Albanian Language Media:

• Macron calls for responsibility from Kosovo and Serbia; “threatens with visas” (media)
• Rama: Kosovo is in self-made trap; French-German the best possible plan (Dukagjini)
• EU confirms visit of big five to Kosovo and Serbia, calls for concrete progress (RFE)
• Osmani: Great damage for peace if EU doesn’t take measures against Serbia (Telegrafi)
• Miftaraj: Osmani’s decision not to decree Isufaj is based on the law (Koha)
• Kurti: Terrorist act in Banjska must not go unpunished (Kallxo)
• Over 20 illegal roads along border with Serbia blocked, police confirm (Kallxo)
• Police: Citizens in the north want deadline for licence plates to be extended (RFE)
• Begaj: Acts of violence in north of Kosovo are unacceptable and condemnable (media)
• Turkish Defence Minister: Dialogue, the only way to peace and stability in region (EO)
• Shahini: €300 million losses due to EU measures (Ekonomia Online)
• Weapons and hand grenades found near village of Prelluzhe (media)
• Specialist Chambers grant Gucati modification of sentence (media)
• Ziv: There is difference between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian people (AP)

Serbian Language Media:

• Serbia, China sign FTA in presence of presidents Vucic and Xi (Tanjug)
• The European Union reacted to the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and China (Beta, N1)
• Lajcak, Escobar in Belgrade, Pristina on October 21 for talks with Vucic, Kurti (N1)
• Vucic meets with Wang in Beijing (Tanjug)
• Kosovo and Albanian flags displayed near Banje village in Zubin Potok (KoSSev)
• Elshani: We sent request to Pristina to extend deadline for vehicle re-registration (KoSSev, KiM radio)
• Office for KIM writes to EULEX Head about treatment of Ilija Elezovic in detention (Kosovo Online)
• Szunyog: EU considers mayor's resignation as faster and more effective way forward than petition (Kosovo Online)
• Elshani: Pristina makes decision on opening of Jarinje (Radio Mitrovica sever, Radio KIM)

Opinion:

• Ćorac: Kurti's so far policy defeated a normal life (KoSSev, medijacentar.info)
• Europe Must Seize this Opportunity to Enlarge – and Reform (BIRN)

International:

• IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Kosovo on the First Reviews of the Stand-By Agreement and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Agreement (IMF)
• 'Tigers' pounce as Strategic Reserve Force activated for Kosovo (army.mod.uk)
• Share Your Experience: TikTok Used for Slut-Shaming Girls in Western Balkans (BIRN)

   

Albanian Language Media  

  Macron calls for responsibility from Kosovo and Serbia; “threatens with visas” (media)

French President Emmanuel Macron said during his stay in Albania today that the Association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo must be formed and that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic must condemn the September 24th attack in the north of Kosovo. He argued that Vucic’s condemnation of the attack would contribute to restoring calm in the north.

“You know that we closely follow the existing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. France and Germany have drafted a good roadmap and we expect both parties to respect it. I think it is Vucic’s responsibility to condemn the September 24th acts because this would contribute to restoring calm in the north,” he said.

Macron said that Kosovo and Serbia authorities must reorganise the elections in the north and to ensure the participation of Serbs in the election process. “We expect Serbian and Kosovo authorities to reorganise the elections, the participation of Serbs in the elections and the recognition of the Association. I expect Vucic to be responsible and I expect the same from the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo. I say it clearly that we have trusted you about the visas. The issue has been suspended by France because it has to do with respect for the word that was given, and that word is not being kept. I expect the parties to move forward, and this is key for peace in the region,” Macron said.

Rama: Kosovo is in self-made trap; French-German the best possible plan (Dukagjini)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama called on Kosovo today to sign and implement the French-German plan in its entirety, regardless of what Serbia does toward the plan. “Yesterday we had an open informal discussion with all leaders, including the prime ministers of Kosovo and Serbia. And I want to mention an unauthorised sentence by the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte who told both [Kurti and Brnabic] ‘never forget that a compromise more than what you will win is more about what you will not lose’. If we look at it with our eyes, my eyes here on this podium, an estimate of things that Albanians, in Albania, in North Macedonia, can lose, it is way bigger than the estimate of what we want to gain by taking the things we have for granted,” Rama is quoted as saying.

Rama said that “Kosovo today is in the self-made trap. It would be dramatic if it loses the right to free travel in the EU. Meanwhile, both parties have a plan on the table, and that is the French-German plan which is the best possible thing that can happen to Kosovo”.

Rama also said that it would be fatal for Kosovo if a decision is made to suspend visa liberalisation. “I get shivers when I think that there can be a re-ban on visa liberalisation, but at the same time we should not seek this from the President of France, but from ourselves. Kosovo must do its part of work,” he said.

