Albanian Language Media:

• COVID-19: 297 new cases, five deaths (media)
• Kosovo's political leaders congratulate anniversary of independence (media)
• Blinken congratulates Kosovo on independence anniversary (media)
• MEP Von Cramon calls for visa liberalisation, continuation of dialogue (media)
• German MP Beyer calls on EU to grant Kosovo visa liberalisation (media)
• Elezi: CEC assessing ballot packages from diaspora (Klan)

Serbian Language Media:

• Jarinje: Journalists' protest due to the prevention of the RTS crew to enter Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio, KiM radio, TV Most, Radio Gracanica, Radio Mitrovica sever)
• Are Serbs really integrated into Kosovo society? (RTK2)
• Anniversary of Kosovo declaration of independence: Survival of Serbs endangered more than before (Radio kontakt plus)
• Maliqi for Danas: The Serb community still lives either in segregation or in the ghetto (Kosovo Online)
• Beqaj: Kosovo far below expectations of citizens (Radio KIM)
• RTS on February 17 in Kosovo, former Serbian diplomat terms it “failed project” (RTS)
• Lajcak: I still believe that it is possible to find a solution for Kosovo (Danas)
• Vucic to German “Bild” on Kosovo issue, Merkel (B92)
• Senior Duma official says Russia, Serbia have closest possible relations (N1)
• NUNS condemn an obstruction of journalist Dejan Kozul's work in Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio)
• Canadian Ambassador, Serbian President hope for direct flights (N1)
• Romanian ambassador calls for joint infrastructure and energy projects (N1)

Opinion:

• What were the elections like for Kosovo Serbs? (Kosovo 2.0)
• In Serbia, State’s Ties to Crime Become Hard to Miss (Balkan Insight)

Humanitarian/Development:

• Historic Images of Kosovo Peace Talks Go on Display (Balkan Insight)

   

Albanian Language Media  

  COVID-19: 297 new cases, five deaths (media)

Kosovo has recorded 297 new cases of COVID-19 and five deaths in the last 24 hours. 

311 persons have recovered from the virus during this time. Kosovo's political leaders congratulate anniversary of independence (media)

Political leaders conveyed congratulations on the thirteenth anniversary of Kosovo's declaration of independence.

In a joint visit to the memorial site of the Jashari family in Prekaz, leader of the Vetevendosje Movement Albin Kurti and acting President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani paid tribute to all the martyrs and heroes that gave their lives for the freedom of Kosovo.

"By coming back to this place we strengthen our democratic state-building, socio-economic development, and justice in institutions as this was the will of the martyrs and so are the wishes and needs of the Albanian people," Kurti said.

"This is the place where he should daily remind ourselves and the world that this is the evidence of Serbia's genocide in Kosovo," Osmani said. "On this anniversary we need to bow before the actions and heroism of the KLA commander and all heroes that gave their lives for freedom as well as all civilian victims that died for the freedom we enjoy today," she continued.

Outgoing Prime Minister of Kosovo Avdullah Hoti also visited the memorial site in Prekaz saying that the Jashari family made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of Kosovo. "By honouring the Jashari family, we honour all the fallen for freedom."

Acting leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Enver Hoxhaj said that on this day they are in hearts and minds with former KLA leaders who he said are unjustly at The Hague. "For 13 years, Hashim Thaci and Kadri Veseli worked every day for the development of the country and the welfare of the citizens. Every moment of their life was dedicated to the fulfillment of the will of the martyrs for freedom and independence. As Democratic Party we will continue to keep this promise and fulfill it every single day," he wrote on Facebook.

The resigned leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Isa Mustafa paid tribute to Ibrahim Rugova as the first Kosovo president and "architect of the country's independence".  "With his pro-western vision he won overwhelming international support, especially from the United States, towards Kosovo in achieving freedom, creation of the country."

Mustafa also paid respects to the KLA commander Adem Jashari, martyrs and all those that contributed to Kosovo's efforts for freedom and independence. "On this 13th anniversary Kosovo has made significant progress despite challenging circumstances in its journey throughout the years. The only way to make Kosovo a member of the EU, NATO and UN, is to work zealously in fulfilling duties as a country in the internal aspect, economic development, fight against corruption and preservation of partnership with the U.S. because without their help we would not be celebrating liberation today."

Visiting the cemetery of martyrs and heroes in Recak and Gllogjan, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj said that Kosovo has faced challenges but has also marked success in its journey to independence. "An independent Kosovo will move towards development, EU integration, and its path to unification with Albania," he said. 

Blinken congratulates Kosovo on independence anniversary (media)

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a press statement congratulating Kosovo on the thirteenth anniversary of independence.

“The United States is proud of its early and ongoing role in supporting an independent Republic of Kosovo to develop into a multiethnic, inclusive, and democratic country.  Kosovo has made significant strides toward a more prosperous, stable, and secure future.  We commend Kosovo’s recent establishment of formal diplomatic relations with Israel and we applaud your efforts to establish normalized relations with Serbia.  Reaching a comprehensive agreement centered on mutual recognition will require all sides to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to compromise,” Blinken said.

