Albanian Language Media:

• Osmani: For the first time in history, doors were opened to Kosovo at NATO Summit (media)

• PDK and AAK boycott again Osmani's annual address to the Assembly (media)

• Orav and Hovenier in the Assembly to hear Osmani's address (media)

• Kasanof: Our policy towards Balkans does not change with administrations (media)

• Gervalla meets Hovenier, focus on close partnership (media)

• Economic Chambers of Kosovo and Qatar sign a Cooperation Agreement (media)

• Bislimi travels to Poland (media)

• Milanovic: KFOR's mission is to impose peace on those who think differently (media)

• EU: We are aware of the concerns of Albanians in Serbia (Reporteri)

• Lutfiu: Serbia threatens farmers, tries to cancel subsidy from Kosovo (RTK)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Vucic meets Fico: Steps to boost cooperation and connect our economies to be discussed  (Tanjug, media)

• Vucic and Fico in Moscow in May? (Danas)

• Milicevic: Security risks always elevated during elections in the north (Kosovo Online)

• Mijacic: A political agreement needed on voting venues in north (Kosovo Online)

• Andjelkovic: “By settling Albanians in north, Kurti changes ethnic structure in order to expel Serbs” (Kosovo Online)

• Hill: It is of great importance that Serbia supported Ukraine (Kosovo Online, Beta, Danas)

• Eleven arrested over railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad (N1)

• BFMI presents report on state of media freedom in the Balkans (N1)

International: 

• In southeast Kosovo, stabbings spread fear in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood (Balkan Insight)

 

 

                   Albanian Language Media  

 

Osmani: For the first time in history, doors were opened to Kosovo at NATO Summit (media)

 

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, in her annual address to the MPs in the Assembly, said that representing Kosovo, in addition to being the greatest honour of her life, is the embodiment of the citizens' trust. "We are here with a mission to lead our country forward, to strengthen our statehood, to increase alliances and to be an ear and eye and support for every citizen. The moment when we can say that we have really succeeded is the moment when the citizens will say we are proud of our country and the values ​​it represents and the opportunities and inclusiveness it offers, and not because of a person or a political group", she said.

 

Osmani, said that for the first time the doors were opened to Kosovo at the NATO Summit. She also added that Kosovo's relations with the United States of America, but also with other partners, reaffirm its role for peace and development in the region and beyond.

 

"Our foreign policy actions have extended to other continents, regions and countries beyond Europe and the U.S., including Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. This extension is more than symbolic, because it represents our aspiration for comprehensive cooperation that overcomes borders or geographical distances".

 

"Only until now in 2024, I have made dozens of international visits and hundreds of meetings with leaders and stakeholders from all over the world. And these visits and communications in the interest of Kosovo will continue in the rest of the year and beyond throughout my political commitment. Each visit has opened new chapters of cooperation in areas from security to economic development. In particular, our proactive foreign policy has addressed malicious interpretations and actions by Serbia regarding what Kosovo is and represents today. The answer has always been one and only: a free, independent, sovereign and democratic Kosovo is an irreversible reality!", said Osmani.

 

Osmani, in her annual address to the Assembly of Kosovo, also mentioned the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue led by the European Union.

 

"The dialogue with Serbia, led by the EU, has unfortunately been completely unbalanced with an unfair treatment of Kosovo and a continuous accommodation of Serbia. The fact that at the dialogue table today, the state that committed aggression against Kosovo is not under measures, while the victim of this aggression, Kosovo, is under measures, is the clearest proof of this. Therefore, it is imperative that there is reflection about this approach, by all those who really want long-term peace and stability in our region. But, this does not mean that we should not self-reflect on the path so far and how things can be done better", she said.

 

Osmani also said that the draft of the Association should be discussed with the USA, so that this issue is not left to Lajcak or others who do not believe in the independence of Kosovo.

 

"I have to point out with regret, that the proposals I have often made for the improvement of this process have been faced with a series of misinformation and low attacks, which do not benefit anyone in Kosovo. To be even more clear, when I have proposed that the association draft be started to be discussed with the USA, so that this issue is not left to Lajcak or others who do not believe in the independence of Kosovo, this did not mean that I was asking for the establishment of the association, but it meant that I trusted myself and America more than some bureaucrats from non-recognizing countries, I believed that a draft statute protecting the constitution, protecting sovereignty, protecting our borders and the functionality of the state, is better drafted by ourselves, who have received a mandate to protect Kosovo, than by some "external experts", who have never believed in the project of an independent, sovereign and free Kosovo ", Osmani said.

