official letter sent on Monday, the President of EQAR, Mr. Stéphane Lauwick, wrote to KAA’s Director General: “Dear Mr. Naim Gashi, The Register Committee has considered your application of 2024-02-02 for (renewal of) inclusion on the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR). Your application has been approved and your inclusion shall be valid until 2029-12-31. Please accept my congratulations on your successful application and my good wishes for your work on behalf of the entire Register Committee.”

EQAR is the highest European body that registers agencies operating in accordance with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG).

Membership in EQAR represents international recognition of KAA’s tireless and dedicated efforts to meet the highest European standards, significantly enhancing the credibility and trustworthiness of the higher education system in Kosovo.

As a result, the diplomas of Kosovar students will enjoy guaranteed international recognition and validity—both academically and professionally—across Europe and beyond. EQAR registration indicates that a diploma originates from a programme or institution that adheres to rigorous quality standards, providing assurance to both students and employers about its value.

Furthermore, higher education institutions in Kosovo will gain full access to European Union programmes in the field of education, opportunities for international recognition, partnerships, funding, student recruitment, and long-term development.

With its admission to EQAR, KAA is now recognized as a credible institution not only nationally but also internationally, standing on equal footing with other European agencies in evaluating higher education institutions across the continent and beyond.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/4uf3zsux

Serbian Language Media

Sentic: Question of legal position of Serbian Orthodox Church should not be a subject of politicization (Radio Mitrovica sever, Kosovo Online) 

Kosovo Deputy Ombudsman Srdjan Sentic told Kosovo Online that the issue of the legal position of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) in Kosovo should not be a subject of politicization, but primarily a legal and institutional solution, in accordance with current legislation, international obligations and basic human rights.

"The Kosovo institutions have an obligation to ensure the smooth operation of all religious communities, including the SOC, as well as to guarantee their physical security, access to religious facilities and freedom of religious practice. The Law on Religious Freedoms clearly defines the rights of the SOC, while the Ombudsperson Institution has a key role in monitoring respect for the rights of non-majority communities and reacting to possible violations of the right to freedom of religion. Particular concern is caused by frequent incidents and unauthorized incursions into SOC facilities, which require a quick, efficient and impartial response from competent institutions, to protect the religious heritage and preserve the trust of all communities in the legal system. Non-action or selective application of the law in such cases further undermines the rule of law and disrupts inter-ethnic relations", said Sentic.

That is why, as he adds, resolving the status of the SOC in Kosovo must be part of a broader effort to ensure the permanent protection of religious rights, preserve cultural diversity and build mutual trust between communities.

"Resolving the issue of the legal position of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo must be based on the principles of the rule of law, with full respect for the Constitution of Kosovo, the Law on Religious Freedoms, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights, especially when it comes to freedom of religion, the right to property and the protection of religious and cultural heritage. A dialogue that includes all relevant actors represents the most effective platform for a deeper understanding of all issues and constructive resolution of disagreements. However, it remains for the Serbian Orthodox Church and other actors to decide on their participation in that process," says the deputy ombudsman of Kosovo.

Raska-Prizren Eparchy legal advisor: Legal status of SOC should be resolved with strong guarantees (Kosovo Online)

Legal status issue of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) cannot be resolved between the authorities in Pristina and the Church itself for many reasons, and that is why we believe the best way to address this issue is either within the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, since the legal status of the SOC has been placed on the dialogue agenda, or through some form of international guarantees for the Church's legal position, Aleksandar Radovanovic, legal advisor to the Eparchy of Raska and Prizren, told Kosovo Online.

These guarantees, Radovanovic added, in either case, must be strong and include mechanisms for protection in case of non-compliance.

"We have seen over the past two and a half decades that what depends on the Kosovo institutions often isn't implemented on the ground. Moreover, we need guarantees to ensure that provisions concerning our legal status cannot be changed, just like what happened with the Ahtisaari Plan. Based on that plan, Pristina received numerous benefits, but later simply removed the most important guarantees for the SOC from its legal system", Radovanovic underlined.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/tXr4J

Serbian Democracy Vice President met UK Special Representative for WB (social media)

In a post on social media, Serbian Democracy said their Vice President Stefan Veljkovic met today with the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Karen Pearce.

As the post said, during the meeting Veljkovic expressed concern regarding the growing restriction of freedoms and the denial of individual and collective rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo. He also spoke about the planting of weapons on the property of party leader Aleksandar Arsenijevic and about public targeting and increasingly pronounced police repression against their political organization.

Veljkovic also requested that the international community insist on guaranteeing a fair trial upon the return of party leader Arsenijevic to Kosovo.

