UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, September 23, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani meets NATO ASG, “Kosovo committed to join NATO” (media)
Osmani: Kosovo offers so much, but above all safety (media)
Police on Gallup report: Proof of commitment to public order and security (media)
Gervalla in New York, as part of the 80th Session of the United Nations (media)
Orav hails caretaker govt’s alignment with EU sanctions on Russia (media)
French Ambassador calls for respect for the Constitutional Court (Nacionale)
Kurti refuses to talk about formation of government (AP)
Rexhepi: I will be part of the Kurti 3 government (media)
Rasic on integration of healthcare and education, Serbian Lists and Association (RFE)
Djukanovic’s detention accused of espionage extended by two months (media)
Discussions on disinformation and fake news in election campaigns (EO)
“Most beautiful bridge in Balkans” for pedestrians over Iber in January (KP)
US KFOR troops conduct crowd control and riot training (media)

Serbian Language Media:

80th session of UN General Assembly begins today (RTS, media)
Djuric met with foreign ministers of several countries in New York (N1, Beta, media)
Ragus: Good news from New York regarding derecognition of Kosovo (KiM radio, Kosovo Online, Tanjug, RTV)
Turkish General Ozkan Ulutas takes over the KFOR command (Kontakt plus radio)
Ambassador Guerot: Nothing uncoordinated should be undertaken, health and education is an extremely sensitive issue (KiM radio, Media Center Caglavica)
“Every time he speaks Serbian, Serbs lose one of their rights”: Veljkovic and Bisevac on Kurti’s message to Serbs (KoSSev, Danas)
Mitrovica students demand transparency from Belgrade on education and health agreements (KoSSev)
Man accused of espionage pleads not guilty before Kosovo court (KoSSev)
Six cases of domestic violence reported in Kosovo in one day (KoSSev)
Srbijagas CEO says new contract with Gazprom in October (N1)
Bajatovic: I expect another delay of US sanctions on NIS (Tanjug)

Opinion:

Ex-senior US official adds weight to Thaci defence (BIRN)

International:

EBRD approves 20 mln euro in loans to back Kosovo SMEs (SeeNews)
In the bowels of Serbia’s govt HQ, students beaten, threatened by police (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani meets NATO ASG, “Kosovo committed to join NATO” (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a Facebook post today that she met with NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge. “I reiterated the appreciation of the people of Kosovo for NATO’s continuous contribution to our country, as well as the commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to become a member of the North Atlantic Alliance,” she said.

Osmani: Kosovo offers so much, but above all safety (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani shared in a post on X the latest Global Safety Report by Gallup which ranks Kosovo as leading in Europe on the law and order index. “Kosovo offers so much: rich historical heritage, beautiful mountains, arts and culture, but above all, safety! According to

Gallup’s recent Global Safety Report, our country ranks #1 in Europe and 3rd worldwide on the Law & Order Index. Even more meaningful, 89% of our citizens feel safe walking at night,” Osmani said.

Police on Gallup report: Proof of commitment to public order and security (media)

Kosovo Police in a Facebook post commented on the Gallup Global Safety Report 2025, which ranks Kosovo among the safest places in the world, in third place globally, and the first place in Europe for the feeling of security among the people and their trust in law enforcement institutions. “The report notes that 89 percent of the people of Kosovo feel safe when they walk at night in the area they live in, a percentage that ranks Kosovo among the countries with the highest level of security perception in the world and in Europe. These results are closely tied with the continuous support that the Kosovo Police gets from local institutions and international strategic partners as well as thanks to the close cooperation with other security institutions, which together create a comprehensive system to guarantee order and security. This international assessment is clear proof of the commitment of Kosovo Police to guarantee public order and security, to strengthen cooperation and partnership with the community and increase people’s trust in Kosovo Police. The Kosovo Police remains committed to protecting life and property, providing security and professional, effective and accountable service to all citizens without any difference,” the police statement notes.

Gervalla in New York, as part of the 80th Session of the United Nations (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Diaspora, Donika Gervalla, has traveled to New York as part of the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the announcement of the Ministry, Gervalla will hold a series of meetings with high-level representatives of states and international organisations, where key global challenges will be addressed. Gervalla will take an active part in multilateral roundtables concerning global security policies, geopolitical dynamics, and the challenges in the years ahead. “The Republic of Kosovo remains committed to peace, stability, and the future of the international order,” the statement reads.

