Serbian media, based on various developments taking place in Kosovo, build or re-introduce their disinformation narratives into media use. The event organized in honor of Albania's Independence Day, where Kosovo and Albanian MPs came together in a joint parliamentary meeting, caused Serbian-language media to put into use the disinformation narrative for the creation of "Greater Albania".
On the occasion of the symbolic meeting between political leaders in a joint session on Flag Day, the Serbian daily “Novosti” published an article on November 27 with a tendentious headline that “Greater Albania” is being announced in Tirana. This article was based on the statement of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, at the joint parliamentary session between the two assemblies, where he said “Our ancestors fought for the home of all Albanians.” (here)
The newspaper “Novosti” published another article on November 28, related to the disinformation narrative about “Greater Albania”. This time, the article was based on the statement of the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, who stated that “Kosovo will certainly not wait long for final recognition” from Serbia. The Serbian daily interpreted this in the title of the article as “Big dreams for ‘Greater Albania’”, claiming that this is only a warning about the ultimate goal, which is the creation of “Greater Albania”. (here) This article also appeared on the front page of the newspaper dated November 28. (here)
While the two articles above constituted a tendentious claim, the article published on November 29th was presented as a complaint to the West, which, according to the newspaper, is against the determination of Albania and Kosovo to create a “Greater Albania”. The newspaper “Novosti” in the published article claims that, while the West is angry about any form of cooperation between Serbia and Banja Luka (Republika Srpska), the Western power centers remained deaf and mute to the latest open demonstration of Pristina and Tirana’s plans to erase existing borders and achieve the dream of a “Greater Albania”. (here) This article also appeared on the front page of the newspaper dated November 29. (here)
Of course, disinformation narratives arose with the idea of legitimizing reactions from power structures, specifically in this case, Serbia. To arouse public curiosity about the distributed narrative, “Novosti” publishes the reaction of the leader of the Socialist Movement (Pokret Socijalista), to express the danger of the plan of Tirana and Pristina. Based on his statements, the newspaper claims that, while the West supports the unification of Albanians, which poses a threat to the Balkans, the creation of the “Serbian world” would preserve peace and would not allow the spread of Albanians to areas where they do not live. (here)
Recently, the Serbian daily “Novosti” through an article published on November 29, claimed that there is a hidden plan in Kurti’s rush to reach an agreement with Serbia to secure a seat in the UN. According to the claims of this newspaper, Kurti’s hidden plan is to first secure a seat in the UN and then unite with Albania. (here). This article also appeared on the front page of the newspaper dated November 30. (here)
In the wake of the spread of the disinformation narrative about "Greater Albania", several Serbian-language media outlets have also been involved, as well as the Office for Kosovo in the Government of Serbia.
This Office interpreted the placing of red and black flags in Kllokot in honor of Flag Day as another act to intimidate the Serbian people, as well as another step towards the creation of "Greater Albania". (here)
This action and interpretation of the Office for Kosovo took place in the Serbian language media, which interpreted it in the same way. The daily "Kurir" in an article published on November 29 claims in the headline that "Kurti's Government pushes forward 'Greater Albania'", based on several developments on that day. (here)