Albanian Language Media: 

• Osmani reaffirms Kosovo’s readiness to defend peace in meeting with Rutte (media)
• Kurti: Non-functioning of Assembly ‘waste of time and harmful to Kosovo’ (media)
• Maqedonci to senior NATO official: Our goal is North Atlantic Alliance (media)
• Osmani to Frostadottir: Iceland’s support valuable for Kosovo’s EU path (media)
• Osmani seeks Netherland’s support for lifting EU measures (media)
• Svecla meets delegation from Iowa police, discusses cooperation (media)
• KFOR welcomes new Commander (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic meets NATO SG, discusses role of Serbia in preserving peace and stability (media, social media) 
• Djuric condemns removal of Cyrillic inscription in Mitrovica North (media)
• “Mitrovica” sign unveiled: From red to green heart, Cyrillic swapped for Latin, name absent from Kosovo legal framework (KoSSev, media)
• Ugljanin: Removal of sign in Mitrovica North part of pre-election campaign by executive (Kosovo Online)
• CI North for All says its president Ivan Miletic apprehended and fined by Kosovo police for ‘honking the horn’ in vicinity of sign installation (Radio kontakt plus, Radio KIM)
• Gasic, Munsch discuss significance of continued Serbia-NATO cooperation (media)
• NIS preparing amended request for another delay of US sanctions (Tanjug)
• Serbian MFA providing consular protection to Serbian crew member of Sumud flotilla (Tanjug)

International Media:

• What the looming verdict in Thaçi war crimes trial could mean for Kosovo, the Balkans, and beyond (Atlantic Council)

Albanian Language Media

Osmani reaffirms Kosovo’s readiness to defend peace in meeting with Rutte (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, during her participation at the European Political Community Leaders’ Summit in Copenhagen, met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Osmani said the meeting was an excellent opportunity to reaffirm Kosovo’s readiness for regular coordination in the defense of peace and security in Kosovo and the entire Western Balkans. She also emphasized NATO’s crucial role in ensuring regional stability, as well as Kosovo’s commitment to being a reliable partner in addressing shared challenges.

Kurti: Non-functioning of Assembly ‘waste of time and harmful to Kosovo’ (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, considers the current non-functioning of the Assembly of Kosovo to be both a waste of time and damaging. “What I can say now is that it's a waste of time and damaging that the Assembly is not functioning. The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo has elected Speaker Dimal Basha and four deputy speakers: Albulena Haxhiu, Vlora Citaku, Kujtim Shala, and Emilia Rexhepi. No one is occupying the vacant seat for the Serb deputy speaker. The Assembly should have continued its work because the state of Kosovo has no time to lose,” Kurti said.

Regarding the vote on the package of deputy speakers from minority communities, Kurti stressed that the completed vote cannot be annulled. “Emilia Rexhepi is a deputy speaker of the Kosovo Assembly. Her vote cannot be undone. That’s why we’re left with the issue of the Serb community’s deputy speaker. But let’s not forget: not all Serbs belong to the Serbian List, Nenad Rasic is also Serb. One candidate from the Serbian List received only 10 votes, while Nenad Rasic received 56. If just five votes from the opposition had gone to him, we wouldn’t be having these questions and answers today.”

Maqedonci to senior NATO official: Our goal is North Atlantic Alliance (media)

The caretaker Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, met on Thursday with NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Burcu San. They discussed a wide range of topics related to security, challenges, achievements, and Kosovo’s cooperation with NATO through the Alliance’s Advisory and Liaison Team. “During this meeting, I emphasized that the Republic of Kosovo aims to become part of the great NATO alliance. Based on NATO standards, we are continuing the development of the Kosovo Security Force not only in terms of armament systems, but also in the education of professional military personnel according to the doctrines of partner states,” said Maqedonci.

He added that the participation of the KSF in the Interflex mission with the United Kingdom and in the Demining Coalition to help train Ukrainian troops in their fight against Russian aggression is not only a clear sign of Kosovo’s alignment with Euro-Atlantic democratic policies, but also a reflection of its high level of responsibility and professional capacities, comparable to other armed forces.

