UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, May 20, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti avoids questions again about the formation of institutions (media)
Hasani warns: If Thaci is convicted, there will be unrest in the region (Klan)
US, Swiss, and Hungarian troops fly over Bondsteel (media)
Police action at Lake Ujman, intervention on a parallel institution (Klan)
Abdixhiku: Italy, a strong supporter of Kosovo's state-building (RTK)
Bajrami demands postponement of energy market liberalization (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Serbian List: Raid on Red Cross facility jeopardizes mandate of one of the most significant world humanitarian organizations (Kosovo Online, media)
KP: Ibar-Lepenac company takes over Red Cross facility on Lake Gazivode (KoSSev, Kosovo Online, N1, Beta)
European Commission on hermitage of St. Peter near Prizren: Kosovo institutions to respect special protection zones (N1, KoSSev)
First witnesses in case of Shaqir Lutvia interviewed, lawyer claims identification process unlawful (Radio KIM)
Lawyer: I expect acquittal of Caslav Jolic (Kosovo Online)
Regional Water Company from Mitrovica South announces vacancies for workers in northern Kosovo (Radio KIM, KoSSev, Danas)
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in Belgrade today (FoNet, Danas)
Cadez: Brussels discussion with Kos was constructive (Tanjug)

International:

‘He stood up for us’: Albanians, others honor Walker for uncovering massacre in Kosovo (Fredericksburg Free Press)
Kosovo’s Gjirafa becomes Starlink retailer in Western Balkans (SeeNews)

Albanian Language Media

Kurti avoids questions again about the formation of institutions (media)

Outgoing Prime Minister Albin Kurti has once again avoided all questions regarding the Kosovo Assembly's constitution and the government's formation. During the ceremony for the launch of the construction of affordable housing facilities, Kurti was asked about his statement in the meeting with President Vjosa Osmani, where he had said that there was “no urgency” for the formation of institutions, as well as about the change of the candidate for Assembly Speaker and the reasons why he does not prefer a coalition with the PDK. However, he refused to answer all questions, stating that “the duration of the works on affordable and social housing is three years”. Later, once again avoiding answers about political issues, he said “the issues of the deadlock are in Pristina, we are here for construction”.

Hasani warns: If Thaci is convicted, there will be unrest in the region (Klan)

The survivor of the Dubrava Prison Massacre and sworn-in MP from the ranks of the PDK, Nait Hasani, spoke on the occasion of marking the 26th anniversary of the massacre, about the former president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, who is being tried in The Hague. Hasani warned that if the Special Chamber convicts Thaci, then, according to him, "there will be unrest in the region".

US, Swiss, and Hungarian troops fly over Bondsteel (media)

US, Swiss, and Hungarian aviation troops assigned to Regional Command East of the NATO-led KFOR mission joined for an international multi-ship familiarization flight at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. KFOR announced the flight on Facebook, saying it was ordered by the Regional Command. The US troops flew in UH-60 Blackhawk military aircraft, the Hungarians in H-145Ms, and the Swiss in AS-532 Cougars.

Police action at Lake Ujman, intervention on a parallel institution (Klan)

The news website reports that a parallel institution of Serbia was shut down today during a police action in the north. The deputy director for the North region, Veton Elshani, told Klan Kosova TV that “yes, we assisted Iber-Lepenc officials to enter a facility at Lake Ujman.” No other details regarding this development were disclosed.

Abdixhiku: Italy, a strong supporter of Kosovo's state-building (RTK)

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, received at the LDK Headquarters the new Italian Ambassador to Kosovo, Maurizio Antonini. Abdixhiku congratulated him on the start of his mandate in Kosovo and wished him success in his new assignment.

Abdixhiku said that Italy has always been a strong supporter of Kosovo’s independence and state-building, and a valuable friend on Kosovo’s journey towards the European Union. "With Ambassador Antonini we talked about political developments in the country, current challenges, and our Euro-Atlantic perspective. I informed him about the latest positions of the LDK on the unprecedented political crisis in the country. I expressed our readiness for close institutional cooperation with the Italian embassy and its diplomatic representatives in Pristina," he said.

Bajrami demands postponement of energy market liberalization (media)

The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has invited business associations, the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO), the Competition Authority, and KESCO to discuss the issue of energy market liberalization on Wednesday. LDK MP, Hykmete Bajrami, said that their only request is that the decision on energy market liberalization be postponed for one year. She reiterated that this process will increase bills by up to 260% for about 1300 businesses. She also described as vain the measures presented by the outgoing Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, and the outgoing Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli.

