UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 3, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani: Press freedom is a basic human right, crucial for democracy (media)
US Embassy: A strong democracy encourages a free press (media)
Reactions to Reporters without Borders latest report on Kosovo (media)
Nissen: Kosovo’s membership in NATO will become reality (media)
Kurti meets Yildirim, thanks his group for choosing to invest in Kosovo (media)
Osmani joins dedication ceremony of U.S. embassy conference rooms (media)
Petkovic says Kosovo authorities rejected his visit request (RFE)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: I believe in new government, challenging times are ahead (Tanjug)
Yet another illegal expropriation in the north of Kosovo? New road through Banov Do village, residents say they did not need it at all (Radio kontakt plus, Alternativna)
Vucic: Eswatini's support especially important amid pressure on Serbia (Tanjug)
Kosovo drops 19, Serbia 7 points on RSF Press Freedom Index (KoSSev)
Matic: Commission for investigating murders of journalists in Kosovo must have an international mandate (Kosovo Online)
A year of pain: Serbia marks school shooting anniversary (N1, media)

Opinion:

Mujanovic: The Case for Admitting Kosovo to the Council of Europe (media)

International:

An Artist From Kosovo Takes Flight (The New York Times)
Serbian Media ‘Lost Public Trust’ Amid School Shooting Hysteria (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani: Press freedom is a basic human right, crucial for democracy (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day that the freedom of the press is a basic human right and that it is crucial for democracy and the truth. “On World Press Freedom Day, we support and encourage journalists, and reaffirm our commitment to protect their right to report without fear or censorship, and to protect their safety when they report from places where there is lack of security. As proven after Serbia’s attack of aggression on September 24, 2023, and the following days, the role and reporting of the media was crucial for Kosovo’s institutions to prove to the world the truth about the attack,” she said.

Osmani said that fake news undermines democracy and peace and in some cases even the security of citizens and national security, therefore, the need to oppose them is greater than ever and in the service of protecting the truth. “We need to wage this battle together, the institutions, journalists and civil society, because only together we can safeguard an environment where truth triumphs over fake news and where the media are free to carry out their role as a protector of democracy and of the people’s right to be informed,” Osmani said.

US Embassy: A strong democracy encourages a free press (media)

Several news websites cover a post on X by the United States Embassy in Kosovo on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day which notes that “a strong democracy encourages a free press — one that keeps the public informed, enables a diversity of voices, and holds leaders accountable.”

Reactions to Reporters without Borders latest report on Kosovo (media)

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, reacted to the latest report on Kosovo by Reporters without Borders, saying that it is the most negative assessment ever for Kosovo. Commenting on Kosovo’s drop by 19 places in the Freedom Press Index, Krasniqi said that “the increased pressure by the government against independent media and the targeting of reporters in our country is a growing threat to press freedom and free speech”. He also called on the government to stop intimidating reporters and the free media. “Reporters must continue their work without the fear of retaliation, censorship or persecution,” he said.

Leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, in his comment expressed concern over “the approach of members of the government through orchestrated attacks against the media and the tendency to control them, by marking an alarming regress in terms of media freedom, confirmed even by reports of credible international institutions”.

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Hykmete Bajrami, said that Kosovo’s drop by 19 places “is an alarm for every person living in Kosovo. The government’s fight against is programmatic and orchestrated to damage reports and the uncovering of the government’s corruption scandals”.

Head of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, Xhemajl Rexha, said in a post on X that the annual index of Reporters without Borders “sees an alarming trend of media freedoms in Kosovo, with the country dropping 19 places in the global ranking.

The Press Council of Kosovo said in a Facebook post on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, that it expresses concern over Kosovo’s dropping by 19 points in the Reporters without Borders Index. The Press Council said that the media and reporters must not be obstructed in their work. “Political attacks against the media and reporters, as well as smearing campaigns against them, are a serious threat to independent and professional journalism, as well as to the integrity and lives of reporters. The Press Council of Kosovo finds as damaging and unacceptable the efforts of the authorities to control media and threaten freedom of speech,” the post notes.

German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, said in a post on X today that “media is often referred to as the 4th pillar of democracy and must be protected, not controlled. In Kosovo, the media has a good standing in regional comparison. However, the freshly published report by Reporters without Borders shows an alarming drop by 19 places since last year. Turnaround needed!”

