Albanian Language Media:

• Kusari-Lila: Dinar has not been banned, it can be used like any other currency (RTK)
• Minister Gervalla leaves for Munich to participate in the Security Conference (media)
• Kryeziu-Hyseni: Focus of the reporting has been on Banjska issue (RTK)
• NCU says Bislimi’s labeling, against spirit of dialogue and European values (Koha)
• The American Chamber of Commerce proposes three alternatives for solving dinar issue (Koha)
• Georg Schnetzer: Kosovo remains a priority of Austria's foreign policy (RTK)
• ​55 NGOs request dismissal of Balje and Deme-Murtezi from Human Rights Committee (media)
• Kamberi accuses Lajcak of double standards (Koha)
• The EESC accepts 9 candidate countries, Kosovo not included (RTK)

Serbian Language Media:

• Brnabic: Only strong Serbia can solve issues of national interest (Tanjug)
• Dacic meets Botsan-Kharchenko (Tanjug)
• Selimi and Thaci gave confidential information about witnesses to visitors in Hague custody (KiM radio, Beta, NMagazin, Danas)
• Joseph: Kurti scored “an own goal”, continues uncoordinated actions which damage Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
• Reactions to Bislimi’s statement on Serbian NGOs and Brussels meetings continue (social media, media)
• Rama: Every attack on Kosovo is an attack on Albania, but we should also think about the importance of allies every day (KoSSev)
• Kosovo police stopped and beat up Serb in northern Kosovo, claims he obstructed officers (RTS)
• Presentation of the defense in the Ivanovic case only after the Prosecution submits documents in the Serbian language (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever)

International:

• US secretary of state visits Albania, a key regional ally seeking European Union membership (AP)

 

 

 

Albanian Language Media  

 

Kusari-Lila: Dinar has not been banned, it can be used like any other currency (RTK)

The head of the Vetevendosje Movement (LVV) parliamentary group Mimoza Kusari Lila said that the Central Bank of Kosovo has published the action plan for the next three months, which facilitates financial procedures now that only the euro currency is allowed.

“Our discussion is gravitating towards the necessity of carrying money physically. Does this make sense? Aiming to facilitate and protect the rights and wellbeing of the citizens of Serb community, the Central Bank of Kosovo on February 12 published the action plan for the next three months, which, among other things, foresees the facilitation of opening bank accounts, the suspension of the fee for opening branches of banking institutions, the installation of ATMs in the municipalities in the north, as well as seven other facilitating rules” Kusari-Lila said in the Assembly.

According to her, with this action plan the CBK has not foreseen any punitive measures apart from the above-mentioned facilitating measures in order for citizens to have easier access to finance and financial services. "The dinar can be used like any other foreign currency in Kosovo," she said.

Minister Gervalla leaves for Munich to participate in the Security Conference (media)

Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Donika Gervalla, will participate in the Security Conference which will be held in three consecutive days in Munich, Germany.

On the sidelines of this conference, which annually gathers the highest representatives of the states and security experts, Minister Gervalla, in addition to participating in panel discussions, will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from different countries of Europe and the world, MEPs, representatives of international institutions, civil society, media, etc.

"The Munich conference, as one of the biggest events about security for the global order, technology, sustainability and cooperation networks, is a good opportunity to present positions, to discuss security challenges in the Western Balkans, policies and actions that should be undertaken as well as coordinate with the allied countries in maintaining and promoting security in the region, Europe and the world", the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora reads.

Kryeziu-Hyseni: Focus of the reporting has been on Banjska issue (RTK)

The closed-door reporting of the first Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi has concluded. Bislimi did not give any statement to the media after the meeting, however the chairperson of the committee Arbereshe Hyseni-Kryeziu said that Bislimi disclosed confidential documents related to the dialogue process.

"The very fact that we have decided to hold a closed meeting is that Deputy Prime Minister has warned us that he will share with us some documents which are confidential, and it is not preferable to share them with the public because the process is very fragile at this stage,” she said.

She added that the MPs received information, which according to her was necessary especially for the opposition MPs.

"Our focus has been on the issue of Banjska and we have talked a lot about what is expected to happen in the dialogue process from now on, we have received information that I believe was very necessary to be shared, especially for the opposition MPs who from time to time release information to the public that is completely untrue, this type of reporting has helped them to at least not do that from now on," she said.

