Albanian Language Media: 

• Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Sorensen announces high-level meeting (media)
• Bislimi: Sorensen has clear vision on how to move forward (media)
• LDK: Bislimi has no mandate to make decisions in dialogue process (media)
• Kusari-Lila: New elections would harm all parties (Koha)
• MPs to meet for 30th attempt today to form new legislative (media)
• Businesses, chamber of commerce to hold protest in Pristina today (media)
• Bislimi summoned by prosecution regarding animal waste factory case (Kallxo)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Petkovic: We insisted on CSM, presented de-escalation plan (Tanjug, media)
• Sorensen: Talks on advancing normalization of relations, in preparation of high-level meeting (media, social media)
• Albanian man in Gracanica removes memorial plaque to deceased girl; family embittered (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, Radio KIM)
• Closing statements in case of Gavrilo Milosavljevic: Defense expects acquittal (Kosovo Online, media)
• Lawyer to appeal 15-years in prison verdict rendered to Vukotic (media)
• Former member of Kosovo special police faces murder charges in Serbia (N1, RFE)
• Vucic extends condolences over deadly school shooting in Graz (media)
• Serbian PM, UoB rector reach agreement, entrance exams slated for late July (media)

Albanian Language Media 

Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Sorensen announces high-level meeting (media)

The European Union’s envoy for dialogue, Peter Sorensen, has called the meeting with the chief negotiators of Kosovo and Serbia “long”. “Hosted a long meeting of Chief Negotiators of Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels. Spoke about advancing the normalisation of their relations in preparation for a high-level Dialogue meeting, pending implementation obligations, and current issues. Agreed to continue the discussion soon,” Sorensen wrote on X platform.

Bislimi: Sorensen has clear vision on how to move forward (media)

"We have had a series of meetings. We started with a trilateral meeting, which was the first of its kind with Sorensen. The idea was to have three different topics in today’s meetings. At the beginning, we agreed on the principles for how trilateral meetings with Sorensen will be conducted. We agreed on all of Sorensen’s proposals," he explained.

According to him, Sorensen is showing that he is heavily investing in moving the dialogue forward. "In terms of concrete results, it’s still early. Sorensen more or less has a clear vision for how the upcoming meetings should proceed. Next week, he will send two of his closest associates to Kosovo and Serbia to gather additional information, and then at the beginning of July, he will decide on the next step. Sorensen also wants another meeting in July. For me, this shows that he is deeply invested in the process and wants to see results. But so far, it’s known that Serbia has sabotaged the process," he said.

The chief negotiator stated that in the main part of the trilateral meeting, they discussed how to move forward with the implementation of the Basic Agreement. "...we presented our ideas on how to ensure the implementation of the Basic Agreement. There was no full agreement between the parties. We were told to bring our ideas in written form to the next meeting," he said.

Bislimi further explained what he discussed in his one-on-one meeting with Sorensen. "For us, the issue of missing persons was the most important topic, where we presented what Kosovo has done in recent months and what Serbia has failed to do. We also discussed financial transfers to the citizens of the Presevo Valley, and we guaranteed that we are not violating any rules. We talked about the functionalization of the interconnection with Serbia, which is increasing transmission costs for energy not only for Kosovo but for the entire region. We also discussed the Integrated Border Management, which has stalled due to Serbia’s fault, and the systematic disinformation campaign from Serbia," Bislimi explained.

LDK: Bislimi has no mandate to make decisions in dialogue process (media)

The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) said in a reaction on Tuesday that Besnik Bislimi has no legitimacy to participate as chief negotiator in the talks with Serbia. According to the LDK, the dialogue should continue only with new institutions.

“The mandate of the former government where Mr. Bislimi was appointed chief negotiator by former Prime Minister Kurti has already ended with the certification of the election results of February 9. Therefore, Mr. Bislimi is only acting, without democratic legitimacy and without parliamentary approval to make decisions in the dialogue process”, the reaction states.

Furthermore, the LDK states that any agreement or commitment undertaken at this stage of the incumbent government cannot produce obligations for Kosovo. “Negotiations with Serbia are matters of high state interest and cannot be carried out by an incumbent government. Any agreement or eventual commitment undertaken at this stage cannot produce obligations for Kosovo. Mr. Bislimi’s attempt to impose obligations on Kosovo, without having a legitimate and democratic mandate, is unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal,” the LDK statement reads.

Kusari-Lila: New elections would harm all parties (Koha)

Vetevendosje Movement MP, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, has stated that holding new parliamentary elections would not be the optimal solution for the current political situation in Kosovo, warning of consequences for all political parties. “I have said from the beginning that it may remain the only option, but absolutely not the most favorable for citizens. Another round of national elections, without results in the formation of institutions, would reflect badly on all parties,” she said adding that people are tired of the electoral processes and that voter turnout could be very low.

Kusari-Lila said that she is not against the elections remaining as the only option, but they should be held on the same day as the municipal elections on October 12, to avoid excessive burden on people.

