UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, April 23, 2025
Albanian Language Media:
- Bajrami: We won’t vote for any VV candidate for Assembly Speaker (media)
- Haradinaj says he has no communication with Limaj (Express/T7)
- One month detention for suspects in killing of police sergeant (media)
- Hasani: There are extreme religious groups that refuse Kosovo institutions (KTV)
- Haxhiu: Radoicic and his paramilitaries must be tried in Kosovo (RTK)
- Milan Radoicic’s restaurant in Mitrovica North closed (media)
- Resolution at U.S. Congress over Serbian war rape crimes in Kosovo (media)
Serbian Language Media:
- Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Porfirije met Russian President Putin (Radio KIM, FoNet, BETA)
- Defense lawyers of arrested Serbs in Lipjan say prosecution’s evidence vague and unsubstantiated (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, Radio KIM)
Serbia, Congo sign agreements to strengthen bilateral ties (media)
- Brnabic: Serbia cherishes culture of remembrance, will never forget victims of fascism (Tanjug)
- Finance Minister: Downgraded IMF growth projections for Serbia consequence of blockades (Tanjug)
PM Macut meets with Belgrade University Rector Djokic (N1, media)
- Rectorate: Fulfilling student demands, eliminating pressure key to crisis resolution (N1, media)
- “Ceremony for Heroes”: Novi Sad holds grand welcome for student cyclists (N1, media)
Albanian Language Media
Bajrami: We won’t vote for any candidate proposed by VV for Assembly Speaker (media)
Head of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) parliamentary group, Hykmete Bajrami, said on Tuesday that the LDK will not vote for any candidate that the Vetevendosje Movement proposes for Assembly Speaker. In an interview with TeVe1, Bajrami said that VV, as the winner of the February parliamentary elections, must reach a political agreement to unblock the formation of new institutions. “The LDK has no preferred candidate from VV MPs that we would vote for … They are the winning party, and they need to find a political agreement. They are the ones that have blocked the institutions and they need to unblock them. Why should we vote for the Assembly Speaker when there is no political agreement?” she argued.
Haradinaj says he has no communication with Limaj (Express/T7)
Leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj said on Tuesday that NISMA leader Fatmir Limaj is in constant communication with Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti. Haradinaj, who was in a coalition with Limaj in the February general elections, said that their cooperation is over. “The cooperation is over, even if my life depends on Limaj, I don’t want his three votes … We never talked about one of us going with the deceiver [referring to Kurti],” Haradinaj argued. “We have no communication; he has made communication with us difficult by openly positioning himself in negotiations with Kurti and separately from us and the opposition”.
Haradinaj also said that the AAK has a clear position. “We will not play with two pairs of cards. We are determined for a government of the opposition. Whoever wants to cooperate with the opposition, they are welcome. We will remain loyal to this path. His [referring to Limaj] behavior is different, it differs from our positions,” he said.
One month detention for suspects in killing of police sergeant (media)
The Basic Court in Ferizaj approved a request by the prosecution to order a one-month detention for the six suspects who were recently arrested in relation to the killing of Kosovo Police sergeant Muhamed Lika. They suspects are from Kacanik - a city in the southern part of Kosovo – are accused of aggravated murder. Lika was killed on April 1 as he was returning from work and entered the building where he lived. The court’s decision notes that there is reasonable doubt that the defendants acted in cooperation and planned the killing of the police officer.
Hasani: There are extreme religious groups that refuse Kosovo institutions (KTV)
Adelina Hasani from the Kosovo Center for Security Studies said in a debate on Tuesday that religious extremism in Kosovo is manifesting differently compared to previous years. During a discussion about the killing of police sergeant Muhamed Lika in Kacanik on April 1, Hasani said that religious extremism is no longer expressed openly but acts in private lives and thus makes it more difficult to be identified by the security institutions. “Today, certain groups with extremist ideas function more secretly and are not linked with official religious institutions, such as the Islamic Community of Kosovo. There are some groups that used to be linked with ISIS, and which refuse to cooperate with Kosovo’s institutions and don’t recognize them,” she argued.
According to Hasani, such acts are not accidental, and she mentioned the attack against the court in Kacanik which she said was a clear refusal of the state order and an attempt to build parallel structures. She also argued that Kosovo’s institutions must better prepare to understand how this phenomenon has transformed and focus on preventing and the effective integration of communities.
Haxhiu: Radoicic and his paramilitaries must be tried in Kosovo (RTK)
Kosovo’s acting Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, said on Tuesday that Milan Radoicic and “his 44 paramilitaries” must be tried in Kosovo for the attack in Banjska, regardless of whether Serbia extradites them to Kosovo or not. After recent changes to the Criminal Procedure Code, which allow for trials in absentia for serious criminal offences, Haxhiu said that the changes can also be applied in the case of the terrorist attack in Banjska. “In addition to this legal opportunity, there is no doubt about the numerous values of chief terrorist Milan Radoicic and his 44 paramilitaries being extradited to the Republic of Kosovo and brought directly to justice,” she said. “Milan Radoicic and his associates must be tried in Kosovo as soon as possible, with or without extradition”.
