UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, August 26, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Vetevendosje’s Dimal Basha elected Kosovo Assembly Speaker (media)
Krasniqi: Even VV MPs were not happy with Basha’s election (media)
Abdixhiku reacts after Basha’s election: LDK aspires higher (media)
First congratulations for Basha’s election Speaker of Parliament arrive (media)
German Embassy congratulates Dimal Basha (media)
Limaj after Basha’s election: VV to explain why they delayed the country (media)
New bridge over Iber River opened for traffic (media)
Kurti: Kosovo stands in solidarity with Ukraine (media)
Ninic: Milan Radoicic is behind the group “Corridor” (Telegrafi)
Police stop a person for painting provocative messages in Leposavic (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic: I informed Lavrov of persecution against Serbs in Kosovo, silence of larger part of international community (media)
Vucic met Sorensen: Bring dialogue back to obligation to form Community of Serbian Municipalities and protect rights of Serbs (Tanjug, media)
Djuric met Sorensen, discussed current situation in Kosovo (media)
Starovic met Sorensen, said meeting was productive (media, social media)
Serbian List: All our deputies voted against Basha because of his anti-Serb stance (media)
Petkovic: Bridge opening violation of dialogue agreements, slap to face of EU (media)
Elshani: Competent authorities made decision to open bridge for traffic today (Kosovo Online, media)
Lawyer: Miljkovic sent to one-month detention (media)
Kovac: Organization of sports events permitted to Albanians only (Kosovo Online)
Residents of North Mitrovica on recent events: This isn’t culture – it is all politics (Kosovo Online)
Underage girl apprehended over graffiti inscriptions in Socanica settlement (KoSSev)
Complaint against senior police officer moved between prosecutors (N1, FoNet)
Faculty of Philosophy dean changes locks, says exams must be held (N1, media)

Opinion:

Trump should kickstart Kosovo-Serbia talks into making real progress (Atlantic Council)

Albanian Language Media

Vetevendosje’s Dimal Basha elected Kosovo Assembly Speaker (media)

All news websites report that Vetevendosje’s Dimal Basha has been elected Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly. From 116 MPs, 73 voted in favor of Basha’s nomination, 30 voted against, and three abstained. Basha’s election now paves the way to the constitution of the new Assembly and the new government, after a long political deadlock following the February parliamentary elections.

In a speech after his election, Basha talked about the responsibility he feels, the importance of the Assembly and called on MPs to cooperate. “I feel honored and grateful for your votes, and I feel a great responsibility that you have entrusted me with. The Assembly is the heart of our democracy, a place where the voices of all our citizens are represented … Kosovo has been built on many sacrifices and with our shared belief that freedom and our state are bigger than any individual interest. Our Republic has been built on countless sacrifices: the blood, efforts and resistance of all those that believed that the future of the nation is more important than their lives … I bow from the heart to our women, our mothers and sisters, who for generations have sacrificed, worked and offered us love and dedication. They were and they remain the foundation of a healthy society we enjoy today,” he said.

Basha said that the protection of Kosovo should be the duty of both the government and opposition regardless of differences. “I call on you to cooperate. It is time to prove that regardless of our political differences, we have the courage and wisdom to work together for the highest interests of our country,” he said.

Basha also called on Serbia to recognize the independence of Kosovo.

Krasniqi: Even VV MPs were not happy with Basha’s election (media)

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, said that today his party kept its word. According to him, they are not happy that Dimal Basha became Speaker of the Assembly, adding that even Vetevendosje’s MPs were unhappy. “You saw them with long faces,” he said about Vetevendosje MPs.

Krasniqi stated that VV wasted time instead of dealing with issues important to people, adding that the party eventually gave in to the law. He mentioned Glauk Konjufca, Saranda Bogujevci, and Shqipe Selimi as better candidates for the Speaker position. “Citizens have clearly seen how much Albin Kurti values them,” he said. “Vetevendosje has trapped the entire people of Kosovo, or perhaps they trapped themselves, thinking we would not vote without consultation.”

Abdixhiku reacts after Basha’s election: LDK aspires higher (media)

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, has reacted after the election of Dimal Basha as Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo. Through a Facebook post, Abdixhiku described the Assembly’s decision as “a victory of ignorance” and a mistake by its supporters. “Kosovo, as we had never imagined it. A victory of ignorance and an unforgivable mistake by its supporters. In any case, this is their level. This is how they project the Republic. With these values, they have chosen to honor the voters and the people of Kosovo. LDK aspires higher. Kosovo must aspire higher. Political accidents and triumphs of historical ignorance will be overcome. One day there will be light,” Abdixhiku wrote.

