UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, November 8, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Metsola meets Osmani, discuss Kosovo’s efforts for European future (media)
Osmani meets Estonian PM, “grateful for powerful support” (media)
Gervalla and Landsbergis talk about security challenges in Europe (RTK)
Maqedonci: Malign foreign services “fed” fake news on KSF food supplies (media)
Judah: Return of Grenell may bring concerns for Kosovo government (RFE)
Haradinaj meets De Riu: Strong partnership between Kosovo and Italy (media)
Hamza hosted at German chancellery: We will create conditions for German investors in economic development of Kosovo (Klan)
Hoti: Next government should turn its focus to Washington Agreement (Klan)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic receives Egyptian Senate President (Tanjug)
City celebration Saint Dimitrios Day marked in Mitrovica North (Kosovo Online)
Milicevic: Suspension of cooperation with EULEX is a forced act (Radio KIM)
Head of EULEX met with PIK (social media)
Montgomery: Kurti ‘drives Serbs out’ of Kosovo (Kosovo Online, RTV, Tanjug)
Restraint order to Arsenijevic from approaching Visar Syla extended for two more months (KoSSev)
Trial of Dragisa Milenkovic continues (Kosovo Online)
Vujinovic: Serbian Government's measures improve livelihood of Serbs in Kosovo; Western reactions expected (Kosovo Online)
Petkovic: On this day, 80 years ago Serbs from northern Kosovo liberated 11 US airmen and 3 UK officers (Kosovo Online, social media)
21 companies from Serbia take part in economy fair in Tirana (KoSSev)

Opinion:

Donald Trump’s comeback is bad news for Bosniaks and Kosovars (BIRN)

International:

Serbia’s bill to prosecute crimes in Kosovo ‘unworkable and populist’ (BIRN)
'This is not our war' (Kosovo 2.0)

Humanitarian/Development:

Calls in Albanian and Serbian rock theatre stage in search of peace (Kallxo)
Advancing social goals through public procurement (Kosovo 2.0)
Jeton’s three promises (Kosovo 2.0)

Albanian Language Media

Metsola meets Osmani, discuss Kosovo’s efforts for European future (media)

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said in a post on X today that she met with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and discussed Kosovo’s efforts for a European future. “I welcomed the country's commitment to the Western Balkans Growth Plan and gradual integration in the EU's single market. Engagement in Pristina-Belgrade Dialogue must lead to progress,” Metsola said.

Osmani meets Estonian PM, “grateful for powerful support” (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a Facebook post today that she met with the new Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal, at the summit of the European Political Community. “We discussed Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, the removal of EU’s measures against Kosovo, and for pushing forward Kosovo’s application for EU membership. Grateful to Estonia’s powerful support,” Osmani said.

Gervalla and Landsbergis talk about security challenges in Europe (RTK)

Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gervalla met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis. They discussed the security situation in the region and Europe.

According to the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the reception held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, in addition to the discussion on common security challenges, there was also talk about the growing threats to democratic countries in the region and Europe, as well as the economic cooperation between Kosovo and Lithuania.

Maqedonci: Malign foreign services “fed” fake news on KSF food supplies (media)

Kosovo’s Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci, in an interview with TV Dukagjini on Thursday, commented among other topics earlier reports about the lack of food supplies for members of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). He said that the reports were fake and incited by both foreign and domestic forces that aim to create insecurity and destabilise Kosovo. “In our country there could still be factors with ties outside Kosovo. More precisely, we had cases when we identified people that still work for foreign services that are ill-intended toward our country. The information was fed by malign services, and it was exaggerated and shaped in a way to create insecurity, without taking into account the official statements made by the staff of the Ministry [of Defense],” he added.

Judah: Return of Grenell may bring concerns for Kosovo government (RFE)

Many analysts and observers are increasingly raising the question of the positioning of the new American administration, of President Donald Trump, in relation to the current centres of crisis in the world, not excluding the Balkan region.

The British analyst, Tim Judah, told Radio Free Europe that it is too early to talk about this because it will depend on who will be appointed to certain tasks. The eventual return of Richard Grenell, who during the Trump administration was the American representative in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, would have a significant impact, and for this, the government in Pristina may have reason to worry, he said.