 

"Unfortunately, this proposal of mine was then attacked in the lowest way, with all kinds of slanders, up to slanders of national treason. And where are we today? We are at the exact moment where the same is being requested, so that we will draw up the draft. But, as is well known, the right decisions must be made at the right time. The same is happening these days, with all kinds of low slander that the President is asking for "unilateral signing of the agreement". This is a lie. What I have said is 1. the implementation of the agreement makes sense only if it is implemented by both parties, and 2. As an alternative, as the president of the country, I believe that if it is finally seen that Serbia will not implement its part of the agreement (which I believe he will not, even if it signs it), then we would have to discuss with our allies, the implementation of our part only in exchange for international guarantees that include membership in NATO and international organisations, security guarantees through BSA, as well as support for new recognition. To put it bluntly, for me, the signature of the President of America is more important than the signature of the President of Serbia. I hope I am clear enough."

 

Osmani said that "Serbia continues to undermine the efforts of other countries in the region for peace, security and lasting stability in the region, serving the agenda of Putin's Russia".

 

"That morning, our hero Afrim Bunjaku showed Serbia and all the ill-wishers that Kosovo does not have a single palm of land to spare and that the defence of the state is the permanent oath. Still 420 days later, there is no accountability, nor justice on the part of Serbia.”

 

Speaking about the importance of alliances and partnerships, Osmani told the people's representatives that everyone's commitment is needed so that in 2025 Kosovo joins the Council of Europe, advances its candidacy in the European Union and works hard for NATO membership. She advised  the MPs but also members of the government cabinet that "alliances are here to protect us, therefore putting them at risk, gambling with them, or undermining them undermines the very defence of our Republic" .

 

PDK and AAK boycott again Osmani's annual address to the Assembly (media)

 

The Parliamentary Groups of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), same as last year, will not participate in Vjosa Osman's annual address to the Assembly, as according to them, the president has continued to not fulfil the role and constitutional function. The PDK has said that Osmani has also failed in the field of foreign policy, as she has not provided any new recognition to Kosovo.

 

"The Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party of Kosovo refuses this year to participate in the session called for the annual address of President Vjosa Osmani, because she has continued to behave in a disturbing manner in failing to fulfil her constitutional role and function. Osmani as president, being at the same time the leader of foreign policy, has failed to achieve a single success in the international representation and cooperation of Kosovo. As president, she has failed to provide Kosovo with even a single recognition, as she has failed in the field of the country's membership in any international organisation", PDK’s announcement states.

 

Orav and Hovenier in the Assembly to hear Osmani's address (media)

 

The head of the EU office in Kosovo, Aivo Orav, and the U.S. ambassador, Jeff Hovenier, are participating in the address of President Vjosa Osmani in the Assembly. They were seen in the hall where the sessions are held to listen closely to the speech of the head of Kosovo.

 

Kasanof: Our policy towards Balkans does not change with administrations (media)

 

The U.S. emissary for the Western Balkans, Alexander Kasanof, stated in an interview for the Croatian news agency Hina that Washington has developed a consistent policy towards the Western Balkans for the last three decades and that he expects it to remain so. “I expect that the continuity of the basic goals we have for this region will continue", he said.

 

Iasked if he will remain in this position after January 20, when Donald Trump's government comes to power, Kasanof did not want to speculate, but stressed that he will continue to work until the last day for the region to progress in all aspects as well as to leave his possible successors the best possible situation.

 

Gervalla meets Hovenier, focus on close partnership (media)

 

Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gervalla, received in a meeting the ambassador of the United States of America in Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier. According to the announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the regular meeting between them focused on the close partnership between the two states, the realisation of joint projects in democratisation and sustainable development.

 

"Minister Gervalla reiterated the country's commitment to advancing the Euro-Atlantic agenda and strengthening international subjectivity", the announcement states.

 

Economic Chambers of Kosovo and Qatar sign a Cooperation Agreement (media)

 

The Chamber of Commerce of Kosovo and the Chamber of Commerce of Qatar have signed a Cooperation Agreement in Doha, Qatar. The agreement is being considered as an important step towards strengthening the economic, commercial and investment cooperation.

 

The agreement was signed by Lulzim Rafuna, Chairman of OEK, as well as His Excellency Rashid Hamad Al-Athbah, First Vice Chairman of Qatar EC and one of the most influential businessmen in Qatar.

