UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, September 24, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Trump at UN says he ended seven wars, mentions Kosovo and Serbia too (media)
Osmani: There is a constant threat coming from Serbia (media)
Advisor to Osmani reacts to statement by Serbia’s Djuric (media)
Osmani meets Hanrahan, reaffirms “vital importance of alliance with US” (media)
Osmani meets Prime Minister of the Bahamas (media)
U.S. State Department official: Kurti crossed "red line" by attempting to block Serbian List (Koha)
Kos: We are waiting for new government to engage more on Dialogue (Reporteri)
Barduani: Mitrovica bridge, political issue, solution through dialogue (Express)
Maqedonci represents Kosovo at Defense Ministerial in Bratislava (media)
EULEX deploys reserve unit to boost security ahead of local elections (media)
Hargreaves: Constitutional Court decisions must be respected (media)
Hargreaves at institute for documenting crimes committed during war (media)
Dasic: “When army returns to Kosovo” murals financed by Serbian state (media)

Serbian Language Media:

President Vucic meets with UN SG Guterres, other world leaders in New York (Tanjug, media)
Djuric: Osmani's statements show she stands in opposition to US policy (Tanjug, media)
Djuric with Ramdin: Within OAS there are countries that understand Serbia’s position (Kosovo Online)
Indictment filed against six over 2021 North Mitrovica clashes (KoSSev)
Hunger strike in Ranilug: Petrovic and Ristic dismissed over candidacy on opposition lists? (Radio KIM, media)
COM KFOR met Montenegrin Defense Minister and Chief of Defense, discussed situation in Kosovo (Radio kontakt plus, social media)
EULEX deploys reserve formed police unit ahead of local elections (Radio KIM, media, social media)
PARTNER 2025 defense exhibition opens in Belgrade (N1)

Albanian Language Media

Trump at UN says he ended seven wars, mentions Kosovo-Serbia too (media)

US President Donald Trump in his address at the United Nations on Tuesday reiterated that he has ended seven wars in his second mandate, also mentioning Kosovo and Serbia. He said that people had told him that these conflicts were endless. “No other president has ever done something similar to this,” he said.

Trump argued that the UN “did not even try to help” in any of the conflicts. “Everyone is saying that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize for each of these achievements. But for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters that grow up with their mothers and fathers, because millions of people are no longer getting killed in endless wars. What I am interested in is not winning prizes but saving lives,” he said.

Osmani: There is a constant threat coming from Serbia (media)

All news websites cover an interview that Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani had with Fox News highlighting her statement that Kosovo is faced with a constant threat from Serbia.

Asked by the moderator to comment on her remarks that “Kosovo is the most pro-American country in the world”, Osmani said: “I don’t just say it is and we really wear it as a badge of honor. It has been like that since 1999, when the American soldiers came to save our lives. Today we exist as a free and a sovereign nation because the United States of America S did not stand idle and do nothing, did not turn a blind eye on our suffering, while we were undergoing genocide, but came to our rescue and believed in our God given right to be free as a nation. So today over 97 percent of the people of Kosovo are pro-American. We believe in American leadership, and we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States in defending other countries that need our help”.

Asked about a potential conflict “last June” with Serbia, Osmani said: “so as you know we have a neighbor that likes to cause problems from time to time. Serbia in the past caused a number of conflicts in the Western Balkans because it was led by the butcher of the Balkans, Milosevic … There are still people there in the leadership of Serbia that like to cling to the past and take us all back to the past, while we all want to look towards the future. President Trump has been really helping us in support of peace and maintain peace and save lives … So we have had a number of flareups in the past couple of years, for example in September 2023, there was an act of aggression by Serbia against the Republic of Kosovo. We managed to thwart that with the support of our NATO allies. Nevertheless, there is a constant threat coming from Serbia. This past May obviously there was another attempted flareup if I may call it so and this administration has been doing a wonderful job to prevent these from escalating. So, prevention and deterrence has been key in our region”.

Osmani said that “US President Donald Trump has always been a leader that speaks with clarity and strength and conviction. So as he takes the stage at the United Nations today, we expect a strong message of peace through strength. That has delivered in our part of Europe. Because that is the only message that autocrats and crazy leaders around the world who want to kill and cause suffering understand. And President Trump, as I said, has been very successful in preventing further escalations and preventing further wars. Just imagine we are a country where every single generation before our kids had to go through a war. Our great grand parents had to go through a war, our parents, we had to go through a genocidal war. And our kids now can go to bed without the sound of firearms and the fear that we have to grow up as children of war, because of American leadership”.