Orav hails caretaker govt’s alignment with EU sanctions on Russia (media)

Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, said in a post on X on Monday that he welcomes “the Kosovo caretaker government’s decision to voluntarily align with and implement the 4 latest EU sanction packages adopted in response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine”. He also said that “coop and alignment with EU practices, domestically and internationally, are cornerstones of EU – Kosovo relations”.

French Ambassador calls for respect for the Constitutional Court (Nacionale)

French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guerot, said today that the Constitutional Court of Kosovo enjoys international respect and that its decisions should be respected in Kosovo too. The news website notes that Guerot’s remarks come at a time when the court has suspended the work of the Kosovo Assembly pending a decision on the request by the Serbian List about the election of a Deputy Speaker from the Serb community.

Asked to comment on the position of the caretaker government on the matter, Guerot said he did not want to comment because the issue is being reviewed by the Constitutional Court. “But I want to say that the Constitutional Court is a very respected institution outside Kosovo. It is admitted as a full member of the Association of European Constitutional Courts, and the francophone association. Because it is respected abroad, I think it should be respected in Kosovo too. Therefore, I will refrain from commenting on what others might say but I would advise the institutions to continue to respect the independence of the judiciary. It is one of the pillars of the Republic of Kosovo and it has our full support,” he said, after a debate on disinformation in election campaigns organized by the Media Centre in Caglavica.

Kurti refuses to talk about formation of government (AP)

The news website reports that Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti refused to answer questions by reporters today if the Vetevendosje Movement has held meetings with other parties to secure votes for the formation of the new government. “We are at the polyclinic here,” Kurti said during the inauguration of 15 services at the Specialist Polyclinic in Podujeva.

Rexhepi: I will be part of the Kurti 3 government (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Deputy Prime Minister, Emilja Rexhepi, told Front Online today that if the Vetevendosje Movement manages to form a new government, she will be part of it. “Yes I will certainly be part of the new Kurti 3 government,” she said.

Rasic on integration of healthcare and education, Serbian Lists and Association (RFE)

Nenad Rasic, Kosovo’s caretaker Minister for Communities and Returns, said in an extensive interview that integrating Serbian education and healthcare systems into Kosovo’s institutions is inevitable, but it must be done carefully, with coordination and consultation, to avoid negative consequences for the Serbian community. He noted that this integration process has not yet started and is not currently planned, but preparations should begin. Rasic believes that some form of Association of Serb-majority Municipalities is necessary to offer initial guarantees and security, especially for Serbian workers in healthcare and education, so they do not feel threatened or forces to leave Kosovo.

He criticized an unofficial draft of the Association’s statute, calling it vague and even alarming, particularly because it suggests turning public education and healthcare institutions into private ones under the Association’s control. According to him, this would only make life harder for the people who would have to pat for services that are now for free.

Speaking about healthcare, Rasic said that the current facilities in Serb-Majority areas are insufficient, and called for the construction of new hospitals, such as the one planned in Gracanica under Ahtisaari Plan, with Kosovo government support. He argued that this would improve healthcare for everyone and allow cooperation with doctors from Serbia, Turkey, or other countries. However, he noted that many Kosovo Serba are hesitant to use Kosovo-run medical services due to mistrust and language barriers.

Rasic suggested that the regional hospital in the North can be renovated and made fully functional, but this requires equipment and cooperation with Kosovo institutions. He accused the Serbian government of deliberately blocking such cooperation through political pressure.

Rasic further said that he is open to work with the Serbian List is they are elected as municipal mayors, but if they refuse to cooperate, they would bear responsibility. He also stressed that coordination with the international community, especially the EU office and the QUINT countries, is crucial for a successful and stable process. He said that his goal is to maintain stability, provide security for the people, and prevent further emigration of Serbs from Kosovo.

Djukanovic’s detention accused of espionage extended by two months (media)

The detention of Jelena Djukanovic, an employee of the OSCE mission in Kosovo who is accused of being Serbian Spy, has been extended for another two months. “We have been informed by the judge that the detention measure for the defendant J.Dj. has been extended for another two months,” the Court said in a response to the news website.

During the preliminary hearing, Djukanovic’s lawyer requested that her detention be replaced with house arrest, a request that was opposed by the case prosecutor. At the initial hearing, Djukanovic pleaded not guilty.