“The United States values the strong bonds between our people and will continue to support Kosovo on its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.  I wish safety and good health to the people of Kosovo as we continue to work together to overcome the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

MEP Von Cramon calls for visa liberalisation, continuation of dialogue (media)

European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo, Viola von Cramon, congratulated Kosovo on its independence anniversary. “You've made many steps on the long road & what is ahead of you isn't only easy. But your country is full of potential,” she said, adding that as instability often seems like the rule and not the exception, less polarization and more unity is important for society.

“Kosovo wants to go forward in its European path & there's a lot of work ahead. Internally, you have to fight corruption & help the economy, but dialogue with Belgrade is something you can't neglect. Without an agreement with Serbia, there's no perspective for EU integration,” she wrote in consecutive posts on Twitter.

Von Cramon pointed out that the EU should also do its job and grant Kosovo visa liberalisation as soon as possible. However, “no one should expect that there is a better future ahead without work, engagement and even compromises. Now there are new opportunities, use them!”

German MP Beyer calls on EU to grant Kosovo visa liberalisation (media)

Peter Beyer, German MP and Council of Europe rapporteur for Kosovo, congratulated Kosovo on its independence anniversary by urging the EU to grant Kosovo citizens visa liberalisation. 

"As ambassador Prof. Wolfgang Ischinger had said: "Ok, so let's do it now! Visa liberalization for all citizens of Kosovo is an unfulfilled EU promise. Long overdue - EU credibility is at stake!" - with which I fully agree and follow up by saying: No more foul excuses. Visa liberalization now!"

Elezi: CEC assessing ballot packages from diaspora (Klan)

Central Election Commission spokesperson Valmir Elezi said today that the Counting and Results Centre is currently processing results of political parties and their candidates. He said that of a total of 2,382 polling stations, the data from 1056, or 44.33 percent, and 35.11 percent of candidates' forms have been processed. 

He said the CEC voting service has also begun assessment of ballot packages that arrived from diaspora through mail to determine whether the packages have been sent by registered voters and meet the necessary legal criteria. "At the end of the assessment process, which will take a few more days, we will know what is the exact number of ballots from outside the country," Elezi said.

   

Serbian Language Media

  Jarinje: Journalists' protest due to the prevention of the RTS crew to enter Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio, KiM radio, TV Most, Radio Gracanica, Radio Mitrovica sever)

For the third day in a row, the Kosovo police is not allowing the RTS team to enter Kosovo, reported all Serbian media based in Kosovo.

As a sign of support to colleagues, but also a protest against the attitude of the Pristina institutions towards the media, the RTS crew was joined today at 10 am at the Jarinje crossing by media representatives and members of the Kosovo and Metohija Journalists' Association.

The gathered journalist teams placed the television equipment on the access road and briefly blocked the traffic, reported TV Most.

Symbolically, they kept silent carrying banners that the freedom of the media was endangered. 

The president of the Association of Journalists of Serbia in Kosovo, Budimir Nicic, said that in this way they want to support their colleagues and at the same time express protest and dissatisfaction.

"This is classic harassment, endangering human rights and media freedoms. Also, this is a violation of all civilizational values and norms, and this must stop immediately. It is incomprehensible that the representatives of the international community, 'whose mouth is full of media freedom' and who tell us that free media is a mirror of a democratic society, are silent on all this. It is incomprehensible that the representatives of Serbs in Kosovo's institutions are silent. If they rested from the election celebration, I think, should do something concretely. Because this is the third team in the last few days that has been kept here,'' said Nicic and called on the representatives of the authorities in Pristina to enable freedom of movement for journalists, reported KiM radio.

The editor of the RTS show "Right to Tomorrow", Svetlana Vukmirovic, said that they have not yet received an explanation why they were detained and cannot enter Kosovo, reported KiM radio.

"We regularly do the show` Right to Tomorrow` and we constantly report on various topics for our news. So far, something like this has not happened to us, we believe that it is essential that an explanation is given. For journalistic work, something like this is unacceptable," said Vukmirovic. 

"If journalists can experience something like this, what awaits ordinary people, internally displaced Serbs in central Serbia. I contacted my Albanian colleagues and they say that what the Kosovo government is doing on this issue is incomprehensible. I think the background of all this is the show "Right to tomorrow'', I think that it stings someone's eyes, and attempts to prevent it or at least reduce it in all possible ways," said Jovan Simic, on behalf of the Association of Journalists of Serbia.

"The right to freedom of the media is one of the basic democratic rights, which is obviously not the case with the society in Kosovo. If the show ‘Right to Tomorrow’ is a problem, then obviously the right to tomorrow is a problem for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija," said Dragana Zecevic, journalist of Vecernje Novosti, reported KiM radio.

Are Serbs really integrated into Kosovo society? (RTK2)

The estimation of those familiar with the situation estimate for Radio Kosovo 2 that the position of Serbs is not at an enviable level thirteen years after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, reported RTK2.

In a statement for Radio Kosovo 2, political scientist Ljubomir Stanojkovic states that the political will of the majority Albanian community is necessary for Serbs to really integrate into the Kosovo system, that is, to be accepted and to take their place in society.

"When we talk about institutions, when it comes to the Serbian community, there are too many obstacles in exercising rights. But the most important thing is the feeling of the Serbian community towards the narrative of political subjects. The attitude still prevails that Serbs are not desirable; that Serbs are to blame for what happened in the past," he said.

He points out that, according to the Constitution of Kosovo, Serbs are the most privileged minority community in the region, but notes that "apart from guaranteed rights, no conciliatory tones exist."

