• Kurti: There is work to turn EU proposal into an agreement (DW, media)
• Biden congratulates on 15^th anniversary of Independence, mentions mutual recognition with Serbia (media)
• European leaders congratulate Osmani on Independence Day (Koha)
• Kurti hosted candidate for president of Serbia, Nikola Sandulovic (RTK)
• Sandulovic: I came to offer historic solutions (RTK)
• Kurti: Kosovo, common state of all (media)
• Independent Kosovo is a success story. Now we need a European epilogue (Politico.eu)
• Kosovo marks 15 uneasy years of independence from Serbia (The Independent)
• North Kosovo won’t be stable while Belgrade and Pristina are at loggerheads (BIRN)
• Kosovo: How football helps build bridges (Deutsche Welle)
• Kosovo Women’s 1990s Fight for Freedom Documented on Film (BIRN)
• Study Shows Therapy Benefits Mothers Exposed to Violence in Kosovo War (BIRN)
• Serbian nationalists protest against Western plan to normalise ties with breakaway Kosovo (euronews.com)

Kurti: There is work to turn EU proposal into an agreement (DW, media)

The image of Kosovo today is the best since the declaration of independence, Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti said in an interview with Deutsche Welle, as he sees the dialogue in Brussels only as a dialogue about the status of Kosovo-Serbia relations, and not about the status of Kosovo.

"On the 15th anniversary of independence, we celebrate with joy for the successes and achievements, but at the same time with pain and sorrow for the high price we paid for the liberation but also for the independence of our country, remembering those who sacrificed and contributed. "Kosovo is recognized by 117 countries around the world and today the image of Kosovo in the world is the best since we declared independence," emphasized Kurti.

He has said that "the dialogue in Brussels is a dialogue about the status of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, with the aim of full normalization, which should be based on mutual recognition."

Regarding the Association of municipalities with a Serb majority, he said that reciprocity of rights is needed in Kosovo and Serbia. "There cannot be an ethnic association. The association of municipalities can be based on a developmental point of view, without forgetting that Kosovo has an association of municipalities and what else could Zvecani, Shterpce and Partesh do that they would not be able to do in that association. I'm not here to discriminate against anyone, but I'm not here to favor anyone else either. The association is not a request of the Serbs, but a request of Serbia, which does not allow  integration neither of the Serbs of Bosnia, nor those of Montenegro, nor those of Kosovo, because it wants to realize the project of "Greater Serbia" which now changed its name to 'Serbian World'," Kurti said.

Speaking about the EU proposal, known as the French-German plan, he said that "the proposal is a basis for further discussions and a solid platform to move forward". "There is work to turn it into an agreement, but I will notify the MPs of the Assembly of the Republic and in particular the leaders of the opposition parties. They will have no surprises from me. We will cooperate as state institutions, so that what is right and beneficial for Kosovo is realized. But we are not the only factor here, there are also the EU and the USA, but also Serbia. Whether or not we will have an agreement and if we will, how soon, depends a lot on the pressure of international factors on Belgrade, which is neither distancing itself from Milosevic in the past nor from Putin in the present," Kurti added.

Regarding the possibility of a quick meeting between the leaders in Brussels, Kurti said that he is ready, but it does not depend on him.

"From August 18, our meetings have a clear structure, the meeting takes place in Brussels at the invitation of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security, Josep Borrell, who is assisted by his special emissary, Miroslav Lajcak, with the first point on the agenda; the general framework of the agreement and the second point is 'current affairs'. I expect that we will have a dialogue about the agreement and I expect Mr. Borrell to invite us soon. But when he will do that, of course, depends on his assessments. On my part, I have expressed my readiness, willingness, interest and I will be constructive, dedicated and creative," Kurti concluded.

Biden congratulates on 15^th anniversary of Independence, mentions mutual recognition with Serbia (media)

The President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has received a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Kosovo's independence.

"On behalf of the people of the United States, I send you our best wishes to you and the people of Kosovo as you mark the 15th anniversary of your country's independence. Over the past few years, Kosovo and the United States have strengthened democratic institutions to provide equally effective good governance, the rule of law, and opportunities for citizens in both of our countries," Biden's letter reads.

