UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, December 13, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

EU demands sending Association draft statute to Constitutional Court (RTK)
Kurti travels for an official visit to Croatia (media)
Ziadeh meets Hovenier, thanks him for cooperation, support to dialogue (media)
Osmani in Washington D.C. met with Congressman Pete Sessions (media)
Maqedonci meets Spruds, discuss latest attack in the north of Kosovo (media)
Barduani: Very good cooperation with Kosovo institutions (RTK)
Svecla commends joint Kosovo-Albania operation against arms trafficking (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic receives Interpol President (Tanjug)
Dacic opens 2nd SEPCA General Assembly meeting (Tanjug)
Dragisa Vicentijevic to remain in detention (Kosovo Online, media)
Slovakian Ministry of Defence: Proposal to send 150 soldiers to Kosovo (Kosovo Online)
Mojsilovic met US European Command Deputy Director (Tanjug)
Mass shooter found guilty of Serbian village massacres, sentenced to 20 years (N1)

International Media:

Serbia students continue protests despite government concessions (Balkan Insight)
Alarm raised in Balkans over TikTok ‘Superman Challenge’ risks to children (Balkan Insight)
Workshop “Early Warning and Early Action Against Extremist Ideologies” (Sbunker.org)

Albanian Language Media

EU demands sending Association draft statute to Constitutional Court (RTK)

The Council of the European Union will ask Kosovo to form the Association of Serb-majority municipalities, so that, without further delay, it submits the draft European statute to the Constitutional Court. This is stated in the draft conclusions on Kosovo, which will be adopted on December 17 during the meeting of ministers responsible for European affairs. These are the conclusions related to enlargement, which the EU adopts every year in December. The same conclusions of the ministers are then supported by the highest political level, that of EU leaders at the next summit.

The draft conclusions state that the Council of the EU welcomes that Kosovo and Serbia have recently reconfirmed their commitment to the process of normalisation of their relations and have pledged to engage constructively in this process to move it forward more quickly. It reiterates the necessity of implementing all dialogue agreements, including the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation.

The Council of the EU reiterates that the status of the structures and services supported by Serbia is foreseen to be resolved in the framework of the dialogue. It expresses deep concern about the situation in the north. It calls on both Kosovo and Serbia to pursue sustained de-escalation efforts, to refrain from unilateral and provocative actions that could lead to tensions and violence and to avoid divisive rhetoric. The Council condemns the recent attack on the Iber-Lepenc canal, in northern Kosovo, and expresses its solidarity with the people affected.

“The Council expects the perpetrators to be apprehended and brought to justice. In this regard, the Council calls on all parties concerned to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities,” the draft conclusions say. It also condemns the violent acts of Kosovo Serb protesters against people, KFOR troops, law enforcement and the media on 29 May 2023, as well as the attack on 24 September in Banjska.

The EU Council, however, confirms that the measures imposed on Kosovo remain in force. “The measures imposed on Kosovo due to the lack of decisive action to de-escalate tensions in northern Kosovo remain in force. The Council recalls that the EU stands ready to lift its measures, if the EU’s demands in this regard are met,” the draft conclusions say.

The EU Council reiterates the importance of and its support for the work of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office and underlines its readiness to assist these institutions in the implementation of their mandate.

The EU conclusions, to be adopted on 17 December, welcome Kosovo's continued commitment to its European path and the relevant reforms.

It notes positively the progress in the fight against organised crime, in particular through increased cooperation with Europol. It mentions limited progress in the fight against corruption and the protection of fundamental rights. It calls on Kosovo to continue its efforts to ensure the accountability, independence, efficiency and integrity of the judicial system, to protect freedom of expression and to ensure that legislation in these areas is fully in line with the EU acquis and European standards.

The Council will welcome the implementation of the Constitutional Court's decision on the Decan Monastery.

Kosovo's steps towards fulfilling its CEFTA commitments will also be welcomed, including the lifting of its decision to ban the import of goods of Serbian origin, which, as the draft states, "should be implemented swiftly and fully".

Kosovo will also be strongly commended for its condemnation of Russia's war and aggression against Ukraine, its continued voluntary alignment with European foreign policy and the implementation of EU restrictive measures, which is a strong expression of Kosovo's strategic choice and its place in a community of values.

Kurti travels for an official visit to Croatia (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti travelled for an official visit to Zagreb, Croatia, on Thursday, and will meet the heads of state there. Kurti’s delegation will also include Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla, Trade and Industry Minister Rozeta Hajdari, and Finance Minister Hekuran Murati. A press release issued by Kurti’s office notes that the parties will sign agreements on social insurance, the mutual recognition of driver's licenses, cooperation in protection from natural, technical and technological disasters, and cooperation in the field of forensic medicine. Following his visit to Croatia, Kurti will also visit Slovenia.

