Albanian Language Media:

• COMKFOR meets Osmani, talks about importance of communication and coordination (media)

• Osmani: Investigation of war crimes, important to document truth (Reporteri)

• Lajcak meets Barbano in Brussels, “appreciate our excellent cooperation” (media)

• Kurti talks with Qatar Charity representatives about new investments in Kosovo (media)

• Finnish Ambassador: Careful with the discourse during election campaign (media)

• PDK committed to empowering women in politics and decision-making posts (media)

• Discussion in Pristina on Russia’s influence on Kosovo’s security (RFE)

• One month detention for person who stabbed four people in Ferizaj (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucevic: News of further resignations due by end of week (Tanjug, media)

• Djuric: Washington Agreement undermined only by Albin Kurti (RTV, Kosovo Online)

• Brnabic: Italy's stance is that Serbia should join EU even before 2030 (Tanjug, RTS, Danas)

• Petkovic: School Principal from Gojbulja detained at Jarinje, then released; KP confirmed: "Seals of parallel structures in Serbian" (Kosovo Online, KoSSev)

• The Court of Appeal confirmed the acquittal in the case of Zlatan Arsic (KiM radio, KoSSev, Kosovo Online)

• KBS takes over the airport near Podujevo: What can be seen from Dumosh? (Kosovo Online)

Opinion: 

• Ursula von der Leyen, Miss Universe of the European Union (newsocialinitiative.org)

 

Albanian Language Media 

COMKFOR meets Osmani, talks about importance of communication and coordination (media)

 

The Commander of the NATO Mission in Kosovo, KFOR, Enrico Barduani, met on Wednesday the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani. According to a press release issued by KFOR during the meeting, Barduani underlined the "importance of regular communication and coordination" for the benefit of stable security in Kosovo and the region.

 

"They exchanged opinions on the current situation and the cooperation between KFOR and the institutions in Kosovo. Major General Barduani reiterated KFOR's unwavering commitment to a peaceful and stable Kosovo," the communiqué reads.

 

Barduani also emphasised the close cooperation between KFOR and the EU Office in Kosovo, “here the support for the EU-facilitated dialogue for the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is included", the communiqué states.

 

Osmani: Investigation of war crimes, important to document truth (Reporteri)

 

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, has met on Wednesday with the executive director of the Institute for War Crimes, Atdhe Hetemi. According to the announcement of the Presidency, Osmani said in this meeting that the investigation of crimes committed during wartime, respectively war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, torture and other crimes, is extremely important to be documented and archived to ensure that the truth is protected for the purpose of justice, as well as being preserved and at the service of future generations.

 

"The work of the Institute is a commitment of historical importance for us as a nation and as a state", she stressed, underlining the necessity of close cooperation between the Institute and local and international institutions.

 

Lajcak meets Barbano in Brussels, “appreciate our excellent cooperation” (media)

 

EU Special Representative for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak, said in a post on X that he welcomed the head of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) Giovanni Pietro Barbano in Brussels. “We had a very useful discussion on the important work of 

EULEX and spoke about the latest developments on the ground. I appreciate our excellent cooperation,” Lajcak said.

 

Kurti talks with Qatar Charity representatives about new investments in Kosovo (media)

 

Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, welcomed representatives from the Qatar Charity organisation.

The delegation was headed by the Executive Director, Yousuf Al Kuwari and the ambassador of the State of Qatar in Albania and the non-resident ambassador for Kosovo, Jabor Ali Hussein Al Dosari. "They discussed concrete opportunities for investment, with special emphasis on health services. The representatives of the Qatar Charity organisation expressed their willingness to continue cooperation and concretize projects of mutual importance", the government announcement states.

 

During this meeting, the common goal of deepening economic cooperation was emphasised, highlighting the great potential that Kosovo offers in many fields, such as information technology, energy, mines and underground assets of Kosovo.

 

Finnish Ambassador: Careful with the discourse during election campaign (media)

 

The Finnish ambassador to Kosovo, Matti Nissinen has advised political leaders not to echo false narratives, during the election campaign. According to him, Kosovo should create a very informed electorate and have a democratic process.He made these comments in the framework of the conference "The influence of foreign actors on national security" organised by the Kosovo Center for Security Studies (KKSS), in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) office. 