Biden has expressed support for the integration of Kosovo in the Euro-Atlantic institutions, as well as the dialogue with Serbia, also mentioning the mutual recognition between the two countries.

"The USA will continue to support Kosovo in its integration towards the Euro-Atlantic institutions and the dialogue facilitated by the EU for the normalization of relations with Serbia. We welcome your approval of the European proposal for normalization, with the main goal of mutual recognition, which would help ensure peace and prosperity in the future for the citizens of Kosovo and Serbia," Biden's letter reads.

European leaders congratulate Osmani on Independence Day (Koha)

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has congratulated the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani on Independence Day. In his letter, Macron has encouraged Kosovo to resolutely continue efforts for the rule of law and European integration.

"The new geopolitical situation created by the war of Russian aggression in Ukraine has made the European Union strengthen its political, economic and security commitment in the Western Balkans [...] In this regard, I welcome the solidarity shown by Kosovo for hosting of refugees and Ukrainian journalists", President Macron wrote.

"It is also essential to resume discussions on the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, which is a central element for the European perspective of the two countries and for ensuring the stability of the region and the European continent. We expect both countries to fully engage in the dialogue facilitated by the European Union," Macron wrote.

Osmani has also received a congratulatory letter on the 15th anniversary of Independence from the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella.

"The current European context makes it increasingly urgent to achieve a normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. I sincerely hope that the European proposal for an agreement between the parties can be accepted. This is also for the benefit of Kosovo's perspective for European integration, which Italy strongly supports," says among others the congratulatory letter of President Mattarella.

King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in his letter said among other things, that he expects the continuation of friendship and partnership between the two countries.

"I would like to express my most heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of Kosovo on this special day for your country on the occasion of Independence Day. I look forward to the continuation of the warm friendship and strong partnership between our two countries as we face these challenging times," said King Charles III's congratulatory letter.

The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier has mentioned in his letter Kosovo's commitment to European values.

"I am happy that last year during the Berlin Process summit in Berlin with the signing of three regional mobility agreements we were able to achieve a success and take a good step forward for the creation of the Common Regional Market significant for the economic development of the region. The common goal of Kosovo and Germany remains the integration of your country into the international community. Germany supports the European perspective of Kosovo," stated President Steinmeier in the letter.

According to him, the dialogue with Serbia, led by the EU, remains an essential challenge for the normalization of relations between the two countries.

"The readiness of both sides for a constructive cooperation and a peaceful coexistence remains essential for the path to the EU. In this way, you can be sure that you have the support of Germany as a reliable partner of Kosovo," says the congratulatory letter of President Steinmeier sent to President Osmani.

Kurti hosted candidate for president of Serbia, Nikola Sandulovic (RTK)

The Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti received in a meeting the candidate for president of Serbia from the Republican Party of Serbia, Nikola Sandulovic. Through a press release, it is said that Sandulovic, while congratulating Prime Minister Kurti on Independence Day, said that Kosovo's independence is history completed in 1999.

"We talked about current topics, focusing on the similarities between the Association of Serb municipalities in Kosovo and Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Speaking about the current situation in Serbia, the lack of democracy, the danger from the growth of nationalism and the great influence of Russia were singled out," the announcement states.

According to the announcement, the importance of the positioning of young politicians in Kosovo and Serbia, as two allied states of the United States of America, as members of the European Union and NATO in the future, was emphasized.

Sandulovic: I came to offer historic solutions (RTK)

The candidate for president of Serbia Nikola Sandulovic who is on an official visit to Kosovo, has openly expressed his position towards Kosovo, according to which Kosovo has been independent since 1999.

"To me, as the chairman of the Republican Party, Kosovo is an issue that has been completed in 1999 in a tragic way for the citizens of Kosovo and that Serbia owes a very big apology," Sandulovic said.

He, in RTK Prime, among other things, has stated that “I am a politician who supports the independence of Kosovo and I have come to offer the historic solution, as an example for other solutions in Europe.”

"My being here proves that you have progressed and deserved a place in the democratic society," Sandulovic said.

Asked how his idea for the solution of the Kosovo issue is received in Serbia, Sandulovic stressed that there is no space to speak freely and openly in the Serbian media.

