UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 16, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Osmani: If constitution process drags on, I will address Constitutional Court (media)
Krasniqi: We are in same situation, but we should see meeting as step forward (media)
LDK leadership and Parliamentary Group issue statement after meeting at Presidency (Express)
Haradinaj: We will vote for a unifying person as Speaker of the Assembly (Koha)
Osmani meets with non-majority communities (media)
EU mission finds interference by Serbia in February 9 elections in Kosovo (media)
Zubin Potok Water Plant under control of “Mitrovica” Water Supply Company (RTK)
French Embassy: Kosovo is sending negative signals to partners (media)
Remains of three persons missing in war found in Pristina (RTK)

Serbian Language Media:

Mitrovica North municipality takes over Sports Hall (KoSSev, media)
Mitrovica North municipality takes over building of former City Museum (KoSSev, media)
Serbian List: Police raid on Sports Hall a brutal act against Serbian children (Kosovo Online, media)
Serbian List met Ralan Hill from US Embassy, discussed latest situation in northern Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)
SRSG Ziadeh concerned over ongoing actions to close Serbia-funded facilities in northern Kosovo (social media)
Reactions to latest actions of Pristina authorities in northern Kosovo continue (media, social media)
Petkovic: De-escalation must be priority topic in dialogue with Pristina (media)
Serb arrested yesterday in Mitrovica North for alleged war crimes sent to 48-hour detention, denied responsibility (Radio KIM)
Kushner’s company: Fate of project at General Staff complex site now less clear (N1, Danas)

International Media:

Kosovo President’s intervention fails to break Parliament deadlock (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani: If constitution process drags on, I will address Constitutional Court (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said that the leaders of the political parties expressed different positions in Thursday's meeting with her, but that she called their approach constructive. "There is a minimum willingness, which I am convinced will increase over time. Political, constructive dialogue is necessary," she said at a press conference.

She said that if the issue of the constitution of the Assembly drags on further, she will address the Constitutional Court. However, she did not give a deadline for when this could happen.

"If this drags on too long, there are several options, one is for the MPs to exercise their right, the other way is for me as president to address the Constitutional Court. If there is agreement from them as well, I have no problem sending this issue to the Constitutional Court. We will wait to see if the following will result in a political agreement, before proceeding with something like this. The meetings will continue."

She has said that meetings with party leaders will continue next week. "If deemed necessary, I will meet with the party leaders individually next week to continue with other formats as needed. These are not consultations for the creation of a new government. Today's discussions were focused on the issue of the constitution of the assembly. What I mentioned in the meeting is that some of the consequences that our country faces in the absence of the constitution of the Assembly include the unnecessary delay of the process of disbursement of financial resources from the EU Growth Plan, close to 900 million euros, other damages include the delay of processes that would lead to membership in organizations or other initiatives, the delay of laws, damage to the trust of citizens, damage to the image of our state internationally", Osmani emphasized.

She expressed that there can be no talk of new elections without the parties agreeing on the constitution of the Assembly.

Krasniqi: We are in same situation, but we should see meeting as step forward (media)

Memli Krasniqi, leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) after the meeting with President Vjosa Osmani, said that the situation continues to be the same, without a solution, but that it should be seen as a step forward towards unblocking the impasse.

"It was a discussion within the positions you know. I asked the VV leader to change the candidate. To come up with a proposal that gains the parliamentary majority. I do not expect this change to happen. We are in the same situation. We must see this meeting as a step forward, and the involvement of the president to find a solution as an additional effort. I proposed for the president, in accordance with her responsibilities to guarantee the constitutional functioning of the institutions, at a moment when she deems it necessary, address the Constitutional Court, either with a question or by sending a case to the Constitutional Court for the entire electoral process. This crisis is not procedural, it is political. And there should be a political solution. But if this authoritarian approach continues, we will do our best to find a solution," Krasniqi said.

LDK leadership and Parliamentary Group issue statement after meeting at Presidency (Express)

The Democratic League of Kosovo announced that it considers it a political, moral and constitutional obligation to clearly present the vision and political position for overcoming the current crisis. The LDK says that the crisis “is a consequence of the inability of the first party to create a parliamentary majority, elect the president and constitute the Assembly”.