The director of RTV MIR from Leposavic, Nenad Radosavljevic, also believes that Serbs in Kosovo are in a big problem because the basic human rights, guaranteed by the Constitution of Kosovo, are not respected on the ground.

"Nobody from the structures, which were given the mandate, understand, nobody from the political leadership put it in order, and Serbia has not done anything to be a constitutive part of this space. I don't think we'll get out of this easily. The Serbian list now seems to have won, so everything will be fine. Nothing will be fine," says Radosavljevic.

Stanojkovic and Radosavljevic agree that Ahtisaari's plan, i.e. the document based on which Kosovo's independence was declared, is good on paper and that there are positive things in it, which were supposed to improve the position of Serbs in Kosovo. However, as they say, Ahtisaari's plan is not respected on the ground.

"There were good elements in that plan, but the implementation of that plan is not functional, it did not come to life as it is written in the document. There were many attempts, but it did not come to life," says Radosavljevic.

And Ljubomir Stanojkovic believes that Serbs could exercise all their rights through the Community of Serbian Municipalities, which was agreed in the Brussels Agreement.

"If it is formed, it can contribute to the protection of collective rights," he concluded

Anniversary of Kosovo declaration of independence: Survival of Serbs endangered more than before (Radio kontakt plus)

It has been 13 years since Kosovo declared independence. Kosovo today is not only without a president, prime minister or an assembly speaker, it is also not that much independent, Radio kontakt plus reports.

At the same time, interlocutors told the radio when it comes to the survival of the Serbs in Kosovo today it is even more under question mark than it used to be.

NGO Aktiv Program Director Miodrag Marinkovic thinks that Serbian community in Kosovo today is exactly where it was all those years before – in a situation of a constant fight to achieve basic rights, freedoms and personal dignity.

He pointed out that Serbs in Kosovo after so many years, inter alia, have problems to use their mother tongue, have access to the properties, return to the places they were expelled from and have equal chances for employment.

He added one can notice no efforts that go in direction of changing such a situation in the future, respectively to implement the rights already guaranteed.

“Moreover, these rights are still being negotiated about. These rights are subject of trade at the negotiations and that creates an additional feeling of insecurity for the people, especially in those areas south of the Ibar River from where people have been leaving en masse in recent years. That is why it would not be a cliché to say that today, after all these years, the survival of Serbs in Kosovo is even more endangered than it used to be", Marinkovic warned.

Asked whether the new government could be expected to try to focus its work also on improving the position of the Serbian community, he said that he did not expect any sudden turnaround in that sense.

"What can be seen as a trend, regardless of who forms the majority in Pristina, it is to have same attitude towards the Serbian community, and that is to completely neglect the rights and ignore our interests, so in that sense I do not expect a sudden change in approach of the new government", he said.

Marinkovic added he hopes that the new government will be open to listening to what Serbs have to say.

He also noted interests of the Serbs should be presented by all, since it is not good, as he said, to have a monopoly over representation of the Serbian interests, as these interests in practice are completely diversified.

“Interests of the Serbs south of the Ibar River are partially different from interests of the Serbs in the north. I think it would be good to create a wider social consensus – that those who think differently than official Belgrade also have the right to represent the interests of the Serbs in Kosovo. I would like to see that in the upcoming period”, Marinkovic underlined.

Political analyst Nexhmedin Spahiu opined that Kosovo certainly can’t be that much independent, as according to him not only smaller states, but also greater ones, are in essence dependent in some way.

However, as he said, the problem is not only in that, but also how much Kosovo society succeeded to develop, how much institutions were serious and what relations among ethnic communities were like.

“In this sense, Kosovo is much away from what it was expected to be 13 years after declaration of independence. Kosovo society is lagging behind in many segments. And whether it would manage to recover, after this political turnaround, whether institutions would get stronger or weaker, we shall see that”.

He also expressed hope things would change in a positive direction, using Albania as a comparative example. Albania, according to him, also regressed at the beginning, and only after 13 years since declaration of independence had stability, empowered institutions and started to build good-neighborhood relations.

He mentioned corruption, nepotism and similar issues as problems pressing Kosovo over the last decade and opined that the winner of the elections, Albin Kurti will work to resolve them as main priorities.

“This is a strong side of Kurti’s policy. He would try to reduce corruption in Kosovo and since he is not a corrupted man and demonstrated an intention not to take that path, Kosovo society would recover to certain extent (….)”, he said.

He said he can’t predict if one government in Kosovo would manage to run a complete mandate, or new elections would follow, as this, depends upon international politics as well.

“This is not known, since Kosovo is dependent on international politics, and on how Kurti would behave on the international scene, which is not his stronger side. Absolute majority he has, wouldn’t be enough to make him complete the mandate till the end. If he makes mistakes, let’s say in relation to American strategic steps in the region, he would not stay in power. I hope he won’t do that, as it means he would not be able to complete his mandate”, Spahiu said. 

Maliqi for Danas: The Serb community still lives either in segregation or in the ghetto (Kosovo Online)

The parliamentary elections held in Kosovo on Sunday are another sign that "Kosovo's democracy has matured", but now it will be a challenge to develop the democratic space, ensure economic growth, and this will not be possible without some breakthrough and exit from international limbo, said political analyst Agon Maliqi in an interview with Belgrade based daily Danas. 