According to her, in order to have movement in the dialogue process, there must be movement on the part of Serbia. "In the meantime, there should be movement on the part of the European Union in the sense of treating the parties equally, as long as the stagnation from Serbia continues, it is impossible to make progress", she said.

NCU says Bislimi’s labeling, against spirit of dialogue and European values (Koha)

The National Convention for the European Union (NCEU) has responded on today to Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, saying that his labeling of civil society organizations is against the spirit of dialogue and European values.

Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi on Wednesday criticized the EU emissary for the Kosovo - Serbia dialogue Miroslav Lajcak, for an unfair and biased approach to the normalization process. Bislimi reacted after Lajcak wrote in a post on Tuesday about a meeting with representatives of the National Convention for the European Union (NCEU), but did not indicate that it was the NCEU of Serbia.

NCEU has said they act independently and do not represent the views of any government body. The NCEU said it does not see the dialogue as hostility between the two sides, but as a process that should enable peace.

"The National Convention of the European Union is a network of civil society organizations that is independent in its work and does not represent the views of any state body, bilateral or international organization. The Chapter 35 Working Group is actively working to monitor, improve and promote the normalization dialogue process, as well as reconciliation between the Albanian and Serbian communities. We do not see the Dialogue as a rivalry between two hostile parties, but as a process that should enable lasting peace, a better life for all people regardless of nationality or ethnicity, and prosperity for the entire region. The work of the Working Group is open to the public and all participants in the dialogue, including Bislimi, benefit from our results. The labeling of civil society organizations by Bislimi is against the spirit of the Dialogue, against European values and democratic principles. Therefore, we consider that his behavior should be condemned by the Government of Kosovo, the European Union and the member states of the Quint", reads their reaction.

The American Chamber of Commerce proposes three alternatives for solving dinar issue (Koha)

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo has come up with three alternatives to help solve the dinar issue. 

The American Chamber announced on Thursday that it understands the need for regulatory oversight in order to ensure financial stability, "but it is imperative to also consider the short-term implications that the regulation has on the financial well-being of the citizens of Kosovo."

"The regulation in question, without prejudice to the current objective, incorrectly states that only euros can be used for payment purposes within Kosovo, effectively excluding the use of other currencies in transactions between the parties. However, it is essential to say that while the euro maintains the status of the legal means of payment in Kosovo, this does not exclude the use of other currencies in transactions, in cases where the parties involved reach a mutual agreement. Thus, the regulation's claim regarding the exclusive use of the euro may be misinterpreted and therefore requires revision for clarity," said the American Chamber's response.

The three alternatives of the Am- Cham for solving the dinar issue:

Alternative 1: Use of money transfer institutions for the transfer of funds between Kosovo and Serbia. Although considered feasible, this option may be less practical and more expensive for individuals.

Alternative 2: Creation of a bank account by the government of Serbia in Serbia for interstate transactions with corresponding dinar-denominated accounts in Kosovo banks. This method offers a practical solution through existing banking relationships, with all possible logistical complexity.

Alternative 3: Direct transfers of funds from any bank in Serbia to any designated bank in Kosovo for distribution to the accounts of individual beneficiaries. This option simplifies the process while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

"In all alternatives, it is of crucial importance to address the licensing of institutions for importing currencies, to ensure an adequate supply of dinars in Kosovo. Being an advocate for a favorable business environment and economic development in Kosovo, the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo emphasizes the importance of balanced regulatory measures, which promote financial inclusion and facilitate interstate economic activities. The American Chamber asks all stakeholders to reconsider the implications of the recently adopted regulation and to explore collaborative solutions that support regulatory objectives as well as economic pragmatism," concludes their response.

Georg Schnetzer: Kosovo remains a priority of Austria's foreign policy (RTK)

Austria’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Georg Schnetzer, in an exclusive interview for Radio Kosova, said that Austria appreciates the achievements that Kosovo has made in the 16 years of independence, as he emphasized the historic role of his country in supporting Kosovo, after the conclusion of the talks for the status of Kosovo in Vienna.

