UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, April 9, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Draft resolution on Kosovo approved, lifting of EU measures requested (RTK)
Osmani: Constitution, our common contract for democratic society (RTK)
Kurti at dinner with French MPs, dialogue discussed (media)
Osmani hosts a delegation from the United Kingdom (media)
Osmani: Russia cannot use Kosovo as precedent for annexed territories in Ukraine (Koha)
US, Germany and Britain: We expect coordination and progress in dialogue from new Kosovo government (RFE)
Security situation, French Ambassador meets with KFOR Commander (Reporteri)

Serbian Language Media:

''Truth about Kosovo and Metohija was heard louder than ever in Security Council," said Djuric (RTS)
Minister of Justice attacks prosecution in Prizren for release of two detained Serbs (Beta, NMagazin)
Antonijevic: Ziadeh's report objective, UNMIK still has a purpose (Kosovo Online, Danas)
My brother was arrested in Djakovica for fruit tool, said Marko Rakic from Leposavic (Kosovo Online)
Vucic arrives in Paris, to meet with Macron at Elysee Palace (Tanjug)
European Parliament adopts report on Serbia (N1)

Opinion:

A year of major decisions (KoSSev)
Three lines of attack on Serbs in Kosovo (Politika)

International Media:

Kosovo, heading towards a fragile government (balcanicaucaso.org)
Solidarity in crisis offers hope for a peaceful Balkan future (neweasterneurope.eu)

Albanian Language Media

Draft resolution on Kosovo approved, lifting of EU measures requested (RTK)

The European Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee has voted on a draft resolution on Kosovo, which, among other things, calls for the immediate lifting of EU measures. The report was authored by Riho Terras. the institution's rapporteur for Kosovo.

This document supports Kosovo's application for EU membership and invites member states that have not recognized Kosovo to do so without further delay. The European Parliament also supports Kosovo's application for membership in the Council of Europe and its plan to join NATO's Partnership for Peace program. It also highlights significant progress in the areas of justice, security and freedoms, the fight against organised crime and the functioning of the market economy, but regrets the limited progress in the rule of law.

Serious concern is also expressed about the systemic weaknesses of the justice system in Kosovo, especially with regard to independence and respect for the separation of powers.

Concern is also expressed about the security situation in northern Kosovo, especially after the armed attacks in Banjska and Iber Lepenc. It demands that the perpetrators of these attacks be brought to justice. Particular regret is expressed that Serbia has not brought to justice the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Banjska, including the former deputy leader of the Serbian List, Milan Radoicic.

The document also expresses support for the dialogue process for the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and welcomes the appointment of Peter Sorensen as the envoy for this dialogue.

After approval by the Foreign Policy Committee, this document will be voted on in plenary session during the summer months, when it will also receive the version of the European Parliament Resolution.

Osmani: Constitution, our common contract for democratic society (RTK)

On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Kosovo, President Vjosa Osmani emphasized the vital importance of this fundamental act for the independent and democratic Kosovo. In her message, President Osmani called the Constitution “our common contract for a democratic, just and equal society,” recalling that on April 9, 2008, “laid the legal and institutional foundations of the new state of Kosovo.”

“It guarantees the fundamental freedoms and rights of every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, gender or affiliation, establishing the rule of law as the foundation of the functioning of institutions. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to protect the Constitution, to implement it meticulously, and to implement it in every decision, policy and action. Because only through strengthening the rule of law and respecting the constitutional order, can we build a state that serves its citizens with dignity and justice”, Osmani wrote.

A state that adheres to and respects the letter and spirit of the Constitution, Osmani emphasized, is the guarantor of a secure and just future for all its people.

Kurti at dinner with French MPs, dialogue discussed (media)

Acting Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti last night had a working dinner with the MPs of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French Parliamentary Assembly, Marine Hamelet, Frederic Petit, Pierre Pribetich, Jean-and Louis Roumegas, hosted by the French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guerot. According to the announcement from the Prime Minister's Office, they discussed bilateral relations between Kosovo and France and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy for their further deepening and expansion of interstate cooperation.

