UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, January 30, 2025
Albanian Language Media:
- Osmani: National resilience is our obligation (RTK)
- Kosovo leaders express condolences for victims after helicopter-plane collision in US (media)
- Kurti commemorates 21 KLA fighters: Their sacrifice, foundation of freedom (RTK)
- Kurti congratulates Rushiti, expresses readiness for support (media)
- Latvian soldiers patrol in Zubin Potok (RTK)
- ECAP issues another €50 thousand fine for violations during campaign (media)
Serbian Language Media:
- Petkovic meets Serb political representatives in Raska (Kosovo Online, media)
- Trial of four Serbs over alleged involvement in attack on MEC premise in Mitrovica North continues (Kosovo Online)
- Lawyer: The only evidence of prosecution is photo of Vlajic in front of MEC premises (Kosovo Online)
- Belgrade students start march to Novi Sad (N1)
- Vucic, Djuric extended condolences to President Trump, Secretary Rubio and American people over plane tragedy (media, social media)
Opinion:
- Stalled ‘Peace Highway’ Reflects State of Serbia-Kosovo Relations (BIRN)
- Our Crossroads (KoSSev)
International Media:
- ‘We are done with corruption’: how the students of Serbia rose up against the system (The Guardian)
- Serbian CSOs: The EU risks losing Serbia if it does not react to the ongoing crisis (EWB)
Humanitarian:
- Association of Blind Persons in Gracanica in difficult situation, has no support or equipment (Radio KIM)
Albanian Language Media
Osmani: National resilience is our obligation (RTK)
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has participated at the Ministry of Defense conference, on the topic "National Resilience - Challenges and the Way Forward". She said that institutions must be ready and coordinated for protection against hybrid attacks. “Considering that national resilience is our obligation for future generations, we have shown this both during peaceful resistance and in times of war", said Osmani.
"With the development of technology, we must be prepared for defense, therefore we must invest in digital technology to ensure effective protection against cyber attacks. Economic development is a key node for national security", she said.
Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, said that this conference has the key goal of strengthening cooperation, bringing together innovative strategies and sharing best practices. Maqedonci said that the discussion during this conference will improve and enrich national resilience.
“In an increasingly complex world, resilience is no longer an option, but a necessity. Resilience is defined not only as the ability to cope with shocks and threats, but above all as a capacity to maintain the vital functions of society, to protect our values and to ensure that the future is built on strong foundations,” he said.
Kosovo leaders express condolences for victims after helicopter-plane collision in US (media)
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has expressed condolences for the victims of the tragedy that occurred in Washington, where a plane and a helicopter collided in mid-air. “Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash near Washington, D.C. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this unimaginable tragedy. Kosovo stands with you in grief and solidarity during this heartbreaking time,” Osmani wrote on the X platform.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Glauk Konjufca, said that the loss of several dozen lives in the air accident is sad. “It is very sad and painful the loss of several dozen lives in the air accident that occurred in the United States of America, in Washington DC. Sincere condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones, to our ally the USA and to all the American people,” Konjufca wrote in a Facebook post.
AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj also expressed shock at the news of the accident between a plane and a helicopter in Washington DC. “Shocked by the news of the tragic accident in Washington DC. In these difficult moments, our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the American people. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Our deepest condolences to all the friendly American people. Their pain is also our pain,” Haradinaj wrote.
Kurti commemorates 21 KLA fighters: Their sacrifice, foundation of freedom (RTK)
Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has commemorated the 26th anniversary of the murder of 30 Albanians in Rugova, Has, Gode and Bishtazhi, Gjakova. "21 fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army fell heroically in battle, facing the occupying forces to protect the civilian population. Nine civilians were killed without mercy, just because they were Albanians, and wanted to live freely," Kurti wrote on Facebook.
He said that their sacrifice is the foundation of freedom and a sacred trust that will be preserved for generations to come. “With pride and pain, we remember those who on January 27, 28 and 29 fell for the liberation of Kosovo, for our independent state, for the free and sovereign Republic,” Kurti wrote.
Kurti congratulates Rushiti, expresses readiness for support (media)
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and the Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, received representatives from the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors. Kurti congratulated this Center and activist Feride Rushiti on the success of the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, which was made by the member of the Swedish Parliament, Magnus Jacobsson. “The Prime Minister expressed the readiness for the unreserved support of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for this nomination,” the government statement reads. He also highlighted the importance of collecting a database and testimonies of survivors of torture and violence during the war in Kosovo.
Minister Haxhiu, noted that this nomination comes as a result of the great work of the organization and its representatives in addressing sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, while adding the importance of continuing and strengthening the cooperation of the Ministry of Justice with the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors.
