UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 4, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani: Four years as President, a lifelong oath for Kosovo (media)
Osmani in Sofia, meets Bulgarian President and King of Jordan (RTK)
PDK and AAK remove taxes to U.S. (media)
Chambers of Commerce support Osmani’s call to remove tariffs on U.S. goods (media)
Olympic Committee of Kosovo seeks clarification from UEFA over removal of Kosovo flag (Koha)
Krasniqi: We see LDK as partner for next government (Klan)
Haziri: Kurti expects to meet Adem Hoxha in government, but LDK to meet Konjufca, right? (media)
German mission in NATO: Kosovo and Western Balkans remain strategic priority (Reporteri)
Remains of ten victims who were on list of missing persons will be reburied today (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucevic: We are much closer to new government, but I do not rule out elections either (KiM radio, TV Prva, Danas, Beta)
Serbian Democracy supported protests in Gracanica and Donja Gusterica (KiM radio)
Closing remarks at Dragisa Milenkovic’s trial, defense lawyers believe that only possible verdict is acquittal (Kosovo Online)
Trial of Kostic and Milovic continues, defence says witnesses do not confirm prosecution’s claims (Tanjug)
Gracanica in Budapest, images of life presented (KiM radio)
HLC: 13 war crimes indictments raised against 24 Serbian forces members in 2024 (Kosovo Online, media)
Vucic: Jordan has confirmed it will participate in EXPO 2027 (Tanjug)
University of Belgrade rector addresses students, academia on Students’ Day (N1)

International Media:

Kosovo faces prospect of unstable government as coalition talks start (Balkan Insight)
No end to Serbia's political crisis in sight (DW)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani: Four years as President, a lifelong oath for Kosovo (media)

Today marks four years since President Vjosa Osmani took office. In a post accompanied by a video on Facebook, Osmani said that the oath she took four years ago is a lifelong oath for Kosovo. “Every day, first and foremost, Kosovo! Four years in the service of the citizens. Four years for the Republic! Four years as President, a lifelong oath for Kosovo!”, Osmani wrote.

The Kosovo Assembly, in an extraordinary session on April 4, 2021, with 71 votes in favor, elected Vjosa Osmani as president of Kosovo.

Osmani in Sofia, meets Bulgarian President and King of Jordan (RTK)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, at the invitation of the King of Jordan, Abdullah II and the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, is visiting Bulgaria, to represent Kosovo alongside other leaders at the High-Level Meeting of the Aqaba Process for the Balkans III, which will be held in Sofia.

Within the framework of the visit, Osmani will deliver a speech at the opening of the Summit and has begun separate bilateral meetings with some of the participating leaders, she today met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev. “With King Abdullah II of Jordan and the President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, at the Aqaba Meeting in Sofia, to promote cooperation, dialogue and regional stability,” Osmani wrote on Facebook.

PDK and AAK remove taxes to U.S. (media)

Bernard Nikaj from PDK said that the Kosovo Government should act without delay in removing the 10% tariff on U.S. goods. “For Kosovo, the partnership with the United States of America represents an irreplaceable strategic and economic axis — much more important than the weight that the Kosovo market has for the U.S. economy. In this context, maintaining the 10% tariff on U.S. products has no economic significance, much less political justification. At this moment, it directly harms the long-term interests of the state of Kosovo and undermines ties with our main ally. The immediate removal of this tariff is not only a rational action, but also a clear political signal that Kosovo remains committed to deepening relations with the U.S.”, Nikaj wrote on Facebook. He said that any delay in this regard should be interpreted as "a lack of vision and lack of seriousness on the part of the Kosovo government in relation to the country's key alliances."

AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj has called for the removal of taxes on US products. “REMOVE ANY TAXES ON THE U.S.,” Haradinaj wrote on Facebook.

