UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, March 7, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Kosovo govt expects implementation of decision on Decani Monastery land (RFE)
Implementation of decision on Decan Monastery land in exchange for CoE membership (RTK)
Weapons found near Banjska Monastery (media)
Kurti: Kosovo and Bulgaria have the same democratic orientations (RTK)
EULEX reacts to SL which said EU should analyze work of the mission (media)
Leaders: Kosovo needs Malaysia's support for membership in intl organizations (media)
Abdixhiku mentions Serbia threats, wants recognition from non-recognizers (media)
Haradinaj meets Belgian ambassador, requests EU and NATO membership (RTK)

Serbian Language Media:

Women dominate in difficult jobs sphere, yet patriarchy still prevails (KoSSev)
Vucic: We will seek solution to dinar issue until last moment (Kosovo Online)
Raska-Prizren Diocese: Register land in cadastre and issue cadastre record to Monastery (KoSSev)
Brnabic attends EPP congress in Bucharest (Tanjug, media)
Brnabic after meeting Romanian President: We have support of Romania on Kosovo issue, European integration (Tanjug, media)
Starovic meets with US administration officials in Washington (Tanjug)
EULEX: We monitor legal cases, including those related to war crimes (Tanjug)
Vucic says Brnabic to be nominated as parliament speaker (N1)
Kosovo police said it found five rocket-propelled grenades in Banjska, connected with September events (KoSSev)

Albanian Language Media

Kosovo govt expects implementation of decision on Decani Monastery land (RFE)

The Kosovo Government expects the local government in Decan – a municipality in the west of Kosovo – to implement the decision of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo in 2016 on the land of the Decani Monastery, while the municipality of Decan, which has opposed the implementation of the decision through the years, said it has not changed its position. The municipality is led by officials of the Haradinaj-led Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK).

The implementation of the Court’s decision, which requires the transfer of 24 hectares of land to the monastery, would be crucial in Kosovo’s application bid for membership in the Council of Europe, during the Parliamentary Assembly of this institution in April.

Although the Kurti-led government believes the court’s decision is unfair, according to sources, it is holding talks with the local government and other actors to implement the decision before the CoE Parliamentary Assembly session. This would be justified with “respecting the rule of law throughout the territory of Kosovo”.

Sources said that the government is ready to publicly call on the municipality to implement “the painful decision” with the aim of proving that “Kosovo is a state of law”. Although it “will not oblige the municipality” to implement the decision, with the hope that this will be done “independently and without pressure”, the government believes it is going “in the right direction”.

Decan Mayor Bashkim Ramosaj told the news website on Wednesday that his position on the matter is public and that he doesn’t have anything more to add. Asked what will happen if the central government calls for the implementation of the court’s decision, he said that he “does not believe the government will ask for this”.

The Raska-Prizren Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo told Radio Free Europe that no one from Kosovo’s institutions has contacted the Diocese or the Monastery of Decani regarding the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decision. “We expect that the institutions of Kosovo will finally do their job in compliance with the law, to register our land in the cadaster and to issue ownership proof to the Monastery, in line with the Court’s decision. We believe this would be an important step for the rule of law,” they said. It also added that the Serbian Orthodox Church was always ready “for dialogue with the aim of improving lives and solving practical issues”.

Implementation of decision on Decan Monastery in exchange for CoE membership (RTK)

The month of April is expected to be decisive in terms of the fate of Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe, when the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly begins. Senior government officials have announced that Kosovo will go there with the aim of receiving the signal to move on to the next stage, which has a political character.

The former Greek diplomat, Dora Bakoyanis, will present the comprehensive report in the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Officials of the government of Kosovo have learned that the criticism that will be presented against the authorities of Kosovo will be the evalua[‘tions of the executive for the decisions of the Constitutional Court. In this context, the focus is on the non-implementation of the decision of the Constitutional Court regarding the properties of the Monastery of Deçan.

In the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the former Greek diplomat, Dora Bakoyanis, will present the comprehensive report. Officials of the government of Kosovo have learned that the criticism that will be presented against the authorities of Kosovo will be the assessments of the government with regards to the decisions of the Constitutional Court. In this context, the focus is on the non-implementation of the decision of the Constitutional Court regarding the properties of the Monastery of Decan. It is learned from the government of Kosovo that on this topic, which in terms of implementation falls on the municipal authorities of Decan, there is expected to be a call encouraging the implementation of the decision of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo. However, by senior government officials, this is being seen as a "compromise" to get support on the way to membership in the Council of Europe.