“Instead of considering such a request, those who still call themselves ministers have said that these businesses will be helped by subsidizing the insulation for their buildings. Imagine: a metal processor where electricity is 30 % of the production cost, is told to insulate the building and is helped with water heating. That is all they know, or that is all they can say, since local production is their last priority,” she said.

According to Bajrami, Kurti's resigned government is “against every local business and in support of the energy mafia.”

Serbian Language Media

Serbian List: Raid on Red Cross facility jeopardizes mandate of one of the most significant world humanitarian organizations (Kosovo Online, media)

Reacting to the latest raid of Kosovo police on Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija facility in Zubin Potok, northern Kosovo, Serbian List said Red Cross is a supranational and neutral humanitarian organization operating in line with International Law and Geneva Conventions, adding that Kosovo police raid has jeopardized the work and mandate of one of the oldest and most significant world humanitarian organizations, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Serbian List said the raid of Kosovo police on this facility represents a gross violation of all relevant international conventions, and that all sides are obliged to respect its status, impartiality and mission.

Serbian List underlined that Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija is a legal organization recognized as a fully fledged part of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and that this organizations during the years of its work gathered all communities and selflessly provided help to all communities’ members – Serbs, Albanians, Roma, Bosniaks and others.

Noting that the work of this organization represents a symbol of humanity, solidarity and cooperation, its education activities in particular with young people, program of providing first aid training and reacting in cases of emergency, Serbian List said this organization has only contributed to better and more human society. It warned that latest acts of Kosovo police to raid facility directly endangers functioning of the system of voluntary blood donations, organized for many years by the Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija and this blood is used for the needs of patients at health facilities in Mitrovica North, Gracanica and Pasjani.

“(…) By attacking this institution, the stability of the system of health protection and safety of patients depending upon regular blood supply is brought to question”. Serban List warned.

The Serbian List called upon the international community, including UN representatives, EU and OSCE to react without further delay and condemn this act, as well as undertake steps in line with their mandates.

KP: Ibar-Lepenac company takes over Red Cross facility on Lake Gazivode (KoSSev, Kosovo Online, N1, Beta)

KoSSev reported that the Ibar-Lepenac company workers entered the Red Cross facility on Lake Gazivode with the assistance of the Kosovo police.

Kosovo police for the North region deputy commander Veton Elshani confirmed this to KoSSev. "We are assisting the Ibar-Lepenac company. They entered those premises, and we entered with them," Elshani said.

He said that this company will take over the building, but that they also claim it is their property, adding that people who were in this building left it.

The condemnation soon arrived from the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.

"Kurti's armed Kosovo police raided the facility of the Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija "Dragisa Murganic" today, which is located in Zubin Potok on Lake Gazivode," the Office said in a statement. It added the search was in progress, and policemen did not allow the doorman and the building's security worker to accompany them during the search, "which leaves a lot of room for manipulation by Kurti's phalanxes."

They specify it is a facility that was exclusively used for the training of children and participants of Red Cross courses, training in the field of first aid and rescue, various types of sports competitions, training and lectures, accommodation of tourists and athletes who stayed in this part of Kosovo and on Lake Gazivode, as well as for organizing official visits.

KoSSev recalled that KosovaPress wrote about this facility three days ago, stating that it was a "center for assistance and shelter for terrorists of the Civil Protection".

"Once presented as the Center for Ecology and Development of Sports, this facility was proudly opened by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, during a sensational visit in 2018. But behind this innocent name, the evidence shows a completely different reality - a surveillance point, a weapons warehouse, and a base for terrorist activities," wrote KosovaPress, KoSSev cited.

The Office for KiM says that this was "particularly indicative".

They state, reported KoSSev, that it was about unsubstantiated and tendentious texts about this object and an attempt to compromise it and "actually create a media preparation and justification for the violent and illegal intrusion and takeover of this space."

European Commission on hermitage of St. Peter near Prizren: Kosovo institutions to respect special protection zones (N1, KoSSev)

The constant looting of the hermitage of St. Peter Koriski above Prizren, as well as the construction works in the area that endanger it, are topics that the European Commission has repeatedly raised with the authorities in Kosovo, as well as with foreign partners, according to the institution's answer to the question of Loucas Fourlas from the European People's Party about the protection of Serbian heritage in Kosovo, reported N1.