 

"In order to face these risks, Kosovo must expand its means to combat these information, increasing the mechanisms and improving the mechanisms of facts and corroboration... Public figures should take into account the slightly wider impact of their statements.

 

Influential figures including politicians and other persons and prominent personalities should certainly be careful not to echo these false narratives because this is how high profile people can spread even more these news. And we must create monitoring systems to quickly detect and reveal these false information and in this way Kosovo must create a very informed electorate and have a democratic process", he said.

 

The Finnish ambassador said that the European Union will continue to support the constructive efforts of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue to ease tensions between the two countries and promote peaceful coexistence.

 

PDK committed to empowering women in politics and decision-making posts (media)

 

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi met on Wednesday with the head of the National Democratic Institute in Kosovo, Nancy Soderberg, and with Laura Nichols, expert for political parties and empowerment of women in politics and discussed the PDK strategy for gender equality with a focus on the next general elections scheduled for February next year. Krasniqi said he reiterated the PDK’s commitment and engagement to empower women in politics and in senior and decision-making positions. “This objective is reflected in the program of our candidate for Prime Minister, Bedri Hamza, and will be reflected in the PDK’s candidate list for MPs,” he said.

  

Discussion in Pristina on Russia’s influence on Kosovo’s security (RFE)

 

The news website reported on Wednesday on a conference held in Pristina about the influence of foreign actors on Kosovo’s security. Jeta Loshaj from the Kosovo Center for Security Studies argued that Russia is using different methods to exert and maintain its influence in the countries of the Western Balkans, including political, economic, religious and cultural methods. She also said that disinformation used by Russia to control different situations is also present in Kosovo, although Moscow does not have diplomatic, political or economic relations with Pristina.

 

The news website notes that Russia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence but it has had a liaison office in Pristina since 2005. The activities of the office are however not known to the public.

 

The conference, organised by the Kosovo Center for Security Studies and the German organisation Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, discussed the dynamics of security in Kosovo and foreign influence, especially that by Russia.

 

Loshaj made two proposals to combat the Russian narrative: for Kosovo, in cooperation with its partners, to collect information on how to diminish Russian influence and to establish deeper cooperation in the area of intelligence and security initiatives to make the necessary changes and to diminish the threat of efforts for instability in the Balkans. She further argued that an analysis by the Kosovo Center for Security Studies showed that Russia was informed about the attack in Banjska in the north of Kosovo in September last year.

 

Lulzim Peci, director of the Kosovo Institute for Policy Research and Development, said in his address that in the previous period Russia managed to block partly but not fully new recognitions of Kosovo. He said that Kosovo has the capacity and skills to combat the Russian narrative and propaganda, but that more active engagement is needed in this respect. 

 

Hajdi Xhixha, expert on Russia’s policy toward the Western Balkans, suggested that Kosovo needs to strengthen its economic and political partnership with allies and countries in the region and develop a common strategy to minimise Russia’s influence. She also said that one needs to see how the new U.S. administration will position itself vis-à-vis Russia after Trump’s victory in the elections. “We will see how this is reflected in developments in Ukraine and in the Balkans,” she said, adding that there could be changes in the U.S. foreign policy. “We still don’t know this but we need to be prepared”.

 

One month detention for person who stabbed four people in Ferizaj (media)

 

All news websites reported on Wednesday that the Basic Court in Ferizaj approved the prosecution’s request to order a one-month detention for a person who stabbed four people in Ferizaj on Monday. The court said that there is reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally stabbed four people because of their ethnic background. Most media reported that the victims are members of the Ashkali community. 

 

Serbian Language Media 

Vucevic: News of further resignations due by end of week (Tanjug, media)

Serbian PM Milos Vucevic said on Wednesday news of further resignations in the wake of a tragic accident in Novi Sad were due by the end of this week and called on prosecutors to report on progress made in the investigation.

On November 1, an overhang collapse at the city's railway station killed 14 people, severely injuring three others.

"I think we could have more news about that by the end of the week. This is not about a race against time or meeting some kind of norm. That said, we are, of course, talking about short time frames. Decisions about this are to be made level-headedly and cannot be governed by emotions, which are definitely present," Vucevic told reporters in Cajetina, western Serbia.

"Making such decisions is not about going through the motions in a technical manner, but about deciding about objective political responsibility," he said.