 

Bislimi travels to Poland (media)

 

Kosovo’s first Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue, Besnik Bislimi, has travelled to Warsaw. According to the announcement, in this official visit, Bislimi will participate in the conference organised by "Trans European Policy Studies Association" (TEPSA) where he will be a speaker on the panel titled "Who Should be the Real Time-Keeper in EU Enlargement?". He will also have bilateral meetings with governmental and parliamentary officials of Poland, among others with the Minister for the European Union of Poland, Adam Szłapka.

 

Milanovic: KFOR's mission is to impose peace on those who think differently (media)

 

The President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic, participated today in the ceremony of the departure of a group of Croatian soldiers to Kosovo, who will join the KFOR mission for a period of 7 to 9 months. Speaking in front of members of the 42nd Croatian contingent for NATO's KFOR peace support operation in Kosovo, Milanovic said the mission was an "imposition of peace" for those who think differently. "You are going on a mission to preserve and compete for peace, without force, but showing the potential of force, with the belief that this force will never be used," he said.

 

Also, he noted that members of the Armed Forces go to a country known by Croatia, but not known by some NATO members. "It is interesting that the mission is organised by NATO, an alliance whose members have not fully known that country. It is a mission for which there is a platform and legal framework of the United Nations Security Council. It is a legally based mission, unlike some others, based on international law, on the decision of the Security Council of the past, which today is interpreted differently, but it exists", said the president.

 

"You have chosen a job that is always dangerous and uncertain, and it is up to the state to give you maximum support so that you come out wiser, smarter, better prepared, alive and healthy," he said.

 

EU: We are aware of the concerns of Albanians in Serbia (Reporteri)

 

The European Union has called on Serbia to clarify how address checks are being carried out in the southern part of the country and to specify whether this particular region is the target of residency checks that are resulting in the deactivation of addresses. European Commission spokesperson Ana Pisonero confirmed that this issue was also addressed in the progress report on Serbia published last month. "We have made it clear that Serbian authorities need to better explain to the public how residency status checks are being conducted, leading to the deactivation of specific addresses, and whether southern Serbia is specifically targeted in this regard," said Ana Pisonero.

A few days ago, the Constitutional Court of Serbia rejected an appeal from a citizen of Medvegja for the reinstatement of their residence address. Pisonero, said that Brussels-based institutions are aware of the concerns of the Albanian community in Serbia regarding the address issue. "We are monitoring the situation in light of Serbia’s commitments under the accession negotiations, particularly those related to the rights of persons belonging to national minorities," the European Commission spokesperson emphasised.

 

Lutfiu: Serbia threatens farmers, tries to cancel subsidy from Kosovo (RTK)

 

The head of the Albanian National Council in Presheva Valley, Nevzad Lutfiu, has announced that the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights in Belgrade has announced the cancellation of subsidies for Albanian farmers there. According to Lutfiu, a few days ago, exactly on November 11, Alternative for Change (APN) sent a letter to the Ministry for Human Rights and Minorities in Belgrade, through which it informed them that the Albanian National Council has opened a competition for subsidising agricultural crops.

 

"Following this letter, the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights addressed us with a letter yesterday, asking the ANC to respond within 8 days to which legal provision we were called upon regarding the opening of the competition for subsidising agricultural crops, and in the same request the Ministry threatens that if the ANC does not cancel the decision then the Ministry itself will do so. I do not cancel any decision because I have taken every action with full awareness in order to support the Albanian families of our country who survive in this sector", wrote Lutfiu.

 

Lutfiu has informed the government of Kosovo about these developments. He emphasised that in case this process is blocked by the Ministry, they will seek reciprocity measures.

 

"In 2024, the Serbian Government has allocated around 139 million euros for the Serbs in Kosovo, while the signals (actions) are that 1 million euros, dedicated to the Albanian farmers of the Valley, will be blocked. We will fight until the end!", Lutfiu wrote further.

 

 

Serbian Language Media 

 

Vucic meets Fico: Steps to boost cooperation and connect our economies to be discussed  (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who received Slovak PM Robert Fico in Belgrade on Thursday, said they would discuss concrete steps to boost cooperation and connect the economies of Serbia and Slovakia.

"I am certain that, today, we will lay new groundwork for even firmer ties between our peoples," Vucic wrote in a post on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account, adding that economic ties were key to long-term progress.

"Welcome, dear friend Robert Fico! Your visit to Serbia will further contribute to strengthening the friendly relations between our countries. Our bilateral cooperation, which relies on traditional ties and mutual respect, has the potential to be advanced further, especially in the areas of the economy, trade, and investment," Vucic noted.

Vucic and Fico in Moscow in May? (Danas)

''I hope I can say that we agreed in May that we will go to Moscow together because we share the same opinion on how to fight fascism and that we should respect the wishes that were present for the liberation of our countries after the Second World War,'' Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said after meeting with Serbian President Aleksandro Vucic, reported Danas. 

