UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 11, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani present Ibrahim Rugova Presidential Order to Hovenier (media)
Tensions in Kosovo: Paramilitary activity stirs concerns for regional stability (AP)
Selimi: Memo saying Srpski Otpor claimed responsibility for attack (media)
Prosecution: We’re continuing to collect evidence about the attack (RTV21)
Osmani: Empowering communities is an institutional responsibility (media)
Kurti hosts IOC President Thomas Bach, “always grateful to the IOC” (media)
Terras committed to ensuring his reports on Kosovo “reflect reality” (media)
Bislimi: PDK becoming an obstacle to Kosovo joining SEPA (AP)
Lajcak briefs NATO Council on developments in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
Kosovo Annual Journalism Awards - 2024 winners presented (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic offers opposition advisory referendum (Tanjug)
Lajcak in NATO speaks about Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug)
N1 Newsnight broadcast about sexual harassment of women in northern Kosovo (N1)
Marko Jaksic on his meeting with EP Rapporteur for Kosovo (social media)
Radoicic in Serbia waiting for the decision on the indictment; Kosovo asking his extradition (RFE, KiM radio)
Pantic Pilja: Pristina's request for status of a special guest removed from CoE agenda (Kosovo Online, Kurir)
Opposition files motion to remove Brnabic as Parliament Speaker (N1)
Vucic to make public address at 6 pm Wednesday (Tanjug)

Opinion:

Injustice foretold (media)

International Media:

Kosovo launches electronic bracelets to curb domestic violence (BIRN)
Protesters’ arrests fuel human rights concerns in Serbia, report says (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani present Ibrahim Rugova Presidential Order to Hovenier (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a post on X that on Tuesday night “we bid farewell to an extraordinary diplomat and a true friend of Kosovo—a bridge-builder who strengthened the bonds between Kosovo and the United States and brought our shared values to life with unmatched dedication. In recognition of US Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier’s remarkable service, I was honored to present the Presidential Order ‘Ibrahim Rugova’ on behalf of the people of Kosovo—a lasting symbol of our gratitude, respect, and enduring friendship. Thank you, Ambassador, for your unwavering commitment to Kosovo’s freedom, independence, sovereignty, and to the U.S. - Kosovo alliance. In every sense, you are and will always remain a true champion of freedom and democracy”.

Hovenier said in a post on X: “deeply honored and grateful to be presented the Presidential Order of ‘Dr. Ibrahim Rugova’ by President VjosaOsmani yesterday evening. This recognition holds great meaning for me as it represents the collective work and dedication of everyone who has been part of this effort to ensure peace and stability in Kosovo and to advance our shared vision of a sovereign, democratic, and multi-ethnic country. It has been a great privilege to serve as the U.S. Ambassador here in Kosovo”.

Tensions in Kosovo: Paramilitary activity stirs concerns for regional stability (AP)

The Albanian Post reported on Tuesday that according to confidential sources, the explosion in Varraga on November 29 was part of a broader campaign orchestrated by the group, which serves as an umbrella organization for affiliated networks, including Severna Brigada (Northern Brigade)

Following a recent explosion targeting critical infrastructure in northern Kosovo, international attention has intensified on the activities of a new paramilitary group, Srpski Otpor (Serbian Resistance).

According to confidential sources, the explosion in Varraga on November 29 was part of a broader campaign orchestrated by the group, which serves as an umbrella organization for affiliated networks, including Severna Brigada (Northern Brigade).

A calculated act of sabotage

On November 30, masked individuals claiming to be part of Srpski Otpor posted a video on TikTok claiming responsibility for the attack. In the video, they stated their goal: to cut off water and electricity supplies to towns inhabited mainly by Kosovo Albanians.

Although the video was quickly deleted after widespread criticism, the message it conveyed highlighted the growing tensions in the region. Other sources indicate that the group is planning further attacks in January, strategically timed around Serbian Orthodox Christmas and in the days leading up to the inauguration of incoming US President Donald Trump.

Observers warn that these actions are intended to provoke a harsh reaction from Kosovar authorities, jeopardizing the safety of US KFOR troops in the region. Such developments could escalate into a broader crisis, undermining stability in the Balkans.