According to him, no one dares to say the fact regarding the resolution 1244, which states that Kosovo is part of Yugoslavia, at a time when that state had disappeared, no longer existed.

He also accused his political opponent Aleksandar Vucic for serious provocations and ‘for carrying out several assassinations against Sandulovic, including sarin poisoning.’ According to him, the circumstances now in Serbia are more serious than during Milosevic's time.

Kurti: Kosovo, common state of all (media)

Prime Minister Albin Kurti participated in the round table with the theme "Minorities in independent Kosovo," organized by the Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights, Emilija Rexhepi.

In his speech, Kurti said that ‘the meeting symbolically represents what the Republic of Kosovo is actually living, that is, the feeling of togetherness and participation for everyone.’

"Kosovo is our common state where we should all feel completely equal and not discriminated against on any basis," he said.

He added that in the last two years, the government has supported all communities, through implemented measures and allocated grants.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone for their tireless commitment, unsparing contribution and valuable role in institutions and society, and congratulated them on the 15th anniversary of the independence of Kosovo with the call that ‘we all together strengthen the feeling of love, and increase the commitment and work in the service of the country.’

In addition to the three government ministers from the non-majority communities, the ambassador of Montenegro in Kosovo, Bernard Qobaj and the state MP in Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Shemsedin Mehmetovic, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions in Kosovo, participated at the roundtable.

Independent Kosovo is a success story. Now we need a European epilogue (Politico.eu)

On Friday, February 17, the Republic of Kosovo will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its independence. And looking back, it’s safe to say that Kosovo has taken its place among Europe’s success stories — here’s why.

Independent Kosovo has shown a democratic resilience rarely matched in the Western Balkans, and from all reports, the progress is evident: The country regularly holds the fairest elections in the region; change of governments comes in an orderly manner; there have been major advances in the fight against crime and corruption; its press freedom index is second highest in the region; its economic outlook is increasingly positive; and the government has initiated wide reforms, the judiciary, health care, education, public administration and social care.

Many will recall that in March 1999, an international coalition had to militarily intervene against the Serbian war machine to stop a genocide against Kosovo’s Albanian population. After Serbia capitulated and withdrew, it left behind hundreds of mass graves, over 10,000 civilians killed, thousands of women systematically raped, half of the houses destroyed, and more than half of the population expelled.

The reconstruction of the country and the lives of those within it was a daunting task, and makes Kosovo’s progress even more impressive. And to those inclined to trust only their eyes, they should simply visit — it is, after all, only a three-hour flight from Brussels. Today, Kosovo would be unrecognizable to anyone who was there in the war’s aftermath. And now, we need a European epilogue.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/3lBDdhv

Kosovo marks 15 uneasy years of independence from Serbia (The Independent)

Kosovo is celebrating 15 years of independence with a month of celebrations while still facing serious challenges with Serbia, which refuses to recognize the autonomy of its former province

Kosovo is celebrating 15 years of independence with a month of celebrations starting Friday while still facing serious challenges with Serbia, which refuses to recognize the autonomy of its former province.

A military parade, ceremonies at monuments to national heroes and a special session of parliament are some of the anniversary events planned in the capital, Pristina.

Europe's youngest country unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on Feb. 17, 2008, nearly nine years after a 78-day NATO bombing campaign in 1999 ended Belgrade's bloody crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2010 that the declaration did not violate international law.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/3k1AQ7c

North Kosovo won’t be stable while Belgrade and Pristina are at loggerheads (BIRN)

The barricades may be down for now, but long-term peace in northern Kosovo depends on a final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.

When Kosovo seceded from Serbia, it didn’t make a clean break. Its Serb-majority areas stayed loyal to Belgrade, especially in the north, along the border.

A messy status quo has largely held for 15 years, but elections in Kosovo set for April – to replace those Serbian officials who walked out last year - could spark violence. Worried European mediators are kicking new life into peace efforts, but success looks elusive as both sides dig in their heels.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3xshifh

Kosovo: How football helps build bridges (Deutsche Welle)

Fifteen years after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, ethnic tensions remain high. However, a UN project is helping bring Serb and ethnic Albanian girls together, on the football pitch.