Fico said that he regretted not meeting Vucic more often, since today's conversation showed the potential that comes from politicians who promote an independent and sovereign policy and who respect international law.

''I would very much like the relationship between our countries to be a relationship of mutual trust. As for the present, we can rely on each other and I would like to state clearly and without any hesitation that we respect the territorial integrity of Serbia and as for Kosovo, we will never let you down,'' Fico said among other things, reported Danas.

Milicevic: Security risks always elevated during elections in the north (Kosovo Online)

Miodrag Milicevic, Executive Director of the NGO "Aktiv," told Kosovo Online that all elections in Kosovo carry certain security risks, with the risk level in the north always being higher. Considering the current political complexity, Milicevic believes that the risk level will be especially scrutinised ahead of the February parliamentary elections.

"The police always implement an operational plan to deploy additional forces, secure polling stations, and protect election materials. In areas like the north, which are perceived as high-risk zones, this plan is further strengthened to ensure maximum security not only for participants in the electoral process but also for election materials and the staff working on election day," Milicevic explained.

He recalled the 2013 elections in northern Kosovo, held during the early implementation of the Brussels Agreement, when the integrity of the electoral process had been compromised due to incidents such as ballot box destruction. These incidents led to re-voting at certain polling stations.

Despite numerous challenges, Milicevic emphasised the importance of Serbian participation in elections, both in the north and across Kosovo.

"It is clear that everyone has an interest in shifting away from police actions and constant political turbulence to a political process, which means re-establishing political dialogue. There is hope among the Serbian population and politicians for changes in Kosovo's political landscape. These are political motivations for both political parties to participate in elections and to mobilise voters. Achieving political stability in Kosovo at this moment is crucial to redirecting this highly unfavourable situation for the Serbian population back to the political arena, seeking political solutions rather than police measures," Milicevic stated.

Commenting on the inclusion of a health centre on the list of voting locations in northern municipalities by the Central Election Commission, Milicevic noted that such a decision would be unusual.

"After everything that has happened in the past few years, I wouldn’t rule out such a possibility. However, it would be highly unusual as it contradicts certain electoral norms concerning the integrity of elections and the selection of polling stations. These locations must be suitable for the majority of residents in the area and situated at a distance that is largely acceptable for the region or area where the elections are being conducted," he stated.

Mijacic: A political agreement needed on voting venues in north (Kosovo Online)

Dragisa MIjacic, Coordinator of the National Convention on EU Chapter 35 Working Group told Kosovo Online that political agreement on the use of voting venues, primarily educational facilities, should be reached ahead of the parliamentary elections on February 9. He emphasised that such an agreement would be a good way to motivate people to turn out in large numbers for upcoming elections.

"This would be a constructive way for the Serbian side to demonstrate cooperation in this process and an effective way to encourage citizens to participate massively in these elections. These elections are crucial not only for Kosovo but also for the Serbian community. Therefore, I see no reason why schools should remain closed during the upcoming electoral process in Kosovo", Mijacic said.

The Central Election Commission has designated 45 locations for voting in four municipalities in northern Kosovo, most of which are primary and secondary schools.

Andjelkovic: “By settling Albanians in north, Kurti changes ethnic structure in order to expel Serbs” (Kosovo Online)

By settling Albanians in the north, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti “wants to change the ethnic structure in order to force Serbs to move out as soon as possible and prevent the formation of the CSM”, former president of the Provisional Executive Council of Kosovo Zoran Andjelkovic said, Kosovo Online portal reported. He added that Kurti thereby, at the same time, violates one of the main points of Ahtisaari’s plan.

When asked why the properties of Serbs are being seized and why they are not building, but demolishing houses for the expelled Serbs, Andjelkovic replied that “this is another way in which Kurti wants to expel the Serbs from Kosovo, but also to prevent the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities”.

“All Albin Kurti’s plans are related to how to ethnically cleanse the north of Kosovo from Serbs, and if he fails in that, then at least change the ethnic and national structure”, Andjelkovic said. In doing so, he adds, Kurti does not comply with anything, not even a part of Ahtisaari's plan, according to which it is forbidden to change the ethnic structure of a place.

“Kurti does not adhere to anything because he is not interested in any rule or law, neither local nor foreign, nor agreements or regulations, because he is imposing his will by force (…)”, Andjelkovic noted.

