Albanian Language Media

Kurti: Our support for Ukrainian war is broad and deep (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, participated in the reception organised on the occasion of marking the Independence Day of Ukraine, held at the National Library of Kosovo. In his address, Kurti said that ‘our support for Ukraine's struggle to preserve its freedom and democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity is broad and deep, and shows our commitment to act in unity with our international partners against aggression of Russia.’

He further mentioned the initiatives through which Kosovo is helping and supporting Ukraine, such as the Journalists in Residence (JiR) program through which 18 Ukrainian journalists have been sheltered in Kosovo, the temporary lifting of visas for Ukrainian citizens, alignment with the EU's foreign policy through the establishment and joining the 13 package of sanctions against Russia, Belarus and their allies, training for Ukrainian soldiers and joining the G7 Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine.

"My message, on behalf of the people of Kosovo, is: Never lose hope. No matter how difficult the odds may seem, no matter how long the struggle, continue steadfast in your efforts. And I strongly believe that your allies in Europe and around the world will always stand by your side, until victory is finally - and decisively - yours", Kurti concluded.

Rohde: The people of Kosovo have felt pain of Ukrainians (media)

QUINT ambassadors and the EU Office in Kosovo have organised on Monday a reception in honor of the National Day of Ukraine. In addition to the ambassadors, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and former president Atifete Jahjaga were also present there.

The Ambassador of Germany to Kosovo, Joern Rohde, expressed pride that Kosovo has been one of the supporting states of Ukraine since the beginning.

"I am proud that Kosovo has been one of the supporting countries since the beginning along with the countries of the European Union. Although Ukraine has not yet recognized Kosovo as a state, the citizens of Kosovo have shared the pain of Ukrainians since the beginning of the war. Pristina has supported Kyiv in many ways, through emotional support, military support and by providing a safe place for Ukrainian journalists who have been forced to leave their homes because of the war," Rohde said.

EU still has no official confirmation on refusal to exchange information about attack in Banjska (Koha)

The European Union has recorded a history of refusals between Kosovo and Serbia in providing mutual information on the disclosure of the September 24 terrorist attack in Banjska of Zvecan. According to EU officials, although they take into account the rejection that was made through statements in the media, they have not been officially notified of them, despite the role of mediator for mutual legal assistance. According to them, until now only the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina has provided information to Kosovo, after the request of the Special Prosecutor's Office

"Until today, the EU HRSFP (High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy of the European Union) has not officially received any response from the Ministry of Justice of Kosovo regarding the case involving Mr. Radoicic and others. However, we have taken into account the statements given to the media by officials of the Government of Kosovo regarding the rejection of Serbia's request, on the grounds that it is contrary to the Law on International Legal Cooperation in Criminal Matters. After the EUSR officially receives the response of the Ministry of Defense of Kosovo, it will examine it", EU spokesperson Peter Stano said on Monday.

"As mentioned above, in October 2023, the Kosovo authorities requested that a request for mutual legal assistance be transmitted to the Serbian authorities to obtain evidence and documents related to the case of Mr. Radoicic and others. Until today, we have not received any response to this request from the Serbian authorities", said Stano.

He added that in accordance with the 2013 Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance, amended in 2015, the Office of the EU Representative in Kosovo facilitates the transmission of requests for mutual legal assistance between Kosovo and countries that do not recognize it, including Serbia.

After the attack in Banjska, the EU Office in Kosovo sent in October 2023 a request for mutual legal assistance from Kosovo to the Serbian authorities to obtain evidence and documents related to the criminal proceedings against Radoicic.

According to the EU spokesperson, the relevant Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia-Herzegovina has already responded positively to the EU's request and forwarded the response to the authorities in Kosovo.

Milan Radoicic is suspected of possessing weapons, ammunition and powerful and destructive explosive devices from Tuzla, a city in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which ended up in the territory of Kosovo. The Federal Police Administration in Bosnia has announced on October 3, 2023 that it will investigate the claims.

Stano also told about the letter which was received by the Serbian authorities in July of this year. "In July, the HRSFP received a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Serbia, which sent a request for mutual legal assistance to the High Public Prosecutor's Office of Belgrade regarding the Banjska case. Based on his mandate, the HRSFP in Kosovo forwarded this request to the Kosovo authorities. According to its mandate, the HRSFP in Kosovo facilitates only the transmission of requests for mutual legal assistance. It has no role in the judicial procedure itself. EULEX in Kosovo does not have a mandate to facilitate mutual legal assistance between Kosovo and Serbia", added Stano.

And in EULEX, regarding the case, they said that in accordance with the current mandate, this mission supports the Kosovo Police in the field of international police cooperation, facilitating the exchange of information between the Kosovo Police and INTERPOL, EUROPOL or the Ministry of the Interior of Serbia.