"Kurti's victory was expected, and even inevitable. Kurti won because of his character and popularity, but he gained that growth of 100 percent in a year due to general frustration with the old elite. So, I see such a deep victory as a mix of two emotions and currents. One is strictly pro-Kurti, and the other, more pragmatic emotion is ‘it’s time for a change, let’s give them a chance’. I think it is good that people are looking for changes of the way they were governed; and I am sure that there will be positive changes, especially in the form of the rule of law. But I am afraid that Kurti and Osmani have built too high expectations in both domestic and foreign policy, so it will be difficult to manage this situation, and I expect gradual disappointment. Of course, this result is important, because it knocked out the old elite and has the potential to reconfigure the entire political scene, including the future opposition, giving the reformists of LDK and DPK the opportunity to lead," Maliqi said.

Speaking about the continuation of the BG-PR dialogue process, Maliqi pointed out that he was skeptical of "some momentum" on that issue.

"Vucic is not interested in doing anything until the elections in Serbia. Kurti knows that, and dialogue is not a priority for him either. He will not spend political capital on that topic in his first term because he was voted because of internal reforms. As for division, I think that division was never a realistic option, but some kind of correction or exchange of territory. I do not see any potential for such a thing or any kind of compromise in Kosovo (even less for the idea of ZSO), because the maximum compromise for Kosovo was Ahtisaari. If Serbia expects some kind of compensation for recognition, in the current circumstances, it can only expect that from the international community," Maliqi said.

According to him, mutual recognition is the only sustainable solution in the dialogue.

"But the problem is that Kosovo is being asked for a compromise that would either imply territory or some kind of Bosnianization. Kosovo cannot replace its weak external position with internal destabilization and dysfunction. The only thing that seems possible to me in the next few years is that Serbia agrees for Kosovo to become a member of international organizations, without recognition," Maliqi said. 

He added that what needs to be achieved, before concluding a final agreement, is the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

"Normalization is a process of normalization of state relations, but not the social ones. Political normalization is a precondition, but of course that social process will not go anywhere without the process of reconciliation. Unfortunately, I notice that in Serbia the direction of victimization or relativization of the past is going in the opposite direction ('we are all guilty the same'). With such a Weimar Serbia, there will be no lasting peace in the region," said Maliqi. 

He also believes that the issue of war reparations must be one of the primary topics in the dialogue.

"Serbian state and paramilitary forces burned, destroyed and stole an enormous amount of material resources and infrastructure, primarily houses, but also religious buildings such as mosques. This is not something that can be overcome just like that as a topic," Maliqi pointed out.

After the war in 1999, the situation for Kosovo Serbs was very bad, adds Maliqi, explaining that due to revenge attacks, when many Serbs, especially from larger cities, decided to leave Kosovo.

"The last time when Kosovo Serbs were seriously threatened was in March 2004. After that, I think the situation has improved significantly, and even completely normalized, although we are far from some kind of harmony. The Serb community still lives or in segregation (in the north) or in the ghetto (in the south) There are still cases of attacks in which the victims are Kosovo Serbs. But I am not sure how much are ethnically motivated, and how much those are crimes that exist in all communities. I think that a part of it is forced by the media, driven by the regime in Serbia, in some strategic moments, to create a climate of mistrust and tension, and to justify state policy towards Kosovo. I personally think that we as Albanians had a responsibility to sincerely lend a hand to minorities in order to gain more trust and we failed in that. But I also think that we are in a very complex situation of "double victimization". In a sense, this reaching out is difficult in a situation when Serbia leads aggressive politics against Kosovo statehood, thus creating the situation in which Serbian minority is seen as an anti-state element. In this situation, there is no room for internal dialogue," Maliqi noted. 

He also believes that there is no authentic political force in Kosovo that would articulate the interest of Kosovo Serbs, which is not the same as the interest of Serbia.

"Vucic successfully, in the name of national politics, took over all control over the Serbian population. That, of course, with the help of our elites who do not understand that it is our responsibility to lend a hand to minorities. We, as in Serbia, have the idea that we want territory (north), but we do not want to talk to the people who live there," Maliqi said.

When it comes to war crimes charges against former KLA leaders, who are currently in The Hague, Maliqi says it is perhaps the most complex issue in Kosovo now.

"During that just and liberating war in which chaos prevailed, there were civilian casualties from minority groups or between Albanians themselves, and revenge attacks after the war. All these people and their families deserve justice and I hope the Hague process to clarify how much the General Staff command responsibility there was, and how much there was the crime of individuals or regional commanders. Kosovo owes that to the victims, to itself, and to the international community that helped Kosovo establish itself as a state, according to human rights principles," Maliqi said.

Beqaj: Kosovo far below expectations of citizens (Radio KIM)

Commenting on the 13th anniversary of the Kosovo independence declaration, political analyst from Pristina Belul Beqaj told RTV KIM “it was a major success, of a century-like character to create a Kosovo state” adding “it is far below expectations and wishes of the Kosovo citizens”.

He also said serious obligations await the incoming government.  

“To uproot corruption and the crime, create an administration that would serve the people, and not the personal interests, establish rational relations with all its neighbors, to find out language of compromise with Serbia, since it is necessary and inevitable topic, insofar as it will be a bridge of cooperation with Kosovo Serbs and Serbia”, he said.