Milan Radoicic’s restaurant in Mitrovica North closed (media)
Several news websites reported on Tuesday that a restaurant belonging to Milan Radoicic, who organized and carried out the terrorist attack against Kosovo Police in Banjska in September 2023, has been closed. Media also note that earlier all of Radoicic’s properties in Kosovo – amounting to around €3 million – were confiscated after he claimed responsibility for the attack in Banjska.
Resolution at U.S. Congress over Serbian war rape crimes in Kosovo (media)
Most news websites report that a resolution has been proposed by members of the U.S. Congress asking to honor Kosovo Albanian survivor of sexual violence in the war, Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman, and also urging Serbia to end impunity for sexual violence in conflict. The resolution was introduced by Julie Johnson and supported by other members of Congress, including Keith Self, Ritchie Torres, Jim McGovern, Marc Veasey, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, George Latimer, Mike Lawler and Ilhan Omar. Johnson said in a statement that “Vasfije’s strength has inspired countless people worldwide, but justice for what she endured has never come … This resolution sends a clear message: the international community must not look away from war crimes. Survivors deserve accountability—not silence. This is not just about what happened 25 years ago—it’s about what we’re willing to do now to uphold human rights, empower survivors, and speak the truth”.
Serbian Language Media
Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Porfirije met Russian President Putin (Radio KIM, FoNet, BETA)
Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) Patriarch Porfirije who is visiting Moscow met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, SOC said in a statement, Radio KIM reported. Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill also attended the meeting.
As TASS news agency reported President Putin welcomed Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and told him that Serbian Orthodox Church makes significant contribution to strengthening traditionally warm and close relations between two peoples, adding he expects that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will attend the ceremonial events in Moscow planned for the occasion of 80th anniversary of the Victory in WWII.
“We are always pleased to see you. We expect the President of Serbia on May 9 in Moscow in a ceremony dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War”, Putin said during the meeting with Patriarchs Porfirije and Kirill. The meeting was also attended by Metropolitan of Backa of the Serbian Orthodox Church Irinej and Metropolitan of Volokolamsk and Chairman of the External Church Relations Department of the Russian Orthodox Church Anthony.
Earlier, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije with the delegation of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Kirill met at the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church and the official residence of the Patriarch, Danilov Monastery in Moscow. During the meeting Patriarch Kirill said that the two peoples are close not only in terms of language, culture and history, but also in the relations between the two churches.
Serbian Patriarch Porfirije accompanied by the Serbian Orthodox Church delegation is paying a several-day visit to Moscow since Monday, Serbian media recalled.
Defense lawyers of arrested Serbs in Lipjan say prosecution’s evidence vague and unsubstantiated (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, Radio KIM)
Boban Tonic and Nadica Cepkenovic, both ethnic Serbs, as well as Mirsad Ibra, a Gorani, who were arrested on the second day of Easter in Lipljan, are being charged with the criminal offense of allegedly committing war crimes against the civilian population as co-perpetrators, according to their attorneys, Jovana Filipovic and Predrag Miljkovic, following a detention hearing before the Special Court in Pristina, Kosovo Online portal reported.
The defense lawyers argued that the prosecutor presented vague and unsubstantiated evidence and failed to specify the exact acts the defendants are accused of. Jovana Filipovic, attorney for Nadica Cepkenovic from Lipjan, emphasized that the defendants are being accused of allegedly committing war crimes against civilians during the 1998–1999 period.
“As for the specific acts attributed to them, absolutely nothing has been specified in this request for pre-trial detention. It is broadly stated that they were prison employees at the Pristina facility, Lipljan branch, and that there were certain allegations against them concerning the mistreatment of detainees. However, there is no individualization, no identification of the victims, nor any explanation of how or in what manner harm was inflicted. There is not a single piece of evidence indicating that they committed the acts in question - not even the decision to initiate an investigation has been delivered. Unfortunately, we are accustomed to such legal violations by the prosecution to the detriment of the accused”, Filipovic stated.
Read more at: https://shorturl.at/yovQe
Serbia, Congo sign agreements to strengthen bilateral ties (media)
Serbia and Congo will strengthen bilateral cooperation and establish regular political consultations, the two countries’ foreign ministers Marko Djuric and Jean-Claude Gakosso announced in Belgrade on Tuesday, N1 reported. The announcement came during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations and an Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports.
The Serbian Foreign Minister thanked Congo for its continued support regarding the Kosovo issue, particularly its refusal to recognize Kosovo unilaterally declared independence. “We are especially thankful for Congo’s firm and principled stance”, Djuric said.