"It is the EU Special Representative (EUSR) in Kosovo who is responsible for facilitating requests for Mutual Legal Assistance between Kosovo and countries that do not recognize it, including Serbia," said EULEX. "Furthermore, any possible exchange of police information facilitated through EULEX is covered by the principle of confidentiality."

Jurists from Belgrade described Serbia's request for information as an attempt by the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, to appear before the international community that he is doing something. The lawyer, Ivan Ninic, has said that Vucic now wants to tell the internationals that he is interested in solving the case, but the authorities in Pristina do not want cooperation.

Hovenier: Commitment of USA to people of Kosovo is stronger than ever (RTK)

The U.S. ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, welcomed the American ambassador to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes, in a meeting. Through a post on the "X" platform, Hovenier said that the commitment of the USA to the people of Kosovo is stronger than ever.

"It is our pleasure to welcome the ambassador of the United States of America to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes, on her first visit to Kosovo. Looking forward to introducing her to this vibrant country, where the commitment of the United States of America to the people of Kosovo is stronger than ever", Hovenier wrote.

Indictment filed against a Serb for war crimes in Kosovo (media)

Kosovo’s Special Prosecutor's Office has announced that it has filed an indictment on Monday at the Basic Court in Pristina - Special Department, against the defendant Z.N, of Serbian nationality. He is suspected of having committed the criminal offence "War crime against the civilian population".

According to the Prosecutor's Office, investigations have proven that during the war in Kosovo during 1998-1999, the defendant committed sexual violence as a war crime against a victim of Albanian nationality. "This criminal case has already been handed over to the Special Department of the Basic Court in Pristina for further proceedings", the announcement states.

Further, it was announced that the defendant is under the measure of security - detention, according to the decision of the Judge of the preliminary procedure, until a new decision by the court.

Haradinaj:  We must change government for Kosovo to be at NATO Summit in Tirana (media)

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, has said that Kosovo should change its government in the February elections of next year, so that Kosovo can participate in the NATO Summit that will be held in Tirana in 2027.

"Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that Albania will host the NATO Summit in 2027. This is a good opportunity for Kosovo to have its voice directly at the NATO Summit. Until then, the transition of our Army will be practically completed, according to the Plan that we put into operation at the end of 2018. But, in order for Kosovo to be at the NATO Summit in Tirana in 2027, first we must change the Government in 2025 and have two years of uninterrupted close engagement with the US and NATO", Haradinaj wrote.

Serbian Language Media 

35 bids for leasing five gas stations in northern Kosovo, two of them from Sedef Travel 2024 Doo (Alternativna.com)

35 bids had been received at the open competition of the Kosovo Privatization Agency (KPA) to lease five gas stations in northern Kosovo, the Agency confirmed to Alterntivna.com portal. The steering board of the KPA will decide on the bids in a next meeting, the agency added, without providing details as to when the meeting will take place.

KPA announced the call on July 26 for leasing five gas stations in the north that were previously closed down, because, as it was said, they did not have licences. The call included two gas stations in Zubin Potok, and one each in Zvecan, Leposavic and Mitrovica North. There are 6 bids for one of the gas stations in Zubin Potok and 7 for another one, 6 bids for the gas station in Leposavic, 9 for the one in Mitrovica North and 7 for the one in Zvecan.

KAP also provided the list of the bidders. One of them is Sedef Travel 2024 DOO, registered on August 1, owned by Dusan Vulovic, with an address in Mitrovica North. This company submitted two bids, one for the gas station in Zubin Potok and the other one for the gas station in Zvecan. Their bid for the gas station in Zvecan is the highest of all received.

On the other hand, although Ex-Fis company placed its sign on a gas station in Mitrovica North on a day when open call was announced, their offer for this gas station is the lowest one. They also submitted the bid for one of the gas stations in Zubin Potok and this bid is the lowest one as well.

In addition to the two above mentioned companies, the other include – Veda 3 NTP, Veda 2 Petrol SHPK, Lab Oil SHPK, E Hasani BTP LLC, Haki Spahiu – NTP Albina, G3 Oil SHPK, Universe SHPK, Mala Oil SHPK, HIB Petrol SHPK and IP Kos SHPK.

Albanian-owned market chain opens its first store in North Mitrovica under police security (KoSSev)

In a scene marked by the presence of Kosovo police and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the Meridian market, a well-known chain from Pristina, opened its shop in North Mitrovica yesterday. The new store occupies the premises of the former Serb-owned Lazic butcher shop and market, KoSSev portal reported.

The ‘grand opening’ was scheduled for 10 AM, amid speculation that a minister from the Kosovo government might attend. This drew a considerable crowd of journalists from both Serbian and Albanian media, as well as local Albanian residents. However, the anticipated appearance of a high-ranking government official did not materialise.

