UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, June 14, 2023

Albanian Language Media:

EU is preparing a package of sanctions against Kosovo (RFE)
EU on Kurti’s plan: We haven’t seen decisive steps towards de-escalation (media)
S. calls again on parties to reduce tensions in the north of Kosovo (Koha)
Geoana: NATO and the EU are making efforts for de-escalation (Koha)
UK: First steps should be taken to de-escalate the situation (media)
Lajcak's report, Osmani closer to EU requirements (Top Channel, Koha)
Albania-Kosovo meeting cancelled! Rama: I asked Kurti for bilateral meet (media)
Kosovo govt reacts: First time a joint meeting is canceled unilaterally (media)
AAK to Kurti: Urgently work with allies, Kosovo is in a difficult situation (Klan)
Krasniqi reacts to not holding the meeting of governments: Alarming! (media)
Osmani: Membership in the Council of Europe, an important step (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Peaceful night in the north of Kosovo; Vucic today with the representatives of the Quint countries (Danas)
Vucic discussed situation in Kosovo with US senators (Tanjug)
Brnabic: Kurti causing fresh escalation to avoid commitments (Tanjug)
Petkovic: Situation in north of Kosovo toughest to date (Tanjug, media)
Decani: The situation on the verge of a serious escalation, we pray to prevent deaths (KoSSev, Twitter)
SNF: The Serbian List has lost credibility to represent Serbs from Kosovo (KoSSev)
Serbian List leader Rakic assaulted by Kosovo Serb protesters (N1, nova.rs)
RFE: Borrell cabinet to impose sanctions on Pristina (N1)
Lajcak briefs North Atlantic Council on developments in Kosovo (N1)

International Media:

Kosovo PM presents plan to defuse tensions in Serb-majority area (Reuters)
The United States Is Creating a Kosovo Crisis (Financial Times)
Kosovo proposes 5-point plan to defuse tensions with Serbia (Euractiv)
Arrest in Northern Kosovo Tests De-Escalation Efforts (BIRN)
Witnesses Accuse Serbian Ex-Police Officer of Abuse and Murder (BIRN)
Kosovo PM Presents Plan to Defuse Tensions in Serb-Majority Area (VoA)
Kosovo: Why is tension flaring up again? (DW)
Plan To Defuse Tensions In Northern Kosovo Presented As Arrest Made In Clash With Peacekeepers (RFE)
3 Kosovo police officers injured during arrest of alleged organizer of Serb protests (AP)
US Senator: Kosovo to establish Association and hold elections in north (euronews.al)

Albanian Language Media

EU is preparing a package of sanctions against Kosovo (RFE)

The European Union has prepared initial measures, as sanctions against Kosovo due to the disregard of requests for immediate steps by the government of Kosovo to reduce tensions in the north, Radio Free Europe learns from diplomatic sources.

According to these measures, the sanctions will include the suspension of invitations for Kosovo's participation in high-level events and bilateral visits by the European Union and member countries. There will be meetings only when they should be held to focus on addressing the crisis in the north of Kosovo and steps to find a solution.

The other sanction is expected to include the joint work of the groups that exist between Kosovo and the EU, which were created on the basis of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

The meeting of a sub-committee, the one for trade, industry, customs and taxes, which was supposed to be held on June 8, but which did not take place, has already been suspended. The next meeting, which is expected to be suspended, is the one on June 21 and 22, of the sub-commission for justice, freedom and security.

There will also be financial consequences for Kosovo. A significant suspension of financing by the EU of several projects for which Kosovo has given proposals within the Investment Fund for the Western Balkans is planned.

The EU, as a sanction against Kosovo, has planned to reduce the level of public presence in joint developments and events where members of the government of Kosovo participate. This measure is expected to include meetings within the framework of financial cooperation.

