UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, February 9, 2022

Albanian Language Media:

Opposition calls Assembly session in light of energy price increase decision (media)
Kosovo President's Office: Our comments partially considered by ERO (media)
Kurti: All families will be subsidised for first 800 kilowatts (Kallxo)
EU comments on the next Kosovo-Serbia meeting in Brussels (Kallxo)
Ceku: Xhafer Deva's house needs to be restored, debate on it originates in Serbia (Klan)
PAK instructed not to put up for sale assets transferable to Sovereign Fund (Koha)
Kosovo sanctions Belarus individuals and entities (RFE)
Osmani expresses institutional engagement for addressing Presevo Valley problems (RTK)
COVID-19: 1,140 new cases, five deaths (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Stano on dialogue: Readiness of both sides needed for concrete progress (KiM radio, Tanjug)
Petkovic with Peach: International community to enable Serbs in Kosovo to vote in elections (Kosovo-online)
Stoltenberg: NATO has crucial role in maintaining peace in Kosovo, supports Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Kosovo-online)
KFOR: Close cooperation key to stability in Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio, RTK2, Blic)
Trajkovic: I thought at least our common history of the fight against Nazism could bring Serbs and Albanians together in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
Stano: Serbia free to conclude an agreement with China, but must withdraw from it when joining the EU (Beta, NMagazin)
Petkovic: Important that EU and UNDP have given up restoration of Xhafer Deva’s house (TV Most)

International:

Renovation of Nazi Ally’s House in Kosovo Halted After Outcry (Balkan Insight)

Humanitarian/Development:

Pipe Dreams: Much of Kosovo Still Waiting for Proper Sewage System (Balkan Insight)
EU’s carbon border tax must become mainstream topic in Western Balkans (balkangreenenergynews.com)

Albanian Language Media

Opposition calls Assembly session in light of energy price increase decision (media)

Besnik Tahiri, head of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), parliamentary group announced an extraordinary session of the Assembly after gathering signatures of 40 MPs following the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office to increase tariffs for those consuming more than 800 kilowatt hours a month.

Tahiri said the objective of the session is to prevent new electricity tariffs from entering into force.

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi said that ERO was put in the service of the Government's agenda. He said new electricity price will put a heavy burden on the citizens of Kosovo and is unfair. He accused the Government led by Albin Kurti for "forcing the citizens to pay for the electricity twice as expensive as what they have paid until today."

"As of yesterday, the citizen of Kosovo has been backed against the wall," Krasniqi continued. He said the PDK would use all legal tools available to oppose the price increase.

Hykmete Bajrami from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) said the entire board of the Energy Regulatory Office should resign following yesterday's decision accusing it of "gross violations". "This decision is extremely unfair, discriminatory," she said.

Ramush Haradinaj from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) meanwhile called on the Government to suspend ERO's decision for an indefinite period. "We are entering springtime, the subsidy has been decided, the consumption will decrease. In autumn or winter we can discuss again at the Assembly the future course of action," he said. "Many experiments have been done in Kosovo, and one of them is Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje. It will be proven as an experiment and as the evil of this country. It is better for all of us to understand this on time."

Kosovo President's Office: Our comments partially considered by ERO (media)

The Office of the Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, has reacted to the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) on increasing electricity tariffs.

In a press release, the President's Office expressed concern that the final decision of ERO has only partially taken into account their comments and although the decision to increase the block tariff threshold from 600 to 800kWh is a "progress", "the hesitation to reintroduce 3 block tariffs as was the practice until 2017, is a decision contrary to the fairer and more equal distribution of the overall burden of energy price increase."

"Inclusive decision-making and placing public consultation at the centre of effective regulatory policies should always be the principle of strategic decisions which directly affect the well-being of citizens," the press release said.

It added that the main objective of the Office of the Kosovo President is respect for the principle of affordability, equal access, and regular supply of electricity. "We call on the relevant institutions to prioritise strategic engagement in this regard."

Kurti: All families will be subsidised for first 800 kilowatts (Kallxo)

Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti commented today ahead of the meeting of the Government on the decision of the Energy Regulatory Office for increasing the price of electricity.

"We had to import 40 percent of energy during the winter. We paid 2.5 million euros for a single day," Kurti said, adding that January was the most critical month of the year. "Yesterday, ERO announced the decision regarding tariffs. With this decision it has reduced the proposed tariffs. In the face of ERO's new tariffs, we have pledged 100 million euros in subsidies for citizens. This subsidised amount has reduced the tariffs. For consumption up to 800 kilowatts there will be no price increase. 100% of families will benefit from the subsidy of the first 800 kilowatts."