“The Democratic League of Kosovo assesses that the current situation cannot continue indefinitely. Any delay in building institutions, every day with a government in office that acts beyond its constitutional competences, up to serious criminal violations, is detrimental to the interests of citizens and seriously violates the constitutional and institutional order of the country”, the statement says.

In order to resolve the crisis, the Democratic League of Kosovo has proposed the creation of an inclusive transitional government, “with a clearly defined mandate and obligations”. "The LDK leadership assesses that the LDK proposal for resolving the crisis is the most appropriate and serves the country's interests."

Haradinaj: We will vote for a unifying person as Speaker of the Assembly (Koha)

Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) said after meeting with President Vjosa Osmani, that he presented the well-known position of the party he leads. “We have given our idea. We will vote for a unifying person as Speaker of the Assembly,” he said. Earlier, AAK has mentioned Saranda Bogujevci or Shqipe Selimi as “unifying candidates.”

Osmani meets with non-majority communities (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani hosted on Thursday a meeting with representatives of entities of all non-majority communities, within the framework of comprehensive consultations with the leaders of parliamentary entities.

As announced by the Presidency, during the meeting, she listened to the views of representatives of each community regarding the way forward to ensure the constitutional functioning of the Assembly. "The President reiterated that the protection of constitutional order and the functioning of institutions are key priorities in the interest of citizens and the stability of the country," the announcement states.

EU mission finds interference by Serbia in February 9 elections in Kosovo (media)

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Kosovo on Thursday published its final report on the 9 February 2025 parliamentary elections. Chief Observer Nathalie Loiseau, Member of the European Parliament, said: “Kosovo’s 2025 parliamentary elections were competitive, and held under a new legal framework designed to strengthen transparency and trust. However, the process also revealed significant organisational challenges, polarised political discourse, and areas where reforms are still needed.”

In its final report, the EU EOM highlights that while election day was generally well run and the campaign dynamic, the process suffered from insufficient preparation by the Central Election Commission, delays in result tabulation and politicisation of key institutions. The Independent Media Commission (IMC) failed to sanction media violations. While the media landscape remains diverse, it is deeply divided along ethnic lines, and only limited efforts were made to foster cross-community dialogue. Some private media showed signs of politicisation. Concerns also remain regarding the challenges faced by the public broadcaster.

Read the report here: https://tinyurl.com/mr3sshkc

Zubin Potok Water Plant under control of “Mitrovica” Water Supply Company (RTK)

Kosovo’s Acting Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli announced in a Facebook post that the Zubin Potok Water Plant will now be under the control of the “Mitrovica” Regional Water Supply Company. “Today, the illegal activity of parallel structures at the Zubin Potok Water Plant was stopped, at the request of the Public Enterprises Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Economy. This water plant is a critical asset for the safe supply of water to thousands of citizens of the Republic of Kosovo in the northern municipalities. Therefore, taking control of this asset is a matter of security, public health and the extension of institutional control,” she wrote.

She noted that from now on, the Mitrovica RWC will ensure that this vital system functions according to the legal and technical standards of Kosovo. “Water supply cannot be a tool of political pressure or external control. It is a basic right of our citizens, and the responsibility of our public institutions to ensure that it is implemented in a safe and equitable manner for all,” she wrote. She further thanked the Kosovo Police for their support and the Mitrovica RWC for their willingness to serve all the people of Kosovo without discrimination.

French Embassy: Kosovo is sending negative signals to partners (media)

The Embassy of France in Kosovo has reacted after the closure of several parallel offices in the north. The embassy's response states that "Kosovo is sending negative signals to its partners".

A few days ago, the Kosovo authorities closed a water supply that operated under the Serbian system, as well as a so-called Office for Sports and Youth.

"The repeated actions by the Kosovo authorities against Serbian structures in Kosovo that provide services to the Serbian community are worrying. The issue of these structures should be addressed within the framework of the dialogue facilitated by the EU. These actions send a negative signal to Kosovo's partners. France is carefully following the impact of these decisions on the daily lives of Serbs in Kosovo", reads the reaction of the French Embassy.

Remains of three persons missing in war found in Pristina (RTK)

Acting Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, confirmed on Thursday that after two days of intensive excavation and exhumation operations in an area of Pristina, forensic teams have located the remains of three persons missing during the war in Kosovo. She said that the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) participated in the sensitive operation, with the support of the War Crimes Investigation Department within the Kosovo Police and the Government Commission for Missing Persons.

