Jetlira Foniqi, 25, will be buried this Monday at the Foniqi neighbourhood cemetery, starting at 18:00.

The family of the deceased has announced details of the funeral ceremony.

The young woman was in her 34th week of pregnancy. According to the Prosecution, her 26-year-old husband, Egzon Bytyqi, is suspected of her murder.

Police reported that the couple was found injured in their bedroom in Malisheva.

The suspect was also injured, while the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (QKUK) said he is in serious condition.

The post Jetlira Foniqi to Be Laid to Rest Today in Malisheva appeared first on Albeu.com.

The Government Commission on Missing Persons has presented a report on excavations carried out at three sites in the municipality of Zubin Potok. Human remains were discovered at these locations, suspected to belong to at least 23 people.

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that at the first excavation site, in a mass grave in Kalludër, the remains of 13 people were found and recovered.

In Jabukë, the second location, remains suspected to belong to at least four people were found. Meanwhile, at the third site in Kalludër, the remains of at least six people were discovered and exhumed.

According to Kurti, the process has now entered the identification stage. Samples taken from the remains suspected to belong to four people in Jabukë have been sent for DNA analysis, while the Institute of Forensic Medicine is continuing preliminary examinations of the other remains.

He stressed that the figure of 23 people corresponds to what is known as the “group of intellectuals.”

Kurti stated that on April 19, 1999, these people were detained, abducted and executed by Serbia’s enemy forces, which, he said, sought to conceal and erase the traces of this genocidal crime. He explained that the full identification process may take several months and that only after it is completed will their identities be confirmed precisely, so that their families can give them a dignified farewell and each person can have a grave bearing their full name.

The acting prime minister said the long wait and anguish endured by the families of forcibly disappeared persons are exceptionally painful.

According to him, hundreds of families are waiting to learn the fate of their relatives, but are also seeking justice. Kurti said Serbia has denied them both and continues to do so by concealing and denying crimes, refusing to open archives and classifying them in an effort to distort the truth and evade responsibility.

Kosovo’s institutions, including the Kosovo Police, the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, as well as EULEX forensic teams, were engaged in the work at these sites. Kurti thanked them for their contribution.

He called on international actors to increase pressure on Serbia to implement the Declaration on Forcibly Disappeared Persons, agreed in Brussels on May 2, 2023, and to open state archives that could help clarify the fate of missing persons.

Kurti said Serbia also arrests and persecutes the few Serbs who have dared to testify before international institutions. For this reason, he said, international pressure on the northern neighbour must increase, particularly to implement the May 2, 2023 Declaration and make state archives available.

He reiterated the demand to open the archive of the 37th Motorized Brigade of the Yugoslav Army, which, he said, committed massacres particularly in Drenica, but also across Kosovo. Its files, Kurti said, were classified 12 years ago for 30 years and will remain closed for another 18 years.

According to Kurti, families that have waited for 27 and 28 years cannot be forced to continue waiting, suffering anxiety and pain for another 18 years. He assessed that international engagement and pressure are vital to this process.

The preserved and classified files of the 37th Motorized Brigade of the Yugoslav Army, he said, must be opened by the Serbian state this year, in 2026, rather than in 2044.

Last week, authorities also presented a large quantity of weapons discovered near the sites where excavations were carried out. Kurti said the weapons have been sent for examination and analysis to determine whether they may be linked to crimes and massacres committed in these areas.

In conclusion, Kurti thanked the Government Commission on Missing Persons, the Kosovo Police, the KIA, the Institute of Forensic Medicine and EULEX teams for their contribution to the investigation and examination of these sites.

The post Zubin Potok: Suspected Human Remains of at Least 23 People Found, Kurti Links Them to “Group of Intellectuals appeared first on Albeu.com.

On the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, the acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti today received Ukrainian journalists staying in Kosovo.

In her address, Haxhiu said that some of the Ukrainian journalists had considered Kosovo a temporary home during the difficult years of war.

“From Kosovo, you have continued to write, report, speak and work for your country. It is a pleasure that you are here with us today, as your presence gives this day a special meaning,” acting President Haxhiu stated.