“They also discussed relations with Serbia, the dialogue process mediated by Brussels and the Basic Agreement reached there and its implementation annex. The Prime Minister thanked the MPs for their visit to our country and the French state for its continued assistance and support. He informed them of the latest developments in the country and the results of the government and the progress achieved in the last four years, both in the economic and democratic spheres and in human rights”, the Prime Minister’s announcement states.

During the dinner that took place at the residence of the French ambassador to Kosovo, the steps and the way forward towards the formation of the institutions of the ninth legislature were also discussed after the certification of the results of the February 9 elections and the session called by the Kosovo’s president for April 15.

Osmani hosts a delegation from the United Kingdom (media)

Kosovo President, Vjosa Osmani, hosted a delegation from the United Kingdom, led by MP Alex Sobel and member of "City Leaders", Cllr Helen Hayden. According to the announcement from the Presidency, they discussed the possibilities of deepening cooperation in various fields, with a focus on sectors of mutual interest and on concrete opportunities for advancing joint projects.

"In this context, the steps being taken following the President's initiative for a strategic cooperation agreement in the fields of defense and economy, which was welcomed by the Secretary of State for the United Kingdom, were also discussed. President Osmani, on this occasion, underlined that this agreement aims to further strengthen ties between Kosovo and the United Kingdom, by building new bridges of cooperation in the field of defense, economy and other strategic sectors, to contribute to the sustainable and comprehensive development of the two countries," the announcement states.

Osmani: Russia cannot use Kosovo as precedent for annexed territories in Ukraine (Koha)

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has stated that Russia has no right to use the Kosovo case as an argument to justify the annexation of territories in Ukraine. In an interview with Mario Nawfali, Osmani emphasized that Kosovo's independence was the result of the people's right to self-determination and as a consequence of an oppressive and criminal regime led by Slobodan Milosevic, while the situation in Ukraine, according to her, is a pure military aggression by Russia.

“The only similarity between the cases is that the crimes committed by Milosevic against us are the same as those committed by Putin against innocent people during the invasion of Ukraine. Yes, they are the same – Putin and Milosevic – but there is no similarity between Kosovo and the territories annexed by Russia,” Osmani said.

She emphasized that the people of Kosovo had the legitimate right to decide on their own fate, “while the residents of regions like Donbass have become part of a violent and manipulated process by Russia.”

“Russia has no justification to talk about any precedent that Kosovo has allegedly created. The situation is completely different,” she said.

Regarding the future of international relations, Osmani said that the development of relations between the U.S. and Russia will depend on the progress of peace in Ukraine. She added that some positive signs are already being seen in this regard, but emphasized that she has never considered the possibility of Russia becoming part of NATO.

See the interview here: https://tinyurl.com/a729b3a2

US, Germany and Britain: We expect coordination and progress in dialogue from new Kosovo government (RFE)

Mutual trust, coordination and cooperation, as well as progress in the dialogue with Serbia are some of the expectations of the United States of America, Germany and the United Kingdom from the new Kosovo government.

The U.S. State Department told Radio Free Europe that the U.S. has long supported Kosovo on its path to building a sovereign, democratic, multiethnic and prosperous state. “We look forward to working with the new Kosovo government to support regional stability and security,” a State Department spokesperson told RFE.

The German Embassy in Pristina said it expects the election of the speaker and deputy speakers of the Assembly on April 15, thus paving the way for the formation of the new Kosovo government. The German Embassy said it also expects “continued close cooperation with Kosovo and its future government,” adding that it will continue to actively engage in Kosovo’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. “To achieve this, mutual trust and continuous cooperation are needed. Germany remains convinced that the future government will strengthen close coordination with international partners and work for tangible progress in the dialogue facilitated by the European Union, helping to realize Kosovo’s European perspective as soon as possible,” the German Embassy said.

