UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, August 29, 2024

Albanian Language Media

Kurti: Kosovo deserves full membership in CoE, it has met all conditions (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has said during the meeting with the Danish delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, that Kosovo deserves full membership in the Council of Europe.

"Prime Minister Kurti said that the Republic of Kosovo deserves full membership in the Council of Europe, as it has fully met the standards, criteria, conditions and prerequisites required for full membership in this organisation. The Prime Minister also spoke about the very good bilateral relations between Kosovo and Denmark and thanked the MPs for Denmark's continuous contribution to the liberation and development of Kosovo, emphasising Kosovo's clear orientation towards membership in NATO and the European Union", the Prime Minister’s Office announced.

Sarrazin to visit Kosovo today (media)

The German Embassy in Pristina announced through a press release that Germany's special envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, will stay in Kosovo on Thursday.

He will hold official meetings and at the end of his visit there will be a statement for the media. However, the press release has not announced who Sarrazin will meet during this visit.

Kallas expected to start engagement in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, position of special emissary may be removed (Zeri)

Based on a Radio Free Europe report in English, the news website reports that with Kaja Kallas at the head of EU foreign policy, the position of special emissary, currently held by Miroslav Lajcak, can be completely removed. The mandate of Miroslav Lajcak expires on January 31, 2025.

"I also hear from Brussels diplomats that they expect her to be ready to deal with the sharp Belgrade-Pristina dialogue initiated by the EU. The current EU foreign policy chief, Borrell, asked former Slovak foreign minister Miroslav Lajcak in 2020 to serve as the EU's special representative for dialogue, but there has been little real progress and it appears that the function can be completely removed with Kallas at the helm," reads the RFE text published on August 27, 2024.

Opposition calls minimum wage of 350 euros an "electoral decision" (Koha)

The government made a decision at Wednesday's meeting to increase the minimum wage from 130, respectively 170 euros, which is currently, to 350 euros gross, starting from October 1. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that more than 150 thousand people will benefit from this decision.

Opposition political parties reacted to the decision of the government. The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, has called the minimum wage of 350 euros "humiliation". He wrote on Facebook that the Kurti Government took this decision "in the context of an election campaign", as he added that they always come up with scams on the eve of elections.

The chairman of the Independent Union of the Private Sector, Jusuf Azemi, has assessed the increase of the minimum wage to 350 euros as a pre-election decision.

"We appreciate every move that is made even with 10 cents, we said it earlier. But at the moment when a partner makes a decision without consulting the partner who is obliged to do so, we would also have forgiven him if the minimum wage were according to our request that we recently asked that it should be 500 euros", said Azemi. "Under the salary of 500 euros, it is normal that we will not accept it and we will not be satisfied,” he said, adding that not the conditions and circumstances do not allow an existential life to be made with this salary.

The law provides that at the end of each year the Economic and Social Council proposes to the Government the height of the minimum wage, which is then approved by the executive.

KLI: Kosovo failing to provide strategic approach to fighting corruption (Koha)

According to the Kosovo Law Institute (KLI) published report "Civil society report on the implementation of chapter II (Preventive Measures) and chapter V (Recovery of Assets) of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Kosovo", law enforcement institutions have failed to fight corruption.

The deputy executive director of the Kosovo Institute for Justice (IKD), Betim Musliu, stated on Wednesday that despite the change of governments, a state strategy against corruption has not been achieved in Kosovo.

"Unfortunately, even today, Kosovo still does not have a state strategy against corruption, since 2019. According to the KLI report published in January of this year, the draft state strategy against corruption has fundamental problems regarding the basic concepts of the rule of law...Despite the fact that we have a government that came to power with the slogan 'Justice and employment' and the fight against corruption was the essence of the pre-electoral promises, the current government still has not managed to even formally approve the most basic document for fighting corruption, which is the state strategy for fighting corruption", said Musliu.

The researcher at KLI, Gezim Shala, assessed as necessary the amendment of the law on public procurement, since according to him it is only partially compatible with the provisions of the European Union. In addition, this law does not contain provisions that address electronic procurement and the challenges of the procurement review body.

Shala emphasised that despite the fact that a broad independence is guaranteed in the constitution and laws, the issue of transparency and accountability still remains problematic and challenging.

The project manager at the UNCAC Coalition, Danella Newman, through an online speech, said that in addition to the lack of comprehensiveness, the review mechanism of the implementation of the convention lacks transparency and efficiency since the reviews mainly assess the legal framework.

Uglanin: We do not want to politicise process, but we are ready to rebuild Iber Mosque (Klan)

Nexhat Uglanin, chairman of the Municipal Assembly in Northern Mitrovica, has said that there is a will from the Municipal Assembly and also from the Mayor of the Municipality, that the Mosque of Iber, burned on May 2, 1999, be rebuilt.

However, in a statement for Info Magazine in Klan Kosova, he said that this issue belongs to the Islamic Community. He however said that at this time when the opening of the Ibri Bridge is being talked about, he does not think that the mosque should also be a topic of discussion.