EU confirms visit of big five to Kosovo and Serbia, calls for concrete progress (RFE)

EU spokesperson Peter Stano confirmed today that the EU Special Representative for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak, accompanied by the senior advisors to the leaders of Germany, France, Italy and the United States of America, will travel on Saturday to Kosovo and Serbia, to meet with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. “The purpose of the visit is to achieve concrete progress on the implementation of the Agreement on the road toward normalisation and de-escalation after the latest events,” Stano said. “The EU and member states, as well as the United States of America, remain great supporters of the process of normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and the European future of the whole region. We have clear expectations from the parties to continue the process of normalisation and to meet their obligations without delays or conditions”.

Osmani: Great damage for peace if EU doesn’t take measures against Serbia (Telegrafi)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said today that it would be a great damage to peace and stability in the region and the process of dialogue in Brussels, if the European Union does not decide on measures against Serbia after the September 24th attack in the north of Kosovo.

Asked to comment on EU officials’ statements about measures or sanctions against Serbia, Osmani said: “We need to make a clear difference between sanctions and measures. As far as sanctions are concerned, we knew from the beginning that at least one of the member states would use the veto in the Council … however, there is a possibility to impose measures against Serbia and this does not require a decision at the level of the Council”.

Osmani said that this method was used several times for measures against Russia, but that unfortunately it was also used as a method when measures against Kosovo were decided. “The EU Commission has the right and the competency to propose measures of a political and financial nature without the issue having to go to the level of the Council and to turn into sanctions,” she said.

“A large number of member states gave positive signals that they are considering this. Some are more persistent on this than others, but it is important for the European Commission to come out with a clear proposal about these measures and with all the arguments they have in front of them it would be a great damage to peace and stability in the region and for the process of dialogue if no measure is taken against Serbia,” Osmani said.

Kosovapress quotes Osmani as saying that the process of dialogue should be rethought after what happened in Banjska on September 24th. “It has been more than 12 years in the dialogue and the time now is to reflect, because the approach during the last 12 years has unfortunately encouraged Vucic to use violence and to commit an act of aggression against Kosovo. Therefore, we cannot pretend that September 24th never happened. There should be lessons learned. And the whole process of dialogue must be rethought after what happened on September 24th, knowing that it was a clear violation of Article 3 of the agreement reached on February 27th and the annex in Ohrid on March 18th,” Osmani said.

Kallxo news website notes that Osmani told the same press conference that she will not decree the nomination of Blerim Isufaj as State Chief Prosecutor because of violations in the process. She said it was concerning when officials of institutions think they can threaten the head of the state. “I encourage you to read the document and see what is really concerning in our country. It is concerning when officials of judicial institutions think they can threaten the head of state. In a democratic country, those that think they can make decisions by threatening the head of state, would end up outside the system,” she said.

Osmani said that the majority of violations that are part of the assessment by her office were made public also by non-governmental organisations and foreign embassies in Kosovo. She said that this is why the vetting process in the judiciary is necessary, because according to her, the pressure is illegal. “Unfortunately, this is the system that we have, therefore, vetting is necessary as a process. Those pressures are illegal, when they think that by threatening the head of state, they will achieve this or that, or get the signatures. I am completely dependent on the constitution and the laws of my country. I believe this should be clear to all those that think that decisions can be made otherwise,” she argued.

Asked if she had notified law enforcement authorities about the threats, Osmani said: “this should be the procedure, in cases when the judicial system functions. But this would be like saying go complain to the same people that threatened you”. “I have been in politics since 1999, and I have never gone out in public to say that I was threatened or faced pressure from someone. This is the first time, and you can confirm this. You need to be sure that I never talk about these things without having concrete and confirmed evidence. This is why I mentioned this, not because it affects my decision-making, but it is simply a message to the institutions that this is not how the decisions are made,” she added.

Miftaraj: Osmani’s decision not to decree Isufaj is based on the law (Koha)

Director of the Kosovo Law Institute, Ehat Miftaraj, said today that President Vjosa Osmani’s decision not to decree the nomination of Blerim Isufaj as State Chief Prosecutor is in line with the positions of non-governmental organisations, foreign embassies, the EU Office and the European Commission. In a Facebook post, Miftaraj argues that the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC) has failed to lead a process based on meritocracy and integrity. “This is not the first time that the Council has failed in such processes. It did the same with the nomination of the Chief Prosecutor at the Special Prosecution of Kosovo and the Basic Prosecution in Pristina. There was a similar reaction from foreign embassies, non-governmental organisations, the EU Office and the European Commission, by disputing these processes and criticising Kosovo for the state of the prosecutorial system,” Miftaraj writes.

Miftaraj also commended Osmani for leadership and decision-making based on the Constitution, the laws and the practice built by the Constitutional Court.

Kurti: Terrorist act in Banjska must not go unpunished (Kallxo)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on Monday reiterated his position that the September 24th attack in Banjska in the north of Kosovo must not go unpunished. In his address at the Berlin Process Summit, Kurti said that the authors of the attack which resulted in the killing of a Kosovo police officer are free in Serbia although their involvement has been publicly accepted. “This was a cowardly act sponsored by Serbia as uncontested evidence shows. We seized over €5 million worth of sophisticated weapons and ammunition manufactured in Kragujevac and Cacak. In the last two years, Serbia brought its army to our border twice,” he said.