They added that Kosovo’s further rapprochement with the EU is “our shared goal, strengthening democracy, the rule of law and substantial progress in the normalization dialogue with Serbia, including the implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements with their respective annexes, are issues that need to be achieved.”

The British Embassy in Pristina stated that it hopes that the next Kosovo Government will address the needs of all people, including progress in the integration of Serbs and a strong commitment to the dialogue for the normalization of relations with Serbia. “The United Kingdom fully supports Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe and hopes that it can meet the demands of others as soon as possible,” the British Embassy said in a response to Radio Free Europe.

Security situation, French Ambassador meets with KFOR Commander (Reporteri)

The Commander of the KFOR mission, Major General Enrico Barduani, met today with the Ambassador of France, Olivier Guerot, and a delegation of the French Assembly. The meeting took place at the KFOR Headquarters, Camp Film City in Pristina.

“During the visit, the KFOR Commander shared his views on the current security situation across the region and underlined KFOR’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and in support of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade,” KFOR said in a statement among other things.

Serbian Language Media

''Truth about Kosovo and Metohija was heard louder than ever in Security Council," said Djuric (RTS)

The truth was heard perhaps louder than ever before in the United Nations Security Council session on Kosovo, said Foreign Minister Marko Djuric in New York. He assessed that 26 years after the bombing and 17 years after the unilaterally declared independence one can say awareness was maturing that what happened in Kosovo was a dangerous precedent, reported RTS this morning.

Djuric said following the UNSC session this is not the only reason Pristina does not have much reason to be happy.

"Today, the truth was heard in the UNSC. The truth was heard perhaps louder than ever before, including from representatives of states that have recognized Kosovo unilaterally declared independence. And that is not the only reason why I think Pristina does not have many reasons to be happy after this session. We were also able to hear directly from representatives of some of the permanent members, for example from France, condemnation of the unilateral moves and incursions by Pristina's forces into Serbian institutions on January 15. We were able to hear from representatives of Pakistan, a country that is a strong supporter and one of the first to recognize Kosovo independence, condemnation of the attacks on the Serbian church and monasteries. We were also able to hear from Britain, reservations regarding certain moves by Pristina, even though some of these countries provide primary support to Pristina and its, as they say, statehood and independence," said Djuric.

Djuric also said that ''after 26 years since the attack on our country and 17 years since the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo and Metohija, we can say the international community is becoming aware that what happened in Kosovo and Metohija is a dangerous precedent''.

"You could also hear brutal attacks on President Vucic. And now it is completely obvious that he personally and his policies are a thorn in the eye for the Kurti's regime", said Djuric.

He also said the truth about the difficult situation of Serbs and the threat to collective human rights, including the ban on visits to the Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch, could be heard in the UNSC.

"Ms. Gervalla said that the date was set at a very sensitive time, when Kosovo cannot move freely, when it was not good, but as if he wanted other dates and so on. And that is something that people here listened to in disbelief. I can say that in the continuation of the session, she caused herself considerable damage in a political sense in front of the members of the Security Council," said Djuric.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs told RTS that UNMIK chief Caroline Ziadeh presented a very detailed and serious report on the events in Kosovo, “which is very accusatory of the Pristina authorities, and which lists in detail everything from illegal attacks on Serbs, on Serbian institutions, to the creation of a negative climate, which is why she found herself as the target of Kurti's envoy”.

"Unsubstantiated and unfounded accusations were made against Serbia when it comes to the Banjska case. I clearly pointed out the fact that in that tragic event three Serbs were killed, and one Albanian also lost his life, which we of course condemned. But I also raised the question of why Pristina is withholding evidence that the Serbian judicial authorities requested and related to the case of the explosion on the Ibar-Lepenac canal. As you can see, we have nothing to hide on this topic, no reason to refrain, to talk about it", said Djuric.