"Under these circumstances, we have not talked yet. We will talk in the following days with representatives of the Islamic Community, because it is the property of the Islamic Community. We are ready as the Assembly, and the mayor is also ready for talks, especially to see the circumstances in terms of security, because at this moment, especially since the opening of the bridge... We are in talks, but the Islamic community will act there. Neither we as a municipality, nor as an assembly, and certainly not the BI, want to politicise the situation of the reconstruction of the mosque. It is a need of the citizens, especially of the Muslim religion... it is the only city in this region, and also in Europe, that does not have an important building for prayer and for the performance of religious obligations", Uglanin said.

Sormaz: Attack in Banjska was organised by Vucic (RTK)

In a press conference in Belgrade, Serbian politicians and intellectuals stated that the attack in Banjska was organised by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. It was also said that the issue of the Mitrovica bridge is being instrumentalized and misused geopolitically by Russia and that it should open.

"Everything was organised by Aleksandër Vucic with the thought that it would end successfully, but it ended tragically, with four dead, and without the success of secession of four municipalities in the north of Kosovo", said the former official of the Serbian Progressive Party, Dragan Sormaz

At the conference, politicians and intellectuals assessed that the issue of the Mitrovica bridge is being instrumentalized and misused geopolitically by Russia and that it should open. While according to them the issue of Kosovo is over.

"The barricades on the bridge are a form of ghettoization for a part of the population. The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists, so the barricades on the bridge have more of a psychological impact than security, which Russia is using," said Cedomir Stojkovic, a lawyer.

"Kosovo's independence was won with the defeat of Milosevic. Kosovo was lost because of 10,000 Albanians killed. Serbia must face the truth. The participants assessed that it is time to resolve the frozen conflicts in the region, from which no citizen benefits", said Ivan Videnovic, university professor.

Cerkini on the missing: No August 30 has found us in worse position (RTK)

The head of the Resource Center for Missing Persons, Bajram Cerkini, on the eve of the International Day of Missing Persons, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the institutional work on the issue of missing persons. "The commemoration of August 30 has never found us worse, without work. Let's not forget that among the 1600 people there are 133 children under the age of 8, in what condition are their mothers? Are the locals considering them as people?", he said in RTK's "Info Plus".

Cerkini has also criticized the Governmental Commission for Missing Persons, in which case he mentioned the lack of communication with family members and their non-participation in meetings. "We are not satisfied and this August 30 has taken us without any preparation to come out and say something. The government commission is not formed as it is foreseen by the Constitution and the status", Cerkini said.

Mayor of Presheva reacts to Vulin, says she is constantly discriminated (media)

The Mayor of Presheva, Ardita Sinani, has reacted to the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, Aleksandar Vulin, who has openly admitted that he has created "a black list" containing persons considered undesirable by the government of Serbia.

"As a representative of the Albanians in Presheva and as the mayor of Presheva, every time I cross the border, I am stopped and detained without any justifiable reason, sometimes for up to an hour. This treatment is unacceptable and is a clear form of pressure and discrimination. The Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, Aleksandar Vulin, has already openly admitted the compilation of a 'blacklist' of individuals considered undesirable by the Serbian government. This non-public list is believed to include names of those who oppose government policies, particularly regarding ethnic minorities and political dissidents. It is clear that this is not a coincidence, but an orchestrated persecution, closely related to the infamous Vulin list, where undesirable individuals and brave voices for the rights of Albanians are targeted by the state," Sinani wrote on Facebook.

She said that Vulin created this list to intimidate and silence those who dare to defend the rights of Albanians."But no form of pressure or persecution will stop me from continuing my work for the rights and dignity of my people. This is a battle for all of us, and I am more determined than ever to continue," Sinani wrote.

MPs who left VV to join PD, enter elections with AKR and Unity Movement? (Klan)

Klan Kosova reports based on its sources that the Justice Party (PD) is expected to revive and strengthen for the elections of February 9 next year, as a separate list, the group of "Muslim" MPs from Vetevendosje, led by Eman Rrahmani and Visar Korenica are to join them.

The latter, who are also called the religious wing of the VV as Klan finds out, will join Ferid Agani in the PD, unable to create their own political entity, due to the limited time.

The Justice Party will most likely be joined by another group of activists and businessmen with Muslim religious leanings, which include lawyer Asdren Bytyqi, writer Imer Topanica, businessman Arsim Gerxhaliu, doctor Bernard Tahirbegolli and others.

According to Klan sources, Behgjet Pacolli's AKR and Unity Movement are also expected to enter a "joint pre-election coalition" and a joint electoral list. However, Klan Kosova also learned that Valon Murati from the Union Movement has denied that he will be part of this list.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic: Stances of France, USA and others regarding Ibar River bridge are firm (Kosovo Online)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic responding to a journalist's question whether he expects the situation regarding Ibar River bridge in Mitrovica North to change, emphasised that stances of France and USA, as well as those of others, are firm on the Ibar River bridge issue, Kosovo Online portal reported. Vucic made those remarks ahead of the French President Emanuel Macron’s visit to Serbia due on August 29.

