Grabovci: We have 70 votes (Kosova Sot)
A senior official of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Adem Grabovci, said that his party will form the new government of Kosovo and that it has the necessary votes to do so. “I guarantee that, out of 120 MPs, when the session is held in normal conditions, not only will we have 61 votes, but even more than 70”, Grabovci said.
Vetevendosje rejects idea of broad-based government (Lajm)
The Vetevendosje Movement – just like the opposition bloc of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) – is against the idea launched by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) of a broad-based and sustainable government. Vetevendosje deputy leader Aida Gerguri said the establishment of a broad-based government without a change in direction would damage Kosovo. She also said that continuing unconditional dialogue with Belgrade would be detrimental to Kosovo’s interests.
CEC ready for extraordinary elections (Zeri)
Valdete Daka, chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), said on Wednesday that, if requested, the CEC is ready to organize extraordinary elections within 40 days. Daka, however, added that going into another round of elections so soon would damage Kosovo’s international image.
EULEX currently not dealing with Skenderaj murder (Bota Sot)
EULEX spokesman Miguel Carvalho de Faria told local media on Tuesday that EULEX was presently not dealing with the killing of Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) veteran Ruzhdi Shaqiri by former MP Gani Geci in Skenderaj/Srbica. He said the case was currently being handled by Kosovo Police, and questions should therefore be addressed to them.
Blocking of Assembly delays visa liberalization (Koha)
The European Commission (EC) has not set a date for a mission to Kosovo that would evaluate the fulfillment of visa liberalization criteria. Officials at the Ministry for European Integration said they were analyzing the EC report published last month, and that they would draft an action plan in August for implementing the EC recommendations. Besnik Vasolli, the government’s coordinator for visa liberalization, said several laws related to visa liberalization need to be adopted by the new MPs. “Even the implementation of recommendations depends on the adoption of these laws in parliament … All institutions will have to do their best, especially the judiciary, as most of recommendations are about this sector … We are confident that this year, or by January 2015 at the latest, we will conclude the process and Kosovo will meet the criteria set by the European Commission,” he added. Meanwhile, European Union officials in Pristina told the paper that they are waiting for the establishment of the new government, which would then work on following the EC recommendations. They also said they expect Kosovo to prove its commitment, especially in combating illegal immigration to EU member states.
