Albanian Language Media: 

• Kosovo Assembly to hold constitutive session today (media)
• Kallas announces visits to Kosovo and Serbia in second half of May (media)
• Osmani: April 14 not only a day of remembrance, it is a call for justice (media)
• Barduani: Security situation in Kosovo fragile (media)
• Germany regrets Kosovo's failure to meet its obligations (Koha)
• UK Embassy welcomes Sudan’s recognition of Kosovo (media)
• Ministry reacts to Serbia’s statement about recognition from Sudan (media)
• Gervalla meets Danish Foreign Minister (RTK)
• Deputy Minister leaves conference as Kosovo presented with footnote (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Djuric: Belgrade engaging constructively in dialogue, Pristina taking unilateral moves (Tanjug)
• Kallas: I will visit Belgrade and Pristina in May, dialogue must be continued (Tanjug)
• Jevtic on reasons why Serbian List does not want to be part of Kurti’s government (Radio KIM)
• COM KFOR Barduani speaks in Brussels on security situation in Kosovo (media, social media)
• Vucevic meets with Patriarch Porfirije (media)
• Belgrade Cardinal Nemet: Serbia at crossroads (N1)

International Media:

• Kosovo male wartime rape survivor breaks taboo with public testimony (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media 

Kosovo Assembly to hold constitutive session today (media)

The newly-elected members of the Kosovo Assembly will meet for a constitutive session today. The session will start at 10:00. On the agenda is the election of the Speaker and deputy speakers of the Assembly. The Speaker is proposed by the biggest parliamentary group and is elected by a majority of votes. The Assembly is considered constituted once the Speaker and five deputy speakers are elected.

Kallas announces visits to Kosovo and Serbia in second half of May (media)

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has announced visits to Kosovo and Serbia in the second half of May. Speaking after the meeting of the EU Council of Ministers, Kallas said that the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue must continue. “It is clear that the normalization of relations is of great importance, and this is why the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina must continue. We have appointed a new special representative for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and I will also visit these two countries in the second half of May,” she said.

Osmani: April 14 not only a day of remembrance, it is a call for justice (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a post on X on Monday that April 14 – the day of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo – is not only a day of remembrance - it is a call for justice. “It is a day to raise our voices for the thousands of women, men, and children who suffered sexual violence during the war at the hands of Serbia’s genocidal regime. Their strength and courage remain a profound source of inspiration. Vasfije, Shyrete, and many other women - and now Ramadan Nishori and many men - refused to be silenced by pain. They chose to speak not only for themselves, but for all those who still cannot. They became the voice of truth, the voice of justice. We stand with all survivors - today and every day. The wounds are still open, but our fight for justice will never rest,” Osmani said.

Barduani: Security situation in Kosovo fragile (media)

Commander of NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, Major General Enrico Barduani, briefed informed the NATO Military Committee on Monday about the security situation in Kosovo and the activities of KFOR. “The KFOR Commander noted that the security situation remains fragile as a result of several factors, including the ongoing tensions across the region and the insufficient commitment by Belgrade and Pristina to normalize their relations. In this regard, KFOR fully supports the EU-facilitated dialogue as a framework to achieve a long-term solution that will benefit all communities,” the KFOR statement said.

The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, said that KFOR remains key to consolidating sustainable security throughout Kosovo and maintaining stability in the region.

Germany regrets Kosovo's failure to meet its obligations (Koha)

Germany has expressed regret for Kosovo's failure to take any steps towards meeting the fundamental condition that was set for it to complete its membership in the Council of Europe. The next meeting of the Council's Committee of Ministers is scheduled for May, and it is not yet known whether Kosovo's application will be included. The German embassy said they expect Kosovo to commit to meeting its obligations, adding that the Council of Europe also stands by it. “The final agenda of the Committee of Ministers is not yet known. We regret that the Kosovo government has not yet taken any constructive steps since last year to implement the agreed Ohrid Agreement and the Brussels Agreements of 2013/2015. Minority issues are of central importance in the Council of Europe. We once again call on the Kosovo government to engage in this direction,” said Sebastian Leuschner, political advisor at the German Embassy.

UK Embassy welcomes Sudan’s recognition of Kosovo (media)

The United Kingdom has welcomed the latest recognition of Kosovo that came two days ago from Sudan. “The latest recognition of Kosovo’s Independence came from Sudan – a proud moment and a step forward in Kosovo’s international journey. Congratulations,” the British Embassy’s Facebook post reads.

The recognition from this state was confirmed less than a month after the recognition from the state of Kenya.

