Albanian Language Media 

Kosovo Police denies “unfounded claims” by Serbian ministry and media (media)

Kosovo Police in a statement on Thursday denied reports in some Serbian media that quoted a statement by the Serbian Ministry of Defense according to which a heavily armed group of Kosovo Police “in unauthorized way crossed the border with Serbia in the northern part of the country”. “Such reports referring to a statement by the Serbian Ministry of Defense are not true and do not stand. Therefore, these reports and the statements published as such is a disinformation aimed at creating insecurity among people in that area and to stain the work of Kosovo Police,” the police statement notes. “The Kosovo Police, as a reliable and transparent institution will make sure it continuously provides official information for the media and the broad public, whenever they are requested and needed for the media and the public”.

Lajcak: Grateful for France’s strong support to the dialogue process (media)

EU Special Representative for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak, met on Thursday in Paris with French Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad. “We had a good discussion on the dynamics in the Western Balkans and the importance of progress in the Dialogue on normalisation of relations. Grateful for France’s strong support to the process,” Lajcak said in a post on X.

Derguti: Osmani’s group in Guxo in talks to return to LDK (Telegrafi)

Balton Derguti, former member of the Guxo List, a partner in the ruling coalition, said that after the vote on the budget for 2025, there could be new political developments. “New developments are expected after the vote on the budget. I am getting information that Vjosa Osmani’s group [in Guxo List] is in talks to return to the LDK. In two days, some of them could publicly announce their return to the LDK,” he said.

Derguti argued that the split between President Osmani and the Kurti-led Vetevendosje Movement is inevitable in the February general elections, because relations between the two sides are no longer the same. “Albeit a little late, the President said what had to be said. it is true that the international relations of this government are not good. In the next elections, Vjosa Osmani and her people will not be together with Vetevendosje,” he said.

Kurti meets USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in a post on X on Thursday that he met with Erin McKee, the USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia. “We spoke about the organization's critical role in helping Kosova power forward, especially in the field of energy transition. In a year that marks the 25th anniversary of our liberation as well as the 25th anniversary of the creation of USAID, we look forward to continued and fruitful collaboration,” Kurti said.

Kurti: We commit to creating a brighter future for children of Kosovo (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that Kosovo is committed to creating a brighter future for its children. “Our government has been the first to introduce policies supporting over 400,000 children and more than 62,000 new mothers. Furthermore, the new law on social services will, for the first time, extend shelter support up to the age of 26, a needed reform that addresses the challenges when support ends at 18. These efforts, together with those that expand access to quality healthcare and other crucial services, are the beginning of a tangible, more prosperous future for all,” he said in a post on X.

EU: Serbia to explain passivisation of addresses of Albanians (media)

The European Union has called on Serbia to explain the passivisation of addresses of Albanians in Presevo Valley. Spokeswoman for the European Commission, Ana Pisonero, said the EU is aware of the concerns of Albanians in Serbia on this matter and called on Serbian authorities to explain to the public “how controls were carried out in settlements that resulted in the passivisation of addresses and if the southern part of Serbia was especially targeted”. “We have taken note of concerns for the passivisation of addresses of members of the Albanian community in Serbia. We are following these developments in the light of obligations that Serbia has assumed as part of membership negotiations, especially those related to minority rights,” she said.

Albania reacts to passivisation of Albanian addresses in Serbia (media)

The Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday that it is closely following the passivisation of addresses of Albanians in Presevo Valley, especially in Medvedja, in southern Serbia. It said that this constitutes a violation of human rights and standards for the protection of minority communities, by denying Albanians there from access to basic services and the ability to exercise their basic rights. “The passivisation of addresses is not merely a legal matter but it has consequences on the daily lives of Albanians in that region and is threatening their rights and equality,” the ministry said. It also said it would address the issue in meetings with Serbian authorities and in international forums. 

Serbian Language Media 

Serbian MoD says Kosovo police officers crossed administrative line, Vucic expects US reaction (KoSSev, media)

Heavily armed members of Kosovo police without authorization have crossed the administrative line near the village of Cirkovice, in northern Kosovo, Serbian Ministry of Defence said in a statement, KoSSev portal reported. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti “has ordered provocation”, expecting that, as he said, they would “be liquidated”. Vucic added he does not expect a reaction from KFOR, but from the US. KoSSev reported that in reply to their enquiry about the case, KFOR said they are waiting for accurate information and would get back to the portal.

“The Serbian Ministry of Defence in the strongest terms condemns unauthorised crossing of administrative line between central Serbia and Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija by a group of heavily armed members of the so-called Kosovo police near the village of Cirkovice”, the Ministry said in a statement. The Ministry added it was about deliberate and planned attempt “to provoke incident and violation of the agreement by Pristina’s provisional institutions headed by Albin Kurti”.