Chambers of Commerce support Osmani’s call to remove tariffs on U.S. goods (media)

The American Chamber of Commerce of Kosovo (ACC) and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC) have expressed support for President Vjosa Osmani’s call to the government of Kosovo to suspend import tariffs on all products from the United States of America. “The American Chamber of Commerce welcomes and strongly supports the statement of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, who echoed our call by calling for the suspension of all tariffs on American goods. This call emphasizes the strategic importance of deepening economic ties with the United States,” the American Chamber of Commerce statement said.

Such an action would be an important, forward-looking step that demonstrates Kosovo’s commitment to free and fair trade, “while also positioning Kosovo towards a stronger trade relationship and possible consideration of a free trade agreement in the future.”

The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce considers that the removal of customs tariffs on American products would open new opportunities for Kosovo's economic development and would contribute to increasing trade and investment opportunities. “This action would strengthen relations with Kosovo's most important strategic ally, the United States, and would mark a major step towards freer trade," the announcement states.

Olympic Committee of Kosovo seeks clarification from UEFA over removal of Kosovo flag (Koha)

The Olympic Committee (OCK) of Kosovo has sought clarification from UEFA over the removal of the flag at the 49th Congress held in Belgrade on Thursday.

“The Olympic Committee of Kosovo expresses its deep concern and indignation over the unacceptable action of removing the flag of the Republic of Kosovo from the premises of the UEFA Congress, which was held in Belgrade, Serbia. Even more worrying and shameful is the fact that the flag placed among the flags of other countries ended up in the hands of hooligans, who then burned it in front of the premises where the Congress was being held,” the OCK wrote among others on Friday.

"This act constitutes a direct attack not only on the state symbols of Kosovo, but also on the fundamental values of sport: respect, equality and inclusion. OCK demands clarifications from the organizer of the Congress, in this case UEFA, for the removal and burning of the flag, and at the same time we demand measures from the host of this Congress, who according to the footage published during the Congress proceedings was involved in the acts of removing the flag. Kosovo and our sports institutions are equal members of all relevant international organizations and, as such, should be treated with dignity and respect at every sporting event, regardless of who the host country is," the Kosovo Olympic Committee further wrote.

Krasniqi: We see LDK as partner for next government (Klan)

The leader of the PDK, Memli Krasniqi, has said that he sees the LDK as a partner, and even said that he has communicated this both privately and publicly to the leader of the LDK, Lumir Abdixhiku. He added that in 9 or 10 months if the issue of the president is not resolved, they would work harder than the Kurti Government in four years. He further stated that if the opposition forms the government, in the fall they will increase salaries, pensions and will complete the roads that are left half-finished.

Krasniqi has stated that he has met twice with his counterpart from the LDK, Lumir Abdixhiku. "I met Mr. Abdixhiku, I invited him after the elections, as I discussed with others, and we had a very good meeting, but in reality his position, understandable, stated publicly, was that we are waiting for the certification of the results, but we have not yet managed to meet because the certification just happened, it was also the Eid holiday. Now that the session has been determined, I believe that we will have other meetings. The initiative belongs to us, we are the largest party, the responsibility falls on us. There is an invitation (for another meeting with Abdixhiku). But, don't make it dramatic. We expect to meet, but if there is something that unites us in this part of the position, we do not want to rush and say 'we did it'. No, Mr. Albin Kurti, more citizens voted for you than us, go ahead, do it! The last meeting with Abdixhiku may be two weeks away", Krasniqi said.

He however added that their position is that Bedri Hamza should be the Prime Minister. “There is no other option. Citizens have had two options: Albin Kurti or Bedri Hamza, others have been there but I'm sorry, there is order here. Let him [Lumir Abdixhiku] stay in the opposition, it's not the end of the world. He doesn't even get to stay in the opposition because he goes to new elections and if he has to go to new elections once again, because we are forgetting that in autumn we have two rounds of local elections, and from where we stand - next year the national elections are inevitable."

Haziri: Kurti expects to meet Adem Hoxha in government, but LDK to meet Konjufca, right? (media)

The deputy leader of LDK, Lutfi Haziri, said that the Democratic League of Kosovo will consider the invitation of the deputy leader of Vetevendosje, Glauk Konjufca, for a meeting with political parties. "How should the leader of LDK go to a meeting called by the deputy leader of Vetevendosje, when the leader of Vetevendosje meets Adem Hoxha in the government office? Respect for the Gorani party, but the format should be clear," Haziri told ATV broadcaster.

He further said that the agenda, format, and need for the meeting are defined at the level of meetings. "Everything must be known accurately before I go. The LDK will seriously consider this issue, like any other issue," Haziri said.

German mission in NATO: Kosovo and Western Balkans remain strategic priority (Reporteri)

The German Mission in NATO stated that a peaceful, stable and multiethnic Kosovo and the Western Balkans remain a strategic priority for Germany. As they said, KFOR and NATO Liaison Advisory Team (NALT) play a major role in security and stability in Kosovo. “Germany currently provided more than 300 soldiers within KFOR and NALT. Germany has recently extended the duration of the operational unit’s engagement within KFOR until 2027. At this stage, there are no plans to increase the number of German soldiers in KFOR,” the mission informed.

Remains of ten victims who were on list of missing persons will be reburied today (media)

The mortal remains of ten war victims who were on the List of Missing Persons, recently identified from the mortal remains exhumed from the mass grave in Bishtazh, will be reburied today. This was announced by the Government Commission for Missing Persons, which says that April 4 was a request from the families, being the anniversary of the Kralan Massacre.

The victims will be buried at different locations in Kosovo. Seven victims will be buried in Memorial Complex in Grabanice, one in Jashanice of Klina, reburial ceremony will also be held in Malisheva for the reburial of war victim Vehbi Halilaj, another ceremony will take place in Bubavec, another burial will take place at cemetery of the village of Mleqan, Malisheve.

While expressing condolences to the families, the Government Commission for Missing Persons said that they remain committed to clarifying the fate of all persons forcibly disappeared during the war.

Serbian Language Media

Vucevic: We are much closer to new government, but I do not rule out elections either (KiM radio, TV Prva, Danas, Beta)

Prime Minister in technical mandate and Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) president Milos Vucevic said the new PM-designate will probably form a government by April 18, however, there is still a small chance that new elections will be organized.

Speaking for Prva TV, he said that a man or woman in charge will have a difficult task to assemble the cabinet and write an exposé in seven to ten days, BETA news agency reported.

"I think we are much closer to electing a new government, but I cannot rule out the possibility that elections will be held. In case we do not have an agreement and that the PM-designate cannot wrap up the whole story in terms of establishing the entire cabinet, I leave a small reservation that such a scenario is also possible (...) If the new PM-designate asks me for advice, I will tell him to roll up his sleeves and enter the whole story with a dose of optimism", Vucevic said.

Yesterday, following consultations with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic about the new Prime Minister, Vucevic said a coalition gathered around the SNS believes there should be no new elections, and that they will propose two candidates for the new Prime Minister-designate.

Serbian Democracy supported protests in Gracanica and Donja Gusterica (KiM radio)

Serbian Democracy expressed its full support for the protests that took place yesterday in Gracanica and Donja Gusterica, caused by people's dissatisfaction over non-transparent jobs competitions, reported KiM radio.

Serbian Democracy said in its announcement citizens have the right to fight for their rights and a dignified life, and that no government can deny them that.

"These protests are a clear message that there is an urgent need to solve the problems that plague our citizens, from Strpce, through Gracanica, to Leposavic and Zubin Potok. The fight for justice and freedom of each individual is our priority as a party, so we will continue to provide support to all citizens who strive for common values," the announcement stated.

They demand ''the cancellation of all fictitious competitions and the publication of the list of new employees'', because, as they said, ''there are justified doubts that people close to the corrupt government have once again been given priority over educated people and other citizens who deserve a job''.

"We hope that the citizens will see that all the pre-election promises of the corrupt politicians in power were false and unfulfillable - with the only intention: to trick and deceive our people into voting for privileged people in positions with 6-7 salaries each", Serbian Democracy concluded in its statement.

Protests were held in Donja Gusterica and in Gracanica yesterday due to citizens' dissatisfaction with the employment process in health institutions.

Closing remarks at Dragisa Milenkovic’s trial, defense lawyers believe that only possible verdict is acquittal (Kosovo Online)

The closing remarks in the process against Dragisa Milenkovic, accused of alleged war crimes against Albanian prisoners during the conflict in Kosovo, were presented today at the Basic Court in Pristina. Prosecutor Ade Dema claimed the victims recognized Milenkovic, while defense attorneys Jovana Filipovic and Dejan Vasic pointed out there is no material evidence against Milenkovic in the indictment and requested an acquittal.

Prosecutor Ade Dema was the first to start with the closing statement. He said that all the witnesses who testified identified Dragisa Milenkovic as “a participant in physical and psychological abuse”.

"Prisoners who were transferred from Dubrava to the prison in Lipljan, just imagine what those people experienced - bombings, massacres, murders and injuries. They were in a bad emotional and psychological state, and in the prison in Lipljan they were met by a cordon 30-50 meters long, formed by the guards, and the majority identified Dragisa Milenkovic as part of the cordon. I say this and repeat, that the majority of injured witnesses identified Dragisa Milenkovic, who participated in physical and psychological abuse", said the prosecutor. He added “it was not possible to find a witness who would confirm otherwise, in order for the prosecution to change its mind”. The prosecutor said the indictment was supported by evidence and proved that the defendant was guilty.

Defense lawyer Jovana Filipovic pointed out in her closing statement that the indictment against Dragisa Milenkovic is without any material evidence. She added it was possible to obtain material evidence, but that the prosecution did not submit it.

"The prosecutor himself mentioned the time and place and the commission of the crime, as this prosecution proves, that this crime took place in 1999, but there is no evidence in the case files that in this period were the injured parties. Of the 16 injured parties, at least one could prove it, but we have nothing of that. We believe that the indictment, and least of all any conviction, cannot stand without material evidence," Filipovic said.

She notes that the evidence they submitted as a defense was declared invalid for, as she said, political and not legal reasons.

"Justice should be delivered and be in line with the law, the only possible verdict is an acquittal for Dragisa Milenkovic", concluded Filipovic.

Lawyer Dejan Vasic told the court in his closing statement to think carefully about whether it was a war crime, as stated in the indictment.

"This case had no basis in its initial phase. Dragisa was reported by a neighbor who hates him and who shot him. The case was formed in the manner of 'put him in jail and look for evidence'. How is it possible that witnesses waited a quarter of a century to recognize Dragisa and how is it possible that there was not a single witness before the arrest? How is it possible? How is it possible that a victim constantly meets Dragisa in the market, and never reports him, and he harassed him so much? No way", Vasic pointed out.

He added that the statements were made within a year, explaining that the passage of time does not exist, but that there is an inconsistency in the statements. "We are looking for an acquittal", concluded Vasic.

Lawyer Zivojin Jokanovic said that today “a staged process has been concluded. A process in which a prison guard is tried after 26 years, which is legally unsustainable”.

"Strange, legally unsustainable... That people now remember they were once mistreated there. What characterizes this and similar proceedings is the fact that the affected parties do not report themselves personally, but are called for, that is, invited, and whoever agrees to say something that would fit the indictment, is proposed as a witness and plays the role of the affected party", Jokanovic said. He added witnesses were telling the stories they learnt in advance, while the judicial council has the problem of deciding what is a war crime and what is not.

Dragisa Milenkovic from Kisnica, arrested on June 21, 2023, is accused that he, as a prison guard during the conflict in Kosovo in 1998 and 1999 in the Pristina prison, branch in Lipljan, in the capacity of an official and in co-perpetration with other officials, in violation of the rules of international law during the conflict allegedly "systematically mistreated Albanian prisoners by inhumanely torturing them with various objects". The Special Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against him on December 26, 2023.

Family members of Dragisa Milenkovic are also present in the courtroom.