Latvian soldiers patrol in Zubin Potok (RTK)
Latvian soldiers assigned to Regional Command East of the NATO-led KFOR mission conducted a routine patrol in Zubin Potok, Kosovo to ensure stability and freedom of movement in the area.
“These efforts are part of KFOR's daily mission to guarantee a safe and secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo. KFOR continues to implement its mandate - based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. KFOR works in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Mission on Rule of Law in Kosovo (EULEX) in their respective roles as security responders,” KFOR announced.
ECAP issues another €50 thousand fine for violations during campaign (media)
The Vetevendosje Movement has been fined €10,000 by the Electoral Panel for Complaints and Appeals for the statement of the Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla, who allegedly during an election rally in Decan, called AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj, a "self-proclaimed general".
In imposing the fine, the ECAP writes: “The political entity Levizja Vetevendosje, headquartered in the Municipality of Prishtina, due to the violation of the Code of Conduct for Political Entities, their Supporters and Candidates, is hereby imposed a fine of €10 thousand.” This institution considers Gervalla's statement inciting and hate speech. The ECAP states that the LVV must pay the fine within 15 days of the publication of the decision.
Today the ECAP has imposed the largest fine on the Vetevendosje Movement with €39,500, while the Democratic League of Kosovo with €9,500.
Serbian Language Media
Petkovic meets Serb political representatives in Raska (Kosovo Online, media)
Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic met last evening in Raska with Serb political representatives from Kosovo and conveyed support of the Serbian state to the people there and Serbian List.
"An excellent meeting tonight in Raska with political representatives of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija on the importance of the Serbian List's victory and securing all 10 guaranteed parliamentary seats in the elections on February 9", Petkovic wrote in a post on X social platform. He also said he conveyed strong support from the Serbian state.
"I conveyed the strong support of the Serbian state, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, to the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija and to the Serbian List, who, in times of great challenges, remain a firm stronghold of Serbian identity in Kosovo and Metohija", Petkovic added in a post.
Trial of four Serbs over alleged involvement in attack on MEC premise in Mitrovica North continues (Kosovo Online)
The trial of Milun Milenkovic, Dejan Pantic, Aleksandar Vlajic and Momir Vakic accused of “terrorist act” in relation to their alleged involvement in the attack on Municipal Election Commission (MEC) premises in Mitrovica North on December 6, 2022 continued today at the Basic Court in Pristina, Kosovo Online portal reported. During the attack on the Municipal Election Commission office two bombs and two stun bombs were thrown and lives of people were put in jeopardy, the indictment says.
The four defendants pleaded not guilty. Milun Milenkovic and Aleksandar Vlajic remain in detention, while Dejan Pantic and Momir Vakic are free pending trial.
Today a witness S.D., the former chair of the Municipal Election Commission was interviewed. He said that on the day of the attack he was not in the office as he resigned his post for private reasons on November 15, 2022. He said he knows Aleksandar Vlajic and knows where he lives.
“I was seeing him passing by the office, as the office is located next to the road and he lives some 400 meters away from it. I am also a smoker so I used to spend time outside smoking. He was passing by when going to the city. We would talk briefly. I do not know where he worked at that time”, the witness said.
Asked by defense lawyer Milos Delevic if he remembers that Vlajic sent him a photo on Viber, the witness responded he did.
“Earlier our office was stoned. When I came to work in the morning I saw it and called Kosovo police immediately. I also informed the Secretariat of the Central Election Commission and they, of course, did not give us a single cent to repair the window, so I put the nylon there. In a photo he (Vlajic) sent me that nylon fell off and I told him it is from before and that I have reported it already. He did not send any text with that photo”, the witness said.
Asked by the chair of the judicial panel how he acted in relation to the previous stoning of the office, the witness responded he first informed the director of the CEC Secretariat and he told him not to go inside but to inform the police. He also said he did not sign any report from Kosovo police and received no information about the case.
The trial of the four Serbs will continue tomorrow at 13:15 with one more witness of defence to be heard, the portal added.
Lawyer: The only evidence of prosecution is photo of Vlajic in front of MEC premises (Kosovo Online)
Defense lawyer of Aleksandar Vlajic, Milos Delevic said today following the hearing in the case of four Serbs accused of “terrorist act” in relation to their alleged involvement in the attack on Municipal Election Commission (MEC) premises in Mitrovica North, that prosecution as the evidence against his client “has only a photo of him in front of the Municipal Election Commission premise”, Kosmo Online portal reported.
He added that sadly the defence needs to prove the innocence of Aleksandar Vlajic, because of the court’s practice as it is. “{...} the evidence of prosecution is nonexistent. The only evidence prosecution has is a photo of Vlajic taken on the street where the attack on MEC premises happened. I have proposed today’s witness, and he confirmed that Aleksandar Vlajic was often passing by the office as it is the only road leading from his house to the centre of the city. So he was passing there on foot, by car, and it comes as no surprise that he happened to be in front of the MEC premises when the attack occurred”, Delevic said.