The Special Prosecution accuses her of committing the criminal offense up until the moment of her arrest in February of this year. According to the indictment, while serving as an official in the OSCE mission in Kosovo, Djukanovic knowingly engaged in repeated actions by transmitting documented information to the resident agent of Serbia’s BIA (Security Information Agency), Aleksandar Vlajic. That information was later forwarded to high-ranking BIA officials. In addition to her communications with Aleksandar Vlajic, who has been convicted of espionage, the indictment states that Gjukanovic also communicated with other officials of Serbia’s BIA. She is further accused of contributing to the creation of a hostile narrative against the institutions of Kosovo.

Discussions on disinformation and fake news in election campaigns (EO)

The news website reports that the Media Centre in Caglavica organized a debate today on the topic “Disinformation and fake news in election campaigns – how to protect the voters and safeguard the democratic process”, and that during the meeting it was said that “Serbian officials have tried to influence Serb voters in Kosovo towards the Serbian List”.

French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guerot, said that critical reasoning and thinking should be the best way to oppose disinformation campaigns, but bearing in mind that such campaigns are organized and financed, this also requires a coordinated inter-ministerial strategy. He said that the basis of the French strategy is to uncover and analyze corruption and manipulation and that reaction is done by fact checking and where possible imposing sanctions against those involved. “We still think that critical reasoning and thinking should be the best way to oppose disinformation campaigns. But being that these campaigns are organized, financed and run by people that have become skilled in this area, we have adopted a strategy to combat disinformation through cooperation between several ministries, including the Ministry for European Affairs and a specialized agency. The French strategy is based on three components. First, the fact that the basis is uncovering and identifying corruption and manipulation. So simply by following what is happening, not allowing it to happen or thinking that it is not an issue. The basis of every action is knowing what is happening. We have allocated funds and human resources to uncover and analyze manipulation. And the second element is reacting through fact checking, and possibly by imposing sanctions against those that are involved. As I’ve said, we still believe that critical thinking and reasoning are a healthy basis. But unfortunately, there have also been reflections that by reacting or rebutting them the disinformation campaigns would become more powerful. We have reached the conclusion that we need to call lies by their name. We need to identify the authors and say who they are. This can be done on the internet. And it can also be done through actions,” he argued.

Guerot also talked about projects that France is implementing in Kosovo, mentioning the Shared Horizon for the Western Balkans project and the initiative for independent journalism where Serbian-speaking and Albanian-speaking journalists work together, by learning each other’s language and preserving the multiethnic character of Kosovo. “In the end a final sentence about what we are doing here in Kosovo, and I will conclude with this. We are not working only in France to protect the integrity of information, but we have several projects in Kosovo too. Allow me to mention two of them. One is a project called Shared Horizon for the Western Balkans, and the “News Truck” … And second is a project that we are developing with some of you for independent journalism and to have Serbian-speaking and Albanian-speaking journalists working together, learning each other’s language. And I will finish with this, journalists have a social responsibility to safeguard the multiethnic character of Kosovo,” he said.

Festim Rizanaj from the fact-checking platform Hibrid.info said that TikTok is being widely used for misinformation and disinformation for the October 12 local elections, tying this phenomenon with previous campaigns. He argued that Serbian officials have tried to influence Serb voters in Kosovo towards the Serbian List by claiming that the existence of Serbs in Kosovo depends on their support for the Serbian List. “We have noticed that for the October 12 local elections, TikTok is the platform that was most used for misinformation and disinformation. This phenomenon was also present during the February 9 elections campaign. The main forms are fake polls, because they are used to shape public opinion during election campaigns and for disinformation. There are fake, fabricated, manipulated and edited polls. Another phenomenon in social media is the creation or reappearance of different pages and accounts that were not active before and affiliated with certain parties. Manipulation of photos and videos is another form that we have identified at the start of the campaign,” he said.

Tatjana Lazarevic from Kossev news website had complaints. “I don’t think there are media in Kosovo that have capacities for serious investigative journalism, at least that is my personal opinion, without wanting to underestimate good investigative stories and specific individuals – they exist, but systematically there is no serious investigative journalism. So not to downplay the value of good investigative stories and high quality journalists, there is not a systematic base for advanced investigative journalism in Kosovo. As far as the media in Serbian language are concerned, the situation is even poorer,” she is quoted as saying.