Kurti argued that Kosovo is still faced with the threat of invasion from its northern neighbour. “This moment requires us to reflect and not continue business as usual. Such an act must not go unpunished,” he argued.

Commenting on previous agreements reached in the Berlin Process, Kurti said there has been progress but that it could have been even faster. He mentioned the delays in the agreement for visa-free travel of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. “Unfortunately, the ignoring of a key agreement for free travel by Bosnia and Herzegovina means that the condition for visas between Kosovo and Bosnia remains,” he said.

Over 20 illegal roads along border with Serbia blocked, police confirm (Kallxo)

Kosovo Police Deputy Director for the north region, Veton Elshani, confirmed to the news website today that police have blocked over 20 illegal roads along the border with Serbia. He said that concrete blocks and holes were used to block the roads. “This concerns the blocking of illegal roads along the border with Serbia. We have made over 20 blockades of roads,” he said.

Elshani further explained that there are no police teams at the blockades but that police patrol the areas.

The news website also reports that Kosovo Police is conducting several searches in the north today in relation to the armed attack in Banjska on September 24th.

Police: Citizens in the north want deadline for licence plates to be extended (RFE)

The Kosovo Police Directorate for the north has sent to the Ministry of Interior Affairs a request by the citizens to extend the deadline for the registration of vehicles with Serbian licence plates into Kosovo licence plates, deputy police director for the north, Veton Elshani, told Radio Free Europe today. “I expect a reply soon from the Ministry of Interior Affairs. I expect a positive reply,” he said.

Elshani further explained that police have not issued fines for citizens after the deadline expired because it was “a political issue” and recalled that the registration process was suspended.

Begaj: Acts of violence in north of Kosovo are unacceptable and condemnable (media)

Albanian President Bajram Begaj met with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Tirana and discussed the European integration of Albania and developments in the region. He thanked Macron for his contribution in support of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, especially through the French-German plan, and highlighted the need to condemn and discourage acts of violence and provocations in municipalities in the north of Kosovo. “Kosovo is a sovereign and independent country, and terrorist acts like the one in Banjska in Zvecan on September 24 are unacceptable and condemnable for the security of Kosovo, but also that of the region and the whole European continent,” Begaj said.

Turkish Defence Minister: Dialogue, the only way to peace and stability in region (EO)

Turkey’s Defence Minister, Yasar Guler, said during his stay in Pristina today that dialogue is the only way to peace and stability in the region. “We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kosovo and its membership in international organisations. We highlighted the fact that starting from Kosovo, peace, happiness and security in the Balkans for us is an issue of great importance. We say that dialogue is the only way to peace and stability in this region and we stressed that the task we have taken over with the new commander of KFOR, we will respect it with full neutrality,” Guler told a press conference after meeting Kosovo’s Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci.

Shahini: €300 million losses due to EU measures (Ekonomia Online)

President of the Kosovo Businesses Agency, Agim Shahini, said in an interview with the news website, that the EU measures against Kosovo have already had negative effects and according to him there have been losses worth €250-300 million from the measures.

Shahini said that after the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana, a way will be found to lift the penalty measures against Kosovo. He also argued that after the September 24th attack, Kosovo has an advantage over Serbia, and that this is a good opportunity for Prime Minister Albin Kurti to find a way out of the crisis.

Weapons and hand grenades found near village of Prelluzhe (media)

Most news websites report that two long rifles, ammunition and four hand grenades were found near the Serb-inhabited village of Prelluzhe in the municipality of Vushtrri on Monday. A spokesperson for Kosovo Police for the Mitrovica region said a citizen informed the police that he noticed two long rifles as he was collecting scrap metals.

Specialist Chambers grant Gucati modification of sentence (media)

The President of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC), Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, on 12 October 2023, decided to modify Mr Hysni Gucati’s sentence to provide for his release on or about 18 October 2023, under the conditions set forth in the decision. These conditions will continue to apply for the duration of the sentence imposed by the Court of Appeals Panel, namely for the remainder of the four year and three-month sentence, a press release issued by the KSC notes.

In coming to her decision, the President consulted the Judges of the sentencing Panels as provided for in Article 51(2) of the Law on Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (“Law”), took into consideration the factors set forth in Rule 196(3) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence as well as the oral hearing she conducted with Mr Gucati.

The President considered that while the offences for which Mr Gucati was convicted are indisputably grave given the chilling impact the revelation of confidential information had on (potential) witnesses, there were a number of factors that weighed in favour of modification of his sentence.

Notably, the President found that Mr Gucati had an opportunity to reflect on his actions while at the KSC’s Detention Facilities and that his comportment had changed over time. The President noted Mr Gucati’s expressions of regret, in particular his express apology during the oral hearing to anyone who had felt threatened by his actions. The President further noted Mr Gucati’s firm commitment to refrain from engaging in any further acts that could qualify as offences against the administration of justice and to abide by any conditions imposed on his release. The President emphasised that if Mr Gucati fails to adhere to any of the conditions set forth in the decision the decision will be revoked.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/mt3w8ya3 Ziv: There is difference between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian people (AP)

Israel’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Tamar Ziv, said in an interview with the Albanian Post that there is no discussion that the terrorist organisation Hamas is guilty of the whole situation in Israel and Gaza but that a difference should be made between terrorist groups like Hamas and the Palestinian people.

