Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani from Tirana Summit calls for lifting of EU measures against Kosovo (Klan) 
• Kaja Kallas to visit Kosovo next week (media)
• Rutte: Kosovo-Serbia dialogue inevitably be discussed at Tirana Summit (Klan)
• Osmani: Kosovo still has a plenipotentiary chief negotiator (RTK)
• PDK MP Artan Behrami meets Richard Grenell (media)
• Germany abolishes Western Balkans envoy position (Reporteri)
• Ramadani: Kosovo needs to take two steps in security and defense (Nacionale)
• UNMIK concerned about closure of Serbia’s institutions in Kosovo (AP)
• Police, inspectors find evidence suspected of offence in north (Telegrafi)
• Rohde: Even in football game, if a player fails, he must be changed (Klan)
• Trajkovic: Russia is deepening its influence in Serbia (Klan)
• Advisor: SL was invited but refused to attend meeting with Osmani (Reporteri)
• Kurti calls on prosecution to act on Hoti’s disappearance in 1999 (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Kosovo police in premises of Serbian Employment Service in Mitrovica North (Radio Kontakt plus, Kosovo Online)
• Petkovic: Tens of thousands of users depend on National Employment Service in N. Mitrovica, Kurti wants to persecute Serbian people (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
• SL: Kurti's regime's incursion into National Employment Service a direct attack on right to work (Kosovo Online, KiM radio, Tanjug) 
• Parents with children protest in front of Sports Hall in Mitrovica North (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, KiM radio)
• Children at today’s protest in front of Sport Hall: We are deprived of right to sport (KoSSev)
• Minister Gajic: Kurti also discriminates against children; erasing Serbian sports heritage (RTV, Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Subotic, Veljkovic on closure of Sports Hall in North Mitrovica and other facilities in north (social media)
• OSCE concerned over recent actions affecting public service providers (Kosovo Online, social media)
• Djuric meets German Ambassador, discusses latest situation in northern Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)
• Trial of Garvilo Milosavljevic for war crimes continues (Radio KIM)
• Minister Bratina: We just lost with EULEX, they are doing nothing (Beta, Danas, TV Pink) 
• Loiseau: Delay in announcing Election results benefited no one (Kosovo Online)

International:

• Kosovo arrests Serb ex-police unit commander on war crimes charges (BIRN)
• Costa wraps up the WB tour in Tirana: The region should seize the enlargement momentum (EWB)

Albanian Language Media 

Osmani from Tirana Summit calls for lifting of EU measures against Kosovo (Klan) 

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, has called for the lifting of EU measures against Kosovo. “An extremely important summit for all of us who aspire to join. I congratulate Albania and the Prime Minister. It is important to come up with a concrete plan on how to move forward”, Osmani said.

She further expressed the hope that the EU will lift the measures against Kosovo so that everyone is equal at the negotiating table. "Regarding the Republic of Kosovo, despite the fact that we are 100% aligned with the EU's foreign and security policy, unfortunately there is a total blockade. The EU does not appreciate the reform, does not appreciate our work, does not appreciate the fact that we are 100% aligned with their policies. Regarding sanctions against Russia and other policies, unfortunately a very bad message is being given for our region because the door is being opened more for those who go to Moscow and Putin, than for us who see no other path and alternative than the EU," Osmani said.

Kaja Kallas to visit Kosovo next week (Klan)

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has told the news website that she will visit Kosovo next week. She also said that on Thursday, during the informal dinner with the leaders of the Western Balkan states, the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue was discussed. "As for Serbia and Kosovo, it is clear that the normalization of their relations is of the utmost importance. For this reason, the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina must continue," she said.

Kallas is staying in Tirana for the European Political Community Summit.

Rutte: Kosovo-Serbia dialogue inevitably be discussed at Tirana Summit (Klan)

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told the media that the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and the situation in the Western Balkans “will definitely be a topic of discussion at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana.” He said that KFOR is in Kosovo and EUFOR is in Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide security, and that he spoke about this issue a day before at the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Antalya, Turkey. Rutte also reiterated the very important conversation he had with Serbian President Alaksandar Vucic.