According to Minister Haxhiu, the remains have been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for further forensic examinations, including DNA analysis, which will enable the accurate identification of the victims. She emphasized that this result would not have been possible without close and sustained cooperation between local and international institutions. “This is a significant step in the process of seeking truth and justice for the victims and their families. Our commitment to not stopping the search continues and will not stop until every missing person is identified,” Haxhiu said.

The Minister also appreciated the support of the International Red Cross, describing it as a key partner in coordinating data and analysis that have helped locate possible locations of mass graves.

Serbian Language Media

Mitrovica North municipality takes over Sports Hall (KoSSev, media)

With assistance of Kosovo police, officials of Mitrovica North municipality entered the Sports Hall located in the northern part of the city on Thursday, ordering workers, trainers, and children aged 6 to 8 waiting for their 3 PM practice to vacate the premises, KoSSev portal reported.

Personal belongings and sports equipment were promptly removed, and the locks on the hall’s doors were changed before the building was officially sealed.

The Hall’s manager, Goran Kovač, spoke to KoSSev outside the building after being asked to leave. He recounted that Serbian athletes’ photos, including those of tennis star Novak Djokovic, swimmer Milorad Čavić, and basketball player Aleksandar Đorđević, were taken down, while a portrait of local humanitarian Branko Đorđević was reportedly torn.

Kovač added that he questioned the manner of their arrival, noting that he had been present at the hall throughout the day and would have been open to discussions. According to him, officials initially insisted he speak in Albanian, which he refused, citing his right to use the Serbian language.

“They eventually backed down“, Kovač noted, adding that he was told the hall’s takeover was a municipal matter. He was assured that “everything would remain as it was“ and was asked to visit the municipality with the sports schedule and activities list the following morning. Kovač expressed scepticism, citing a similar situation with the local Waterworks, where employees were initially told operations would continue unchanged, only to be removed the next day.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/6Vz6m

Mitrovica North municipality takes over building of former City Museum (KoSSev, media)

In addition to the Sports Hall in this city, Mitrovica North municipality also took over yesterday the premises which used to host the City Museum, KoSSev portal reported. This premise was located in Ivo Lola Ribar Street. Municipal officials assisted by Kosovo police took over this premise and the lock on the entry door had been changed.

Previously Mitrovica North municipality, also assisted by police, took over the Sports Hall and facility hosting Youth, Sports and Specialized Services, Cultural Artistic Association Kosovski Bozur and Kosovo and Metohija Sports Association.

In addition to these facilities, functioning as part of the Serbian system, Ibar Vodovod water company in Mitrovica North and pumping station in Suvi Do village, as well as Regional Water Supply Company in Zubin Potok were taken over by Kosovo Regional Directorate from Mitrovica South, also assisted by Kosovo police.

Serbian List: Police raid on Sports Hall a brutal act against Serbian children (Kosovo Online, media)

The Serbian List condemned in the strongest terms Kosovo police raid on the Sports Hall in Mitrovica North, calling it “a brutal act directed against Serbian children and their right to a normal childhood, sports development, and social interaction”, Kosovo Online portal reported. Following the forced entry into the facility, Serbian List said “the Sports Hall, where hundreds of children and youth train daily, has now been turned into an arena for a political display of force”.

“Without any justification, armed police officers seized the sports facility, aiming to intimidate the youngest members of our community and disrupt the work of numerous sports organizations that have operated for years in accordance with the highest pedagogical and athletic standards”, the statement said. They stressed that “such actions represent a clear attempt at the violent Albanization of northern Kosovo, a systematic effort to expel the Serbian population, and to eliminate all forms of normal life”.

The party called on the international community, in particular EU, KFOR, UNMIK, and other relevant actors to act, as they said, without delay to prevent further escalation of violence.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of police forces from the Sports Hall and the unhindered continuation of training and sports activities. Silence from the international community in moments like this amounts to tacit approval of violence and direct responsibility for any consequences arising from such actions”, Serbian List added.