"It is necessary for the central and local institutions of Kosovo to fully respect the provisions of the Law on Special Protection Zones," stated the answer to Fourlas, who is also co-chairman of the EU-Serbia Stabilization and Association Committee.

The Hermitage of St. Peter Koriski and the ruins of the Church of the Holy Virgin date back from the 13th century. Several times they were the target of robbers, who took archaeological objects from it.

However, in March, the Eparchy of Raska-Prizren announced that the municipality of Prizren had carried out "illegal construction works that seriously damaged and endangered the archaeological and historical integrity" of the hermitage.

"Thus, the current valid law has been grossly violated, and this valuable historical object is seriously endangered," the Eparchy stated at the time, N1 recalled.

The European Commission stated that it was informed about multiple criminal acts in the area of that religious building, reminding that it enjoys special protection.

"The European Union, through its Office of the Special Representative in Kosovo, remains ready to facilitate the resolution of any dispute between the Kosovo authorities and the Serbian Orthodox Church within the framework of the Implementation and Monitoring Council," the Commission stated.

They also remind that with the Agreement on the Road to Normalization of Relations, Kosovo and Serbia agreed to formalize the status of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and enable a high degree of protection of Serbian religious and cultural heritage.

They add that the EU's special representative for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will continue to work with both sides on the implementation of the obligations arising from the Agreement.

Diplomat from Denmark Peter Sorensen was appointed at the end of January to the post of EU special representative for dialogue, replacing Slovakian diplomat Miroslav Lajcak in that position, recalled this media.

And while Lajcak's mandate was marked by frequent trips to the region and attempts to bring the two sides to the same table, in almost four months of his mandate, Sorensen did not announce, nor did he organize any meeting between the two sides, neither at the level of the main technical negotiators, nor the leaders of the two sides, reported N1.

First witnesses in case of Shaqir Lutvia interviewed, lawyer claims identification process unlawful (Radio KIM)

The hearing of the first witnesses in the case of Shaqir Lutvia, former member of the Serbian police, from the Gorani community, continued yesterday at the Basic Court in Pristina. Lutvia is accused of allegedly committing war crimes in the Prizren region, Radio KIM reported.

His defense lawyer, Jovana Filipovic argued the process of Lutvia’s identification was carried out unlawfully as he was the only person shown in photos to the witnesses to have a distinctive mole on his face.

The witness in a trial, M.K. said he was a member of KLA in the period from 1998 to 1999. He described that a police station was located in a former health house in the village where he returned from Suva Reka and that Lutvia mistreated him during the interrogation. After that he was transferred to prison in Prizren where he remained five months. He also said he did not know Lutvia before interrogation but that he is certain it was him who mistreated him. The other witness E.G. said he was arrested with his brothers on the same day. He also said he was mistreated and that he recognized Lutvia on the photo Kosovo police showed to him while giving the statement.

Defence lawyer of Shaqir Lutvia, Jovana Filipovic argued the process of identification was done unlawfully given that the witnesses said the only feature based on which they recognized her client was a mole on his face, adding he was the only one on all shown photos to have a mole on the face.

“25 years later, persons who did not know the defendant and did not know even his name, until the process started in 2023, identified him based on police photographs, where he was the only one on these photos having a mole on the face. It is logical, that any other persons, even a bypasser on the street, would pick that photo and therefore we believe that police once again demonstrated how investigative acts are carried out, respectively how those acts are carried out without the presence of a defence lawyer and contrary to the rules the law stipulates”.

She also claimed there was another person working in the police station in Prizren who had a mole on the face, adding this person could have been a possible defendant and not her client.

Lawyer: I expect acquittal of Caslav Jolic (Kosovo Online)

Miodrag Brkljac, defense lawyer of Caslav Jolic accused by Special Prosecution of allegedly committing war crimes against Albanian in Djurakovac village in the period from 1998-1999, said he expects acquittal in the case of his client, given that prosecutor did not offer clear evidence to the court, Kosovo Online portal reported. He also said statements of the two crucial witnesses were false.

“Crucial witnesses of the prosecutor whom he based his indictment on are Naim Ferati, Zef Mrasija and Nexhmedin Curi. Naim Ferati is the only witness who said the truth, he is a decent man, who did not succumb to the general euphoria, to make the defendant look guilty at any cost. He clearly and loudly said he did not identify Caslav as the perpetrator of a criminal act. Facing this fact, the prosecutor wanted to use circumstantial evidence and that is the statement of Nexhmedin Curi, but his statement, same as the statement of Zef Mrasija, is full of inconsistencies, contradictions and contrasts”, Brkljac said.