EU on Kurti’s plan: We haven’t seen decisive steps towards de-escalation (media)

The European Union has confirmed that it has received a letter from Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, which contains his five-point plan to reduce tensions in the north, but the European bloc currently said that it considers that the Kosovo Prime Minister “has not taken appropriate steps”.

EU spokesperson Peter Stano, told Radio Free Europe that in Brussels, they are continuing to consider possible measures against Kosovo, if the appropriate steps are not taken in the meantime.

“Until now, we have not seen any immediate and decisive steps by Prime Minister Kurti. The recent developments in the north of Kosovo only prove that the escalation is continuing and this goes against the interests of Kosovo and all the people in Kosovo”, said Stano.

On June 13, Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that he has sent Borrell a five-point plan that, according to him, would help reduce tensions in the north. He has also discussed this plan with the representatives of the QUINT countries.

Stano said that some of the measures that will be taken against Kosovo have been shared with the member states of the bloc, according to him, if Kurti does not take adequate steps and immediately reduce tensions in the north.

“Discussions between the member countries are continuing and the high representative, Josep Borrell, is in permanent contact with the leaders of the region and those of the European Union member countries”, said Stano.

U.S. calls again on parties to reduce tensions in the north of Kosovo (Koha)

The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday that it continues to call on Kosovo and Serbia to take immediate action to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo. "The United States and the European Union have made our expectations clear to both sides. These discussions are continuing", said a Department of State spokesperson for Radio Free Europe when asked how Washington comments on the five-point plan of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, to reduce tensions in the north.

"Those who are responsible for the violent attacks must be held accountable, after a proper legal process and with full transparency," the spokesperson said when asked about the first point of Kurti’s plan which foresees identification, prosecution and fair trial of all members "of the criminal groups that have attacked the Police, NATO troops and journalists ” in the north of Kosovo.

Geoana: NATO and the EU are making efforts for de-escalation (Koha)

NATO Deputy Secretary General, General Mircea Geoana, met the EU's special representative Miroslav Lajcak, who informed him about the latest developments in the north of Kosovo.

Geoana said that the cooperation between NATO and the EU in the region continues to make a difference. "KFOR, the allies as well as the European Union and the OSCE have been tireless in their efforts to de-escalate the situation in the north of Kosovo and to bring both parties to the negotiating table, within the framework of the dialogue led by the EU between Belgrade and Pristina,” he siad.

UK: First steps should be taken to de-escalate the situation (media)

The British Embassy in Pristina said that the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has not sent QUINT his plan for de-escalation of the situation in the north, however, during the meeting on June 13, the ambassadors discussed this plan.

Kurti on Tuesday presented a five-point plan, which he said would help defuse the situation. He said that he has sent this plan to the head of diplomacy of the European Union, Josep Borrell, and presented it to the representatives of the QUINT states.

"Clearly, the new local elections, where the Serbian population of Kosovo would also participate, are a possible solution. However, the position of the United Kingdom continues to be that first steps should be taken to immediately de-escalate the situation, especially the special police units should be removed from the buildings of the municipality of Zvecan, Leposaviq and Zubin Potok and that the mayors of these municipalities should continue their work from alternative locations", the British Embassy told Radio Free Europe when asked about their position on the plan presented by Kurti.

Lajcak's report, Osmani closer to EU requirements (Top Channel, Koha)

The European Union's special envoy for the Balkans, Miroslav Lajcak, has informed the members of the North Atlantic Council in Brussels about the Kosovo crisis and the talks on its solution.

The report was held on Tuesday afternoon and diplomatic sources told Top Channel that Lajcak defined that the situation in the north of Kosovo was provoked "by the sudden, unnecessary and uncoordinated action of the government of Kosovo with KFOR".

According to Lajcak, Kurti wanted to take advantage of the situation to extend control to the north. Meanwhile, violence against KFOR soldiers was committed by local Serb criminal elements and those from Serbia.

Lajcak said that it was KFOR that stopped the clash between the parties. After this event, the diplomatic action started.