Osmani: Kosovo still has a plenipotentiary chief negotiator (RTK)

Kosovo President Vjjosa Osmani has said that despite the lack of establishment of new institutions, Kosovo still has a chief negotiator, Besnik Bislimi, in case of an invitation for a meeting by the European Union for the dialogue with Serbia. “However, regarding the chief negotiator, Kosovo still has a chief negotiator who is still in power. He is the first deputy prime minister, who has not run for office or elected an MP. So, he has the powers to continue if the EU requests a meeting between chief negotiators,” Osmani said from Tirana.

She encouraged Kosovo’s leaders in the formation of institutions. "I believe that there will be further efforts and I encourage political leaders to have institutions as soon as possible, in the interest of the citizens and Kosovo, so that we do not lose and suffer more," she said.

PDK MP Artan Behrami meets Richard Grenell (media)

MP from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Artan Behrami met with Richard Grenell, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Special Missions and former special envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. “With Ambassador Grenell – a great supporter of Kosovo and a steadfast fight for justice,” Behrami wrote in a picture he posted with Grenell on Facebook. 

Germany abolishes Western Balkans envoy position (Reporteri)

The new federal government in Germany has decided to abolish several special envoy positions, including the one of Manuael Sarazin for the Western Balkans. The position was created in 2022 by then-Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) to intensively support the process of rapprochement of the region with the European Union.

The German Foreign Ministry told Deutsche Welle that this decision is part of a central promise of the new government to reduce and simplify state structures. “The tasks that previously belonged to the special envoy will be transferred to the relevant ministry sectors,” a ministry spokesperson told DW, adding that cooperation with the countries of the region will continue to be close and in-depth, while the Berlin Process and support for EU membership will remain clear priorities.

Ramadani: Kosovo needs to take two steps in security and defense (Nacionale)

Former chief inspector of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, Burim Ramadani, argues in a Facebook post that Kosovo needs to take two steps in the areas of security and defense. 

“NATO member states are now confirming that they will increase defense spending at 5 percent of their GDPs. From this, 3.5 percent directly in defense and 1.5 percent in infrastructure. Kosovo needs to take two necessary steps in security and defense: 1. Make new operational arrangements with NATO (KFOR) through a Kosovo-NATO political dialogue; 2. Increase spending in defense, through: 2.1 The immediate consolidation of the National Guard of the Kosovo Security Force; 2.2 Tripling the reserve troop of the Kosovo Security Force; 2.3 Start the Education Program for Security and Defense in High Schools; 2.4 Start drafting an Security Offset Strategy. Issues of security and defense are not emotional aspects, but require a strategic approach and comprehensive commitment,” Ramadani writes.

UNMIK concerned about closure of Serbia’s institutions in Kosovo (AP)

The news website reports that the head of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Caroline Ziadeh, expressed concern about the actions of Kosovo’s authorities against Serbia’s institutions in Kosovo. Kosovo Police in an operation on Wednesday closed several institutions in Mitrovica North and returned them to the ownership of the municipality. This concerns a building that was used by the so-called Office for Sports, Youth and Specialized Services and the water station in the village of Suhodoll in Mitrovica North, the news website notes.

Ziadeh said in a post on X that these institutions have an impact on the wellbeing and living conditions of the community. “The SRSG reiterates her call to avoid unilateral actions that further erode trust between communities and the Kosovo authorities or risk to escalate tensions. She stresses the need to address all outstanding issues through the EU-facilitated Dialogue,” the post notes.

