Jonathan Hargreaves

At yesterday’s opening of Pristina Pride Week, we celebrated and reiterated the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. Protecting and promoting these rights is a key indicator of Kosovo’s commitment to shared values on human rights and an inclusive society. The UK will continue to work with institutions and civil society in Kosovo to champion them.

Wonderful weekend exploring Kosovo’s natural foods and stunning beauty with my sister Clare Hargreaves. Many thanks to Jeton Jagxhiu and Eroll Bilibani for introducing us to sharr cheese, fresh lamb and great burek in Brod / Dragash. And thank you to Bella Agroturizem in Rahovec and N’Bjeshke in Zaplluxhe - both wonderful places to eat and visit. The climax was this fabulous hike amongst the spring wildflowers of the Sharr.

Today I met Vetëvendosje’s Second Vice-President Mrika Limani Myrtaj. We discussed the ongoing election campaign, in particular our hope that all parties will be respectful and reject hate speech, misogynistic language, and online violence against women. We agreed that Kosovo needs the election of a President soon after these elections.

Kosovo has such rich heritage and culture to be proud of. Now we can find out more from the newly translated book "Traditional Crafts at the Ethnological Museum of Kosovo". Thank you Bekim Xhemili for your beautiful and fascinating book. Visiting you at the museum will be an even more engrossing experience!

Sot urova Myftiun Naim Tërnava me rastin e Kurban Bajramit. Po ashtu ju uroj të gjithë Muslimanëve në Kosovë dhe më gjerë në botë, gëzuar Kurban Bajramin. Kjo festë le t’u sjellë shëndet, paqe dhe prosperitet juve dhe familjeve tuaja.
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Danas sam čestitao muftiji Naimu Ternavi Kurban Bajram. Istovremeno, svim muslimanima na Kosovu i širom sveta želim srećan Kurban Bajram. Neka ovaj praznik donese zdravlje, mir i prosperitet vama i vašim porodicama.

Tune in tonight to the show RTK Prime from 21:00 to watch my interview in advance of the start of the election campaign on Thursday.

Today, I met with LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku. We discussed the importance of a respectful and constructive election campaign allowing for rapid formation of institutions after the election. Kosovo’s partners look forward to a new political phase focused on delivering on Kosovo’s opportunities and the interests of its citizens.

I met Acting President and Acting Speaker Albulena Haxhiu this morning. We discussed the importance of a new Assembly being able to elect a president following the elections, to avoid further elections and missed opportunities for Kosovo. I emphasised the need for political parties to compromise to avoid such a scenario. We also discussed the appalling abuse targeted at female politicians on social media and hoped that all party leaders would make clear that this is unacceptable.

A pleasure to participate in yesterday’s “Creators Connect” event with NDI. It was fascinating to hear from former President Jahjaga as well as Kosovan influencers, podcasters and content creators about their experiences and their roles around public narratives and women’s leadership.

Good discussion with AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj yesterday ahead of the 7 June elections.

Ramush Haradinaj has played a significant role in Kosovo’s political life over many years, contributing to the country’s democratic development and institutions.

As Kosovo moves towards the elections, it will be important for political parties to engage constructively and work together afterwards to form a stable government and ensure the timely election of a President. Kosovo’s democratic progress depends on cooperation, dialogue and a shared commitment to the country’s future.