Albanian Language Media:

• MPs fail again to constitute the new Kosovo Assembly (media)
• Kurti on Abdixhiku’s 15-point plan: Our MP Abrashi has spoken (media)
• Krasniqi: Solution is simple; 19 votes from LDK and the rest from us (media)
• Citaku: No word in Albanian describes absurdity of political deadlock (media)
• Rexhepi: If no compromise, let’s go to elections as soon as possible (media)
• Maqedonci begins official visit to U.S.; to discuss cooperation in defense (media)
• US, Kosovo troops take part in immediate response during Defender 25 (media)
• Osmani meets Emperor of Japan (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic: We adhere to UN Charter, admission to EU political decision (RTV)
• Vucic met Sorensen: The formation of the CSM (ZSO) crucial for the continuation of the dialogue (Kosovo Online)
• Vucic, Lajcak meet in Prague, discuss regional challenges (Tanjug, media)
• Petkovic meets Krois, discussed dialogue and latest Pristina’s acts (Tanjug)
• Serbian PM: Ban on displaying Serbian flag in Gracanica continuation of intimidation (Tanjug, media)
• SNF: Banning Serbian flag on Vidovdan means banning right of Serbs to breathe, remember and celebrate (Danas, KiM radio)
• Aljovic after roundtable on abolition of child benefit: Ministry of Finance decision will affect pensioners and other vulnerable groups as well (Kosovo Online)
• Most Serbians oppose EU membership but see EU as key economic partner (N1)

International:

• Kosovo bans sheep, goat imports from Albania over PPR (SeeNews)
• Serbian govt turns screws on protesting professors (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media 

MPs fail again to constitute the new Kosovo Assembly (media)

All media report that members of the Kosovo Assembly have failed for the 31st time to form the new legislative. Parties that were in the opposition in the previous legislative refused to vote on a committee that would oversee a secret vote on the new Speaker of the Assembly. The next session has been scheduled for Sunday.

Kurti on Abdixhiku’s 15-point plan: Our MP Abrashi has spoken (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti was asked today about the 15-point plan of a unity government proposed by Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku. “Our MP Artan Abrashi has spoken on this, and he speaks on behalf of the parliamentary group of the Vetevendosje Movement,” Kurti briefly told reporters.

Abrashi said earlier today that Abdixhiku’s plan is not serious. “Yes, we have discussed what is called a plan and in the debates, we have reached the conclusion that that proposal has some logical difficulties that are hard to understand. How can Abdixhiku expect the Vetevendosje Movement to agree on such major 15 topics and meanwhile there is no agreement on the smallest issue, namely the committee for the secret vote [on the new Assembly Speaker], this is absurd … We don’t understand the reason for a unity government. Usually, proposals for such unity governments are made in extraordinary situations, when the country is faced with a big threat … that plan is not serious and we will not support it,” Abrashi argued.

Krasniqi: Solution is simple; 19 votes from LDK and the rest from us (media)

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi told reporters today that the solution to the political deadlock is very simple. “The mathematics is very simple: 19 votes from the LDK, and I will secure the rest, and we will get 61 votes,” he said. 

Krasniqi argued this is the only way to secure a majority, by excluding the Serbian List and including opposition MPs from the other parties. “We are ready to form the majority with the 19 votes of the LDK. Kosovo needs stability, functioning institutions and for decision-making processes to return to normality,” he said.

Citaku: No word in Albanian describes absurdity of political deadlock (media)

Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Vlora Citaku reacted to the 31st failed attempt to form the new Kosovo Assembly saying that there is no word to describe the absurdity. “Unfortunately there is no definition in the Albanian language to describe the absurdity of the situation that we are in. For several months now, we have seen a high level of irresponsibility and lack of sensibility vis-à-vis the citizens,” she argued.