Osmani to Frostadottir: Iceland’s support valuable for Kosovo’s EU path (media)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristrun Frostadottir, during which she expressed gratitude for the continued support that Iceland has provided to Kosovo on the international stage. Osmani emphasized that Iceland’s support has been particularly significant in the process of Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe. During the meeting, they also discussed projects of mutual interest and opportunities to further enhance cooperation.

Osmani seeks Netherland’s support for lifting EU measures (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, in Copenhagen. “In Copenhagen, with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, we discussed the latest security developments, the strengthening of the partnership between Kosovo and the Netherlands, and the deepening of our economic cooperation. I also requested the Netherlands’ support for finalizing the removal of the EU’s unfair measures against Kosovo, which are harming all our citizens,” Osmani wrote on Facebook.

Svecla meets delegation from Iowa police, discusses cooperation (media)

The caretaker Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Svecla, held a meeting with a delegation from the Iowa Police. “Minister Svecla initially welcomed the Iowa delegation to Kosovo, referring to it as their second home, and thanked them for the cooperation between our two countries. During the meeting, the close relations and fruitful cooperation between Kosovo’s security institutions and those of Iowa were highlighted, which have contributed to the enhancement of their professional capacities,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.

The caretaker Minister emphasized the importance of deepening these relations and strengthening cooperation in the field of security, highlighting joint initiatives for experience-sharing and support in capacity-building for Kosovo’s law enforcement institutions. “The Iowa delegation expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and offered high praise for the professionalism of the Kosovo Police, which they witnessed firsthand during their visit. On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Dennis McDaniel, Chief of the Johnston Police Department, expressed readiness to further strengthen ties and cooperation with Kosovo’s institutions, especially with the Kosovo Police,” the statement continued.

KFOR welcomes new Commander (media)

The symbolic handover of the shield and the raising of the KFOR flag were held on Thursday at KFOR Headquarters in Camp Film City, Pristina, to mark the continuity of NATO’s mission in Kosovo. The event took place at Sir Michael Jackson Square, named after KFOR’s first commander, ahead of the official Change of Command ceremony scheduled for October 3, 2025. Major General Enrico Barduani, Commander of KFOR 29, and Major General Ozkan Ulutas, incoming Commander of KFOR 30, presided over the proceedings.

This long-standing KFOR tradition illustrates the transition between two commanders of the mission and reflects the dedication and leadership of the outgoing commander, as well as the readiness of the incoming commander to assume new responsibilities. It also symbolizes KFOR’s legacy and unwavering commitment to continue contributing to sustainable security in Kosovo and regional stability, for the benefit of all communities. KFOR remains NATO’s longest-running mission and is currently the largest in the Alliance’s history.

Serbian Language Media

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met in Copenhagen with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and discussed with him the situation in the Western Balkans, role of Serbia in preserving stability and peace in the complex circumstances under which Serbian people live, in particular in Kosovo, Kosovo Online portal reported.

In a post on his official Instagram account Vucic said he discussed with Rutte all current issues of the security and geopolitical context in Europe and the crisis regions where the conflicts are still ongoing.

"We particularly considered the situation in the Western Balkans and the role of Serbia in preserving stability and peace in the complex circumstances under which the Serbian people live, especially in Kosovo and Metohija", Vucic said in a post.

In Copenhagen, Vucic also spoke with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Portugal, Luis Montenegro.

Djuric condemns removal of Cyrillic inscription in Mitrovica North (media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric condemned removal of inscription “I love K. Mitrovica” in Cyrillic alphabet in Mitrovica North, stressing it represents “a deliberate provocation that incites ethnic and religious hatred, discriminates against the Serbian community, and constitutes an open attack on its identity and faith”, Kosovo Online portal reported.

