UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, November 28, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Kosovo leaders congratulate November 28, Albania’s Independence Day (media)
Months away from elections, political parties start campaign on Facebook (RFE)
Gervalla congratulates Kallas on appointment as EU High Representative (media)
Serb arrested for threatening his sister of working for Kosovo institutions (media)
Lajcak in Greece, talks about security aspects of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)
Lawyer: Investigations by SPO against Halil Cadraku have stopped (media)
Bolton doesn’t rule out return of Kosovo-Serbia land swap idea (media)
Mandic calls for the release of three Montenegrins arrested in Kosovo (media)
Kurti meets Albanian from Mitrovica elected mayor in Germany (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Graffiti dedicated to Serbian soldiers from Kosare battle painted over in North Mitrovica center (KoSSev)
Serbian List: Desecration of mural dedicated to Kosare soldiers is a hate crime against Serbs (Kosovo Online)
Kosovo police say they investigate who perpetrators damaging mural are (Kosovo Online)
Mbasogo: We do not recognize Kosovo (Tanjug)
Zvecan mayor marks Albanian Flag Day, optimistic about Serb reactions (KoSSev)
Mandic: Pristina has to release Montenegrin citizens (Radio KIM)

International:

New world first museum tells the stories of Kosovo war rape victims (SBS News)
Kosovo’s Kurti touts government’s longevity, but critics question results (BIRN)
Kosovo to build ammunition factory, drone lab to support defence industry (Reuters)

Albanian Language Media

Kosovo leaders congratulate November 28, Albania’s Independence Day (media)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said today on the occasion of the Day of Independence of Albania that “we honor the history, flag and national identity, by reaffirming our commitment to strengthen our countries. November 28 is not only a symbol of our battles and triumphs, but also a memory of our sacrifices to be free, in peace and proud. November 28 is a symbiosis of three historical moments that glorify our nation: the raising of the flag in Vlora and the declaration of the independence of Albania, the public appearance of the KLA and the birthday of legendary commander Adem Jashari,” Osmani said in a Facebook post.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti took to Facebook today to congratulate November 28, the Day of the Independence of Albania, saying that this date finds Kosovo with a project for the Adem Jashari memorial complex in Prekaz. “In this holy place which bears the traces of the heroic act of the Jashari family, we come back to remember the price of the freedom that we enjoy today. We will not spare anything to build an internationally important memorial complex that will reflect with dignity and a high artistic level, the stance and fight of the people for freedom, independence and unity, as deserved by the figure of Adem Jashari and the Jashari family,” he said.

Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi who paid homage at the Adem Jashari memorial complex said “this is a day that should inspire everyone of us to do good deeds for our people and our country. It is a day that should remind us of the sacrifices of many generations for our freedom and country”.

Months away from elections, political parties start campaign on Facebook (RFE)

In the last three months, around €35,000 were spent in Kosovo to sponsor ads with mainly political messages. Around three months from now, on February 9, 2025, these sponsors will compete to take over the governance of Kosovo, the news website reports.

In the previous two parliamentary elections, the Vetevendosje Movement came out victorious. But opposition parties have already started spending in order to change the course of the next elections. Since August 16 when the election date was announced, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) were the two parties that invested the most in sponsoring ads on Facebook.

Aimed at greater transparency, the company that owns Facebook, Meta, publishes all data for sponsored ads on Facebook and Instagram. And the political parties are obliged to report these spendings to the Central Election Committee. Looking only at sponsored ads on Facebook in Kosovo, the LDK is clearly in the lead compared to other parties and politicians with its spendings so far. Meanwhile, the ruling party, the Vetevendosje Movement, has yet to start its campaign on Facebook.