First congratulations for Basha’s election Speaker of Parliament arrive (media)

The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, has congratulated Dimal Basha on his election as Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo. “Congratulations, Mr. Dimal Basha, on your election as Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo! Political and institutional cooperation is a necessity, which I wish and hope will continue for the good of Kosovo and its citizens,” President Begaj wrote on Facebook.

The Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, has conveyed his warm congratulations to his new counterpart in Kosovo, Dimal Basha. Gashi emphasized that relations between Kosovo and North Macedonia and their institutions are built on strong foundations of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual cooperation. He added that these ties stem from the people, proximity, and shared values, which represent a great asset. “These relations will continue to deepen further through open parliamentary dialogue, regional cooperation, and mutual support in Euro-Atlantic processes,” Gashi stated in a Facebook post.

German Embassy congratulates Basha: Hope for formation of government (media)

The German Embassy in Pristina has issued a statement following the election of Dimal Basha as Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo. In a post on its official page, the Embassy congratulated Basha on his new role and expressed hope for progress in the process of forming Kosovo’s institutions.

“Congratulations to Dimal Basha, the new Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo. We hope that Kosovo will now be able to move forward with the formation of its institutions,” the Embassy’s Facebook post read.

Limaj after Basha’s election: VV to explain why they delayed the country (media)

NISMA leader Fatmir Limaj said after today’s election of Dimal Basha as Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly that the Vetevendosje Movement must explain why they caused delays for Kosovo. “I expect an explanation why they have delayed the country until now. A vote without a political agreement, they could have done this on day one. I hope they will have an explanation to the people why they delayed it until now,” he told reporters.

Limaj did not respond to a question on whether he will join the new government.

New bridge over Iber River opened for traffic (media)

The new bridge over River Iber, which connects South Mitrovica with the North, has been opened for traffic. This was confirmed by the caretaker Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Svecla. “Dear citizens of Mitrovica and all of Kosovo, congratulations on the new bridge,” Svecla wrote on social media. At the same time, in the photo he posted vehicles and people moving across the bridge can be seen.

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in a Facebook post that “it took less than two months to build the 36th bridge in Kosovo over the Iber River. The bridge for vehicles is open for traffic starting from 09:00 today. Congratulations to the citizens of Mitrovica South and Mitrovica North! Congratulations to the company and the workers on their excellent engagement. Work on the other bridge is continuing”.

Caretaker Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Hysen Durmishi, published a video on Facebook of the new bridge with the message “Congratulations Mitrovica! Congratulations to all citizens of Kosovo! May we all enjoy the new bridge”.

Caretaker Minister of Local Government Administration, Elbert Krasniqi, also wrote about the opening of the new bridge. “Citizens of Kosovo, may we all enjoy the new bridge,” he wrote.

The bridge was opened on the 55^th day since the beginning of its construction.

Kurti: Kosovo stands in solidarity with Ukraine (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Monday that Kosovo joins not only Ukraine but people around the world in marking the 34th anniversary of Ukraine. “Kosovo has for long supported Ukraine in protecting its territorial and state sovereignty so that it can build a strong future instead of remaining constantly exposed to aggression. The diplomatic efforts of the last couple of days have underlined how crucial this issue remains,” he said at a reception organized by the embassies of Germany and the United Kingdom, the EU Office, and the Association of Journalists of Kosovo to mark the Ukraine Day.

Kurti also said that since the start of the war in Ukraine, Kosovo has chosen not to be an observer but joined the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom in imposing sanctions and opened the doors to journalists and others that were seeking a shelter and haven.

Ninic: Milan Radoicic is behind the group “Corridor” (Telegrafi)

Serbian attorney Ivan Ninic said on Monday that he filed charges against three unknown persons that manage accounts on Tik Tok, X and the group “Corridor” on Telegram, for publishing a video that targeted him. In an interview with N1, Ninic said that the group “Corridor” operates in the territory of Kosovo and that it is run by several reporters financed by the Serbian Government’s Office of Kosovo, and that their activities are also supported with funds from the Serbian Agency for Security and Information. He also mentioned Milan Radoicic, the former deputy leader of the Serbian List, who according to him is behind the group.

According to Ninic, the video targeting him was organized by structures of the Serbian Progressive Party, and he compared the content to a campaign that was launched before the assassination of Kosovo Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic. “It has the same signature, the same scenarist and director. Oliver Ivanovic warned about what was going to happen and it did happen. To this day we don’t know who was behind the crime,” he said.

Ninic also said that in the past he defended Serbs from Kosovo, who he said were persecuted by the Serbian List and Radoicic.