Pro-russian influences and strategic destabilization

Confidential information suggests that Srpski Otpor operates under the influence of pro-Russian elements embedded in Serbian security structures. Analysts argue that these factions aim to destabilize the Western Balkans, fueling crises in Kosovo and Bosnia—regions often referred to as NATO’s “geopolitical backyard.” The broader objective appears to be twofold: to hinder Western diplomatic initiatives in the region and to pressure the Serbian leadership for excessive rapprochement with the West.

Although Srpski Otpor denies direct ties to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, critics point to a pattern of “controlled crises” employed by Vucic’s administration. According to observers, these crises are used to reinforce narratives of Serbian victimhood and to justify civil disobedience or even armed uprisings, as evidenced by the clashes in Banjska in September 2023.

Broader implications for the US and Russia

The upcoming inauguration of President Trump adds another layer of complexity. Trump has promised to resolve major global crises immediately after taking office, a stance that could run counter to escalating tensions in the Balkans. Analysts warn that such a crisis could weaken the US position in the region while strengthening Russia’s influence.

Election dynamics in Kosovo

The timing of these attacks raises questions about their connection to the upcoming elections in Kosovo. Experts suggest that the destabilization efforts may align with long-standing objectives of Serbian intelligence to create divisions among Albanian parties, especially now, on the eve of the elections.

Western reaction

The attack in Varraga is being widely condemned as a terrorist act, unacceptable to Western powers. Belgrade’s leadership is facing increased pressure to distance itself from such paramilitary activities, as terrorist acts threaten to erode Serbia’s diplomatic position. However, the situation also highlights deep divisions within Serbia’s security apparatus, where pro-Russian agendas increasingly clash with official state policy.

A crisis in the making?

The situation in the Balkans remains fraught with uncertainty. With paramilitary groups emboldened by regional instability and foreign influences, the potential for further escalation is high. Whether future attacks and their aftermath will succeed in creating a crisis, or whether diplomatic efforts will defuse the situation, remains to be seen.

As one analyst observed, “The Balkans have always been a powder keg of conflicting influences. These recent developments only underscore the fragility of peace in the region—and the urgency for decisive international action.”

Selimi: Memo saying Srpski Otpor claimed responsibility for attack (media)

Kosovo’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petrit Selimi, said in a post on X on Tuesday that “there’s a memo circulating, seemingly made by a NATO partner, saying responsibility for bomb in Iber-Lepenc claimed by Srpski Otpor, influenced by pro-Russia elements in Serbian intel services. More bombs may happen, aiming to provoke escalation in Kosovo before the Trump presidency. There’s no way to prove the veracity of this memo. But as it claims concrete evidence: a deleted TikTok admitting to the attack, released by paramilitaries controlled by Belgrade and Russian security establishment, maybe some folks can prove/disprove its authenticity.

Read more at: https://t.ly/0b2_W

Prosecution: We’re continuing to collect evidence about the attack (RTV21)

Kosovo’s Special Prosecution said today that it is continuing to investigate and collect evidence about the November 29 terrorist attack on the water canal near Zubin Potok. Head of the public communications at the Office of the State Chief Prosecutor, Liridone Kozmaqi, told the TV station that two people are in detention under the suspicion they were involved in the attack. “At this point of investigations, this is all the information we can share for the public,” she said.

Osmani: Empowering communities is an institutional responsibility (media)

The Consultative Council for Communities, under the leadership of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, today held the meeting with a new composition. Osmani said that the Council is proof of Kosovo’s commitment to build a fair, equal and inclusive society for all its citizens. “In her address, President Osmani emphasized her unwavering commitment to ensure that every citizen – regardless of ethnicity, religion or language – feels an esteemed and active part of Kosovo’s society. Osmani highlighted the main achievements of the Council this year, and offered full support for the implementation of objectives,” a statement issued by Osmani’s office notes.

Osmani pledged to protect the security and dignity of every individual, making sure that no citizen is marginalized or discriminated against. “A Kosovo that is safe for our children in a world where security is increasingly threatened by dark and destabilizing forces, this is the goal that unites us all. For the Office of the President, this is a daily priority and engagement. We need to walk with full confidence toward integration, both in the country, and in Euro-Atlantic processes,” she said.

Osmani also said that empowering the communities is an institutional responsibility “and the right engagement that strengthens the state”.