“Most beautiful bridge in Balkans” for pedestrians over Iber in January (KP)

The news agency reports that the residents of Mitrovica will have another bridge exclusively destined for pedestrians starting from January next year, “a project that is expected to become a new symbol of the city and which will further connect the north and the southern part in this part of Kosovo”.

Head of the company that is constructing the bridge, Jahir Nimani, said in an interview with Kosovapress that initially they had issues with the water and the geodesical points. “People will be able to start using the bridge in January … The work has gone well, although initially we had some problems because we are working in the middle of the Iber river and there are problems with the water until we reach the higher point. We also had problems with the geodesical points, and we have resolved them. The project is being developed according to plan. This will be a bigger bridge than the other one [referring to another bridge opened in August this year],” he said.

“This bridge is destined only for pedestrians, there won’t be any vehicles, and this is going to be the most beautiful bridge in the Balkans … It is being built with the highest construction standards”.

The news agency recalls that the construction of two bridges on the sides of the main bridge over Iber river started on July 1. The total cost is around €30 million. Shortly after construction started, the special prosecution began investigations about the contract over suspicion of abuse of public funds. Kosovo’s institutions started constructing the two bridges despite reactions from the international community and opposition from Serbs in the north.

US KFOR troops conduct crowd control and riot training (media)

Several news websites cover a Facebook post by KFOR noting that Regional Command-East’s U.S. Army Infantry contingent conducted crowd control and riot training at Camp Nothing Hill. “Soldiers performed a wide range of tasks, including obstacle breaching, crowd control, explosive ordnance disposal, and casualty care, taking the opportunity to exercise their operational capabilities in a realistic training environment. Such exercises sustain a high level of interoperability, cohesion, and mutual trust among KFOR units—key elements for ensuring operational readiness and effectiveness in complex security environments,” the post notes.

Serbian Language Media

80th session of UN General Assembly begins today (RTS, media)

The issue of Kosovo, continuation of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, situation in Republika Srpska and US sanctions on NIS are the main topics of the several-day visit of President Aleksandar Vucic to New York, reported RTS journalist today from New York.

The President of Serbia will participate in the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and address the participants tomorrow, September 24. It was also announced that President Vucic will talk to numerous world leaders and representatives of the international community.

The 80th autumn session of the UNGA begins in New York. In its eight-decade-long history, the world organization has faced many problems and challenges that it has managed to resolve more or less effectively.

On its 80th birthday, according to some officials and analysts, the UN faces perhaps its most difficult challenges since 1945. In addition to today's problems, such as poverty, climate change, and modern technologies, there are also two conflicts, the conflict in Ukraine, which has lasted three and a half years, and the conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has lasted almost two years. These two conflicts will be discussed intensively in the coming days, both in the hall where the General Assembly is held, and on the sidelines of the session, as well as at bilateral meetings that will be held in New York in the coming days.

The messages of the American president, who will address the member states of the United Nations today, will be listened to carefully.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are also in New York, and the arrival of the Palestinian delegation is uncertain, but what gives them a boost are announced and formalized recognitions of the Palestinian state that have come in recent days from Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and Portugal. As can be read in the media, more such decisions can be expected in the coming days.

Although the effectiveness of the United Nations in confronting these problems and in at least showing the way to a solution to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip is questioned, what is not in question is that the autumn session of the UN General Assembly is an opportunity every year to meet statesmen from all over the world in a relatively short period of time and in a relatively small space.

Representatives of 193 countries, members of the United Nations, will have the opportunity in the coming days to exchange views, discuss common interests, and to discuss the biggest geopolitical problems.

This year, the Serbian delegation is also present. This year as well it is led by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who will attend the opening of the autumn session today, as well as over the coming days. Today, towards the end of the day, the most important meeting for the Serbian delegation is expected in New York, which is a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will address the United Nations member states at the General Assembly tomorrow, and in the coming days he will have numerous meetings with representatives of United Nations member states, as well as with officials from the Council of Europe, the European Union and other European and world states, reported RTS.

Djuric met with foreign ministers of several countries in New York (N1, Beta, media)

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Marko Djuric, said delegation of Serbia started participating in the annual session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, adding he had meetings with the foreign ministers of Cyprus, Somalia, Italy, Azerbaijan and numerous other countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

N1 reported that Djuric spoke in NY with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos, stressing that Serbia attaches special importance to the intensification of relations and cooperation with Cyprus, with which this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The head of Serbian diplomacy thanked Cyprus for its support to Serbia in the process of European integration and emphasized that Serbia highly values the consistent and principled support Cyprus provides for the preservation of Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that Serbia is interested in further improving economic cooperation with Cyprus, especially in the area of trade exchange.

