In North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok, constitutive sessions were held today in which the mayors from the Serb List took over power from the Albanian mayors. The new mayors were sworn in in the municipal assembly halls where the state symbols of Kosovo were placed.
The mayor of Leposavic is also sworn in.
Zoran Todić, the new mayor of the Municipality of Leposavic, has also been sworn in.
Even in the Leposavic Municipal Assembly hall, as in the assemblies of other municipalities with a Serb majority, there were the Kosovo flag and a photograph of the president, Vjosa Osmani.
Surrounding the municipality of Leposavic are Kosovo Police forces, KFOR, EULEX and OSCE vehicles.
The new mayor of North Mitrovica, Milan Radojevic, is sworn in.
Milan Radojevic has been sworn in as the new mayor of North Mitrovica.
Radojevic succeeded Erden Atiq.
It was signed at the inaugural session in the documentation that had the symbols of the Republic of Kosovo.
Radojevic has stated that he will work in the interest of the city of North Mitrovica.
Albanian assembly members tell Jakšić there is no need to be afraid: Don't police him
The inaugural session in North Mitrovica did not go entirely smoothly on Friday. Serb member Marko Jaksic claimed that there were civilian police in the hall and that he felt intimidated. However, this was immediately denied by the LVV and PDK members in the hall.
Vetëvendosje assemblyman Aida Ferati-Doli said that it was clear that there were no police in that hall and that there was no reason to be afraid.
"Each of us here in these seats has received trust for what we represent, so the question that was asked, are you afraid or not afraid, we do not need such questions. We are here to constitute the Municipal Assembly of North Mitrovica. As for the police, I do not see or notice that there is a policeman in this hall. There is no need for the speaker to feel threatened. We are here to be sworn in at the constitutive session of the Municipal Assembly of North Mitrovica," she said.
And, PDK assemblyman Emir Azemi has asked Jakšić not to politicize the situation and that they are there to take the oath.
"We are in our own home, in our own country, we don't need to be afraid. You don't need to be afraid of anyone else, we don't know who the police are, but we are equal here, there is no need to politicize this solemn meeting, we came here to be sworn in at a solemn meeting and there is no need to politicize anything," he stressed.
Serbian assemblyman Marko Jakšić, claiming to be feeling scared, requested that the police be removed from the hall, although no police were seen there and no one moved.
"At this moment, as the chairman, I feel endangered and unsafe, because in this hall, besides us and the journalists, there are also members of the police. I have asked my Albanian colleagues if they are afraid of us, of the Serbs, and they have said no. I would ask you, if possible, so that I can continue my work and say what I want to say, to ask the police to leave this hall. Because, believe me, I feel as if a police state is exerting pressure on us, controlling us, intimidating us, and we are not free to do our work. I do not feel safe, because I have seen several members of the police in civilian clothes inside the hall. Therefore, if possible, please ask them to leave the hall — that would be good," he said.
Miloš Perović sworn in as new mayor of Zubin Potok
Miloš Perović has been sworn in as the new mayor of the Municipality of Zubin Potok.
Perović, in his oath, stated that he will exercise his duty with honesty and loyalty to ensure better conditions for the Municipality of Zubin Potok.
"As Mayor Miloš Perović, I declare that I will perform my duties and exercise my powers with honor and loyalty in order to create conditions for a safe and peaceful life in the Municipality of Zubin Potok. As Mayor, I thank everyone, we are waiting for the continuous plans of the municipality," he said./ EO
New Mayor of Zvecan, Milović, Sworn In: I Will Cooperate with All Institutions in Pristina
New Mayor of the Municipality of Zvečan Dragisa Milović during the inauguration session
Photo: Driton Paçarada
Dragisa Milović has been sworn in as the new mayor of the Municipality of Zvečan. He said that challenges lie ahead, but added that peace and security must be maintained in the municipality.
"After 3 years, this day is solemn. The Assembly is receiving legitimate representatives in the assembly. I take this opportunity to thank all our citizens who have given for us. The period ahead of us will not be easy, it will be challenging. Let us at least maintain peace and security in the municipality. Let every family living in Zvecan feel safe," said Milović after the oath.
He further emphasized that he will cooperate with all institutions in Pristina.
"I will also cooperate with representatives of the missions with KFOR, with EULEX, with OSCE, with all institutions in Pristina, MLGA and you, the media. We must understand that local governance must be focused on citizens. Anyone who comes here should be welcomed... for the good of our citizens," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Novak Zivic was sworn in as the new mayor of Gracanica on Friday.
Zivic with the Serbian List won without a runoff in the October 12 elections.
"A new era together with all communities. We are here to show mutual cooperation and this is the only right path. Every decision will have force, I ask you, regardless of political distance, to have mutual respect. To have active participation. From this place I greet our citizens, I will listen to their voice, the media is an active partner, we will be accessible for everything. We will be open to everyone and we will move the municipality of Gracanica forward."
Milan Dimitrijevic was elected chairman of the Municipal Assembly with 14 votes in favor, 4 abstentions - the Albanians abstained.
Change of power in the north - Flags and the president's photo in the assembly halls
Photo: Driton Paçarada
The elected Serb mayors in the four municipalities in northern Kosovo have taken office.
Albanian mayors who have been at the head of municipalities have requested that the new mayors respect the laws of the Republic, its symbols, and the decisions that were made during the Albanian administration.
So far, before the inaugurations begin, it seems that everything is ready, including the flags of Kosovo and the president's photo in the halls.
In Zvecan, flags and a photo of the president are present, as well as in Leposavic, Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica.
The former mayor of Zvecan, Ilir Peci, said that they have made all the necessary preparations, and that he is waiting to hand over the task to the new mayor.
Police forces are also stationed at municipal facilities.
The new mayor of Zvecan from the Serbian List, Dragisa Milović, arrived at the Municipal Assembly for the constitutive session, but did not address the media. He and the other members signed a sheet bearing the Kosovo coat of arms.
Immediately after taking office in 2023, Albanian mayors had placed the Kosovo flag on municipal buildings, which until then had not been seen in any institution in the north.
Photo: Driton Pacharada
Zvecan:
View from North Mitrovica:
