Albanian Language Media: 

• King Charles’s message to Osmani on “Kosovo’s National Day” (media) 

• Macron congratulates Kosovo: We support you in European perspective (media)

• Trump congratulates Kosovo on 17th anniversary of independence: Our ties are strong (media)

• German President congratulates on 17th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence (media)

• President of Italy congratulates Osmani on 17th anniversary of Independence (media)

• Kurti meets Sorensen, calls for full implementation of Brussels agreement (media)

• Osmani meets U.S. Senate delegation at Munich Security Conference (media)

• Kosovo signs `Convention` on prosecution of crimes against humanity (RTK)

• Hovenier advices Sorensen: Don’t negotiate new commitments (Koha)

• Croatian minister: Presence of U.S. military in Kosovo, extremely important (media)

• Prosecution warns of indictments against two suspects for attacks in North (Koha)

Serbian Language Media:

• Counting of votes begun yesterday in Z.Potok, Zvecan and Leposavic (KoSSev)

• Office for KiM: Renew investigation into the attack on the "Nis Express" bus near Podujevo (Kosovo Online, Danas)

• Petkovic: A clear coalition of interests connects Kurti and the sponsors of the protests in Serbia (Blic, Danas, Tanjug)

• Djuric in Moscow on February 17 and 18 (media)

• Djuric with Grenell in Munich: New era in relations with the USA, Serbia ready for cooperation (Kosovo Online)

• AP on Statehood Day marking in Serbia: Two parallel rallies with notably contrasting messages (FoNet, N1)

International Media:

• Mass protest on Serbia’s Statehood Day; President stages counter-rally (Balkan Insight)

• How Serbia's student protesters organize fight for justice (DW)

Albanian Language Media 

King Charles’s message to Osmani on “Kosovo’s National Day” (media) 

King of the United Kingdom, Charles III, sent a letter to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani noting “Dear Madam President, my wife and I are pleased to send Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of Kosovo our warmest congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your National Day. I am so pleased that our countries share such strong ties, and I look forward to strengthening our friendship further. It is my hope and strong ambition that our nations can collaborate to make a positive impact on climate change and environmental issues, which affect us all globally. My wife and I have great pleasure in conveying our best wishes to you and to all Kosovans in the year ahead”. 

Macron congratulates Kosovo: We support you in the European perspective (media)

On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence, the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, reaffirming France's support for Kosovo's independence and European integration. "In the face of the turmoil and fragmentation of the world, the European perspective of Kosovo, like that of all the countries of the Western Balkans, must be reconfirmed. I assure you of France's support to support your country on this path," reads President Macron's congratulatory message, which was published by the Presidency of Kosovo.

"In this regard, the normalization of relations with Serbia is an essential step. The appointment of a new EU special representative should be an opportunity to make progress in the implementation of the Brussels-Ohrid Agreement, including the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities," Macron's letter continued.

He expressed the hope to continue with cooperation, especially regarding the organization of the Mediterranean Games in 2030 in Kosovo. "France is ready to help you make this major event a complete success," the congratulatory message said.

Macron also thanked Osmani for participating in the ceremony of reopening the Notre-Dame Cathedral. "France remains a committed ally of Kosovo and will continue to support its stability, development and European perspective," the French president wrote, among other things, in his congratulatory message.

Trump congratulates Kosovo on 17th anniversary of independence: Our ties are strong (media)

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has sent a letter of congratulations to President Vjosa Osmani on the 17th anniversary of the declaration of Kosovo's independence. In his message, which was made public by the Presidency of Kosovo, President Trump congratulated the people of Kosovo on their journey towards independence, highlighting the resilience and determination that have accompanied this process. He emphasized the strong support of the United States for Kosovo and its commitment to building a democratic society for all citizens, without discrimination.

"The bonds between our peoples are strong, and we look forward to expanding them, particularly through increased investment opportunities, to bring greater prosperity to both our countries. The United States will continue to work with Kosovo to strengthen democratic institutions and promote economic growth through a stable and fair business environment," Trump's message said.

The U.S. president further emphasized that they look forward to building a more productive relationship with the government of Kosovo in the coming year and to continuing Euro-Atlantic integration. "As we work with Kosovo and its neighbors to build a more prosperous and secure region, it is important that Kosovo further integrates with the Euro-Atlantic community. Kosovo's unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression is greatly appreciated.

At the end of the greeting, President Trump emphasized that Kosovo's Independence Day is a moment to reflect on the achievements so far and to look towards an even brighter future.