Ziv said that she has felt the support from Kosovo’s institutions for Israel “but also the support from the people of Kosovo”. She said that what is happening now in Israel are some of the darkest days of Israel” and added that she was confident that Iran stands behind Hamas as the supporter, preparer and influencer of the attack.

Ziv said she wants to be clear that she and her state are for peace with the Palestinians. “A difference should be made between the terrorist organisation Hamas and the Palestinian people,” she said.

Ziv also said that in Israel “we certainly hope that after this attack, or I should clearly call it a massacre and after all this is over, we are left to hope that the day will come where we can live in peace and in cohesion with the Palestinian people”.

Asked about potential talks with Hamas to stop the attacks, Ziv said she thinks that “peace agreements in general in the world cannot be reached with terrorist organisations. Terrorist organisations must be destroyed”.

   

Serbian Language Media

  Serbia, China sign FTA in presence of presidents Vucic and Xi (Tanjug)

In the presence of Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping, Serbia and China signed four agreements in Beijing on Tuesday, the most important one being a FTA that will include 10,412 Serbian products and 8,930 Chinese products.

The FTA was signed by Serbian Minister of Internal and External Trade Tomislav Momirovic and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.

The two sides also signed a memorandum on exchange and cooperation in economic development policy, a memorandum on joint advancement of industrial and investment cooperation and a medium-term intergovernmental action plan on building the Belt and Road Initiative.

The memorandum on exchange and cooperation in economic development policy was signed by Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali and Chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shanjie.

A meeting of the two presidents and the signing of the agreements was also attended by Serbian FM Ivica Dacic, Defence Minister Milos Vucevic, Culture Minister Maja Gojkovic, Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Goran Vesic, Interior Minister Bratislav Gasic and Serbian Ambassador to Beijing Maja Stefanovic.

European Union reacted to Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and China (Beta, N1)

Serbia will have to withdraw from all bilateral agreements with third parties on the day of admission to the European Union, EU spokesperson Peter Stano said.

Stano explained that Serbia can conclude trade agreements with other countries or organisations before joining the EU, if they do not contradict the provisions of the Association and Stabilization Agreement.

"In the context of negotiations on EU accession, Serbia undertook to withdraw from all bilateral agreements on free trade on the day of accession to the European Union," said Stano on the signing of the trade agreement between Serbia and China.

He added that Serbia's withdrawal from trade agreements with third parties is not "a new condition, but a general rule that applies to all candidate countries that want to join the EU," reported N1, citing RFE. 

Serbia and China signed a series of agreements today in Beijing in the presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the most important of which is the Free Trade Agreement.

Lajcak, Escobar in Belgrade, Pristina on October 21 for talks with Vucic, Kurti (N1)

On Saturday, 21 October, European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajcak and US Western Balkans Envoy Gabriel Escobar will travel to Pristina and Belgrade to meet with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, EU spokesperson Peter Stano said.

The purpose of the visit is to make concrete progress on the implementation of the Agreement on the path to normalisation and on de-escalation after the latest developments, he explained.

The EU, its member states and the US remain strong supporters of normalisation of relations between Pristina and Belgrade, and the European future of the entire region, he added.

“We have clear expectations that the parties will continue the normalisation process and deliver on their obligations without delays or conditions”, he said.

Vucic meets with Wang in Beijing (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met in Beijing on Tuesday with Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee.

The meeting was also attended by Serbian government ministers who are a part of a delegation accompanying Vucic on a visit to China.

"Thank you for the hospitality and the exceptional welcome. I really feel at home in China. Like the last time we met, I will be able to learn a lot from you this time, too. I especially look forward to a meeting with the president of PR China as it is an opportunity to express our gratitude not only for the friendship, but also for all the support China is giving to Serbia in all areas", Vucic wrote in an Instagram post that also included a photo of him with Wang.

Kosovo and Albanian flags displayed near Banje village in Zubin Potok (KoSSev)

KoSSev said its readers driving on the way towards Brnjak crossing point informed the portal that Kosovo and Albanian flags were displayed on the road. The flags were lined up in the village of Banje in the vicinity of Brnjak crossing point. The readers also sent the photographs on which the flags are seen.

They also told the portal these flags were not there yesterday, and have now been lined up around half a kilometre from Zubin Potok to Brnjak, between Kosovo special police checkpoint and repeater.

Banje village is populated with Serbs exclusively, while Zubin Potok is majority-Serb municipality.

On this section of the road at least two checkpoints of the Kosovo special police forces are located, who monitor and control the situation, the portal recalled.

Kosovo police told the portal they are not familiar with the display of the flags, and as they said, they do not know when and who placed them there.

Elshani: We sent request to Pristina to extend deadline for vehicle re-registration (KoSSev, KiM radio)

Kosovo police of the North region sent a request to Pristina to extend the deadline for re-registration and enable those who have Serbian-issued plates to switch to “RKS”.