Police, inspectors find evidence suspected of offence in north (Telegrafi)

Kosovo Police assisted municipal inspectors as they entered a building in Mitrovica North today. Kosovo Police Deputy Director for the north, Veton Elshani, confirmed the news to Telegrafi, and said that during the action they found evidence which they believe is illegal and can constitute a criminal offence. “Today we inspected municipal inspectors at the entrance of a building that they consider theirs. When we entered the premises, we came across evidence that we believe are illegal and constitute a criminal offence. After contacting the prosecutor on duty, the building was closed and the evidence will be delivered to the prosecutor to decide on the further course of action,” Elshani said. He also said that no arrests were made during the operation. 

Some news websites report that the building that has been closed was the Serbian-run office for employment. They also report that the flag of Serbia and the table with the name of the office have been removed.

Rohde: Even in football game, if a player fails, he must be changed (Klan)

The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, has commented on the issue of the failure to constitute the Kosovo Assembly for the 16th time in a row. Rohde was asked by the news website during an event for the German Language Day, held in Pristina today, what should be done in the situation that Kosovo is in. He gave an interesting example, linking the political situation with a football game. “Even in a football game, if a player fails, the player must be changed,” Rohde said briefly.

Trajkovic: Russia is deepening its influence in Serbia (Klan)

Former political representative of Kosovo Serbs, Rada Trajkovic, in an interview with Klan Kosova, said that the visit by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Moscow for the May 9 parade is less important compared to domestic developments in Serbia, where she argued Russian influence is growing at an alarming rate. She claimed that Russian services are fast recruiting individuals in Serbia and isolating pro-western voices. 

Trajkovic mentioned the powerful influence of the Serbian Intelligence Agency on the church, media and the judicial system, adding that European values are being systematically oppressed. 

According to Trajkovic, Serbia is increasingly moving towards an anti-European course. “The hopes are with the students, but they too are being attacked with fabricated stories about Russian channels and disseminated through diplomatic channels,” she said. 

Trajkovic criticized attempts to portray the people’s mobilization in Serbia as a color revolution. “Schizophrenic messages attempt to confuse those that are naïve. And I believe that the U.S. and the EU understand this,” she said.

Advisor: SL was invited but refused to attend meeting with Osmani (Reporteri)

The Serbian List was invited to the meeting that President Osmani had yesterday with representatives of Albanian political parties, and later with representatives of non-majority communities. "The Serbian List was invited to a consultative meeting with political entities of non-majority communities, but did not come," said Bekim Kupina, media advisor at the Presidency.

Kurti calls on prosecution to act on Hoti’s disappearance in 1999 (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti commemorated today Ukshin Hoti, a Kosovo Albanian philosopher and activist, who went missing in May 1999 immediately after being released from prison. In a Facebook post, Kurti mentions the name of the supervisor of the prison and the prison director, “two of the people involved in the disappearance of Ukshin Hoti. But the names of Serbian state officials involved in the case follow a chain that goes up to the highest ministerial and government levels of Serbia”. He writes that Hoti is one of the forcibly disappeared persons by Serbian state forces and authorities during the war in Kosovo. “In the days following the disappearance of Ukshin Hoti, Serbia’s state authorities carried out a big massacre against the Albanian inmates at Dubrava Prison, another state crime committed by Serbia,” he adds.

Kurti calls on the prosecutorial and judicial system of Kosovo to act on the case of Hoti’s disappearance, saying that they have not filed charges even in absentia against the two suspects. “The lack of action by the Special Prosecution of Kosovo remains a painful gap in our collective efforts for justice and the truth. Our judicial institutions have a moral and constitutional obligation to act with responsibility and not allow forgetfulness to replace justice,” he argues.

Serbian Language Media

Kosovo police in premises of Serbian Employment Service in Mitrovica North (Radio Kontakt plus, Kosovo Online)

Radio Kontakt plus reported that members of the Kosovo police were present in the premises of the National Employment Service branch in Mitrovica North, functioning within the Serbian system. Mitrovica North municipal officials were also present, and as the police said, this facility may be closed soon.