Minister Gakosso remarked that Congo and Serbia share many similarities, both geographically and demographically. He highlighted Congo’s rich natural resources, including fertile land and reserves of oil and gas. “When I arrived in Belgrade, I was reminded of Josip Broz Tito. He remains a well-known figure across the African continent, one of the most recognizable Europeans, because he symbolizes the fight against fascism”, the minister said.
Gakosso also reaffirmed Congo’s understanding of the situation regarding Kosovo issue and reiterated his country’s continued support for Serbia’s territorial integrity.
Brnabic: Serbia cherishes culture of remembrance, will never forget victims of fascism (Tanjug)
Serbia cherishes a culture of remembrance and will never let the victims of fascism in WWII be forgotten, Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said on Tuesday after laying a wreath in the Jajinci memorial complex in the capacity as a presidential envoy, Tanjug news agency reported.
Under President Aleksandar Vucic's leadership, Serbia today continues to be the voice of reason and stability, Brnabic said. She led a state ceremony that marked the Remembrance Day for the Victims of the Holocaust, Genocide and Other Victims of Fascism in WWII.
"Because we remember well the price of war and the price of divisions. That is why we advocate dialogue, peace and stability in our region, as well as across the European continent and in the entire world. Serbia is consistent, dependable and peaceful. Therein lies our strength, that is maturity and that is what demonstrates our sense of responsibility", she added.
In WWII-era camps in Jajinci, Sajmiste, Jadovno, Prebilovci, Stara Gradiska and Jasenovac, people were killed just because they were Serbs, Jews, Roma and anti-fascists, because of their religion and their names, because they were different, Brnabic said. "Jajinci was one of the largest mass execution sites in Europe, where, over a period of several years, more than 80,000 Serbs, Jews, Roma and anti-fascists from other nations lost their lives. It is a tragedy that is impossible to comprehend, but we must remember it. Remembering Jajinci is the responsibility of not letting anything like that ever happen again", Brnabic noted.
Finance Minister: Downgraded IMF growth projections for Serbia consequence of blockades (Tanjug)
In its latest World Economic Outlook, released on Tuesday, the IMF has revised downwards its 2025 growth projections for Serbia from 4.2 pct to 3.5 pct - Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali said this was a consequence of violence and blockades in Serbia, Tanjug news agency reported.
"The IMF has downgraded the projection of our economic growth, which is a consequence of the violence and blockades that have been going on in our country for months now. Unfortunately, all that has a devastating effect on the Serbian economy, which is best felt by our business people in their respective activities. Irresponsible political actors do not understand that economic results are often also a reflection of political activities - or simply do not care about that", a statement by the Ministry of Finance quoted Mali as saying.
Above all, slightly lower growth of real private consumption is expected due to a weakening of consumer confidence, increased caution and a pronounced uncertainty, he added. At the same time, public spending is growing, while investments and external trade are slowing down as a result of a combination of internal factors and increased global tensions, growing uncertainty and more pronounced protectionist measures in the international market, he said.
PM Macut meets with Belgrade University Rector Djokic (N1, media)
Prime Minister Djuro Macut met with Belgrade University Rector Vladan Djokic in the government headquarters, a government statement said on Tuesday, N1 reported.
“The meeting was held in an open and constructive atmosphere with the attendance of Education Minister Associate Professor Dr Dejan Vuk Stankovic and Science, Technological Development and Innovation Minister Academy member Professor Dr Bela Balint”, the statement said.
It added that apart from Rector Djokic, the meeting was also attended by Belgrade University Deputy Dean for Finances Zorica Vujic and Deputy Rector Dejan Popovic.
Rectorate: Fulfilling student demands, eliminating pressure key to crisis resolution (N1, media)
The University of Belgrade Rector’s Office said Tuesday that during a meeting with Prime Minister Djuro Macut on ways to overcome the current crisis, the rector’s team emphasized that normalizing the situation at the university requires, above all, the fulfilment of student demands and the elimination of all forms of pressure on the academic community, N1 reported.
According to the statement, key steps include annulling the unconstitutional government regulation on norms and standards for working conditions at universities and faculties, as well as ending media pressure directed at the academic community.
“The discussion did not yield concrete results at this stage. It was agreed that talks will continue tomorrow at the Serbian Government building. We will keep the academic community and the broader public informed in a timely manner”, the statement read. The Rectorate added that the University of Belgrade remains firmly committed to preserving its autonomy and protecting the interests of its students, faculty, and all members of the academic community. It said the meeting was held at the invitation of Prime Minister Djuro Macut, and the University of Belgrade was represented by Rector Vladan Djokic, University of Belgrade Vice-Rector for Finances Zorica Vujic and Vice-Rector for Education Dejan Filipovic.
“Ceremony for Heroes”: Novi Sad holds grand welcome for student cyclists (N1, media)