UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, August 30, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Macron: Kosovo's unilateral moves, not a good signal (media)
Kurti and Goffus discuss importance of continuous coordination with NATO (media)
Osmani asks senior NATO official to draw up joint plan for opening of Iber Bridge (Reporteri)
Osmani meets Manuel Sarrazin, discuss political developments and security (media)
Kurti to Sarazin: Kosovo is fully engaged in Berlin Process (RTK)
Sarrazin: We need difficult compromises between Kosovo and Serbia for EU membership (Koha)
Abdixiku to Sarrazin: LDK will give priority to Berlin Process (Koha)
Maqedonci meets Goffus, discuss security in Kosovo and the region (RTK)
KSF members are being trained for battles by Turkish military (Koha)
EULEX and IML Forensic Team visiting Novi Pazar (RTK)
Maqedonci: The CIA chief's visit to Kosovo was to curb Russian influence in Balkans (Klan)

Serbian Language Media:

Macron arrives to Belgrade, contract on purchase of 12 Rafale aircrafts signed (media)
Odalovic: Kurti is trying to hide Pristina has done nothing regarding missing persons issue (Kosovo Online)
EULEX and IFM collaborate as excavations begin in Novi Pazar (KoSSev)
Serbian man sentenced to five months in prison and deportation from Kosovo for ‘insulting KLA’ (media)
Sopjani: Presence of ministers during opening of Kosovo Post office in Mitrovica North unnecessary (Kosovo Online, social media)

International Media:

Serbia signs deal to buy French fighter jets as Macron visits Belgrade (Balkan Insight)
Serbia announces $3 billion deal to buy 12 French warplanes, in a shift away from Russia (AP)
Serbia buys 12 Rafale jets from France's Dassault Aviation for 2.7 billion euros (Reuters)

Albanian Language Media

Macron: Kosovo's unilateral moves, not a good signal (media)

The French President, Emmanuel Macron, said that Paris is concerned about the "unilateral movements" of Kosovo, which, as he emphasised, do not send a good signal.

In a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Macron said that the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is an integral part of the process of rapprochement with the European Union, which was much discussed in several capitals of Europe. He emphasised that the issue will not be resolved without compromise from both sides and if there is no political courage to reach a solution.

Macron congratulated the Serbian authorities for the decisions taken at the end of last year, to start implementing the Ohrid agreement. "With our European partners, we have said how worried we are about Kosovo's unilateral movements that do not send a good signal. Make sure that France will continue to monitor the conditions in which the Serbian community lives in Kosovo. In this sense, we are particularly committed to the formation of the Association of Serb Municipalities", said Macron.

He added that his main message is the message of determination and faith. "We will continue to support European mediation, in order to achieve progress in relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which are key for the Western Balkans region, and your relations with all partners will improve, and we will have free movement,and a better life for people", he said.

Kurti and Goffus talk about importance of continuous coordination with NATO (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, received on Thursday the Assistant Secretary General for NATO Operations, Thomas Goffus. In an announcement of the Prime Minister's Office, it is said that Kurti thanked Goffus for the continuous and positive contribution of the KFOR and NATO mission as well as the commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kosovo and the region.

"He emphasised the importance of deepening cooperation between our security and defence institutions with KFOR and NATO and continuous coordination. Prime Minister Kurti said that the socio-economic and democratic progress of the country goes hand in hand with the rule of law and order, to which the dedication remains unwavering and at the service of all citizens without distinction", the announcement states.

In this meeting, Kurti said that during these three years they have faced the biggest security threats from Serbia. "We have achieved the greatest progress in democracy and economy, while we have successfully repelled the threats and successfully managed the challenges to security and peace in our country. We protect not only the citizens and the territory, sovereignty and democracy, independence and freedom, but also our progress and prosperity", the announcement reads.

Osmani asks senior NATO official to draw up joint plan for opening of Iber Bridge (Reporteri)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, received on Thursday the Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Operations, Thomas Goffus. A communique issued by the Office of the Presidency, informed that during the meeting Osmani emphasised the importance of coordination between local institutions and security partners, with special emphasis on NATO.

"At the meeting with Assistant Secretary Goffus, among other things, the issue of opening the Iber bridge was discussed. President Osmani has reiterated the position for the opening of the bridge, but has emphasised the importance of maintaining communication, coordination and deepening cooperation between our institutions and our security partners, especially with NATO, for the drafting of a joint implementation plan for the opening of the bridge. President Osmani described the opening of the bridge as an action in the function of normalisation and integration in the interest of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity," the communiqué states.