Lajcak's first meeting, accompanied by the U.S. emissary, Gabriel Escobar, was with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, to whom he asked to withdraw the police, the mayors of the municipalities to work temporarily in another location and to announce the elections in the four northern municipalities.

Kurti asked to sit at the dialogue table and implement the points of the Ohrid agreement. But, according to Lajcak, Kurti has not yet accepted any of the requests.

On Monday, the head of the European Union's Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, had a long phone call with Kurti and the latter again refused to fill in these points.

Lajcak even reported that after the conversation, Kurti wrote a letter to Borrell explaining why these points cannot be fulfilled now.

Meanwhile, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani gave signs that she is closer to the requirements of the European Union, especially for the organization of new elections in the north.

From the Serbian side, the demands were presented to the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic. He was asked to lower the army's alert level, convince Serbs to participate in new local elections, and withdraw Serb protesters from municipal buildings. Also, the Serbs should sit at the dialogue table and complete the points of the agreement reached in Ohrid.

Monday was the deadline for fulfilling the first three demands, but Vucic did not keep his promise, the media report.

Albania-Kosovo meeting cancelled! Rama: I asked Kurti for bilateral meet (media)

“The meeting of the two Albania-Kosovo governments has been cancelled”. This is what Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama told a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. He said that after communicating with the head of European diplomacy, he requested a meeting with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and with the foreign and defense ministers to discuss this situation which, according to him, is “dramatically tearing Kosovo apart from the Euro-Atlantic community.”, but there was no agreement with Prime Minister Kurti for this format change.

Kurti requested that the meeting be held normally, but this is not possible according to Rama.

“Apologies for this unusual hour, but it is an extraordinary communication, which is related to tomorrow’s meeting of the two governments in Gjakova. I have informed Prime Minister Kurti that in the conditions of hourly worsening of Kosovo’s relations with the entire Euro-Atlantic community, this meeting cannot be held in the anticipated format. After speaking in the afternoon with the head of European diplomacy, Joseph Borrel, I asked Albin to meet tomorrow in Gjakove in a narrower format, namely with the foreign and defense ministers to discuss exactly this situation, which is dramatically dividing Kosovo with the Euro-Atlantic community at an unimaginable point, where the latter has put its finger, in fact, on the button that will set in motion the plan of sanctions against the state that created it. Unfortunately and with great regret I have to say that we did not have an agreement with Prime Minister Kurti on a change of format, he requested that the meeting be held normally and then we discuss about this as well, but this is not possible because it is not a moment to create a false picture of what actually happens in the reality of Kosovo today. Maybe it is not a final answer from the prime minister, I really hope that we can meet to confront the opinions in the conditions when, I repeat, we are on the verge of putting the plan into motion, because I don’t even want to talk about sanctions, but of austerity measures against a state that was created by those who are clearly in the conditions of the sauce of patience. I made an effort to ask for a little more time, I got a little more time, but if we can’t use this time for a common sense among all, then I’m very afraid that the plan, which is a really very serious for Kosovo, will be put into motion,” Rama said.

Rama also said that the problem is not Albin Kurti’s, but Kosovo and the Albanian nation, which risks appearing in a bad light in the eyes of those who have made this nation to be in its best days in its thousand-year history.

“Albania is not a UFO, it does not operate in isolation and Albania’s relationship with Kosovo is a brotherly relationship, but Albania is a country that is an inseparable part of the Euro-Atlantic community, is a member of NATO and has no chance for Albania to move from the axis of the Euro-Atlantic community, I don’t know what. We don’t think 99, but 100% the same as our allies think in this case,” Rama said.

