UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, November 6, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

“European draft statute on Association is not a non-paper, but a document” (media)
Kurti: Survivors of sexual violence during the war, demand social care and justice (media)
Osmani: Youth and children, Kosovo’s most valuable asset (media)
COMKFOR meets EULEX chief, express support for EU-facilitated dialogue (media)
Kosovo Customs with record-setting revenues of over €1.5 billion (media)
Krasniqi: Regardless of who will be President, American policy will not change in relation to Kosovo (Reporteri)
Citaku: Relations with US have reached weakest level in more than three decades (Klan)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucevic met Li, thanked him for China’s stance on Kosovo issue (Tanjug)
Dendias: Greece's stance on Kosovo remains unchanged, dialogue is path to regional stability (Kosovo Online)
Brnabic met Egyptian Senate President (Tanjug)
Stano: Calling draft statue A/CSM ‘non paper’ is disrespectful to EU Council (Kosovo Online)
COM KFOR met EULEX chief, they reiterated support to Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Kosovo Online, social media)
Serbian European Integration Minister: Less progress in more chapters than last year (N1)
Protesters throw red paint, stones at Novi Sad City Hall, police respond with teargas (N1)

International Media:

Activists accuse Kosovo’s ‘Big Brother’ show of promoting domestic violence (Balkan Insight)
Grief sparks furious protest in Serbia after Novi Sad station disaster (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

“European draft statute on Association is not a non-paper, but a document” (media)

Spokesperson for the European Union, Peter Stano, said on Tuesday, that in the December 2023 conclusions, the EU Council welcomed the readiness of Serbia and Kosovo to accept the draft statute [on the Association of Serb-majority municipalities] that was presented to the parties by the EU facilitator. “This represents a formal acceptance of the document by all 27 member states. Calling the European draft statute as a ‘non paper’ is ignoring the call of the EU Council to act without delay on its implementation,” he said.

Stano also said that Kosovo has a formal obligation, accepted in the dialogue agreements in 2013 and 2023, ratified in the Kosovo Assembly with a two thirds majority and the proposal was accepted in principle by leaders from Kosovo and Serbia.

“The Kosovo government cannot renounce its responsibilities from the dialogue or to delegate it to Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo,” Stano said.

Kurti: Survivors of sexual violence during the war, demand social care and justice (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti participated in the ceremony organised by the Jahjaga Foundation, with the theme "Advancement of the Role of Women, Peace and Security", which was held in Pristina. In his address, he said that marking the 25th anniversary of the end of the war and the liberation of Kosovo this year was full of events of reflection and inspiration, such as the one organised by the Jahjaga Foundation.

"The narratives of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo prove that all wounds require both social care and state justice. They remind us that support for survivors is a joint obligation and task, which requires permanent commitment. Their voice is essential in our transitional justice processes, which recognize the pain of the past and encourage hope for the future", Kurti said among other things.

Osmani: Youth and children, Kosovo’s most valuable asset (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a post on X on Tuesday that “by 2050, 140 million children will face poverty, displacement, and mental health challenges due to climate change. This is no longer just an environmental crisis, but a humanitarian one. Our youth and children are Kosovo's most valuable asset, and by placing them at the heart of our policies, we can ensure a sustainable future. Together with UNICEF Kosovo we reaffirmed that the future of our children is intertwined with caring for our planet. Every action matters”.

Osmani made these remarks at the launch of a UNICEF Kosovo report titled “Climate Landscape Analysis for Children”. “Children in Kosovo deserve clean air, safe water, and a world free from climate change's impacts. This requires our collective action. With 4.2 billion children expected to be born globally in the next 30 years, it’s our responsibility to prepare them for this reality,” UNICEF Kosovo said in a post on X.

See full report at: https://shorturl.at/5DvmK

COMKFOR meets EULEX chief, express support for EU-facilitated dialogue (media)

Commander of NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, Major General Enrico Barduani, met on Tuesday with the Head of the EU Rule of Law (EULEX) mission, Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano. “They reiterated their common commitment, as, respectively, Kosovo’s second and third security responders, and their support to the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, as a key factor to security and stability challenges in Kosovo. Today’s visit was part of the KFOR Commander’s regular exchanges with his main counterparts, in Kosovo and across the region,” KFOR said in a Facebook post.

Kosovo Customs with record-setting revenues of over €1.5 billion (media)

Kosovo Customs said in a statement on Tuesday that this year it has marked the biggest amount of customs revenue with over €1.5 billion, and that it marks a significant increase of 10.5 percent compared to the same period from last year. The Customs also said that “the increase has been impacted by the improvement in customs procedures, the fight against smuggling and increased transparency”.