The Ministry of Defence called upon KFOR to undertake measures and prevent the attempts of escalation by authorities in Pristina. “The Ministry of Defence requests KFOR, as the only legal and legitimate military force in the territory of Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, to undertake measures in line with their mandate and prevent provisional Pristina authorities in their attempts to provoke escalation of violence in our southern Province”, the statement said.

Vucic: “Kurti ordered provocation, Americans know it”

Asked to comment on the statement of the Ministry of Defence, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told RTS he does not expect any reaction from KFOR, but from the Americans.

“The Americans know that Kurti ordered this on purpose, he expected those persons to be liquidated and that this would be his reason for bringing NATO in conflict with Serbia”, Vucic said.

“We are asking Americans to inform us if we are right when saying that Kurti has personally ordered provocation and intrusion of his forces in the territory of central Serbia in the region of Cirkovice village”, he added. He also said if a similar situation happens again, Serbia “will react in line with full rules of service”.

The portal later reported Kosovo police denied that their members have crossed an administrative line, saying the claims were “false and unfounded”.  

KFOR: Situation on administrative line is calm (KoSSev)

“Situation along the administrative boundary line is calm”, KFOR said in reply to KoSSev, following the claims of official Belgrade that heavily armed members of Kosovo police have crossed the administrative line.

KFOR said they continue to monitor any relevant development of events. “We have a visible and flexible presence and we are well positioned to respond to any security scenario, in line with our long-term UN mandate based on UN SC Resolution 1244, from 1999”, KFOR said.

The portal further reported they asked KFOR to comment on the statement of the Serbian Ministry of Defence which said it informed KFOR about the crossing of Kosovo police officers into the territory of central Serbia, demanding that KFOR undertake measures. KoSSev added they requested details into what concretely happened, given the lack of details in the statement of the Serbian Defence Ministry and if and what measures KFOR will undertake. 

“In regards to the specific question you have raised, we are referring you to the Serbian authorities for any further comment”,  KFOR said. 

The portal added that meanwhile, it sent the questions to the Serbian Ministry of Defence. 

Radosavljevic: Serbian community in Kosovo is most disintegrated since 2013 (Kosovo Online, media)

Jovana Radosavljevic, New Social Initiative Executive Director said in Pristina during discussion on community rights as part of the presentation of the EU 2024 Report on Kosovo, that Serbian community in Kosovo is the most disintegrated it has been since 2013, with no prospects of improvement. She also talked about misuse of Kosovo police by the ruling party and cases of mistreatments against Serbs, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Radosavljevic pointed out that even before withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from institutions, there was a lack of representation of minority communities in both central and lower levels of government: “This is a significant problem, and the question arises as to why minority communities are not adequately represented in these institutions. There are ministries and institutions where there isn’t a single representative of the Serbian community, for example”, she said.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/ZmC6Y

Serbian Democracy suspends cooperation with OSCE Mission (KoSSev)

Serbian Democracy has decided to suspend every type of cooperation with OSCE Mission in Kosovo, saying it would remain as such until they “stop being silent to the violation of the rights of Serbs in Kosovo”, but also until the rights of non-majority communities are improved, KoSSev portal reported.

Serbian Democracy said it has decided to inform the public about suspension of cooperation, after OSCE requested the meeting with them. "Our decision is a consequence of the silence of this international mission to the beatings of our children and youth, as well as the increase in inter-ethnic tensions that are a consequence of the inadequate work of international actors in dealing with Pristina, with almost non-existent efforts to improve the rights of Serbs in Kosovo", this political party said. Serbian Democracy added the OSCE did not make announcements about "fundamental matters for the Serbian community", even though Serbian Democracy informed them about the numerous problems of the Serbs at previous meetings.

"From police repression, through confiscation of private properties, to arbitrary arrests and beatings of citizens", Serbian Democracy said. "If the OSCE does not have understanding for the problems of our fellow citizens, there is no need to cooperate with them either. We are a political party that represents the interests of citizens, not international organisations", the statement added. Serbian Democracy requested from this Mission, but also EULEX and other international representatives to "publicly react to the continuous violation of the human, economic, social and cultural rights of the Serbian people".

Asked by the portal how they comment on suspension of cooperation, and if they intend to meet any of Serbian Democracy demands, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo said that they value efforts to highlight concerns of the Kosovo Serb community, through either political advocacy or other activism. It added that dialogue and feedback are “of crucial importance for their efforts”. It was also said that the Mission will continue listening to the concerns of all communities in Kosovo and work intensively on bringing communities closer and advancing cooperation for an inclusive and safer future. The Mission said they remain open to constructive engagement with all groups and associations.

Gracanica Municipality: Despite request for postponement, KPA put on sale 24 land plots (media)

Gracanica Municipality said it opposes the decision of Kosovo Privatization Agency (KPA) to put on sale 24 land plots owned by former social enterprises located in this municipality, despite municipal request to postpone this decision, Kosovo Online portal reported.