German President congratulates on 17th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence (media)

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has received a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence from the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. In his congratulatory message, President Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany's support for Kosovo's independence and European path, recalling that his country, in February 2008, was among the first countries to recognize the state of Kosovo. "Over the years, we have continuously deepened our cooperation, whether in security policies, in reforms for approximation with the EU or in the field of climate and energy policies," reads President Steinmeier's congratulatory message.

The press release states that Steinmeier emphasized that in matters of foreign policy, Kosovo is clearly positioned in accordance with the foreign and security policy of the European Union, as stated therein, especially in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, in violation of international law. “Germany unwaveringly supports the international recognition of Kosovo and wants it to become a member of the European Union”, the congratulatory message states.

At the end of his congratulatory message, Steinmeier emphasized that Germany remains a strong supporter of Kosovo, supporting stability, development and European integration.

President of Italy congratulates Osmani on 17th anniversary of Independence (media)

On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence, the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, expressing Italy's commitment to the relations between Italy and Kosovo and support for the stability and European integration of Kosovo.

In his message, President Mattarella emphasized that the two countries have continuously strengthened their friendship over the years, thanks also to Italy's unwavering contribution to the stability and security of Kosovo. "The Republic of Italy remains a committed partner of Kosovo, supporting its progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration and the strengthening of democracy and stability in the region," reads President Mattarella's congratulatory message.

Kurti meets Sorensen, calls for full implementation of Brussels agreement (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with the new EU Special Representative for the dialogue between Kosovo, Peter Sorensen, at the Munich Security Conference. A press release issued by Kurti’s offices said: “in this first meeting between them, Prime Minister Kurti congratulated Mr. Sørensen on his new position and responsibilities, while highlighting Kosovo’s progress in the last four years, with emphasis on the average economic growth of 6%, the latest EU report on the country, which highlights progress in 36 out of 38 areas of assessment and no area with regression, then social redistribution, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and the advancement of political rights and civil liberties. He said that Kosovo is an example of how development and democracy go hand in hand. Regarding relations with Serbia, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the full implementation of the 2023 Brussels Basic Agreement and its annex. At the same time, he said that this agreement continues to be violated and not respected by Serbia, which also refuses to sign it and through the letter of former Prime Minister Brnabic, Serbia has practically withdrawn from the agreement. In order to move forward, it is necessary to sign the agreement, withdraw the letter of former Prime Minister Brnabic and hand over the terrorist leader Milan Radoicic, for whom there is already a 160-page indictment from the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo. Prime Minister Kurti said that it is absurd that the President of Serbia imposes the resignation of the Prime Minister of Serbia, Milos Vucevic Vucevic, but does not hand over Radoicic”.

Within the margins of the Munich Security Conference, Kurti met among others with U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and Palestine, Lieutenant General Michael Fenzel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Hakan Fidan, German Minister of Finance, Jorg Kukies, Minister of Defense of Croatia Ivan Anusic, the Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristrun Frostadottir.

Osmani meets U.S. Senate delegation at Munich Security Conference (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a post on X that “from receiving U.S. Senate support for freedom and peace in 1999 to becoming an exporter of security and stability today—Kosovo’s transformation was made possible also by steadfast support of the American Senate. A pleasure to meet with the U.S. Senate delegation at the Munich Security Conference. Committed to deepening our alliance and building on our shared successes”.

At the Munich Security Conference, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met also with the European Union’s new representative for the Dialogue, Peter Sorensen, European Council President Antonio Costa, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, a delegation of U.S. Congressmen, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations Marta Kos, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Christopher Cavoli, CDU MPs, the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, etc. 

Kosovo signs `Convention` on prosecution of crimes against humanity (RTK)

Kosovo has signed on Friday in Brussels the `Ljubljana-Hague Convention` on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other international crimes. Through a media release, it is announced that on behalf of the government of Kosovo, the `Convention` was signed by the Ambassador of Kosovo to Belgium, Agron Bajrami, at the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Development of the Kingdom of Belgium.

“The Kingdom of Belgium is a depositary state of the Ljubljana-Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes, while to date its signature has been made by more than forty other states,” the announcement states.

Furthermore, it is announced that the purpose of the ‘Ljubljana-Hague Convention’ is to facilitate international cooperation in criminal matters between States Parties, with the aim of strengthening the fight against impunity for the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and, where applicable, other international crimes.

Hovenier advices Sorensen: Don’t negotiate new commitments (Koha)

Former U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, has told the Atlantic Council that the Association Agreement has not been removed as an obligation for Kosovo and that it has been there since 2013, but that it was reiterated in the Ohrid Agreement.