On a cold and foggy day in Brezovica, a mountain village not far from Prizren in southern Kosovo, a group of girls file into the local sports hall to get ready for football practice. This is a rare sight, as football is still regarded by many in Kosovo as strictly a man's game.

But what is really extraordinary is that these girls are from both Serb and ethnic Albanian families.

Aurora Cakolli, 14, is among the members of KFV Prishtina, who have made the 80 kilometer-journey (50 miles) from the capital to Brezovica. They've come here to train, before playing a match against FC Brezovica in the neighboring village of Strpce. Brezovica and Strpce are two of the few large Serbian communities in southern Kosovo, where ethnic Albanians are in the majority. Serbian is the language of instruction in the schools here, while Aurora is taught in Albanian back in Pristina.

However, there is no language barrier for these football players, as they communicate in English. The two groups share both a passion for football and an interest in learning about each other. After all, the opportunities for girls to play football in Kosovo are few and far between.

"It's difficult to be a female football player in Kosovo," Aurora confirms. "I played for a boys' team until I found out about KFV Prishtina."

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3YY7nKk

Kosovo Women’s 1990s Fight for Freedom Documented on Film (BIRN)

‘Women of Freedom’, a documentary that highlights the role played by Kosovo women in the movement for freedom during the years of oppression by Slobodan Milosevic’s regime, is being given its Pristina premiere.

The documentary ‘Women of Freedom’, about women activists in the 1990s when Kosovo was under the control of Slobodan Milosevic’s repressive Yugoslav regime, is being shown for the first time in Pristina on Thursday evening at the Armata cinema.

The film directed by Lum Citaku follows the women’s struggle for freedom through the narratives of seven of the main protagonists, culminating in mass protests in Kosovo in 1997 and 1998, the year that the armed struggle against the Milosevic regime began.

“The film is based on numerous stories of participants in the women’s political movement at that time, especially the actions and organisation of protests for freedom and independence,” Citaku told BIRN.

“It is a testimony and a chronology of war, resistance, and sacrifice of Kosovo women as a crucial part of Albanians’ movement for freedom and independence,” he added.

The documentary focuses on the March for Drenica, a mass protest by women after the start of armed hostilities in 1998.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3K9c2ox

Study Shows Therapy Benefits Mothers Exposed to Violence in Kosovo War (BIRN)

A recent study on Kosovar women exposed to violence in the war showed that family therapy is beneficial for children born as a result of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD.

On Thursday, the Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims, KRCT presented the data of the second phase of a study of the intergenerational trauma passed by mothers exposed to violence during the war in Kosovo in 1999-2000 and their children, and looking at whether family therapy can reverse the negative changes caused by this trauma.

Women exposed to torture and violence during the war were also part of the conference named, “Can family therapy reverse epigenetic changes that may be caused by the effects of maternal PTSD and intergenerational trauma?”

The first phase of this study was done in 2019, and proved that children born to traumatized women with PTSD during pregnancy had higher levels of cortisol and showed epigenetic changes on the DNA surface.

On the basis of these findings and recommendations, in the second phase of the study, KRCT started to apply family therapy aimed at treating the transmission of trauma from one generation to another.

The study took the form of a randomized control trial of a family intervention, using Score 15, SDQ – a globally recognized instrument for assessing the mental health status of children and young people – and physical measurements.

Read more at: https://bit.ly/3xyYQ4A

Serbian nationalists protest against Western plan to normalise ties with breakaway Kosovo (euronews.com)

Hundreds of Serbian nationalists rallied in Belgrade on Wednesday calling for President Aleksandar Vučić to reject a Western plan to normalise ties with neighbouring Kosovo and pull out of negotiations.

The right-wing protesters shouted “treason” and carried banners reading "no surrender", as they blocked traffic before gathering near the Serbian presidential building in central Belgrade.

The protesters were also strongly pro-Russian, one banner read: “Betrayal of Kosovo is a betrayal of Russia!”

Serbian media reported that one group pushed through metal fences towards the entrance at the end of the rally but was prevented by riot police from reaching the door.

The protest comes amid efforts by US and European Union officials to mediate a solution for the long-standing dispute between Serbia and Kosovo, a former Serbian province whose 2008 declaration of independence Belgrade does not recognise.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/3k7dFZd