Judah is sceptical about the possibility that the new Trump administration will reach a final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia: "Trump tried before. There was a famous signing in Washington of two separate agreements, but nothing big came out of them", he said.

“If you ask Trump today, what are your priorities in the Balkans, I think he would probably have no idea, he would probably have trouble even finding the Balkans on a map, so I don't think the Balkans is on his list of top issues. However, he must appoint people who will make policies and deal with the rest of the world. Let's see who he appoints,” Judah said.

Haradinaj meets De Riu: Strong partnership between Kosovo and Italy (media)

Leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj met today with Italian Ambassador to Kosovo, Antonello De Riu, and discussed political developments in Kosovo. “The friendly Italian state over the years has shown continuous care and support for the Republic of Kosovo in all processes, being one of the key contributors for peace and stability through its contribution in KFOR. A strong partnership has been built between Kosovo and Italy and we need to further it toward our objective for direct membership in NATO through the Action Plan,” Haradinaj said in a Facebook post.

Hamza hosted at German chancellery: We will create conditions for German investors in economic development of Kosovo (Klan)

PDK's candidate for prime minister, Bedri Hamza, after visiting the USA and France, traveled for an official visit to Germany. He announced that he met the Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s associate and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Germany is a very important partner of Kosovo, which has supported us in the journey of freedom, independence and state building. In the Office of the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, I met Mr. Alexander Wallau, who is Responsible for Bilateral Relations. Meanwhile, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany, I met with Mr. Michael Reiffenstuel, who is the Director for Southeast Europe", Hamza wrote.

He said that in both meetings he emphasised the importance of close cooperation between Kosovo and Germany. "My commitment as the next prime minister will be daily for the realisation of the European aspiration of our people. I informed Mr. Wallau and Mr. Reiffenstuel also about my vision for the economic development of Kosovo and about the conditions we will create for foreign investors, including German investors," said Hamza.

Hoti: Next government should turn its focus to Washington Agreement (Klan)

The former prime minister of Kosovo, Avdullah Hoti, has said that he believes that the future government of Kosovo should turn its focus to the implementation of the projects foreseen in the Washington Agreement of September 4, 2020.

In a post on Facebook, he said that the launch of large infrastructure projects is a strategic interest of Kosovo. "After the energy crisis, the gas project took on national security dimensions. On the other hand, the railway to Durres makes Pristina the hub of two seaports, Thessaloniki and Durres, and the infrastructural gateway to the Balkans and Central Europe," said Hoti.

He added that four years have been lost. Hundreds of millions of euros of investment did not happen and thousands of jobs were not created.” This has to change. The infrastructural projects of the Washington Agreement exceed the economic dimensions - they are a matter of national security and long-term economic sustainability of the Republic of Kosovo,” he wrote.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic receives Egyptian Senate President (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received Egyptian Senate President Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razeq on Friday to discuss all issues of significance for development of overall relations between the two friendly countries, Tanjug news agency reports.

"We especially touched upon shared priorities and issues of mutual interest, such as boosting trade, bilateral cooperation and introducing direct flights between Belgrade and Cairo, which would enable more investors to come. We also discussed current geopolitical issues and noted the significance of joint action in confronting global challenges, promoting peace and supporting sustainable development initiatives", Vucic wrote in an Instagram post.

The parties agreed that recent top-level visits had paved the way for even stronger relations and development of Serbia-Egypt cooperation. "I asked the president of the Egyptian Senate to convey my cordial greetings to President Al-Sisi", Vucic wrote in the post.

City celebration Saint Dimitrios Day marked in Mitrovica North (Kosovo Online)

With a holy liturgy in a crowded Saint Dimitrios Church in Mitrovica North served by Serbian Orthodox Church Raska-Prizren Eparchy Bishop Teodosije and Vicar Bishop of Novo Brdo Ilarion, a city and temple celebration had been marked.