Rexhepi: If no compromise, let’s go to elections as soon as possible (media)

Member of the Kosovo Assembly and caretaker Deputy Prime Minister, Emilija Rexhepi, said today that the parties that were in the opposition “continue to be stubborn and for everyone to nominate a different candidate for Assembly Speaker, they are showing lack of seriousness toward the state and the parliament as the leading institution”. 

Rexhepi said that if no compromise is reached, Kosovo should go to new elections. “Let us vote on the Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker and make way for those that have 61 votes to form the new government. If there is no compromise or not enough votes, let’s go to elections as soon as possible,” she argued.

Maqedonci begins official visit to U.S.; to discuss cooperation in defense (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, started an official visit to the United States of America. Together with Kosovo Security Force (KSF) Commander, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, they laid flowers at the grave of the unknown soldier at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. “This solemn act marks the beginning of a visit that will culminate with bilateral consultations on defense, and where the future priorities of cooperation in this area between Kosovo and the United States will be set. Strengthening relations and furthering cooperation in the area of defense remains a strategic priority for the Republic of Kosovo in the function of regional security and stability,” a press release issued by the Ministry notes.

US, Kosovo troops take part in immediate response during Defender 25 (media)

Most news websites report that the United States Embassy in Kosovo posted a video on Facebook today showing American and Kosovo troops participating in an exercise during the recent US-led military exercise Defender 25. “From Pennsylvania to Pristina — American and Kosovan troops participated side-by-side in Immediate Response during DEFENDER 25. Together, we’re enhancing safety and security, ready to respond, ready to lead,” the caption of the video notes.

See more at: https://shorturl.at/QhI7u

Osmani meets Emperor of Japan (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a post on X that she met with the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo. “The deep friendship and special relations between the Republic of Kosovo and Japan have been built on shared values, mutual respect, and trust. In our meeting, I expressed the profound gratitude of the people of the Republic of Kosovo for Japan's continued support over the years,” Osmani said.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: We adhere to UN Charter, admission to EU political decision (RTV)

Speaking at the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday Serbia's EU admission was, above all, a political issue and not merit-based, and that Kosovo issue was the obstacle to the admission as Serbia adhere to the UN Charter and UNSCR 1244 - under which Kosovo is a part of Serbia - and noted that Belgrade is not ready to recognise it as independent.

Vucic made these remarks addressing a panel titled Seizing the Moment: Forging Lasting Partnerships in the Neighbourhood. Asked what was holding Serbia up on the EU path, Vucic said much work was still ahead and that EU officials constantly talked about a merit-based approach. But that has never been the case - if you remember the situation with Romania and Bulgaria - it has always been a political decision and not something that is based on merit, he said.

More work is ahead of us regarding the issue of rule of law, and we have a regional problem with Pristina - it is a very difficult issue, it is difficult to solve it, Vucic also said. For Serbia, the issue of EU accession is slightly different compared to other countries, he said.

“It is about Kosovo - as you know, we adhere to the UN Charter and UNSCR1244, under which Kosovo is a part of Serbia, and 22 of the 27 EU member states recognise Kosovo, while five of the 27 do not, and that is the problem”, Vucic said, adding that Belgrade is not ready to recognise Kosovo.

“We support the territorial integrity of Ukraine - when we talk about that and about violations of UN principles and about principles of international law, then it is difficult to explain to anyone in Serbia - not me or the politicians in power, but anyone in Serbia - what is going on with the territorial integrity of Serbia”, Vucic said. UNSCR1244 is still in force but no one cares, because there have also been other political interests that are much more important to Western allies than the UN Charter and international public law, he noted.

Vucic met Sorensen: Formation of CSM (ZSO) crucial for continuation of dialogue (Kosovo Online)

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, said after the meeting with the EU Special Representative for Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Peter Sorensen, in Prague that Serbia is committed to the dialogue, but for its continuation formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities (ZSO) is necessary as a basic precondition for further talks.