He added he will discuss very important issues with Macron, including ongoing talks about the purchase of "Rafale" aircrafts, where the price is no longer an issue but certain guarantees are.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/vc4kj

Mojsilovic met Admiral Munsch: We expect KFOR to take measures to preserve safety of Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

The Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilovic met yesterday Commander of NATO Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, as part of his visit to Serbia. On that occasion, General Mojsilovic expressed concern about unilateral and targeted moves of Pristina, which threaten the security of the Serbian people in the territory of Kosovo, Kosovo Online portal reported citing the statement of the Serbian Defence Ministry.

The two interlocutors also discussed the scope and perspectives of cooperation between the Serbian Army and the Command in Naples as well as current security situation in the region and the world, with a focus on the situation in Kosovo, since the international forces in that territory are under the jurisdiction of this Command (JFC Naples).

During conversation, Mojsilovic in particular expressed concern over unilateral and targeted moves of Pristina, which threaten the security of the Serbian people in the territory of Kosovo, stressing the importance of the role of international forces in that territory. Mojsilovic added that for the Serbian side, KFOR represents a key security actor in Kosovo whose basic task derives from UNSC Resolution 1244 and all signed agreements. “Since KFOR forces are under the jurisdiction of the NATO Allied Forces Command in Naples, he pointed out that he expects this Command to undertake measures that will serve the purpose of creating a safe environment in the territory of the Province for everyone, and above all for citizens of Serbian nationality”, the statement concluded.

Minister Gasic met Admiral Munsch (RTV, media)

Serbian Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic met in Belgrade yesterday Commander of NATO Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Admiral Stuart B. Munsch. The topics of the meeting were cooperation and dialogue between Serbia and NATO and the security situation in Kosovo, Radio Television of Vojvodina (RTV) reported.

Gasic emphasised that stability and regional security are of strategic importance and represent a priority interest of Serbia, and that intensive political dialogue with NATO at all levels contributes to the overall strengthening of trust and improvement of understanding between the two sides. He also said “Serbia has proven its willingness to find constructive solutions that are not unilateral, however, the policy of the provisional institutions of Pristina which is directed against the Serbs, as well as illegal actions and the lack of implementation of the Brussels Agreement, led to the biggest crisis after its signing”.

Gasic said that series of unilateral moves by Pristina followed by a continuous increase in the number of ethnically motivated incidents directed at the Serbian population causes deep concern, and one, not the last in the series, represents an open provocation regarding the announcement of the opening of Ibar River Bridge in Mitrovica. He stressed opening of that bridge would represent a risky move from the viewpoint of security and would represent a direct and open threat, causing a new wave of emigration of Serbs from Kosovo.

JFCNP post on Admiral Munsch meeting with Minister Gasic, General Mojsilovic (social media)

“This morning, Commander JFC Naples Admiral Munsch met with the Serbian Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić and General Milan Mojsilović the Chief of General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces in Belgrade, Serbia”, reads the post published on JFCNP Facebook page last evening.

“Admiral Munsch’s visit to Belgrade reaffirms NATO’s commitment to transparency and continued collaboration with Serbia, ensuring that the lines of communication remain open and effective as both parties work together to address the complex security dynamics of the region”, the statement added.

Pro-lithium mining organisation formed in Serbia (N1)

A pro-lithium mining organisation said it had been formed on Wednesday to fight false information about the opening of a lithium mine in western Serbia, N1 reported.

The Kopacemo (We’ll Dig) organisation said it is an independent civic movement rallying everyone who believes in a healthy, strong and rich Serbia. The Kopacemo.com web site said that the members of the movement will remain anonymous “fearing for our lives”, adding that fear propaganda has turned decent people into extremists who target anyone with a different opinion. It added that the movement was formed to battle the growing wave of misinformation and manipulation intended to stop the Jadar project which the movement members feel is crucial to Serbia’s economic prosperity.

The Jadar project to mine lithium in western Serbia was launched by the Rio Tinto company which has done exploratory work in the area. The project drew mass protests two years ago, forcing then Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and her cabinet to change local spatial plans effectively banning the project. The protests were renewed recently when the authorities reversed the decision allowing Rio Tinto to go ahead with its plans.

International Media

Switch to Kosovo Driving Licences Leaves Many Serbs Stuck in Limbo (Balkan Insight)

More than 6,500 Serbs from Kosovo’s northern municipalities have started to exchange their Serbian driving licences for Kosovo ones – but activists say many of them face obstacles in the process.

On August 25, one of the first people to be stopped by a Kosovo Police patrol on Kolasin Street in the Serb-majority municipality of North Mitrovica was a woman driving a white car. After he returned her documents following the routine check, police officer Zahit Zahiti told her: “Here you are, dear. Have a nice drive. Be careful with the speed.”

When stopping drivers, Zahiti spoke to them in Albanian but a colleague served as interpreter in Serbian when needed. One of the things the patrol officers were checking for was licences issued by Serbia’s authorities, which Serbs in Kosovo have used for more than 25 years, since the Kosovo war ended.