Krasniqi: Regardless of who will be President, American policy will not change in relation to Kosovo (Reporteri)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi does not expect the American policy to change against Kosovo, regardless of who will win the elections in the United States of America.

Krasniqi has said that he feels proud that the people of Kosovo are the most pro-American people.

"I am glad that as a people we follow the elections in America with increased interest because these elections are obviously important for our country and region. Therefore, I appreciate that you have undertaken such an initiative together with the Embassy to gather people from different fields, to bring festivity to this holiday that will be for the citizens and the American people", said Krasniqi.

Citaku: Relations with US have reached weakest level in more than three decades (Klan)

The former ambassador of Kosovo to the USA, Vlora Citaku, through a post on Facebook, said that the nature of relations with the USA does not depend only on who is in the White House, but according to her, also who is in charge of Kosovo's institutions.

“Joe Biden is Kosovo's greatest friend, familiar with the Kosovo issue in detail. Unfortunately, due to the adventurous and irresponsible approach of the government of Kosovo, the relations with the USA have reached the weakest level in more than three decades", Citaku wrote among other things.

Serbian Language Media

Vucevic met Li, thanked him for China’s stance on Kosovo issue (Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic met on Tuesday in Shanghai with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, with whom he confirmed the steely friendship between the two countries, inviting him to visit Serbia next year. Li accepted the invitation, also inviting Vucevic to an official visit to China.

Vucevic thanked Li for the hospitality and for the opportunity to attend the 7th China International Import Expo in Shanghai. He also congratulated Li on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of PR China. He noted that, during President Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia, the Chinese President and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic had set the directions for further cooperation, raising bilateral relations to a higher level. Besides economic cooperation, Serbia is interested in boosting cooperation in education, science and health care, he added.

Vucevic has also thanked China for its principled position on the Kosovo issue and for voting against a Srebrenica resolution in the UNGA.

Dendias: Greece's stance on Kosovo remains unchanged, dialogue is path to regional stability (Kosovo Online)

Serbian Minister of Défense Bratislav Gasic met on Tuesday Minister of National Défense of Greece, Nikolaos Dendias, at Banjica 2 barracks in Belgrade, and said on this occasion that Pristina’s unilateral actions, which, as he emphasised, go unpunished by international institutions, threaten continuation of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and agreements that have been reached. Dendias emphasised that Greece's stance on not recognizing Kosovo remains firm, adding that dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is the only path to prosperity and stability in the region.

Gasic has also informed Dendias of a series of unilateral actions by Pristina, accompanied by an increase in ethnically motivated incidents targeting the Serbian population. "The non-recognition of so-called Kosovo by Greece is a friendly position towards Serbia and also an indicator of Athens' consistency in respecting the sovereignty of other states. During today’s discussions, we informed the Greek side of a series of unilateral actions by the provisional self-governing institutions in Pristina, which have been followed by an increase in ethnically motivated incidents directed at the Serbian population. We express great concern, as such actions, which go unpunished by international institutions, threaten the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, invalidate all discussions and agreements reached, and render the dialogue process meaningless, despite Serbia's commitment and interest in continuing it", Gasic underlined.

"Greece is part of the KFOR Mission, and we are ready to make every effort towards maintaining stability in the region. I would also like to remind you of Greece's position regarding the Western Balkans – Greece advocates for lasting peace, stability, and security through good neighbourly relations, respect for international law, and the rule of law", Dendias stated, emphasising that Greece believes all Western Balkan countries should become members of the European Union. He also expressed support for Serbia's decision to pursue this European path and congratulated Serbia on the progress it has made.

Brnabic met Egyptian Senate President (Tanjug)

After a meeting with Egyptian Senate President Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razeq in Belgrade, Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic thanked Egypt for its support on all issues that were important for Serbia, as well as for its restraint and respect for Belgrade's position that Kosovo is a part of Serbian territory, Tanjug news agency reported. Brnabic noted that there was ample space for further advancement of bilateral relations. She also said Abdel-Razeq was on a five-day visit to Serbia, adding that this was a testimony to the close ties between the two countries.

"I am pleased that this visit by the Senate President paves the way for further cooperation and that it follows in the wake of visits at the highest level", Brnabic told a press conference with Abdel-Razeq, noting that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had hosted the President of Egypt in 2022 and that, among other documents, a FTA had been signed during Vucic's return visit to Egypt.