As he said in a post on Instagram, he had a meaningful and constructive conversation with Sorensen about the continuation of the dialogue under the EU auspices, regional challenges and the preservation of peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

"I emphasized that Serbia is fully committed to finding compromise solutions through dialogue, with full respect for international partners and with a clear respect for the interests of our people. I emphasized that for the continuation of the dialogue, it is crucial to return to the neglected foundations of any further discussion, such as the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities", he wrote.

He added he is grateful to Sorensen for his seriousness, professionalism and sincere commitment to peace and cooperation, as well as for the support that the EU provides to Serbia on its European path. "We are convinced that only with mutual respect and responsibility can we ensure a better and more stable future for all citizens of the region”, said Vucic.

Vucic, Lajcak meet in Prague, discuss regional challenges (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's security adviser Miroslav Lajcak at the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague on Friday to discuss challenges in the region and potential solutions amid the new complex circumstances in Europe and the world. Lajcak is a former EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

"A cordial meeting with friend Miroslav Lajcak, one of the best connoisseurs of the situation in the Western Balkans. We discussed challenges in the region and potential solutions amid the new complex circumstances in Europe and the world", Vucic wrote in a post on his official Instagram account.

Vucic, Pavel discuss Serbian-Czech economic cooperation

While in Prague Vucic also met with Czech President Petr Pavel and discussed expanding the Serbian-Czech economic cooperation as well as opportunities for joint projects in various fields. In an Instagram post, Vucic wrote that the meeting had also addressed all major matters in Serbian-Czech bilateral relations, as well as security and economic challenges in Europe and the world.

"I thanked President Pavel for the support Czechia is providing for our country's European path, and I took the opportunity to invite him to visit Serbia, which would lend an additional impetus to our overall relations", Vucic said in a post.

Petkovic meets Krois, discussed dialogue and latest Pristina’s acts (Tanjug)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic met today UN Secretary General Representative and the head of UN Office in Belgrade, Dominika Krois, and informed her about the endangered human rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo due to, as the statement said, unilateral and violent actions of Pristina against Serbs there. He also informed her of ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Tanjug news agency reported.

During the meeting Petkovic said that “since Albin Kurti came to power, 650 ethnically motivated incidents have been recorded against the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija and the Serbian Orthodox Church, along with more than 50 escalating moves by which Pristina directly undermines peace and raises tensions in these areas, but also in the entire region, which is why Belgrade insists on immediate de-escalation”.

"The authorities in Pristina are systematically undertaking escalating, violent, illegal and unilateral moves, with which they try to create impossible conditions for the life of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, aiming for their ethnic cleansing. It is precisely because of such acts, that more than 20 percent of Serbs left the north of Kosovo and Metohija, while fake (Albin) Kurti’s mayors are accelerating anti-Serb moves ahead of local elections. That is why the protection of Serb human rights, the de-escalation of the situation on the ground, and the formation of the ZSO must be absolute priority", Petkovic stressed.

Serbian PM: Ban on displaying Serbian flag in Gracanica continuation of intimidation (Tanjug, media)

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut said today the decision of Pristina’s court banning display of the Serbian flag and symbols during celebration of Saint Vitus Holiday in Gracanica is continuation of a policy of systematic intimidation and institutional pressure against Serbs in Kosovo.

"The ban on the use of national symbols on Saint Vitus Holiday, a day that has deep-rooted historical and spiritual meaning for the Serbian people, testifies to the deeply disturbing reality in which the rights of one community are being systematically extinguished in the heart of Europe”, Macut said.

Macut said “Serbian community in Kosovo has been exposed to different forms of repression for decades, which more and more resembles features of planned exclusion and expulsion, with the ultimate goal – demographic and cultural banishment”. He said institutional discrimination against Serbs is carried out under tacit approval of the international community. 

As the Serbian Government said in the statement, Prime Minister Macut pointed out it is obvious that today, although the European Union condemns the actions of Albin Kurti, he is doing everything with the wholehearted support of Western countries.

