Albanian Language Media:

 

• Kurti: Those responsible for the attack will be held accountable (media)
• President Osmani’s reaction after attack in Zubin Potok (media)
• Osmani meets QUINT and EU ambassadors following attack in the north (media)
• Reactions to water canal attack in Zubin Potok (media)
• Kurti: Serbian attack in Zubin Potok linked with Russian attacks in Ukraine (Koha)
• Rizvanolli: Attack showed we are ready to confront such threats (media)
• KFOR rejected Kosovo’s request to send KSF in the north (RFE)
• Tahiri: Terrorist act in the north, part of Serbia’s dark mindset (Klan Kosova)
• KFOR U.S. soldiers patrol in Zubin Potok (media)

 

Serbian Language Media:

 

 

• KoSSev: KFOR confirmed Pristina asked authorization for ‘potential’ KSF deployment to the north, but they did not allow it
• SRSG Ziadeh condemns attack on water canal, transparent investigation imperative (Kosovo Online, RTS, social media)
• Vucic: Major hybrid attack attempted against Serbia (RTS, Tanjug, media)
• Djuric, Petkovic react to last night Kurti’s conference, say he offered no evidence to support his claims (Kosovo Online, social media0
• Serbian top officials dismiss allegations Belgrade is behind attack on Ibar-Lepenac water canal, offer support in repairing canal and investigation (media, social media) 
• Serbian political parties in Kosovo condemn attack on Ibar-Lepenac canal, call for impartial and comprehensive investigation (Alternativna.com, KoSSev, Radio KIM)
• Civil society organizations from north condemn attack on water canal, call for responsible approach, prevention of misuse (media, social media)
• Serbian opposition react to damages of water canal, situation of Serbs in Kosovo (KoSSev)
• Increased presence of Kosovo special police forces in the north (Radio KIM, Kosovo Online, Alternativna.com)
• Delevic: Vicentijevic remanded in custody for 30 days (Kosovo Online)
• Arrested Kosovo Online owner accused of administering ‘Koridor’ Telegram page, allegations denied by Office for KiM and his lawyer (KoSSev)
• KLA emblem among seized equipment at Svecla's and police press conference (Kosovo Online)

 

Albanian Language Media 

 

Kurti: Those responsible for the attack will be held accountable (media)

 

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Saturday that on Friday night “Kosova's critical infrastructure was targeted in a kinetic terrorist attack of high calculation. The attack specifically targeted a key water canal in north of the country in order to destabilize the country's entire energy production and water supply. Furthermore, the canal's geographic position poses significant challenges for repairs. Just a day earlier, Russia had launched an attack on Ukraine's power grid. This was a page from the same playbook. This is the reason why we raise alarms over Russia's alliance with Serbia. Although the investigation is ongoing, seized materials show a substantial number of Serbian and Russian military patches”.

 

Kurti said that “in addition to disrupting water supply, the attack led to flooding in several areas, putting the lives of residents at risk and flooding homes. Had this attack gone unmitigated, it could have reduced the country's energy supply by 60% and impacted water access for up to 40% of the population. However, our institutions acted swiftly, in a coordinated and professional manner, to mitigate the harm caused. Currently, the energy supply remains unaffected and we have restored the water supply to the eight municipalities that have experienced disruptions”.

 

Kurti also argued that “although the intended impact was averted, we are working diligently to ensure that all vital services are maintained. We extend our gratitude to our institutions for their agility, dedication, and professionalism during these challenging circumstances. We also thank our international partners for their swift condemnation of this terrorist act, their expression of solidarity with the Kosova Government and people, and their offers of assistance to help restore normalcy. Those responsible for this act will be held accountable and the investigation is ongoing”.

 

President Osmani’s reaction after attack in Zubin Potok (media)

 

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani issued the following statement after the attack on Kosovo’s critical infrastructure on Friday night: 

 

“Serbian criminal gangs have lost every single battle against Kosovo institutions. They will fail again, in their cowardly attempts to attack the vital infrastructure of our Republic through terrorist acts. The protection of constitutionality and legality in every corner of the country and the uncompromising fight against these criminal elements are vital. I call on our citizens to continue to show restraint and maturity while our institutions are investigating the case and repairing the damage with the utmost professionalism. In addition to our institutions, our international security partners have immediately offered their assistance in reparation of the damage caused and in the provision of water supplies, as well as in the investigation of this act committed against our state and our citizens”.