Police stop a person for painting provocative messages in Leposavic (media)

Several news websites report that an underaged girl was stopped last night by Kosovo Police after she had painted provocative messages on the walls of an uninhabited house in Leposavic. The 15-year-old admitted that she had painted the message “When the [Serbian] Army returns to Kosovo”. A case of “inciting discord and intolerance” was initiated, and the person will be interviewed today in the presence of an attorney and a worker of the Center for Social Work.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: I informed Lavrov of persecution against Serbs in Kosovo, silence of larger part of international community (media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic informed in a phone conversation the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of “attempts to persecute the Serbian people in Kosovo and the silence on the larger part of the international community”, Kosovo Online portal reported.

"I also informed Minister Lavrov about internal situation, especially when it comes to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija and the attempts to constantly persecute our population from their centuries-old places, as well as the silence of larger part of the international community", Vucic wrote in a post on his official Instagram account.

Terming their conversation as cordial Vucic added they also discussed bilateral relations, advancing economic cooperation, the situation in the region, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as attacks against Republika Srpska.

Vucic met Sorensen: Bring dialogue back to obligation to form Community of Serbian Municipalities and protect rights of Serbs (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met today in Belgrade with EU Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina talks Peter Sorensen, noting that discussions were opened and focused on possibility for continuation of dialogue with Pristina under EU’s mediation, as well as to challenges when it comes to the position of the Serbian people in Kosovo.

"I pointed out it is fundamentally important for the dialogue to return to the fundamental principles on which it was based, first of all, the obligation to form the Community of Serbian Municipalities, as well as the protection of the rights of our citizens in Kosovo", Vucic said in a post on his official Instagram account.

Vucic also emphasized the attempt to ban participation of Serbian List in the upcoming elections once again confirms that the respect for basic rights and the freedom of political activity of Serbs in Kosovo is threatened.

Djuric met Sorensen, discussed current situation in Kosovo (media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met today with EU Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Peter Sorensen and discussed with him the current situation in Kosovo, Serbian media reported. During the meeting he extended full support to Sorenson’s role and mission he implements, Serbian MFA said in a statement.

As the statement said referring to a series of escalatory measures, Pristina authorities undertook over the previous couple of weeks aiming to additional impair position of Serbs in Kosovo, Djuric underlined importance of further presence of the international organizations and missions in Kosovo and their stronger engagement to improve general security situation, full respect for the rights and freedoms as well as preparation of upcoming elections under fair and democratic conditions.

Djuric also warned of bans being imposed on some Serbs to enter Kosovo and visit their families living there. Djuric also said that usurpation of private properties continues, attempts to expel entire Serbian families from houses and apartments were underway, and that no perpetrator had been found in relation to attacks on properties of the Serbian political organizations’ representatives.

Djuric added Pristina authorities attempted to open new ‘neuralgic’ points in Mitrovica North by constructing new bridges under disguise of infrastructural development. Djuric noted Belgrade encourages and expects larger participation of Serbs in upcoming elections, adding it would open a path for them to return to all levels of powers and institutions.

Starovic met Sorensen, said meeting was productive (media, social media)

Serbian European Integration Minister Nemanja Starovic met today EU Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Peter Sorensen and informed him of a series of acts Kosovo caretaker PM Albin Kurti undertook against Serbs there, falling outside of the dialogue framework.

“I held a productive meeting with Peter Sørensen, the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Priština Dialogue. I informed him of the series of unilateral and escalatory actions taken by Kurti's regime against the Serbian community in the province, which have been carried out entirely outside the dialogue framework. Serbia remains fully committed to the dialogue, as it represents the only reasonable and sustainable path forward. However, restoring the process's relevance is crucial for meaningful progress”, Starovic wrote in a post on X social platform.

Serbian List: All our deputies voted against Basha because of his anti-Serb stance (media)

Serbian List has voted today against the Self-determination Movement candidate for Assembly Speaker Dimal Basha, because of, as it was said,his anti-Serb stance, Kosovo Online portal reported.

"Because of his anti-Serb stance he repeated at today's Assembly session in Pristina, along with the worst qualifications of the Serbian people and the Serbian state, all nine Serbian List deputies voted against Dimal Basha, whom (Albin) Kurti's Self-Determination proposed as the Assembly Speaker", Serbian List said in a post on Instagram.

The Serbian List pointed out that Basha, in his address after being elected Assembly Speaker, demonstrated that he is not someone who can unite the MPs.

"He devoted more than half of his speech to insults against the Serbian people", Serbian List underlined.

Petkovic: Bridge opening violation of dialogue agreements, slap to face of EU (media)

“Illegal opening of (Albin) Kurti’s bridge is a new escalatory act which directly undermines peace in the north of Kosovo”, Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic said in reaction to opening of a newly constructed bridge over the Ibar River connecting Mitrovica South and Mitrovica North, not far from the main one, opened to pedestrians but not to vehicular traffic and with permanent KFOR presence.