SNF: Banning Serbian flag on Vidovdan means banning right of Serbs to breathe, remember and celebrate (Danas, KiM radio)

The Serbian National Forum (SNF) Gracanica strongly condemns, as they said, the shameful and politically motivated decision of the Basic Court in Pristina, which annuls the decision of the Municipality of Gracanica to allow the display of the Serbian flag on the occasion of Vidovdan, reported Danas. 

The SNF Gracanica believes that this is one of the most important holidays in the history and identity of the Serbian people and considers the decision a direct attack on the rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo, on their identity, culture and freedom of expression.

"In a country that presents itself as democratic and multi-ethnic, banning the symbol of one nation - and that on the occasion of a religious and cultural holiday - is an act of discrimination, political pressure and an attempt to erase the Serbian presence in Kosovo. The Serbian National Forum reminds that Vidovdan is not only a religious and cultural holiday, but a pillar of the collective memory and identity of the Serbian people," the statement read.

They believe  that banning the display of the Serbian flag on Vidovdan means "banning the right of Serbs to breathe, remember, celebrate and live as a people".

"We believe that this decision is politically timed and directly related to the upcoming local elections, with the aim of causing additional tensions and raising national passions, so that the authorities in Pristina divert attention from their own failures."

The SNF is concerned about what they say is an apparent double standard.

"While Serbian symbols are banned and declared a danger to the constitutional order, Albanian flags are displayed freely in the institutions of so-called Kosovo, even in situations where no official from Albania is present. We ask ourselves - do the laws apply equally to everyone, or only when Serbs need to be suppressed?" the SNF stated. 

This political organization invites the competent institutions of the Republic of Serbia, international missions and organizations in Kosovo, including KFOR, EULEX and UNMIK, to respond to what they say is a serious violation of the basic human and collective rights of Serbs.

Aljovic after roundtable on abolition of child benefit: Ministry of Finance decision will affect pensioners and other vulnerable groups as well (Kosovo Online)

Ines Aljovic Mihajlovic warned yesterday, at the roundtable held in the Civic Energy Center (CEC) on the abolition of child benefits for non-majority communities held in North Mitrovica, that the decision of the Ministry of Finance will affect pensioners and other vulnerable groups, reported Kosovo Online. 

The event was attended by representatives of the Kosovo Agency for Statistics, the Deputy Ombudsman of Kosovo, UNMIK representatives, affected parents and civil society. The Ministry of Finance, Labor and Transfer did not send representatives, despite repeated invitations.

Deputy Ombudsman Niman Hajdari said for Kosovo Online that the meeting was very important and a good opportunity to listen to parents and their objections.

“It is important to continue the constructive dialogue between all involved parties and to continue the dialogue between the Ombudsman and the competent authorities and to find the best solution that is in accordance with the Constitution and the laws, but which respects the principle of the best interest of the child, which is in fact part of the Constitution of Kosovo and the legal system of Kosovo. We think that it is a serious problem, because it includes a large number of children from all sides, not only of Serbian nationality, and the best solution, the easiest solution, should be found, how parents can prove that they live here and that their children can get what belongs to them by the law,” he said.

The moderator of this event, Ines Aljovic Mihajlovic said they had more expectations from this event, but representatives of the Ministry of Finance, Labor and Transfer did not show up, despite numerous invitations and reminders. However, she said Avni Kastrati from the Kosovo Statistics Agency tried to explain the connection between this institution and the deprived child benefit, but that, in her opinion, he failed.

“We found out from him very directly today that other categories will have similar problems, that not only children will be covered by this decision, but in the coming months this same decision will include pensioners also, and people who are beneficiaries of social assistance and people whose children have special needs. So, we learned that this decision will cover a much wider circle of people and that we will probably have to organize a series of meetings like this, where we will discuss other topics in the coming months, that is, we will talk with other categories of people on the same topic, that their incomes in upcoming months will be terminated,” she said, adding that she was very disappointed about that.