The rest of the report, according to government authorities, confirms Kosovo's progress and is a basis for hoping for positive signals. However, it remains to be seen if specific conditions, influenced by political circumstances, such as dialogue, association and the issue of the dinar will be presented to Kosovo in the Ministerial Council of the Council of Europe, which will be held in May of this year.

Weapons found near Banjska Monastery (media)

All news websites reported on Wednesday afternoon that five rocket-propelled grenades were found near the Banjska Monastery in the north of Kosovo, and that it is believed they are related to the attack that took place there in September last year. Kosovo Police Deputy Director for the north, Veton Elshani, confirmed the finding.

"Five RPGs were found near the Banjska Monastery in Zvecan. The military means are suspected to belong to the events of September last year," Elshani said.

Citing reliable sources, Gazeta Express reported on Wednesday that the priest of the monastery in Banjska notified the police about the weapons. “The priest called the police and notified them that in one of the surrounding premises he saw a bag with weapons, which are believed to be from the period of September last year,” the source said.

Kurti: Kosovo and Bulgaria have same democratic orientations (RTK)

Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, said at the reception organized by the Embassy of Bulgaria in Kosovo that ‘the friendship between Kosovo and Bulgaria and the institutional cooperation between our countries are now the official policies of our two countries, announced and widely discussed in official meetings and with the heads of the Bulgarian state’.

"Our country, Kosovo, and our allied country, Bulgaria, are also united by our orientation towards democracy and the rule of law, at a time when the autocrats of the region are being encouraged to endanger democratic values," said the Prime Minister.

He also reminded that this year Kosovo will mark the 25th anniversary of liberation and, on this occasion, he thanked Bulgaria for opening its airspace to NATO aircraft in 1999 during the bombing campaign over Serbia.

"Also, Kosovo has not forgotten that it was the Bulgarian authorities who first discovered Operation "Horseshoe" - Serbia's plan for the ethnic cleansing of Albanians from Kosovo. Days of National Liberation, such as the day of the Liberation of Bulgaria and the day of the Liberation of Kosovo that we will mark in June, are occasions in which we must also remember the history of how our peoples were freed, because remembering how we won our freedom, we will also know how to protect it", said Kurti.

EULEX reacts to SL which said EU should analyze work of the mission (media)

The European Union Mission for the Rule of Law (EULEX) has reacted to the Serbian List, which on Monday said that the European institutions should start analyzing EULEX's work in the field.

In its response, EULEX has made it clear to this Serbian party that it had an executive mandate only from December 2008 to June 2018 to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed in Kosovo.

"During this period, EULEX conducted numerous investigations and trials against individuals of all ethnicities suspected of committing war crimes. After the end of the executive mandate in the criminal justice system in June 2018, the mission engaged in the delivery of case files in its possession to the Kosovo authorities – including police, prosecutorial and judicial case files. This handover process was completed in December 2018", reads EULEX's response.

Furthermore, it says that EULEX fully respects the independence of the judicial authorities and the principle of non-interference when carrying out its monitoring activities.

After the arrest of Serb Z.N., on Monday under the suspicion of having committed war crimes in the Vushtrri region, Serbian List said that "it is shameful how in the presence of EULEX so many Serbs are being accused of war crimes without any material evidence".

Leaders: Kosovo needs Malaysia’s support for membership in intl organizations (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has received credentials from the non-resident ambassador of Malaysia, Zahid Rastam. In the meeting with the ambassador, Osmani expressed her belief that during his mandate, the ties between Kosovo and Malaysia will be further strengthened. Osmani emphasized that Kosovo needs Malaysia's support for Kosovo's membership in international organizations and recognition by the states of the ASEAN organization.

The presidency has announced that exploration of new opportunities of cooperation with Malaysia, especially in key sectors such as: economy, trade, education and agriculture were also discussed.

The new Malaysian ambassador was also welcomed by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who expressed his gratitude for the country's support to Kosovo, especially in the international arena, and the strategic partnership for Kosovo and the region.