The deputy police commander of this region, Veton Elshani, told KoSSev that they sent the request to Kosovo Interior Ministry, i.e., the interior minister, Xhelal Svecla. 

"This is also a request from citizens, they ask us when and how they can register", he explained. 

He said that precisely because it was not possible now to re-register cars on the “RKS” plates, the Kosovo police in the North does not issue fines to those who have Serbian-issued plates.

"We requested that, for example, registration be allowed for one month and that during that period we allow citizens to register. For now, citizens cannot register, and that is why we are not issuing fines," he told KoSSev. 

The issue of licence plates issued by Serbia for cities in Kosovo, which Pristina considers illegal, began to be raised in September 2021, i.e., after the end of the second five-year extension of the part of the Brussels Agreement on freedom of movement, when it comes to KS plates (status neutral plates). This caused a 13-day crisis at the Jarinje and Brnjak crossings, recalled the media. 

The Kosovo government then actually made a decision to introduce reciprocity, introducing trial plates for cars with Serbian registration.

They did not even have time to implement this decision, because the Serbs set up barricades at the crossings, at the same time when members of Kosovo special police were stationed near the crossings.

The crisis ended with a temporary agreement on the application of the sticker regime for licence plates, which are still applied to both Serbian licence plates in Kosovo and Kosovo licence plates in Serbia.

Nevertheless, tensions continued at the end of July 2022, on the eve of the implementation of the new decision of the Kosovo government on (re)registration, i.e., the replacement of Serbian licence plates with the designations of cities in Kosovo - for the “RKS” plates.

In order to calm these tensions, the international community managed to intervene on two occasions in prolonging these decisions.

Three days before the new deadline (October 31), the Kosovo government came out with a new decision on (re)registration - to implement it in stages. The plan was that their decision to remove Serbian licence plates would apply until April 21, 2023 - starting with warnings, fines, trial plates, and all the way to complete removal. At that time, the benefits of taking “RKS” were limited until March 31.

As the second phase of the implementation of the decision - the measure of fining drivers who did not take “RKS” licence plates - was approaching - Serbian officers left the Kosovo police in the North at the beginning of November, refusing to punish their fellow citizens.

Due to a new spike in tensions, the international community invited the Kosovo and Serbian leaders to Brussels. Only before the implementation of this second phase of the decision, fining drivers, on November 23, a new agreement was reached.

Pristina committed itself not to apply the decision on (re)registration in stages, and Belgrade not to issue new licence plates of Serbian cities in Kosovo.

Then, on December 6, Belgrade issued a decree of the Government of Serbia on special conditions for the validity of licence plates with Serbian designations of cities in Kosovo, confirming that the Serbian MUP will now officially not issue new licence plates for cities in Kosovo.

In the decree, however, they also stated that new registration stickers will not be issued, but that the validity of the old ones will be extended. According to that Decree, citizens could thus carry out a technical inspection and obtain insurance, which will be sufficient for them as proof of driving.

Confusion among citizens was caused by the fact that the Regulation did not specify in which territory vehicles with extended registration stickers, a certificate of technical inspection and a policy would be able to use, and the lack of information on whether they would be able to pass through administrative crossings as such and to operate on the territory of Kosovo and in the countries of the region.

Despite the fact that the Government of Serbia said that vehicles with such plates will be able to move “as before” on the ground, however, it turned out that their concern was justified.

Those whose Serbian registration expired after the agreement of November 23, at the crossings to central Serbia, received a warning from the Kosovo officials - that they will not be able to return, because the Kosovo police do not accept the technical examination and the policy - as valid documentation for crossing the integrated crossing.

"The Serbian government can play with its decisions, but vehicles with 'illegal' licence plates are not allowed to enter Kosovo," is one of the messages from Pristina officials, with the statement that a car driven inside Kosovo without a valid registration will be confiscated, and the driver fined 150 euros, reported portal KoSSev.

Office for KIM writes to EULEX Head about treatment of Ilija Elezovic in detention (Kosovo Online)

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija sent a letter to the Head of EUELX Giovanni Barbano over the weak health condition, treatment and situation of Ilija Elezovic, who has been in detention for almost a month under accusations of allegedly committing war crime, Kosovo Online portal reports.

Office for KiM in a letter pointed out the bad treatment of Kosovo institutions towards Elezovic, which, as they said may have a fatal outcome because of his health situation, and requested house arrest to be imposed on him instead until the conclusion of the judicial procedure.

Office for KIM added that Elezovic is a serious oncological patient in an advanced stage of illness and that he has no conditions for appropriate therapy and necessary health care in prison, adding that Albanian doctor, who examined him after the arrest, also said that “patient is in need for special conditions of treatment, respectively medical care”.

The Office recalled that defence lawyer of Ilija Elezovic two weeks ago, on October 4, requested his client be enabled home treatment or at least hospital medical care stay until conclusion of the proceeding, but that no response came to his request.

The Office argued about uneven standards applied in the cases of arrests and related decisions based on ethnic background, noting that perpetrators of the most serious crimes if they are Albanians are given mild or benevolent measures, while dozens of Serbs are being kept in a years-long detention with unproven guilt.