 

Osmani meets QUINT and EU ambassadors following attack in the north (media)

 

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met with ambassadors of the QUINT countries and the EU ambassador to Kosovo to discuss latest developments, following the recent terrorist attack on Kosovo’s vital infrastructure. “During the meeting, President Osmani highlighted the violation that has been made to Kosovo’s national security through attacks on vital infrastructure. The reaction of the responsible institutions to this situation and for the management of which both President Osmani and the ambassadors expressed the highest praises were discussed at the meeting. At the same time, President Osmani emphasized that attacks such as the last one aim not only to destabilize Kosovo but also pose a serious threat to the stability of the entire region. President Osmani called on the international community to condemn this terrorist attack and to stand united against any attempt to undermine peace and security in Kosovo. She also reiterated that preventing such attacks in the future should be the main focus. Later in the day, Madam President will also meet with the country’s security institutions,” a statement issued by Osmani’s office notes.

 

Reactions to water canal attack in Zubin Potok (media)

 

Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and head of UNMIK Caroline Ziadeh strongly condemned Friday’s attack targeting the water canal in Zubin Potok causing critical damage to essential civilian infrastructure and interrupting water supply. “This attack is deeply concerning and risks undermining stability. A comprehensive transparent investigation is imperative to identify those responsible and hold them accountable,” Ziadeh said.

 

U.S Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier: 

 

The United States strongly condemns the November 29 attack on critical infrastructure in Kosovo damaging a water canal in Zubin Potok that is essential to Kosovo’s water supply and, operation of Kosovo’s power plants.  We are monitoring the situation closely, will support a comprehensive investigation, and have offered our full support to the Government of Kosovo to ensure that those responsible for this criminal attack are identified and held accountable. We likewise condemn the recent grenade attacks at the Zvecan police station on November 26 and at the Zvecan municipality building on November 28.  These violent actions have no place in a democratic society, and those responsible for these criminal attacks against the legitimate authorities of the Republic of Kosovo should be held accountable. The United States will continue to stand in solidarity with the people and Government of Kosovo in the face of such criminal attacks.

 

Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said in a post on X that “we condemn the 11/29 attack on Kosovo’s water supply. We will support efforts to find and punish those responsible and appreciate all offers of support to that effort. Thanks to emergency workers and others including KFOR for restoring essential supplies”.

 

EU High Representative: 

 

The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack committed on Friday on the Iber Lepenc/Ibar Lepenac water canal in Zubin Potok in north Kosovo. It is a despicable act of sabotage on Kosovo’s critical civilian infrastructure, which provides drinking water for considerable part of Kosovo’s population and is a vital component of Kosovo’s energy system. The EU has offered support to Kosovo’s authorities and continues to coordinate next steps with relevant partners, including locally with KFOR. EU’s civilian rule of law mission EULEX is providing assistance to Kosovo authorities in accordance with its mandate. We stand in solidarity with all those across Kosovo who have been affected by the attack. I have conveyed these messages of solidarity and support directly to Prime Minister Albin Kurti this afternoon. The criminal action committed in Zubin Potok must be investigated and its perpetrators brought to justice. In this respect, the EU calls on all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the Kosovo authorities and will continue to closely follow the developments.

 

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 

 

We strongly condemn the attack yesterday (29 November) on a water canal in Zubin Potok in northern Kosovo, which is critical for Kosovo's water and electricity supply. We hope that the perpetrators of the attack will be identified and brought to justice as soon as possible. We take this opportunity to express our solidarity with Kosovo and our readiness to provide any assistance it may need. We call on all parties to act with restraint to avoid escalation in the region.