On the first day, Djuric also had meetings with the foreign ministers of Suriname, Somalia, Italy, and Azerbaijan.

As reported, at the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname, Melvin Bouva, it was stated that the two countries have a lot of potential for improving cooperation, as well as economic cooperation in the fields of agriculture, food industry and the IT sector.

Djuric said that meetings with representatives of the energy business were also held in New York.

He added that Serbia wants to foster friendly relations, not only in its immediate environment, but also more widely, continuing the traditions of the Non-Aligned Movement, as one of the founders.

"Serbia fully advocates multilateralism, which means the rule of international law. Not only because of Kosovo and Metohija, which will be one of the important topics at all meetings, but also because of the preservation of global stability and peace... We are trying to promote the image of Serbia as a country of stability, but also a country committed to principles, looking to the future, everywhere and at every step," said the head of Serbian diplomacy.

Djuric pointed out that the Serbian delegation in New York is made up of a team of experts working to create the most favorable international environment in the interest of Serbia, adding that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will address the UN General Assembly tomorrow.

Ragus: Good news from New York regarding the derecognition of Kosovo (KiM radio, Kosovo Online, Tanjug, RTV)

The Vice-President of the Assembly of Serbia, Marina Ragus, said that good news can be expected from New York, where the session of the UN General Assembly is held, regarding the Kosovo derecognition, reported KiM radio, citing Tanjug.

Speaking about Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's visit to New York and participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Ragus told Tanjug that it was very significant that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio requested a meeting with Vucic and assessed that the meeting will be a demarcation line for many processes that Serbia is facing, such as sanctions against the NIS, tariffs, the situation in Kosovo, Tanjug reported.

She stated that one of the topics of the meeting between Presidents Vucic and Rubio will certainly be the situation in Republika Srpska and ''the taking away of the presidential mandate from the legally and legitimately elected President Milorad Dodik by an illegal high representative'' who did not receive the consent of the UN Security Council.

Ragus pointed out that it is a very good signal before the local elections in Kosovo on October 12 that the USA suspended the planned strategic dialogue with Pristina because of everything that Kosovo PM in technical mandate Albin Kurti is doing contrary to all agreements and deals.

"We are expecting good news, tomorrow President Vucic will speak. This is the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, every time you have the opportunity to do a lot for your country, especially within the framework of the meetings that are on the sidelines. A lot of African and Asian leaders who are very important when it comes to the derecognition of Kosovo's independence. I think we will hear very good news there," believes Ragus.

She pointed out that it is of crucial importance that President Vucic will be able to directly inform Rubio about the situation in Kosovo, because the USA is still the biggest geopolitical power, and she assessed that this conversation will be the beginning of an in-depth, strategic, bilateral dialogue that should precede the meeting of the leaders of the two countries.

"Serbia today has a strategic dialogue with both the East and the West, especially with the USA. I think that we have learned well from our mistakes from reasoning the past, and that we now have the opportunity to bring to an end many unresolved issues that certain other powers of the political West open for us when it suits them geopolitically, in a way that suits our national and state interests," said Ragus.

According to her assessment, the focus of the conversation between Vucic and Rubio will be on NIS sanctions, considering that President Vucic also said that he believed that there would be no further postponement of NIS sanctions. She added that she expects that after that meeting the citizens of Serbia will receive good and relaxing news regarding the introduction of NIS sanctions.

"I kind of expect that all the geopolitical tensions that have boiled over will subside in October. That would be very good news for a number of reasons, many of the investments that have been announced are waiting for that kind of response for tariffs and NIS sanctions. I think that this 80th session of the UN General Assembly will be a good move for Serbia, we will have the opportunity to hear that tomorrow when the president addresses us," Ragus added.

Turkish General Ozkan Ulutas takes over the KFOR command (Kontakt plus radio)

The handover of KFOR command will take place on October 3, when Enrico Barduani officially hands over his duties to Ozkan Ulutas.

On October 3, 2025, a KFOR command handover ceremony will be held at the KFOR headquarters, in the Film City in Pristina.

Major General of the Italian Army, Enrico Barduani, will hand over the command of KFOR to Major General of the Turkish Army, Ozkan Ulutas.