Flutra Kusari, media lawyer, said today that the latest report on Kosovo by Reporters without Borders is alarming and that “a black stain was marked in the young history of our country, a stain that won’t be easily removed”. She argues that five reasons that led to the shameful result of the government are: the attempt to shut down Klan Kosova, the draft law on the Independent Media Commission, the online attacks and denigration of reporters and activists when they criticize the government, the appointment of a Vetevendosje person as director of the RTK and the financial pressure on the public broadcaster, and the lack of security for reporters.

Ehat Miftaraj, executive director of the Pristina-based Kosovo Law Institute, in his commentary of the report claims that Kosovo deserves better and that the situation in Kosovo is getting worse by the day.

Adriatik Kelmendi, reporter and publicist, said in a Facebook post that the findings of the report are both alarming and shameful. “In 2024, Kosovo being ranked 19 places lower by Reporters without Borders on media freedom is one of the worst news this year. What a disappointment,” he writes.

Imer Mushkolaj, reporter and political commentator, said in a Facebook post that the findings of the report are disappointing.

Nissen: Kosovo’s membership in NATO will become reality (media)

Finnish Ambassador to Kosovo, Matti Nissinen, said in an interview with TeVe1 on Thursday that he believes Kosovo will become a member of NATO. “In the long-term I think this will certainly happen and this was continuously highlighted by my political leaders. Finland will support all of Kosovo’s international aspirations, and this includes membership in different organizations. I believe this will become a reality one day, but I cannot specify a timeline. But in the long term, I think this will happen,” he said.

Kurti meets Yildirim, thanks his group for choosing to invest in Kosovo (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met on Thursday with the owner of the “Yildirim” group, Robert Yuksel Yildirim. A press release issued by Kurti’s office notes that Yildirim Energy on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the solar energy park in the premises of the Ferronikeli complex in Drenas. The initial capacity of solar panels is over 54 MW, while the plan is to reach a capacity of 150 MW in total, by 2026. Kurti appreciated the objectives of this project, which coincides with the commitment of our goals towards the transition to renewable energy. The meeting also discussed opportunities and potential for investment in Kosovo. Kurti thanked the Yildirim group for choosing to invest in Kosovo.

Osmani joins dedication ceremony of U.S. embassy conference rooms (media)

Several news websites cover a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo which notes that Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier officially dedicated three conference rooms at the U.S. embassy in honor of Chief Warrant Officer David A. Gibbs, Chief Warrant Officer Kevin L. Reichert and former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright. The event took place at a ceremony attended by Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani and family members of Chief Warrant Officers Gibbs and Reichert, distinguished guests, and embassy staff. The conference rooms recognize the significant contributions of these three individuals to advancing U.S. government efforts to end the Milosevic regime’s campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. Secretary Albright’s deep commitment to Kosovo and tireless efforts allowed the Kosovan people to return to their homes, rebuild their lives, and develop their free, independent, multi-ethnic, and democratic country. On May 5, 1999, Chief Warrant Officers Gibbs and Reichert were killed while supporting the NATO-led military campaign. At the ceremony, the Ambassador affirmed that he was “moved and privileged to gather today to honor the legacy of three individuals who significantly contributed to the United States Government’s efforts, together with Allies, to end the Milosevic regime’s campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo 25 years ago.”

Osmani said that, “In dedicating these conference rooms, the State Department, Ambassador Hovenier, and the great staff at the U.S. Embassy are doing more than simply naming a space. They are affirming the values and virtues that each of these individuals embodied in their service to the U.S., to Kosovo, and to the world. And who else to name these rooms after Secretary Albright, a champion of the people of Kosovo and a champion of democracy, as well as Chief Warrant Officers Gibbs and Reichert, who sacrificed their lives during the NATO intervention to help save the lives of others.”

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: I believe in new government, challenging times are ahead (Tanjug)

Congratulating new Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and his cabinet, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday wished them success and "much hard work", noting that he believed in the new Government of Serbia, adding "challenging times are ahead of us", Tanjug news agency reported. He also said he expected Serbia to be the region's most successful country by the time the new government's term ends in late 2027.

Speaking about an upcoming visit to Serbia by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Vucic said it was a huge honor, responsibility and obligation as well as a big opportunity for Serbia. He said cooperation with China had brought much to Serbia and that a FTA signed by the two countries last October would take effect on July 1.

Speaking about a proposed UN General Assembly resolution on Srebrenica, Vucic said no substantial changes had been made to the document and that Estonia, Poland, Luxembourg, Croatia and Bulgaria had joined as co-sponsors. Vucic said a proposal by Iran for the resolution to include a reference to Gaza had been rejected and that, for reasons that were unknown to him, amendments by the Australian delegation had been rejected, too.

"We have sent a letter with our remarks, requests and demands to both Germany and Rwanda. We have received no response whatsoever", Vucic said, adding that the authors of the resolution wanted no dialogue with those who had a different opinion.

Yet another illegal expropriation in the north of Kosovo? New road through Banov Do village, residents say they did not need it at all (Radio kontakt plus, Alternativna)

A road reconstruction from Albanian village Vidomirice to the Serbian village Banov Do, in Zvecan municipality started last year, Radio kontakt plus reports citing Alternativna portal.

Residents of Suvi Do village found out that the road was being reconstructed only upon finding workers and works carried out on their properties. In the meantime, the narrow dirt road has taken on a new look, it has been widened multiple times and filled with gravel. The only thing certain is that Kosovo Ministry of Spatial Planning and Infrastructure is behind the works. Is it an illegal expropriation in place? To this day, the local residents did not receive an answer to their question, but they did get damages on their private properties.

We do not need that road - the residents of this Zvecan village agree, accusing the contractors of entering their properties while widening the road, causing major material damages and endangering the facilities.

"That road never existed. We had a local road here that was two to two and a half meters wide, which we used to go out into the forest, bring wood, and do agricultural work. I went up there, found the workers, I asked – what (are they doing), how (they are doing it), but they had no answers. They said that the road is under construction. Who is working? How are the works carried out? Who do they work it for? They didn't know anything. I led them to our part of the property, told them it was private property. As it is - Zvonko Ignjatovic explained.

The public was alarmed by Serbian Democracy, whose representatives were on the spot together with the local residents, and the works were stopped shortly after they started. However, a few days later, the sound of construction machinery was heard again.

“I went to the police, reported that they continued work on a private property, and they said they will come to the spot. On December 18, however, they continued working with the police (being present)”, Ignjatovic added. The forest of this family suffered damages, the land parcel where the old house is located is damaged as well, so the road passes immediately next to the wall of this object.

“If there is a problem, that company caused the damage, people can complain. It is the Ministry of Infrastructure. They can complain and receive compensation for it”, Kosovo police deputy commander for the region North, Veton Elshani said.

Still, the process of the road reconstruction was followed by ‘loud’ silence from the Kosovo Ministry of Infrastructure. Alternativna’s media inquiry, same as inquiries of other local media outlets, sent to the Ministry of Infrastructure asking – if the law had been violated during the works, respectively is it an illegal expropriation in place – remained unanswered.

Residents and Serbian Democracy are convinced that is the case and they filed a criminal report to Kosovo police against unknown persons. Private complaints they can not file, as they do not have access to cadastre records.

“There are not many people living here, so it is not clear what economic benefit would be there”, Stefan Nedeljkovic from Serbian Democracy said. He opined the road can only serve to the special police units, given the cases of illegal expropriation in Zubin Potok municipality, and attempted expropriation in Leposavic, both for the bases of Kosovo police.

Police claims this road is not for the special units, but that it is the project of ministry of infrastructure. And while residents remain without an official reply about the purpose of the road and who is responsible for damages caused to their private properties, they are not offered the road to be asphalted.

“We do not need the asphalt. We did not need that road at all”, residents said.

Vucic: Eswatini's support especially important amid pressure on Serbia (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received Eswatini FM Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu in Belgrade on Friday. Vucic told Dlamini-Shakantu support from friendly Eswatini was especially important for Serbia, "in particular at this time, when we face numerous pressures", Tanjug news agency reported.

"I informed Minister Dlamini-Shakantu in detail of the challenges ahead of Serbia in the UN regarding the 'International Day of Reflection and Remembrance of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide' resolution, as well as of our country's position on this matter, which I explained thoroughly", Vucic wrote in an Instagram post.

"I thanked the Kingdom of Eswatini for the principled position of non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, which represents a special proof of the firm friendship between our countries. We also discussed numerous plans to advance the cooperation, with the first step to making it more concrete to be the signing of a General Agreement between the Government of Serbia and the Government of Eswatini on establishing a standing joint commission on cooperation", Vucic also wrote in the post.

Kosovo drops 19, Serbia 7 points on RSF Press Freedom Index (KoSSev)

Rapporteurs without Borders (RSF) published today on International Press Freedom Day a new report on media freedoms in the world, KoSSev portal reported.

Kosovo this year dropped by 19 points on the Press Freedom Index, while Serbia dropped by 7 points.