RTS on February 17 in Kosovo, former Serbian diplomat terms it “failed project” (RTS)

Albanians in Kosovo mark 13th anniversary of unilaterally declared independence, Serbian national broadcaster RTS reports today. Former diplomat Zoran Milivojevic told RTS it is clear the unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence is “a failed project”, adding the issue of Kosovo and Metohija should be resolved by political means.

Even 13 years after unilateral declaration of independence, most Albanians in Kosovo live with betrayed expectations and they have demonstrated it by rejecting political options in the last elections, which have ruled over Kosovo since 1999, RTS continues.

Former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army and creators of post war politics currently are in The Hague, pending trials for the war crimes committed in Kosovo.

During their rule in Kosovo, nepotism, hiring based on political parties’ affiliation, clashes with political opponents, corruption, organized crime and plundering of public properties were widespread. It all contributed to the general employment being higher than 30 percent, and unemployment of young people being higher than 40 percent, RTS correspondent from Kosovo said.

Every third, if not every second Albanian from Kosovo wants to leave Kosovo and seek life somewhere else. Visa liberalization is getting postponed year by year, causing even greater frustrations and nervousness among the young Albanians.

Serbs isolated in rural areas

Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija continue being isolated, mainly in the rural areas, apart from the Serbs in the north who live in more compact areas and are geographically connected with central Serbia.

Since 1999 Albanians as majority didn’t accept the Serbs in a manner promised and guaranteed by the international community. There are no Serbs in central institutions and administrations, although they are entitled to ten percent quota.

On a eve of a day, when Albanians mark unilaterally declared indepedendance, Serbs in symbolic numbers gather in Gracanica near Pristina to recall the murder of the 12 their compatriots in a bus explosion in Livadice, near Podujevo, seeking justice and prosecution of the perpetrators of this crime.   

The crime in Livadice is not the only one that remains unresolved. There is no justice for the murders of the Serbs in Staro Gacko village, Gorazdevac village, March pogrom in 2004 either. 

By recalling these crimes, Serbs are sending the message about extremely bad conditions in which they live for years now.

“Failed project”

Former diplomat Zoran Milivojevic told RTS it is clear that unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo is “a failed project”.

"Kosovo does not have any prerogatives that could nominate it as a serious society, let alone as a state," Milivojevic pointed out. He considers the only solution is to seek a political dialogue.

"The issue of Kosovo and Metohija should be resolved by political means, starting from the fact that this project has failed", Milivojevic added.

He said that due to the support on the part of the international community in Kosovo and Metohija, there is a system which is not functioning and where the authority is exercised by the elite which wants by all the ways to abolish the Serbian part and prevent Serbs from living a normal life.

"Serbia's arguments gain importance"

Milivojevic said nothing can be resolved without the Serbian people and "instantly".

"Serbia today has a much more important international position, and Serbia's arguments have gained importance. It has been shown this (Kosovo) cannot come to life in a global sense. In the meantime, 18 countries have withdrawn their recognition", Milivojevic recalled.

He added the greater half of the world does not even recognize Kosovo.

"There are no possibilities whatsoever and grounds to confirm that statehood. The only chance is the dialogue", Milivojevic believes.

He said there was an interest in Washington and of a narrow structure in Brussels to resolve the Kosovo issue in a short time and in a way that excludes a compromise solution.

“Mister Kurti, winner of the elections, with a platform he offers excludes the dialogue completely. His starting point is recognition and nothing else. He talks about the need of two equal partners having talks, and this is absolutely not possible”, Milivojevic concluded.

Lajcak: I still believe that it is possible to find a solution for Kosovo (Danas)

The EU is convinced that a comprehensive normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is absolutely possible. It is in their interest, in the interest of the whole region, and, of course also in the interest of the European Union, Miroslav Lajcak, the European Union special representative for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, said in an interview with Belgrade based daily Danas, when asked what will be done if "at the end of the day" there is no compromise on this issue.

Danas: You recently met with US official Philip Reeker in Brussels and said that you "discussed the situation in this region and discussed future activities." In a similar tone, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and newly appointed US President Joseph Biden agreed in a telephone conversation that Germany and the United States "should work together on their foreign policy priorities, including the Western Balkans''. What do you expect from the new American administration when it comes to the continuation of the dialogue whose goal is the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina?

Lajcak: The EU and the USA have a long and productive history of close cooperation in the Western Balkans, and in the process of normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. This cooperation has brought tangible positive results in recent years, and I am in frequent contact with my American colleagues, in order to prepare a joint strategy and joint activities, and we look forward to renewed closer transatlantic cooperation.

Danas: Many experienced observers argue that the Biden administration will not be able to devote much time and energy to helping the region overcome difficulties, such as the Kosovo issue and other disputes, due to "major" internal problems in America. Do you agree with such views?

Lajcak: It is not up to me to speculate on the agenda and priorities of the Biden administration. We have all heard and read the encouraging statements of President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken on closer transatlantic cooperation, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with our American partners at all levels.

Danas: In your opinion, will the new American president be ready to implement the so-called Washington agreement, or will this initiative remain a "dead letter on paper"?

Lajcak: That is a question for the American administration.

Danas: Speaking of the Washington Agreement, are elements such as the construction of the Nis-Pristina highway (the US Financial Development Corporation and the US Export-Import Bank signed letters of intent to build this highway with the governments of Belgrade and Pristina last fall ), as well as the reconstruction of the railway between these two cities, and the previous agreement on the construction of the road to the port of Durres, in accordance with the EU agenda for dialogue Belgrade-Pristina, or you fear that these promises may in some way frustrate the process of reaching a compromise solution on the Kosovo issue?

Lajcak: The EU has expressed quite clearly its position on these documents in September 2020, and on 16 points (of the agreement, ed. note), and on how we see them in the context of the EU agenda in the Western Balkans. But I would also like to point out that the EU has been the largest investor and donor in the Western Balkans for years. We have provided significant funding to help develop this region in line with its EU perspective. Over half of these funds are set aside for funding programs for socio-economic development. These grants have also helped attract a significant number of loans financed by international financial institutions. Also, trade concessions in line with the Stabilization and Association Agreement make the EU the region's most important trading partner. From 2007 to 2020, a total of 4,177 million euros was set aside for Serbia. Many of the projects highlighted in Washington are already underway. For example, the EU has provided technical support for the entire "Peace Road" (Nis-Pristina-Tirana-Durres) and has already approved investments for the first sections of this highway in Serbia and Kosovo.

Danas: The Washington agreement also stipulates that Belgrade and Pristina should make a feasibility study with the United States, regarding the Lake Gazivode's division, which is a significant resource for water and electricity supply. Since you also deal with financial issues and mutual financial claims, as well as property issues within the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, do you think that such an idea should be included in the EU's proposals, bearing in mind the "strengthening" of EU-US cooperation?

Lajcak: I remind you; the EU is the mediator in this dialogue. This does not mean that we impose anything, but we are mediating in the negotiations in order to find a mutually acceptable solution on various elements of the comprehensive agreement on normalization. You are right that the topic that has been discussed since September refers to mutual financial claims and property issues. We have already had three rounds of discussions at the level of the main negotiators last year, which allowed the parties to exchange views, and we have held introductory discussions on this very complex and sensitive issue. We are ready to continue as soon as the new government in Pristina takes office.

Danas: You took over duty as the EU Special Representative in April last year, for a period of 12 months. Will your term be extended to continue this work?

Lajcak: The length of the mandate of each EU Special Representative is at the discretion of the High Representative (for the Union's foreign policy and security). These mandates are extended or renewed at the request of the High Representative, followed by standard consultations and procedures. As for my role as EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other regional issues in the Western Balkans, these procedures are ongoing, and the EU Council's decision will be made public as soon as it is adopted. The current standard procedures regarding the renewal of my mandate do not affect the continuation of the dialogue.

Danas: You stated that you expect the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue to continue after the parliamentary elections in Kosovo, held on February 14. In your opinion, when could these talks start at the earliest, given the fact that previous governments in Kosovo were not formed quickly or easily?

Lajcak: I don't think it's wise to "fix" the date. But my message and the EU's message is clear: We are ready to continue the dialogue where we left off in December as soon as the new government takes office. I am also ready to travel to this region and meet with my negotiators as soon as conditions allow. The EU has clearly stated that there is no other way except dialogue on the European path of Serbia and Kosovo. Therefore, the continuation of this dialogue without undue delay is in everyone's interest.

Danas: How do you assess the insistence of some Kosovo politicians, including former PM Ramush Haradinaj, on the formation of a "Greater Albania"? Do such messages harm the Belgrade-Pristina negotiations?

Lajcak: I have only one message about that, and it applies equally to both sides. Political leaders in the region should lead by their example of promoting a climate of mutual trust, fostering good neighborly relations and regional cooperation, principles and values that the EU stands for.

Danas: Are you still optimistic that it is possible to find a final solution to the Kosovo issue soon?

Lajcak: Of course, I am. In July, we agreed on all parameters and elements with President Vucic and PM Hoti. What we need to do right now is to negotiate the substance. But, as I always say, the speed of our negotiations does not depend on the EU or on me as a person. It is determined by two sides, and we are ready to act as fast as the two sides are ready not to "make it difficult" and we will not speed them up.

Danas: How do you see the pace of the European path of the Western Balkan countries, including Serbia? How can this process be accelerated?

Lajcak: It is important to put our comprehensive enlargement policy in a certain context. Twenty-five years ago, the Western Balkans region was "torn" by conflict. But the fact is, the Western Balkans are at the heart of Europe, and we have a common interest in integrating it into the EU. Today, all countries in the region are working to realize their European perspective and participate together in regional activities. We have democracies and economies that are maturing, which represents the potential for development in the future. The perspective of EU integration remains clear and indisputable, and our partners in this region have a clear agenda on how to achieve their European perspective. We want to maintain our strong partnership and help our partners in the Western Balkans to move forward on their European path, but it is also a matter of effective implementation of reforms, especially in key areas such as the judiciary, which is important to citizens. We expect our partners to implement important reforms on this "front", as it is indisputable that challenges remain, especially in the domains of the rule of law, corruption, fundamental rights, the economy and good neighborly relations. Therefore, I would like to encourage all partners in the Western Balkans to continue to show a strong and clear European orientation and to communicate this to their citizens.

Danas: The growing impression among the citizens in this region is that the goal related to EU membership will not be achieved, due to the reluctance of some EU member states, as well as due to the reluctance of the governments of the Western Balkans to implement the necessary reforms. Therefore, some experts suggest some "alternative solutions" to this issue, such as joining the European Economic Area (EEA). How do you view such proposals?

