UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, September 23, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Duncan: I’ve seen no evidence that Thaci was KLA commander in chief (media)
Kurti: My position on Special Court has not changed, I followed Rubin’s testimony partially (AP)
Kurti: Kosovo among the safest countries, sign of strong institutions (media)
Svecla: Kosovo ranked first in Europe for safety, extraordinary success (media)
U.S. Amendment on Kosovo seen as key test for NATO enlargement policy (AP)
Janjic: Radoicic and Banjska group were trained by Serbian army (media)

Serbian Language Media:

President Vucic arrives in New York, to take part in UN General Assembly session (Tanjug, media)
Djuric meets OSCE Secretary General in New York, discusses human rights situation of Serbs in Kosovo (media)
Djuric: Serbia sees Adriatic–Ionian Initiative as a key platform for regional cooperation (media, social media)
Serbian Democracy: Decision to register residence for ‘foreigners’ jeopardize work of Serbian University (Radio KIM, social media)
Kosovo Football Federation organizes tournament in North Mitrovica amid tight security (KoSSev)
Grbovic: Decline in EU popularity in Serbia due to numerous actors and factors (N1)

International:

Kosovo mourns legendary actor and director Enver Petrovci (Balkan Insight)
Kosovo court’s ‘lenient’ plea deal with BIRN journalist’s harassers criticized (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

Duncan: I’ve seen no evidence that Thaci was KLA commander in chief (media)

Former British diplomat and advisor to then-NATO SACEUR General Wesley Clark, John Stewart Duncan, said on the first day of his testimony in the Hague that he never saw any evidence that Hashim Thaci had the role of commander-in-chief of the Kosovo Liberation Army. “The commander in chief is about command and control. Command relates to the right to give orders, directions, guidance, while control includes the ability to carry out this command and to make sure that the orders or guidance that are given is effectively enforced,” he argued.

Duncan also said that he never saw Thaci giving directives or orders.

Kurti: My position on Special Court has not changed, I followed Rubin’s testimony partially (AP)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, stated that he has partially followed the testimony of former senior U.S. official James Rubin at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, emphasizing that his stance on the Special Court remains unchanged. "I followed it partially, as much as I could due to numerous engagements and activities. [...] My position on the Special Court has never changed," Kurti told reporters.

He confirmed the institutional and financial support provided by the government for the process, adding that the executive’s role is limited and that he will refrain from making political evaluations until the judicial process concludes.

When asked about the mention of Adem Demaci in Rubin’s testimony as a key influence on Hashim Thaci during the war years, Kurti declined to comment. He also did not answer whether he believes that the former KLA leaders will be acquitted.

Rubin testified for three consecutive days in The Hague, during which he rejected the charges against Thaci, emphasizing the absence of a centralized chain of command within the KLA and Thaci’s limited decision-making authority.

Kurti: Kosovo among the safest countries, sign of strong institutions (media)

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti has responded to the publication of the Global Safety Report 2025 by the Gallup Institute, which ranks Kosovo first in Europe on the Law and Order Index, and third globally for safety when walking alone at night. In a post on the X platform, Kurti said this is a significant indicator that Kosovo’s citizens are enjoying one of their most fundamental rights, security. He emphasized that Kosovo was also ranked among the top ten safest countries in the world for walking alone at night. “This is a strong sign that our citizens are enjoying one of the most important rights, and it reflects the strength of our institutions,” Kurti wrote on X.

Gallup’s index measures citizens’ perceptions of personal safety, trust in the police, and the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime or theft. In these categories, Kosovo has made exceptional progress, surpassing most countries in Europe and the world. This recognition is expected to have a direct impact on strengthening Kosovo’s image as safe to live in, visit, and invest in.

Svecla: Kosovo ranked first in Europe for safety, extraordinary success (media)

Kosovo has been ranked first in Europe and third in the world in the 2025 Law and Order Index, published by the American Gallup Institute. With 94 out of a possible 100 points, Kosovo is considered one of the safest for its people. Caretaker Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Svecla, called this an extraordinary success, highlighting it as a reflection of the professionalism of security institutions and the high civic ethics of the population. “Citizen safety is one of the greatest achievements of the Republic’s democracy and institutions. With 94/100 points, our country marks an outstanding success in terms of safety, order, and commitment to society. We are convinced this success is the result of the professionalism of our security institutions and the strong civic ethics of our citizens. As acting Minister of Internal Affairs, I take this opportunity to thank every member of our security structures for their high sense of responsibility, and every citizen for their daily contribution. Every success motivates us for more work and dedication,” Svecla wrote on Facebook.