"Someone is certainly guilty. Someone will have to be held criminally responsible. The prosecutor's office will not have an easy job to do. The prosecutor's office must report on the progress. I think 36 people have undergone hearings. On Friday, it will be two weeks since the accident. We will discuss political responsibility, which is not subjective, in the days to come," Vucevic said.

Djuric: Washington Agreement undermined only by Albin Kurti (RTV, Kosovo Online)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that the Washington Agreement, since its signing four years ago, has only been undermined by Albin Kurti's regime. For this reason, he does not believe Kurti will be ready to constructively engage in implementing the agreement.

"The Washington Agreement has only been undermined by Albin Kurti's regime. As far as we are concerned, agreements on economic development, improving transportation links, and creating opportunities for youth—which were the core focuses of the agreement—enjoy our support. However, I honestly do not believe Kurti will approach this constructively," Djuric said in an interview with RTV when asked if the Washington Agreement could be revived following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. elections.

The minister noted that illusions should not be harbored, as there is a significant consensus in the US regarding Kosovo's status, fundamentally different from Serbia's position.

"I am grateful to Donald Trump's administration and Richard Grenell for their willingness to hear and consider Serbian interests. Our hope is that they will remain willing to listen to the Serbian side now," Djuric stated.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/mv895t6t

Brnabic: Italy's stance is that Serbia should join EU even before 2030 (Tanjug, RTS, Danas)

Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said on Wednesday in Rome Italy, alongside Hungary, was the greatest advocate of Serbia's EU integration and that it directly and proactively urged EU member states to open Cluster 3 in the accession talks with Serbia.

"Italy's stance is that Serbia should join the EU even before 2030. I do not think that is realistic because I think there are member states that are skeptical, but I think it is important for people to know that is Italy's stance," Brnabic told reporters after a visit to Rome.

She added that Italy communicated its position in a clear and unequivocal manner in all EU forums and at all levels in the EU itself, be it in the European Parliament or the European Commission.

Brnabic said, among other things,  that Italy was a great and committed friend and that the friendship between the two countries was growing stronger every day.

Petkovic: School Principal from Gojbulja detained at Jarinje, released; KP confirmed: "Seals of parallel structures in Serbian" (Kosovo Online, KoSSev)

The Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petkovic, announced that the principal of the elementary school in Gojbulja was detained at the Jarinje crossing due to possession of stamps from the school, which operates within Serbia’s system. The stamps were confiscated, and the principal was released after questioning, Petkovic stated.

He pointed out that the EU, as well as the Quint countries, were informed about this case, which he said, "directly violates the agreement". "An attack on Serbian schools would be the end of everything," Petkovic said in a post on X.

KP confirmed: "He had stamps of parallel institutions in Serbian"

The deputy commander of the KP of the North region, Veton Elshani confirmed last to KoSSev that a person with the initials V. M, who introduced himself as the director of the school in Gojbulja, was taken into custody for questioning. However, he claims that it happened in Brnjak, not Jarinje. Elshani told the portal that V. M. went on foot to the crossing in order to enter central Serbia, and that he had a bag with him.

"Around 2:00 p.m., at Brnjak, the police verified V. M, (1980) and he had two seals of parallel structures in the Serbian language in his bag that read Elementary School "21. November" Vucitrn", Elshani said. 

He specified that this person was stopped by the border police, who also opened a case. V. M. was released after questioning, and the police, it is confirmed, confiscated the stamps. Elshani was not sure what exactly this person was charged with, repeating that the North region has nothing to do with this case, but the border police. However, he confirmed that the case will be taken over by the Economic Crime Unit of the KP in South Mitrovica.

The portal contacted the Central Directorate of the KP in Pristina, asking them for more details about the case, but also to announce why they took away the seals. According to KoSSev, no response was received until the publication of the article.

The Court of Appeal confirmed the acquittal in the case of Zlatan Arsic (KiM radio, KoSSev, Kosovo Online)

The Court of Appeal delivered yesterday a decision to the defense of Zlatan Arsic from Kamenica confirming the first-instance verdict acquitting Arsic of all war crime charges, it was confirmed by his defense attorney Vasilije Arsic, reported KiM radio. 

Zlatan Arsic was acquitted of war crimes committed in 1999 on February 5 this year, but the prosecutor filed an appeal against this decision. However, today the Appellate Court confirmed that Zlatan Arsic is definitely free.