"They discussed the bilateral relations and the opportunities and promising areas for deepening the cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, including the trade, technology and agriculture sectors. Prime Minister Kurti informed Ambassador Rastam with the results and policies of the government, the progress made in the country's economy and democracy, and Kosovo's offer for foreign investments. On this occasion, the prime minister invited businesses from Malaysia to visit and consider Kosovo as a place for investment. Ambassador Rastam expressed his interest in increasing commercial exchanges and ties between the citizens of the two countries, as he said that Kosovo and Malaysia enjoy warm and cordial friendship and stable cooperation", the announcement states.

Abdixhiku mentions Serbia’s threats, wants recognition from non-recognizers (media)

Leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku is participating in the Congress of European People's Parties. He said that during the address he presented his views, also mentioning the danger to Kosovo's security that is threatened by Serbia. He has also requested recognition from the five EU countries that have not recognized Kosovo.

"In front of the delegates and right-wing European leaders, I presented the political views of the Democratic League of Kosovo, on our original Euro-Atlantic journey, the security risks from Serbia, the immediate need for the recognition of the five; as well as our common European battle against populism".

"The European right will compete as a favorite in the upcoming European elections. Its victory is security for the Republic of Kosovo, the Western Balkans and the European Union project itself. LDK remains the guardian of democracy and relations with allies. Our future is Europe. We must anchor our decision there, as a testament to the past, as an obligation for the future", said Abdixhiku.

Haradinaj meets Belgian ambassador, requests EU and NATO membership (RTK)

Leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, in a meeting with the ambassador of Belgium in Kosovo, Gregoire Cuvelier, requested the membership of Kosovo in the EU and NATO.

"In the meeting I had with ambassador of Belgium in Kosovo, Gregoire Cuvelier, we talked about the political developments in the country. On this occasion, I expressed my gratitude to Ambassador Cuvelier for his and the Belgian state's continuous support, and I asked that this support be continued even further in our commitment to be a part of the big European family and a member of NATO", he said.

He noted that Belgium has always stood by Kosovo. "Belgium, as a friendly country, always stood by Kosovo and we are committed to strengthening this friendship through bilateral relations in all fields", Haradinaj said.

Serbian Language Media

Women dominate in difficult jobs sphere, yet patriarchy still prevails (KoSSev)

Women are more inclined to tackle highly responsible tasks. They don’t avoid doing difficult, and often low-paying jobs, through which they cannot capitalize on fame and social power.

Despite the high number of women in these positions, they do not have the same privileges that men do, and they are more often exposed to criticism and stereotypes. At the same time, women are expected to be devoted to their families; to be great mothers, wives, sisters, or daughters. Such circumstances and expectations still exist amid the increase in femicide and domestic violence.

In Women’s History Month, when the issue of gender (in)equality is highlighted, women from civil society, the media, and the police discussed this burning topic in North Mitrovica, KoSSev portal reported.

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

Raska-Prizren Diocese: Register land in cadastre and issue cadastre record to Monastery, there can be no dialogue about binding decisions (KoSSev)

No one from Kosovo institutions contacted us or Visoki Decani Monastery regarding implementation of the Kosovo Constitutional Court’s decision on the Monastery’s land, Raska-Prizren Diocese told KoSSev portal last night following information, also published by Kosovo Albanian media, that the Pristina government following a years-long refusal to implement decision has now allegedly agreed to implement it.

"In recent years, we have witnessed a number of statements by the highest Kosovo officials that Constitutional Court decision on Decani Monastery land was allegedly not made legally, that it cannot be implemented and that some kind of dialogue with the Church should be held about it", Raska-Prizren Diocese recalled. It also said that following consultations with legal advisors and international representatives in Pristina, the Diocese presented its stance that there can be no dialogue about decisions that are binding and final (res judicata). The Diocese also said that the Decani municipality for years has refused to implement the decision, and that the Kosovo central cadastre also did not wish to register land, although it has the right to do so.

In the end, the Raska-Prizren Diocese requested from Kosovo authorities to act in line with the law. “To finally do their part of the job in line with the law, register our land in cadastre and issue a cadastre record to the Monastery in line with the judicial decision”.

"As far as readiness for dialogue is concerned in order to improve life and solve practical issues, our Church has always been and remains open to dialogue with all people of good will, which we have shown in practice all these years", the Diocese concluded.