He underlined that opening of the bridge represents violation of agreements from the dialogue and a slap to the face of the EU.

“That is why (Albin) Kurti chose to open the bridge today, while Peter Sorensen (EU Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue) is visiting Belgrade. Brutal destruction of dialogue”, Petkovic said in a post on X social platform.

Elshani: Competent authorities made decision to open bridge for traffic today (Kosovo Online, media)

Kosovo police deputy commander for the north region, Veton Elshani told Kosovo Online that competent authorities made the decision this morning to open the newly constructed bridge over the Ibar River to vehicular traffic and pedestrians.

This bridge was meant to be used for vehicular traffic, but opened earlier than expected, although technical capacity testing was supposed to be carried out during the day.

Asked why the bridge was opened to traffic earlier than expected, although it was announced that it should be tested in technical capacities during the day, Elshani said he is not the person to answer that question, as those competent made the decision to open the bridge for traffic.

“As for other technical matters, I am not competent for that, and I know nothing about it”, he said briefly.

Lawyer: Miljkovic sent to one-month detention (media)

Lawyer Milos Delevic told the media today that Ljubisa Miljkovic from Zvecan, arrested on August 24, under accusations of allegedly taking part in the attack on KFOR and Kosovo police in May 2023 in front of a municipal building there, his client has been rendered one-month detention.

Delevic said this decision was expected, adding it is a high time someone deals with the issue of rendering the most severe of all measures – detention to the Serbs arrested for various offences.

"Ljubisa Miljkovic was given a measure of judicial detention in duration of up to 30 days. This was expected from the moment he was arrested. Someone really has to deal with the fact that Serbs are given the strictest measure of judicial detention only because of the risk to flee, that is, because of the fact that they have Serbian citizenship", Delevic said.

He argued that after spending a few months in detention, as investigations usually open after their arrests, Serbs are forced to accept the bargain plea from prosecution in order to get out of prison as soon as possible.

Kovac: Organization of sports events permitted to Albanians only (Kosovo Online)

Frequent organization of sports and cultural events in the territory of Mitrovica North municipality by Albanian associations is perceived by the Serbian majority community as provocation, and not events aiming to foster multi-ethnic closeness, sports worker and director of now closed Sports Hall in this city Goran Kovac told Kosovo Online portal.

In particular he emphasised that organizations of sports events allowed to Albanians, are not permitted to the Serbs, and for organization of any event only one side is being asked about it – Albanian one.

He termed the recent organization of 3x3 basketball tournament at Mitrovica North promenade, with initial announcement saying it will take place at recently renovated sports playground near the main Ibar River bridge, as a mere provocation which no one can perceive as a sports event.

He added this is only the culmination of everything preceding it, including among other, confiscation of sports halls by municipal inspectors.

He said up to date Serbian athletes are not enabled to train and use this hall, which was constructed for this purpose and remains empty now.

“Let’s go back a bit, first that was done when Albin Kurti took power was to ban Serbs from competing in sports. Over the last four to five years all clubs are banned from playing their matches in Kosovo and Metohija, reports are immediately filed and our clubs are forced to play games they are hosting in central Serbia. The worst is that we have no conditions to train. Children wishing to do sports, when they need it the most, can not do it either. The sports hall that was taken away from us is now empty. They have so many sports halls in the south, yet it was only important to them to take away this one from us, constructed in 2019 for precisely people living in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. It is out of function now, but our children manage somehow and I hope some will see it”, Kovac explained.

Residents of North Mitrovica on recent events: This isn’t culture – it is all politics (Kosovo Online)

The recently held jazz festival on the Mitrovica North promenade, organized by Albanians from South Mitrovica, sparked mixed reactions among residents of North Mitrovica. Although the event was presented as cultural, many see it as a political message rather than a genuine attempt to connect communities. Additional unease among Serbs was caused by a 3x3 basketball tournament organized by Mitrovica North municipality – without a single Serbian participant.

Residents of North Mitrovica told Kosovo Online that festivals should not automatically be rejected, but there is suspicion about the intentions behind such events.

“Festivals should be organized, but we all know here that it carries another meaning. Is it really a festival or is there another agenda? Such social events should be accepted in a nice way, but care must be taken that this ‘nice way’ doesn’t lead to something unpleasant”, one resident said.

An Albanian from South Mitrovica, encountered walking in the north, stressed that music and culture should bother no one, but that everyone should have equal opportunities.

One of the most prominent local musicians, Petar Rakic, expressed dissatisfaction with the jazz festival, noting the absence of well-known musicians from Mitrovica. “I don’t know what kind of festival this is. I know that when there was a festival, world-famous names came. This, I have no idea what it is – a political festival”, Rakic said briefly.