He added the previous witness, whose testimony was closed to the public, gave alibi to Vlajic and he hopes the case would be resolved in favour of Vlajic.
Belgrade students start march to Novi Sad (N1)
Protesting university students started their march from Belgrade to Novi Sad on Thursday with plans to take part in the 24-hour blockade of bridges in the northern Serbian city which starts on Saturday.
Students from both of Belgrade universities – Belgrade University and Belgrade Arts University – grouped outside the Arts University School of Drama Arts to start their march of some 90 kilometers with the support of gathered people.
Internal Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic said that the police would provide security for the students marching from Belgrade to Novi Sad all along their route.
The march is part of the protests launched by university students across Serbia to demand accountability for the deaths of 15 people in the collapse of a concrete awning at the recently reconstructed Novi Sad Railway Station on November 1. Students in Novi Sad are planning to block all three of the city’s bridges. The marchers called the public to join them in their 2-day trek.
Vucic, Djuric extended condolences to President Trump, Secretary Rubio and American people over plane tragedy (media, social media)
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic extended condolences to the US President Donald Trump and American people over the tragedy involving the collusion of civilian plane and military helicopter.
“Deeply shaken by the news on the tragic plane crash near Washington which claimed many lives. On my behalf and that of the citizens of Serbia, I extend condolences to the families of those who died, to the President of the US and American people and wish swift and successful recovery to those injured”, Vucic wrote in a post on X social platform. Vucic also said citizens of Serbia deeply understand the suffering such tragedies evoke and share the sorrow with US people at these difficult moments.
Foreign Minister Marko Djuric has also extended condolences to the State Secretary Marco Rubio and the US people.
“Heartbroken by the tragic event in #WashingtonDC today. My deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this devastating incident, @SecRubio and the people of the #UnitedStates. As a former Ambassador to the #US, this tragedy feels especially personal. #Serbia stands with our American friends, offering our support and solidarity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you”, Djuric wrote in a post on X social platform.
Opinion
Stalled ‘Peace Highway’ Reflects State of Serbia-Kosovo Relations (BIRN)
Despite EU offers of financing, Kosovo says a ‘peace highway’ to Serbia is no longer a top priority. Its fate speaks volumes about the state of relations between the two countries.
The hour was early and the rain heavy when Adnan Bekteshi’s car slipped off the road between the northeastern Kosovo town of Podujeva/Podujevo to Pristina, flipped over and slid partially into a river.
The next thing Bekteshi saw was an elderly man struggling to release the seat belt that was wrapped around his neck.
“If he hadn’t arrived so quickly, I would have died,” he said. “I saw him praying and trying to stop other cars for help. He stayed with me until the ambulance left.” Then he was gone.
Bekteshi, who spent two months in hospital following the accident, never found out the identity of the man who saved him. He knows only that he spoke Serbian and drove a car with plates that started with the letters NI, for Nis, a city in southern Serbia.
Read more at: https://shorturl.at/aoYOB
Our Crossroads (KoSSev)
By Ilir Deda
Dear Saša,
““Peace through strength” is a refreshing shift in America’s new foreign policy—one that’s long overdue. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a baffling level of inefficiency across the entire Western world, most glaringly in the Western Balkans. Frankly, I’m sick of even mentioning the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. Since we seem incapable of simply saying, “Enough with the nitpicking,” we are now facing America’s new approach, which will have far-reaching consequences.
In that context, the Kosovo parliamentary elections on February 9 will be crucial for Kosovo’s future: for democratic progress, for rebalancing the political landscape, for building trust within Kosovo—especially with the Serbian community—and for lifting the EU’s so-called “measures” (sanctions) against Kosovo.
The current prime minister is running a campaign fueled by hatred—against everyone: the opposition, the media, journalists, entrepreneurs, analysts, the NGO sector—anyone who doesn’t think like him. His government has gone beyond the limits of normality, with its latest rhetoric claiming that only true patriots will vote for them, while everyone else is either a traitor or a supporter of Serbia. This most incompetent government we have ever had sees its end approaching and is now desperately resorting to extreme polarization to regain lost support.
The February 9 elections will be a test for Kosovo as a society—for Albanians, to see if they will fall for the empty words of an immature political elite or rise to the challenge of political maturity; and for Kosovo’s Serbs, to see if they will break free from political uniformity and give new political forces a chance to fight more effectively for their rights and future.
The election results will also shape Kosovo’s already strained relationship with the U.S., which is a matter of existential importance for Kosovo’s survival. As for the EU, I have no expectations whatsoever. If Russia’s aggression against Ukraine hasn’t woken them up to the fact that it’s high time for geopolitical decisions, then nothing will. In our case, that means the full integration of the Western Balkans into the EU by 2030.