Kosovo has index 75 now and belongs to the third group. Last year it had index 56, improving it by 5 points compared to 2021 when it had index 61.

Serbia is in a fourth group, with index 98, after it dropped from last year’s index which was 91. Albania is behind it with index 99, dropping by three points compared to 2023.

Matic: Commission for investigating murders of journalists in Kosovo must have an international mandate (Kosovo Online)

Kosovo is currently area with the highest number of unresolved cases of journalist murders and kidnappings, Veran Matic, President of the Commission for Investigating Murders of Journalists, told Kosovo Online portal, adding it is "dramatic" that international institutions and foreign governments do not treat this as a serious problem that requires resolution.

There is already a problem with the upcoming EFJ Assembly, specifically the issue that the Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS) has, which decided not to participate, Matic says, adding that he cannot fully understand why there is an effort to pass a resolution and demand its adoption when it is known that participation in the assembly is necessary to propose a resolution.

Opinion

Mujanovic: The Case for Admitting Kosovo to the Council of Europe (media)

Several news websites in Kosovo cover an opinion by Jasmin Mujanovic, originally published in Just Security.

The intergovernmental Council of Europe is due to make a final decision this month on whether to admit the Republic of Kosovo to the pan-European human rights body. The Council’s Parliamentary Assembly voted by an overwhelming majority of 131-29 on April 16 to support the Balkan nation’s bid for membership. Remarkably, of the 131 delegates who voted for the motion, 13 came from countries that presently do not recognize Kosovo’s sovereignty.

Yet despite that unequivocal message from the Assembly, it is not yet clear whether Kosovo can overcome the final hurdle in the Council of Ministers, which will make the ultimate decision. Ironically, some of the capitals that do recognize Kosovo appear to have decided to play politics with the decision.

Specifically, in recent days, France and Italy have sent signals that they are conditioning their support for Kosovo on the country’s implementation of the so-called “Association of Serb Majority Municipalities” (ASM). The ASM is a provision of the 2013 Brussels Agreement signed between Serbia and Kosovo, under pressure from the European Union and the United States to entice Belgrade to accept Kosovo’s sovereignty in exchange for greater autonomy for the country’s Serb community. The accord envisions that leaders in the Kosovo capital Prishtina will, as part of a broader normalization process between the two sides, devolve certain authorities to a collection of (non-contiguous) Serb-majority municipalities in the country, allowing them a degree of self-government.

Since the agreement’s signing more than a decade ago, however, relations between the two sides have deteriorated sharply, especially after a deadly paramilitary attack in September 2023 by a group of Serb nationalist militants with close ties to the government of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

And in the interim, a status quo that strongly favors Serbia has persisted. Serbia is a fully recognized State with representation in all leading intergovernmental bodies, from the United Nations to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to INTERPOL. Kosovo, despite being recognized by more than 100 U.N. member states, has a seat in none of those bodies, while Serbia lobbies against its admission even to cultural organizations like UNESCO. This unjust isolation of Kosovo has fueled the country’s emigration crisis, and convinced Serbian hardliners that they will, in time, reassert their dominion over Kosovo.

International

An Artist From Kosovo Takes Flight (The New York Times)

When the Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj received an invitation for his biggest project ever in the United States, he knew just where to go: back to school.

For “Abetare,” his spare, smart, absolutely delightful sculptural installation on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Halilaj, who is 38, traveled to elementary schools across southeastern Europe, documenting the doodles that generations of schoolchildren left on their desks and walls. (The project’s title refers to the Albanian-language ABC book from which Halilaj learned the alphabet.) Those children’s drawings from the Balkans formed the templates for the sprightly, sometimes bawdy bronze and steel sculptures that now garland the skyline of New York — large ones, but also flowers, birds and graffiti that nestle in the topiaries, and hide behind the cocktail bar.

Halilaj was born in 1986 in Kosterrc, a small village outside the town of Runik. (At Art Basel one year he answered that perpetual question, Where are you from?, by dumping 60 tons of Kosterrc soil in the white cube of the art fair.) His own school days took place amid the most horrific fighting in Europe between World War II and the present war in Ukraine. Serbian forces burned down the Halilaj family home in 1999, at the height of the Kosovo war, one of the most brutal chapters of a decade-long nightmare of ethnic and religious conflicts in the Balkans. The family fled to Albania, where psychologists in a refugee camp encouraged the boy to draw. War reporters at the time chronicled an ambidextrous child prodigy, drawing chickens and peacocks with both hands.