Kosovo police entered the premises of the National Employment Service this morning, as it was said, based on a request of Mitrovica North municipality. As deputy commander for the region North, Veton Elshani told the Radio, “the police were only offering assistance to the municipal inspectors” and that “prosecutor had been contacted” in relation to the case. 

Kosovo Online portal meanwhile reported that Kosovo police ordered workers to leave the building, and that a meeting with Verica Ceranic, Employment Service Director was underway.

Petkovic: Tens of thousands of users depend on National Employment Service in N. Mitrovica, Kurti wants to persecute the Serbian people (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)

Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, announced that the invasion of the National Employment Service in North Mitrovica by the Kosovo Police was underway, on which, as he stated, tens of thousands of users depend, reported Kosovo Online. 

In a post on the "X" social network, Petkovic pointed out that the Prime Minister of Kosovo in his technical mandate, Albin Kurti, wants to persecute the Serbian people and cause conflict.

He also asked where EU officials are and what they are doing.

"An incursion by Kurti's policemen is underway, on which tens and tens of thousands of users depend. Kurti wants to persecute the Serbian people and cause conflict. EU officials, where are you and what are you doing anyway," said Petkovic.

SL: Kurti's regime's incursion into National Employment Service a direct attack on right to work (Kosovo Online, KiM radio, Tanjug) 

The Serbian List said “the brutal and illegal intrusion of Kurti's police into the premises of the National Employment Service(NSZ) in North Mitrovica represents a direct attack on one of the basic human rights - the right to work - and is a clear indication that the current regime in Pristina is determined to make it impossible for Serbs to live a normal life and survive in their centuries-old homes”, reported Kosovo Online.  

"Such actions not only demonstrate power over the bare-handed people, but also systematically destroy the institutional presence of the Serbian state in Kosovo and Metohija, with the aim of completely scaring, marginalizing and expelling the Serbian people. The loud silence of international representatives who, instead of reacting to obvious violations of basic human rights and the Brussels Agreement, choose to ignore the persecution and terror of Serbs is particularly worrying. In the eyes of the Serbian people, such silence is nothing less than evidence of direct involvement or complicity in these moves that threaten the survival of our people," the announcement stated.

It is added that "while they speak in favor of a multi-ethnic society, international representatives turn a blind eye to the reality - that this very story of multi-ethnicity is more and more obviously a simple colorful lie, which serves as a cover for the construction of a mono-ethnic and mono-national society according to Albin Kurti".

"Representatives of our party are in constant communication with the employees of this institution. Everyone has been clearly told that the state of Serbia is with all of them and that no one will be left without their benefits, both employees and users of the services of this institution," concluded the SL.

Parents with children protest in front of Sports Hall in Mitrovica North (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, KiM radio)

More than 100 children together with their parents, coaches and representatives of the sports clubs gathered this morning in front of the Sports Hall in Mitrovica North to express their protest over, as they said, illegal usurpation of a sports facility by Kosovo police, Kosovo Online portal reported.

KoSSev portal reported that despite the cold and rainy day, children, including those from youngest to youth categories attended the protest. The whistles were blown and chanting of disapproval was heard. Young athletes conveyed the message that with the protest they are only seeking their rights – the right to sport – which had been denied to them. They also said they will not give up on protest and intention to have the hall returned to the athletes from the town. The next protest is announced on Monday. 

Dozen members of Kosovo police were present and did not allow entry to the Sports Hall. Gathering parents with their children training in the local sports clubs demanded children be ensured unobstructed continuation of training in this hall.

Kosovo Online portal recalled that police yesterday raided the Sports Hall while the training of basketball players was ongoing. Police demanded that they immediately leave the premises. Sports Hall director Goran Kovac told the media that upon raid of Kosovo police he found the photos of the famous Serbian and world sportsmen such as Novak Djokovic, Milorad Cavic and Aleksandar Djordjevic taken down, while the photo of a famous humanitarian Branko Djordjevic, who was helping Serbian community in Kosovo, was torn.