Hovenier said that if he were to give advice to the new European Union envoy, Peter Sorensen, it would be not to negotiate new commitments, but to fulfill the old ones. “The Republic of Kosovo made a commitment to this in 2013. That commitment has not been removed and that commitment stands. There are also commitments that Serbia has made, things that it needs to do, which also need to be implemented. This commitment regarding the Association was strongly reiterated in the context of the 2023 Basic Agreement and its Implementation Annex. And I personally believe – and if I were to give advice to Peter Sorensen and the European Union, I think the best way forward is not to negotiate new commitments now, because what was achieved in 2023 is a pretty impressive package. It’s just completely lacking in implementation. Neither Kosovo nor Serbia have taken the obligations to implement the commitments seriously,” Hovenier said at the Atlantic Council.

See the interview here: https://tinyurl.com/4evwcpk8

Croatian minister: Presence of U.S. military in Kosovo, extremely important (media)

Croatia’s Minister of Defense Ivan Anusic met with Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policies, David Baker.

“I met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policies, David Baker. In particular, I emphasized that the key to security in Southeast Europe is Kosovo and that the American presence through KFOR is extremely important”, Anusic wrote.

Prosecution warns of indictments against two suspects for attacks in the North (Koha)

The Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica told the news website that Nemanja Vlaskovic and Uros Vukasinovic are expected to face indictments soon for attacks on journalists during the violent protests of 2023 in the north.This  Court fined this week Dalibor Spasic, the attacker of journalist Burim Zariqi, with 12,000 euros, a sentence that resulted from the approval of a plea agreement.

"Regarding the person with the initials N.V., the investigations into this case have been completed and the indictment is expected to be filed soon. Meanwhile, we are concluding the investigations in the case where the defendant is the person with the initials U.V.", the Prosecution said.

Serbian Language Media  

Counting of votes begun yesterday in Z.Potok, Zvecan and Leposavic (KoSSev)

KoSSev reported that the process of counting votes for candidates for deputies continued yesterday. In some municipalities it has already been completed, while in others it is just beginning.

According to new data from the CEC, 63.60% of polling stations, i.e. 1,611 out of 2,533, have been counted by yesterday at 4:00 p.m. These votes are counted in municipal counting centers throughout Kosovo, of which there are a total of 38, i.e. the same as the municipalities. Counting of votes for candidates for deputies in the Assembly of Kosovo was ending in some municipalities, while it was still being carried out in the majority.

The vote counting process was completed in 14 vote counting centers at the municipal level: Decane, Kamenica, Novo Brdo, Obilic, Strpce, Suva Reka, Vitina, Junik, Mamusa, Djeneral Jankovic, Ranilug, Partes, Klokot and Severna Mitrovica.

Yesterday at 4:00 p.m., as announced, the counting began in the municipalities of Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok.

The process of counting votes is currently carried out in 24 Counting Centers.

While the process of counting votes for candidates was delayed, which was why the CEC was under fire from both individual political subjects and observer organizations, the process of counting votes for political subjects has not yet been completed. The CEC website still has the data updated on Wednesday evening - that is, 2,526 polling stations out of 2,533 have been counted, reported the portal.

Office for KiM: Renew investigation into the attack on the "Nis Express" bus near Podujevo (Kosovo Online, Danas)

The attack on the "Nis Express" bus in Livadice near Podujevo, twenty-four years ago, represents a mirror and a defeat, primarily of the international community in Kosovo, which proved unprepared and uninterested in ensuring safety for Serbs in Kosovo and justice for all victims, reported Kosovo Online yesterday.

"Today marks twenty-four years since one of the most monstrous crimes committed by Albanian terrorists in Kosovo and Metohija, when the attack on the 'Nis Express' bus in Livadice near Podujevo killed twelve and injured forty-three displaced Serbs who were, under KFOR escort, traveling to Gracanica to observe the Memorial Saturday. Those killed in the attack were Suncica Pejcic, Zivana Tokic, Slobodan Stojanovic, Mirjana Dragovic, Veljko Stakic, Nenad Stojanovic, Milinko Kragovic, Lazar Milkic, Dragan Vukotic, and Nebojsa, Snezana and Danilo Cokic, the latter being only two years old," the Office for Kosovo and Metohija recalled in a statement.

It is pointed out that nearly a quarter century later, neither the direct perpetrators nor their instigators have been held accountable, and the families of the victims are still waiting for justice for their loved ones.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/2krvrk6k

Petkovic: A clear coalition of interests connects Kurti and the sponsors of the protests in Serbia (Blic, Danas, Tanjug)

The director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, assessed yesterday that there was a clear coalition of interests that connects the PM Albin Kurti, and the sponsors of the anti-state protests in Serbia, reported Blic.

