UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, December 24, 2024

Albanian Language Media:

Kurti: Serbia's destabilizing policy, problem for entire region, Kosovo will not tolerate threats from anyone (Reporteri)
Hargreaves: Respect legal procedures rather than political interests (media)
Radoniqi: The non-certification of Serbian List has no legal basis (media)
CDHRF: Non-certification of Serbian List was politicized (media)
Kosovo, Albania special prosecutions sign cooperation agreement (media)
Qelaj:Ombudsperson in The Hague shows no interest to cooperate (Koha)
Osmani: May this holiday inspire us for a future with boundless hope (media)
Ombudsperson: There is a decrease in responses from the authorities (RTK)

Serbian Language Media:

Elek says Serbian List to file appeal, CEC’s decision instructed by Kurti (Kosovo Online, media)
Party of Kosovo Serbs reacts to Kosovo media headlines (social media)
Arsenijevic reacts to CEC’s decision not to certify Serbian List (social media)
Buzhala: Kurti helps Vucic at moment of his biggest challenge (KoSSev, social media)
Hasani: The ban on the SL seriously harms Kosovo domestically and internationally (Kosovo Online)
Detention of three young men from Montenegro extended, lawyer warns of discrimination and unequal treatment (media)
Milos Subotic posts about number of police patrols in northern Kosovo (social media)
Serbian Ministry of Culture: Pristina falsifies reality and violates the laws of common sense (Kosovo Online)
Vucevic: Situation further complicated in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina (RTS)
Education minister says she would like to talk with students (N1)
AoPG: Sunday protest surpasses demonstrations that toppled Milosevic (N1)

Albanian Language Media

Kurti: Serbia's destabilizing policy, problem for entire region, Kosovo will not tolerate threats from anyone (Reporteri)

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called Serbia the extended hand of Russia in the Balkans and the biggest threat to peace in the region. Speaking about the main challenges to the stability of the Western Balkans, Kurti warned that the danger does not come only from Serbia, but also from its alliance with Russia. Kurti stressed that Belgrade, playing the role of the extended arm of Moscow in the region, poses threat to peace and security. He said that there can be no normalization of relations while Serbia refuses to recognize reality and acts as an instrument of Russian interests. “We cannot talk about normalization of relations while Serbia refuses to recognize reality and acts as an instrument of Russian interests. Its destabilizing policy is not a problem for Kosovo, but for the entire Western Balkans,” Kurti told the Croatian media outlet Vecernji List.

Kurti stressed that Moscow is using Serbia to achieve its geopolitical goals, with the aim of weakening the European Union and NATO. “Putin’s regime sees the Western Balkans as a weak point in Europe. Through Serbia, it is trying to spread its influence and cause instability in the region,” the stressed.

In this interview, Kurti said that he believes that the U.S. will remain a key ally of Kosovo, especially in the face of threats from Serbia and Russia. “We expect from the administration in Washington clear support for strengthening Kosovo’s statehood and security. America has always stood by us, and this is more important now than ever,” he said. He added that Kosovo will continue to strengthen its position on the international stage and work to build peace in the region. "Kosovo is committed to stability but will not tolerate threats and destabilization from Serbia or anyone else. Our goal is peace, equality and prosperity for all our citizens," Kurti concluded.

Hargreaves: Respect legal procedures rather than political interests (media)

UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, urged Kosovo’s Central Election Commission “to make sure that the electoral process is conducted with integrity and on the basis of proper legal procedures rather than political interests”. He also said, “we expect the CEC and all its members to assess Srpska Lista’s certification according to the inclusive, transparent and robust application of relevant regulations”.

Radoniqi: The non-certification of Serbian List has no legal basis (media)

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Kreshnik Radoniqi, said that the non-certification of the Serbian List by this body has no legal basis. According to him, the certification has a legal basis as the application of the Serbian List has passed the verification filters of the Office for the Certification of Political Parties.