 

Kurti: Serbian attack in Zubin Potok linked with Russian attacks in Ukraine (Koha)

 

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti told a press conference today that with the attack in Zubin Potok, Serbia tried to leave without water, electricity, heating and communication the people of Kosovo and that attacks like the one against the water pipe of Iber Lepenc are similar to Russian attacks in Ukraine. 

 

Kurti said that Kosovo has been targeted by hybrid attacks for some time now and that the latest attack is a kinetic attack aimed at putting people below living conditions. “The goal was to leave a big part of the country without water, in darkness, in cold and without communication. This attack seems to be linked to the mass attacks of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, namely the attacks aimed at Ukraine energy infrastructure,” he said. 

 

Kurti said that if the attack had reached its objective the damages would have been unimaginable. “This attack aimed to inflict irreparable damages to Kosovo’s infrastructure. It would have caused weeks of power cuts by Kosovo B power plant. It would have also cut off supplies to water companies, leaving over 300,000 citizens without water,” he said. He added that the direct damages would have been at least €2.5 million for energy import every day and another €100,000 for water every day.

 

Kurti said Kosovo Police during their operations in the north seized military insignia which he claimed belong to specialized Russian units that carry out special military operations. 

 

According to Kurti, Milan Radoicic being free in Serbia is an open protection by Serbian authorities and encourages other to carry out terrorist attacks in Kosovo. “After the attack in Banjska, there were other attacks too. These events are proving that Serbia has done nothing to prevent terrorism,” he said. “The main problem is that Serbian authorities are handing over Radoicic to Kosovo to face justice here. There is an arrest warrant and indictment against him”. He also argued that if Radoicic would be handed over to Kosovo authorities there would be less chances of attacks in Kosovo. 

 

Referring to the attack, Kurti also said that “if was new because we never imagined that someone would want to leave the country without water, heating and electricity. We could not imagine that someone’s imagination could be so evil. As Prime Minister, I cannot understand their evil imagination”.

 

“We are handicapped in the north because since Thaci’s commitment in 2013, our army cannot go to the north and the situation there is not like in other parts of our country … Because of nervousness, Serbia has stepped up such actions, because they no longer have control in the north of Kosovo. They want to say ‘we won’t leave you in peace’. This shows that they have lost, but don’t want us to win and to live … We are respecting the letter of my predecessor, and although I don’t welcome it or like we are respecting it. KFOR and Kosovo Police are in the north. Would be it better and safe if the Kosovo Army was there? Yes, but we respect the commitment of my predecessor”.

 

Rizvanolli: Attack showed we are ready to confront such threats (media)

 

Kosovo’s Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, said on Sunday that the terrorist attack on the Iber-Lepenc canal in Zubin Potok showed that Kosovo’s institutions are well prepared to confront such threats. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kurti, Rizvanolli said that institutions are working on a long-term solution for the supply with water and electricity. “This attack made one thing clear that Kosovo’s institutions and the public enterprises are prepared to confront such threats, by making sure that water and energy supply was restored quickly and without consequences. Iber Lepenci is continuing its work with experts and with support from the ministry on a long-term repair of the canal. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the security institutions are monitoring around the clock the location of the attack and the water supply to make sure that the technical emergency solution is sustainable until we find a long-term solution,” she said.

 

Rizvanolli also said that the water supply in the areas affected by the attack is returning to normality. 

 

KFOR rejected Kosovo’s request to send KSF in the north (RFE)

 

NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, confirmed to Radio Free Europe that after the attack on the water canal in Zubin Potok, Kosovo’s institutions had requested authorization from the commander of KFOR to send the Kosovo Security Force to the affected region. “The commander of KFOR did not give the authorization, based on his security assessments and actions taken by KFOR,” the peacekeeping force said in a short response. “As communicated in our statement yesterday, KFOR deployed units to secure the damaged zone of the water canal in Zubin Potok. KFOR also provided additional assistance to the institutions of Kosovo, including logistical support and for removing explosive devices”.

