U.S. reaffirms commitment to work with KSF after change of mandate
The United States Embassy in Kosovo reaffirmed its support for the gradual transition of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) to a force with a territorial defense mandate, as is Kosovo’s sovereign right. According to the US Embassy today’s vote in the Kosovo Parliament is the first step in developing this …
Kosovo Parliament Votes Creation of Army
The Kosovo Parliament on Friday passed legislation enabling transition of an existing 4,000-member Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into a full-fledged Kosovo Army. This is one of the most important decisions for Kosovo’s statehood since the country declared its Independence in 2008. Original post Here
A country’s security depends on the quality of its security relationships, says U.S. Ambassador
U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Philip Kosnett in a Tweet on Friday said a country’s security depends on the quality of its security relationships and peaceful relations with its neighbors. Original post Here
Kosovo Parliament To Vote Establishment Of National Army Today
Kosovo’s parliament is set to pass legislation Friday that would turn an existing 4,000-strong Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into an expanded, lightly armed army. This is considered as the most important step of Kosovo’s statehood since the country declared Independence in 2008. Original post Here
Kosovo Police find explosive near Gazimestan
The Kosovo Police find 15 kilograms of explosives in the village of Mazgit, near the Gazimstan locality, which is located along Pristina-Mitrovica motorway. Original post Here
KFOR alarmed after reports of Serbian mercenaries in northern Kosovo, according to online media
Potential presence of Serbian mercenaries in northern part of Kosovo inhabited mainly by Serbs has alarmed KFOR leaders in Kosovo. Kosovo institutions informed NATO-led peacekeeping force – KFOR that various Serb radical groups are planning destabilization of northern part of Kosovo, following the vote of Parliament to create the Army …
One more ex-KLA member summoned by Specialist Prosecutor’s Office
Sabahajdin Cena, former member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) of Pashtrik Area, has been summoned by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) for an interview on 14 January 2019. Original post Here
Kosovo’s PM Haradinaj presents new draft agreement with Serbia
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, presented on Thursday to Ambassadors of Quint what he calls the “first draft” of a potentially agreement with Serbia. Original post Here
KFOR conducting regular training in northern Kosovo
KFOR announced on Thursday that its troops are conducting a regular training activity in northern part of Kosovo after media reporting that KFOR armored vehicle were seen moving towards the north. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Thaci urges ex-KLA members to answer war crimes court summons
President Hashim Thaci commenting on summons the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) sent to ex-KLA members to appear before this international court dealing with alleged crimes committed during the war in Kosovo, urged former members of guerrilla army to respect the court and not avoid justice. Original post Here
Student-led protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes with police, drawing international attention and raising fresh questions about government accountability, corruption and the future of young people. The demonstrations began with demands for better university conditions, lower education costs and greater financial support for students. However, they soon expanded …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned attacks on Parliament and public institutions during a violent protest in Tirana. He described the acts of vandalism and destruction as unacceptable. In a social media statement, Peleshi stressed that violence serves no cause and harms the public interest and society. He also rejected attempts …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro urged students to reject violence as protests entered their second day. She expressed deep concern over attacks on the Education Ministry and other public institutions. “Physical clashes and property destruction must never replace words, arguments and dialogue,” Kumbaro said. The minister defended students’ right to protest …
The US Embassy in Tirana issued a security alert on Tuesday, warning American citizens that violent protests could spread near government buildings. The embassy said a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, turned violent after protesters threw stones. It warned that unrest could spread to nearby areas and government …
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable. In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag …
The German Embassy has shared the position of the European Union Delegation to Albania regarding the ongoing student protests in Tirana. The German Embassy has expressed the same position as the EU Delegation, which voiced concern over escalating tensions between law enforcement officers and young protesters and called on all …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during a government meeting that a proposal to establish a working group tasked with drafting, coordinating and harmonising a state strategy regarding appeal proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague had been approved. Kurti stated that the first-instance verdict against the four …
The British Embassy in Tirana has reacted following clashes on the second day of protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a statement published on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, the embassy stressed that the right to protest does not justify the use of violence or damage to public and …
Former Defence Minister Piro Vengu has reacted following acts of violence reported for the second consecutive day during protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a social media post, Vengu stated that students have the right to protest and express their concerns, but stressed that violence and vandalism serve no …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the incidents that occurred today during protests that have escalated significantly. In an official statement, Begaj called on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from escalating further. Begaj stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but violence must not …