Ziadeh meets Hovenier, thanks him for cooperation and support to dialogue (media)

Several news websites reported on Thursday that the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh, met with outgoing U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier, in UNMIK on Thursday. Ziadeh thanked Hovenier “for his cooperation and support to dialogue, peacebuilding and trustbuilding in Kosovo and the region. She wished him success in future endeavors”.

Osmani in Washington D.C. met with Republican Congressman Sessions (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, during her stay in Washington, met with Republican Congressman Pete Sessions. “After the first meeting a few months ago in Texas with Republican Congressman Pete Sessions, we continued with a very good meeting and discussion in Washington D.C. Congressman Sessions, a friend of Albanians in Texas and beyond, confirmed the full commitment to regular cooperation for the benefit of increased peace and security, always fighting and preventing the efforts of malicious actors for more chaos and instability,” Osmani wrote in a Facebook post. She also met with Republican Senator Thom Tillis.

Maqedonci meets Spruds, discuss latest attack in the north of Kosovo (media)

Kosovo’s Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, met on Thursday with his counterpart from Latvia, Andris Spruds, and informed him about the latest developments in the north of Kosovo, including the November 29 terrorist attack on the Iber Lepenci water canal. “Minister Maqedonci informed his counterpart about the situation in the north of the country, after the terrorist attack on the Iber-Lepenc water canal, in the village of Varage, Zubin Potok, as well as the permanent threat that Serbia poses to the security of the Western Balkans, as the only country that continues to maintain close ties with Russia. The two ministers also stressed the importance of exchanging experiences in the field of security and defense, total defense, cooperation in advancing common interests and promoting the values that Kosovo and Latvia share in the face of threats from autocratic systems,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

Barduani: Very good cooperation with Kosovo institutions (RTK)

Commander of NATO’s peacekeeping force in Kosovo, Major General Enrico Barduani, in an interview with RTK2 on Thursday said that the recent attack on the Iber Lepenci water canal in Zubin Potok is proof of the sensitivity of the security situation. He said there was no need to deploy the Kosovo Security Force, because the Kosovo Police, with the support of EULEX and KFOR, was able to manage the situation, and that there are special procedures in place for the deployment of KSF.

Barduani said the security situation is calm but still fragile, mainly due to unresolved political issues, and added that the real threat of escalation of tensions, including interethnic relations, lies in disinformation in Kosovo and the region.

Commenting on the eventual opening of the main bridge over Iber River, Barduani said that KFOR has always maintained a clear and consistent position on the matter. “Any decision in this respect must be made through dialogue and timely and effective coordination with the international community,” he argued

Barduani also said that KFOR has very good cooperation with Kosovo’s security institutions.

Svecla commends joint Kosovo-Albania operation against arms trafficking (media)

Kosovo’s Minister of Interior Affairs, Xhelal Svecla, commended on Thursday a joint operation by the police forces of Kosovo and Albania that resulted in breaking up a criminal group as part of the joint efforts against weapons trafficking. “64 confiscated weapons and over 20 citizens of Kosovo and Albania arrested is a result of this operation which is a model of the excellent cooperation of our police forces. Only through cooperation and not by supporting crime, our countries can move toward a stable region that is integrated in the European Union,” Svecla said in a Facebook post.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic receives Interpol President (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received Interpol President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi in Belgrade on Thursday to discuss further advancement of Serbia's cooperation with Interpol as well as security challenges in the region and globally, Tanjug news agency reported.

"I highlighted the significance our country attaches to the cooperation with Interpol, which is the key component of the fight against organised crime and terrorism. Serbia is already recognised as a dependable partner on the international scene, and to date it has demonstrated exceptional commitment to global efforts to preserve security", Vucic wrote in a post on his official Instagram account.

Vucic thanked the Interpol President for his full support for a Serbian initiative to open a regional Interpol bureau in Belgrade, which would contribute further to better ties among countries in the region in the fight against transnational crime.

"That is why we will be working on expediting the necessary procedures for carrying out this important project, which would be historic for the region. We agreed that, through further cooperation and joint operations, we will continue to contribute to strengthening global efforts in the fight against crime", Vucic wrote in the post.

Dacic opens 2nd SEPCA General Assembly meeting (Tanjug)

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic opened the 2nd General Assembly meeting of the Southeast Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA) in Belgrade on Thursday, noting that the priorities set for the Serbian Interior Ministry's presidency over the association had been accomplished successfully, Tanjug news agency reported. The meeting was also attended by Interpol President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.