The market was officially opened by Agon Gashi, CEO of Meridian, and Arian Zeka, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo. Both addressed the media in Albanian and answered questions from Serbian-speaking reporters in English.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/uhoim

Police arrested then released a Serb over ‘obstruction’ of works at public area, they do not know if permit for works was issued (KoSSev, social media)

Kosovo police arrested a Serb man yesterday afternoon claiming that this person, who as they said, was intoxicated, obstructed the workers carrying out the works on arranging the public area near the C’est La Vie Cafe in Mitrovica North owned by Albanian Ekrem Peci.

At the same time, KoSSev portal reported Kosovo police did not know if the workers of the café had a permit to carry out the works at all.

Petrit Fejza from Kosovo police region North told the portal the workers were arranging the green area near café, when a man approached, attempting to prevent them from carrying out the works. The police then came and arrested the person, he said, adding that he was transferred to the police station and would be released with a fine for ‘obstructing public peace and order’.

Fejza, however, could not confirm to the portal if the workers of the café had the permit to carry out the works at the public area. He said he does not know that, because police officers did not ask the workers if the permit was issued to them and for what works concretely. The portal then reported the arrested person was released meanwhile, with the fine issued to him.

Arsenijevic: Due to our intervention the works had been halted

While the works were ongoing and a young arrested Serb man was taken away, the leader of the Serbian Democracy came to the spot saying he came after receiving calls from concerned people living in the building and claimed that the workers were in fact expanding “an illegal terrace” of the café C’est La Vie.

While recording the video clip, Arsenijevic also whistled, same as he did during the recent visit of Pristina ministers to Mitrovica North, for which he got arrested and a fine issued to him. He appealed to the public utility company to take over the works on arranging the green public zones in the city and to the residents of Mitrovica North to express their protest next time by banging on pots and pans.

In a video Arsenijevic posted on X social network, Ekrem Peci is seen as telling him that they wanted to plant the grass, to which Arsenijevic replied that the public utility company should do that instead. The concrete blocks, similar to the ones used to pave the ground of the terrace of Peci’s café, were piled up nearby. After the works were halted, the workers collected the concrete blocks, putting them in the truck and driving away. 

Representatives of Pupin Initiative: We will also highlight problems of Serbs in northern Kosovo in Washington (Kosovo Online)

A three-member delegation of the Pupin Initiative, consisting of American and Serbian citizens, visited northern Kosovo as part of a multi-day trip to witness firsthand the situation of the Serbian community and the living conditions there, Kosovo Online portal reported.

The co-founder of the Pupin Initiative from San Francisco, Vladimir Milosevic, a member of the advisory board from Pennsylvania, Ivan Trifunovic, and the executive director, Vuk Velebit, during their visit, engaged in discussions with members of all communities in Kosovo, as well as with international representatives, in order to gather as much information as possible about the real situation of Serbs living in Kosovo.

After visiting western Kosovo, they spent two days in northern Kosovo, touring four municipalities where they held on-the-ground discussions with representatives of the civil sector, Serbian political representatives in Kosovo, as well as members of the Kosovo Police and KFOR.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/dGXPu

Indictment raised against Serb in Kosovo for alleged war crimes (Tanjug, media)

Prosecution in Pristina has raised an indictment yesterday against the Serb, Z.N. accusing him of committing alleged war crimes against the civilian population in Kosovo in the period from 1998 to 1999.

According to the statement from prosecution the investigations proved that during the conflict, Z.N. “committed sexual violence against the victim of Albanian ethnicity”. The case has been sent to the Special Department of the Court in Pristina for further action, while the defendant was sent to detention until the new court’s decision, the statement added. 

Ramadani: Since visit of CIA chief there has been no more spreading of “hatred and arrogance” from Self-Determination ranks (Kosovo Online, social media)

Former chief inspector of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA) Burim Ramadani said he notices that since Friday members of the Self-determination led government no longer “spread hatred and arrogance”, Kosovo Online portal reported citing Ramadani’s post on Facebook. Ramadani linked this with the visit of the CIA chief Willian Burns to Pristina, adding it remains to be seen if it is about a momentary break or have they “learned” what they should not be doing any longer.

"A pause in hatred and arrogance from the authorities. Since Friday, there has been no public spreading of hatred and display of arrogance by the authorities. It remains to be seen whether this is only a momentary pause or whether they have 'learned' what it is that they must not dare to do anymore! The toxic rhetoric of exponents of power towards the international factor, USA, NATO, KFOR, EU, opposition, civil society, media, business, trade unions, etc., has seriously damaged the health of our country", Ramadani said in a post on Facebook.

He added that the damage has already been made and recovery would take time.