Abdel-Razeq said he was pleased to be visiting friendly Serbia and also proud of the bilateral cooperation, which he said he wanted to strengthen. He also said the presidential visits had laid solid foundations for bilateral relations.

Stano: Calling draft statue A/CSM ‘non paper’ is disrespectful to EU Council (Kosovo Online)

Kosovo cannot run away from its obligations deriving from Brussels agreement and calling the European draft statute of Association/Community of Serbian Municipalities (A/CSM) ”a non paper” demonstrates lack of respect towards obligations deriving from the dialogue, EU Spokesperson Peter Stano said, Kosovo Online portal reported citing Dukagjini media outlet.

"Calling the draft statute a 'non-paper' is a disregard of a call of the Council of European Union to act on the basis of it, without further delays, in the direction of establishing the A/CSM", Stano said.

In October 2023, the EU submitted to Pristina and Belgrade a draft statute for the formation of A/CSM. The United States, Germany, France and Italy supported it. Since then, the United States and the European Union have repeatedly called on Kosovo to send this draft statute to the Constitutional Court.

Officials of Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government have in the past described the European draft statute as "a non-paper", the portal recalled.

COM KFOR met EULEX chief, they reiterated support to Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Kosovo Online, social media)

KFOR Commander Major General Enrico Barduani met yesterday with the Head of EULEX Mission in Kosovo Giovanni Barbano in Film City camp in Pristina, Kosovo Online portal reported.

As KFOR said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday during the meeting “they reiterated their common commitment, as, respectively, Kosovo’s second and third security responders, and their support to the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, as a key factor to security and stability challenges in Kosovo. Today’s visit was part of the KFOR Commander’s regular exchanges with his main counterparts, in Kosovo and across the region”.

“#KFOR continues to implement its mandate - based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to provide a safe and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at all time and impartially. #KFOR is the third security responder, after the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law (EULEX) mission, respectively, with whom we work in close coordination”, the statement added.

Serbian European Integration Minister: Less progress in more chapters than last year (N1)

Serbian Minister for European Integration Tanja Miscevic said that many of the recommendations from last year's European Commission (EC) progress report on Serbia have not been fulfilled, and that this year there were more chapters in which no progress was recorded, N1 reported.

The areas where no progress has been made include freedom of expression and public administration, Miscevic said, adding that there are still a large number of acting directors in public enterprises. She also commented on the fact that, under the old law, the term in office of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) Council has ended, and that she expects the process of electing new members to begin immediately.

Commenting on the amendments to the Criminal Code, Miscevic said this job was to be completed by the end of the year, but that the public requested an extension of the public discussion. In her opinion, the biggest disappointment is the lack of progress in Chapter 33, on financial and budgetary provisions, because, as she said, Serbia has been requesting European Commission’s assistance to strengthen capacities since 2014, but has not yet received it. The minister also said she was surprised that the EC report paid little attention to the Reform Agenda and everything that has been achieved through that agenda, which should be an indicator of Serbia’s credibility and progress.

Protesters throw red paint, stones at Novi Sad City Hall, police respond with teargas (N1)

Protesters gathered in front of Novi Sad City Hall on Tuesday evening, where riot police were stationed. The demonstrators proceeded to throw stones and red paint at the building’s doors, shattering the glass. Masked individuals then attempted to forcibly enter the City Hall, prompting the police to respond with teargas, N1 reported.

A large banner reading “You will answer for this” was carried by many of the demonstrators who had arrived at the scene. Organisers worked to calm the crowd. N1’s reporter said the protesters have issued a 48-hour deadline for their demands to be met. Failure to do so, they warned, would result in the protest moving to Belgrade.

The protesters are calling for several high-profile resignations, including that of Construction Minister Goran Vesic, who has already stepped down, as well as Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric and Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Novi Sad to demand accountability following the deadly November 1 collapse of a concrete canopy at the city’s main train station. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 14 people and left another 3 seriously injured.

International Media

Activists accuse Kosovo’s ‘Big Brother’ show of promoting domestic violence (Balkan Insight)

Human rights groups have reacted in outrage after Kosovo's version of the 'Big Brother' reality TV series arranged for a contestant to confront her ex-husband, who has been charged with domestic violence, on the set of the show.

Activists are calling for legal action after ‘Big Brother VIP Kosovo’, a reality TV show aired by Kosovo broadcaster Klan Kosova, on Monday introduced a new contestant who has been charged with domestic violence.

The new contestant, Atilla Kardesh, is the former husband of singer and beauty pageant winner Drenusha Latifi, who made the domestic violence accusations against him. Kardesh has denied the allegations.