UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, January 30, 2025
Albanian Language Media:
British Ambassador meets political leaders ahead of elections (RTK)
Walker leaves war crimes testimony in court (media)
US to temporarily halt funding for Specialist Chambers in The Hague? (Albanian Post)
Belgian Court sentences Enver Hadri's murderers to life imprisonment (media)
Analysts view Trump's impact on Kosovo's economy (euronews.al)
Bokshi: There is return of atmosphere that preceded wars in former Yugoslavia (Koha)
Serbian Language Media:
Vucic discusses threats, challenges with military chiefs (N1, Tanjug)
Vucic grants 13 pardons (KoSSev, N1)
Djuric met Daughty: Unacceptable provocations by Pristina, ensure the safety of Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
Survey: Rise in anti-Serbian narrative and religious extremism in Kosovo (RFE, Kosovo Online)
Albanian Language Media
British Ambassador meets political leaders ahead of elections (RTK)
The UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, continues to meet with political party leaders ahead of the general elections in Kosovo. “Today it was good to speak to Vetevendosje leader PM Albin Kurti and DPM Besnik Bislimi. We discussed the election campaign and the importance of Kosovo’s strong independent institutions,” Hargreaves wrote on Wednesday on social platform Facebook.
He later met with the leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi. “It was a pleasure to catch up with PDK Chairman Memli Krasniqi today. We talked about the upcoming general elections, as well as the future of the EU-facilitated Dialogue and the continued need for Kosovo’s engagement with it,” he wrote.
Walker leaves war crimes testimony in court (media)
William Walker, former OSCE ambassador to Kosovo, appeared before the Basic Court in Pristina on Wednesday. The hearing where he testified was closed to public. As media learned, Walker came as part of what is called a special investigation, which is conducted in cases where it is determined that testimony should be taken out of turn due to the risk that witnesses may be unable to testify because they are considered to be very old..
Asked before the hearing, why he is in court and whether this is related to the Recak Massacre case, Walker only said that he received an invitation and that he responded positively to it. “I have been requested to come to the Court and when I am asked, I will come,” he said. “I assume so (it has to do with the Recak Massacre). I assume so, but I am not sure. I have been involved in this for 26 years now. So I can't wait to speak," he said.
US temporarily halts funding for Specialist Chambers in The Hague? (Albanian Post)
Based on unofficial sources, the news website informs that the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, Netherlands, have been informed, of the executive order of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to freeze funding for almost all foreign assistance programs, until a full review of the effectiveness and compatibility of these programs with the foreign policy of the United States of America is completed.
According to the Albanian Post, with the freezing of U.S. funds, the Specialist Chambers may face major financial challenges, as the U.S. has been one of the most important contributors to its budget. If this decision remains in force for a long time, the EU institutions will have to cover the funding gap or find other sources of support. One of the main concerns now is the impact of this measure on the continuity of ongoing trials, including high-profile cases against former KLA leaders. If funds are not secured in time, it is possible that the trial of some important cases will be delayed or face serious logistical difficulties.
The United States is one of the main financial supporters of the Specialist Chambers, which was established with EU and U.S. support to investigate alleged war and post-war crimes by former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army. U.S. funds have helped cover the court’s operating costs, including: Paying prosecution staff and investigators; Developing the court’s infrastructure in The Hague; Providing protection for witnesses and the accused; Logistics and administrative procedures of the prosecution.
Belgian Court sentences Enver Hadri's murderers to life imprisonment (media)
The Belgian Court of Appeal has sentenced the murderers of the Kosovar activist, Enver Hadri, to life imprisonment. The sentencing took place on Wednesday afternoon, after the guilt of the two accused was reconfirmed the day before in a retrial that began on January 9.
Veselin Vukotic and Andrija Draskovic received the same sentence in the retrial as they did eight years ago in the Belgian Court. Bozidar Spasic, a former official of the Serbian secret services, as well as Veselin Vukotic and Andrija Draskovic, were found guilty in 2016 for the murder of Enver Hadri. They were sentenced to life imprisonment. Two of the three convicted—Spasic and Draskovic—filed an appeal. The three were sentenced in absentia, as they were in Serbia, just like in 2016. The retrial was also held in their absence.
