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UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, May 7, 2025

Albanian Language Media: 

  • Osmani congratulates new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (media)
  • Murati: Secret ballot in Bundestag, an example for resolving impasse (RTK)
  • Cakolli on VV's comparing secret ballot for German Chancellor with Albulena Haxhiu (Nacionale)
  • Barduani: KFOR not worried by institutional vacuum in Kosovo (RFE)
  • Largest war crimes trial in absentia set to begin in June (Koha)
  • Szalai: Kosovo government to propose plan to improve media freedom, not to question report (Koha)

Serbian Language Media:

  • Office for KiM, Serbian List condemned closure of Srbijasume enterprise branch in Leposavic (media)
  • Serbian Democracy launches “Neighborhood Watch” following harassment incident in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)
  • UNMIK Head Ziadeh welcomed new OSCE Head McGurk, discussed strengthening local institutions and communities (Kosovo Online, social media)
  • Kosovo Ministry of Health inspectors carried out inspection at Health House, operating in Serbian system, in Velika Hoca (Radio KIM)
  • EC approves disbursement of up to 7 pct of Growth Plan funds to Serbia (media)
  • Putin, Vucic to discuss bilateral cooperation, Western Balkans situation on May 9 (Tanjug)
  • Vucic congratulates Merz (Tanjug)
  • Dacic receives Kazakh Ambassador, thanked him for support on Kosovo issue (media)
  • Students complete 10-day humanitarian march to Zvecan in support of Serbian children in Kosovo (KoSSev, Radio KIM, media)
  • Students and high schoolers march to Loznica for May 9 protest (N1)

International Media:

  • Kosovo’s LDK snubs Kurti’s coalition government offer (Balkan Insight)
  • Student protesters demand snap elections to counter corruption in Serbia (Balkan Insight)

 

 

Albanian Language Media 

MPs meet today for the 12th time in an attempt to constitute the Assembly (media)
Today, Kosovo Assembly MPs will meet for the 12th time in a row in an attempt to constitute the Assembly of Kosovo. This session, which takes place 48 hours after the previous one, will be held from 10:00 hours. Monday's session was interrupted after the committee for a secret ballot for Albulena Haxhiu as speaker of parliament did not pass.
LDK rejects LVV invitation for coalition, seeks transitional government (media)
Most of the media reported that the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, has rejected the request of Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, for a coalition. The Democratic League drafted its response to Kurti's invitation for a political agreement, at a meeting of the leadership, from which it came up with the idea of ​​forming a unifying government until the election of the president. According to the LDK proposal, all Albanian parties in the Assembly should participate in the transitional government. "Today the country is in a deep institutional crisis. And the LDK considers the solution to this blockade to be necessary. We propose the launch of a new political process. In accordance with this, the LDK proposes the launch of this process, initially consultative with all parliamentary political parties, with the aim of forming a national transitional government", Abdixhiku said.
Abdixhiku added that for the unified government he is ready to sit at the table with Kurti. "As the chairman of the LDK, I am ready to meet with all Albanian political parties, to assist in this process and I invite Mr. Kurti, as I also invite other political leaders, as I have informed them about this initiative, to a regular meeting whenever they see fit", he emphasized.

"The National Transitional Government, formed by all Albanian parties and, in accordance with constitutional provisions, also by representatives of parties from non-majority communities, will have a set deadline (until the process of electing a new President), clear political and executive goals, an agreed executive program and agenda, as well as a representative and unifying prime minister and cabinet," the letter sent to Kurti states.

Krasniqi: We will discuss the LDK proposal tomorrow at leadership meeting (Klan)
The news website reported that the leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Memli Krasniqi, in an exclusive response to klankosova.tv, said that they will discuss the LDK proposal on Wednesday. "Our positions regarding the created situation are clear and consistent. We have repeatedly emphasized that the country cannot remain hostage to narrow political interests and that the institutional blockade is a direct consequence of the irresponsible and imposing approach of the Vetevendosje Movement, which is insisting at all costs to keep the country in crisis. Regarding the LDK proposal, I am already informed. However, we make important decisions in the party bodies, so tomorrow, at the regular meeting of the leadership, we will discuss all political developments and further steps," Krasniqi was quoted as saying.

 

Osmani congratulates new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (media)

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has congratulated the new Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, on taking office and on the beginning of the mandate of the new German government. In a post on the 'X' platform, Osmani stressed that for Kosovo, Germany is one of the most important allies and expressed the readiness to further strengthen the partnership and cooperation. "On behalf of the people of Kosovo, I congratulate Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as he takes office and the new German Government begins its mandate. At this defining moment for the unity and security of Europe, Germany's continued leadership is more vital than ever. As one of Kosovo's most important allies, we look forward to strengthening our partnership and working together to advance Kosovo's right path towards EU and NATO membership," Osmani wrote.