Kosovo govt reacts: First time a joint meeting is canceled unilaterally (media)

The Kosovo government has reacted to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s decision to annul the joint meeting of the two governments planned for today. “The joint meetings are a huge organizational undertaking, preceded by a great deal of work by the ministries to prepare for that day. Tomorrow, 13 new agreements would have to be signed. They were intended to bring our economies, our systems of justice, education, culture, etc. closer together. It is the citizens who will lose the most. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Rama's cancellation of the meeting canceled the opportunity to sign them. Bilateral meetings could be held every other day. We are quite close to each other as countries. It wouldn't be the first time we would meet in the same day. But it is the first time that a joint meeting has been canceled unilaterally,” the statement notes.

AAK to Kurti: Urgently work with allies, Kosovo is in a difficult situation (Klan)

The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) called on Prime Minister Albin Kurti on Tuesday to act as soon as possible in cooperation with the allies, regarding the developments in the north.

"Kosovo has never been in a more serious political, diplomatic and security situation than today. We ask Prime Minister Kurti to urgently coordinate actions with international allies, with the USA in particular, before the situation escalates and takes an even more serious direction!” the AAK said in a Facebook post.

Krasniqi reacts to not holding the meeting of governments: Alarming! (media)

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi, has reacted on the recent developments, where it is reported that the joint meeting of the two governments of Albania and Kosovo has been cancelled. He writes that today more than ever, Kosovo needs Albania.

"ALARMING! At a time when all Western allies are disappointed with the Government of Kosovo, we need Albania more than ever!" he wrote.

Osmani: Membership in the Council of Europe, an important step (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said on Tuesday that Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe would be an important step for the further strengthening and advancement of human rights through the mechanisms offered by the Council, which would serve as an additional mechanism for the protection and guarantee of rights of all citizens of Kosovo.

In a meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Osmani expressed confidence that Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe will be positively evaluated by the MPs of the member states in the Parliamentary Assembly, and expressed his full commitment to continue joint work with friendly countries to further advance this process, it is stated in the press release of the Presidency.

"President Osmani has emphasized the commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to democracy, rule of law and human rights, as the three fundamental pillars on which the Council of Europe stands. President Osmani emphasized that Kosovo is the embodiment of the values represented by the Council of Europe", it continues.

Serbian Language Media

Peaceful night in the north of Kosovo, Vucic today with the representatives of the Quint countries (Danas)

The night passed peacefully in the north of Kosovo. Milun Milenkovic, who was arrested yesterday in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, was detained for 48 hours, lawyer Nebojsa Vlajic confirmed for RTS. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic meets with representatives of the Quint countries, reported Danas, citing RTS.

Vucic discussed situation in Kosovo with US senators (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke by phone with US Senators Chris Murphy, Jeanne Shaheen and Pete Ricketts on Tuesday, reported Tanjug.

The situation in the north of Kosovo was the sole topic of the conversation, the presidential press office said in a statement.

In a clear and unequivocal manner, Vucic told the senators the arrest of Serb Milun Milenkovic in Kosovska Mitrovica earlier in the day was a provocation and a crime by Pristina's PM Albin Kurti, who he said was trying to start a war at the heart of Europe.

Vucic also said Serbia was doing everything in its power to preserve peace but that the extent of torture and persecution against Kosovo Serbs was greater than ever in the past fifteen years.

The statement also said the senators had told Vucic they demanded that Serbia exercise restraint and call for peace as this was in the best interest of all in the Western Balkans.

Brnabic: Kurti causing fresh escalation to avoid commitments (Tanjug)

Commenting on the latest developments in the north of Kosovo, Serbian PM Ana Brnabic said on Tuesday they were another provocation by Pristina's PM Albin Kurti, who she said was causing a fresh escalation and a new wave of violence to avoid commitments from the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities.

Speaking to reporters in London, where she is on a two-day visit, Brnabic appealed to international partners to help Belgrade to preserve peace and stability and to keep insisting on implementation of all agreements.

She said her meeting with the UK's special Western Balkans envoy Stuart Peach on Monday evening had addressed ways to improve the situation in the Western Balkans and "create better cooperation in that sense and closer cooperation between Britain and Serbia."

"We especially touched upon the topic of Kosovo-Metohija," she added.