The ceremony will be presided over by Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of the Federal Forces Command in Naples.

The change of command represents the official moment of the transfer of military responsibility within KFOR, a mission that continues to contribute to security and stability in Kosovo, announced the NATO mission in Kosovo.

Ambassador Guerot: Nothing uncoordinated should be undertaken, health and education is an extremely sensitive issue (KiM radio, Media Center Caglavica)

Health and education are extremely sensitive issues and I believe that they should be discussed with the EU - nothing uncoordinated should be undertaken, said French Ambassador in Pristina Olivier Guerot, answering a question about the frequent statements about the integration of Serbian education and health into the Kosovo system, reported KiM radio.

The integration of the Serbian education and health system to the Kosovo one was discussed in the past few weeks by both domestic and international officials. And while Pristina and some international officials talk about the need to integrate these two systems, Serbian representatives claim that there is no international agreement that obliges them to do so. The outgoing German ambassador, Jorn Rohde, recently responded to claims made by the Serbian List’s representatives, that they are false, and that both the Brussels and Ohrid agreements obligate them to do so.

French Ambassador Olivier Guerot says the issue is very sensitive and that it is the subject of fake news and exaggeration. Therefore, he believes that this issue should be addressed within the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia with the mediation of the EU.

"Clearly - health and education are extremely sensitive issues and we believe that these issues should be discussed with the EU, the EU that managed the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. When I say the EU, of course, we are talking about institutions and member states - that is the best place to deal with this issue. There is great sensitivity regarding all of this, therefore nothing uncoordinated, unilateral should be undertaken, which does not mean that this issue should not be addressed. I believe that it is up to the EU to direct these discussions within the dialogue managed by the EU," Guerot said.

The French ambassador believes that the Serbs should be a part of the life of Kosovo, and not just, as he says, to keep their identity.

"This is why the capacity of young Kosovo Serbs and young Albanians to talk to each other, to share common things is needed. That is the way forward."

However, he says that one should not make hasty decisions regarding this issue.

"There is no need to rush into this issue. It is not something that can be achieved overnight, it requires a lot of sensitivity and empathy towards the people. I think that is important - empathy towards the people and their daily life, not only compliance within the framework of international law, whether Kosovo is recognized, really sovereign or not. What is important are everyday lives and when we talk about health and education, we are at the core of all that," he said.

Guerot reminded that France recognized Kosovo back in 2008 and that part of that was the multi-ethnic character of Kosovo. "The main institutional elements were in Ahtisaari's plan. It is very important for us that the balance that was established at that time is maintained and that the Serbian community in Kosovo has its rightful place in the institutions and in everyday life. In some of the actions, the actions of Albin Kurti's government in the north, we could discuss whether they were legitimate, but we always emphasize that they should not have a negative impact on the everyday lives of Kosovo Serbs," he underlined during the participation in the panel discussion "Disinformation and fake news in pre-election campaigns", held today in the Media Center Caglavica, reported KiM radio.

“Every time he speaks Serbian, Serbs lose one of their rights”: Veljkovic and Bisevac on Kurti’s message to Serbs (KoSSev, Danas)

After the topics on integrating Serbian education and healthcare systems in Kosovo have garnered interest of the public once again, and Kosovo police raided the Clinical Hospital Centre (KBC) facility in Mitrovica North and Health House, Kosovo Prime Minister in technical mandate made a video address in Serbian language, KoSSev portal reported today.

“There is no inter-ethnic intolerance in Kosovo as some are propagating. I am not against any ethnic community. I serve all citizens of our joint state. That is why I cannot accept that one political party takes over the monopoly over Serbs in Kosovo”, Kurti said, among others, in his video address in Serbian language. Kurti also said he advocates for “unity and equality”, adding dualism of healthcare and education systems is not sustainable and that he wants to carry out “integration of these systems together with Serbs”. As he said this will happen during his next mandate.

Veljkovic: “He is addressing his constituencies, who wish there are no Serbs in Kosovo”

Serbian Democracy vice president Stefan Veljkovic told Belgrade-based Danas daily “every Kurti’s address in Serbian language, means that Serbs in Kosovo will lose yet another of their rights”. “Last time these were registration plates, now ID cards, respectively vehicles registered in the cities in central Serbia. As far as integration of healthcare and education is concerned they have omitted one important step and that is the Community of Serbian-majority Municipalities”, Veljkovic said.