He noted that there is no ideal solution when facing an energy crisis. "From the outset of the crisis until now we have allocated 10 million euros from the budget. Our commitment for subsidies is a call to citizens to rationalise and save energy."

EU comments on the next Kosovo-Serbia meeting in Brussels (Kallxo)

The European Union has said it is working on the agenda of the next meeting between Kosovo and Serbia in the framework of the dialogue for normalisation of relations, Kallxo reports.

“We welcome the readiness of president Vucic and prime minister Kurti to come to Brussels for the next high level meeting of the dialogue. The EU is ready to host such a meeting as soon as parties are ready to agree on concrete positive results from which their citizens will benefit and move the process forward. The EU special representative Lajcak reiterated this in Pristina and in Belgrade during his mission last week,” said EU foreign policy spokesperson Peter Stano.

He added that during the recent meetings with EU and U.S. envoys, Miroslav Lajcak and Gabriel Escobar, the two parties expressed commitment to dialogue and to moving the process forward although “at a slower pace than we and the member states would like to see.”

“We are currently working on the agenda and results for the next meeting of chief negotiators and leaders,” Stano said in a reply to Kallxo.

Ceku: Xhafer Deva's house needs to be restored, debate on it originates in Serbia (Klan)

Kosovo's Minister of Culture, Hajrulla Ceku, said at a press conference that the house owned by Xhafer Deva in Mitrovica is in need of restoration while the debate on the issue originates in Serbia.

"The recent debate has its origins in Serbia and this is clear, paradoxically, a state that has a state policy of denying genocide and rehabilitating criminals tries to fabricate a narrative portraying Kosovo as a Holocaust denier. This is a false narrative coming from Serbia, because the historical facts are stubborn and are not on Serbia's side. The current facts refute this absurd and dangerous narrative of Serbia," Ceku said.

He added that the building in question appears in the list of protected monuments under the name of "Xhafer Deva's House" but is a publicly-owned property. "Throughout history it has served different public functions, as a healthcare centre and other, possesses significant historic, educational, societal and other values."

Ceku added: "The monument is in need of restoration. The history of Xhafer Deva is not being rehabilitated. We are not doing anything other than protecting cultural heritage. Upon restoration, it will house the regional cultural heritage centre in Mitrovica."

PAK instructed not to put up for sale assets transferable to Sovereign Fund (Koha)

The Government of Kosovo has instructed the Privatisation Agency of Kosovo (PAK) not to announce the sale of assets identified as transferable to the Sovereign Fund that is expected to be established.

"The functionalisation of PAK, among other things, has enabled the drafting of the strategic plan that clearly defines PAK priorities until 2024, including the planning of further policies in line with those of the Government regarding the Sovereign Fund. The concept document for the establishment of the Sovereign Fund is now ready and expected to be soon reviewed by the Executive Council," Prime Minister Albin Kurti said at the government meeting today.

He added that the change of management and the steps PAK has taken in formulating the agency's clear vision for the next years until it phases out, "proves the readiness of PAK to act in accordance with its legal rights and obligations."

Kurti said that in light of the Government's initiative to establish the Sovereign Fund, it is necessary to prevent the "alienation of vital assets so that they are utilised for the purpose of state interest through the Sovereign Fund."

Kosovo sanctions Belarus individuals and entities (RFE)

The Government of Kosovo has sanctioned 183 individuals and 26 entities of Belarus, affiliated with the regime of the authoritarian Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, Radio Free Europe in Albanian reports.

The Government said in a meeting today that Kosovo will implement the sanctions imposed by the Council of the European Union.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Liza Gashi, said that all restrictive measures have been taken in coordination with international partners. "With the goal of promoting and protecting peace, democracy and human rights, we have taken a decision that would contribute to the continued close cooperation with the U.S., EU and international partners," Gashi said.

Sanctions include the freezing of assets in Kosovo, the prohibition of travel for sanctioned individuals and the prohibition of individuals and entities to directly or indirectly utilise funds in Kosovo.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora have not confirmed for Radio Free Europe whether the sanctioned individuals and entities have assets in Kosovo.

Osmani expresses institutional engagement for addressing Presevo Valley problems (RTK)

President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani received a delegation from the Bujanovac Municipal Assembly, headed by Enver Ramadani, President of the Municipal Assembly.