Kosovar activist Enver Hadri was murdered in broad daylight in Brussels on February 25, 1990, while stopped at a red light in his car. This trial is the first in Europe where the political murders of Albanian immigrants have been tried.
Analysts view Trump's impact on Kosovo's economy (euronews.al)
Former President Donald Trump brokered the economic normalization agreement between Kosovo and Serbia on September 4, 2020. However, his potential return to the U.S. presidency could bring changes to Kosovo's economy.
Economics professor Ilir Hajdini remains optimistic that the 2020 agreement could be reactivated.
"There will be impacts, but it depends on how we approach the U.S. and who will be in the next government in Kosovo. They may also reopen negotiations that Kosovo had with Serbia under the Trump administration four years ago," Hajdini stated.
In contrast, economic expert Emanuel Bajra is skeptical about the revival of the economic normalization agreement.
"I am not sure the 2020 agreement will be revived, because its main architect, Richard Grenell, is no longer responsible for Kosovo. Let's not forget we are dealing with a highly unpredictable president," said Bajra.
For economic analysts, the biggest risk for Kosovo in the coming period could stem from a scenario where Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo's statehood, despite Trump's victory being welcomed by Kosovo's institutional and political leaders.
Bokshi: There is return of atmosphere that preceded wars in former Yugoslavia (Koha)
Extreme nationalism in Kosovo continues to be fueled by deep ethnic tensions, especially between Albanians and Serbs, it was emphasized in the report “Fighting Extremism in Kosovo: Trends, Challenges and Countermeasures”, which was presented on Wednesday by the non-governmental organization “Sbunker”, within the framework of a regional conference held in Pristina.
In the presentation of the report, it was announced that Kosovo continues to face various forms of extremism, which often overlap and share elements with far-right extremism.
“In Kosovo, how we understand ethno-nationalism is expressed in two groups, Albanians and Kosovo Serbs. This is understandable given the unresolved issues of legacy, the violent conflict in ’98-’99 that has continued to dominate public discourse in Kosovo and Serbia, hindering the possibility of reconciliation and moving forward,” said Adelina Hasani, author and researcher of the report.
And the project manager at “Sbunker”, Alban Bokshi, said that the nationalist language in the region is risking bringing back the spirit of the former Yugoslavia. “Several international reports in recent years have raised concerns that democracy, human rights, plurality and diversity of opinions, basic freedoms are threatened in the region and there is even a return to the language and atmosphere of the ’90s that preceded the wars in the former Yugoslavia. There is a rise in nationalist, populist rhetoric and a stagnation of processes such as transitional justice”, Bokshi emphasized.
Bardh Bakija, executive director at “Sbunker”, said that social networks are being used as tools for the dissemination of nationalist language. “Narratives, especially on social networks, are spreading at an incredible speed. These are not just abstract ideas, they influence public discourse, shape our public debates and create environments in which hate speech and exclusion become normalised”, he stressed.
Speaking at the regional conference, the Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kosovo, Ronald Goldberg, stressed the importance of peace and good inter-ethnic relations. “Let us bear in mind that building resilience, promoting reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, insistence and unwavering faith that change is possible. Together we can create societies where diversity is celebrated, dialogue replaces division and where peace and security are not just aspirations, but realities”, he said.
The report published by "Sbunker" highlights the importance of strategic interventions to combat extremism, including security policy, education, and campaigns against disinformation.
Serbian Language Media
Vucic discusses threats, challenges with military chiefs (N1, Tanjug)
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday that he discussed threats, challenges, and the state of the military with top Defense Ministry and general staff officials.
He wrote in an Instagram post that the meeting discussed capabilities, results in upgrading, equipping, and training the military and future steps in developing and strengthenign armed forces’ defense capabilities. “We discussed current security threats and challenges at global level, and I stressed the importance of international cooperation and participation in peacekeeping missions which contributes to strengthening our capacities and reputation,” the post said.
“The military is the pillar of our security … we continue to modernize and develop it, invest in equipment and personnel because strong Serbian Armed Forces mean a peaceful and secure future,” he added.
A Defense Minister press release said that the meeting at the Guards House was attended by outgoing Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic and Chief of Staff General Milan Mojsilovic. It added that they heard reports on the state of the military, its operational and functional capabilities in 2024.