Through Facebook ads, parties and politicians can reach a greater audience and can analyze the performance of their campaign online. From the bigger parties, the LDK has spent the most so far on Facebook ads, and mainly to promote videos from rallies in different cities, including Pristina, Ferizaj, Podujevo, Fushe Kosove, and Obiliq. In addition to this, in the last couple of months, they have spent mainly on two types of ads: one showing the electoral promises of the LDK, and the other following discussions in Kosovo about handbooks for teachers on sexual education.

After the LDK, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has spent the most but visibly less than the LDK. Similarly to the LDK, the PDK has spent most to promote visits in different cities of Kosovo. But it also shared the electoral promise that if it wins the elections, the wages will double their governance. In the PDK, more money was spent by politicians to sponsor individual ads than by the party.

Gervalla congratulates Kallas on appointment as EU High Representative (media)

Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gervalla, congratulated Kaja Kallas on her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. “This marks a new chapter. Kosova remains committed to advancing peace, stability, and European integration,” Gervalla said in a post on X.

Serb arrested for threatening his sister of working for Kosovo institutions (media)

Several news websites report that Kosovo Police arrested a person in Zvecan on Wednesday who is suspected of continuously threatening his sister for working in Kosovo’s institutions.

Lajcak in Greece, talks about security aspects of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (media)

EU Special Representative for the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, Miroslav Lajcak, thanked Greek Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, for inviting him at the conference “Western Balkans in the current context of security challenges and threats”. “I used my intervention to speak about challenges and risks in the Balkans, as well as security aspects of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue,” Lajcak said in a post on X.

Lawyer: Investigations by SPO against Cadraku have stopped (media)

Most news websites report that Arianit Koci, lawyer of Halil Cadraku, said in a Facebook post today that after a lengthy and detailed investigation process by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in the Specialist Chambers in the Hague, investigations against his client have stopped. “This decision is an important and welcomed development, not only for Mr. Cadraku and his family, but also for all other processes that are being held in the Hague. The termination of investigations reflects a fair and unbiased decision about the facts and circumstances. Our defense team has cooperated closely with all relevant institutions throughout the process and was certain that our client is innocent. We hope this case will serve as an example of the importance of respecting the individuals’ rights and enforcing impartial justice at all levels,” Koci said.

Bolton doesn’t rule out return of Kosovo-Serbia land swap idea (media)

John Bolton, former national security advisor to Donald Trump, in an interview with Panorama, did not rule out the return of the idea for a potential land swap between Kosovo and Serbia. He said that stability in the Balkans and the resolution of the problem between Kosovo and Serbia is very important for many reasons, one of them being to minimize Russia’s influence in the region.

“Whatever we can do that results in a solution – I am not saying we should force anything on anyone – but if it brings benefits for all, such as the case of the name of Macedonia which today is called North Macedonia, so if it is possible to bring solutions that are good for everyone, then I think it is in the US interest to find ways to end conflicts. For everyone to turn the page, to speak more about membership in NATO and the EU. Stability in the Balkans would be good for all. I am not saying at all costs, but it is something that should be kept in consideration,” he said.

Mandic calls for the release of three Montenegrins arrested in Kosovo (media)

Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandic, who most media describe as being “known for his pro-Russian stances and close ties with Aleksandar Vucic and Milorad Dodik”, called today for the release of three Montenegrin nationals who were arrested in Kosovo and sent to 30-day detention. The vehicle of the three Montenegrin nationals, who visited the Decani Monastery, had the slogan “Kosovo is Serbia”, which the prosecution called “inciting division and intolerance”. Mandic referred to Kosovo as “the administration in Pristina” and asked for the three Montenegrin nationals to be released as soon as possible and claimed that there was no reason to arrest them.

Kurti meets Albanian from Mitrovica elected mayor in Germany (media)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said in a post on X on Wednesday that he met with Arianit Besiri, an Albanian from Mitrovica and a Kosovo war refugee, who was elected Mayor of Morbach in Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany. “Our diaspora, well-integrated and active in the countries where they live, are making remarkable contributions to social, political, and economic life. When I learned he was in Kosova, I had the pleasure to welcome him to my office and congratulate him, offering our full support,” Kurti said.