She said that although Kosovo’s history is not the same as Ukraine’s, the country’s experience has enabled Kosovars to deeply understand the human cost of war.

“We know what it means to leave home without knowing when you will return. We know the importance of support from others at the moments when you need it most, and we know that freedom, when threatened, must be defended with everything we have,” she stressed.

According to Haxhiu, the resistance shown by Ukraine during these years constitutes an extraordinary example of resilience.

“Ukrainians have continued to defend their country, their communities and their way of life, despite the extraordinary pressure. They have kept institutions, cities and schools functioning, keeping the truth alive even as the war continues. This determination is deeply respected by the Republic of Kosovo,” the acting President said.

Haxhiu underlined that Kosovo has stood alongside Ukraine since the first days of the Russian invasion, due to its belief in the right of the Ukrainian people to decide their own future, defend their territory and live freely.

She also mentioned the concrete measures taken by Kosovo, including the imposition of sanctions against Russia immediately after the start of Russian aggression, further alignment with European and transatlantic partners, hosting Ukrainian journalists, the temporary suspension of the visa regime for Ukrainian citizens, and preparations to receive people forced to leave their homes because of the war.

According to her, support has also been provided in the field of defence. Kosovo is part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, while members of the Kosovo Security Force have taken part in training Ukrainian soldiers, including Operation Interflex. Kosovo has also provided two military aid packages, containing 30 military vehicles and 10,000 mortar shells.

Haxhiu said that the stay of Ukrainian journalists in Kosovo is of particular importance, as during the Kosovo war it became clear how essential it is to document events and inform the world about what is happening.

“For this reason, providing a safe place where journalists can continue their work has meant much more to us than simply providing shelter,” she said.

The acting President of Kosovo stated that the country wants peace for Ukraine, but a peace that guarantees its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to her, this must be a peace in which Ukrainians decide their own future and rebuild their country in freedom.

“Kosovo will continue to stand alongside Ukraine. I sincerely hope that the ties created between people during these difficult years will, over time, turn into even closer relations between our two countries. Happy Independence Day to Ukraine and all Ukrainians!” Haxhiu concluded.

The post Haxhiu: Kosovo Will Continue Supporting Ukraine Since the Start of the Russian Invasion appeared first on Albeu.com.

On 24 August 2026, at 11:17 a.m., the acting president of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, officially presented Kosovo citizenship decrees to two American figures, Joe DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi.

The special ceremony was held at the Presidency.

Earlier, in an announcement published on 24 August 2026 at 8:15 a.m., the Office of the President had announced that the presentation of the decrees would take place at 11:00 a.m.

“At 11:00 a.m., the Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, will present the Kosovo citizenship decrees to Joe DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi in a special ceremony,” the announcement said.

Joe DioGuardi, a former U.S. congressman and former head of the Albanian American Civic League, has lobbied in the United States for decades in support of Kosovo’s cause.

Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi has also worked to promote the rights of Albanians and Kosovo’s cause in American political circles.

Both are considered among the most dedicated Albanian-American lobbyists for Kosovo, particularly in Washington. Through their work, Joe and Shirley DioGuardi have become an important part of the history of Albanian-American lobbying in support of Kosovo.

The post Joe and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi Become Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo appeared first on Albeu.com.

The Ministry of Defence has updated the fire situation in the country over the past 24 hours. A total of 33 fire outbreaks have been reported across the country, of which six remain active and 10 are under surveillance.

A total of 214 operational personnel and 30 fire engines have been deployed to manage the situation. Operations have been supported by the Armed Forces with 60 personnel, three fire engines, one heavy tracked excavator, three helicopters and two Air Tractor aircraft.

The ministry said operational efforts are continuing in several counties, with particular focus on Tirana, Dibër, Lezhë, Shkodër and Durrës.

Situation:

Intervention continues against the still-active fire outbreaks on Mount Dajti, while no danger to residential areas has been reported.