"Just as Saint Dimitrios protects Thessaloniki, he also protects this city and its inhabitants. King Stefan of Dečane looked up to Saint Dimitrios, as he protects his city, so does Saint Stefan protect the people of Dečane and Kosovo and Metohija. They selflessly placed themselves in the service of Christ. And it depends on us the most whether we will receive Christ's love and live in it, whether we will have the faith and courage to survive as Christians", Bishop Teodosije said.

Bishop Teodosije recalled that when the situation in Mitrovica North used to be better for all of us, we had a procession on the streets. “{…} For more than two years this city has not been free for us Christians. Everything that happened says that this city is occupied and that we do not have the freedom that we should have. Those who are the minority in this city, they often abuse those who make up the majority of this city. That's why we need wisdom and patience and faith in Christ God, so that this storm we live in will pass, and to pray to God, so that the Lord will look at us mercifully and save us, strengthen us and make us free. That's why we made a procession around the temple today", Bishop Teodosije added.

He said the procession was made around the temple, “because there is no full security for it to happen on the streets of Mitrovica North”, the portal reported.

In addition to a large number of residents, including many children, representatives of Serbian List, Ivan Zaporozac, Vucina Jankovic, Milan Radojevic, Slavko Simic and Ivan Todosijevic, as well as Office for Kosovo and Metohija representatives attended the celebration.

Milicevic: Suspension of cooperation with EULEX is a forced act (Radio KIM)

Suspension of cooperation with EULEX by five civil society organisations from the north of Kosovo was “a forced act”, following three years of warnings about the situation in the north, but also the need to do more, Miodrag Milicevic from Aktiv told Radio KIM.

Aktiv is one of the five civil society organisations which suspended the cooperation with EULEX, following the arrest and physical mistreatment of Milos Subotic at Mitrovica North police station by Kosovo police.

“Something like that was not expected from civil society, it has been clear to everyone, however, at the same time there is an understanding for the acts which those five organisations from the north of Kosovo undertook, and it is to suspend cooperation with EULEX until publication of the report, as it was said. Therefore, a full report on status of investigation into the case of Milos Subotic, and what is related to this announcement, it is not only suspension of cooperation, in fact it was more an appeal to international organisations, concretely EULEX which is the most responsible to oversee the work of Kosovo police but also to react and act preventively in such cases”, Milicevic said.

As he added, this had not been a frequent occurrence thus far. “There were statements from EULEX, but after three years of constantly repeating the same and insisting that much more has to be done compared to what had been done until now, we came to an act from civil society which was really forced. It was more than a mere statement, and it was aimed at EULEX directly, because we consider EULEX should be the one to respond to many cases”, he added.

In addition to Aktiv, CASA, NSI, ACDC and InTer have suspended their cooperation with EULEX, Radio KIM recalled.

Head of EULEX met with PIK (social media)

On Thursday, EULEX Head of Mission Giovanni Pietro Barbano in a post on X social platform spoke about the meeting he had with Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK) Director.

“Today’s meeting with the PIK Director was a good occasion to discuss the critical need of increasing PIK’s effectiveness and transparency, to prevent incidents and ensure accountability for all forms of ill-treatment.

While expressing appreciation for the intense cooperation with EULEX, I emphasised the imperative importance of ensuring that the Kosovo Police Inspectorate meets expectations in all cases involving allegations of serious police misconduct”, Barbano said in a post.

Montgomery: Kurti ‘drives Serbs out’ of Kosovo (Kosovo Online, RTV, Tanjug)

Former US Ambassador to Serbia, William Montgomery said today the administration of newly elected US President Donald Trump would most probably be more lenient towards Serbia, but one should have it in mind how to deal with it, Kosovo Online portal reported citing RTV.

“Be careful what you wish for, as it may become true. In the region there is still potential for violence. I was in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the last two weeks and tensions are growing. Jasenovac, Srebrenica, Kosovo, help would be needed to resolve all of that. Have that in mind when you think of US support”, Montgomery told Uranak broadcast on K1 TV.

Speaking of Kosovo, Montgomery stressed that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti “provokes with no cause, respectively carries out a slow-paced form of ethnic cleansing”.