Caretaker Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, also reacted, calling it a major piece of news. “Kosovo is among the safest countries to live in, as reflected in the latest Gallup report. This is news that even the opposition should be happy about,” Murati stated.

U.S. Amendment on Kosovo seen as key test for NATO enlargement policy (AP)

A proposed amendment in the U.S. Congress, introduced by Republican Congressman Brian Mast, could serve as a critical test of the United States' commitment to NATO enlargement, with Kosovo at the center of focus. The amendment, currently in its early legislative stages, seeks to prioritize Kosovo’s NATO membership as a core objective of U.S. foreign policy in the Western Balkans.

Former NATO spokesperson Jamie Shea told Albanian Post that this initiative signals an opportunity for the U.S. and its allies to treat Kosovo as a "sui generis" case in NATO expansion. He argued that a Congressional vote in favor of Kosovo would strengthen NATO unity and enhance U.S. credibility in European security.

Shea emphasized the need for the U.S. administration and European partners to develop a plan to influence the four NATO members that still do not recognize Kosovo, Greece, Spain, Romania, and Slovakia, whose support is essential for Kosovo's accession. Meanwhile, he urged Kosovo’s institutions to demonstrate democratic stability, noting recent State Department criticism of Pristina's governance.

The amendment also includes strategic provisions: Expanding energy infrastructure in the region to reduce dependency on Russian sources; Supporting Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) programs in Kosovo; Strengthening defense capacities in both Kosovo and Albania; Continuing the Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program to prevent illegal arms trafficking at the Kosovo–Serbia border.

If passed through the U.S. House and Senate and signed by the President, the amendment would become binding law, mandating U.S. policy to support Kosovo’s NATO aspirations. The proposal also highlights the importance of maintaining U.S. military presence in Kosovo as a stabilizing force for the entire Western Balkans.

Janjic: Radoicic and Banjska group were trained by Serbian army (media)

Several news websites report that Dusan Janjic, founder of the Belgrade-based Forum for Ethnic Relations, said in an interview with Serbian media Nova, that Milan Radoicic, who claimed responsibility for the attack against the Kosovo Police in Banjska in September 2023, and his group, were trained in Serbian army barracks.

Commenting on the Banjska attack, Janjic said it was a clear terrorist act with the involvement of state structures and foreign assistance. “This attack was organized with strong support from abroad, including Russia. It was clear that these men were trained in army barracks. They have the status of voluntary servicemen in the military, which complicates the issue, because it involves the state of Serbia too,” he said.

According to Janjic, “Radoicic is stronger than the regime [in Serbia]. The biography and image created about him in public is not the full picture. He is much more influential and trained militarily than what was seen in Banjska”.

Janjic also claimed that Radoicic had ties with international structures too and that now he is under sanctions from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Janjic said that the trial of Radoicic requires political changes. “To complete the trial against a man like Radoicic requires political changes. This is a major process. He will be tried, but it takes time. And in the end the bill will be paid,” he said, adding that the US administration is determined to see this process through, same as with investigations about the killing of Kosovo Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic.

Serbian Language Media

President Vucic arrives in New York, to take part in UN General Assembly session (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic arrived in New York yesterday, starting his visit to the US where he will take part in the 80^th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tanjug news agency reported. Vucic will address participants of the UN GA session on Wednesday, September 24.

During his stay in New York Vucic will have bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders and representatives of the international community. Ahead of his trip to New York Vucic announced he will meet with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, adding he will request a meeting with Scott Bessent, US Finance Minister to discuss the US sanctions on Serbian Oil Industry (NIS). Foreign Minister Marko Djuric is part of Vucic’s delegation in New York, the news agency also said.

Djuric meets OSCE Secretary General in New York, discusses human rights situation of Serbs in Kosovo (media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met on the sidelines of the 80^th United Nations General Assembly session in New York with the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun Sinirlioğlu. On this occasion, Djuric emphasized Serbia expects the international community to react and urgently secure all rights and full safety for Serbs in Kosovo, Kosovo Online portal reported.

He stressed the necessity of preserving the OSCE’s comprehensive, status-neutral approach with regard to Kosovo, expressing serious concern about the current situation due to, as the statement said, systematic and continuous violation of Serbs’ rights.

Djuric also underlined that Serbia advocates a “positive agenda” and the preservation of peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that the improvement of good-neighbourly and mutually beneficial cooperation is a fundamental and unwavering starting point of Serbia’s overall foreign policy.

Djuric: Serbia sees Adriatic–Ionian Initiative as a key platform for regional cooperation (media, social media)

On the margins of the 80^th United Nations General Assembly session in New York, the first meeting of the foreign ministers of the Adriatic–Ionian Initiative was held, attended by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric. He said Serbia views this initiative as a key platform for strengthening regional connectivity and an agenda that builds trust, enhances resilience, and creates new opportunities for people.