“No, there is no legal basis for the non-certification, there is a legal basis for the certification. The application has passed the verification filters of the Office for the Certification of Political Parties and after all the verifications, it has concluded that it is in order and has recommended certification,” Radoniqi told Klan Kosova.

He said that the issues raised on Monday at the meeting of the Central Election Commission regarding the Serbian List are matters for the judicial bodies and not the CEC.

CDHRF: Non-certification of Serbian List was politicized (media)

The Pristina-based Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms (CDHRF) reacted to the decision by the Central Election Commission not to certify the Serbian List for the February 2025 parliamentary elections. It notes that “the process has been unnecessarily politicized and that the fight is not against the Serbian List between representatives of the ruling party and the opposition at the CEC. The ruling party is blaming the opposition for not voting the same way they did on the non-certification of the SL while the opposition has asked for an explanation from the Ministry of Interior Affairs about the case”. The Council called on the CEC to explain to the public the legal basis for their decision and if the decision is based on the law, the CEC needs to insist on refusing the certification. “Otherwise, disciplinary and legal measures must be taken against those that abuse their position regardless of their post or political and party affiliation,” it argued.

Kosovo, Albania special prosecutions sign cooperation agreement (media)

The Special Prosecution of Kosovo and Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) signed a cooperation agreement to create joint investigations teams. The agreement was reached during a meeting between the chief prosecutor of Kosovo’s Special Prosecution, Blerim Isufaj, and a delegation of SPAK led by head prosecutor Altin Dumani. The two chief prosecutors discussed increasing the level of cooperation, coordination and efficiency in the fight against crime and strengthening the rule of law.

Qelaj:Ombudsperson in The Hague shows no interest to cooperate (Koha)

The Ombudsman, Naim Qelaj, has expressed his concern about the trials being held at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. At the last media conference for this year where the results of the year's work were presented, Qelaj said that the Ombudsman can only perform one role there, and that as a friend of the Court. "There is an Ombudsperson appointed by the court, and I have communicated with him. I have seen that he does not express interest in cooperation and has not provided information that could be public. Considering the work that this Ombudsman is doing there, it is not up to standards and does not meet the requirements that a lawyer should be independent and impartial,” he said.

"I have expressed concern in relation to the defense teams. Every defense investigation allows space for suspicion and influence, and I stand by this statement. It will be in the interest of the Ombudsman to monitor some of the hearings, because we cannot do all of them due to the cost. The Ombudsman can only perform one role there, as a friend of the Court," Qelaj said, while also criticizing the Ombudsperson for a lack of cooperation. The latter has a role in handling complaints and will verify possible violations of human rights, according to the international convention on human rights and freedoms.

Osmani: May this holiday inspire us for a future with boundless hope (media)

Kosovo President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has wished a Merry Christmas to the Christian believers. She said that on this day we especially appreciate the bonds and traditions that unite us. “The Christmas holiday is an opportunity to reflect on hope, generosity and unity – a period when we remember the power of love and hope. On this day we especially appreciate the bonds and traditions that unite us” she said.

“I wish all Christian believers a Merry Christmas with lots of love, joy and peace! May this holiday inspire us for a future with boundless hope”, Osmani said.

Ombudsperson: There is a decrease in responses from the authorities (RTK)

The decrease in responses from public authorities, the non-voting of the 2023 report in the Kosovo Assembly, and the treatment of residents’ cases with priority were some of the elements mentioned at the end-of-year conference of the Ombudsperson Institution.

"From the statistics we have, there is a decrease in responses from the authorities and this shows a lack of seriousness and an inappropriate approach in relation to the Ombudsperson institution and to the very requests of the citizens that we treat. The second is the unsatisfactory level of implementation of recommendations, this level can also be a barometer of respect for human rights and the approach they have to the guaranteed rights of citizens. There has been a lack of parliamentary oversight and of more proactive approach of public authorities", said Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj.

He mentioned digitalization and the new case management platform as an aid to the work process and quality archiving.