In the Gojan–Gjegjan–Tërbun area, in the Municipality of Pukë, intervention has continued with local forces and Armed Forces personnel. During the day, an additional 40 Armed Forces personnel and one helicopter were deployed for air support. The situation has been brought under control and poses no danger to homes, while the fire in Prozhëm remains active and efforts are underway to contain it.

In Dibër County, fires remain active in Ballenjë and Qafë të Helmës, while the fire in Bërshi is under surveillance.

In Mirditë, the fire in Shtuf remains active, while the fires in Lufaj and Tenë have been contained and are under monitoring.

“Civil protection system structures at central and local level continue to monitor the situation and operate in the field, prioritising the containment and complete extinguishing of active fires, as well as preventing them from reigniting.

The National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC) continues to closely follow the situation throughout the country, in close coordination with prefectures, municipalities and all Civil Protection system structures.

Operational capacities remain deployed in the field and on standby to intervene wherever the situation requires, with priority given to protecting the lives, homes and property of citizens,” the statement said.

The post Fire Situation: Six Blazes Active in the Past 24 Hours; Areas Where the Situation Is Most Problematic appeared first on Albeu.com.

Donald Trump and his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, appeared to have a noticeably warmer relationship during an interview broadcast on Sunday, which had been announced in the middle of last week.

During the conversation, the US president and his former associate discussed several issues, including the ballroom Trump is proposing to build at the White House, the state of the economy during his second term, and what the president describes as the “weaponization” of institutions and the justice system, which he claims is destroying America.

It was Trump and Cohen’s first joint public appearance since the trial concerning the payment to Stormy Daniels. In that case, the former president’s lawyer was a key prosecution witness, while Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

For several years, the two have traded serious accusations and insults. Cohen had previously described Trump as a “con man” and a “predator,” while Trump called his former trusted associate a “rat.”

But in Sunday’s interview, their relationship was presented differently. Cohen repeatedly addressed Trump as “boss” and also spoke about the reasons why, in his view, many Americans have such a negative attitude toward the president.

Part of the conversation was devoted to Cohen’s role in the Stormy Daniels case. Trump accused New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of pressuring his former lawyer to testify against him.

“They threatened you with everything if you didn’t turn against Trump, and you would take it back. I wouldn’t even be speaking to you now if you hadn’t done it,” Trump told Cohen.

A week earlier, during an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN, Cohen did not give a direct answer when asked whether he still stood by his testimony that Trump had instructed him to commit crimes.

“I will not discuss what I have said in the past, what I testified to under oath,” he stated, adding that “what I said was said, and that remains my position.”

Cohen also told CNN that he had requested a presidential pardon from Trump’s White House after the Biden administration had rejected his request.

Earlier this year, Trump’s former lawyer wrote on an online platform that prosecutors had made him feel “pressured and compelled” to testify against the current president.

Cohen ended up in prison during Trump’s first term after paying Stormy Daniels $130,000 to prevent her from speaking publicly about her alleged affair with Trump.

In 2018, he pleaded guilty to eight charges, including tax fraud and violations of campaign finance rules.

When Tapper asked him last week whether he still described Trump as a “racist, con man and liar,” Cohen declined to answer, saying his focus was now on the future, not the past.

“How is it possible for the two of us to sit together again? The answer is that we have forgiven each other,” Cohen said. He clarified that he has not forgotten what happened, but has chosen to have “the courage to stop allowing yesterday to determine tomorrow.”

The post The Past Does Not Determine the Future”/ Trump and Michael Cohen Put Clashes Behind Them and Appear as Friends Again appeared first on Albeu.com.

Transporters from Macedonia have announced that they will protest in front of the European Union Delegation in Skopje on August 31. They are demanding a solution to the problem concerning restrictions on the stay of professional drivers from non-EU countries in the Schengen Area, under the rule allowing a stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.

The action will take place from 12:00 to 14:00 and has been organized in cooperation with transporters from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The “Makam Trans” organization warns that, in the absence of an interim solution, the protests may move to border crossing points starting on September 14.