Trial of Kostic and Milovic continues, defence says witnesses do not confirm prosecution’s claims (Tanjug)

The trial of Zoran Kostic from Priluzje and Dragan Milovic from Zvecan continued today at the Basic Court in Pristina. They are accused of allegedly committing war crimes against civilian population in Vucitrn municipality during the conflict in Kosovo in 1999, Tanjug news agency reported.

Two witnesses of the prosecution were heard today. Lawyer of Dragan Milovic, Milos Delevic said witnesses heard so far in no way confirmed the claims of the prosecution presented in the indictment.

“Moreover they (witnesses) did not see either one or the other defendant during the times of war. One of the witnesses confirmed that Dragan Milovic helped and saved several Albanian civilians”, Delevic said.

Gracanica in Budapest, images of life presented (KiM radio)

In Budapest, the capital of Hungary, an event called "Gracanica in Budapest" was held last night, reported Radio KIM.

"Gracanica in Budapest" brought together artists from the field of fine arts, ballet, vocal soloists, as well as representatives of institutions. A cultural and artistic program was held and an exhibition of photographs of Pristina, Prizren, Lipljan and Gracanica was opened, entitled "Pictures of Life" from the collection of Albert Kahn, the famous French philanthropist from the beginning of the XX century.

The event was also attended by the director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic.

"The Serbian cultural and spiritual treasure of Kosovo and Metohija and our Gracanica, which is located in the heart of the southern Serbian province, with its richness, longevity, beauty and meaning, transcends not only temporal but also spatial frameworks. Kosovo and Metohija is not only a geographical toponym, it is also a spiritual vertical of Serbian being and identity that we always carry within us, wherever we are", said Petkovic.

Petkovic said that Serbia owes Hungary gratitude because, as he said, it understands how important the Serbian Christian heritage in Kosovo and its nurturing is for the Christian character of the whole of Europe.

The Ambassador of Serbia to Hungary, Aleksandra Djurovic, also addressed the audience, pointing out that it is an exceptional honor and privilege for her to greet the guests and compatriots from Kosovo in Budapest.

KiM Radio reported that this event was organized by the Serbian Orthodox Church Diocese of Buda, with the support of the Gracanica Cultural Center, the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Hungary.

HLC: 13 war crimes indictments raised against 24 Serbian forces members in 2024 (Kosovo Online, media)

Kosovo Special Prosecution has raised 13 indictments for the war crimes against 24 members of the Serbian forces, says the annual report of the Kosovo Humanitarian Law Centre titled “Ending the Silence: Justice for War Victims”.

Also in 2024, nine persons suspected of allegedly committing war crimes against the civilian population were arrested in Kosovo.

The author of the report, Amer Alija said HLC observers have monitored all the judicial hearings at first and second instance courts. He said the report includes only the war crimes trials held at courts in Kosovo, aiming to present the work of judicial institutions, results, findings and recommendations.

He also said that out of 13 indictments raised in 2024, 6 are raised in absentia against 11 members of the Serbian forces, and 7 are raised against 13 members of the Serbian forces arrested by Kosovo police and assigned security measures. Aliu also said that since the end of the conflict, judicial institutions in Kosovo, both local and international, have sentenced 74 persons for war crimes.

As Aliju also said during 2024 proceedings have been launched or are already ongoing in different stages in 34 cases involving 98 members of the Serbian forces, and in one case two members of the KLA. This includes 14 indictments in absentia against 72 members of the Serbian forces.

Vucic: Jordan has confirmed it will participate in EXPO 2027 (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday in Sofia, where he is attending an Aqaba Process summit on the Balkans, that King Abdullah II of Jordan had confirmed to him the country would participate in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, adding that he expected Serbia to open an embassy in Jordan soon, Tanjug news agency reported.

"We had the first sessions of the Aqaba Process this morning. The process was established in 2016, and the initiator of the entire process for various regions but, above all, for the Middle East, was King Abdullah II", Vucic told reporters.

He said he had had a bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II and that he expected to see a major advancement of the relations between Belgrade and Amman.