Osmani meets Manuel Sarrazin, discuss political developments and security (media)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, received on Thursday the special envoy of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin. The Presidency announced that the meeting discussed the latest political and security developments in Kosovo and the region, as well as the Berlin Process. On this occasion, the President has reiterated her full support for the agreements resulting from this process.

"The president also emphasised the gratitude for the contribution of the German soldiers and highly appreciated the commitment of Germany in terms of guaranteeing peace and security, which was proven by the quadrupling of German troops, after the act of aggression of Serbia in September of the last year ", reads the announcement.

Kurti to Sarazin: Kosovo is fully engaged in Berlin Process (RTK)

Kosovo Prime Minister's Office has announced that during Thursday's meeting with the Special Representative of Germany for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasised that during the time when parallel platforms were being pushed in the region, Kosovo was fully engaged in the Berlin Process.

The announcement noted that the meeting discussed progress in the implementation of mobility agreements in the Berlin Process, regional cooperation and expectations from the next summit that will be held in Berlin on its 10th anniversary.

"The Prime Minister emphasised that at the time when other parallel platforms were being pushed in the region, Kosovo has been fully engaged in the Berlin Process, seeking its re-energization and strengthening as a platform that offers equality and accelerates the process of membership in the European Union for countries that want to become members", the announcement states.

The importance of not only reaching new agreements before the next summit, but also ensuring the implementation of the agreements that have already been signed, is emphasised.

Sarrazin: We need difficult compromises between Kosovo and Serbia for EU membership (Koha)

The German emissary for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, has stated that for the membership of the countries of the region in the European Union, cooperation and not easy compromises between Kosovo and Serbia are required. Sarrazin told the journalists that preparations are being made for holding the Berlin Summit in October.

"The Berlin summit started for regional cooperation, to bring the six countries together towards the European Union. For this, we need regional cooperation... We need compromises that are not easy for Kosovo and Serbia, but we are not there yet. The Berlin Process commits to joint trade. I asked everyone for compromises for the freedom of goods, money and trade in the region", he emphasised.

On Thursday, the German envoy met with the president of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani and the two leaders of the opposition parties, Lumir Abdixhiku (LDK) and Memli Krasniqi (PDK).

Abdixiku to Sarrazin: LDK will give priority to Berlin Process (Koha)

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, has told the German emissary for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, that if the LDK takes power in the upcoming elections, it will prioritise the Berlin Process. On its 10th anniversary, the summit will take place in Berlin, where representatives of the Western Balkans and European Union countries will gather in October.

"At the Central Headquarters of the LDK, I received the German emissary for the Western Balkans, Mr. Manuel Sarrazin. On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the start of the Berlin Process, we discussed the importance of Kosovo's participation there; and the great economic opportunities flowing for the Republic of Kosovo. As LDK, we have fully supported and support this process; as well as we expect from the outgoing Government the fulfilment of the final obligations in this regard without harming our position there", Abdixhiku wrote on Facebook. "From February 9, we will give priority not only to this strategic initiative, where Kosovo has an equal place and role with other states in the region, but also to every other integration and consolidation process that has stalled for four years in a row - initially by recovering our burdened position and then advancing towards our historic goals. In my government, state consolidation and the interests of the Republic are not compromised by populist decisions," Abdixhiku wrote.

Maqedonci meets Goffus, discuss security in Kosovo and the region (RTK)

Kosovo’s Minister of Defense, Ejup Macedonci, announced that he met on Thursday with the Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Operations, Thomas Goffus. In a post on Facebook, among other things, Maqedonci wrote that during the meeting with Goffus, he exchanged information and views about the general security situation in Kosovo and the region.

"I informed Mr.Goffus about the developments in the Ministry of Defense and the Security Force of Kosovo and thanked him for the support that NATO gives to the development of the Ministry of Defense and the Security Force of Kosovo through the Liaison Advisory Team, as well as the contribution of KFOR in maintaining peace and security. The Republic of Kosovo remains steadfast on its path towards integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization", Maqedonci wrote.

KSF members are being trained for battles by Turkish military (Koha)

On Thursday, the members of the Kosovo Security Force conducted "Basic Training for Battle in the Second Regiment of the Land Forces" in cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkey. This training was conducted under the leadership of Turkish instructors and within the framework of increasing the fighting capacities of the KSF, this institution announced.

The announcement further stressed that the Republic of Turkey is continuously helping to increase the capacities of the KSF in all areas, supporting professional development and technical support.

EULEX and IML Forensic Team visiting Novi Pazar (RTK)

Members of the EULEX Forensic Medicine Team, together with their counterparts from the Institute for Forensic Medicine (IML) of Kosovo, were on a first joint visit to a location in the municipality of Novi Pazar in Serbia on Tuesday. According to the EULEX announcement, the joint field visit was organised following plans for field work agreed at recent meetings facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).EULEX has also said that it welcomes the efforts made by the relevant stakeholders to implement the agreed plans for the field work.

"Forensic experts of the Mission continue to support their partners in the IML and other relevant institutions to shed light on the fate of the missing persons," the announcement states.

Delegations from the Kosovo Government Commission on Missing Persons, the Serbian Commission on Missing Persons, the Serbian War Crimes Prosecution, the ICRC and the Kosovo NGO Resource Center for Missing Persons were also present.

Maqedonci: The CIA chief's visit to Kosovo was to curb Russian influence in Balkans (Klan)

Kosovo’s Minister of Defence Ejup Maqedonci said in an interview with Klan Kosova that one of the goals of the CIA chief's visit to Kosovo and the region was the commitment of the U.S. to curb Russia's influence.

"The visit of the Head of the CIA, William Burns, shows the continuation of the commitment of the United States of America to security and peace in the Western Balkans, but also to the determination of the USA to curb Russian influence in the Balkans and prevent the realisation of its goals for destabilising the region and undermining the Euro-Atlantic integration processes. I consider that the possibility of escalation in the region will remain present as long as Serbia's idea of hegemony in the Balkans remains present and as long as this idea is operationally translated by the state structures through military threats and the use of informal armed groups organised by the security structures in Serbia", he said.

Serbian Language Media

Macron arrives to Belgrade, contract on purchase of 12 Rafale aircrafts signed (media)

One of the leading stories in the Serbian media last night is the visit of the French President Emanual Macron who arrived in Belgrade last evening and would stay one more day in Serbia.

Macron said that Paris is concerned over unilateral acts of Pristina, which, as he said, do not send a good signal, adding that France would continue following closely on conditions in which Serbs in Kosovo live and would remain committed to establishing the Community of Serbian Municipalities, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Speaking in a joint address with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Macron said normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is an integral part of the process of rapprochement with the EU, which was widely discussed in several European capitals.

He pointed out this issue will not be resolved without compromises from both sides, and if there is no political courage to reach a solution. In this regard, he congratulated Serbian authorities on decisions made at the end of the last year, in order to start implementation of Ohrid Agreement.

“With our European partners we have expressed how much we are concerned about Kosovo unilateral actions, which do not send a good signal. Rest assured that France will in particular closely follow the conditions in which the Serbian community in Kosovo lives. In this regard, we are particularly committed to establishing the Community of Serbian Municipalities”, he said.

He added his main message is the message of decisiveness and trust. "We will continue to support the efforts of European mediation, in order to achieve progress in relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which is crucial for the Western Balkans region, and thus your relations with all partners will improve, we will have free movement and better life for all people", Macron said.

Serbian media also reported that 12 documents on cooperation between Serbia and France were signed last night including the contract to purchase 12 Rafale aircrafts, and auxiliary goods and services. Macron said the contract on Rafale aircrafts purchase was an historically important agreement because Serbia has an important place in the security of the entire European continent. Asked by a journalist if Serbia moves away from Russia with this purchase, Aleksandar Vucic responded that he is proud of the policy of Serbia, for always respecting the UN Charter, something that could not be told for many countries in the West. “I know Emanuel (Macron) would like us to introduce sanctions to Russia, but I am not ashamed because of my decision. I explain my actions to my own people”, Vucic said.

Odalovic: Kurti is trying to hide Pristina has done nothing regarding missing persons issue (Kosovo Online)

President of the Serbian Government Missing Persons Commission Veljko Odalovic responded to statements Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti made ahead of the International Day of the Disappeared, in which Kurti demanded opening of Serbian archives to shed light on the fate of the missing persons. Odalovic pointed out that Kurti has lost credibility on this issue, as he has turned it into a political matter, shifting the responsibility solely onto the Serbian side to hide the fact that Pristina has done nothing.

Odalovic emphasised Kurti has never mentioned that Serbia handed over 2,417 documents from its archives to the Pristina delegation through the International Committee of the Red Cross, and that mortal remains of more than a hundred Albanians have been handed over to their families.

"We provided them with our sketches, maps, and the locations where people were buried after the conflict, which he does not mention because it does not suit him. If he acknowledged this, it would become transparent that he has not provided anything. We have not received any information from the Pristina side, and for years, we have not been present at any location they were supposed to investigate based on our requests”, Odalovic told Kosovo Online.