Advisor to Osmani reacts to statement by Serbia’s Djuric (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani’s advisor Rinor Nuhiu in a post on X reacted to a statement by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric about Osmani’s interview with Fox News. Nuhiu wrote: “Marko Gjuric, you continue to spit out lies because the truth burns you. You’re trying to deny President Trump’s, who once again today at the UN proudly spoke about his work for peace over the past seven months, including on Kosovo-Serbia. It is a blatant lie that President Osmani attended the Democratic Convention. But why be surprised? Fake news is all you ever do. Just as she did today on FOX, President Vjosa Osmani will continue to express the gratitude of the people of Kosovo for President Trump’s peace-through-strength formula, for his contribution to peace, and for standing with the most pro-American nation on Earth”.

Osmani meets Hanrahan, reaffirms “vital importance of alliance with US” (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said in a post on X on Tuesday that she met in New York with senior US State Department official Brendan Hanrahan. “I reaffirmed the vital importance of our alliance with the United States — an alliance that stands as the cornerstone of our national security, of regional stability, and of our path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. I remain fully committed to defending and strengthening our partnership, built on trust, and sustained by mutual cooperation,” Osmani said.

Osmani meets Prime Minister of the Bahamas (media)

President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, met within the margins of the UN General Assembly session in New York the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis. “Substantive meeting with the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis. I expressed the unwavering commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to further develop bilateral relations with the Bahamas, as an important step for both our states and citizens,” Osmani stated.

U.S. State Department official: Kurti crossed "red line" by attempting to block Serbian List (Koha)

A senior official at the U.S. State Department based in Washington told the news website that caretaker Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, “crossed the red line,” by attempting to block the Serbian List from participating in elections, a move that contributed to the suspension of the planned Strategic Dialogue between the U.S. and Kosovo. He said this was just one in a series of actions by Kurti’s government that have created division and instability within Kosovo and across the region.

The official stated that Kurti’s efforts to prevent Serb political participation, particularly the exclusion of the Serbian List, directly undermined democratic representation and contributed to internal divisions and regional instability. While emphasizing that U.S. measures are not directed at the people or the state of Kosovo, the official warned that further steps could be taken if similar actions continue.

The U.S. remains supportive of the EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, but the official stressed the need for a parallel domestic process where the government of Kosovo directly engages with Kosovo Serbs. Sustainable integration, he said, must come through coordination and cooperation with affected communities, not through unilateral enforcement.

The issue of Serb representation in Kosovo's institutions, especially the vacant position of Deputy Speaker in the Assembly, also remains unresolved. The U.S. insists this position rightly belongs to the Serb community and urges Kosovo’s institutions to find a political or institutional solution. The official dismissed suggestions that President Vjosa Osmani’s recent comments influenced the U.S. decision, saying the suspension of dialogue is strictly linked to the government’s and Kurti’s actions.

Despite the suspension, cooperation between the U.S. and Kosovo continues in other areas, including defense, trade, education, and through the Millennium Challenge Corporation. However, the official warned that further destabilizing steps could trigger additional U.S. measures.

Kurti’s recent outreach to Kosovo Serbs, including a video message promising integration of health and education systems, was acknowledged as a “positive step,” but the U.S. expects concrete actions, not just rhetoric. The official reiterated that Kurti faces a clear choice: to re-engage and deepen Kosovo’s partnership with the U.S., or continue down a path of unilateral moves that risk isolating Kosovo and undermining its stability.

Kos: We are waiting for new government to engage more on Dialogue (Reporteri)

The European Union’s Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said that Brussels is awaiting the formation of a new government in Kosovo in order to intensify engagement in the dialogue process for normalizing relations with Serbia. In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Kos reiterated the EU’s position that normalization of relations is a condition for both Kosovo and Serbia on their path toward EU membership. “We are working on this, particularly with our High Representative, Kaja Kallas. We remain consistently engaged with Serbia on this matter, while engagement with Kosovo has been limited in recent months, as we are still waiting for the formation of a new government. However, this remains one of the key priorities within the Western Balkans Six process,” Kos said.

Barduani: Mitrovica bridge, political issue, solution through dialogue (Express)

KFOR Commander Major General Enrico Barduani stated that the closure of the Iber Bridge in Mitrovica is primarily a political issue, not just a security one, and any decision about it should be made through dialogue in Brussels. He emphasized that KFOR maintains a fixed presence on the bridge and conducts regular patrols in the surrounding areas until a political solution is reached.