 

Tahiri: Terrorist act in the north, part of Serbia’s dark mindset (Klan Kosova)

 

Head of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) parliamentary group, Besnik Tahiri, said on Sunday that the attack in the north of Kosovo was a terrorist act. “The November 29 attack is a terrorist act which proves that the criminal and terrorist network is sponsored by an anti-European and anti-American policy aimed at destabilizing our country and the region. Last night’s terrorist act is part of Serbia’s dark mindset, a country that protects, amnesties and orchestrates criminals and terrorists to impose pro-Russian agendas,” he was quoted as saying. 

 

Tahiri also said that Kosovo never exports insecurity and instability. “Whoever encourages such attacks must know that the state and security institutions of Kosovo have full capacities to defend our country. Kosovo does not export insecurity and instability. This is our national and human culture which does not tolerate violence or despicable acts like this one,” he argued.

 

KFOR U.S. soldiers patrol in Zubin Potok (media)

 

NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, said in a Facebook post on Sunday that “U.S. soldiers assigned to Regional Command East of the NATO-led KFOR mission continue to conduct dismounted patrols and security observation points in Zubin Potok, Kosovo. KFOR troops stand ready to deploy and provide security for all people of Kosovo. These efforts are part of KFOR's daily mission to guarantee a safe and secure environment”.

 

Serbian Language Media 

 

KoSSev: KFOR confirmed Pristina asked authorization for ‘potential’ KSF deployment to the north, but they did not allow it

KoSSev portal reported late last night that NATO-lead KFOR Mission said Pristina requested authorisation for “potential”  deployment of KSF units in the north, respectively in the “affected area” following the explosion in which a section of Ibar-Lepenac water canal has been damaged. This request, however, was not allowed, says replay sent to KoSSev portal.

Earlier on Sunday, during his public address Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, immediately after the explosion in Zubin Potok, has requested from KFOR to enable KSF to go to the north, but that KFOR has rejected that.

The portal recalled that in line with the Agreement, respectively commitment Pristina undertook in 2013, KFOR Commander’s consent is required for any potential deployment of KSF in the fourth northern Serb-majority municipalities. KoSSev also said it asked KFOR to comment on the statement of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and if they received a request from Pristina to authorize deployment of KSF to the north.

"In accordance with the 2013 commitment signed between the institutions in Kosovo and NATO, the institutions in Kosovo requested authorization from the KFOR Commander for the potential deployment of KFS units in the affected area in the North of Kosovo. The KFOR Commander did not give such authorization, based on his security assessment and the actions that KFOR has already taken”, reads the replay, KoSSev said.

KFOR recalled that they deployed additional units to secure the area in Zubin Potok, where the water canal had been damaged, and that KFOR offered additional support to institutions in Kosovo, including logistic support and support to remove explosive ordnances. 

SRSG Ziadeh condemns attack on water canal, transparent investigation imperative (Kosovo Online, RTS, social media)

UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has said in a post on X social platform that Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRGS) and Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh strongly condemned the explosion at Ibar-Lepenac water canal, adding the attack was deeply concerning and risks undermining stability, Kosovo Online portal reported.

“SRSG Ziadeh strongly condemns last night’s attack targeting the water canal in Zubin Potok causing critical damage to essential civilian infrastructure and interrupting water supply. This attack is deeply concerning and risks undermining stability”, reads the post on X.

“A comprehensive transparent investigation is imperative to identify those responsible and hold them accountable”, she added.

Vucic: Major hybrid attack attempted against Serbia (RTS, Tanjug, media)

In a public address on Sunday related to the incident damaging the water canal in Zubin Potok municipality and the current situation in Kosovo, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that “a major, fierce hybrid attack against Serbia had been attempted on Saturday”. 

"We have been closely monitoring all the statements made by Pristina officials, their international sponsors and those they are paying well to represent their policy, as well as their media, but we could not hear a lot of facts", Vucic said. He added that Belgrade and Serbia have nothing to do with this incident, RTS reported. “The investigation will show who is responsible for the explosion near Zubin Potok, we are also conducting our own investigation and we have certain suspicions”, he said. He listed five reasons as to why Pristina is accusing Belgrade of being behind this attack.