Serbian Language Media

Elek says Serbian List to file appeal, CEC’s decision instructed by Kurti (Kosovo Online, media)

Serbian List President Zlatan Elek confirmed today that the Central Election Commission did not certify Serbian List candidates, thus barring this political party from taking part in upcoming parliamentary elections, Kosovo Online portal reported.

“We believe this is done as per instruction of Albin Kurti in order to prevent Serbs from participating in elections. This decision is not based in law and represents evidence of how much Kurti wants to eliminate Serbs from those areas. Kurti does not wish to see Serbian List members in the parliament, but wishes to see there obedient Serbs such as Nenad Rasic”, Elek said.

Referring to remarks of Serbian List and him using the term Kosovo and Metohija, Elek said that leader of Party of Kosovo Serbs, Aleksandar Jablanovic also uses the same term and his political party candidates were certified by CEC. “{…} We are aware of all malversations by Kurti against the Serbian List, because he sees opponents in our list. That is why he initiated proceedings against all Serbian List leading officials, but also directors in the public system saying that we are undermining Kosovo constitutional order”, Elek said.

He announced that the party will use all political and democratic means against the CEC decision. “During the day we will file an appeal, and I expect from them a clear decision that would dismiss this Kurti’s undemocratic decision. I thank all citizens, President Aleksandar Vucic and the US Embassy for condemning this decision”, Elek said.

Party of Kosovo Serbs reacts to Kosovo media headlines (social media)

Party of Kosovo Serbs (PKS) reacted yesterday to the Kosovo Albanian media headlines against this party, published following CEC’s decision not to certify Serbian List for upcoming parliamentary elections. PKS shared screenshots of these articles which show, among other things its leader Aleksandar Jablanovic with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, or another article claiming that he offended the mothers in Djakovica, or that he is using the term Kosovo and Metohija. These media articles note that despite all of this PKS was certified.

“The latest media attacks against the Party of Kosovo Serbs and calls for its disqualification from the electoral process are nothing more than the continuation of the politics from Pristina to remove before the elections the party that is a thorn in the side of Albin Kurti.

The reckoning of the Vetëvendosje movement with Aleksandar Jablanović and the Party of Kosovo Serbs is deeply rooted, and it dates back to 2015, and that pressure only grew with each passing year, and we only got stronger from one year to another.

This campaign of the media close to Vetëvendosje towards the Party of Kosovo Serbs is only an attempt to eliminate the PKS which WILL NOT SUCCEED, much to the regret of Albin Kurti and a couple of his “Serbs”, we are going to the elections without fear and confident in our goal!!!”, reads the post of PKS.

Arsenijevic reacts to CEC’s decision not to certify Serbian List (social media)

Leader of the Serbian Democracy Aleksandar Arsenijevic in his reaction to the decision of CEC not to certify Serbian List for upcoming elections wrote in a post on Facebook that “Serbian List was not certified by CEC and has the right to appeal at two levels. Within 24 hours, they can submit a complaint to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP), which is obliged to respond within 48 hours. If ECAP confirms the decision of the CEC, Serbian List has the right to submit an appeal to the Supreme Court within 24 hours, which must also decide within 48 hours.

This represents another in a series of campaigns of the Vetëvendosje movement, even if they themselves know that this decision is unfeasible, because without a legal basis, no one can be denied the right to certification and participation in elections.

A win-win situation”.

Buzhala: Kurti helps Vucic at moment of his biggest challenge (KoSSev, social media)

One year ago, an Albanian artist Emira Murati presented her piece to the public – a painting at which Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurit and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic are portrayed kissing one another. The artist known as “Orange Girl” asked the question back then – Will this be a kiss of friendship or treason?, KoSSev portal writes today.

Meanwhile, journalist Berat Buzhala reacting to the decision of the Central Election Commission not to certify Serbian List candidates in a post on X social platform wrote – “There was this painting by a young artist. Quite a prophetic one. Just at the time when Vucic is facing the biggest challenge for his dictatorial rule with big protests, here comes Kurti giving him a bit of help. Issue of LS certification is a matter of law and legal standards, not political opinions. Kurti’s own Interior Ministry accepted LS application for elections just a few weeks ago, but it seems Kurti’s and Vucic’s political needs are aligned now, yet again”.