“I can also add this: even during my previous service in Kosovo in 2001 and 2015, the bridge was closed to traffic. And for me, that means the closure of that bridge is not only a security issue but primarily a political one in nature. To clarify NATO’s stance on this topic, I can say that it has been, and remains, clear, consistent, ongoing, and transparent at all times: the decision regarding the Ibar Bridge in Mitrovica must be made through dialogue and in proper and effective coordination with the local communities, as well as with the international community. In the meantime, KFOR maintains, and will continue to maintain, until it receives further instructions, its fixed presence on the bridge and conducts regular patrols in the surrounding areas until a political solution is found,” he said.

Maqedonci represents Kosovo at Defense Ministerial in Bratislava (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, is participating in the Meeting of Defense Ministers of Central and Southeastern Europe, held in Bratislava, Slovakia, within the framework of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) and Western Balkans partner countries.The invitation to attend was extended by Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Robert Kalinak.

In his address to the participating defense ministers, Maqedonci emphasized Kosovo’s firm commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration and its aspiration for membership in NATO and the European Union. “I also informed those present about the development of Kosovo’s defense capacities, in alignment and interoperability with NATO, emphasizing that government investments in defense aim to build military capacities capable of protecting the territory and lives of Kosovo’s citizens, as well as contributing to regional and global peace and security,” Maqedonci wrote on Facebook.

He noted that the ministerial particularly focused on cooperation in the defense industry and other regional cooperation opportunities. “Kosovo is committed to further strengthening its important position for regional and broader peace and security, and our investments in defense and security also serve this purpose,” Maqedonci added.

EULEX deploys reserve unit to boost security ahead of local elections (media)

The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) has deployed its Reserve Formed Police Unit (RFPU) to enhance overall security in Kosovo ahead of the upcoming local elections. The deployment includes officers from the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR), which forms part of EULEX’s specialized police forces. The official ceremony was led by EULEX Head of Mission Giovanni Pietro Barbano, with ambassadors from contributing countries present to welcome the highly trained officers from five participating forces: the French National Gendarmerie, Italy’s Carabinieri, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Poland’s Military Gendarmerie, and Portugal’s Republican National Guard.

According to EULEX, the RFPU will double the operational capacity of the existing EULEX Formed Police Unit (FPU), provided entirely by the Polish Police, to fulfill the Mission’s mandate of contributing to the safety of all communities in Kosovo. This includes its role as the second security responder in Kosovo, if required. During their deployment, the RFPU will carry out visible patrols, increasing the Mission’s situational awareness and ensuring full coordination with the FPU, the Kosovo Police, and NATO-led KFOR. “As a Reserve Formed Police Unit, you embody EULEX’s ability to reinforce itself anytime and anywhere. Your strength lies in your mobility and readiness to deploy quickly,” Barbano stated, emphasizing the RFPU’s role in Kosovo’s three-tiered security mechanism. “I am proud to declare your full operational capacity today,” he concluded.

Hargreaves: Constitutional Court decisions must be respected (media)

The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, has emphasized that he expects the decisions of the Constitutional Court regarding the formation of the Assembly to be respected and implemented by political leaders. Writing on the social media platform X, Hargreaves revealed that he had met with the President of the Constitutional Court, Nexhmi Rexhepi. “The United Kingdom expects that the Constitutional Court’s decisions on the formation of the Assembly will be respected and implemented by political leaders, in order to end the political deadlock in which Kosovo has been stuck for too long. This will allow the Assembly and the new government to begin working in the interest of the citizens of Kosovo,” he stated.

He added that the work of the Constitutional Court is essential for protecting and upholding Kosovo’s Constitution, and that its independence is crucial to its proper functioning.

Hargreaves at institute for documenting crimes committed during war (media)

Most news websites reported that UK Ambassador Jonathan Hargreaves to Kosovo visited the Institute for documenting crimes committed during the war in Kosovo. “I was delighted to meet Atdhe Hetemi, Director of the ‘Institute for Documenting Crimes Committed During the Kosovo War’ and hear about the important work he and his dedicated team are doing to collect documentation related to before, during and after the conflict in the 1990s. The Institute’s inclusive and victim-centred approach, working with survivors, institutions, civil society and the international community, is an important part of understanding the truth of what happened here, and will help support the healing process and foster long-term reconciliation,” Hargreaves said in a Facebook post.

Dasic: “When army returns to Kosovo” murals financed by Serbian state (media)

Several news websites report that Serbian engineer Danijel Dasic said that the State Auditor of Serbia, during an audit of the Serbian Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, found that this ministry spent €217,000 for the murals “When the army returns to Kosovo”.

Koha notes that the threatening graffiti – implying the return of the Serbian army to Kosovo – were seen all over Serbia, in the north of Kosovo, and even in Bosnia and Montenegro.

Serbian Language Media

President Vucic meets with UN SG Guterres, other world leaders in New York (Tanjug, media)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and several other international officials on Tuesday in New York before the start of the 80th UN General Assembly session, Tanjug news agency reported.

"With Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed Al-Sharaa and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres before the opening of the 80th UN General Assembly session", Vucic wrote in a post on his official Instagram account.

Vucic, who arrived in New York on Monday evening, will also have bilateral meetings with numerous other world leaders and representatives of the international community, the news agency recalled.

Djuric: Osmani's statements show she stands in opposition to US policy (Tanjug, media)

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said on Tuesday claims by Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, that Serbia had planned to attack Kosovo had already been debunked by Richard Grenell, one of US President Donald Trump's closest allies, adding such claims showed that Osmani stood in opposition to the very policies of the US and President Trump that she, as it was said, pretended to embrace, Tanjug news agency reported.

"Vjosa Osmani used her Fox News interview this morning to spread a string of falsehoods in an attempt to portray her government as something it simply is not. She falsely claimed that Serbia has ever planned an 'attack' or any form of aggression", Djuric said in a post on X social platform.

"That accusation has already been publicly debunked - including by Ambassador Richard Grenell, one of US President Donald Trump's closest allies. Such claims show that Osmani stands in opposition to the very policies of President Trump and of the United States that she pretends to embrace”, Djuric added in a post.

Djuric with Ramdin: Within OAS there are countries that understand Serbia’s position (Kosovo Online)

On the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Marko Djuric met with the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin. In their discussions, Minister Djuric emphasized the value of the fact that within the OAS there are a number of friendly countries with which Serbia shares common values, particularly those that demonstrate understanding of Serbia’s position in safeguarding its vital national interests.

Djuric also said Serbia attaches great importance to the activities of the OAS, where it has held observer status since 2002, stressing Serbia seeks to strengthen cooperation with the member states of this forum. He noted that intensifying relations with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean is of particular importance to his country.

Indictment filed against six over 2021 North Mitrovica clashes (KoSSev)

On the eve of the second anniversary of the Banjska attack, Kosovo Special Prosecutor’s Office announced it has filed an indictment against six people - S.S., I.V., M.V., M.R., N.M. and A.L. - over their alleged involvement in violent clashes in North Mitrovica on October 13, 2021. According to the indictment, the six are charged with “Participation in a Mass” resulting in “Hooliganism,” as well as “Unauthorized Ownership, Control or Possession of Weapons.”

What happened on October 13, 2021?

The clashes broke out during one of the first major Kosovo police operations against alleged smuggling under the Self-Determination-led government. The action, carried out on October 13, 2021, targeted 26 locations across Kosovo, nine of them in the north - though only one location was ultimately raided.

The fiercest clashes occurred during a search of Besim Zeqiri’s pharmacy in central Mitrovica. Stones and stun grenades were thrown, a police vehicle was set on fire, and civilian property was damaged. One Serb was seriously wounded and later underwent surgery. Kosovo police reported six officers injured, while Serbian sources put the total number of injured at 10. Eight people were arrested at the time - six Albanians, one Bosniak and one Serb - and police announced they were seeking 10 more suspects, including two Serbs.

Read the full article at: https://shorturl.at/u1qLs

Hunger strike in Ranilug: Petrovic and Ristic dismissed over candidacy on opposition lists? (Radio KIM, media)

Serbian Peoples’ Movement (SNP) mayoral candidate in Ranilug, Ivan Petrovic and Freedom, Justice and Survival (SDP) municipal councilor candidate in the same municipality, Ivan Ristic staged a hunger strike on Tuesday, Radio KIM reported.

They claimed they were dismissed from the Provisional Municipal Authority of Kamenica, upon submitting candidacy on opposition lists and refusing to support Serbian List. As Petrovic told Radio KIM he and two more colleagues, but also many other people employed in the Serbian institutions in Pomoravlje region for the last few weeks were either fired or had their wages lowered significantly because, as he said, they have different opinion and submitted candidacies on the lists of opposition parties.

“We all here have nothing against the state of Serbia or its interests. Defense of Serbian interests should not rest on dismissing people who live with their children in Kosovo and Metohija, while salaries are received by people who do not live in Kosovo and Metohija, but from Kosovo and Metohija”, he said. Petrovic, father of four children, said he received a letter of termination on September 15, after working for 17 years in the Provisional Municipal Authority of Kamenica. Ivan Ristic, father of three children, has also received a termination letter, after working for 19 years in the same institution, Radio KIM added.