Democracia.com: How much do two small bridges over the Ibar River cost? (media)

Some Serbian language portals re-run the article of Pristina-based Democracia.com on the costs associated with the two bridges over the Ibar River in Mitrovica, one for vehicles and pedestrians, and the other for pedestrians only in the total amount of 3 million euros.

As the portal reported at first glance the investment seems modest, however, when one looks at the fact that 200,000 euros were set aside just for the temporary diversion of the river, 150,000 for clearing the land, and another 75,000 for the project documentation, the cost begins to take a form of a luxurious building, and not that of a public infrastructure.

The Kosovo Infrastructure Ministry decided to reconstruct two bridges over the Ibar River connecting South and North Mitrovica, one for vehicles and pedestrians and the other one for pedestrians on;y, with a total cost of almost three million euros. While analysing the technical positions in the parameter model, the impression has been created that the bridge is built in the area affected by the tsunami, and not in Mitrovica, the article further said. 

As Demokracia.com said, the preliminary estimates for this project seem quite high, from “geodetic measurements” at a cost of 50,000 euros, to the “final project” documenting what has been built, for which 75,000 euros have been allocated. 150,000 euros are planned for clearing the terrain and removing soil, enough to buy a new plot on the outskirts of Pristina.

This entire construction package did not pass without problems, as it was implemented through a negotiated procedure without publication, which is legally allowed only in exceptional cases. However, the article notes, in this case there was neither an emergency, nor a risk, nor any technical characteristic that would justify avoiding an open tender. The Prosecutor’s Office has already launched investigations in connection with the tender.

For the initial reconstruction preparations for the bridge for vehicular traffic in Mitrovica, 200,000 euros were allocated for the temporary diversion of the river, 50,000 euros for geodetic measurements, 150,000 euros for clearing the site and 75,000 euros for the final project documentation. Total preparatory works amount to 475,000 euros.

In the chapter on “earthworks” there are also preparations appearing burdensome on paper but not in reality. Excavation would cost 136,000 euros, filling in gravel with several layers and laboratory tests 92,000 euros, planting grass and repairing the slope 2,800 euros. The total amount reaches 228,516 euros.

The concrete construction itself seems to be the most expensive. As far as the bridge for vehicular traffic is concerned 401,704 euros are allocated for concrete and 389,844 euros for construction, bringing the total amount close to 800,000 for this part alone.

Although smaller, the second, pedestrian bridge and overpass adaptation reach a figure of 965,415.50 euros. Out of this amount, 50,000 euros will go for the final design (again), 86,940 euros for the foundation concrete, 163,620 euros for the concrete for the drainage channels and 211,575 euros for the structure. And, most importantly, 31,725 euros for decorative granite tiles.

The article concludes with saying that a total of 2,999,628.18 euros have been allocated for two bridges, built in an accelerated way, through a negotiated tender, with questionable legal justifications, and with the project ending on the eve of the local elections.  

Hearing of first witness in case against Pantic and Zaric started today (Radio KIM)

The first witness of the prosecution, in a group of more than 160 of them, was interviewed today at the Basic Court in Pristina in relation to former Serbian police officials in Istok municipality, Momir Pantic and Zarko Zaric accused of allegedly committing war crimes in the territory of this municipality, Radio KIM reports.

The witness, N.P. said he knew Momir Pantic well, since his childhood. “All police officers were wearing uniforms, only him was in plain clothes, he was wearing a brown leather jacket. He instructed police officers to raid homes; he was police commander at that time. I am one hundred percent sure he ordered them, because there was no one else”, he said. As he said, he feels no hatred towards Pantic over his ethnic background, adding he worked and lived with Serbs for 30 years.

Milos Delevic, defence lawyer of Momir Pantic said defence pointed out numerous shortcomings in the statements of the first witness today.

“With cross examination today we pointed out numerous shortcomings in the testimony of this witness, from his assumptions to lack of direct knowledge related to my client, Momir Pantic. He testified today based on what other people said, based on his personal convictions, which is not sufficient to prove accountability of my client. My client Momir Pantic remains at his stance that he did not commit any criminal act”, Delevic added.

Lawyer Dejan Vasic, representing Zarko Zaric in this case, said the first in a group of more than 160 witnesses was interviewed today.

“In relation to my client, this is the crucial witness. I planned to interview him for three to four hours, however due to specific working hours of the court, we did not manage to do so today”, Vasic said. Today’s hearing was interrupted while the same witness is set to continue his testimony on August 28.