“Gratitude to KFOR for refusing to accept illegal KSF units in the north of Kosovo and Metohija”

In continuation of his address Vucic said there was much noise made but results were inexistent. “I have called American partners to check satellite recordings. We are conducting our own investigation in Belgrade, we are gathering information about some persons, where they were. Our greatest interest is for the truth to be known. I deeply regret (Josep) Borrell’s statement”, Vucic said.

Serbia is ready to help Pristina, EULEX and KFOR in the investigation, he added.

“I thank KFOR for refusing to accept illegal forces, Kosovo security forces in the north of Kosovo and Metohija”, Vucic noted.

Five reasons to accuse Belgrade for attack

Vucic said Belgrade had no interest whatsoever in causing any damage to the Ibar-Lepenac water canal. He recalled that at the time there was a plan to divert the flow of the Ibar River (in the central Serbia territory) which would prevent accumulation of the water at Gazivode lake, but that he was against it.

“We do not need terrorism, a simple administrative decision would be sufficient”, he said. Vucic listed five reasons as to why Pristina accused Belgrade for the attack on the water canal on Friday.

“Nine minutes after (Albin) Kurti was informed about it, an official request was sent to KFOR to station forces of the so-called Kosovo army in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. I am asking KFOR and NATO members if I have imagined that? You will see, they will either confirm or remain silent”, Vucic said, adding this was the first reason to accuse Belgrade for the attack so Pristina could deploy KSF to the north.

Second reason was to prevent the European path of Serbia and progress of Serbia in EU accession. I know that both Americans and Europeans know Belgrade has nothing to do with the explosion and damage to the Ibar-Lepenac canal, he explained.

Third reason, according to Vucic, relates to the fact that electoral lists are to be concluded on December 12, for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kosovo. The intention, he continued, was to accuse the Serbian List of terrorism and disqualify them from the elections, in order to open the room for the Serbian parties under control of Pristina.

Fourth reason, as he said, is related to “personal electoral engineering” as Kurti resorts to accusations against Belgrade every time his support rating goes down.

Fifth reason related to “further breaking of Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija”.

“We know Belgrade has nothing to do with that”

Vucic further said that Kosovo police entered the north of Kosovo and raided homes of several Serbs in a pursuit for alleged suspects. “They first raided houses of Slobodan Vucinic and Aleksandar Milanovic but found nothing there. Then they raided the house of Igor Dimovic, where they found a knife and three rounds of ammunition. They detained Vicentijevic brothers were allegedly they found “uniforms and lethal means” but as it turned out those were ceremonial uniforms so they let them free”, Vucic said, adding that the raids were carried out in the village of Prevlaka, where a colonel Stojanovic who was fishing in a boat at the lake was detained and then released.

“During this so-called anti-terrorist action Kurti’s special police officers took over crossroads and streets, mistreating Serbs, but that was all performance for the international public. We know it has nothing to do with Belgrade”, Vucic underlined.

He thanked in particular, former US presidential envoy for Belgrade-Pristina talks Richard Grenell and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as well as interior ministries of Germany and France for their correct reactions and for not rushing to “make hasty statements”.

Djuric, Petkovic react to last night Kurti’s conference, say he offered no evidence to support his claims (Kosovo Online, social media0

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric took to X social platform to comment on last night’s press conference of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti. “At this evening's press conference, Albin Kurti once again demonstrated a pattern of reckless accusations devoid of any substance or evidence — further undermining fragile relations in the region”, Djuric wrote in a post on Sunday. 

“In a desperate and chaotic attempt to politically weaponize the recent unjustifiable attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal, Mr. Kurti has resorted to pointing fingers at everyone — from the long-defunct so-called "North Brigades" and former Civil Protection units, to Serbia as a whole, and even former Kosovo* President Hashim Thaçi. This baseless spectacle not only undermines the credibility of his leadership but also exposes the alarming inconsistency and lack of professionalism in his approach. 

The fact remains: no evidence has been presented to substantiate his claims. The speed and certainty with which Mr. Kurti placed blame on Serbia — within hours of the incident, before any investigation could possibly be conducted — reveal a premeditated attempt to manipulate the narrative. His strategy is transparent: to deflect attention from his own failures and escalate tensions in an already fragile environment. What we are witnessing is not just an irresponsible display of leadership but a political fiasco for Mr. Kurti.”, Djuric wrote. Read full Djuric’s X post at: https://tinyurl.com/42d6s93u

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic in his reaction said Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti admitted what was inevitable “that he has no findings about investigation into this case, nor evidence, using weekend as excuse” .

"That's how (Albin) Kurti's attack on official Belgrade was shown to be an empty story and that entire case of damage to the canal was actually used for political purposes and Kurti's election campaign", he added. As Petkovic said now the entire international community can see that “Kurti’s conference was reduced to pure philosophizing, without any facts or evidence”.

"Kurti has confirmed tonight the accuracy of President Vucic's claim that the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal was the reason that Kurti's regime in Pristina, right after the nine minutes, asked KFOR Commander for permission to send the KSF to the north of Kosovo in order to stay there", he said.

Serbian top officials dismiss allegations Belgrade is behind attack on Ibar-Lepenac water canal, offer support in repairing canal and investigation (media, social media) 

Serbian top officials have dismissed allegations of Pristina top officials that Belgrade was behind the attack on Ibar-Lepenac water canal in Zubin Potok municipality. They condemned the incident, offering support in repairing the canal both financially and technically, as well as in the investigation of this incident, Serbian media reported.

In his first reaction to the incident in Zubin Potok, President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday afternoon that Belgrade has no connection to the events in northern Kosovo that resulted in damage to the Ibar-Lepenac canal, and that Pristina is well aware of this, RTV reported. In a public address on Sunday, Vucic said Serbia is ready to help Pristina, EULEX and KFOR in the investigation. 

Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said he is concerned that Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti is exploiting Friday night's events in Kosovo “to increase pressure and escalate attacks on the Serbian community, aiming to bring the Kosovo security force into northern Kosovo”, Kosovo Online portal reported.

“Kurti's primary pressure tactic is to secure permission for the so-called Kosovo security forces to enter northern Kosovo, where they are currently prohibited. He is leveraging last night’s events to pressure the so-called international community to compel KFOR to allow Kosovo security forces into northern Kosovo and Metohija, where their presence is not permitted”, Vucevic told journalists in Nevesinje on Saturday.

Serbian Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric, has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Ibar-Lepenac water canal. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Djuric urged international institutions to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to identify those responsible. “While Kurti’s ethno-nationalist regime hastily points fingers at Serbia without evidence, we believe such premature accusations are a deliberate diversion, potentially suggesting the involvement of Albin Kurti’s administration”, Djuric asserted. He criticized the unfounded claims as harmful to constructive dialogue and accused Pristina authorities of exacerbating tensions in an already fragile environment. Djurich also highlighted Serbia’s willingness to assist in repairing the damaged canal, both financially and technically.

During a meeting with Quint states ambassadors in Belgrade, following the incident, Djuric emphasised that the incident was “clearly an act of sabotage”. Read more about Djuric-Quint meeting at: https://shorturl.at/eth48

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic, issued a statement describing the destruction of a section of the Ibar-Lepenac canal that occurred on Friday night in the village of Varage as an unacceptable and intolerable act that directly threatens the basic needs of the Serbian people, who already live under difficult conditions, especially in northern Kosovo.

“This act is a direct attack on the peace that Belgrade has consistently advocated for. Such unacceptable damage serves as an alibi for (Albin) Kurti to continue persecuting Serbs and attacking Belgrade. It was only a matter of time before Kurti resorted to new propaganda to strengthen his position in the pre-election campaign. To advance his occupation of the north, Kurti needed a pretext to send new contingents of Albanian police forces to the north and to continue the militarization and fortification of northern Kosovo and Metohija”, Petkovic added. He also said Serbia was ready to assist in repairing the damage and ensuring water supply. Read full Petkovic’s statement at: https://shorturl.at/tsSwH 

Serbian political parties in Kosovo condemn attack on Ibar-Lepenac canal, call for impartial and comprehensive investigation (Alternativna.com, KoSSev, Radio KIM)

Serbian political parties in Kosovo have condemned the incident in which the Ibar-Lepenac water canal was damaged and called for impartial and comprehensive investigation of this case, Serbian media reported.

In their reaction Serbian List said it “condemns in the strongest terms the destruction of the Ibar-Lepenac canal in the village of Varage in Zubin Potok. This attack has jeopardized the water supply to our citizens and caused disturbance of the Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija”, Serbian List said. They also called on KFOR and EULEX to initiate an urgent investigation of this case.

The Party of Kosovo Serbs (PKS) has also condemned the damages to the Ibar-Lepenac water canal if the incident was caused “deliberately and tendentiously”. They expressed hope that responsible bodies would swiftly and efficiently repair the damage. “Prior to any eventual, arbitrary mutual accusations, we demand a comprehensive and professional investigation by KFOR and Kosovo police”, PKS said. They also claimed that on November 25, 26 and 27 “works were carried out on this section of the canal by some Albanian company from Kosovo”.

Serbian Democracy also called on international organizations to carry out impartial investigation of this case. It warned that damages caused to the canal could lead to serious problems in energy infrastructure and water supply, directly affecting the Serbian and other communities. They also said that a family property located near the canal had been endangered and severely damaged.

The Serbian People’s Movement has also condemned the incident affecting the water canal. This party said that acts like this one do not contribute to peace, but additionally destabilize and complicate an already fragile situation. They called on international stakeholders to carry out an independent investigation in order to examine all circumstances which led to this incident.

Civil society organizations from north condemn attack on water canal, call for responsible approach, prevention of misuse (media, social media)

A group of five non-governmental organizations from northern Kosovo, New Social Initiative (NSI), Aktiv, CASA, InTer and Advocacy Centre of Democratic Culture (ACDC) strongly condemned the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal in Zubin Potok, which is crucial for the regular supply of water and electricity to a large number of Kosovo residents, said the statement.

“We call on all socio-political actors in Kosovo to approach this incident responsibly and act in accordance with the law. Relevant institutions must investigate all the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible, while international organizations should ensure the proper functioning of police forces and prevent the misuse of this event to further increase pressure on the Serbian community in Kosovo. We also urge the media to report on this incident responsibly, based on facts, and to ensure that this event is not used to escalate ethnic tensions in Kosovo further”, the statement added.

Serbian opposition react to damages of water canal, situation of Serbs in Kosovo (KoSSev)

Damage caused to the Ibar-Lepenac water canal in the Zubin Potok municipality continues to be the main headline in the Serbian media. While Pristina blames Belgrade for the attack, international representatives demand thorough investigation, Belgrade rejects Pristina’s allegations adding it was a “staged attack” suggesting possible Pristina’s involvement.

At the same time Serbian opposition in Belgrade criticizes both Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti for the latest situation. Some link the newly created situation with upcoming parliamentary elections in Pristina and boosting the rating of the Self-determination Movement. Others accuse Vucic for “a complete break-down of Kosovo politics”. Third side criticizes both Vucic and Kurti saying that Serbs in Kosovo are “the victims of agreed and synchronised incidents between Kurti and Vucic”.   

Leader of Serbia Centre, Zdravko Ponos linked activities of the Kosovo police in the north with the political rating of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti. “Kurti’s party has been facing decline (in support) since July. Those well informed claimed he would resort to escalation in the north in case his support drops below 40 percent. Reinforced police presence in the north, long-barrelled weapons, demonstration of forces against Serbian population never failed ahead of elections”, Ponos said.

Independent MP in Serbian Assembly, originating from Kosovo, Zarko Ristic claims it was about  “a staged explosion” linking it with the upcoming elections. “It has political features and serves upcoming elections {…}”. he said.

The New Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) demanded an urgent session on Kosovo. They also commented on the arrest of Serbs in the north over the weekend saying those were attempts to intimidate and expel Serbs from Kosovo.