Children at today’s protest in front of Sport Hall: We are deprived of right to sport (KoSSev)

KoSSev portal reported later in the day that several hundred children, parents and coaches gathered this morning in front of the Sports Hall in Mitrovica North, despite cold and rainy weather. Gathered children and youngsters said their basic right to do sport has been denied to them.

Danica Dancetovic, pupil of 8^th grade in the Elementary School Branko Radicevic and member of a local basketball team said children who used this facility have been denied the right to do sport, and urged all to join protests so “we can reinstate our right to train”.

“We are children, and we have the right to do sport. And that has been taken away from us. Our imagination ceases; our dreams are shattered. I call upon all adults and their children to join us, to reinstate our right to train. We want to be seen, we want someone to hear us”, Dancetovic said.

“This really makes no sense. It makes no sense that they close our hall. I truly hope the hall will be opened. We will continue with peaceful protests, until our demands are met”, another girl said.

“I think no one would allow the hall to remain closed, this is a peaceful place to train and gather children. We will not stop until the hall is opened”, another girl said. She called upon fellow residents to join the peaceful protests, including those doing sports and those who do not, the portal added.

Minister Gajic: Kurti also discriminates against children; erasing Serbian sports heritage (RTV, Tanjug, Kosovo Online)

The Minister of Sports in the Government of Serbia, Zoran Gajic, pointed out that he strongly condemned yesterday's incursion of Kosovo police into the Sports Hall in North Mitrovica during the training of the youngest athletes, as well as, as he added, the shameful removal of photos of Serbian sports greats and the humiliating treatment of employees and coaches, reported Kosovo online, citing RTV.

"It is particularly worrisome that this attack was carried out at a time when there were children in the hall, which represents a flagrant violation of the right to a safe environment and sports, guaranteed by international conventions, European charters and domestic regulations," Gajic said in a statement.

The removal of photos of Serbian sports legends, as well as the tearing of the picture of a humanitarian who helped the Serbian people for years, is a clear message that we want to erase everything that testifies to the presence and contribution of the Serbian people in these areas, he emphasized.

"It is shameful and deeply worrisome that Kurti's authorities do not even hesitate to implement a policy of ethnic discrimination against children and sports workers. Instead of sport being a bridge of cooperation and healthy development for all young people, it is once again being misused as an instrument of political pressure and intimidation. Methods that remind us of the darkest times should not have their place in Europe of the 21st century. That is why I want to ask a public question to the European Union - an institution that, let me remind you, directly participated in the construction of this sports hall," he added.

Gajic asked whether the EU supports this kind of policy of ethnic intolerance and repression of Serbian children.

"Is the ban on children playing sports, the removal of pictures of great Serbian athletes and the violent takeover of sports facilities really compatible with the values that Europe supposedly defends? And if not, when will we see concrete steps that show that the EU is ready to restrain its child, which is increasingly openly and radically violating basic human rights?", stated Gajic.

He called on international mechanisms to stop this type of institutional violence.

"I call on all relevant international institutions, the EU, KFOR, UNMIK, to react immediately and stop this type of institutional violence. Sport must remain outside the reach of politics, and sports institutions must be protected from pressure and intrusion. Children in Kosovo and Metohija have the same right as all others - to train, progress and live in peace. No one must deny them that right," concluded Gajic.

Subotic, Veljkovic on closure of Sports Hall in North Mitrovica and other facilities in north (social media)

In a post on X social platform, Milos Subotic, an activist from North Mitrovica said that “the unilateral actions by the #Kosovo government - seizing Serbian community facilities in the north - are a dangerous and unnecessary provocation. This move is the final nail in the coffin of the #BrusselsAgreement and the #EU-mediated dialogue process”.

He accused Kosovo Prime Minister in technical mandate Albin Kurti “of engaging in populist actions to distract from his political setbacks, including the failure to elect a parliament speaker & form a government (…)”, adding that consequences of these tactics could be severe.