They mentioned the case of Azem Kurtaj, member of Kosovo Security Forces who on January 6 shot at and wounded two Serbian boys in the village of Gotovusa near Strpce, and who was sent to house arrest on January 8.

Szunyog: EU considers mayor's resignation as faster and more effective way forward than petition (Kosovo Online)

The way forward is a dialogue led by the European Union. Starting to collect the signatures needed for petitions to impeach the mayor would represent an important signal and guarantee that the boycott of the April elections will not be repeated, but at the same time, the EU continues to consider the mayor's resignation as a faster and more efficient way forward, says the head of the EU Office on Kosovo Tomas Szunyog.

Szunyog believes that what happened on September 24 was a strong alarm bell, and that all actions that could further escalate the situation on the ground must be avoided.

"The Kosovo police were attacked by heavily armed individuals. The scale of the operation was unprecedented and represents a major escalation, which contradicts the EU's repeated calls for de-escalation in the north of Kosovo. The repercussions of this terrorist attack are felt not only in the north of Kosovo, but also throughout Kosovo and throughout the region. We also see that the attack has certainly increased the international community's concern about the situation in northern Kosovo. A rapid de-escalation and stabilisation of the security situation is now more urgent than ever. In a bigger picture, the way forward has not changed, in fact it has become more necessary. We expect that Pristina and Belgrade are working on normalising their relations through the Dialogue led by the EU. This is a platform where they can address various issues that burden intercommunal relations in Kosovo. All actions that could further escalate the situation on the ground must be avoided. At a time when Europe is threatened by the Russian war against Ukraine, we should not allow violence and instability in Kosovo. We simply cannot afford it", says Szunyog.

You said that the EU needs to see evidence about Banjska before deciding on possible measures against Serbia, which are decided by all 27 EU members. Who should provide this evidence to EU members?

The position of the EU is very clear. All facts about the attack must be established through a full, timely and effective investigation by the Kosovo authorities. The EU, through EULEX, is closely monitoring the ongoing investigations. The scope of the operation was unprecedented, the amount of seized ammunition and weapons was enormous. The evidence suggests that just one person did not organise it. We expect the unconditional cooperation of Serbia as well as the cooperation of any other party that can shed light on the details of the attack. We expect each and every perpetrator to be brought to justice.

EU demands to reduce the presence of special police units near municipal buildings, as well as for mayors to work from alternative locations, have not yet been fulfilled. Why is this so and will there be additional measures when it comes to Kosovo if these demands are not met?

In fact, Kosovo has taken steps to reduce police presence in and around municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. It also adopted the Administrative Instruction that defines the legal way to impeach the mayor. However, since your question is about measures, I would like to point out that measures are decided by 27 EU member states. To remind, in the statement of the high representative of the EU from September 19, on behalf of all EU member states, it is emphasised that the EU is ready to abolish these measures in case of progress in meeting the existing requirements, or to evaluate further measures towards both sides, if necessary.

The Serbian List agreed to participate in the local elections, but now the question arises as to when they will be held, because the Government of Kosovo insists on administrative instructions. Should elections be called immediately in order to de-escalate the situation and return the Serbs to the institutions?

We have repeatedly invited all political actors, at all levels of government, both in Kosovo and in Serbia, to engage constructively in the process leading to early local elections in the north of Kosovo. As we have said several times so far, although the elections in April 2023 were held in accordance with the legal framework of Kosovo, they do not offer a long-term political solution. The quick holding of extraordinary local elections in the north of Kosovo with the unconditional participation of Kosovo Serbs is still crucial. Starting to collect the signatures needed for petitions to recall the mayor would represent an important signal and guarantee that the boycott of the April elections will not happen again. At the same time, the EU continues to consider the mayor's resignation as a faster and more efficient way forward.

Why hasn't the ban on Serbian goods been lifted yet and how can the EU influence that ban to be lifted?

The free movement of goods, services, capital, and people help economic growth and is a fundamental freedom of the EU. I emphasised the importance of free trade and lifting restrictions on goods from Serbia on several occasions, including during my recent meeting with the president of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce. This ultimately affects businesses and trade in Kosovo.

Can you comment on the statements of Serbian doctors that there is a shortage of medicines in the north of Kosovo and that a humanitarian disaster is threatening?

I am closely following the public statements of officials who manage hospitals and health centres in areas with a majority Serbian population about reported shortages of medicines and medical supplies. The Minister of Health, Arben Vitia, recently assured me that there is a full readiness of the government to comply with requests for medicines and medical supplies, so that there is no shortage in these institutions, where patients from all communities, not only Kosovo Serbs, are treated. I would like to encourage the institutions involved to cooperate and take the necessary procedural steps, which will ensure that hospitals and health centres are adequately supplied. It is important that all patients throughout Kosovo receive the medical care they deserve. There should be no political considerations when we talk about the right to health.

In your opinion, has the trust between the Albanian and Serbian communities been further damaged and how can it be repaired?