The Basic Court in Pristina delivered an acquittal in February after coming to the conclusion that there was no evidence that Zlatan Arsic mistreated the injured B.M., that he was part of paramilitary units, that he burned houses, or that he expelled Albanians, for which he was accused by the Special Prosecutor's Office in Kosovo.

Zlatan Arsic was released after 11 months spent in custody in Podujevo.

KBS takes over the airport near Podujevo: What can be seen from Dumosh? (Kosovo Online)

The Ministry of Defense and the Kosovo Security Force (KBS) officially took over the property of the former Dumosh Airport near Podujevo last week. Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci stated that this is a "strategic point" that will enhance Kosovo's defense and security. Security experts interpret this as a significant move: KBS is establishing its first garrison just about 10 kilometers from the administrative line, reported Kosovo Online in English.

"The deployment of Kosovo Security Force (KBS) troops on the grounds of the Dumosh Airport in Podujevo represents a major step forward for regional security and stability. This initiative bolsters the presence of KBS in the Lab and Gollak regions, providing additional safety for residents and better, faster support for emergency response and civilian operations," Maqedonci said.

The future garrison near Merdare is located in the village of Dumosh (Batlava) and near the Dumosh Lake. Built during Yugoslavia's time, the facility was initially designed as a sports airfield for the Pristina Aero Club. It included a small tower, hangar, and a grass runway 1.5 kilometers long.

Although not corroborated by other sources, Wikipedia notes that as early as 1936, this location served as an airport connecting Belgrade-Podujevo and Skopje with the first Yugoslav twin-engine aircraft, the "Aeroput MMS-3."

During the 1999 conflict, the airport was repeatedly bombed but spared further targeting when NATO forces realized they were destroying decoys rather than actual Yugoslav Air Force assets or armoured vehicles.

Initially under KFOR ownership, the Dumosh site was later transferred to EULEX and used as a training center for the EU's civilian mission.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/mr44vmb3

Opinion 

 

Ursula von der Leyen, Miss Universe of the European Union (newsocialinitiative.org)

OpEd by Dragisa Mijacic

Merely hours apart from the torture Miloš Subotić experienced in the police station in North Mitrovica, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, praised the achievements of the Government of Kosovo in the democracy development and the rule of law. The contradiction between the democracy lauded by President von der Leyen and the one the Kosovo Serbs live in, succinctly illustrates the dichotomy between geopolitical actions made by the European Commission and the basic values underpinning the European Union.

Perhaps Ursula deems that Serbs are not entitled to enjoy the fruits of the Kosovo-style democracy?! Surely, the Serbs neither voted for Kosovo’s independence nor consented to enforced integration under the conditions imposed by Priština, making it an easy excuse to argue they have no right to enjoy the universality of the protection of human rights and democracy. What they are allowed is to be unwelcome aliens in their own homes to which they no longer hold ownership right, to be paid for (not) working at jobs that have in the meantime been terminated, and to put up with any form of institutional, legal and sometimes even physical maltreatment by those same democratic institutions of the Government of Kosovo that Ms. Von der Leyen beamingly and profusely praises.

The case of Miloš Subotić being beaten up is not an isolated instance of police brutality against members of the Serbian community in the north of Kosovo. Such a pattern in the attitude of the Kosovo Police particularly intensified during the rule of Albin Kurti, and the brutality exerted by those expected to enforce the law has not spared children and youth. In June of last year, members of the Kosovo Police stopped brother (15) and sister (17) on a local road above the village of Žerovnica and inflicted serious injuries on both siblings. In April of this year, the Kosovo Police brutally beat Vladan Stevanović in the village of Bube above Zubin Potok. A year earlier, in April 2023, Kosovo Police wounded Milan Jovanović on the Bistrički Bridge. In September of this year, four Serbian youngsters were firstly arrested at the feet of the Duke Lazar Monument and thereafter beaten up in the Police station “North”. The above are only a few of many examples of excessive use of police powers that the public is aware of. There are many more other incidents in real life, which remain etched in the privacy of people who have suffered them and spur permanent disgruntlement and frustration that goes on simmering not only in them but also in their families and the general Serbian community.

Read more at:https://tinyurl.com/bdhkcp4v