Brnabic attends EPP congress in Bucharest (Tanjug, media)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic attended on Wednesday European People's Party (EPP) congress in Bucharest, where she also held several important meetings.

As Tanjug reported, before the congress Brnabic had a cordial encounter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On the sidelines of the congress, Brnabic met with Romanian Senate President Nicolae Iionel Ciuca, who is also the leader of the National Liberal Party, as well as with an MP of Germany's Christian Democratic Union, Tilman Kuban, and the leader of North Macedonia's VMRO-DPMNE party Hristijan Mickoski. The discussion topic was potential cooperation within the EPP.

Last evening, Brnabic also met Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. On Thursday, the second day of her visit to Bucharest, Brnabic will meet with Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Brnabic after meeting Romanian President: We have support of Romania on Kosovo issue, European integration (Tanjug, media)

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said last night in Bucharest, that Serbia can count on support of Romania regarding Kosovo issue and European integration, Tanjug news agency reported.

She made those remarks after meeting Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in the Romanian capital.

“He is a fantastic man, this was my first meeting with him. I believe what is more important for our people, and it is that the stance of Romania when it comes to respecting territorial integrity of Serbia and international law will not change. Romania stands firmly by Serbia also on the issue of European integration”, Brnabic said.

Starovic meets with US administration officials in Washington (Tanjug)

Serbian Ministry of Defence State Secretary Nemanja Starovic met with US administration officials in Washington on Tuesday. Starovic is heading a Ministry of Defence delegation on a visit to the US, Tanjug news agency reported.

As part of preparations for Serbia-US bilateral consultations on defense, Starovic met with the director for the Balkans and Central Europe in the US National Security Council Jeremy Long, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the US Department of State Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Stanley Brown and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar, who is also Washington's Special Envoy for Western Balkans.

Starovic also attended a panel on the US-Serbian defense partnership, hosted in the US Congress by the Serbian Embassy in Washington and the Halyard Foundation. The Washington premiere of the WWII-themed Serbian film The Heroes of Halyard was held after the panel.

EULEX: We monitor legal cases, including those related to war crimes (Tanjug)

EULEX Mission said in a post on its official Facebook account that, in line with its mandate, the Mission monitors and follows selected legal cases, including those related to the war crimes, Tanjug news agency reported.

In a post EULEX said that “following unjustified criticisms voiced by Serbian List on Monday 4th March against the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), we would like to clarify the following:

EULEX acts on the basis of a clear and well-defined Mandate approved by the EU Members States and periodically renewed on a two-year basis. EULEX’s work is therefore subject to regular review by Member States. Our current mandate is based on Council Decision 2023/1095. EULEX had an executive mandate only from December 2008 to June 2018, which included the authority to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate war crimes committed in Kosovo. During this period, EULEX conducted multiple investigations and trials against individuals of all ethnicities suspected of having committed war crimes (…)”.

Read the full statement at: https://shorturl.at/dqDHU

Vucic says Brnabic to be nominated as parliament speaker (N1)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday that the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) leadership decided to put Ana Brnabic in the post of parliament speaker.

“Ana Brnabic is the most positive surprise for me. She has progressed the most, fighting strongly and bravely”, Vucic said after a meeting of the SNS Presidency. He said the nomination of Brnabic will be made in the next 7 to 10 days.

He also said that former Parliament Speaker Vladimir Orlic would move on. “I believe Orlic will have important duties in some other post”, he added. According to Vucic, Aleksandar Sapic will be nominated for Belgrade mayor again.

Kosovo police said it found five rocket-propelled grenades in Banjska, connected with September events (KoSSev)

Kosovo police said it found five rocket-propelled grenades in the village of Banjska, in Zvecan municipality, connected with a September armed incident in this place, KoSSev portal reported.

Kosovo police deputy commander for the region North, Veton Elshani said that the rocket-propelled grenades were allegedly found in the vicinity of Banjska Monastery, the portal added.

"Five rocket-propelled grenades were found near the Banjska Monastery in Zvecan. It is suspected that these military assets belong to the events of September last year", Elshani said.

On September 24, an armed clash between a group of Serbs and Kosovo police occurred in this village. One Kosovo police member and three Serbs were killed in the incident, the portal recalled.