Brnabic said she had told Peach that Kurti had "not only not implemented the Brussels Agreement, but also made moves that are directly contrary to what is contained in the Brussels Agreement."

Petkovic: Situation in north of Kosovo-Metohija toughest to date (Tanjug, media)

The head of the Serbian government Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic said on Tuesday Belgrade would do everything to preserve peace in Kosovo and avert war, but noted that the situation in the north of the province was the toughest to date.

“Instead of withdrawing his occupation forces and moving towards de-escalation, Pristina's PM Albin Kurti is deploying more police forces in the north of Kosovo-Metohija,” Petkovic said at an extraordinary press conference after Pristina's police arrested Serb Milun Lune Milenkovic in Mitrovica North yesterday.

"How can we head towards de-escalation when Kurti is opposing the international community in this way?" he said.

He added that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had spoken with EU special envoy Miroslav Lajcak on multiple occasions and with many other international representatives earlier in the day to ensure they "reason with Kurti and make him give up on actions aimed at expelling Serbs from Kosovo-Metohija."

"We call on KFOR to react and intervene urgently to remove ROSU special forces from the north of Kosovo-Metohija, as well as occupiers who attack unarmed Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija, because there will be no peace for Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija as long as they are in the north," Petkovic said.

Responding to questions from reporters, he said the goal of Kurti's policy was to provoke conflicts and war in the north of Kosovo.

"As a responsible party, we will be doing what we have been doing in the past months in order to preserve peace. Preserving peace is important, but no one knows what is going on inside Kurti's head," Petkovic said.

He said that KP had been after Milenkovic for months prior to the arrest because he was fighting for Serbian interests.

"He was arrested in the centre at mid-day, in a hairdressing parlour that was surrounded by eight vehicles. There was a siege at the time of the arrest, a large number of police forces crossed into the northern part of the town and threw tear gas at people in the streets, holding passers-by at gunpoint," Petkovic said.

Decani: The situation on the verge of a serious escalation, we pray to prevent deaths (KoSSev, Twitter)

The situation in North Mitrovica is on the verge of a significant escalation after yesterday's morning heavily armed police action by the Kosovo authorities, read a warning message from Visoki Decani, reported KoSSev portal.

The reaction came immediately after the arrest of M.M. who was charged by the Kosovo authorities with three criminal offences, including allegedly being "the main organizer of the attack on KFOR".

Read the Visoki Decani Tweeter post at: https://shorturl.at/zBIV8

SNF: The Serbian List has lost credibility to represent Serbs from Kosovo (KoSSev)

The Serbian National Forum announced yesterday and directly accused Serbian List of having, as they claim, led the Serbian people to "the edge of the abyss and to unfathomable consequences." They claim that the Serbian List has lost its remaining credibility to represent the remaining Serbs in Kosovo, reported KoSSev portal.

"It's the last moment (if it hasn't already passed) for us to come to our senses, to turn to ourselves, to look at each other as brothers and, with God's help, try to save ourselves, to save our children, our country and our posterity," said the Serbian National Forum.

"It has been 11 years since our fate, as well as the fate of our state in Kosovo and Metohija, was handed over to half world from the so-called Serbian list, and to Aleksandar Vucic, who in recent years has been building a career, buying international support with our lives and our blood," said NSF in its announcement.

The SNF especially invites the SPC to support, bless and actively participate in the work of the SNF, reported KoSSev.

Serbian List leader Rakic assaulted by Kosovo Serb protesters (N1, nova.rs)

The leader of the Serbian List Goran Rakic was assaulted by angry protesters in Mitrovica North on Tuesday, the Nova.rs portal reported.