Lajcak: It is true that in recent years there has been a decline in public confidence in politics in general - whether it is at the national or EU level. Therefore, it is important to rebuild the trust of citizens and trust at all levels and on both sides. Countries aspiring to EU membership are not yet ready to join, and therefore it would be immature to ask EU citizens now if they are ready for a new enlargement. The best and easiest way to reduce the concerns of EU citizens is to implement reforms and show results in action. That is why the EU is now focused, in its political approach, on helping countries that want membership to implement reforms and meet their obligations. And if you want to be a member of the EU, why would you make decisions that don't lead you there?

Danas: Does the EU agree with the US that there is a need for "diversification of energy resources", which is mainly interpreted as an attempt by the US to reduce Russian influence in Serbia, and the need to improve cyber security (5G technology, which means less reliance on China)? Do you think that these two "global players" (Russia and China) can play any role in resolving the Belgrade-Pristina dispute, or can they thwart the efforts of the EU (and the US) to find a final solution?

Lajcak: The dialogue deals with issues that are essential for the future relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. Although diversification of energy resources or cyber security is, of course, important, these issues are not crucial for the future relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. The EU, which has clearly been tasked by the UN General Assembly to mediate the dialogue, is seeking a comprehensive, legally binding agreement to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. The goal of the agreement is to resolve all the prominent issues. And it is in the interest of Belgrade and Pristina, but it is also in our interest to bring them closer to the EU. So far, we have received messages of support for dialogue and EU mediation from other actors.

Danas: In your opinion, what should be the main elements of the so-called legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina?

Lajcak: The parties agreed on the main elements of a comprehensive agreement on normalization in July. You already know some of them because they were discussed or concluded during the summer of 2020. The rest will be part of our future talks.

Vucic to German “Bild” on Kosovo issue, Merkel (B92)

In an interview with the German daily "Bild", Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said it is necessary to find a compromise solution to the Kosovo issue, B92 reports.

He added Serbia is working hard on that issue, and based on what he sees today, especially after the newly elected U.S. President, Joseph Biden, took office, there will be pressure only on Serbia again.

Replying to the statement that Serbia can join the EU only "together with the neighboring state of Kosovo", which it does not recognize, and the question of when that will change, Vucic said – “you say it's a neighboring country, we don't. It's a matter of the EU's vision and condition. We see it differently. Yes, and we have to find a compromise with Pristina and work hard on it. For you, it's something that's been done since 2008. But for us it is not so, of course. For Madrid, Athens, Nicosia, Bratislava, it is also not so clear, they do not recognize Pristina".

Asked what that compromise might look like, Vucic said that he was worried, because, according to what he sees today, and especially after the inauguration of US President Joseph Biden, only Serbia will be pressured again.

"I am just worried. If we want to maintain peace, if we want more investors to come from Germany, then we need sustainable solutions. I do not believe in frozen conflicts, unlike most people here, because there is always a danger that one day someone will come and unfreeze them", Vucic noted.

"We need to talk to everyone"

When asked whom it was easier for him to negotiate with - Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron or German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Vucic underlined that he must talk to everyone and that they also talk between themselves.

"Why can you talk to Russia about the North Stream, why can you talk to China about their factories and companies? Why would you be the only ones who have that right?" Vucic asked.

"Merkel has secured peace"

During the interview, he expressed his desire to say something about Chancellor Merkel, since she is leaving politics at the end of the week.

"Honestly, I think all the best about her and I want to say that now. She saved us in 2015, ensured peace here. We do not share the same opinions always, for example when it comes to Kosovo. But she always has time to listen to us, showing respect for our country", he said. Asked who will lead Europe after Merkel, Vucic said that, when it comes to countries, Germany and France will do it, and when it comes to personal solutions, he does not know, he says, whether it will be Armin Laschet or Marcus Seder.

"However, without any intention to offend Seder and Laschet - I would always choose Angela Merkel. She is a rather complicated person, but I am really very fond of her", Vucic said.

See at: https://bit.ly/3dhEyE5

Senior Duma official says Russia, Serbia have closest possible relations (N1)

A senior Russian State Duma official told the Serbian President that Moscow is proud of the closest possible relations between the two countries which are confirmed by frequent high level contacts, N1 reports.

A press release from President Aleksandar Vucic’s cabinet said that Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, expressed satisfaction with the promotion of economic cooperation and joint railway and gas infrastructure projects which he said helped improve economic relations.

Vucic recalled his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and added that the friendly relations between the two countries are confirmed in challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic and the high level of understanding and trust in meetings with Russian officials.

NUNS condemn an obstruction of journalist Dejan Kozul's work in Kosovo (Kontakt plus radio)

Journalist Dejan Kozul was obstructed during his reporting from North  Mitrovica ahead of Sunday's early parliamentary elections, and the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) announced that it would register the case in a database of attacks and pressure on journalists, adding that it will inform the competent authorities and institutions, reported Kontakt plus radio. 

As Kozul told NUNS, while filming in the square in North Mitrovica, "a representative of the Serbian List came and explained to those gathered where to go to vote."

Kozul added that the mentioned representative of the Serbian List told the gathered "that it should not be filmed, so that it would not be misinterpreted".