Austria has supported Kosovo on visa liberalization, supports Kosovo's membership in the EU, the Council of Europe and other important international organizations, he said. Ambassador Schnetzer emphasizes that Austria has clearly and decisively condemned the paramilitary attack of September 24 and demanded that those responsible for this attack be brought to justice. He also emphasized that his country strongly supports the dialogue process, while demanding from Kosovo and Serbia, the implementation of the Brussels Agreement, reached in February 2023 and the annex to the Ohrid Agreement, of March 2023.

​55 NGOs request dismissal of Balje and Deme-Murtezi from Human Rights Committee (media)

55 non-governmental organizations have sent a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, Glauk Konjufca, asking him to initiate the dismissal of the chairperson of the Committee for Human Rights, Duda Balje, and the member of this Committee, Labinote Deme-Murtezi, due to "their homophobic statements".

According to NGOs, Balje has always been unwavering in her stance against LGBTIQ+ people, while they have accused MP Deme-Murtezi of defamatory statements.

Balje and Deme-Murtezi, according to them, cannot represent the objectivity and independence of a Committee that has the task of protecting human rights for all citizens of Kosovo without distinction.

Kamberi accuses Lajcak of double standards (Koha)

The only Albanian MP in the Parliament of Serbia, Shaip Kamberi, has accused the EU representative for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, of double standards.

“While Lajçak is meeting with the Serbs of Kosovo, I, as an MP representing about 100,000 Albanians in Serbia, have constantly requested a meeting to discuss issues of discrimination, from disintegration to the passivation of addresses of Albanians in Serbia. Unfortunately, there was no positive response from Lajcak and his team. Double EUSR standards", Kamberi wrote on the "X" platform.

The EESC accepts 9 candidate countries, Kosovo not included (RTK)

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has become the first institution of the European Union to accept members from candidate countries.

The members of this committee, who come from the candidate countries, will take an active part in the work of this institution, will have an advisory role but will not have the right to vote. The new members represent 9 countries that have candidate status in the European Union.

Kosovo is the only country that is part of the enlargement process and that is not included in this forum. This is because Kosovo still does not have the candidate status, which was a prerequisite for membership in this forum.

The President of this institution, Oliver Ropke, stated in the plenary session that this initiative marks an important step towards the gradual integration of the candidate states, before they formally join the EU.

 

 

Serbian Language Media

 

Brnabic: Only strong Serbia can solve issues of national interest (Tanjug)

Congratulating citizens on Statehood Day, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said on Thursday only an economically strong and stable Serbia, governed by people who truly loved their country, could persevere in solving issues of state and national interest, Tanjug news agency reported. 

"On behalf of the Government of Serbia and on my own behalf, I congratulate the citizens of Serbia on the national holiday Statehood Day as we commemorate the Sretenje (The Meeting of the Lord) Constitution, the foundation of the modern Serbian state, and remember our glorious ancestors whose vision of a modern and free state we live today", Brnabic wrote in her Statehood Day message, released by the government press office.

"Only an economically strong and stable Serbia, governed by people who truly love their country, can persevere in solving issues of state and national interest. That is why, being aware of our responsibility, we have the obligation to safeguard our country eternally and continue to cherish the origins of Serbian statehood and constitutionality in the modern era", Brnabic noted.

Dacic meets Botsan-Kharchenko (Tanjug)

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic received Russian Ambassador to Belgrade Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko on Wednesday, thanking him for the Russian Federation's strong and consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, Tanjug news agency reports.

Botsan-Kharchenko presented to Dacic a congratulatory card from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the occasion of Serbia's Statehood Day, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The parties also discussed bilateral relations and further development of cooperation between the two countries as well as a recent extraordinary UNSC session on the situation in Kosovo.

Selimi and Thaci gave confidential information about witnesses to visitors in Hague custody (KiM radio, Beta, NMagazin, Danas)

Former leaders of the KLA, Rexhep Selimi and Hashim Thaci, gave information to visitors in the Hague detention center about protected witnesses from the process against them before the special Kosovo court, reported KiM radio, citing Beta news agency.

According to Beta, the hearing panel, trying Thaci, Selimi, Veseli, and Krasniqi for war crimes in Kosovo and Albania in '98, '99, established this based on the transcripts of the monitored conversations.