“The Serbian government/side is cornered, facing a grim choice: recognize Kosovo or attempt to take back by force what was seized by force. The international community bears responsibility too - with its passive, ambivalent stance. They're stationed in Pristina, reading polished reports, but doing little on the ground - North Kosovo. Without serious intervention and balanced diplomacy, this situation could escalate fast - with consequences for the whole region”, Subotic said.

Serbian Democracy Vice President Stefan Veljkovic in a post on Facebook wrote: “Banning children from playing sports is truly monstrous! You will be held accountable sooner or later, Erden! (referring to Mitrovica North mayor Erden Atiq)”. 

OSCE concerned over recent actions affecting public service providers (Kosovo Online, social media)

The OSCE noted in a post on Facebook with concern the recent actions affecting public service providers in “Štrpce/Shtërpcë, Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North, and Zubin Potok — including measures taken against Water Utility Companies, as well as the closure of the Belgrade-run Centre for Youth and Specialized Services and the Sports Hall in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North. The shutdown of such institutions, without sustainable alternatives, community engagement, or proper institutional continuity, risks severely affecting non-majority communities' access to essential services”.

The Mission reiterated that such matters should be addressed through constructive engagement and supported calls to resolve these issues within the framework of the EU-facilitated Dialogue.

In relation to these developments, the OSCE was increasingly worried about inflammatory language on social media, particularly “extreme remarks on Telegram”, adding that this divisive rhetoric only serves to intensify tensions. 

Responsible communication remains vital for de-escalation and fostering trust among communities, they said. 

Djuric meets German Ambassador, discusses latest situation in northern Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric conveyed yesterday to the German Ambassador to Serbia, Anke Konrad, his concern about the situation in Kosovo, which has further escalated due to the latest unilateral and provocative actions Pristina authorities, Kosovo Online portal reported citing statement from the Ministry.

"An attack on key utility companies and water supply facilities is an attack on the life and survival of the Serbian people in our southern province", Djuric said. He deemed it unacceptable that, in just the past three days, Pristina authorities carried out two raids on facilities of vital importance, thereby endangering the functioning of the entire communal, infrastructural, health, and educational system in northern Kosovo.

As he pointed out, Serbia is committed to continuing to strengthen and enhance cooperation with the new German government on existing foundations through regular political dialogue at the high and highest levels.

Trial of Garvilo Milosavljevic for war crimes continues (Radio KIM)

By presentation of material evidence the trial of Gavrilo Milosavljevic, from Istok, over alleged involvement in the war crimes in Dubrava prison continued yesterday at the Basic Court in Pristina, Radio KIM reported.

The prosecutor in the case submitted two video recordings, objected by Milosavljevic’s defense lawyer, Nebojsa Vlajic who said these video recordings were irrelevant.

“This is the recording from the spot, but made today. There is a monument or memorial centre, in principle it is a memorial area. This proves nothing. It would be the same as if you would go today to Sumarice (memorial complex dedicated to Serbian civilians and children killed by Nazi Germany in Kragujevac) or Tjentiste (location of a memorial to fallen fighters in WWII at Sutjeska Battle, in Bosnia and Herzegovina) and attempted to find responses as to what had happened in Kragujevac, respectively in Sumarice or at Sutjeska in 1943 and 1945. It is impossible”, Vlajic said.

He added the hearing of the witnesses lasted 15 days, while presentation of material evidence took 15 minutes only.

“This means there is no evidence, in particular there is no material evidence, that Gavrilo committed any criminal act, while the testimonies we heard so far were extremely unconvincing, and it was proved today that there is not a single evidence supporting what they had said”, lawyer Vlajic said. 

Another Milosavljevic’s defence lawyer, Dejan Vasic said this trial is nearing its end and that in a hearing on May 21 his client will be heard. He said based on everything heard in this process, he expects no other verdict but acquittal.