Petrovic and Ristic said they will not give up on their demands – return to their working place and payment of withheld salaries.

COM KFOR met Montenegrin Defense Minister and Chief of Defense, discussed situation in Kosovo (Radio kontakt plus, social media)

“Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Major General Enrico Barduani, visited the Minister of Defence of Montenegro, H.E. Dragan Krapović, and the Chief of Defence, Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanović, at the Ministry of Defence in Podgorica”, KFOR said in a statement on their Facebook page.

“During the meeting, they discussed the current security situation in Kosovo and KFOR’s continued role in preserving stability in the region. General Barduani expressed to the Minister and the Chief of Defence his deep gratitude for the fruitful cooperation with Montenegro and his heartfelt appreciation for the Montenegrin contingent’s professionalism and valuable contribution to KFOR.

KFOR continues to implement its mandate - based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. KFOR works in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Mission Rule of Law in Kosovo (EULEX) in their respective roles as security responders”, the statement concluded.

EULEX deploys reserve formed police unit ahead of local elections (Radio KIM, media, social media)

The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) has strengthened its capacity to contribute to the overall security situation in Kosovo ahead of the upcoming municipal elections through the deployment of members of the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) forming EULEX’s Reserve Formed Police Unit (RFPU), Radio KIM reported citing official statement of EULEX posted on Facebook.

The statement added that “Head of Mission of EULEX, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, presided over an official ceremony - attended by the Ambassadors of the EUROGENDFOR contributing states - to welcome the highly specialized and skilled EUROGENDFOR Officers, provided by five participating forces: Gendarmerie Nationale, Italian Carabinieri, Dutch Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Polish Żandarmeria Wojskowa and Portuguese GNR - Guarda Nacional Republicana”.

“The RFPU will double the operational ability of EULEX Formed Police Unit (FPU) – entirely provided by the Polish Police - to fulfil the Mission’s mandate of contributing to the safety and security for all communities - including acting as Kosovo’s second security responder, if requested and necessary”, the statement added.

PARTNER 2025 defense exhibition opens in Belgrade (N1)

The PARTNER 2025 defense exhibition was opened by Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic at Belgrade Fair, a government press release said on Tuesday, N1 reported.

It said that more than 200 exhibitors are displaying their products at the 12th International Exhibition of Armaments and Defence Equipment. It added that companies from more than 30 countries are at the exhibition, including China, Russia, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Belarus, Italy, Türkiye, India and Iran.

The biennial PARTNER defence exhibition will close on September 26.

International

President of Kosovo touts Trump's 'peace through strength' positioning ahead of UN address (Fox News)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss why her country is among the most pro-American, recent conflicts with Serbia, President Donald Trump's role in regional peace and more.

See the interview here: https://tinyurl.com/2xy6wpu4

KLA Had no Hierarchical Structure, Third Thaci Witness Tells Trial (BIRN)

The third witness for Kosovo’s former President, Hashim Thaci, in his war crimes and crimes against humanity trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, John Stewart Duncan, said the Kosovo Liberation Army, KLA, did not have a hierarchal structure, and the general commander, Agim Ceku, and the operational zone commanders had effective control.

“The power in the [KLA] military wing, those on the ground, was split between Agim Ceku and the zone commanders,” Stewart Duncan, former political advisor to the former NATO Supreme Commander for Europe, General Wesley Clark, told the court on Tuesday, explaining that Thaci and his co-defendant, former parliament speaker Jakup Krasniqi, were part of the KLA political wing.

“Mr Krasniqi and Mr Thaci never went into military matters, they only talked about political matters. Equally, Ceku only talked about military matters,” he noted, explaining how he had distinguished between the military and political representatives.

He described the KLA as having around 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers who had joined from different backgrounds, not necessarily a military one. He said it was “not a hierarchical organisation where people do what they are told [but] an organisation which had more complex power structures”.

On Monday, the same witness had explained that NATO invited the high commanders of the KLA to reach a demilitarization agreement with General Clark, adding that, “that was the difficulty we were facing there, because they didn’t have a hierarchical structure. They were organised differently.

International:

President of Kosovo touts Trump's 'peace through strength' positioning ahead of UN address (Fox News)
KLA Had no Hierarchical Structure, Third Thaci Witness Tells Trial (BIRN)
Urban chaos: Prishtina’s struggle to prioritise people over cars (Prishtina Insight)