Although the prosecution asked for additional monitoring measures and restrictions on visits, the panel of judges headed by Charles Smith decided to warn Selimi and Thaci that they would react "harshly" if they once again disclosed confidential data from the trial to unauthorized persons.

In the decision, the judges underlined that the publication of confidential information is a criminal offense but did not decide whether the defendants had the necessary intent to commit it.

From July to October of last year, Selimi and Thaci gave visitors, among them their family members, information about the witnesses who, with identity protection, gave their statements in closed sessions. Selimi talked to the visitors about the four witnesses, while Thaci mentioned the information about one protected witness in front of "two family members".

In their written submission, the defense attorneys claimed that Thaci ''did not deliberately'' reveal who the protected witness was, and Selimi's words, according to his representatives, were misinterpreted.

The court panel warned Selimi and Thaci about the "obligation not to disclose confidential information from the trial" and not to discuss it with visitors at all.

Last November, the court temporarily prohibited all visits to the four defendants after the prosecution established that, during the visits, they disclosed the identity of protected witnesses and sent them messages through visitors. The judges then ordered "active surveillance", that is, the recording of all visits, except for lawyers' visits.

As the prosecutors stated in their filing last November, Thaci, Veseli and Selimi, through visitors, sent messages to the witnesses to give up or moderate their statements.

One of the witnesses told the prosecutors that he was given a message, "according to the direct instructions of Thaci and Veseli", given to the visitors, to "retract or soften the testimony" and for "the good of Kosovo". Other prosecution witnesses received similar messages.

With the permission of the judge, the prosecutors then eavesdropped on the accused's conversations with the visitors and found evidence that they subjected the witnesses to pressure and obstructed the court. In wiretapped conversations, Thaci told one witness that he was "downplaying his connection with the KLA Main Staff" - in order to "leave here as a hero, not as a disgraced person". The same witness, the head of the KLA, was instructed by Thaci, through a visitor, to say that he "did not receive orders from the General Staff", that the announcements of that headquarters were "propaganda". Thaci invited that witness to claim that the "chief" in the KLA was Adem Demaqi, the then political representative of that paramilitary in Pristina. To the second witness, Thaci, in an overheard conversation with a visitor, told him to "minimize his role" in the crimes from the indictment and to say, "I don't know" and "I don't remember". Thaci "showed or handed over" previous witnesses' statements to the visitors in custody, with the instruction that the witnesses should later "correct" and "improve" those statements in front of the prosecutors. One of the visitors told Thaci that he had already met with two witnesses, and then they discussed "the best way to approach" the others.

The continuation of the Hague trial of Thaci and the co-accused is scheduled for February 20.

Since the start of the trial on April 3, 45 prosecution witnesses have testified, almost all of them behind closed doors.

The court has repeatedly established that there is a "widespread climate of intimidation and harassment of witnesses" in Kosovo.

Members of the General Staff of the KLA, Thaci, Veseli, Selimi, and Krasniqi, were accused of atrocities against Albanians, Serbs, and Roma in more than 40 KLA detention centers throughout Kosovo and Albania, during 1998-99. Of the approximately 407 detainees who were beaten, tortured, and abused; KLA soldiers killed, according to the indictment, at least 98 persons from March 1998 to September 1999.

The 10-count indictment charges Thaci, Veseli, Selimi, and Krasniqi with: persecution on political and ethnic grounds, imprisonment, illegal arrest and detention, other inhumane acts, cruel treatment, enforced disappearance, two counts of torture and two counts of murder.

Joseph: Kurti scored “an own goal”, continues uncoordinated actions which damage Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

If abolishing dinar is only about decision of the Kosovo Central Bank, why does Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti constantly speak about that, John Hopkins University Professor Edward Joseph said, adding that such a decision shows the attitude of Kosovo towards its citizens, Kosovo Online portal reports.

“If it is only about the Central Bank, why then Kurti constantly talks about that? Why do you comment on it politically? If that’s the case, he can simply say: Excuse me, you should ask your questions to the Central Bank, because it is a matter of Central Bank’s policy. This is an issue of how Kosovo treats their own citizens, and how it makes important and complex political decisions”, Joseph is quoted as saying.