He recalled that all signed agreements between Belgrade and Pristina envisage integration only under the condition that the Community of Serbian Municipalities is established, so as part of these institutions healthcare and education systems are integrated. “More or less it is written in all agreements, given there is no Community of Serbian Municipalities we should act accordingly”, he argued.

Commenting on Kurti’s latest video address, Veljkovic said it is clear he is addressing “his ultra nationalistic constituencies”, who would wish, as he said, there are no Serbs in Kosovo, in particular in the north.

Bisevac: Imposed integration, instead of dialogue and agreement

President of the Serbian People’s Movement Milija Bisevac said Albin Kurti’s statements demonstrate that “his politics still takes the path of unilateral abolishment of the rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo”. “Instead of dialogue and agreement, an attempt is made to impose integration that would mean closure of institutions that are pillars of Serbs’ survival in Kosovo”, he said. He underlined that healthcare and education are not only administrative issues, but vital issues for each and entire Serbian community.

“Authorities in Pristina must be clearly told these are no parallel institutions, as we have no any alternative ones, neither schools, nor hospitals or any other health facilities. On the contrary, the health centre in Kosovska Mitrovica is a pillar of medical treatment of Serbs, same as for many others, Albanians, Roma and other ethnicities in Kosovo”, he added.

“We know it very well that Kosovo health system in Pristina is not ideal and that many Albanians are going for treatments in Belgrade, therefore preservation of our institutions can be in the service of other citizens in Kosovo”, Bisevac said, adding that best medical experts from Belgrade and also central Serbia, come to the Health Clinical Centre in Mitrovica North, which makes medical treatments much easier.

Commenting on Kurti’s acts, he said “everything Kurti does lately is part of the campaign he carries out ahead of elections”. He said what is particularly concerning is that the stance of Belgrade on these latest issues is neither sufficiently clear nor determined.

Mitrovica students demand transparency from Belgrade on education and health agreements (KoSSev)

A group of students from the University of Pristina, temporarily based in North Mitrovica, has called on Serbian authorities to publicly disclose any agreements concerning the integration of education and healthcare institutions in Kosovo – or to state clearly how they intend to address what the students describe as “a newly arisen problem”, KoSSev portal reported.

They argue that even before any formal integration, students and professors without Kosovo-issued documents are already facing severe restrictions on studying and working. The students point to the Kosovo government’s recent announcement on new entry and residency rules for those without Kosovo documents, which they say will directly impact the Serb community in Kosovo as well as students from central Serbia and university staff teaching there.

On Monday evening, Kosovo police published a digital brochure in three languages explaining entry, stay, movement and employment rules for foreigners. However, the authorities have yet to specify when the new policy will take effect.

The Mitrovica students argue that the conditions set by Kosovo for temporary residency permits for study or work are practically impossible to meet under the current status of the University, since the institution cannot issue the documentation required by Pristina.

They also called for a “third way” to secure the future of Serbian institutions in Kosovo, warning that neither integration nor relocation would solve the issue. “Fully aware of the situation, we believe that neither integration nor relocation is a solution, and we demand that a third way be found for the survival of the University, the entire education and healthcare system, and thereby students, pupils, teachers, and the Serb people in Kosovo and Metohija”, the group said.

Read full article at: https://shorturl.at/JfAhL

Man accused of espionage pleads not guilty before Kosovo court (KoSSev)

A man identified as H.S., charged with espionage, pleaded not guilty before a Kosovo court this week. According to the indictment, seen by Koha, H.S. allegedly cooperated with Serbia’s Security and Information Agency (BIA) for nearly 16 years. The document claims that, at BIA’s request, he joined the terrorist group ISIS in Syria to provide information on ethnic Albanians fighting in the Middle East.

H.S.’s lawyer, Ali Beka, asked the court to lift his client’s detention, arguing that the legal grounds for keeping him in custody no longer exist. Special prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu opposed the motion. Judge Leon Përlaska rejected the defense request and ruled that the security conditions for keeping H.S. in custody remain in place, Koha reports.

H.S. was arrested on May 6 on suspicion of providing information to Serbia’s BIA and has been held in custody since then. Known by the alias “Abusead Kosova,” he was previously convicted in 2022 for being part of ISIS during the Syrian conflict.