Murati: Secret ballot in Bundestag, an example for resolving impasse (RTK)

Acting Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati, has reacted after the election of Friedrich Merz as Chancellor of Germany through a secret ballot in the Bundestag, describing this as a democratic form that expresses the free will of the MPs. “With a secret ballot, the German Bundestag just voted for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Secret ballot is a democratic form for expressing the free will of the MPs, and would enable the resolution of the impasse for the constitution of the Assembly in our country as well,” Murati wrote.

He criticized the opposition in Kosovo for blocking the process of constituting the Assembly, saying that this blockade is “beyond any reason”. In his reaction, Murati also praised the political behavior in Germany. "The behavior of German parties is exemplary, in that, although the vote for Chancellor failed to produce results the first time, no one made the topic of changing the candidate and no one called for a transitional government," he emphasized.

Cakolli on VV's comparing secret ballot for German Chancellor with Albulena Haxhiu (Nacionale)

Eugen Cakolli from the Democratic Institute of Kosovo has reacted after Vetevendosje officials compared the vote of the German Chancellor with that of Albulena Haxhiu. In a post on Facebook, Cakolli said that in Germany the secret ballot for the Chancellor is the rule, not a "quick fix".

He stressed that the Vetevendosje Movement is trying to change the open ballot, just because the votes for Albulena Haxhiu are missing. "Therefore, comparing the current situation in the Kosovo Assembly with the secret ballot for Chancellor Merz in Germany, does not hold up! Germany should be taken as a comparative example, only for reaching a political agreement or campaign discourse" - he wrote.

Barduani: KFOR not worried by institutional vacuum in Kosovo (RFE)

The commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping mission in Kosovo - KFOR, Major General Enrico Barduani, has stated that, despite the ongoing political blockade in Kosovo, KFOR is not worried about any immediate threat to security and remains fully prepared to face any attempt at destabilization.

In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Barduani stressed that election periods can create space for external actors with bad intentions, but that KFOR sees the current situation in Kosovo as part of normal democratic processes. “KFOR is not worried,” he said. “We are well equipped and positioned to face any potential security threat.”

Largest war crimes trial in absentia set to begin in June (Koha)

The news website reports that the largest war crimes trial in absentia is set to begin on June 16. There are 53 defendants, including generals of the Yugoslav army, whom the Special Prosecution holds responsible for the Meja massacre, in which 370 Albanian civilians were killed.

The Basic Court has planned to begin the initial trial in absentia for 53 defendants for the Meja massacre on June 16. The details of the trial in absentia were announced in the invitation published with the indictment on the website of the Special Prosecution.

Szalai: Kosovo government to propose plan to improve media freedom, not to question report (Koha)

The Head of the EU-Balkan Office at Reporters Without Borders, Pavol Szalai, said he was surprised that in Kosovo there were more discussions about the credibility and methodology of the report than about the problems faced by journalists in Kosovo.

“Instead of questioning the methodology of the index, I expect the government to propose a plan to improve media freedom. I absolutely support the idea of ​​the Kosovo Journalists Association to create a working group to make progress in media freedom, which is not only important for journalists and citizens of Kosovo, but also for EU integration,” Szalai told KTV. 

Serbian Language Media

Office for KiM, Serbian List condemned closure of Srbijasume enterprise branch in Leposavic (media)
The Office for Kosovo and Metohija issued a statement following the raid of Kosovo police and Forest Agency from Pristina on the premises of the Ibar Forest management unit in Leposavic, part of the public enterprise Srbijasume. The Office condemned the action as yet another instance of “illegal seizure of Serbian property in Kosovo and Metohija”, aimed at escalating political tensions, Kosovo Online portal reported.
It further noted that no employees were present inside the building at the time of what was described as a “criminal and unlawful raid”. According to eyewitnesses, the operation was carried out with a significant police presence, causing alarm among the local Serbian population - particularly since it occurred on Djurdjevdan (St. George’s Day), an important religious holiday, the statement added. “This is yet another in a series of violent and unilateral acts by Pristina, continuing its illegal seizure of Serbian property in Kosovo and Metohija. It is clearly intended to stoke political tensions and to serve as a diversion for Albin Kurti’s ongoing political failures”, the Office for KiM said.
Serbian List strongly condemned the closure and said this action constitutes a gross violation of a number of agreements, including those reached within the framework of the Brussels Dialogue, and places the livelihoods of more than 80 employees and their families at risk. “The attack on Srbijasume is an attempt to destabilize the economic security of the Serbian people in the municipality of Leposavic and sends a clear signal of Pristina’s intent to forcibly eliminate the presence of the Republic of Serbia on the ground”, the Serbian List said.
They further added that such actions represent a direct blow not only to Serbian institutions but also to the fundamental human and social rights of the employees. Serbian List called on international actors, particularly the Quint embassies, the European Union, KFOR, and EULEX, to respond urgently and prevent further unilateral and violent actions, which they claim are aimed at altering the reality on the ground to the detriment of the Serbian people.
Serbian Democracy launches “Neighborhood Watch” following harassment incident in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)
In response to a recent street harassment incident Serbian Democracy party has announced the launch of a new community initiative aimed at boosting local safety. The party says it will begin forming “Neighborhood Watch” groups throughout North Mitrovica to help protect residents and deter inappropriate or threatening behaviour, KoSSev portal reported.
The move comes after an incident on May 3, when men in two vehicles made sexist remarks toward young women walking in the city, the party said, claiming that police failed to respond to the incident. “We are witnessing a growing number of assaults, harassment, and the presence of sexual predators in our town. We can no longer remain silent - it’s time to organize”, the party said in a statement.
Serbian Democracy is calling on all people - regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender - to join the initiative. The envisioned “Neighborhood Watch” system would operate as a grassroots network of residents ready to act when community safety is at risk. Plans include forming street and neighbourhood-based teams, scheduling patrol shifts, sharing contact details, and conducting training sessions to help residents recognize and report potential threats.
Read more at: https://shorturl.at/9YOVm
UNMIK Head Ziadeh welcomed new OSCE Head McGurk, discussed strengthening local institutions and communities (Kosovo Online, social media)
Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh welcomed yesterday the new Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Gerard McGurk and discussed with him support to the dialogue and strengthening of local institutions and communities, Kosovo Online portal reported.
“SRSG Ziadeh welcomed today Ambassador Gerard McGurk, the new head of @OSCEKosovo. They discussed current affairs in #Kosovo, cooperation, strengthening local institutions and communities, and support for the EU-facilitated #Dialogue”, UNMIK said in a post on X social platform on Tuesday.

Kosovo Ministry of Health inspectors carried out inspection at Health House, operating in Serbian system, in Velika Hoca (Radio KIM)

Kosovo Ministry of Health representatives carried out control at the Health House in Velika Hoca, operating within the Serbian system, director of this institution, Bojan Pavlovic confirmed to Radio KIM.

Pavlovic said two women inspectors from Kosovo Health Ministry checked the medications and excise markings on them, asked for the list of employees and at the same time enquired “if this institution has licence to operate”. He also said they checked the vehicles used by this Health House.

Radio KIM recalled this is the first time that Kosovo Ministry of Health inspects a health institution operating within the Serbian system in Kosovo. 

EC approves disbursement of up to 7 pct of Growth Plan funds to Serbia (media)
A European Commission (EC) spokesman said on Tuesday the EC had approved the disbursement of up to 7 pct of EU Growth Plan funds to Serbia and that the disbursement was due to take place in 2025.
In a statement to Tanjug, he said the EC was now finalising procedural steps to enable the soonest possible release of pre-financing funds this year. He noted that, in July 2024, Serbia had submitted reform programmes covering fundamental and socioeconomic reforms and that the EC had concluded they were in line with objectives and requirements.
Kovac: Pristina’s CoE membership bid not on agenda (Tanjug)
Serbian Deputy Parliament Speaker Elvira Kovac, who also heads the parliamentary committee on European integration, said on Tuesday that Pristina’s Council of Europe membership bid was not on the agenda of a May 13-14 CoE Committee of Ministers session in Luxembourg, Tanjug news agency reported.
"The so-called Kosovo application for membership is not on the agenda this time, and will not be on it. So, we should be in for no surprise, because the Quint officially said a few days ago this is no time for the so-called Kosovo Council of Europe membership. On one hand, they (Pristina) have delivered on almost nothing of what they should have delivered on, and on the other hand, it is clear that, even after 11 attempts, they have not succeeded in forming a parliament, with no government in sight either", Kovac told Tanjug in a statement.
Asked if there was a possibility of this changing, Kovac said Pristina "can always try" but she was quite certain the application would not be included in the agenda. She said Serbia was seizing all opportunities to speak with many CoE member states and point out, on every occasion, the violation of the rights of Serbs in Kosovo, as well as that a Community of Serb Municipalities - the foundation of any discussions about Pristina's potential CoE membership - had still not been formed and this condition had not been met.

Putin, Vucic to discuss bilateral cooperation, Western Balkans situation on May 9 (Tanjug)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss a series of bilateral matters and the situation in the Western Balkans with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on May 9, Putin's aide Yury Ushakov announced on Tuesday.

Ushakov noted that strategic cooperation between Russia and Serbia was mutually beneficial, Interfax reported. Ushakov said that, besides discussions on bilateral matters, views would also be exchanged on the state of affairs in the Western Balkans.