Unfortunately, we are witnessing a gradual decrease in trust between Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs and the deterioration of inter-ethnic relations. This is exacerbated by the negative narratives used by some officials and some media. The media should consider the consequences of their reporting, and elected leaders should communicate more responsibly and inclusively, especially on issues that are sensitive to non-majority communities or national minorities. A narrative that contributes to creating a space where members of all communities feel safe, together with inclusive policies, is the first step towards restoring trust. In addition, we would like to see more meaningful interaction between Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs with initiatives aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence. Likewise, it would be necessary to include members from other communities that make up the social fabric of Kosovo. This is not only necessary, but also possible. An EU-led dialogue can help resolve existing contentious issues and prevent future escalations. The two sides should truly engage in the Dialogue, implement all existing agreements, and respect the important commitments made over the years.

You recently visited the monastery in Banjska. How important is the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church for the Serbian people in Kosovo?

Indeed, I visited the Banjska monastery last week together with the Deputy Director General for Europe of the European External Action Service who was visiting Kosovo and the head of EULEX. We had an important discussion with representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo about the latest developments, with a focus on the role that religious leaders can play in fostering peaceful intercommunal relations. I understand that the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo represents a reference point and moral authority for the Kosovo Serb community, providing spiritual support to many believers. In the EU, we have always supported freedom of religion and the importance of being able to practise it.

How realistic is it for Belgrade and Pristina to continue the dialogue, because on the one hand we hear EU representatives that it is necessary to continue the dialogue as soon as possible, but also the statements of many Kosovo politicians that there is no dialogue before the introduction of sanctions on Serbia?

Addressing security issues in the north is crucial. However, I want to clarify that a comprehensive approach, which includes a political solution, is of utmost importance for the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia in the direction of long-term stability and peace. So, the way forward is the Dialogue led by the EU. This is not just my message. This is the message of the 27 EU member states who emphasised that the European path for both Kosovo and Serbia goes through dialogue with the support of the EU and through the normalisation of their relations.

Elshani: Pristina makes decision on opening of Jarinje (Radio Mitrovica sever, Radio KIM)

Kosovo police deputy director for region North, Veton Elshani said Pristina makes decision on opening of Jarinje crossing point, Radio KIM reports citing Radio Mitrovica sever.

“We do not have such information yet, Pristina decides on it, but most probably it will be very soon”, he is quoted as saying.

   

Opinion 

  Ćorac: Kurti's so far policy defeated a normal life (KoSSev, medijacentar.info)

Member of the presidency of the Serbian National Forum, prof. dr. Aleksandar Ćorac, believes that the current policy of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, is devastating for "normality and life", reported KoSSev, citing Media Center Caglavica. 

"We all know that Albin Kurti came to power in Kosovo on a story of anti-corruption, economic development, against political dogmas and the power of political parties in the name of the rule of the people, justice and so on. When you look at the government as it was realized, you do not have a single point from it except that he can boast that he achieved something in the relationship with the Serbs that he sees as a victory. I personally see it absolutely as a defeat, as a defeat of normality, normal life, and a future life. The current situation on the ground is such that you currently have one fear among Serbs that is continuously present, the continuous outflow of the population," he said.

Ćorac also said at the debate in the Caglavica Media Center that the conflict in Banjska is the result of the policy implemented by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, as well as by the Serbian List. He also believes that the current situation in the north of Kosovo is "the victory of a concept implemented by Albin Kurti".

"You have the concept of Albin Kurti who is imposing himself, actually positioning himself as the leader of what Albanians call natural Albania. It can be seen. If a person in Kosovo implements such a socialist policy, because he is a continuation of a Marxist-socialist ideology, that is his original ideology, and at the same time he takes and uses nationalism as a means of reckoning, a monstrous policy, and then he promotes himself in N. Macedonia, and he has his own party in Albania. So, wait, what are we talking about then? And the question arises as to how Serbia influences the Kosovo Serbs and whether it has the right to have its influence or not, and the man who says this at the same time implements his policy and tries to impose himself, let us be realistic, as the leader of all Albanians," says Corac and adds:

"And that brings to the fore something that he probably considers his victory, and which can be a victory in his eyes, but it is not a victory over the Serbian people, it is not a victory over Serbian politics, at this moment it is primarily a victory for the politics of Albin Kurti over the policy of the United States of America, which no one mentions. And the policy of the United States is the responsibility that the country assumed when it assumed the obligation to coordinate and manage KFOR and to ensure security," reported portal KoSSev.

Europe Must Seize this Opportunity to Enlarge – and Reform (BIRN)

Op-ed by Paul Schmidt and Vedran Dzihic

The Ukraine war has put both EU enlargement, and fundamental reform, back on the table – but the window of opportunity won’t stay open for long.

For more than a decade, the once-radiant instrument of EU enlargement seemed to have lost its popular appeal and was put on the shelf. Mantra-like repetitions of political declarations and empty rhetoric about enlargement only led to fatigue and even further into a technocratic impasse. The European Union pretended it wanted to enlarge, while the countries of the Western Balkans simulated reforms. The result was a standstill.