Leader of Go-Change Movement Savo Manojlovic, although not directly mentioning the events from this weekend, said that “Serbs are victims of, based on all judgments, agreed and synchronised incidents between (Aleksandar) Vucic and (Albin) Kurti”. He added Belgrade should insist on demilitarisation of the north and presence of international security forces there.

Leader of the Serbian National Movement, Miroslav Aleksic accused President Vuicic of not being able to protect Serbs in Kosovo.

Increased presence of Kosovo special police forces in the north (Radio KIM, Kosovo Online, Alternativna.com)

During the entire weekend there was a reinforced presence of Kosovo special police forces in northern Kosovo, Radio KIM reported. Special police forces are deployed at Mitrovica North promenade, around the main Ibar River bridge, almost at every crossroads and in front of some streets. KFOR increased its presence in Zubin Potok municipality.

The Kosovo Online portal reported that a large presence of Kosovo special police forces was also seen in Leposavic and on the sections of Mitrovica-Leposavic road.

Alternativna.com reported that special police officers patrol in the north of Kosovo armed with long-barrelled weapons, with bullet-proof vests and helmets. Their increased presence was noticeable in Zvecan municipality. Alterntivna.com also said there is no explanation provided as to why an increased number of police officers, including the special forces, have been deployed to the urban areas in the north of Kosovo, following the incident that damaged the Ibar-Lepenac water canal in Zubin Potok. 

Delevic: Vicentijevic remanded in custody for 30 days (Kosovo Online)

Attorney Milos Delevic told Kosovo Online that Dragisa Vicentijevic, who was arrested, has been placed in judicial custody for 30 days. "He is suspected of committing serious criminal offenses, specifically damaging the Ibar-Lepenac canal. However, finding wet and dirty boots and a weapon in someone's home cannot be sufficient evidence to substantiate reasonable suspicion for such serious crimes", the attorney said.

Delevic also said Vicentijevic denied any wrongdoing.

"He was in a completely different location at the time, and there were many witnesses at that location. I believe we will prove his innocence during the investigation", the lawyer said, adding that he will file an appeal against the detention measure within the legal deadline.

Arrested Kosovo Online owner accused of administering ‘Koridor’ Telegram page, allegations denied by Office for KiM and his lawyer (KoSSev)

The founder of the online news portal Kosovo Online and owner of the company VIM Info, Dusan Milanovic, was detained by Kosovo police on Saturday morning. Milanovic, a resident of Leposavic, has been placed in 48-hour custody and faces “allegations of terrorism”, KoSSev portal reported. Police claim that Milanovic is linked to the administration of a Telegram channel known as “Koridor,” which they allege is involved in illicit activities. However, both Milanović’s legal counsel and Serbian Office for Kosovo and Metohija have categorically denied these allegations.

Speaking to KoSSev, lawyer Dejan A. Vasic dismissed the accusations, emphasizing that they lack basis. “This is not true. The investigating officers assured me that forensic analysis of his phone will be expedited, and I expect Dusan to be released shortly”, Vasic said. The Office for Kosovo and Metohija issued a statement describing Milanovic’s arrest, as well as the other arrests made on Saturday as “groundless and politically motivated”. The Office further claimed that allegations of his connection to the Koridor channel are fabricated, accusing Pristina authorities of using the case as a pretext to charge him with terrorism.

The Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS), including its Kosovo branch (DNKiM), has called for Milanovic’s immediate release, demanding that he be allowed to defend himself against the serious charges from outside detention, the portal added. 

KLA emblem among seized equipment at Svecla's and police press conference (Kosovo Online)

Among the seized equipment displayed during the press conference held by Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla and Kosovo police director Gazmend Hoxha at the Enver Zymberi special forces center in Mitrovica South, a KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) emblem was also found, Kosovo Online portal reported. 

Svecla told a press conference that all the items on display were confiscated in Zubin Potok, where an explosive attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal occurred the previous night. One of the uniforms displayed featured a KLA emblem, the portal recalled. 

KoSSev portal also reported that in one of the photos published by the media following the conference the KLA emblem was seen.