He said the two crucial witnesses uttered complete untruths, adding that they if they were not encouraged by someone to say so, most probably fell prey to desire to become popular in public, as Albanian audience is diligently following the war crimes trials in which Serbs are accused and media cover it from beginning till the end.

The verdict will be passed on Friday at 14.00. In a first-instance trial Caslav Jolic was sentenced to 8 years in prison. The Court of Appeals annulled the verdict and sent the case for retrial, Kosovo Online portal recalled.

Regional Water Company from Mitrovica South announces vacancies for workers in northern Kosovo (Radio KIM, KoSSev, Danas)

Regional Water Company from Mitrovica South opened the vacancies for available working positions in the three municipalities in northern Kosovo, Radio KIM reported. There are 45 open positions in Mitrovica North, Zubin Potok and Zvecan.

Those interested can apply by June 2, and the applications should be submitted at the Regional Directorate of this company in Mitrovica South.

The Regional Directorate for Water Supply in Mitrovica South, assisted by Kosovo police, took over the Water Companies operating under the Serbian system in Mitrovica North and Zubin Potok last week, in which Serbs have been working for years.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in Belgrade today (FoNet, Danas)

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk is paying an official visit to Serbia today and tomorrow, during which he will meet with the highest state officials, reported Danas.

In Belgrade, Turk will talk with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Djuro Macut, representatives of civil society, the diplomatic corps, and the UN team in Serbia, it was announced by Turk's office earlier.

The meeting with Turk was announced today by the office of the President of the Serbian Parliament, Ana Brnabic.

The visit is part of a regional tour during which Turk will also visit Montenegro, reported Danas.

Cadez: Brussels discussion with Kos was constructive (Tanjug)

As a Eurochambres member, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS) President Marko Cadez met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos in Brussels on Monday to discuss the Western Balkans' challenges on the path to a single market and the EU.

In a statement after the meeting, Cadez said the discussion had been very constructive, addressing important economic issues, especially integration of Western Balkan economies into a single market prior to full-fledged EU membership, the PKS said in a statement. He explained that the integration encompassed several elements, from joint border management and exchange and harmonisation of customs documents and certificates to other joint activities without which the region cannot become a part of the EU single market.

"We have all that prepared, but what is missing is motivation by various sectors, commissions and customs administrations, as well as the energy and trade sectors, which must demonstrate greater readiness to support the Western Balkans and to tackle challenges facing the region on the EU integration path. That is what we requested support and assistance with, and the commissioner realised why that is important," Cadez said.

Free movement of goods is important not only for the Balkan economies, but for the European industry as well because losses resulting from long border wait times, caused by unharmonised documentation, amounting to hundreds of millions of euros a year, he added.

A Eurochambres delegation visiting Brussels, composed by representatives of the chambers of commerce of EU candidate and potential candidate countries, was led by Eurochambres President Vladimir Dlouhi.

International

‘He stood up for us’: Albanians, others honor Walker for uncovering massacre in Kosovo (Fredericksburg Free Press)

In 1999, before Ambassador William Walker exposed the atrocities occurring in Kosovo, Anita Crossfield was a young mother who ran for her life with her child in her arms at night. She would go to churches, other towns and high into the mountains to avoid Serbian forces that came to murder Albanians.

“We were cold, starving, terrified, trying to stay ahead of the violence that was sweeping into our homes and our towns,” said Crossfield, now a Fredericksburg business owner. “One of the only sources of information we had was the Voice of America. The radio was our lifeline. Until the battery died, we were completely cut off, but the horror was all around us… and there was the silence that followed. It could have been us.”

One man, Walker, had the courage to speak out about what happened. And Crossfield had tears in her eyes as she introduced him to a crowd of roughly 75 people at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center on Saturday afternoon, an assemblage that included several Albanian refugees who say they owe their lives to his actions.

“It is my deepest honor to welcome the man whose voice carried across oceans and borders to a mother hiding in the mountains with a dying radio,” she said.

Walker, a longtime ambassador and OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) chief, who led the Kosovo Verification Mission that documented the atrocities taking place in 1999, was in town on his ongoing book tour for his recently published “Racak: A Story of a War Crime.”