Then came the Russian attack on Ukraine, a dramatic moment for Europe and, as it seems, a new lease of life for EU enlargement. The political momentum and interest in enlargement are now back, and a window of opportunity for not only enlarging but also fundamentally reforming the Union is wide open.

Only weeks ago, while the debate was gaining in speed and substance, Europe was on the brink of another armed conflict in the Western Balkans, triggered by a military attack by a Serbian paramilitary group in Kosovo with obvious ties to an official EU candidate country, Serbia. In January 2024, it will be ten years since EU accession negotiations opened with Belgrade. Paradoxically, since then, the country headed by President Aleksandar Vucic, has joined the list of the ten most autocratic countries globally. Today’s Serbia is a warning of what may happen if one doesn’t speak the truth to power, and neither the EU nor this candidate country are taking the process of negotiating EU accessions seriously.

Ivan Krastev, one of the sharpest minds analyzing Central and Eastern European realities, put his finger on the point, stating that it is not enough for Europe to wake up to a new geopolitical reality. You also have to get out of bed and make use of this wind of political change. If we don’t seize the opportunities in front of us, the tide may turn quicker than we think once the massive wave of public support for nationalistic forces in Europe translates into new government formations and Donald Trump, or his ideology, celebrates its return.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/2nwzzpkm    

International 

  IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Kosovo on the First Reviews of the Stand-By Agreement and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Agreement (IMF)

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Gabriel Di Bella, visited Pristina during September 25 – October 6, 2023, to conduct discussions on the first reviews of Kosovo’s precautionary Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement with the IMF.

Following further discussions from IMF headquarters, Mr. Di Bella issued the following statement:

“The IMF team and the Kosovar authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the completion of the first reviews of the precautionary SBA and the RSF arrangements. Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, the completion of the first reviews—expected in November—will make available an additional SDR 20.03 million (€24.6 million) under the SBA and SDR 30.976 million (about €38 million) under the RSF arrangement. The authorities have indicated that they do not intend to draw on the resources made available under the SBA arrangement at this time.

“Activity in 2023 is projected to expand by 3.5–4 percent, driven by stronger investment and external demand, especially for services. With decelerating food and energy prices, average inflation is expected to decline this year to 4–5 percent; the external current account deficit is projected to narrow. Staff expect the growth momentum to continue into 2024, and for inflation to continue easing. Still, global volatility and geopolitical tensions keep uncertainty elevated and pose risks to growth and inflation. Continued tensions in northern Kosovo have prompted some international partners to implement temporary and reversible measures aimed to promote de-escalation. These measures are unlikely to affect the short-term outlook, but they may impact performance if sustained for long.

“The authorities have continued to implement prudent fiscal and financial policies and have made good progress in implementing their policy agenda under the Fund-supported arrangements. The fiscal balance and government deposits at the Central Bank (CBK) have remained so far in 2023 comfortably above program floors and public investment absorption has increased considerably compared to 2022; staff expect end-2023 targets to be met. The quality and liquidity of CBK assets has been preserved in line with program objectives.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/yx39x6yc 'Tigers' pounce as Strategic Reserve Force activated for Kosovo (army.mod.uk)

“What a difference a week makes,” were the precise words used by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Zorab, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and Commander of the Strategic Reserve Force Battlegroup as he addressed hundreds of his troops who sat eagerly in front of him having just touched down at Pristina in Kosovo.

This was the United Kingdom’s rapid response, with a heavy emphasis on the word rapid, to the request made by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to have Kosovo Force (KFOR), the NATO led peacekeeping force inside Kosovo re-enforced in response to the violent attack against Kosovo Police last month (24 Sept) leading to heightened regional tension in the Balkans.

A week, as the much-vaunted phrase exclaims, may well be a long time in politics, but for Lt Col Nick Zorab and his troops it is pitifully short to get a battlegroup to the other side of Europe and then to get them into a position to carry out their mission. Remarkably that is what has happened, and their in-theatre training regime now goes on at pace that will see them attain their goal of being ‘mission ready’ comfortably within schedule.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/34djrzxa Share Your Experience: TikTok Used for Slut-Shaming Girls in Western Balkans (BIRN)

Women and girls are often at risk of being denigrated, bullied or sexually exploited via social media. 

One of the problematic issues that they face is slut-shaming – a phenomenon defined by the European Institute for Gender Equality, EIGE as “stigmatising women and girls on the basis of their appearance, sexual availability, and actual or perceived sexual behaviour”. 

According to EIGE, slut-shaming “is a long-standing form of gender-based violence that is amplified in the cybersphere: it perpetuates the regulation of women and girls’ sexuality and curtails their freedom of speech online”.

As the social media platform TikTok has gained billions of users worldwide, it has increasingly been used for slut-shaming. A BIRN investigation in February 2022 concluded that the minimum age requirement to open a TikTok account has done nothing to stop thousands of children in the Balkans under the age of 13 from accessing the short-form video app, increasing the danger of younger girls being slut-shamed.

For our new investigation, we would like to hear from women who have been slut-shamed on social media networks, particularly via TikTok, or from anyone from a country in the Western Balkans who knows someone who has been slut-shamed online.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/4eu7dtnt