"When Nenad Rasic, Kurti's Serb, supports the protests of the opposition in Serbia, it speaks about the character and purpose of those protests, as well as about those who stand behind them," Petkovic stated, announced the Office for KiM. 

He added that Kurti and his "bosses" are looking forward to the political instability and economic slowdown in Serbia, assessing that this was why they strongly supported the protests.

"When Rasic, whom Kurti is trying to smuggle into the parliament in Pristina by stealing Serbian votes, supports something, it certainly cannot be good for Serbia or the Serbian people. Let all those who go to protests organized by the anti-state opposition and known and unknown foreign foundations and non-governmental organizations ask themselves why Kurti and Rasic support them so enthusiastically," said Petkovic.

He asked what was the good that Rasic wanted for Serbia, considering that after the elections in Kosovo, he stated that his first address in the negotiations for the formation of the government in Pristina would be Kurti.

"It's hard for those whom Rasic supports, because he is a man who supports the so-called independent Kosovo and for whom Sretenje means nothing," said Petkovic.

Djuric in Moscow on February 17 and 18 (media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation on February 17 and 18, and in Moscow he will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other Russian officials, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia announced yesterday. 

In Moscow, Djuric will have separate meetings with the Vice-President of the Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Konstantin Kosachev, as well as with the Vice-President of the State Duma, Pyotr Tolstoy.

According to the Ministry's announcement, Djuric will also hold a lecture at the Moscow State Institute for International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

Djuric with Grenell in Munich: New era in relations with the USA, Serbia ready for cooperation (Kosovo Online)

The Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, stated during the margins of the Munich Security Conference that he had discussions with the U.S. President's Special Missions Advisor Richard Grenell, emphasizing that Serbia aims to establish a new era in the relations between the region and the new U.S. administration, while taking into account its own interests.

Djuric highlighted that Grenell, and the U.S. Vice President JD Vance were the biggest "stars" of the conference in Munich, given that the topic of transatlantic relations between Europe and the U.S. is of crucial importance.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/42smtj54

AP on Statehood Day marking in Serbia: Two parallel rallies with notably contrasting messages (FoNet, N1)

International media reported on the protests in Serbia, taking place on the country's Statehood Day, with "Serbia's striking students and supporters of populist President Aleksandar Vucic" holding two parallel rallies, with "notably contrasting messages."

Associated Press reported that students chose Kragujevac for Saturday’s rally because of its history; it is the place whose people announced in the 19th century a new constitution that sought to limit the powers of the then-rulers. On the other hand, President Vucic chose Sremska Mitrovica.

The media outlet recalled that the rally in the central industrial city of Kragujevac drew tens of thousands of people who ask for justice over the November accident in the northern city of Novi Sad, when a concrete canopy on a railway station collapsed and killed 15 people.

Some of the students arrived in the city on foot.

“The canopy disaster, widely believed to have happened due to government corruption, has become a flashpoint for wider discontent with authoritarian rule, with university students at the forefront of the anti-graft uprising. Their determination, youth and creativity have struck a cord among people widely disillusioned with politicians,” AP reported.

According to the media outlet, Vucic is expected to “recycle a traditional nationalist theme,” at the rally in Sremska Mitrovica, warning that the West wants to unseat him by force and that this could lead to the breakup of the country.

 International Media 

Mass protest on Serbia’s Statehood Day; President stages counter-rally (Balkan Insight)

Tens of thousands converged on the city of Kragujevac for the latest in a series of student-led anti-corruption protests, while the Serbian president held a pro-government counter-rally in Sremska Mitrovica.

Tens of thousands of people blocked streets in the central Serbian city of Kragujevac on Saturday in support of ongoing student-led protests calling for official accountability for the Novi Sad railway station disaster that left 15 people dead in November.

In the country’s north-west, meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a counter-rally in the city of Sremska Mitrovica as he struggled to regain control over the political agenda after three months of mass protests sparked by anger over perceived institutional corruption.

One of the protesters in Kragujevac, Rajko Bozic from Novi Sad, told BIRN that there was an “atmosphere of solidarity and optimism” in the streets of the city.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/9va8sw6p

How Serbia's student protesters organize fight for justice (DW)

The student movement in Serbia makes decisions by direct democracy and debates matters for hours on end, yet everything runs like clockwork. What drives the students? What are their goals? And where do they go from here?

First came the sound of a police siren, then a megaphone announcement: "Dear lecturers, we hereby inform you that the blockade of the Faculty of Philosophy is about to begin."

This is how the wave of student blockades at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia began on November 2.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/bdmcd97z