"President Osmani made clear the continuous commitment of the Presidency and all other institutions of the Republic of Kosovo in addressing the problems faced by the Albanians of the Presheva Valley. She stressed that in all meetings with international representatives she has continuously raised these issues, aiming at the internationalisation of the problems of Albanians in the Presheva Valley," a statement issued by Osmani's office said.

Osmani is also said to have emphasised in the meeting the importance of the cooperation between the institutions of Kosovo and Albanian representatives in the Presevo Valley, vowing to immediately “address all concerns of Albanians in the Valley by Kosovar institutions.”

Osmani further called for cooperation and unification of the Albanian political factor in the Valley, considering it as the only way which ensures the proper treatment of the problems of Albanians in the Valley.

COVID-19: 1,140 new cases, five deaths (media)

1,140 new cases of COVID-19 and five deaths have been recorded in Kosovo in the last 24-hour period, the Ministry of Health said. 3,624 persons recovered during this time.

There are 18,506 active cases of COVID-19 in Kosovo.

Serbian Language Media

Stano on dialogue: Readiness of both sides needed for concrete progress (KiM radio, Tanjug)

EU spokesman Peter Stano says that Brussels is currently working on the agenda and possible results of the next meeting within the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, but also notes that the precondition for a new round of talks is the readiness of both sides to agree on concrete positive changes, KiM radio cited news agency Tanjug.

Stano told Tanjug that both Belgrade and Pristina have shown readiness to advance in the dialogue, but slower than the EU and the United States want

"We welcome the readiness of President Vucic and Prime Minister Kurti to come to Brussels for the next round of high-level political dialogue. The EU is ready to hold such a meeting as soon as the parties show readiness to agree on concrete positive results from which citizens will benefit, and move the process forward," said Stano.

Asked by Tanjug whether EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak returned from visits to Belgrade and Pristina with concrete answers and information needed to continue the process of talks on normalisation of relations, Stano said that both sides showed commitment to dialogue during the meeting with Lajcak and US envoy Gabriel Escobar, and willingness to move forward, although slower than EU members and the United States want.

An EU spokesman added that the organisation of a new round of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was working on planning talks at the level of the main negotiators, as well as at the level of leaders.

Petkovic with Peach: International community to enable Serbs in Kosovo to vote in elections (Kosovo-online)

Serbian Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija (OKiM) Director, Petar Petkovic spoke yesterday with UK Special Envoy for Western Balkans, Sir Stuart Peach and informed him about the situation in Kosovo and Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Kosovo-online portal reports citing the statement of Office for KiM.

During the meeting, the statement reads, Petkovic stressed that Pristina with its actions constantly generates tensions in Kosovo and Metohija, pointing out the recent ban on holding vote in the Serbian areas on a referendum on constitutional changes. He also warned of threats voiced by Pristina officials that Serbs in Kosovo will be banned from voting in Serbian elections in the future as well.

Petkovic termed these acts “as the harshest violations of the fundamental human and civic rights of the Serbian people”.

He also spoke about ethnically motivated incidents against the Serbs in Kosovo, saying 142 of them were recorded since the beginning of the last year.

He voiced expectations that representatives of the international community will get engaged in creating conditions for the Serbian people to vote at upcoming Serbian elections in Kosovo, and thus contribute to preventing consequences that could undermine the very foundations of the dialogue and determination to resolve disputes with peaceful political means.

Stoltenberg: NATO has crucial role in maintaining peace in Kosovo, supports Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Kosovo-online)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said last night that the Alliance absolutely respects the decision of Serbia not to join this alliance, adding that the crucial role of NATO in Kosovo is to support political dialogue and enable freedom of movement for all, Kosovo-online portal reports.

He also said NATO never forced any country to join it, adding he supports and respects the decision of Serbia not to do so. “This is a sovereign and independent decision of Serbia and NATO absolutely respects it, as it respects the decisions of Sweden and Finland, which are our close partners, but didn’t join NATO”, Stoltenberg is quoted as saying.

He added that NATO has an important role in maintaining peace and prevention of conflict, as well as in finding a political solution when it comes to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. It also supports the European Union which is facilitating this dialogue.

“The crucial role of NATO in Kosovo is to support political dialogue and ensure freedom of movement of all communities in Kosovo”, he emphasised.

Talking about the presence of the Alliance in the Balkans, Stoltenberg said that NATO has an office in Sarajevo, KFOR in Kosovo, and an office in Belgrade, recalling that Montenegro and North Macedonia have already joined the Alliance. He emphasised the role of the Alliance in the Western Balkans in preventing new conflicts.