Kurti hosts IOC President Thomas Bach, “always grateful to the IOC” (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in a post on X on Tuesday that he hosted the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, along with the President of the European Olympic Committee, SpyrosCapralos, and President of International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, Davide Tizzano, on the 10th anniversary Kosovo’s membership in the IOC. “Mr. Bach's unwavering support and the recognition of the global sports community have empowered our youth to showcase their unparalleled talent and dedication to sports on the world stage — and has given us all the reasons to cheer them on and celebrate their achievements. We will always be grateful to the IOC and we were honored to have Mr. Bach in Kosova to commemorate this jubilee anniversary — a testimony to strong friendship and mutual appreciation,” Kurti said.

Terras committed to ensuring his reports on Kosovo “reflect reality” (media)

European Parliament Rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, who is visiting Kosovo, said he met today with the European Investors Council who briefed him about Kosovo’s economy and that he also had an insightful meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi on Kosovo’s EU path and latest developments. “I will contribute to this by providing informed, fair and objective reporting,” he said.

In another post on X, Terras said: “grateful to all my interlocutors who helped me gain a deeper understanding of the local context during this three-day fact-finding mission. I am committed to ensuring that my reports on Kosovo reflect reality, consider all perspectives, and support informed decision-making”.

Lajcak briefs NATO Council on developments in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)

EU Special Representative for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak, said in a post on X this morning that he briefed the North Atlantic Council on developments in the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue. “Stressed the importance of our excellent EU-NATO cooperation for regional stability. Thanks to NATO Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska and all ambassadors for a valuable discussion and Slovak Ambassador for inviting,” he wrote.

Bislimi: PDK becoming an obstacle to Kosovo joining SEPA (AP)

Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi accused opposition parties, namely the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), of becoming an obstacle to Kosovo joining the Single Euro Payments Area, by warning to send 20 laws to the Constitutional Court, the Albanian Post reports. “Among the 20 laws adopted on December 5 are three laws that are crucial for the financial development of the country, and which pave the way for the membership of the Republic of Kosovo in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA),” Bislimi said in a Facebook post. He also said that the laws are related to “the law on banks, the law on payment services, and the law on preventing money laundering and terrorism. These laws are foreseen to bring greater financial transparency, bring Kosovo closer to the EU Market and tangible benefits for the people”.

The PDK said it will ask the Constitutional Court to interpret the 20 laws that Vetevendosje MPs adopted last Thursday, claiming that the fast procedure of their adoption is an open violation of the Constitution of Kosovo and the Regulation of the Kosovo Assembly.

Kosovo Annual Journalism Awards - 2024 winners presented (media)

The Association of Kosovo Journalists (AJK) said in a press release on Tuesday that in close partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, with the support of USAID, UN Women - Kosovo Office, forumZFD, the British Embassy in Pristina, the Voice of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians and the “Think Green, Act Green” campaign, presented the Annual Journalism Awards for 2024.

In twelve competitive categories this year, more than 20 journalists were announced as winners.

The main award, “Journalist of the Year”, was won by journalist Ardiana Thaçi Mehmeti of “Kiks Kosova”, for her work in exposing the infamous online group, “Albkings”. Her work led to arrests and closure of the group’s platforms, despite personal threats against her. Her work has encouraged women to speak out against harassment. The award for Journalist of the Year to Thaçi Mehmeti, was presented by Pascale Roussy, Director of the Democratization Department at the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

In the “Best TV Story” category, the story cycle “Shiriti” by Kallxo.com triumphed. A six-member team uncovered political corruption in Kosovo, exposing over 120 cases of misrepresentations of projects by mayors on social media. Their investigation led to accountability measures and public apologies, highlighting the power of investigative journalism in the fight against propaganda. This award was presented by Prof. Dr. Rrahman Paçarizi, a representative member of the jury.

In the “Best Web Story” category, the award was won by Nadie Ahmeti from “Radio Free Europe”. Ahmeti’s story highlighted Erona, a young woman tragically murdered by her ex-husband, thus shedding light on the domestic violence crisis in Kosovo. Through this story, systemic failures and societal barriers were highlighted, calling for urgent reforms to protect women. This award was presented by Flutura Kusari, a human rights activist.