As he said this is not only about regulation on usage of euro, which has good purpose, something that US and other Kosovo friends know, but it also includes taxation issues and tax transfers, which are important and complex issues.

“And Kurti, again made a completely uncoordinated decision, without any announcement”, Joseph said, adding that the Central Bank could have easily discussed that alone with the EU and US.

“But instead of that, he continues uncoordinated actions that damage the national interest of Kosovo. This is what I recall here, and that is important. These types of uncoordinated actions damage the national interest of Kosovo. They seem to the Kosovo public as a strong confirmation of Kosovo sovereignty and perhaps they have a basis for that. But, without support from the US and European Union, those are only mistakes which get stronger in the hands of President (Aleksandar) Vucic”, Joseph added.

Reactions to Bislimi’s statement on Serbian NGOs and Brussels meetings continue (social media, media)

Rada Trajkovic, Serb politician from Kosovo in a post on X social platform reacted to the statement of Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi who claimed that Miroslav Lajcak’s meeting with Serbian National Convent on EU Chapter 35 and Serbian NGOs from Kosovo was “a proof of an unfair and not neutral approach”, adding that NGOs from Kosovo attending the meeting “actively and openly advocate against the integration of Serbs” in Kosovo.

“Mr Bislimi not yet realizing that Pristina’s recent misguided policies towards Kosovo Serbs have led to internationalization of our community’s status. This is no longer Kosovo’s internal issue, as Pristina can no longer be trusted to preserve multiethnicity”, Trajkovic wrote in a post on X.

Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) from Serbia representative Sofija Todorovic who was part of the delegation which Bislimi called out posted the following on X:

“1. Well, by simply visiting the page that explains what NCEU abbreviation stands for, you can see that nothing has been hidden from the public.

https://euzatebe.rs/en/projects/national-convention-on-european-union-in-serbia-nceu

2. Also, by visiting the page below you can see the procedure for becoming a member of NCEU.

Therefore, information that implies any other criteria for membership, except the criteria clearly stated on the website, are misinformation.

3. Any government official that publicly attacks civil society organizations for doing their job demonstrates substantial lack of understanding of democracy.
4. To publish such severe accusations about civil society dealing with the KS-SRB normalization process because they met with relevant stakeholders, in this case EUSR for Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, is intimidating, harmful and hostile.
5. Since I was part of this group, and I was actively participating in all meetings, I won’t and I can’t remain silent on such harmful behavior practiced by government officials”, she said.

Mitrovica North-based NGO Aktiv also reacted and said in a post on X yesterday that “apparently @BislimiBesnik today using misinformation & politically-charged language, targeted Serbian CSOs from #Kosovo for their activist role in society and in the BG/PR Dialogue. This is the attack on free society for which we as CSOs advocate. @EUKosovo, @MiroslavLajcak”.

The National Convent for EU Chapter 35 said labeling of civil society organizations by Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi runs contrary to the spirit of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and is also contrary to the European values and democratic principles, Kosovo Online portal reports.

“We do believe his act represents a move that must be condemned by Kosovo Government, European Union and Quint member states”, the Working Group of the National Convent said in the statement.

Recalling that the Working Group for Chapter 35 actively works on monitoring, advancing and promoting dialogue on normalization and reconciliation between Albanian and Serbian communities, the statement added that they do not perceive dialogue as rivalry between two hostile sides but as a process that should enable lasting peace and better lives for all. 

Rama: Every attack on Kosovo is an attack on Albania, but we should also think about the importance of allies every day (KoSSev)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said in the Kontekst Show on ATV that every attack on Kosovo is an attack on Albania, reported portal KoSSev.

He said that Kosovo is not alone, not only because it has Albania, but in his opinion because it also has strategic allies.

"Albania is not only a geographical entity or a state entity that has a special relationship with Kosovo. Every attack on Kosovo is an attack on Albania, but on the other hand, we must never forget you. That's why we have to take into account about everything, when we sometimes adopt a measure in relation to allies, that Kosovo is not alone, not only because it has Albania, but because it has strategic allies, which we know very well who they are, without which Kosovo would not exist today as country and with which Kosovo can achieve everything that we all want Kosovo to achieve. So, for this reason, you should think about the weight and importance of allies every day, even when you are in complete peace, and no more when you are in a process like this when you need as many friends as possible, and when losing friends or cooling their hearts is the most inadvisable thing,'' said Rama.