Serbian Language Media

Graffiti dedicated to Serbian soldiers from Kosare battle painted over in North Mitrovica center (KoSSev)

Graffiti in the centre of Mitrovica North dedicated to the members of the Army of Serbia and Montenegro taking part in a battle at Kosare in Djakovica region during the conflict in Kosovo, had been painted over with a black paint, KoSSev portal reported.

The black paint covered the faces and bodies of the soldiers and only the message “It is worth dying for this country” remained, along with a newly inscribed word “peace”. Another graffiti located at promenade “KMF” had also been damaged.

Leader of the Serbian Democracy, Aleksandar Arsenijevic was the first one to report about painted graffiti last night, claiming it was done by persons who had their faces covered with hoodies, while one of them on the sweater had a sign “Torcida”, an Albanian football fans group from Mitrovica.

He also said attempts to paint over graffiti dedicated to the late Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Pavle and Metropolitan Amfilohije located nearby had been prevented.

KoSSev portal recalled that members of Kosovo police are constantly present in this part of the town, both in uniforms and plainclothes, while the area is covered with video surveillance. Arenijevic also mentioned three Kosovo police patrols with whom he had brief conversation.

The new action to deface symbols related to the Serbs took place on the Albanian Flag day.

Police: We are consulting with prosecutor

KoSSev portal addressed the Kosovo police, asking them if they have information as to who had painted over graffiti last night.

“We do not know it for now, but the police are already in consultations with the prosecutor, who is to decide if there are elements to open the case”, Kosovo police deputy commander for the region North, Veton Elshani told the portal.

He also said the claims that graffiti was painted over in a moment when members of Kosovo police were located nearby are also being verified.

Serbian List: Desecration of mural dedicated to Kosare soldiers is a hate crime against Serbs (Kosovo Online)

Desecration of a mural in the center of Mitrovica North dedicated to the members of the Army of Serbia and Montenegro who fought at Kosare battle during the conflict in Kosovo is a hate crime against Serbs and “evidence of poisonous relations reminding Serbs every day what (Albin) Kurti and those obedient to him wish to the Serbian people in those areas”, Serbian List said in a statement, Kosovo Online portal reported.

Serbian List said while “extremists under the shadow of the night were destroying the mural, Kurti’s police officers were standing nearby and did absolutely nothing to prevent them from doing so”.

“For years already Pristina prevents investigation in the region around Kosare, in order to find the bodies of young men who have bravely died there, and it was not enough that they do not allow those dead to be buried properly and their families given chance to know where their loved ones are, so the last night they have desecrated their mural too”, the statement added.

“We reiterate that over the last couple of days, those very same police officers tried to remove the posters with photos of injured Serbian children, fined Serbian List vice president Ivan Zaporozac because he took part in a peaceful walk by which citizens wanted to point out to human rights violation and violence against Serbian children, mistreated pilgrims Decani Monastery, therefore clearly showed their attitude towards the Sers and clear desire to remain silent about the crimes against the Serbs”.

They also said that across Kosovo there are thousands of demolished and desecrated Serbian graveyards and tombstones, while at the same time an Albanian cemetery in Mitrovica North remains intact. “This is an obvious civilizational difference about which every Serb is proud of”.

Kosovo police say they investigate who perpetrators damaging mural are (Kosovo Online)

Petrit Fejza from Kosovo police for the region North told Kosovo Online portal the police investigates who the masked persons damaging the mural in the center of Mitrovica North are.

“The police have opened an investigation about this event, together with the prosecutor we went to the spot and gathered evidence material. We will look into recordings from surveillance cameras too in order to verify who are the masked persons who damaged the mural in the centre of Mitrovica North last night. After investigation on the spot we will know if and under what charges the prosecutor will open investigation”, he added.