Ministry reacts to Serbia’s statement about recognition from Sudan (media)

Most news websites cover a reaction by the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a statement by Serbian authorities about Sudan’s recognition of Kosovo. The ministry said Serbia’s reaction constitutes a clear and unacceptable violation of the Brussels Agreement and the Ohrid Implementation Annex. The ministry also said that through its statement, Serbia tried to exert pressure on a sovereign country with the aim of influencing its independent decision-making in foreign policy. “This is also an unacceptable attempt to discredit and obstruct Kosovo’s international progress and at the same time an insult to Sudan's sovereignty,” it argued.

Gervalla meets Danish Foreign Minister (RTK)

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Monday and said that Denmark's role is necessary to unblock the process of the candidate status for Kosovo, as this country takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July this year. She stressed that now is the right moment to conclude Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe. "This is not just a political issue, but a commitment to shared values, where Kosovo is ready to make its contribution as part of the European family,” she argued.

Deputy Minister leaves conference as Kosovo presented with footnote (media)

Kosovo’s Deputy Minister for Finance, Agon Dobruna, said in a Facebook post on Monday that he had to leave a high-level regional conference in Tirana as Kosovo was “represented with the footnote of UN Resolution 1244 which is a different footnote from that used by the European Union and is completely unacceptable”. The event was aimed at signing a Declaration of Engagement by all countries of the Western Balkans and beyond to strengthen regional cooperation in all areas of children’s rights and to advance access to comprehensive care and services for children. “Despite our clear and direct request to correct this presentation, it was ignored, and this violated the spirit of cooperation, respect and equality promoted by the conference. Kosovo is an undeniable international reality. We are deeply committed to guaranteeing the rights of our children, to build comprehensive social systems and to contribute to peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Serbian Language Media  

Djuric: Belgrade engaging constructively in dialogue, Pristina taking unilateral moves (Tanjug)

Serbian caretaker Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said on Monday Belgrade was engaging constructively in the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina with the aim of creating a secure, stable and prosperous environment but that Pristina authorities were making unilateral moves, Tanjug news agency reported.

"We would like to see the implementation of the Brussels Agreement and all the other agreements, which could contribute to lowering the tension and increasing understanding", Djuric told Turkey's TRT World TV channel in an interview. "I see that the authorities in Pristina have been taking some unilateral steps on the ground to move the situation to their advantage. Unfortunately, this has led to a decrease of the collective political and cultural as well as other rights of the Serbian community, so we are concerned because of that", Djuric noted.

Kosovo is a "very complex and sensitive issue" because, for the Serbs, it is not just 13 per cent of our territory, Djuric explained. It answers one of the most fundamental questions for every nation, the question of who we are, he also said. "The seat of the Serbian Church, which has existed for 800 years, is in the Monastery of Pec, which is in Kosovo today. It is a Serbian UNESCO world heritage monastery", Djuric said, noting that the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church was unable to visit the Monastery.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/P7AwZ

Kallas: I will visit Belgrade and Pristina in May, dialogue must be continued (Tanjug)

EU Foreign Policy and Security Chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue must be continued and announced she would visit both Belgrade and Pristina in May this year.

Speaking to reporters in Luxembourg after a meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs, Kallas said it was clear that normalisation of Belgrade-Pristina relations was crucial and that the dialogue must be continued.

Kallas, who hosted a meeting of Western Balkan FMs on Sunday evening, also said discussions about the region at the Council meeting had been very good as well and that regional stability and security were essential. Geographically, the Western Balkans is in Europe, and they should also be in the EU, she said, noting that EU enlargement was extremely important and that progress must be made in the process.

Jevtic on reasons why Serbian List does not want to be part of Kurti’s government (Radio KIM)

Serbian List Vice President Dalibor Jevtic told Radio KIM this party will not be part of the Kosovo Government if it is formed by Albin Kurti. “Never”, Jevtic responded to the question of a Radio KIM reporter if Serbian List received an invitation from Albin Kurti for talks and whether they would be part of the government if formed by Kurti, given stances of both sides.

"What for?! Because of Albin Kurti's policy, which is the policy of expelling Serbs from these areas. Because of Albin Kurti's policy, which (he led) in the past four years, and did everything to displace the Serbian people, to achieve his aspirations called "Greater Albania", to achieve all his political goals. Because of everything Kurti did not only to the Serbs south of the Ibar, but in particular to the Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. Because of the fact that Mr. Kurti tried in various ways to proclaim the Serbian List terrorist organization", Jevtic listed reasons why Serbian List will not be part of Albin Kurti's government, if the latter forms it.

"When he (Kurti) says Serbian List, he means the Serbian people", Jevtic added. "Because of the attitude he has towards Serbian people in a sense that he really considers all Serbs criminals and his famous sentence "that he will arrest one third of Serbs, expel another third and see what he will do with the remaining third" and because of many other things...", he said. Jevtic pointed out that based on the Kosovo Constitution, one ministerial post in the Kosovo Government belongs to the Serbs, adding that what belongs to the Serbs, will remain in the hands of the Serbian List. He also said Serbian people had chosen their political representatives and that must be respected. 

COM KFOR Barduani speaks in Brussels on security situation in Kosovo (media, social media)

“Commander of the #NATO-led #KFOR mission, Major General Enrico Barduani, briefed the NATO Military Committee, at NATO Headquarters, on the security situation in Kosovo and KFOR mission’s activities”, KFOR said in a statement on their official Facebook account on Monday.

“He illustrated the achievements of the last six months since having taken the helm of KFOR in October 2024. He also underscored that a proactive operational posture is key to ensuring that KFOR continues to meet the current challenges and is well prepared to tackle potential ones in the future.

The KFOR Commander noted that the security situation remains fragile as a result of several factors, including continued tensions across the region and insufficient commitment by Belgrade and Pristina to the normalization of their relations. In this regard, KFOR fully supports the EU-facilitated Dialogue as a framework to reach a lasting solution that will benefit all communities. Furthermore, General Barduani reiterated KFOR’s steadfast commitment to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, in accordance with KFOR’s long-standing UN mandate.

During the meeting, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, expressed his strong appreciation to General Barduani, praising his leadership and KFOR’s solid accomplishments. He added that KFOR’s work remains key to consolidating lasting security across Kosovo and safeguarding regional stability”, the statement added. 

Vucevic meets with Patriarch Porfirije (media)

Serbian caretaker Prime Minister Milos Vucevic met with Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church on Monday, thanking him for his care and love for Serbia and its people, Tanjug news agency reported.

"Today I had a cordial conversation with His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. I expressed gratitude to His Holiness for his care and love for our country and our people", Vucevic wrote in an Instagram post on Monday.

He also expressed the wish that, through the Patriarch's prayers "our Fatherland may be saved and united by God for many good years".

Belgrade Cardinal Nemet: Serbia at crossroads (N1)

Belgrade’s Catholic Cardinal Ladislav Nemet said on Monday that Serbia is at a crossroads with problems that can be solved, N1 reported. He said the student protests and their call for respect of the Constitution are a huge step forward. “Serbia is at a crossroads, the sides are still apart but the problems are not too big to be solved”, the Head of the Belgrade Diocese said after reading out an Easter message.

According to the Cardinal, Serbia wants changes which will bring a better and more normal life to the society. He said the different parts of society should have a dialogue with arguments, not their feelings, which could solve any problem. Everyone who wants to stay in Serbia should invest effort to reach an agreement and peace in society, he added. 

Cardinal Nemet commented on Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s speech on Saturday in which he spoke of changes in society and the Constitution, saying that “the students and other participants in demonstrations demanded respect for the Constitution”.

International Media 

Kosovo male wartime rape survivor breaks taboo with public testimony (BIRN)

Ramadan Nishori broke the silence about sexual abuse of male victims during the 1998-99 Kosovo war on Monday, calling on survivors not to be ashamed because “the shame is not ours, the shame is theirs [the perpetrators’]”.

“I am a man, a father of three who is trying to live a normal life,” Nishori said at the Kino Armata community centre in the capital, Pristina, on April 14 – the national day of survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo.

“I want people to see me as a person who has been through a lot and has struggled a lot. I want them to see me with respect as a person who fought to survive. I have fallen many times and I have stood up again,” he said, adding that he had spoken out “so I don’t remain a prisoner of the past”.

Nishori said he was 21 in September 1998 when he and other Kosovo Albanian men were ordered to the police station in the town of Drenas by Serbian forces.

He said the men were beaten on entering the police station and later had to wait in a hallway to undergo a paraffin test – to detect gunpowder residue on their hands.

“While waiting in the corridor, two policemen in uniform came, grabbed me by the collar, lifted me up and threw me into a bathroom, and there the worst thing happened, the worst thing that could happen to anyone,” Nishori said.

“I never thought it would happen to me. One of them raped me. As the second one was getting ready [to rape him], amid my screams, an Albanian man [a translator at the police station] banged on the door and got me out of there,” he added.

The next day, he was transferred to prison in Pristina, where he would suffer mistreatment for months before being sent to Lipjan/Lipljan prison and eventually to Dubrava prison.

He also witnessed the Dubrava prison massacre, from May 19 to 24, 1999, where more than 100 ethnic Albanian prisoners were killed and many more injured.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/ll6qm