Preventing human trafficking and illegal migration are the priorities for the region and the entire world, Dacic said at the opening ceremony at the Palace of Serbia. He said he told Al-Raisi that he had been in politics as well as in police affairs for many years but could not remember the name of Al-Raisi's predecessor and that the secretary-general had been in charge at Interpol in the past.

"The president of Interpol was not visible. I am grateful to Al-Raisi because he has broadened the views", Dacic said. He noted results of police work in the region were good, but cooperation should be more visible and preventive steps must be taken to let criminals know "there are no our guys and your guys" and they should not feel safe in any country in the world. Al-Raisi said Serbia had a substantial role at Interpol and that, over the course of more than two decades, the country had contributed to many operations to protect Europe from rising criminal activity.

Dragisa Vicentijevic to remain in detention (Kosovo Online, media)

The Court of Appeals has dismissed the appeal of Milos Delevic, defence lawyer of Dragisa Vicentijevic, arrested for alleged participation in the attack on Ibar-Lepenac water canal, to revoke a detention measure imposed on his client, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Previously, the Basic Court in Pristina imposed 30-day detention for Vicentijevic. The prosecution accuses Vicentijevic of “endangering constitutional order by destroying or damaging public installations and equipment”, “carrying out a terrorist act”, and “illegal ownership, control or possession of weapons”.

Delevic in his appeal argued that the decision on detention violated legal provisions, and wrongly assessed the state of facts. He said there is no evidence against his client which would substantiate claims that he committed the acts he is accused of. He added the prosecution suspects Vicentijevic of his involvement in the attack because they found wet boots in his house.

Slovakian Ministry of Defence: Proposal to send 150 soldiers to Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

Slovakian Ministry of Defence has proposed to send 150 soldiers as part of NATO-led KFOR Mission in Kosovo, Kosovo Online portal reported citing Slovakian news agency Tasr.

“The mandate of Slovakian soldiers in Kosovo should last from the moment of approval of their deployment to the closure of KFOR operation. Slovakian soldiers will carry out tasks in the operational zone of KFOR, respectively in the territory of Kosovo”, reads the proposal.

According to the proposal, Slovakia should send up to 15 officers within KFOR command structures and 20 officers within the elements of national command and support, as well as up to 110 soldiers as part of Slovakian contingent which would protect the camp, carry out patrols or ensure logistics. Slovakian soldiers were part of the KFOR Mission in the period from 1999 to 2010, the portal recalled.

Mojsilovic met US European Command Deputy Director (Tanjug)

Serbian Armed Forces (SAF) Chief of Staff General Milan Mojsilovic met with US European Command (USEUCOM) J5 Deputy Director Brig Gen Chris McKinney in Belgrade on Thursday.

The parties agreed SAF-EUCOM cooperation was very substantial and highly developed and contributing to preservation of peace and stability in the region, the Serbian MoD said in a statement. They said there was space for advancement of the cooperation, especially when it comes to training for engagement in multinational operations and for executing CBRN defence tasks. McKinney is due to tour the SAF CBRN Defence Centre in Krusevac and attend a presentation of its capabilities as well as visit the University of Defence in Belgrade.

Mass shooter found guilty of Serbian village massacres, sentenced to 20 years (N1)

The Belgrade Special Court on Thursday found Uros Blazic guilty of killing nine people and wounding 12 others in a shooting spree in the Serbian villages of Malo Orasje and Dubona on May 4, 2023 and sentenced him to 20 years in prison, N1 reported.

At the same time, the Higher Court in Smederevo also handed down a sentence to his father, Radisa Blazic, who received the same maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The court reached its first-instance verdict less than four months after the trial began. “Defendants Uros Blazic and Radisa Blazic are guilty”, said presiding judge Lidija Jovanovski, emphasizing that the court’s decision was unanimous, reported Telegraf.

As Uros Blazic was under age of 21 at the time of the massacre, he was legally classified as a minor, meaning the maximum sentence he could face for the nine murders was 20 years in prison. Blazic’s father Radisa, was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for illegal possession, carrying, and distribution of weapons and explosive materials and for endangering public safety.

International Media

Serbia students continue protests despite government concessions (Balkan Insight)

Government promise to publish all documents related to the controversial renovation of Novi Sad station, where an infrastructure collapse killed 15 people, fails to defuse protests by students.

Serbia’s government on Thursday started to release documentation related to the renovation of the railway station in Novi Sad, where an outdoor canopy collapse on November 1 killed 15 people – an attempt to put an end to protests by students across the country.

Publication of all documentation on the station’s renovation was one of three demands set by students who have staged protests over the disaster for two weeks now. Students are still blockading more than 40 university faculties in the country.