Read the full article at: https://shorturl.at/NVRLf

Six cases of domestic violence reported in Kosovo in one day (KoSSev)

KoSSev portal reported six cases of domestic violence were registered in Kosovo in one day – two in Pec, two in Pristina, one in Kacanik and one in Glogovac. As Kosovo police reported these cases were registered yesterday.

In Pec, an intoxicated man physically assaulted his mother. The suspect was detained. In another case also reported in Pec a man is accused of psychological harassment of his wife. This case goes in regular proceeding. In Kacanik, a man who is having psychological-mental issues was arrested under accusations of carrying out continuous physical and psychological violence against his wife. He was first taken to medical examination and then sent to detention. In Pristina two cases were reported – one involving a married couple with a female as a victim, with man sent to detention and the other one involving a husband detained over psychological harassment of his wife. In Glogovac a man was detained over physical violence against his wife.

Srbijagas CEO says new contract with Gazprom in October (N1)

The CEO of Serbia’s national natural gas supplier Srbijagas said that a new long-term contract with the Russian Gazprom will be signed in October. Dusan Bajatovic, a senior official of the ruling coalition’s Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), told Serbian public broadcaster RTS that gas prices for households will not be raised, adding that the possible new higher prices will be covered by Srbijagas.

He said negotiations on a new contract with Russians will be completed later this week with the same conditions as the previous contract. Bajatovic said the European Union sanctions on Russian companies will probably not have any effect on the gas coming through Turkey. He said an agreement has been reached with Azerbaijan for 2.5 million cubic meters a day and the Russians for 9.5 million cubic meters a day. He said that there is 780 million cubic meters stored at Banatski Dvor, half of that Russian, and another 200 million in Hungary, adding that this is enough to ensure supplies for at least 3 months.

Bajatovic: I expect another delay of US sanctions on NIS (Tanjug)

Srbijagas CEO Dusan Bajatovic said on Tuesday he expected another delay of US sanctions on Serbia's Russian-majority owned oil company NIS and noted that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, scheduled for later in the day, was very important as the sanctions were political. Bajatovic said he expected Vucic to also discuss the issue with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

"That bilateral part is very important because those are political sanctions. The Russians, too, have taken some measures in terms of changes to the way the NIS structure is managed, which I believe are insufficient. What I am afraid of more is the entry into force of European sanctions, because I am not certain JANAF will be in a position to join the transport of oil we are buying from third countries," Bajatovic told the RTS.

Opinion

Ex-senior US official adds weight to Thaci defence (BIRN)

Opinion piece by Dean B. Pineles

The outcome of trial may depend on whether James Rubin’s testimony - that Thaci was just a ‘front man’ for the KLA - is deemed credible.

On Monday, September 17, a rhetorical thunderclap shook the trial of Hashim Thaci and three co-defendants at the Kosovo Special Court in The Hague, KSC, as the defence presented its first witness, James Rubin, a former US Assistant Secretary of State from 1997 to 2000.

It was finally time for the defence to present its case, following two full years of prosecution evidence, from April 2023 to April 2025, and after nearly five years of detention for each of the four defendants, since early November 2020.

This came on the heels of massive demonstrations in Pristina on August 7, and outside the courthouse in The Hague on September 15, where protesters voiced strong support for the defendants as freedom fighters and liberators, not war criminals, and made clear their vehement opposition to the KSC. All of which created an aura of tension surrounding the trial proceedings.

The defence’s strategy will be to undermine the theory of the Special Prosecution Office, SPO, which includes the following:

The KLA was well-structured and hierarchical;

The defendants were at the highest level of the structure, with command responsibility;

They engaged in a joint criminal enterprise among themselves and others to control Kosovo though fear, intimidation, and the commission of heinous crimes against Serbians, Albanian opponents, and various minority groups throughout Kosovo and northern Albania, from March 1998 through September 1999;

These crimes constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity, including cruel treatment, illegal arrest and detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and murder of about 100 persons.

The SPO, during its two-year evidentiary presentation, called 125 witnesses, many of whom were protected and did not testify publicly, to prove the occurrence of these crimes and the defendants’ responsibility. The court also received hundreds of exhibits and thousands of pages of documents, including documents from Serbia. There were also 155 victims named as participants in the proceedings.

James Rubin was called as a witness for Hashim Thaci, and his testimony which lasted over three days directly challenged the lynchpins of the prosecution’s case.