She also commented on the deadlock in the Assembly, which is expected to hold its 30th session for constitution on Wednesday, calling the situation “the most difficult position” in which the MPs are. She noted that the problem does not lie in the name of Albulena Haxhiu as a candidate for Speaker of the Assembly, but in the principle that is being violated by the opposing parties. “It is a bad precedent that could create the impression that Haxhiu was just a tactical move by Kurti to push other parties to accept another candidate. It is not a matter of name – it is a matter of principle”, she emphasized.

MPs to meet for 30th attempt today to form new legislative (media)

All news websites report this morning that members of the Kosovo Assembly will meet for the 30th attempt today to form the new legislative. The contesting point remains the election of the new Speaker of the Assembly, with the Vetevendosje Movement proposing a secret vote while the parties that were in the opposition in the previous mandate have rejected this.

Businesses, chamber of commerce to hold protest in Pristina today (media)

The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and representatives of businesses will hold a peaceful protest in downtown Pristina today starting from 11:00 to 12:00. They are calling on institutions to reflect on the demands of the business community and a one-year postponement of the decision for businesses to enter the free energy market. 

Bislimi summoned by prosecution regarding animal waste factory case (Kallxo)

Kosovo’s caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi was summoned on Tuesday by the Special Prosecution of Kosovo for an interview in relation to the animal by-products processing factory. The news website tried to get a response from Bislimi, but the latter did not respond. In May, the prosecution confirmed that caretaker Minister of Agriculture Faton Peci had been interviewed for several hours as a suspect in the leasing of the animal by-products processing factory. 

Serbian Language Media

Petkovic: We insisted on CSM, presented de-escalation plan (Tanjug, media)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic said on Tuesday evening that, during a trilateral meeting of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Belgrade's delegation had insisted on the establishment of a Community of Serb Municipalities (CSM) and presented de-escalation plan for the north of Kosovo, Tanjug news agency reported.

"I also spoke about Albin Kurti's terror against the Serbs, especially in the north, and we again submitted a list of the most recent escalatory moves. I spoke about arrests, persecution of Serb representatives from Serbian List and about other issues, such as missing persons. I confirmed our participation in a June 26 Geneva meeting of the working group on the issue of missing persons", Petkovic said. He added that problems regarding MTS and the energy sector had also been discussed and a request had been made for Belgrade's liaison officer in Pristina to be given permission to visit incarcerated Serbs.

"But the most important thing is that the Community of Serb Municipalities must be formed, and discussions about the Community statute must continue. That is where things came to a halt a year and a half ago. Pristina did not want to continue discussions about that issue, and that is also when the horrible decision to abolish the dinar was made. We must discuss the statute, and the Community of Serb Municipalities must be established. I also spoke about closures of Serbian institutions", Petkovic said. He noted that Belgrade's delegation presented a de-escalation plan at the meeting. "The issue of human rights must be the number one issue and dominate as well as be a topic above all topics", Petkovic said.

He added it had been agreed for the chief negotiators to continue the dialogue at technical level in early July, and that EU Special Envoy Peter Sorensen and his aides would visit Belgrade and Pristina in the meantime. Tuesday's discussions in Brussels took place in several formats, initially in a trilateral one, after which Belgrade's delegation had a bilateral meeting with the EU delegation.

Sorensen: Talks on advancing normalization of relations, in preparation of high-level meeting (media, social media)

EU Special Envoy for Belgrade-Pristina talks Peter Sorensen said yesterday he discussed with Belgrade and Pristina chief negotiators Petar Petkovic and Besnik Bislimi advancing normalization of relations, in preparation of a high-level meeting, Kosovo Online portal reported.  

“Hosted a long meeting of Chief Negotiators of Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels. Spoke about advancing the normalisation of their relations in preparation of a high-level Dialogue meeting, pending implementation obligations, and current issues. Agreed to continue the discussion soon”, Sorensen wrote in a post on X social platform. 

Albanian man in Gracanica removes memorial plaque to deceased girl; family embittered (Kosovo Online, KoSSev, Radio KIM)

A memorial plaque dedicated to 11-years old Biljana Peric, who died in a traffic incident 30 years ago in Gracanica, was removed by an Albanian man who recently purchased nearby property. The Peric family gathered at the site on Tuesday and reported the incident to the Kosovo police and the municipal inspection.

The memorial plaque, commemorating the girl who died in a tragic accident, had stood by the roadside at the very spot where Biljana lost her life - but has now been dismantled.

Biljana’s father, Vukasin Peric, emphasized that the memorial had not bothered anyone for three decades and that this act felt like losing his child all over again.

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

Closing statements in case of Gavrilo Milosavljevic: Defense expects acquittal (Kosovo Online, media)

Closing statements were made yesterday in the case against Gavrilo Milosavljevic from Istok at the Basic Court in Pristina. After presenting their final arguments, the defence emphasized that, upon analysing the evidence, the only just verdict would be an acquittal, Kosovo Online portal reported.