Mbasogo: We do not recognize Kosovo (Tanjug)

Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo says his country supports the territorial integrity of Serbia, retaining a firm stance of non-recognition of Kosovo unilaterally declared independence, Tanjug news agency reported.

"We do not recognize the government of 'Kosovo' because they are enemies of Belgrade who want to divide the country, and our stance is firm in that regard. We have demonstrated that in all international forums, especially in the UN", Mbasogo told Politika in an interview during a visit to Serbia.

Asked if his country had been under pressure to change its position, Mbasogo responded that it had not, but that, without prior consultations with the government, an Equatoguinean delegation had once inconsiderately come into contact with Pristina's representatives in San Salvador. "We then reacted immediately and stripped those individuals of authorizations to confirm our unwavering stance to Serbia", he said.

Mbasogo also said four agreements on cooperation signed by Malabo and Belgrade would further help a decades-long friendship and cooperation materialise in the future.

Zvecan mayor marks Albanian Flag Day, optimistic about Serb reactions (KoSSev)

“For the first time in the history of Zvecan municipality, a formal assembly was organized to mark November 28 - Albania’s Flag Day,” mayor of Zvecan, Ilir Peci, declared today. He addressed reporters in front of the municipal building, stating: “On this historic occasion, I extend my best wishes to all Albanians for this significant day.”

The assembly, held in the majority-Serb municipality, prominently featured Albanian national symbols.

The Albanian and Kosovo flags adorned the wall behind the speakers, complemented by black-and-red-themed attire worn by participants.

A brief ceremony in a divided context

The session, lasting around ten minutes, began at 9:00 a.m. with the Albanian and Kosovo anthems, followed by two speeches delivered without translation. This occurred despite earlier assurances from Mayor Peci that translations into Serbian, Albanian, and Bosnian would be provided to ensure inclusivity.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/bde5svad

Mandic: Pristina has to release Montenegrin citizens (Radio KIM)

Speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament Andrija Mandic said today Pristina has to release three Montenegro citizens sent to one-month detention over inspiration on their vehicle plates during their visit to Visoki Decani Monastery, Radio KIM reported.

“Montenegro calls upon the Pristina administration and insists that its three citizens are released as soon as possible because there is no reason whatsoever that Serbian Orthodox Church pilgrims visiting our shrines in Kosovo are held and convicted under such deplorable excuses”, Mandic said.

In addition to Mandic, Niksic mayor, from where three detained young men are, Marko Kovacevic has also condemned the acts of Kosovo police and the court.

International

New world first museum tells the stories of Kosovo war rape victims (SBS News)

It's been 25 years since the end of the war in Kosovo. The country's Ambassador to Australia, Jetmira Berdynaj Shala, says it was a hard fought conflict, only ending after a NATO military intervention that forced Serbia to withdraw its forces. "There have been around 12,000 victims. Out of them, more than 9,000 were civilians, meaning women, elder people, children, that were not part of the army."

Tensions still remain between Kosovo and Serbia. The British foreign ministry sent 200 soldiers to NATO's peacekeeping force in Kosovo following a gun battle between the authorities and armed Serbs in the country's north in September.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti says they appreciate the help. "Ally, partner, friend before liberation, during and after, and we never forget the help that we’ve gotten bilaterally from UK or through NATO and EU."

But there are also other constant reminders of the war. During the 1998 conflict, there were around 20,000 reported instances of rape and sexual assault by members of the Serbian army against the local population, with women overwhelmingly the targets of that violence.

Atifete Jahjaga is a former president of Kosovo. She says in the years since, survivors have experienced stigma. "While each and every one of us has enjoyed the freedom and the liberties immediately after the end of the war, survivors of the sexual violence, to our shame, we have covered them with a veil of shame instead of covering them with a veil of pride. Because while we have been fighting in many of the battlefields, we have never recognised that these survivors from a different age, which we have here, the dress of a 17 years old young lady, she's not among us, where her and her sister of ten years old due to the consequences of their rape. They are not among us anymore."