The best cameraman of the year was named Deniz Slovinja from "Kallxo.com". Slovinja demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination by documenting the devastating floods in freezing conditions, capturing visuals that gained attention and demonstrated the impact of the event. This award was presented by Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Senior Resident Director of the National Institute for Democracy in Kosovo – NDI.

In the "Women's Empowerment Award" category, the first place award went to Adelina Ahmeti, from Kallxo.com. She exposed systemic judicial failures in domestic violence cases. The second place award went to Blerta Ahmeti, from Betimi për Drejtësi. She highlighted workplace discrimination against new mothers. The third place award in this category went to Dafina Halili from Kosovo 2.0, who explored the societal challenges and policy gaps around breastfeeding, linking them to the broader issue of gender equality. These awards were presented by Florije Kryeziu from UN Women, the British Ambassador to Prishtina, Jonathan Hargreaves, and Gentiana Begolli Pustina from RTK.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic offers opposition advisory referendum (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday that he is offering the opposition what he called an advisory referendum to gauge public opinion about his rule, N1 reports citing Serbian public broadcaster RTS.

“Just ask for an advisory referendum since you’re saying that the young are with you, the old are with you, the people are with you. So, if the people are with you, an advisory referendum”, Vucic told reporters in Freiberg where he discussed lithium mining projects with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Vucic added that if the people voted in favour of his dismissal, he would step down the very next day. He said he will never hand power over to the opposition. “The entire government can resign. I don’t believe that could happen but if it did, I would not give them the mandate (to form a government). Not as long as I live”, he said.

Vucic denied saying that someone tried to kill him. “I said that I told them if they want that they have to do it with me…. I offered two options, one democratic, one not. The undemocratic option is to kill someone”, he said.

Lajcak in NATO speaks about Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Tanjug)

EU Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajcak said today he informed the North Atlantic Council of events in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, stressing the importance of excellent cooperation between EU and NATO for regional stability, Tanjug news agency reported.

In a post on X social platform Lajcak said he had valuable talks with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska and all ambassadors.

“I have briefed the North Atlantic Council about events in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. I emphasised the importance of our excellent EU-NATO cooperation for regional stability. I thank Sekerinska and all ambassadors for valuable discussion and Slovak Ambassador Marek Vargi for invitation”, Lajcak said in a post.

N1 Newsnight broadcast about sexual harassment of women in northern Kosovo (N1)

Catcalling from passing vehicles, following, uttering inappropriate sexist comments have become frequent occurrences in the north of Kosovo over the last months, N1 reports today. The perpetrators are mostly men, coming from Albanian-majority south to the Serbian-majority northern part of Mitrovica, and it also happened that it was done by members of Kosovo police, N1 added.

An informal group of women from northern Kosovo warned of this problem and collected several dozens of anonymous testimonies of those women who preferred not to talk about this issue publicly. N1 said it selected and showcased a few of them.

“A man opened the window, started addressing me in Albanian and followed me with the vehicle. I sped up, but the vehicle was behind me all the time. At one moment, that man parked the vehicle and started walking towards me. He came out, undressed until his knees, and masturbated while standing. I stood immovable on the stairs, with two dogs, knowing if I go back he will follow me with the car as it was clear he knew this area quite well. Out of fear I could not take my phone from my purse”, one of the testimonies said.

“I saw the police vehicle slowing down next to me, they pulled the windows down. Inside were four members of Kosovo police, I looked at them and they started clucking and meowing”, says the second testimony.

“A vehicle with several men passed by, with opened windows and loud Albanian music. One of them moved towards the window and shouted, “Oh my sweetheart”. He even extended his arm, as if he wanted to touch me”, the third testimony said.

Ines Aljovic Mihajlovic and therapist Biljana Cufalic, from informal group of women in northern Kosovo shared accounts of sexual harassment women in northern Kosovo are exposed to in the broadcast.

Aljovic Mihajlovic said she is one of the women in the north who experienced three unpleasant situations relating to sexist comments. The first one occurred in May this year, and according to her this was somehow beginning of the period when sexual harassment has become frequent and became “normalized”.

“At the beginning I thought I was an isolated case and that my experience was an isolated incident. And then I started talking with my friends, acquaintances and colleagues about it and we all together concluded that this somehow has become a security problem of entire non-majority communities, in particular of women in northern Kosovo”, Aljovic Mihajlovic said.

Cufalic, who is a therapist, said that often women believe it is an individual case and happened to her only. “{…}, however, usually it is not the case, and there is usually a pattern in behaviour. And I believe that many of those incidents were committed by the same persons, because they got away with that {…}”, she said.

Asked what the reasons are so these women feel reluctant to report the cases or publicly speak about them, Aljovic Mihajlovic responded that given the situation in the north over the last couple of years, that people have become apathetic and feel as if there is no solution to their problems, all this impacted women of not feeling encouraged to report their cases.

According to her, this collective security problem affecting the women has led them to adapt to the situation on the ground. She also said that previously such cases were rather rare but have intensified over the last months. “Now this has become our daily life, in particular over the last 8 to 10 months”. She also said those committing sexual harassment somehow feel free to do so, as they know they will not be punished. Aljovic Mihajlovic also said that women felt more secure to report the cases to the informal group of women than to go to the institutions and seek help from there due to lack of trust.

Marko Jaksic on his meeting with EP Rapporteur for Kosovo (social media)

Lawyer and political activist from North Mitrovica, Marko Jaksic in a post on X social platform spoke about the meeting he had with the European Parliament Rapporteur Riho Terras. Jaksic is one of the several political activists from northern Kosovo, whom Terras met yesterday, in addition to the Serbian List.

“In today's very frank conversation with the new European Parliament rapporteur for #Kosovo, Mr. Riho Terras @RihoTerras, I took the opportunity to reflect on the latest unfortunate events and actions aimed at making everyday life difficult for local Serbs, to make a brief retrospective of all the bad things which the Kurti regime has done to the residents of northern Kosovo since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, but also to point out the awakened nationalism and interethnic relations in Kosovo that have never been worse, which are the consequences of that policy, as well as to warn of a very complex security situation that requires urgent and new solutions that would respect the legitimate need for a normal, equal and dignified life for the majority population in northern Kosovo”, Jaksic said in a post on Tuesday.

Radoicic in Serbia waiting for the decision on the indictment; Kosovo asking his extradition (RFE, KiM radio)

Radio Free Europe in Serbian language was told in Brussels that the EU is aware of the announcement by the High Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade that a decision will soon be made on the indictment against Milan Radoicic. It was reminded that Serbia is expected to "ensure full responsibility for the perpetrators of the attack in Banjska".

"This means prosecuting and bringing to court the suspects who are in Serbia and ensuring full cooperation in the investigation of the attack," said EU spokeswoman Anitta Hipper.

The chief prosecutor of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, Nenad Stefanovic, said on December 2 that the decision to indict Radoicic, who claimed responsibility for the attack on the Kosovo police in Banjska, will be made at the end of this year or at the beginning of 2025. The announcement came a day after Kosovo PM Albin Kurti called on the international community to put pressure on Belgrade to extradite the former vice president of the largest Serb party in Kosovo to Pristina.

Brussels and Washington did not respond to RFE's questions regarding Kurti's call.

"For now, that option seems unrealistic", assesses Predrag Petrovic from the non-governmental Belgrade Center for Security Policy. "Firstly, because Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as a state, and the second reason is Radoicic himself, and what he knows about the policies and activities of Vucic's government in Kosovo", Petrovic told RFE.

The decision on the Serbian indictment for the armed attack in Banjska in which a Kosovo policeman was killed in September 2023 also came in the days when the EU was deciding on the possible unblocking of membership negotiations with Serbia. "Serbia must prosecute those responsible in order to satisfy member states who believe that leaving such a big issue unresolved can cause further problems", Strahinja Subotic from the Center for Contemporary Politics told RFE.

What do they say in Belgrade?

Belgrade announced the decision to indict Milan Radoicic after more than a year since the beginning of the investigation into the attack in Banjska. Chief Public Prosecutor Nenad Stefanovic stated on December 2 for the Kosovo Online portal that during the investigation regarding the "event in the town of Banjska, more than 40 procedural actions were taken", recalled RFE. "The decision can be to file an indictment, or not to file it", lawyer Bozo Prelevic told RFE.

"That decision is usually made after analyzing the evidence in the case file. Since this case is closed to the public, we don't know what evidence the prosecutor has, and we don't even know who was heard", he added, reported RFE.

The Prosecutor's Office did not answer RFE's questions about what the investigation found, nor what actions were taken.

Serbia suspects Radoicic of "a serious crime against general security and illegal production, carrying and trafficking of weapons". Kosovo, on the other hand, characterizes the attack in Banjska as a “terrorist”, and Radoicic and others involved are associated with the violation of the “Constitutional order and action against the legal system of Kosovo”.

After the hearing in Belgrade in October 2023, Radoicic was released, with a ban on leaving Serbia and an obligation to report to the competent police station every first and fifteenth day of the month. The High Court confirmed to RFE that this measure was extended until January 2025 and that Radoicic "respects" it. However, it is not known where Radoicic currently resides in Serbia, RFE reports. The Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to RFE's inquiry as to which police station he reports to. RFE reported, among other things, that even Radoicic's lawyer Goran Petronijevic did not respond to their calls and messages.

Pantic Pilja: Pristina's request for status of a special guest removed from CoE agenda (Kosovo Online, Kurir)

Kosovo submitted a request to receive the status of a special guest in the Council of Europe, but Belgrade managed to prevent their request from appearing on today's agenda of the Political Committee. In this, Spain and Hungary sided with Serbia, confirmed the head of the Serbian delegation to the Council of Europe, Biljana Pantic Pilja.

As Pantic Pilja told Kurir, after Kosovo submitted this request, Belgrade made diplomatic moves and Pristina's request was not on the agenda of the Political Committee session in Paris.

"The so-called Kosovo sent a request to move from the status of "other delegation", which does not exist in the Rules of Procedure of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, to the status of "special guest", which is a category of Rules of Procedure. The procedure is such that their request was read at the Bureau in Luxembourg and forwarded to the Political Committee, which was supposed to give an opinion today and forward the same to the Bureau. If it is adopted, they would not get additional rights, but it would be used in Kurti's election campaign. We believe that it would be a kind of reward for them, and they did not fulfill anything from Dora Bakoyannis' report, especially the part related to the CSM, which is an obligation from the Brussels Agreement; and that there is advanced terror against the Serbian population of Kosovo and Metohija since Kurti's regime. Those were some of our arguments, and our diplomatic activity, with the full support of President Aleksandar Vucic, bore fruit this time and this was not on the agenda of today's meeting, and it was postponed until the January session of the Parliamentary Assembly of CoE," stated Pantic Pilja.

Opposition files motion to remove Brnabic as Parliament Speaker (N1)

Opposition MP caucuses in Serbian Parliament filed a motion to remove Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic from her position, citing constitutional and procedural violations, opposition MP Radomir Lazovic announced at a press conference. “The motion comes in response to violations of Serbian Constitution, the Law on the National Assembly, and Parliamentary Rules of Procedure”, Lazovic said, N1 reported.

He emphasized that legislation and budget changes require thorough public debate, with all lawmakers having the right to participate in discussions. Lazovic criticized Brnabic’s conduct during recent parliamentary sessions, describing it as inappropriate. “The last session effectively didn’t take place because no proper debate was held“, he said.

“Ana Brnabic misled the public by claiming that no one had requested to speak during the debate on the amendments, even though I and colleague Spiric had. Furthermore, at the previous session, Ana Brnabic did not allow a motion of no confidence in the government to be put to a vote, despite the motion having support from 85 parliament members”, Lazovic added.

Vucic to make public address at 6 pm Wednesday (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will make a public address on Wednesday. The public address in the building of the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic is scheduled for 6 pm, the presidential press office announced in a statement, Tanjug news agency reported.

Opinion

Injustice foretold (media)

Opinion piece by Petrit Selimi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo.

Kosovo’s Special Court continues to arrest some of the most eminent names in Kosovo’s modern history, forcing a false narration of our Republic that is deeply offensive for the rest of society.

Here are four stories about four men. These are real stories. And these are real men.

In many respects — and with all their human flaws and merits — they represent the best that Kosovo had to offer to its daughters and sons and to our movement for liberation, democracy and independence, firmly anchored in the values and the joint work we shared with the Western allies.

What is happening to them right now is but a painful episode, caused by the worst feature of the tiny and faceless conglomerate of appeasing apparatchiks, informed by appalling prejudices, pushed by the unaccountable apparitors of injustice sitting in The Hague.

But this will be a short-lived and shameful episode that will not erase the role these men played in our history. Read until the end to find out why.