As he said, replacement of a red heart with a green one is equally troubling, as it sends a direct message to the Christian community in Mitrovica North. He argued this is not only a symbolic erasure of language and identity, but also an open act of religious intolerance. “This decision is profoundly undemocratic, against the will of the local community, contrary to the principles of multiculturalism, tolerance, and respect for diversity which Kosovo’s provisional institutions claim to uphold. By targeting the identity of one community, they reveal disregard for the rule of law and contempt for European values of equality and human dignity”, Djuric also said.

He added Serbia calls on international partners to respond to such discriminatory practices that endanger fragile peace and further marginalize the Serbian people in Kosovo.

“Mitrovica” sign unveiled: From red to green heart, Cyrillic swapped for Latin, name absent from Kosovo legal framework (KoSSev, media)

The installation of a new “Mitrovica” sign was completed yesterday at the entrance to Mitrovica North, replacing the Cyrillic inscription “I love K. Mitrovica,” which had stood as a recognizable city landmark since 2020, KoSSev portal reported.

The new structure features a green heart instead of the previous red one, and the Latin alphabet has replaced Cyrillic. The word “Severna” (North) is missing from the inscription, leaving only “Mitrovica” – a name for the city not officially recognized in Kosovo law. The new municipal coat of arms is also part of the installation. The original “I love K. Mitrovica” sign, in the colours of the Serbian tricolour, was installed in 2020 by the then Mitrovica Municipal Provisional Authority.

Although Pristina-based media reported that the replacement was carried out by decision of the local government in Mitrovica North, KoSSev could not independently confirm this. Visar Syla, an official from mayor Erden Atiq’s cabinet, told the portal Kallxo that they had replaced the Cyrillic sign with a Latin one. He also said that in the sports hall taken over by the municipality, chairs in red, blue, and white were replaced with green and white because they were “in the colours of the Serbian flag.”

While Syla spoke to Pristina media, KoSSev reporters tried repeatedly to reach him but received no reply. On one occasion, after answering the portal’s call and hearing the introduction, he remained silent before the call was abruptly disconnected. Attempts to call back went unanswered.

Read full article at: https://shorturl.at/I7iET

Ugljanin: Removal of sign in Mitrovica North part of pre-election campaign by executive (Kosovo Online)

Mitrovica North Municipal Assembly Chair Nedzad Ugljanin said yesterday removal of a sign “I Love K. Mitrovica” in Cyrillic alphabet and installment of a new one “I love Mitrovica” in Latin is a part of pre-election campaign by executive authorities in this municipality, aiming to score points in Mitrovica South during upcoming elections.

He argued that with this act, the executive authorities of Mitrovica North violated the Municipal Statute. He said they were not informed of this decision and the Municipal Assembly did not pass a decision to remove the sign. As he explained in a session held on April 30, the Municipal Assembly allocated the funds for a new sign that was installed on Thursday, adding neither during that session nor during any other session were there discussions to remove the existing sign in Cyrillic. He also opposed the use of the name Mitrovica only, by saying a municipality with such name exists in the south, and that by omitting the official name of the municipality of Mitrovica North the Statue has been breached.

He recalled that Cyrilic in line with Kosovo Constitution is an official alphabet, noting that an additional problem lies in the fact that the current sign in Cyrilic had been replaced with a new one in Latin alphabet. He also disputed the presence of Mitrovica North mayor Erden Atiq’s chief of cabinet, Visar Syla, on the spot while the sign was removed, arguing that he “had no place to be there” adding as a chief of the cabinet his place is in the municipal building and mayor’s office.

CI North for All says its president Ivan Miletic apprehended and fined by Kosovo police for ‘honking the horn’ in vicinity of sign installation (Radio kontakt plus, Radio KIM)

Civic Initiative North for All said yesterday their president and Mitrovica North municipal councilor candidate Ivan Miletic was apprehended and fined by Kosovo police, Radio kontakt plus reported. The North for All strongly condemned apprehension and financial fine imposed on Miletic over, as they said, him hoking the horn in the vicinity of the former sign “I Love K. Mitrovica” location, at the moment when workers were installing the new one “I Love Mitrovica”.