Hasani: The ban on the SL seriously harms Kosovo domestically and internationally (Kosovo Online)

Former President of the Constitutional Court, Enver Hasani, stated that the non-certification of the Serbian List for the February elections harms Kosovo both domestically and internationally and that such "commanding" of the police, courts, and prosecutors does not strengthen sovereignty, reported Kosovo Online, citing Gazeta Express.

"If someone thinks that this is an extension of sovereignty through commanding the police, courts, and prosecutors, that is not sovereignty, it is rule. That is how other nations ruled when there were no political representatives," Hasani said.

He further stated that the CEC’s actions have caused irreparable damage to Kosovo.

"The nature of the state of Kosovo and the people in the CEC, or anyone else, must be understood. The definition of the state and patriotism for the state of Kosovo should not be ethnic, it should be constitutional. Otherwise, we are heading down the wrong path, damaging Kosovo's trajectory and seriously harming Kosovo's statehood, both internationally and domestically," Hasani emphasized.

Detention of three young men from Montenegro extended, lawyer warns of discrimination and unequal treatment (media)

Three young men from Niksic, Montenegro, arrested on November 24, after attending a celebration at Visoki Decani Monastery had their detention extended by one more month, until January 23, upon expiry of previous detention measure, lawyer Jovana Filipovic said, Kosovo Online portal reported. The three men were arrested over an inscription on their vehicle saying ‘Kosovo is Serbia’.

Filipovic said the act her clients are accused of is not a criminal act, and that decision on extended detention was unlawful. She announced filing an appeal to it.

“Following the statements (of Kosovo Albanian officials, including PM Kurti) which said ‘Kosovo is Kosova’ and ‘Kosovo is Albania’, or ‘Kosovo is Turkey’ (with no legal proceedings initiated in this regard) it is obvious that this is about unequal treatment and discrimination against these three men because of similar phrases. Namely, on licence plates of a vehicle owned by Rajko Krivokapic it was written ‘Kosovo is Serbia’, while two other men, Marinko Jovanovic and Dragutin Lalatovic, were co-passengers”, Filipovic said. She added the decision she received was in Albanian language only, while they did not receive a decision of the Court of Appeals in relation to the first appeal on detention measure at all.

Milos Subotic posts about number of police patrols in northern Kosovo (social media)

Milos Subotic, activist from North Mitrovica, in a post on X social platform said that on the morning he travelled at beginning of the week, “between 5 and 6 AM, there were 14 police patrols along the 51-kilometer road between Mitrovica and Jarinje, averaging one patrol every 3.64 kilometres. This reflects abnormal situation in #North #Kosovo”.

Subotic, Mitrovica North University staff member, accused Kosovo police on October 26 of physical mistreatment and assault upon his arrest at Mitrovica North promenade, where he removed plastic bags in front of the Albanian-owned shop blocking the passage at promenade. Kosovo police denied his accusations and accused him of vandalism. The Police Inspectorate in subsequent investigation recommended suspension of two Kosovo police officers over suspicion of involvement in the mistreatment of Subotic. They were meanwhile reinstated to the work, and the case forwarded to the prosecution office in Mitrovica for further proceedings.

Serbian Ministry of Culture: Pristina falsifies reality and violates the laws of common sense (Kosovo Online)

''Pristina, in its efforts to promote the project of the fake state of Kosovo, continues to falsify reality with unilateral and violent moves and violates the laws of common sense," the Serbian Ministry of Culture stated for Kosovo Online portal.

As they state, "the very tactics that Pristina is resorting to was already seen and is as transparent as aggressive; and in the belief that by persistently repeating their absurd claims, they will first make them more acceptable and, at the end, true."