The Municipality said it received notification from KPA on September 30, this year, relating to the sale of 24 land parcels located in six different cadastral zones in this municipality. In a letter sent to KPA on October 10, Gracanica mayor Ljiljana Subaric requested additional time to verify if Gracanica Municipality has general public interest for the affected properties, and that is why they do not agree with intention of KAP to initiate the sale without previous detailed consultations with the municipality.

It was also said that Gracanica Municipality and mayor Subaric consider the KPA decision unacceptable, adding “it aims at continuation of further pressure against this local authority through application of the system of arbitrariness and authoritarianism”. The Municipality said they will oppose this decision by all legal and democratic means, and accused the international community of turning a blind eye to increased institutional repression, thus demonstrating “either  impotence or accomplice” in it.  

Jevtic: We will fight for “Stojko’s House” (Radio KIM, KoSSev)

“What is the Kosovo intelligence agency supposed to do at Ski Centre Brezovica to have one such facility which has historic and cultural significance for us?” Strpce mayor Dalibor Jevtic asked, after announcement of the Kosovo Privatization Agency (KPA) on leasing the premise known as Stojko’s House to Kosovo intelligence agency, Radio KIM reported. Jevtic also asked what kind of message is being sent to Strpce residents by such a decision?

“And we should now remain silent to such a decision and pretend as if nothing happened”, he added after signing a proposal to declare Stojko’s House an object of public interest. The Strpce Municipal Assembly should vote on this proposal, and Jevtic believes their decision will be positive. If the Municipal Assembly adopts this proposal, the Municipality plans to carry out the process of expropriation. Jevtic said he expects further obstruction as the consent of the Kosovo Government is needed when it comes to expropriation of properties under KPA administration.

Radio KIM further reported that the Stojko’s House had been leased during the previous years, and that an Albanian was paying a yearly rent in the amount of 20.000 euros. However, upon expiry of that contract, the KPA has decided to lease this premise to the Kosovo intelligence agency for much smaller rent, 350 euros per month.

Jevtic said the timing for such a decision was interesting, linking it with upcoming elections. “We are approaching elections, and now some things are happening in an accelerated manner, within a short period of time there is a wave of some decisions, in Gracanica, then in Strpce, but also in other parts, in other Serbian areas. It is very clear what the goal of Albin Kurti is”, he said.

Residents of Strpce, Radio KIM interviewed highlighted the touristic potential Stojko’s House has, its cultural importance, with one of them calling it ‘the heart’ of Strpce municipality. Another Serb, independent municipal councillor in Strpce, Slavisa Vasiljevic said decision to lease Stojko’s House to Kosovo intelligence agency was a political and not economic decision, adding KAP has made a series of detrimental decisions when it comes to Ski Centre Brezovica properties but also Strpce residents.

Vucevic meets with Fico (Tanjug)

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic met with Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Belgrade on Thursday and noted that Fico's visit was a signal the two countries continued to advance their bilateral relations.

"Serbia and Slovakia are sincere friends and dependable partners. The visit by PM Robert Fico is a signal that we continue to advance our bilateral relations, economic ties and cooperation in numerous areas”, Vucevic wrote in an Instagram post after the meeting with Fico.

Vucevic noted that Serbia highly appreciated Slovakia's commitment to respect for international law and its strong support for Serbia's economic path.

International Media 

Albanians in Serbia slam top court for approving ‘Address passivisation’ (BIRN)

A Serbian Constitutional Court ruling has outraged ethnic Albanians in the country who claim they are being discriminated against over the issue of what’s being called ‘address passivisation’ – the marking of people’s addresses as ‘inactive’ in a police database, meaning they cannot renew identity documents

The November 14 Constitutional Court ruling dismissed an ethnic Albanian man called Safet Demirovic’s complaint against a lower-instance court verdict confirming the ‘passivisation’ of his address in 2019. Demirovic is from Sijarinska Banja in Medvedja municipality in the south of Serbia, where many of the country’s ethnic Albanians live.

“They treated me like a foreign citizen, like I didn’t have properties there for generations. I’ve even had a business there since 2017 but the Constitutional Court did not mention it,” Demirovic told BIRN by telephone on Thursday.

Thousands of ethnic Albanians from three municipalities in southern Serbia, Medvedja, Bujanovac, and Presevo, have had their addresses marked ‘inactive’ by the Serbian authorities.

This means they cannot renew their Serbian identification documents, or exercise basic human rights that require IDs, such as voting. The issue has sparked a series of street protests in the area.

In July 2021, Demirovic filed his appeal to the Constitutional Court against the initial verdict of the Administrative Court in Nis, claiming it violated Serbia’s obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights to ensure fair legal proceedings and to prohibit discrimination.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/vjhv9mv9