"In the opening part of my closing statement, noting the many cameras in the courtroom, I took the opportunity to also address the public - the very people in whose name the prosecutor claims to be delivering justice and in whose name the court will issue its verdict - to explain how justice is being carried out against a Serb who only wanted to find the remains of his mother, who went missing after the war, and how he is being charged on the basis of a single, completely false, witness statement. My defence today focused solely on exposing the lies of that one witness who allegedly saw him shoot at Albanian prisoners on the sports field of the Dubrava prison. I believe we have completely unmasked this champion of false testimony before the court", attorney Dejan Vasic said.

Attorney Nebojsa Vlajic emphasized that they focused on witness statements because that is the only thing the prosecution is trying to use to establish guilt.

"However, the situation is not as presented. When you listen to the prosecutor’s closing argument, it is a very selective interpretation of witness statements - picking and using only the parts that support his case. I believe the court must interpret these statements in their entirety, especially in relation to other testimonies. What is the issue here? It is claimed that there were several hundred people present at the scene, and we have heard from seven eyewitnesses. None of them saw or heard what this one witness claimed to have seen and heard. Therefore, if this is a solitary, unsupported statement - and it absolutely is - the judge must dismiss it. One witness out of seven cannot possess superhuman abilities to see and hear what no one else did", Vlajic argued.

Lawyer to appeal 15-years in prison verdict rendered to Vukotic (media)

Nebojsa Vlajic, defence lawyer of Zoran Vukotic from Vucitrn said he will appeal the verdict of the Basic Court in Pristina on Tuesday, sentencing his client to 15 years in prison, Kosovo Online portal reported.

“Today, a Serb from Vucitrn was sentenced for the criminal offense of war crimes. Several proceedings for war crimes are being conducted against this man, which is illegal and not permissible. This has never existed in the history of criminal justice for war crimes, so it simply cannot be explained to the court, but we will not give up our fight for the defendant’s rights”, Vlajic said. He further explained that Vukotic was tried for four acts in this case, acquitted of three, and convicted of one.

“With regard to this case, he was tried for four different incidents and acquitted of three. The court itself said there was no evidence to attribute those acts to him. For the fourth and only remaining criminal act, he was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years. I am convinced that the evidentiary situation in that case is absolutely the same as in the other three incidents. I will file an appeal, and I believe that this will have to be reviewed, and a decision made just as in the cases for which he was acquitted”, Vlajic said.

Former member of Kosovo special police faces murder charges in Serbia (N1, RFE)

According to N1, Radio Free Europe (RFE) was told by sources at the Higher Court in Subotica that a former member of Kosovo special police arrested at a border crossing between Serbia and Hungary was suspected of committing murder during the September 2023 Banjska armed incident. Abnor Spahiu was sent by the court to 30-day detention, following his arrest.

As N1 further wrote he is facing charges for the murder during the Banjska incident when a group of armed Kosovo Serb clashed with Kosovo police in this village of Zvecan municipality. Kosovo police sergeant and three Serbs were killed during the incident. Belgrade and Pristina traded blame for the armed incident both claiming to have launched their own investigations.

As media further reported, a former Kosovo policeman is suspected of having committed the crime of aggravated murder under Article 114, paragraph 1, point 11 of the Serbian Criminal Code, which refers to the premeditated killing of several persons. The media also said given the charges Spahiu faces a possible sentence of 10 years to life in prison. He was arrested at a crossing on Serbia’s border with Hungary on June 7.

Vucic extends condolences over deadly school shooting in Graz (media)

On his behalf and on behalf of the citizens of Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic extended deep condolences to the families of the victims of Tuesday's deadly high school shooting in Graz, Austria, as well as to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and the citizens of Austria. The shooting spree left ten people dead and around 30 others wounded, Serbian media reported. 

"It is with sadness and disbelief that I received the news of the Graz shooting, which claimed many innocent lives. Serbia feels your pain because it, too, has experienced tragedies whose memories are still fresh and whose scars are deeply impressed in the hearts of all of us. On my own behalf and on behalf of the citizens of Serbia, I extend deep condolences to the families of the victims, @vanderbellen and the citizens of Austria", Vucic posted on X.

Other Serbian officials, including PM Djuro Macut, FM Marko Djuric, Interior Minister Ivica Dacic and Minister of Education Dejan Vuk Stankovic have also extended condolences.

Serbian PM, UoB rector reach agreement, entrance exams slated for late July (media)

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut and University of Belgrade (UoB) Rector Vladan Djokic have reached an agreement on upcoming activities under which the government and the UoB will carry out all necessary activities for organising entrance exams for a new generation of first-year university students, slated for the last week of July 2025, Tanjug news agency reported.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the Government of Serbia and the UoB said the agreement had been reached with the aim of preserving the integrity and credibility of the UoB and ensuring the financial conditions for the functioning of higher education institutions as well sa for creating the prerequisites for carrying out regular activities. Macut and Djokic met on Monday, after which both parties said the discussion had been held in a constructive atmosphere.