Kosovo Serbs gathered yesterday following the arrest of a person in Mitrovica North by KP special forces. M.M was arrested on suspicion of instigating clashes between local Serbs and KFOR last week. They gathered in front of a building where the Serbian List leaders were, chanting insults against them and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Witnesses told Nova.rs that Rakic was approached by a crowd and assaulted for about a minute. “They pulled his lapels and physically assaulted him, but I didn’t see that he was hit,” one of the witnesses said. The portal said that it was told by other witnesses that Serbian List official Igor Simic managed to get away from the crowd.

RFE: Borrell cabinet to impose sanctions on Pristina (N1)

Radio Free Europe said on Tuesday that was told by diplomatic sources that European Union High Representative Josep Borrell’s team put together a package of measures directed against Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government for lacking the political will to de-escalate the situation in majority-Serb northern municipalities, reported N1.

The unnamed sources are reported to have said that the measures include a ban on inviting officials from Pristina to high-level events and on bilateral visits to Kosovo except those intended to help resolve the crisis as wll as a reduced presence at events linked to financial cooperation with the EU.

The measures include an end to significant EU financing starting with a suspension of the proposals submitted by the Kosovo government at the latest meeting of the Western Balkans Investment Fund as well as a suspension of activities by some sub-committees within the framework of the Stabilization and Association Agreement.

European Commission Spokesman Peter Stano confirmed that Borrell’s cabinet has sent EU member states copies of the draft measures which will be implemented unless Kurti takes immediate, adequate steps to de-escalate the situation and lower tensions.

RFE said that diplomatic sources indicated that some EU member states have already imposed measures similar to Borrell’s package of measures.

The EU called Pristina to invest effort to de-escalate the situation in the north after newly-elected ethnic Albanian mayors were escorted to their offices by the police, provoking riots by local Serbs in northern municipalities. The EU warned that it would take measures against politicians refusing to help calm the situation.

Lajcak briefs North Atlantic Council on developments in Kosovo (N1)

EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak briefed the North Atlantic Council on recent developments in northern Kosovo and the EU’s current diplomatic efforts, a NATO press release said on Tuesday.

“The excellent, long-standing cooperation between NATO and the EU in the region continues to make a difference,” it quoted Deputy NATO Secretary General Mircea Geoană as saying.

He said that NATO Headquarters, KFOR, the EU and OSCE have been trying to de-escalate the situation in northern Kosovo and bring both sides to the negotiation table, within the framework of the EU-led Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

“NATO has been committed to stability in the Western Balkans for decades; our KFOR mission on the ground, with well over 4,000 troops is the strongest demonstration of this commitment,” he said.

The press release said that NATO continues to support the EU-facilitated dialogue as the only way to lasting peace and security in Kosovo and stability across the region.

Grenell: Kurti responded to the demands of the US and the EU with a "middle finger" (Kosovo Online)

The former US Special Envoy for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Richard Grenell, wrote in a Twitter post that Kosovo PM Albin Kurti responded to the demands of the administration of President Joseph Biden and the EU to calm the crisis "with the middle finger " and further escalation of the situation, reported Kosovo Online.

Grenell reminded on Twitter that "Joe Biden and the Europeans drew a red line last week".

"They said that Albin Kurti must immediately de-escalate the situation and launch new elections. This morning Kurti showed them the middle finger and further escalated the situation. Another red line has been crossed - countries do not respect Joe Biden," Grenell said with a video of today's events in North Mitrovica.

International Media

Kosovo PM presents plan to defuse tensions in Serb-majority area (Reuters)

Kosovo's prime minister on Tuesday presented a plan to defuse tensions in its Serb-majority north that would include fresh local elections and cuts in special police, bowing to pressure from key Western supporters of its independence.

But the arrest the same day of a Serb identified by the Kosovo Albanian interior minister as an organiser of assaults on NATO peacekeepers during Serb unrest last month stirred fresh anger in the volatile region.

Around 200 Serbs gathered in North Mitrovica to protest against the arrest, with Kosovo Albanian police in anti-riot gear standing a few hundred metres away. U.S. soldiers with the KFOR peacekeeping force were also in the vicinity.