Gavrilo Milosavljevic was a prison guard in Dubrava, near Istok, He was arrested on December 2, 2022 under accusations of alleged involvement in war crimes, upon he came to Istok to reclaim his late mother’s apartment. He remains in detention since the arrest. Indictment against him was raised on November 29, 2023, accusing him of alleged involvement in the murder of 109 Albanian prisoners in Dubrava from May 22 to May 24, 1999.

Minister Bratina: We just lost with EULEX, they are doing nothing (Beta, Danas, TV Pink) 

The Minister of Information and Telecommunications of Serbia, Boris Bratina, assessed today that in Kosovo, the replacement of lower officials of international institutions such as UNMIK and EULEX should be implemented, saying EULEX appears only to record when it knows that an incident will occur, reported Danas. 

"So that little more tolerant people come there who will really take care. Because you know, objectively speaking, we just lost with EULEX, they don't take any care at all about law enforcement, nor do they do anything," Bratina told Pink TV, reported Danas. 

According to him, the problem is that "someone" allows everything that happens in Kosovo. 

"EULEX has become similar to what Christiana Amanpour was in Bosnia and Herzegovina - when she appears, everyone runs away, because they know that something is going to happen there. Now when we see EULEX, it's better not to be around, because EULEX usually comes somewhere to record something that will happen. That's how it was when the post office was closing and other institutions," added Bratina.

He also assessed there is currently a problem between the USA and Germany in Kosovo, stating that the government in Kosovo is pro-German, while the USA wants to implement its policy.

"At times when we have a way to talk to the US, which could do something, we have total silence from Europe and support for what (Prime Minister in Technical Mandate Albin) Kurti is doing," Bratina said.

Speaking about yesterday's incursion of the Kosovo police into the Regional Water Supply in Zubin Potok, the minister said that ''everyone is silent about it'' in the West.

Loiseau: Delay in announcing Election results benefited no one (Kosovo Online)

The Head of the EU Election Observation Mission to Kosovo, Nathalie Loiseau, presented the Mission's final report yesterday in Pristina, following the recently held parliamentary elections. In an interview with Kosovo Online, she stated that the delay in announcing the results served no one's interests.

Loiseau emphasized that the report contains 19 recommendations—not as mandates, but as guidance for strengthening democratic institutions in Kosovo. She expressed confidence that the recommendations will be seriously considered and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Kosovo’s democratic development.

The report highlights six priority recommendations aimed at enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process:

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/yk3rwuzt

International

Kosovo arrests Serb ex-police unit commander on war crimes charges (BIRN)

Kosovo’s Special Prosecution announced on Thursday a former local commander in the Serbian police force from Kosovo’s northern municipality of Zvecan has been arrested over war crime allegations.

According to the prosecution, as police commander for Zvecan, the suspect, identified only as M.D., participated in “murders, deportations, looting, torture and the beating of Albanian civilians”.

“It is suspected that during April 1999, M.D., together with Serbian forces organised in structured formations, including Yugoslav Army and Serbian Police, participated in an operation in the village of Zaze, where seven civilians were killed,” the prosecution said in a press release.

The bodies of the killed civilians were found in cemeteries in Suhodoll/Suvi Do near Mitrovica after the war, the prosecution said.

The prosecution said it will file a request to the court for the suspect to be remanded in custody.

Costa wraps up the WB tour in Tirana: The region should seize the enlargement momentum (EWB)

During his four-day visit to the Western Balkans Six, António Costa, President of the European Council, conveyed the message that the region should seize the current enlargement momentum and implement the reforms, particularly in the domain of the rule of law. Together with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Costa hosted the dinner for the WB leaders on Thursday night in Tirana.

The dinner, attended by Albanian Prime Minister and President, Edi Rama and Bajram Begaj, Chairwoman of the Presidency of BiH Željka Cvijanović, Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, was organised prior to tomorrow’s summit of the European Political Community in the capital of Albania.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/yc7pkyk4