The minister also pointed out what was happening regarding the agreement on security cooperation between Albania, Croatia and the Pristina institutions, where there is a serious problem in the lack of transparency.

"How is it possible that in a region that suffered so much, which had wars just a few decades ago, you are creating military alliances, unions or cooperation agreements, and that your neighbors know absolutely nothing about it. And not only Serbia, but also other countries. So, it's good that something like this has been heard here in the world body that oversees maintaining peace," said Djuric.

The MFA concluded that "the tectonic plates in world politics are shifting," that Serbia is keeping up with this and will continue to fight for its interests and the voice on the position of Serbs in Kosovo.

"The voice of Kosovo and Metohija will be heard in every member state of the United Nations," said Djuric.

Minister of Justice attacks prosecution in Prizren for release of two detained Serbs (Beta, NMagazin)

The Basic Prosecutor's Office in Prizren released the last two Serbs arrested on Sunday in Prizren. They were in a group of 12 Serbs arrested on the same day, with ten of them being released immediately after questioning. This decision was opposed by the Acting Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, who claimed that sufficient evidence was presented to the prosecution for the extension of detention, reported agency Beta.

After a 48-hour detention, the prosecution determined that there were no well-founded suspicions that would justify the imposition of a detention measure.

The two Serbs arrested on Sunday in Prizren, who Acting Minister of the Interior, Xhelal Svecla, said were active Serbian security officers, were released yesterday.

In a statement from the prosecutor's office on Tuesday, it was stated that there is no reasonable suspicion that would justify a request for detention.

"Based on this professional and independent assessment, it was determined that there is currently no reasonable suspicion as a necessary legal standard to justify submitting a request for a detention measure or any other measure to ensure the presence of the defendants in the proceedings. The prosecutor has undertaken all other investigative actions, including the questioning of the defendants. The Prosecution remains committed to acting with a high degree of responsibility, respecting the rights of the parties, and ensuring the implementation of the law in a fair and objective manner", reads the announcement of the Basic Prosecutor's Office in Prizren.

The Acting Minister of Justice, Haxhiu, reacted to what she called a failure to impose a security measure, claiming that security authorities had provided sufficient evidence.

"In the group of 12 Serbs arrested in Prizren, there were active members of the Serbian security services. Those arrested in Gjakova (Djakovica) and Prizren had strong connections with the organizers and participants of the attack in Banjska. In Prizren, 10 of the 12 detainees were released that day because no request for detention was submitted, while the remaining two were released today, despite ample evidence for detention and further investigation," she said in a post on FB on Tuesday.

According to her, the prosecution was wasting the police's time and effort with its actions.

"It is really worrying the ease with which these people were released and the rejection of police actions and other security institutions that caught them with facts and evidence. Great resources and time of security institutions are wasted, the lives of their members are at risk, and in the end the arrested are released?! I don't know what other force released these people, because obviously, the force of law and justice had no weight here," she added.

Antonijevic: Ziadeh's report objective, UNMIK still has a purpose (Kosovo Online, Danas)

Lawyer Milan Antonijevic assessed for Kosovo Online that the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations (SRSG) and Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh presented an objective report on the situation in Kosovo in the last six months at last night's session of the UN Security Council.

Commenting on the statements of Pristina representative in a session, Donika Gervalla, that the UNMIK Mission is losing credibility and that of US diplomatic representative that time has come for UNMIK Mission to be abolished as well as that US invites members of the SC to analyze the mandate of this mission, Antonijevic said it was interesting that other permanent members of the SC and some other non-permanent members did not support such an initiative.