Vucic congratulates Merz (Tanjug)
 
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday congratulated Friedrich Merz on taking office as Germany's new chancellor and noted he believed Serbia-Germany cooperation would continue to deepen, Tanjug news agency reported.
 
"I am confident that your rich political experience and commitment to democratic values will contribute to further prosperity of Germany and stability on the European continent. I believe that the cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Federal Republic of Germany will continue to deepen bilaterally as well as within the framework of European integration and joint regional initiatives, with the joint objective of preserving peace, strengthening prosperity and building a more secure and better future for all our citizens", Vucic wrote on X in a congratulatory message to Merz.
 
Dacic receives Kazakh Ambassador, thanked him for support on Kosovo issue (media)
 
Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic met with Kazakh Ambassador to Serbia Madi Atamkulov on Tuesday and noted that Belgrade appreciated Kazakhstan's consistent and principled position of respect for Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Tanjug news agency reported. At the Palace of Serbia meeting, Dacic and Atamkulov discussed topics including bilateral cooperation in interior affairs, the Serbian Interior Ministry said in a statement.
 
"The Republic of Kazakhstan is our most significant partner in the Central Asian region," Dacic said, noting that, like Serbia, Kazakhstan was "striving for preservation of values and principles based on building peace and international security". "Serbia appreciates Kazakhstan's consistent and principled position of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia", Dacic said.
 
The parties agreed that, in the coming period, the two countries needed to work on further advancement of cooperation in interior affairs as well as in overall bilateral relations. They also discussed an upcoming fourth session of an inter-governmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, due to take place in Kazakhstan this year.

Students complete 10-day humanitarian march to Zvecan in support of Serbian children in Kosovo (KoSSev, Radio KIM, media)

After a ten-day, 300-kilometer trek from Belgrade, three Serbian university students arrived Tuesday in Zvecan, northern Kosovo, completing a symbolic humanitarian march to show solidarity with children living south of the Ibar River, KoSSev portal reported.

The marchers, Filip Bogićević (Vrnjačka Banja), Novak Đurić (Vranje), and Nikola Jovanović (Borča) are political science students who departed from the Rakovica Monastery on April 27. Organized in cooperation with the humanitarian association Kosovsko Pomoravlje, their journey aimed to raise awareness and support for educational and sports programs for Serbian children in Kosovo.

“We want the children here to know someone is thinking about them - that they are not alone”, said Đurić upon arrival. “Even if we haven’t experienced their struggles firsthand, we can’t be blind to them”,he added. 

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/Tf2Hp

Students and high schoolers march to Loznica for May 9 protest (N1)

Serbian students and high schoolers began a multi-day march to Loznica, a city in western Serbia, to participate in a protest scheduled for Friday, May 9, N1 reported. Students from Belgrade embarked on their journey on Monday. The group spent their first night in Belgrade’s Obrenovac municipality and plans to arrive in Loznica by Thursday evening.

On Tuesday morning, approximately 200 students from the University of Novi Sad set out from their campus for a 120-kilometer, three-day trek to Loznica. They were joined by about 50 high school students. The group plans to spend Tuesday night in Ruma and Wednesday night in Bogatic, where they would meet with the Belgrade contingent. Dimitrije Miljkovic, a student from Novi Sad, told N1 that none of them want to leave Serbia. “We believe this can be the right country for us”, he said.

The protest in Loznica is set to begin at 11 am on Friday, May 9, and last 12 hours.

International 

Kosovo’s LDK snubs Kurti’s coalition government offer (Balkan Insight)

LDK’s leader Lumir Abdixhiku refused Vetevendosje’s Albin Kurti offer for a coalition agreement and tabled a counter-offer for the creation of a transitional cabinet which would run the country until the election of a new president next year.

The Democratic League of Kosovo, LDK on Tuesday refused an offer from the Vetevendosje party’s Albin Kurti to form a coalition government in a move that could see the political stalemate that has continued since parliamentary elections in Kosovo go on indefinitely.

“Due to lack of trust, bearing in mind the four-year stagnation of the country… the LDK has assessed cooperation with the Vetevendosje Movement and Albin Kurti as impossible,” the LDK’s leader Lumir Abdixhiku told media from his party HQ, a day after he received the invitation from Kurti.

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

Student protesters demand snap elections to counter corruption in Serbia (Balkan Insight)

Serbian students called for snap elections after accusing the government of continuing to ignore public concerns over the Novi Sad rail station tragedy - but the idea was flatly rejected by ruling party leader Milos Vucevic.

Students who have been protesting for months in Serbia have added snap parliamentary elections to their demands, claiming that the current administration is too tainted by corruption to function properly.

“We demand the immediate dissolution of the National Assembly and the calling of extraordinary parliamentary elections,” Student Blockades (Studenti u Blokadi), an unofficial umbrella protest group for students in Serbia, said on social media.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/p4xfk