Zarko Zaric, former police sub-station commander in Rakos village, returned from displacement in central Serbia to his home place Ljubozda village near Istok in 2017. He was briefly detained in February 2020, but released soon after giving a statement as a witness. He then continued living in his home village of Ljubozda. He was arrested in November last year, soon after Momir Pantic was arrested at Merdare crossing point. 

Students of veterinary medicine in the blockade diverted part of the aid to Metohija villages (KoSSev)

Last weekend, two students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Belgrade brought aid to Kosovo for Serbian families in the valley of Osojane, collected by citizens' donations in actions of students in the blockade for households and individuals affected by fires throughout Serbia, reported KoSSev. 

Hundreds of fires, caused by drought, heat and wind, engulfed areas in central Serbia last week. Fires also affected Kosovo, including Serbian areas, recalled KoSSev. 

The worst was in the valley of Osojane, where four households burned down, including family houses to the ground, but also several hectares under wheat and corn.

Students in the blockade of several universities have launched actions to collect aid for the citizens of the areas affected by last week's fires.

They also heard the cry for help from the valley of Osojane, and they redirected part of the donations, as they confirmed for KoSSev, to this Serbian environment. They explained that it was a decision of the plenum at their faculty.

"Since it was very little heard in Belgrade, unlike other areas in Serbia, we decided to go and help our people. It is not ours, but donations from people, citizens who decided to leave them at our faculty, because we were registered as one of the centers for donations. It was donated by people of good will, and our faculty - Veterinary - decided to donate to Kosovo," one of the two students from this faculty told KoSSev. 

On Saturday, two students from this faculty brought aid - monetary, but also in the form of goods (food and hygiene but also aggregate) to the church of Vasilij Ostroski in Leposavic, which itself collects aid for these purposes, but also to Osojane itself - from where it is sent further to the citizens.

The distribution of monetary aid will be made from today, while aid in the form of goods - on Wednesday, confirmed the students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine who personally brought it.

From Kosovo, as they said in an interview for KoSSev, they have only good impressions.

"We will always be on the side of the people and help them, whenever we are able. Serbs are already known as extraordinary hosts. Metohija, and the north of Kosovo as well, i.e., Leposavic, did not 'embarrass' either. They welcomed us in the most beautiful way possible," said one of the students.

KoSSev wrote that their names were not published, considering that they act according to the decision of the plenum, and it is - without presenting individual names.

They will not stop here, they say, although they would much prefer to return to Kosovo next time on a more beautiful occasion.

"Now it's like this, and next time we hope - on a better occasion."

International

Admit Kosovo to the Council of Europe (ESI/media)

A simple step contributing to stability in the Western Balkans

As a European democracy Kosovo should have a place in the Council of Europe. However, Kosovo’s membership application has met unprecedented opposition, including from major European countries that claim to support Kosovo’s integration into European institutions. With tensions in the Western Balkans higher than in the last two decades, Kosovo’s membership would be an important contribution to stability. 

On 12 May 2022, Kosovo applied to join the Council of Europe. It is the only European democracy not yet part of the oldest human rights organisation on the continent.

Previously, leading European politicians, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock and German chancellor Olaf Scholz, had all affirmed Kosovo’s belonging to Europe and their support for Kosovo joining European institutions.

At the time, ESI called on Italy, France and Germany to support the next step, tasking the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to assess whether the conditions for Kosovo to join the Council of Europe are met. While this is usually a simple and uncontroversial procedural step, we asked:

“But will it happen? Did countries like Germany and France mean what they said to Kosovo’s leaders in recent months? Or will the double standard, which allowed Russia to be a member despite massive human rights violations, but which blocked Kosovo from applying, continue?”

When the member states’ foreign ministers met in Turin on 20 May 2022, they failed to pass the application to PACE to assess it.

When they finally gave their consent a year later, in April 2023, PACE asked “eminent lawyers” to produce an in-depth report on the candidate. Published in November 2023, the report noted that Kosovo has a “functioning parliamentary system”, its government is “determined to fight corruption” and there are “strong guarantees for independence of the judiciary.” It also stressed that the non-implementation of binding court decisions on a land property dispute involving the Orthodox Decani monastery was an issue of major concern:

“The [Constitutional] Court decided that 24 hectares of disputed land belonged to the Visoki Decani Monastery. This judgment was criticised by politicians and, despite repeated appeals by the International Community, not implemented. This is a clear violation of the rule of law. The Kosovo authorities should implement without further delay the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the Visoki Decani case.”

Similar messages came from the three rapporteurs appointed by PACE, members of parliament from Greece, Sweden and Monaco.

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