"The attitude of Pristina authorities regarding UNMIK is not surprising, nor is the continued support for that initiative from the USA, but it is interesting that other, permanent members of the Security Council and some other non-permanent members, did not support such an initiative, and in previous interactions and previous meetings they did so. So perhaps there is still less pressure on UNMIK and the establishment of what are elements of the ongoing dialogue, which Ziadeh herself pointed out several times during her speech. Given the balanced report of Ziadeh and the whole discussion, the goal is for UNMIK to continue functioning. They have their purpose, and the Serbian community in Kosovo sees that. All those who deal with the problems of the Serbian community are welcome, if you look at the angle from Serbia, and everyone who wants peace in the region".

Speaking in general about last night's session, he said there were no new tones or unexpected angles, that Kosovo defended its positions and renounced and denied the incidents and unilateral moves Pristina made in the past six months, reported Kosovo Online.

My brother was arrested in Djakovica over fruit tools, said Marko Rakic from Leposavic (Kosovo Online)

“My brother and three friends attended the evening liturgy in Visoki Decani, after which they went to the Prizren Theological Seminary. They visited our shrines. The police stopped them in Djakovica and during the search of the off-road vehicle he was driving, they found in the trunk a bag with tools we use in fruit growing, because my brother and I have several hectares of property planted with the fruits,” said Marko Rakic from Leposavic, whose brother was arrested in Djakovica with three other Serbs, reported Kosovo Online, citing Vecernje Novosti.

"That kit can be bought at any gas station. But, after their arrest, the media chase of Albanian politicians begins, that they are spies, that they possess maps and cold weapons, they are first ordered to be detained by the police and then detained for up to 30 days. This is unheard of," says Rakic.

His brother Branko, together with three other Serbs, was arrested over the weekend. In addition to Rakic, the captain of the Serbian Army, Milovan Stevic (he works as a dentist at the Military Medical Academy) originating from the village of Borcani in the north of Kosovo, Nemanja Vamovic, a forester from Novi Sad, and Pavle Kragovic, who works in Kragujevac and whose parents live in Zubin Potok and which he often visits, are also in custody.

Rakic said his brother Branko (47) recently had a serious heart surgery, for which they submitted all the medical documentation and the discharge list to the court. He wonders how it is possible for a man with such a serious condition to be handcuffed, but first of all, how is it possible to be arrested and detained for possessing a fruit tool?!

"Even though my brother said at the trial that it was his household tool and begged the court to let the others go because they had nothing to do with it, that was not worth it either. He then asked the court panel if he should have had a permit for that tool, but he did not get an answer. Several of us were in front of the court, the police checked us twice, but they did not want to let us in to watch the trial", Rakic said.

He emphasized all four arrested are first of all serious family and honorable people, academic citizens, believers, but also persons without a single misdemeanor, let alone a criminal offense. After the trial, he said, the hearing lasted more than three hours, and apparently due to great political and media pressure, detention was ordered.

"They were remanded in custody without any proof of guilt, which they didn't actually have. They were even offered bail, but it was refused, obviously with the intention of portraying the Serbs as some bad guys. It wasn't even worth it that Branko informed them that less than two months ago he had a serious heart operation", Rakic said.

Vucic arrives in Paris, to meet with Macron at Elysee Palace (Tanjug)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic arrived in Paris on Wednesday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron will host a working lunch for Vucic at the Elysee Palace, Tanjug news agency reported.

Recently, Vucic said he was grateful for the opportunity to meet with Macron. The visit was agreed during Vucic's phone call with Macron at the end of March, when the two presidents discussed all aspects of bilateral cooperation and Serbia's EU accession path.

Macron paid an official visit to Serbia in August 2024. Besides Belgrade, he also visited Novi Sad at the time.

European Parliament adopts report on Serbia (N1)

The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted Rapporteur Tonino Picula’s report on Serbia which criticizes Belgrade for a lack of progress in accession talks but praises steps taken in the economy.

The report confirms Serbia’s strategic commitment to European integration but lists serious shortcomings in key areas such as rule of law, the judiciary and alignment with European Union foreign policy. The report expressed concern over the systemic problems highlighted by the student protests.