As rapid global changes unfold, our societies remain deeply divided internally. You and I both know that polarization, without a functional internal political process, ultimately leads to collapse.
Every country in our region is at a crossroads—or, more precisely, facing two stark choices: political implosion or a step toward a better, more normal society. The coming phase will reveal whether political actors have matured enough to make the best decisions for their countries and citizens.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the challenges ahead.”
Best regards,
Ilir
See at: https://shorturl.at/tzg3K
International
‘We are done with corruption’: how the students of Serbia rose up against the system (The Guardian)
In a country grappling with weak rule of law, many seek freedom from a government long seen as authoritarian
Sitting on the balustrade of a viaduct in Belgrade, Uroš Pantović wasn’t in the mood to mince his words. The 22-year-old had joined tens of thousands of others protesters on Monday to block one of the Serbian capital’s main intersections, turning the junction into a sea of mostly good-humoured but nonetheless determined dissent.
“We’re here to tell our government that it’s accountable to us,” said Pantović, a student at the law faculty of the University of Belgrade, who had come with three friends from his home town, Kosjerić. “I came here to help people because the government tries to screw us over in many ways.”
The atmosphere was peaceful: alongside those waving banners with anti-regime slogans and blowing whistles, young people played card games, basketball and chess. Free coffee was handed out. Tents had been pitched, so students could protest overnight. Cars on the highway below the viaduct honked in support of the students.
Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/bupr39cd
Serbian CSOs: The EU risks losing Serbia if it does not react to the ongoing crisis (EWB)
Serbian civil society organisations have sent a letter to EU institutions, urging them to react to the ongoing political crisis triggered by the collapse of the railway station in Novi Sad.
“As Serbia is witnessing its largest protests of this century and the government’s increasingly authoritarian behaviour risks deepening the already serious political and societal crisis, we call on the European Union to pay more attention to the ongoing events and stand in defence of its own values in Serbia before it is too late”, the organisations say in the introduction.
The letter was sent by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, Centre for Contemporary Politics, European Movement in Serbia and Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights.
We bring the full text of the letter:
“Serbia is a country in a severe crisis. For weeks, Serbia’s students have been gathering in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and other cities to protest against President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), demanding responsibility for the railway station canopy collapse on 1 November last year, in which 15 people were killed. The protests have now spread across the country and have been joined by many thousands of people, demanding accountability and justice for the disaster.
Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/54822c77
Humanitarian/Development
Association of Blind Persons in Gracanica in difficult situation, has no support or equipment (Radio KIM)
The Association of Blind Persons in Gracanica for years has been operating without almost any means for their work and activities, director of the Association Bozidar Stojanovic told Voice of Kosovo podcast, Radio KIM reported.
As he said 38 blind and visually impaired persons are registered in the territory of Gracanica municipality and are members of this Association. The Association functions only because of the good will and commitment of few volunteers.
“We have zero dinars on our account. I can show you the slip, I am paying 15 euros bank fee for that account from my own pocket. Young men who are here in the office every day, work without salaries”, Stojanovic said.
He also said he is disappointed because Gracanica municipality is not showing understanding for requests of blind and visually impaired persons.
“As far as Gracanica municipality is concerned we received a single euro from them neither in 2024 nor 2023. We had the lunch covered for one activity and we were provided transport for one of our members to go to Belgrade, but we had to pay the DSA to their driver”, Stojanovic said.
He added they applied and submitted several requests to the municipality for help and support but that those requests remained without answer. He also said they spoke with Gracanica mayor Ljiljana Subaric but those talks yielded no results.
He also said there are very few blind or visually impaired persons working in Gracanica or receiving some sort of support, for example to reconstruct houses or something else. He said there are some positive regulations such as the one providing blind persons should not pay property taxes and some other taxes, but that those in charge are often unaware of these regulations. Stojanovic also complained of inadequate infrastructure in the municipality and the municipality does not have the Braille Alphabet available on the information boards.
As positive developments in addition to receiving the premises for use by Gracanica municipality and their refurbishing by the Serbian Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Stojanovic mentioned designated parking lots for the persons with disabilities.
However, the Association of Blind Persons lacks basic equipment that would enable their members to further develop their skills and abilities.
“We need one voice software and a new computer, as the one we have is more than 15 years old. The mayor promised us a new computer but that was three, four years ago and nothing happened. There is a promise for voice software, but nothing happened in this case as well. The voice software would greatly help us, because our younger members, those below 45 years, could get engaged in all developments and obtain new knowledge. This software costs around 3000 euros and is available on the market, however, unfortunately we do not have funds to buy it”, Stojanovic said.