“Use of sound signalization is neither forbidden nor could it obstruct public peace and order, as the law says that to be the case after 22.00 p.m. only. Even if the use of the same was meant to express dissatisfaction, the sanction would be a gross violation of the right to protest and freedom of expression in particular because in this form it could neither harm nor injure anyone”, the statement said. According to Civic Initiative North for All, such Kosovo police conduct represents “continuation of repressive policy”. “Something that their members carry out against the Serbs in northern Kosovo for years and once again confirm with facts that police has become the main leverage and instrument of Serbo-phobic hysteria of (Albin) Kurti’s regime politicians”, the statement also said.

Kosovo police confirmed to Radio KIM that Miletic was taken to the police station in Mitrovica North and issued a fine of 30 euros. According to Kosovo police Miletic violated the Law on Traffic, article 79 that relates to the situations “in which the use of sound and light signals is forbidden”.

Gasic, Munsch discuss significance of continued Serbia-NATO cooperation (media)

Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic met on Thursday in Belgrade with Admiral Stuart Munsch, Commander of the NATO Joint Force Command in Naples, and highlighted the significance of continued cooperation at all levels of mutual interest, which he noted helped to maintain dialogue and advance trust and understanding between the two sides, Tanjug news agency reported.

Gasic thanked Munsch for his contribution to maintaining the Serbia-NATO dialogue on a high level in the past three years, given the upcoming handover of duty at the helm of the NATO Joint Force Command in November.

Gasic also noted that Serbia remained committed to cooperation with KFOR, the only legitimate armed formation in Kosovo and the only guarantee of peace there, adding he appreciated its impact on maintaining a safe and secure environment and on conflict prevention, the Serbian MoD said in a statement.

NIS preparing amended request for another delay of US sanctions (Tanjug)

Serbian Russian-majority owned oil company NIS is preparing an amended request for another delay of US sanctions on the firm, Tanjug learns. The request will be officially submitted to the US on Thursday evening or on Friday.

On September 30, the US Department of the Treasury issued a new special license to NIS delaying full implementation of US sanctions and enabling the company to operate without obstructions until no later than October 8, NIS announced on Wednesday.

Serbian MFA providing consular protection to Serbian crew member of Sumud flotilla (Tanjug)

The Serbian MFA said on Thursday it was "closely monitoring" the situation concerning a Serbian national who was a crew member of a Sumud flotilla vessel and added that, in coordination with the Serbian embassy in Tel Aviv, it was "actively engaged in providing consular protection".

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia remains in continuous communication with the competent institutions and will continue to follow the developments," it said in a statement.

The vessel, which was carrying aid to the Gaza Strip, has been intercepted by the Israeli navy.

International Media

What the looming verdict in Thaçi war crimes trial could mean for Kosovo, the Balkans, and beyond (Atlantic Council)

Did a political representative of a guerrilla army have command responsibility for alleged crimes committed by its members during the Kosovo war? This is the central question an international trial panel will soon have to answer in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Kosovo’s former wartime leader turned politician—as prime minister and later president.

 Since November 2020, Thaçi has been in detention at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, a hybrid Kosovar–international court in The Hague, alongside three other members of the Kosovo Liberation Army’s (KLA) General Staff. Their trial began in April 2023, and the prosecution took two years, concluding in April of this year.

The indictment against Thaçi and the three others alleges that during 1998-1999 - while the KLA waged a rural insurgency against the Yugoslav army and police, whose top leadership was found guilty of massacres and the ethnic cleansing of at least 700,000 Albanians - the KLA engaged in a number of illegal detentions, disappearances, mistreatment, and murders of civilians seen as political rivals and collaborators, both Albanian and Serb. The prosecution brought 125 witnesses and 155 participating victims, and it argued that members of the KLA General Staff, including Thaçi as the then head of its political directorate, bear responsibility as part of a “joint criminal enterprise.”

Read the full article at: https://shorturl.at/pGI4u