As she pointed out, Kastrati himself said there was no regulation that requires additional verification of the profile of mothers from non-majority communities.

“He himself said that there is no such regulation, that he did not see or receive such a regulation, and that this kind of decision was somewhere of an internal nature and after a few months they simply tried to help the Ministry of Finance in this way, with an additional or subsequent census, but that there is simply absolutely no legal act for such a decision,” Aljovic pointed out.

Aljovic noted that what she perceived as the only solution to the problem was the use of legal remedies, or to seek justice in court, in order to establish whether the parents or the relevant ministry were right.

Most Serbians oppose EU membership but see EU as key economic partner (N1)

Most Serbians are not keen on joining the European Union (EU), but believe it is and should be the country’s main economic partner, show the results of a new survey on public attitudes toward foreign policy, N1 reported.

The poll, conducted by Lidington Research in Belgrade, found that 52 percent of Serbians would definitely or likely vote against EU membership in a referendum, while 39 percent would support it. Dimitrije Milic from Lidington Research, noted a slight decline in EU support. “Support is somewhat higher among national minorities, in Belgrade, among the highly educated, and in Vojvodina”, he said during the presentation of the findings.

On the other hand, 59 percent would back joining BRICS, the association of emerging economies.

When it comes to NATO, a whopping 81 percent are opposed to membership.

The survey also revealed that many Serbians hold the US responsible for uncertainties surrounding the future of NIS, Serbia’s state-owned oil company. Milic pointed out that supporters of the ruling coalition primarily blame the US, while opposition-leaning citizens point the finger at Serbia itself. Many believe Donald Trump’s leadership could improve US-Serbia relations, though they doubt he has the ability to quickly end the war in Ukraine.

When it comes to economics, Serbians view the EU and China as their primary partners and believe they should remain so. Politically, however, over 50 percent think Russia should be the main partner.

On foreign investment, 57 percent of respondents see it as having a somewhat or very positive impact on Serbia’s economy, while 22 percent view it negatively, and 12 percent say it has no effect. “Despite all the doubts in the media, debates, and varied interpretations of foreign investments, a majority still see them as positive for Serbia’s economy”, Milic said. In terms of living standards, 31 percent of respondents said their quality of life is about the same as it was a year ago.

International

Kosovo bans sheep, goat imports from Albania over PPR (SeeNews)

Kosovo’s veterinary agency, AUK, said it has decided to temporarily ban imports of sheep and goats from Albania due to an escalating outbreak of small ruminants’ plague. The ban enters into force immediately in response of recent confirmations of new cases of sheep and goat plague in multiple areas across Albania, AUK said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. The veterinary agency also urged farmers living near the Albanian border to restrict herding in the nearby areas to prevent their ruminants from being infected. The ban will remain in effect for an indefinite period. The sheep and goat plague, also known by it French acronym of PPR, is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads mainly through contact with infected animals’ feces. In severe cases, it can be fatal. The disease does not affect humans.

Serbian govt turns screws on protesting professors (BIRN)

Moving to end months of protests, Serbia’s government is trying to drive a wedge between university professors and their students, and between the professors themselves. In May, Tijana Dimitrijevic received one eighth of her usual salary.

An assistant professor of telecommunications at the faculty of electrical engineering in the southern Serbian city of Nis, Dimitrijevic hasn’t taught for months, having come out in support of students protesting since late last year over alleged state complicity in the deaths of 16 people when an outdoor canopy at a recently renovated railway station in the north of country collapsed.

The protests – which include students occupying university premises – represent the most significant challenge to Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party, SNS, and President Aleksandar Vucic since they rose to power in 2012, and Vucic and the government are fighting back.

University professors have seen their salaries slashed and the time they can devote to research – another source of funds and a prerequisite for career advancement – curtailed. The financial pressure is taking a toll.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/0Ilhs