That is why he opined that the international community should notice all what Kurti has been doing to the Serbs in Kosovo in these three years, but unfortunately there is no reaction. “Despite this, the Serbs will not leave the north. That is exactly why Kurti believes that the settlement of Albanians in a purely Serbian environment could trigger the Serbs to leave, therefore, a change in the national structure in the north”, he said.

He warned that, in addition to the fact that Kurti does not want to form the CSM in the foreseeable future, if Pristina were to agree to it due to a change in the ethnic structure, it would not be the CSM as agreed. “Kurti will not form the CSM at first, and even if there is an option, it will not be what we wanted because the north of Kosovo will not be what it was when the CSM was planned”, Andjelkovic said.

Hill: It is of great importance that Serbia supported Ukraine (Kosovo Online, Beta, Danas)

US Ambassador to Belgrade Christopher Hill stated last night that Serbia was clearly turning to the West, and that he wanted to believe that the US and Serbia understood each other well, working together on issues not only between the two countries, but also with other countries, reported Kosovo Online, citing Beta agency.

Hill said for TV Newsmax Balkans that it was also of great importance that Serbia supported Ukraine in, as he stated, the fight against ''the Russian invasion and that this has clarified the situation quite a bit in recent years".

"I think Serbia is on the right track, and we certainly share and support Serbia's aspirations for membership in the European Union," said Hill.

Asked about a possible change in US policy towards Serbia, given the change of government, Hill said that elections in the US are held every four years and that America "often changes" governments, but that, according to his belief, Serbia and his country have "some common interests that do not change with the administration".

"I think we have steered US-Serbia relations in a very positive direction, and I expect them to become even better," Hill said.

Eleven arrested over railway canopy collapse in Novi Sad (N1)

Eleven people have been arrested in connection with the collapse of a concrete canopy roof at the Novi Sad railway station, said the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad.

The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad said that, after meticulously collecting and analysing all necessary documentation, conducting extensive interviews with numerous citizens, and reviewing a forensic expert report on the cause and circumstances of the collapse, which was submitted to the prosecution on November 20, 2024, 11 individuals were arrested and detained on November 21, 2024 on the order of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad.

The suspects are suspected of committing criminal offences that carry potential prison sentences ranging from two to twelve years, said the Prosecutor’s Office.

A concrete canopy roof collapsed at the recently renovated Novi Sad railway station on November 1, killing 15 people and severely injuring two others.

Serbian media reported yesterday that Serbian trade minister Tomislav Momirovic and Serbian Railways Infrastructure director Jelena Tanaskovic resigned over the tragic event in Novi Sad.  

As N1 reported this morning, Goran Vesic, the Minister of Construction until recently, was among those arrested this morning, recalling that on November 5, Vesic resigned from the post of Minister of Construction. A bit later, Vesic insisted that he was not arrested, but that he responded to police summons.

However, republican and provincial deputies, as well as city councillors, are still today blocking the court and the prosecutor's office in Novi Sad during working hours, and in this way, as they say, they demand the finding of those responsible for the tragedy in that city, as well as the release of politicians and activists who were imprisoned during and after protest due to the fall of the canopy at the Railway Station in Novi Sad.

BFMI presents report on state of media freedom in the Balkans (N1)

The Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI) released a report on the state of media freedom in the Balkans which said that the European Media Freedom Act is falling short in the region.

The BMFI report found that the new European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) could fall short in the Balkans, a press release said and added that there are doubts about the will and the ability of national regulators to fully enforce EMFA’s provisions. The Act itself also needs strengthening if Brussels’ laudable ambitions for improved media freedom are to be met, the report said.

The BFMI made recommendations for national bodies, European institutions and the upcoming European Board for Media Services, which will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of the EMFA, at a presentation of the report.

Read the BMFI full report at: https://tinyurl.com/pam3uwun

 

 

International

 

In southeast Kosovo, stabbings spread fear in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood (Balkan Insight)

After two years of relative calm, a knife attack targeting members of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities has sent shockwaves through the southeastern city of Ferizaj/Urosevac and revived concerns over discrimination and intolerance.

According to official data at least, until Monday, November 11, the southeastern Kosovo city of Ferizaj/Urosevac had gone two years without a single report of ethnically-motivated assault against the local Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities. The stabbing of four people that day by a single perpetrator has sent shockwaves through the city.

“Since Tuesday, nearly the entire neighbourhood has been escorting their children to and from school,” said a young parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity in the multi-ethnic Sallahane district.

The alleged attacker, identified by prosecutors by the initials F.I., 62, surrendered in the early hours of November 12 and was remanded in custody for 30 days.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/QtCwE