The report said that the European Parliament expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the Novi Sad Railway Station tragedy and called for full and transparent legal proceedings following the investigation.

The report underlined the importance of freedom of speech and assembly and condemned in the strongest terms the violent attacks against peaceful protesters. It also expressed concern over the arrests of protesters and urged EU member state embassies to continue monitoring the ensuing legal cases.

It strongly condemned the Serbian authorities’ unsubstantiated allegations that EU Member States were involved in organising the student protests with a view to triggering a ‘colour revolution’ as well as the unlawful arrests and expulsions of EU citizens and the public disclosure, by convicted war criminals, of the personal data of EU citizens.

The report urged the Serbian government to increase the transparency of media ownership and financing and called the authorities to investigate and prosecute all instances of hate speech, smear campaigns and strategic lawsuits against journalists. It called on Serbia to fight disinformation, including manipulative anti-EU narratives and, in particular, state-sponsored disinformation campaigns; it condemned the opening of an RT (formerly Russia Today) office in Belgrade and the launch of RT’s online news service in Serbian.

It stressed “the critical importance of ensuring the independence of key institutions, including media regulators such as the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media.

The report urged Serbia to step up its reconciliation efforts and seek solutions to past disputes, in particular when it comes to missing persons and reiterated its full support for the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. It called on Kosovo and Serbia to avoid anything that could raise tensions adding that they are expected to cooperate in bringing to justice the perpetrators of the Banjska armed incident, including Serb List official Milan Radoicic.

The EP report available at: https://tinyurl.com/yhtyp4m2

Opinion

A year of major decisions (KoSSev)

By Ilir Deda

Dear Saša,

In our region, long-standing and unresolved issues continue to surface in very different ways—from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia.

Parliamentary elections were held in Kosovo this February. Nearly a month and a half later, there’s still no indication of whether a new government will be formed—or what it might look like. The elections didn’t yield a clear outcome. Vetëvendosje (VV) sought an outright majority while accusing voters of all other parties of siding with Serbia. In the end, they secured 42% of the vote (48 MPs).

Opposition parties, which focused more on economic development, collectively received more votes than VV: the Democratic Party (PDK) won 20% (24 MPs), the Democratic League (LDK) took 18% (20 MPs), and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo/Social Democratic Initiative (AAK/NISMA) coalition earned 7% (8 MPs).

Over 90% of Serb voters once again backed the Serb List, which claimed 9 of the 10 guaranteed minority seats, while Mr. Nenad Rašić’s party secured the remaining one.

I had hoped Kosovo’s Serbs would move toward political pluralism, helping to strengthen emerging political forces like Serbian Democracy and others. That didn’t happen.

As things stand, the new Assembly looks like this: out of 120 seats, 48 belong to the ruling party, 52 to the opposition, and 20 to non-majority communities.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/4x7hrvhj

Three lines of attack on Serbs in Kosovo (Politika)

By Zivojin Rakocevic, writer and President of Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS)

“Over the past five years, the Albanian authorities in Pristina have set three main directions and targets for their attacks in Kosovo and Metohija: the expulsion of the Serbian state and its institutions, the elimination of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the imprisonment of a large number of innocent people under charges of committing war crimes or undermining the constitutional order of Kosovo”, Rakocevic wrote in a piece for Belgrade-based Politika daily.

“The confrontation with Serbian institutions, especially brutal in northern Kosovo and Metohija, has become the dominant content of the Pristina regime. Armoured vehicles, long rifles, beatings, and an atmosphere of occupation overwhelmed and exhausted the Albanian public, as it began to miss the fear of Serbs. In order to make it clear that Serbs are still a fundamental threat to Albanians and Kosovo, it was necessary to stage a spectacular operation where there were fewest Serbs, and where they were least expected. Thus, the producers of Albanian fear decided to carry out arrests in Djakovica, a city forbidden for Serbs, and in Prizren, which has only four permanent Serbian residents, in the far south of Kosovo and Metohija”.