Biljana Muratovska of “Makam Trans” said that the European Union has the ability to resolve the issue, citing the case of Turkish drivers, who are granted professional visas. According to her, the same solution should also be applied to drivers from other countries.

Through bilateral agreements, North Macedonia’s institutions are trying to find a solution to the problem. Agreements have already been reached with Croatia, Switzerland, and Romania, while negotiations are also expected to continue with Austria, Hungary, Germany, and Slovenia.

The post Macedonian transporters return to protest, seek solution to driver restrictions appeared first on Albeu.com.

BDI says nearly four months have passed since it publicly reported the MEPSO case and demanded accountability from director Burim Latifi.

According to the party, MEPSO lost approximately €19.3 million in the pre-arbitration proceedings before the DAB, following a decision in favor of the former company “Energoinvest.” The case is now expected to proceed to arbitration, where the state-owned enterprise will have to defend its positions and claims after the negative outcome in the preliminary phase.

During the same period, according to BDI, MEPSO signed a new multimillion-euro contract with a consortium led by “Dalekovod,” which also includes “Kodar Energomontaža” from Belgrade and “Elnos BL” from Banja Luka. Regarding the latter, BDI says claims have emerged in the public sphere about close ties with circles linked to Milorad Dodik.

“For this reason, we are publicly asking: why is VLEN allowing another strategic segment of the energy sector to become tied to companies from Serbia and Republika Srpska, at a time when citizens are bearing the financial consequences of decisions made by their leaders? Who decided to terminate the previous contract, who assessed the financial and legal risks, and who will be held accountable if the state suffers additional losses in arbitration?” BDI said.

The opposition party is also seeking answers from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption. According to the party, a request to investigate the case was made publicly four months ago, while the public should be informed whether a case has been opened, what steps have been taken, and whether the contracts, decisions and potential responsibility for the financial damage are being investigated.

“Burim Latifi may choose to remain silent, but the €19.3 million counterclaims rejected in the pre-arbitration proceedings, as well as the new multimillion-euro contract with a consortium that includes companies from Belgrade and Banja Luka, cannot be swept under the rug,” BDI said.

The post BDI demands answers after four months over €19.3 million loss at MEPSO and institutional investigations appeared first on Albeu.com.

A 49-year-old worker has died in Veternik, Pristina, after falling from a height while carrying out his work.

The incident was reported around 10:00, said Flora Ahmeti, spokesperson for the Police in the Pristina Region.

According to Ahmeti, the 49-year-old succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene.

“The male victim, aged 49, was unable to survive his injuries and died at the scene. The victim’s death was confirmed by the medical team at the scene,” Ahmeti said.

The medical team confirmed the victim’s death at the place where the incident occurred.

To shed light on the circumstances of the case, the Police have launched an investigation in cooperation with the Prosecutor’s Office and the Labour Inspectorate.

The post 49-year-old man dies after falling at workplace in Veternik appeared first on Albeu.com.

The New Union of the Kosovo Energy Corporation held an extraordinary meeting of its leadership, focusing on workplace accidents and the loss of workers’ lives.

The union’s chairman, Xhelal Jashari, described the recent cases as unacceptable and announced that workers would protest to express their dissatisfaction and honour colleagues who lost their lives.

“Today, working conditions and the level of safety for workers were reviewed. It was assessed that the situation is extremely serious, while the Kosovo Energy Corporation is largely lacking protective equipment and safety measures. The leadership decided to organise protests. Tomorrow we will hold a symbolic protest, while on Wednesday gatherings will be held in all three divisions, starting at 8:00 a.m. Through them, we will express our opposition to the lack of protective equipment and show solidarity with the families of workers who have lost their lives,” Jashari said.

He expressed concern over the recent incidents in which their colleagues lost their lives.

“They came to work to give their contribution, their sweat and their best, so that Kosovo could have light,” he said.

The protests will be held at the Coal Production Division, as well as at the “Kosova A” and “Kosova B” Thermal Power Plant divisions.

The post KEK Union Warns of Protests Following Workers’ Deaths appeared first on Albeu.com.