Serbian List met Ralan Hill from US Embassy, discussed latest situation in northern Kosovo (Kosovo Online, media)

The Serbian List delegation headed by Zlatan Elek met yesterday in Pristina with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States, Ralan Hill. During the meeting Serbian List representatives expressed concern over a series of unilateral actions by Albin Kurti’s regime which, as they pointed out to their interlocutor “aim to expelling the Serbian people from the area through institutional and ethnically motivated pressure”, Kosovo Online portal reported.

According to the Serbian List statement, the meeting particularly focused on the illegal takeover of the water supply company in North Mitrovica and Zubin Potok and the risks that such actions pose, including the potential for a humanitarian crisis. The Serbian List emphasized that the regional water system from South Mitrovica lacks the capacity, resources, and, most importantly, the trust of the Serbian population to manage the water supply - especially for critical institutions such as the Clinical Hospital Center, kindergartens, schools, faculties, and student dormitories.

The Serbian List representatives presented concrete proposals to overcome the current situation, which include, among other things, the immediate reinstatement of all employees to their positions in order to ensure safe access to water for all communities. They also proposed a compromise solution in the interest of the people, based on actual needs and professional expertise.

During the meeting, Hill reiterated the U.S. Embassy’s concern regarding the abrupt closure of institutions and the risk it poses to the provision of essential services in Kosovo. He emphasized that leaders from all sides and institutions must act responsibly and in accordance with the needs of all people.

SRSG Ziadeh concerned over ongoing actions to close Serbia-funded facilities in northern Kosovo (social media)

Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh expressed concern over ongoing actions to close Serbia-funded facilities in the north of Kosovo, including the Sports Centre in North Mitrovica which has long supported youth and sports development as well as the action vis-à-vis the Water Supply Companies in Mitrovica North and Zubin Potok due to their potential impact on the community’s well-being and livelihood.

The SRSG reiterates her call to avoid unilateral actions that further erode trust between communities and the Kosovo authorities or risk escalating tensions. She stresses the need to address all outstanding issues through the EU-facilitated Dialogue, UNMIK said in a post on X social platform.

Reactions to latest actions of Pristina authorities in northern Kosovo continue (media, social media)

The Italian Embassy in Pristina expressed concern over recent actions by Kosovo police in the north, warning that such operations risk escalating tensions. “While we recognize the challenges in relations with Belgrade, we believe that a constructive and inclusive approach based on dialogue remains essential. Progress in the normalization of relations with Belgrade is crucial for Kosovo’s EU path, which we fully support”, the Embassy said. It also warned that such actions could negatively affect the daily lives of Kosovo Serbs and other non-majority communities and risk heightening tensions.

French Ambassador in Pristina, Olivier Guerot expressed concerns over repeated actions of Pristina authorities against Serbia-run institutions in Kosovo, saying that such actions send a negative signal to Kosovo partners.

“The repeated actions of the authorities of Kosovo against Serbia-run structures in Kosovo that provide services to the Serbian community are a cause for concern. The issue of these structures should be addressed within the framework of the dialogue facilitated by the EU. These actions send a negative signal to Kosovo's partners. France is closely following the impact of these decisions on the daily lives of Kosovo Serbs”, Guerot wrote in a post on X social platform.

The UK Embassy in Pristina also expressed concern over sudden and uncoordinated actions of Kosovo police in Mitrovica North and Zubin Potok. The Embassy warned that such actions risk escalating tensions and progressively erode trust in the ability of Kosovo to ensure quality of everyday life for its residents.

"We call upon Kosovo institutions to deal with and resolve the disputed institutions through proactive and constructive proposals in the context of dialogue mediated by the EU", UK Embassy in Pristina said in response to Kosovo Online portal.

Petkovic: De-escalation must be priority topic in dialogue with Pristina (media)

Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic met yesterday Quint and EU representatives following the takeover of the Regional Waterworks facility in Zubin Potok.

“This is a major project of the Republic of Serbia, launched in 2013, which supplies potable water to the population in the north. With this violent intrusion into a Serbian institution, (Albin) Kurti continues his campaign of pressure against the Serbian people in the north of Kosovo, dismantling Serbian institutions”, Petkovic said. He added Kosovo police also entered local waterworks in North Mitrovica, where many workers are employed.

Petkovic said he conveyed a clear message to the Quint and EU Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret that Belgrade, committed to peace, stability, and dialogue, insists de-escalation be the top priority in the ongoing discussions with Pristina.