In a post on X social platform Djuric said he began this year’s 80^th UN General Assembly by participating in an informal working breakfast of Adriatic–Ionian Initiative foreign ministers, hosted by the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia, Timco Mucunski. North Macedonia has taken over the chairmanship of the Adriatic–Ionian Initiative for the period 2025–2026.

“As a country that places regional cooperation at the heart of its foreign policy, Serbia sees the Adriatic–Ionian Initiative as a vital platform for strengthening connectivity in our region in a practical, people-oriented way, while also contributing to the advancement of a positive agenda in our neighborhood - one that builds trust, enhances resilience, and creates new opportunities for our citizens”, Djuric said in a post on X.

Serbian Democracy: Decision to register residence for ‘foreigners’ jeopardize work of Serbian University (Radio KIM, social media)

"Kosovo police came out today with a brochure and an additional explanation on the registration of residence for "foreigners", and we can say it freely consequences of this decision are potentially harmful for us Serbs, least to say as much as decision to abolish dinar, if not the most harmful decision so far", Serbian Democracy said in a statement on Monday, Radio KIM reported.

It added this decision will require students who do not have Kosovo documents to apply for temporary residence permit if they wish to continue studies and one of the documents they will need to submit is "a proof of enrolment in accredited higher education institution in Kosovo”. This document is impossible to obtain for the Serbian University in Mitrovica North as long as the Community of the Serbian Municipalities that would regulate the status of the University is not established.

At the same time, this decision also envisages that professors from central Serbia, who do not have Kosovo documents and teach youth in Kosovo, will face the same problem, as among documents they need to submit for working permit one includes the employment contract with a legal subject registered in Kosovo, which is, the Serbian Democracy warned, impossible to obtain in their case working in the Serbian education system in Kosovo.

The party also said additional administrative barriers were in place that would impact normal functioning of the University. “Given the importance of the University for the survival of our people, as the only institution offering higher education in the Serbian language in Kosovo, apart from the decision to ban dinar, this has been so far the hardest blow to survival and education of our youth”, the statement added. Accusing the Self-determination party of wishing to compromise the quality of the education, drive Serbian youth outside of Kosovo and endanger survival of the community, the party urged all social actors to mobilize on this issue as the closure of the University would have far-reaching consequences on the Serbian community.

“In the end, to make the irony even stronger, the printing of the brochure was financed by Foreign Ministry of Norway. Strong fighters for “multiethnic” Kosovo”, the statement concluded.

Kosovo Football Federation organizes tournament in North Mitrovica amid tight security (KoSSev)

A football tournament took place yesterday at the Brothers Milić Square in North Mitrovica as part of the “Amateur Football Week” initiative organized by Kosovo Football Federation. The event was also supported by Mitrovica North municipality, KoSSev portal reported.

Among those present was the current mayor of North Mitrovica and Self-Determination candidate for a new mandate, Erden Atiq. Together with a group of participants, Atiq crossed the main Ibar River bridge from the northern to the southern side of the city before returning to Brothers Milić Square. The group carried a banner in English reading, “Peace road world meets in Mitrovica”.

Participants waved Kosovo flags alongside flags from Albania, Finland, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, North Macedonia and Ireland. Despite being organized in a predominantly Serb municipality, no Serbian flags were displayed, and Albanian was the only language heard at the event. Tourists from Japan were also present. After the walk, Albanian children played football on a makeshift pitch marked with yellow tape, while a significant Kosovo police presence secured the area. Although the tournament was scheduled to last until 2 p.m., the field had largely cleared by around 1 p.m.

See more at: https://shorturl.at/jQ0KC

Grbovic: Decline in EU popularity in Serbia due to numerous actors and factors (N1)

The European Union’s (EU) popularity in Serbia has undeniably waned, and the blame lies with numerous actors and factors, including, to some extent, the European bureaucracy in Brussels, yet it is remarkable that any enthusiasm for the EU persists in Serbia at all after 13 years of, what he called, relentless anti-Western propaganda, said Pavle Grbovic, leader of opposition Movement of Free Citizens (PSG), ahead of the “Europe, Our Choice” panel debate at the Europe House in Belgrade.

“We have to acknowledge that the EU’s popularity has declined among citizens who remain in Serbia, while hundreds of thousands have left Serbia for European Union countries. They are not going to Russia, and hardly anyone goes to China”, Grbovic told N1.

When asked who is responsible for the EU’s declining popularity in Serbia, Grbovic pointed primarily to what he called “the brutal anti-Western propaganda”.