He says that there is no doubt that Albania will stand by Kosovo in any case and in any need.

''It is not even a matter of discussion that Albania stood, stands and will stand by Kosovo in any case, even if, God forbid, things go to the point where there are no more words, but weapons," reported KoSSev, citing the originally translated KTV's text, with the headline adapted.

Kosovo police stopped and beat up Serb in northern Kosovo, claims he obstructed officers (RTS)

Serb I.M. said he was subjected to rude conduct by Kosovo police while pulled over in Kajkovo village, in Leposavic municipality, adding that police officers physically assaulted him and took for interrogation, Serbian public broadcaster RTS reports today.

He described to the media the manner police behaved towards him. “Immediately after being pulled over on the motorway towards Leposavic, Kosovo police acted very rudely and the patrol which stopped me beat me up on the spot”, he said, adding that he sought medical assistance at Leposavic Health House upon interrogation by the police.

The case was confirmed by Kosovo police and deputy commander for the region North, Veton Elshani who said that I.M. is accused of obstructing official persons.

“The suspected man was arrested because he did not obey orders of the police officers, dealing with the traffic accident and with his car hit a police car causing material damages”, police said in their 24-hour report, adding that upon interrogation the case is sent to regular procedure.

The case took place late last night at Jarinje-Leposavic way. 

Presentation of the defense in the Ivanovic case only after the Prosecution submits documents in the Serbian language (KiM radio, Radio Mitrovica sever)

The judicial panel of the Basic Court in Pristina, before which the hearing is ongoing in the case of those accused of assisting the murder of Oliver Ivanovic, requested the presentation of the defense today, reported KiM radio.

However, Nedeljko Spasojevic's lawyer, Faruk Korenica, objected that the defense has not yet received the files, that is, the statements of the accused and witnesses given to the police and the prosecution in Serbian language, and a postponement was requested until the translated documents arrive.

The Trial Chamber asked the Prosecutor's Office to translate all the statements into the Serbian language so that the defense could begin in the continuation of the trial.

Lawyer Jovana Filipovic says that the defense today fought against the violation of the right to language in this way.

"We did not want to agree to the defendants giving their defense without translating the records into Serbian, as the Constitution and the laws guarantee. We asked for the postponement of the hearing, even the one that was scheduled at the earlier hearing, so that we receive a translation of all the records. And what I have to mention is that last night around 7 in the evening we received the minutes only in Albanian," says Filipovic.

She pointed out that in this very important case, the defense received only four translated court records in Serbian language. Previously, lawyer Faruk Korenica said that for four years they have been looking for these documents to be translated into a language that the defendants speak and understand.

The accused police officers Dragisa Markovic and Zarko Jovanovic declared that they would defend themselves by remaining silent, while the majority announced that they would present their defense.

The continuation of the trial is scheduled for March 13, 26 and April 15 at 9:30 am.

KiM radio reported that only some material evidence was presented before the Basic Court today. The defense of the accused Rade Basara submitted evidence from the police station of Mitrovica North Region which alleges that the accused Basara was on vacation outside of Kosovo at the time the criminal act of Ivanovic murder was committed. During the court process, the defense repeatedly pointed out that Rade Basara was not in Kosovo at the time of the murder of Ivanovic, and his lawyer Ljubomir Pantovic submitted evidence from the police to the court today.

The lawyers of the defendants in this case pointed out that they object to the evidence in which the names of the defendants are mentioned, and the lawyer Dejan A. Vasic pointed out that no witness during the court process mentioned his client in a negative context and that he will state all objections during the closing argument.

 

 

 

International 

 

US secretary of state visits Albania, a key regional ally seeking European Union membership (AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Albania on Thursday to reaffirm relations with a key partner in the Balkans and an ally in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia's full-scale invasion.

Blinken will meet with top officials and focus on the future of the Western Balkans as Albania and several neighbors seek to join the European Union, according to top U.S. officials. Washington has strongly supported Albania's integration into the EU.

Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/2mybce2u