"This play is dominated by the tendency to use fabricated and obscene accusations to place the blame for the destruction of their own cultural assets on Serbia and the Serbian people, who have been victims of persecution for decades in all domains, especially in the cultural domain. To make the absurdity complete, this is done by those who, at the very least, do nothing to prevent the further destruction, kidnapping and desecration of Serbian cultural heritage, which continues to this day," the Ministry stated in response to the statement of Kosovo's Minister of Culture Ceku, who stated that Serbia destroyed 1,800 monuments and stole 3,700 artifacts in Kosovo.

"To be honest, let's just remind you that after the conflict in 1999, in organized attacks, a large number of Serbian churches and monasteries were desecrated, damaged or completely destroyed. Some works of Serbian medieval architecture and painting of the 14th and 15th centuries were also permanently removed from the face of the earth. In the great wave of violence in March 2004, among many others, some of the most valuable Serbian monuments were destroyed, such as the monastery of the Holy Archangels near Prizren, Devic monastery and several other medieval churches in the city of Prizren itself. 34 churches and monasteries were destroyed, burned, and damaged. More than 10,000 icons, church art and religious objects were destroyed and stolen. 5,261 tombstones in 256 Orthodox cemeteries were destroyed and damaged, while in more than 50 cemeteries there is not a single whole monument," the Ministry of Culture emphasized.

They point out that, bearing in mind all this, as well as the latest statements, "there is clearly an attempt at work to, among other things, falsify an alibi for the overall atmosphere of fear, persecution and violence in which brutal and continuous attacks on cultural heritage are a daily occurrence, as evidence of Serbian identity and roots in Kosovo and Metohija".

"In this light, the representatives of Pristina do not shy away from nebulous claims and references to international documents such as the UNESCO conventions, of which Serbia is one of the most conscientious members, and within the framework of which Serbia takes care of cultural treasures, which are precisely because of the violence exerted on the cultural heritage is still on the UNESCO list of world heritage in danger. Another of the perfidious actions consisted in the attempt to cover up the fact that the same secessionism is with fabrications and obvious lies about the destruction of Serbian cultural monuments by Serbia, as well as the establishment of "institutions" whose sole aim is to promote the false history of a false state, thus cover and the fact that the same secessionism, one-sidedness and violence led to conflicts in which Serbian cultural heritage was systematically destroyed," the Ministry of Culture concluded.

Vucevic: Situation further complicated in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina (RTS)

The Prime Minister of Serbia, Milos Vucevic, assessed at the Ambassador's Conference in Belgrade yesterday that the situation was further complicated in Kosovo and in the region, above all in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that many difficult days were behind, but he could not say easy days were coming.

On Kosovo, he recalled the decision of the CEC in Pristina to refuse to certify the participation of the Serbian List in the upcoming elections.

Vucevic also assessed that there was an attempt at internal destabilization in Serbia and traces of a ''colored revolution''.

"What is happening to us in Serbia, I have no problem saying that these are clear traces of a colored revolution. I cannot call what is currently at work any other way," he said.

He added this was the first time that someone, as he said, was ''abusing children for political purposes''.

He stated it would leave serious social consequences, as well as create division among students and parents.

The PM told the heads of diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia to be even more agile and to represent the interests of the country more courageously.

He also asked those in the countries that did not recognize ''the so-called Kosovo, like Greece, China and others, to be more agile and offensive'', because, as he said, the other side was not sleeping, trying to reach an interlocutor.

Education minister says she would like to talk with students (N1)

Serbian Education Minister Slavica Djukic Dejanovic said that the protesting students’ demands have been met and expressed her desire to discuss any remaining concerns with the students directly, N1 reported.

She explained that the winter break will begin four days earlier than originally planned nationwide, as it was assessed that the quality of education has been compromised due to the ongoing student blockades and strikes.

Students of four Serbian public universities and some high schools have been protesting for weeks, demanding government accountability over the November 1 collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad train station that killed 15 people, and prosecution of violent provocateurs who have been harassing them during ongoing protests across Serbia.