Stoltenberg will end his ten-year tenure as NATO chief on October 1, this year. After that, as the portal reports, he will assume the duty of a governor of a Central Bank in Norway. He said he particularly appreciates his position of NATO Secretary General and cooperation he achieved with Serbia during his tenure.

KFOR: Close cooperation key to stability in Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio, RTK2, Blic)

KFOR Commander Major General Ferenc Kajari met yesterday the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh, Serbian media cited.

"Maintaining regular communication and close cooperation is key to supporting peace, security and stability in Kosovo," KFOR said.

Media recalled that the changes at the head of UNMIK were announced to the public at the beginning of the year when it was announced that Ziadeh would replace Zahir Tanin.

Trajkovic: I thought at least our common history of the fight against Nazism could bring Serbs and Albanians together in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

Politician Rada Trajkovic wrote in a Twitter post yesterday that Pristina's reaction to the "controversy over the house of Xhafer Deva is discouraging".

"I used to think that at least our shared history of the fight against Nazism could bring together the Serbs & the Albanians in Kosovo. But reactions from Pristina to the controversy regarding Xhafer Deva’s house are disheartening. The judgement of history is unambiguous on this," Trajkovic wrote, Kosovo Online cited.

Stano: Serbia free to conclude an agreement with China, but must withdraw from it when joining the EU (Beta, NMagazin)

Serbia is free to conclude trade agreements with other countries or organisations before joining the European Union, "provided that this is not to the detriment of the provisions of the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Agreement", European Commission spokesman Peter Stano told news agency Beta today.

Referring to the announcement of the Serbia-China Free Trade Agreement, Stano added that "as part of the EU membership negotiations, Serbia has an obligation to withdraw from all bilateral free trade agreements on the day of joining the Union".

After talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that such an agreement should be signed by the end of the year, emphasising that it would significantly increase trade between Serbia and China and additionally attract foreign investors to Serbia.

Stano also pointed out that "the EU is the most important trade and investment partner of Serbia".

According to Stano, "in 2020, 61 percent of its trade was with the European Union, with very favourable growth dynamics, while China's share in foreign trade amounted to eight percent".

When it comes to foreign direct investment (FDI) in Serbia, the share of EU companies was 69 percent, while direct investment from China was 3.5 percent, said Stano.

Petkovic: Important that EU and UNDP have given up restoration of Xhafer Deva’s house (TV Most)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic took it to Twitter to say it was very important that the EU and UNDP missions in Kosovo gave up on the restoration of the house of the Nazi collaborator Xhafer Deva, TV Most reports.

“Important news that @UNDP_Kosovo and @EUKosovo gave up the restoration of the nazi collaborator #XhaferDeva house, but it was expected that Albanian politicians would proceed with relativization of criminals and revision of history! If public hadn’t raised its voice, @albinkurti would have pushed this project to the end”, Petkovic wrote.

International

Renovation of Nazi Ally’s House in Kosovo Halted After Outcry (Balkan Insight)

The UN Development Program and the EU halted the renovation of the former house of a Kosovo Albanian WWII-era Nazi collaborator in the town of Mitrovica after concerns were raised by two European diplomats.

The UN Development Program, UNDP and the EU announced on Tuesday that they have halted the renovation of the former house of Kosovo Albanian politician Xhafer Deva, who was interior minister in a Nazi collaborationist regime during World War II.

“UNDP and the European Union express our strong regret for any unintentional offense caused when announcing the initiating of works while omitting the historical background of Xhafer Deva,” they said in a joint statement.

Humanitarian/Development

Pipe Dreams: Much of Kosovo Still Waiting for Proper Sewage System (Balkan Insight)

The smell is not the only problem caused by a lack of proper sewage systems in parts of Kosovo. There are environmental, health and economic consequences too.

From a distance, the village of Cernica in southeastern Kosovo resembles a postcard or a picture that might hang on the wall of a downtown apartment. The reality, however, is not so idyllic.

Behind the mosque runs a river that effectively serves as an open sewer, carrying away waste water from houses in Cernica and surrounding villages.

Locals say 100 metres of pipeline were recently laid with European Union funds, enough for a dozen of the hundreds of houses in the area. But the project is just a drop in the ocean when it comes to addressing the lack of proper sewage systems in many parts of Kosovo, including the capital, Pristina.

“As children we would wash the sponges we used to wipe the chalk from the blackboard in the river,” recalled Cernica resident Nexhmedin Miftari.

“Before the war there wasn’t so much need for sewage plants and people mainly used septic holes. But after the war, due to new construction, different types of sewage pipes were introduced, without proper infrastructure, and all the wastewater is discharged into the river.”