“The conclusion of the annual analysis was that the Serbian Armed Forces have the ability to perform all 3 of its missions, defend the security and territorial integrity of Serbia and be a factor of peace and stability in the country and the region,” it said.
The military provides security personnel for the president from its Cobras special forces unit.
Vucic grants 13 pardons (KoSSev, N1)
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic granted pardons to 13 people, said a press release issued by the Presidency on Wednesday.
Among those pardoned were six university students, a dean from the University of Nis, and an assistant professor from Novi Sad. The president also issued pardons to four school principals and a school employee.
Earlier, the President of Serbia, speaking about the students' demands, including the dismissal of the charges against those arrested and detained at the protests, Vucic said that he was ready to sign a pardon.
The president of the state cannot pardon someone who has not yet been detained, nor accused, let alone convicted, Judge of the First Basic Court Tatjana Bezmarevic Janjic said in the N1 TV show "Iza vesti".
"I personally think that the president of the state should not talk about it. That the president of the state cannot pardon someone who has not yet been detained, nor accused, let alone convicted. I also believe that he is not the one who should speak about what will be done, because such speeches, not only by the president of the state, but also by other incompetent persons, create distrust in the court among the people. If we do that, then we have obeyed the president. If not, then we are disobedient," she stated.
Natalija Jovanovic, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Nis, told N1 that no criminal proceedings are being conducted against her, she says that she does not know what she was pardoned for, and that the president is trying to gain favor with his gesture.
Jovanovic does not know for which offense she was exempted from criminal prosecution.
Djuric met Daughty: Unacceptable provocations by Pristina, ensure the safety of Serbs in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, Tanjug)
Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric met yesterday with the UK State Minister for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories Stephen Daughty.
The head of Serbian diplomacy informed the British minister about the situation in Kosovo, emphasizing that the constant provocations and unilateral actions of Pristina are unacceptable and represent a continuation of the policy of terror and intimidation, announced the Serbian MFA.
Djuric reiterated that Belgrade was fully committed to dialogue with Pristina, but at this moment it was primarily necessary to ensure the safety of the Serbian population, implement all obligations from the agreements reached without further delay, and guarantee respect for the electoral will of the Serbs in Kosovo.
The minister also highlighted Serbia's clear interest in discussing further enhancement of political dialogue and cooperation with the United Kingdom in areas of mutual interest.
In this sense, he expressed hope that the dialogue and political relations between the two countries would move towards establishing a mutually beneficial strategic dialogue.
The announcement stated that economic cooperation with the UK, as well as Serbia's European integration were discussed.
The meeting was also attended by the UK Ambassador to Serbia, Edward Ferguson, and the UK Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Stuart Peach.
Survey: Rise in anti-Serbian narrative and religious extremism in Kosovo (RFE, Kosovo Online)
Ethnonationalism, anti-gender narratives, religious extremism, and anti-Serbian rhetoric in Kosovo are interconnected and on the rise, contributing to societal divisions - this was stated at a regional conference in Pristina on January 29, organized as part of the project "Combating Extremism in Kosovo: Trends, Challenges, and Countermeasures," reports RSE.
Researcher and report author Adelina Hasani noted that ethnonationalism in Kosovo is a consequence of unresolved issues from the 1990s and wartime events, with political discourse prevailing due to the lack of transitional justice resolution.
"Right-wing extremism and narratives are spreading in Kosovo. Ethnonationalism is primarily represented among ethnic Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo, which is understandable considering the legacy of the 1990s. However, ethnonationalism deepens the division between Serbs and Albanians and hinders the reconciliation process," she said.
Data for the research "Combating Extremism in Kosovo" were mainly collected through public discussions in several municipalities in Kosovo, utilizing various local and international studies that deal with extremism.
However, focus groups were not held in the northern municipalities of Kosovo, where the majority Serbian population lives, due to the political situation, as stated.
Discussing the trend of ethnonationalism among the Albanian community in Kosovo, Hasani pointed out that it is predominantly present in narratives on social media and public discourse, with "stigmatization of the Serbian community" being evident.
She mentioned that Kosovo is a multiethnic country but faces hurdles in becoming an inclusive society because the authorities show inconsistency in using Kosovo symbols, such as the flag.
"The use of the Albanian flag in many institutions leads to insecurity not only among the Serbian community but also other minority communities in Kosovo," she added.
Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/4a9yp4yh