“He undertakes actions by which he is forcing Serbs to leave Kosovo. We said nominally that should stop but we had not used ways (to stop it) and I hope that now we will. You should see how you will react. We appreciate your restraint related to those provocations, think what you wish to do”, he is quoted as saying.

Asked why the instruments that could stop Pristina and Kurti from carrying out unilateral actions were not used, Montgomery replied that there was a generation of political leaders who formed their stances about the region in the period of 30 years ago and have not changed them.

“When we talk about (NATO) bombing they think it is a success and do not want to give up on that stance and now go against people whom we protected, such as Kosovo Albanians {…}”, he said.

Restraint order to Arsenijevic from approaching Visar Syla extended for two more months (KoSSev)

The restraining order imposed on Aleksandar Arsenijevic from approaching a chief of cabinet of the current mayor of Mitrovica North, Visar Syla, has been extended for two more months, KoSSev portal reported.

Arsenijevic’s lawyer Jelena Krivokapic confirmed the news for KoSSev. She also announced filing an appeal against this decision.

"By decision of the Basic Court in Mitrovica, the restraining order to Aleksandar Arsenijevic from approaching a place or a certain person has been extended for the period of two (2) months, from November 9, 2024. until 09.01.2025. year. We have the right to appeal this decision within 48 hours, which we will do", Krivokapic added.

Trial of Dragisa Milenkovic continues (Kosovo Online)

The trial of Dragisa Milenkovic, from Kisnica village, near Gracanica, accused of allegedly committing war crimes against civilian population continued today in Pristina by examination of witnesses, Kosovo Online portal reported.

It was planned to interview three witnesses today, however, only one of them B.Dj. was present. He said he was arrested several times, but that today he speaks about the arrest in 1993 when he was sentenced to eight years in prison. After being transferred from prison to prison, in May 1999 he was transferred to a prison in Lipljan and on June 10, following the signing of the Kumanovo agreement he was sent to Sremska Mitrovica, in Vojvodina. He termed the attitude of prison guards in Lipljan as ‘horrific’.

Asked if he knows Dragisa Milenkovic he said he knew him from the period of 1993 to 1994 as a prison guard, but that he does not remember seeing him in Lipljan prison in 1999. Asked by the prosecutor if he heard from other prisoners mentioning Milenkovic, he replied he heard that Milenkovic “tortured many prisoners”.

Commenting on testimony of today’s witness, defence lawyer Jovana Filipovic said that the witness did not accuse Milenkovic of anything concretely. “{…} The entire context in which he mentioned Dragisa is what he has heard from some other people, and not what he had seen or heard immediately that it happened. These are more stories ‘hear and say’ and we hope that the court would not rely on them while bringing the verdict, but would rather rely on what the witness said concretely about Dragisa, and that is that he never saw Dragisa while being in that prison”. Another lawyer, Zivojin Jokanovic said the act Dragisa is accused of took place 25 years ago and no one remembered to investigate or question that earlier.

Kosovo Special Prosecution raised an indictment against Milenkovic on December 26, 2023. His defence lawyer Dejan Vasic requested Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti be interviewed as a witness in Milenkovic’s case, given that he was detained in a prison in Pristina at the time when Milenkovic worked in that jail.

Vujinovic: Serbian Government's measures improve livelihood of Serbs in Kosovo; Western reactions expected (Kosovo Online)

Security studies researcher Nikola Vujinovic emphasises that the Serbian Government’s measures to support Serbs in Kosovo do not constitute a violation of agreements, though reactions from Germany, the US, and the EU are expected, given that “collective West is a sponsor of Kosovo independence”, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Vujinovic pointed out that, when it comes to support measures, it is paradoxical to talk about a breach of agreements, especially since Pristina has not established the Community of Serb Municipalities for more than a decade.

“To speak of any agreement violations by the Republic of Serbia is absurd. Serbia respects the agreements in dialogue. The example of the CSM as an unfulfilled agreement has been on the table for ten years, if not longer. On both political and existential levels for the Serbian community, it’s ridiculous to talk about any agreement violations", Vujinovic stated. He noted that Western reactions were anticipated.