"What is wrong here to interpret? Everything is clear. I want to record, because they do not have the right to ban," Kozul replied.

He added that after that, another person approached him "who grabbed his hand and lowered his camera, so that he would not record".

The Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) appeals to all political actors, especially government officials, "not to interfere with journalists in their work under any circumstances", quoted Kontakt plus radio.

Canadian Ambassador, Serbian President hope for direct flights (N1)

Canada’s new Ambassador in Belgrade Giles Norman and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed hope that direct flights between Belgrade and Toronto would be launched soon, a press release from the president’s cabinet said following a presentation of credentials ceremony on Wednesday, N1 reports.

The press release quoted them as saying that the direct flights would help improve economic relations and build better ties between Serbians and Canadians. Vucic and Norman said that the Serb community in Canada is an important bridge between the two countries.

Vucic expressed satisfaction with the increase in Canadian investments in Serbia, adding that he hopes the Canadian business people will be interested in industries other than mining and energy. He said that Serbia could benefit from Canada’s experience in protecting the environment.

The press release recalled that Serbia and Canada will mark this year 80 years since diplomatic relations were established.

See at: https://bit.ly/2Nibx0a Romanian ambassador calls for joint infrastructure and energy projects (N1)

Romania’s new Ambassador in Belgrade Silvia Davidoiu told Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic that she has a specific agenda in terms of joint infrastructure and energy projects, a press release from the president’s cabinet said on Wednesday following a presentation of her credentials, N1 reports.

It said that they agreed that the construction of a highway between the Serbian capital and the Romanian city of Timisoara is of top importance. The ambassador is quoted as saying that the highway is a priority project along with the construction of railway and gas interconnector between the two countries. Davidoiu also proposed the forming of a joint chamber of commerce to bring the two countries’ business communities together.

She said that Romania advocates the expansion of the European Union to the Western Balkans and Vucic expressed appreciation for her country’s support for Serbia on the path to the EU.

See at: https://bit.ly/3qv3zPU    

Opinion

  What were the elections like for Kosovo Serbs? (Kosovo 2.0) By Nevena Radosavljevic Same script, same players. 

The eighth parliamentary elections in Kosovo — which took place on Sunday, February 14 —were marked by the COVID-19 pandemic but also by the majority of Albanians expecting a change to happen.

While these expectations were confirmed by Vëtevendojse getting around 48% of votes (as of this writing), some other expectations were confirmed as well. The Serb community in Kosovo will, once again, be represented by just one political party — Srpska Lista (“The Serbian List”). 

If we try to summarize this electoral campaign and elections from the point of view of a Serb voter, many would say nothing much has happened nor was much expected. Starting from the point that Serbs were represented by three main political parties: Srpska Lista, Srpski demokratski savez (“The Serbian Democratic Alliance”) and Inicijativa za slobodu, pravdu i opstanak (“Initiative for Freedom, Justice and Survival”), it was well known before the elections who would take the 10 seats guaranteed for Serbs in the Kosovo parliament. 

Since Srpska Lista assured its monopoly over Serb representation long time ago, through constant support from the Serbian government and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić but also because of almost nonexistent opposition among other Serb parties — nothing less was expected than one more Srpska Lista celebration. 

See more at: https://bit.ly/3b8Ux4y In Serbia, State’s Ties to Crime Become Hard to Miss (Balkan Insight)

Under Aleksandar Vucic’s Progressives, the line between the state and organised crime has become increasingly blurred, raising the question – is Serbia a mafia state?

According to the Hungarian sociologist Balint Magyar, in a ‘mafia state’ “The state itself, at the top, works as a criminal organisation.”

The term was applied to Montenegro in the 1990s, when state-sanctioned cigarette smuggling provided a financial lifeline during the wars and sanctions of Yugoslavia’s collapse, and later to Kosovo, when Hashim Thaci, a former president and prime minister now charged in The Hague with war crimes, was accused by a Council of Europe investigator of exerting “violent control” over the trade in heroin, an accusation he denied.

If, as Venezuelan journalist Moises Naim argued in Foreign Affairs in 2012, senior government officials in a mafia state “actually become integral players in, if not the leaders of, criminal enterprises”, then experts say the revelations of the past few years show Serbia too now fits the bill.

The evidence is damning – from the involvement of security service officials in the industrial-scale production of marijuana and the documented ties between Serbia’s ruling party and a crime gang accused of murder and drug trafficking, to the state protection enjoyed by a notorious businessman accused of ordering the murder of a prominent politician.

See more at: https://bit.ly/3bbCY3O    

Humanitarian/Development

  Historic Images of Kosovo Peace Talks Go on Display (Balkan Insight)

Kosovo-born photographer Asllan Krasniqi’s images of the 1999 Rambouillet peace conference went on display at the National Library in Pristina on Tuesday at an exhibition staged to coincide with the 13th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

Fazli Gajraku, the director of the National Library, said that Krasniqi’s photos give an insight into “one of most important events in the determination of Kosovo’s [political] destiny”.

“Asllan Krasniqi has documented a painful and glorious piece of history,” Gajraku said during the opening ceremony.

The peace conference at the Chateau de Rambouillet opened on February 6, 1999, as the US, EU and Russia tried to bring the Kosovo war to an end.

See more at: https://bit.ly/2NdnJ2q