EU expects Kosovars to resolve institutional crisis (Koha)
Peter Stano, spokesman for the European Enlargement Commission, told the paper on Tuesday that the forming of new institutions in Kosovo is in the hands of Kosovo’s political leaders and that the EU will not interfere. But EU officials fear that if the political stalemate is not resolved soon, Kosovo could enter into an institutional crisis that may result in other delays in the process of EU integration. “We cannot say what they should or should not do. We can also not be referees on who should be prime minister. We only expect you to take the best examples from Europe for resolving such complicated matters,” an EU official told the paper. “Kosovars themselves should realize that delays in the establishment of institutions result in delays in Kosovo’s progress”. The paper also notes that EU diplomats in Brussels are unofficially criticizing PDK leader Hashim Thaci’s insistence on retaining power and warn that holding new elections would be a big setback for Kosovo.
Grabovci: LDK-AAK-NISMA blocking Kosovo (Bota Sot)
Adem Grabovci, deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), told Express on Tuesday that the coalition of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), is blocking Kosovo. “This blockade has to be removed, otherwise we will have to go into early elections … The PDK is ready to cooperate with all political parties that have won the trust of the people. However, it should be clear to everyone that the posts of prime minister and assembly speaker are not just available for whoever wishes to take them,” Grabovci said.
Vetevendosje not backing down on its conditions (Lajm)
Vetevendosje representatives said on Tuesday that they are willing to contribute to the change of governance in Kosovo but that they would join the LDK-AAK-NISMA coalition only if their terms on dialogue and privatization were accepted.
Stojanovic: No government without Serbs(Tribuna)
Gracanica Mayor Branimir Stojanovic said on Tuesday that the political elite in Kosovo is immature and that the new government cannot be formed without the involvement of Serbs. Stojanovic, a candidate for MP from the Serbian List, said they will wait for the decision of the Constitutional Court before they decide who they will join in the government. “If the conditions of the Serbian List are met, we will take part in the government. These conditions have to do with privatization and the establishment of the association of Serb majority municipalities,” Stojanovic told TV Most.
Islamic Community against extremism and terrorism (Bota Sot)
Naim Ternava, head of the Islamic Community of Kosovo (BIK), told Voice of America on Tuesday that he supports all actions against extremism and terrorism as these phenomena have nothing in common with Islam and the Albanian nation. He said he supports the recent police operation that resulted in the arrest of 40 people suspected of terrorist activities. Ternava also said that the Islamic Community will do everything in its power and cooperate with other religious communities to preserve inter-religious tolerance.
Intelligence agent executed in Syria (Koha)
An agent of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency was executed in Syria earlier this year shortly after he infiltrated Albanian Jihadi groups fighting alongside terrorist organizations, the paper reports on the front page. Different sources, including those in the Agency, told the paper that the agent was executed at close range. Sources in the Agency said they believe the agent did not receive proper assistance and guidance. State officials meanwhile are keeping silent about the matter. Agency head Bashkim Smakaj did not respond to inquiries on the matter. The paper notes that Smakaj did not report about the incident to the parliamentary committee that oversees the Agency. MPs were reportedly interested in the involvement of Kosovars in terrorist organizations, but Smakaj told them he had “his men” there and the situation was under control.
UN seat for Kosovo depends on treaty with Serbia (Tribuna)
Kosovo’s seat at the United Nations and its membership in the European Union remain closely related to the final agreement on normalization of relations with Serbia, the paper reports on the front page. Prior to the signing of this agreement, which is believed to happen sometime between 2018 and 2020, when Serbia aims to join the EU, there is a little hope for Kosovo to make further progress, especially with regards to UN membership. Political analysts in Pristina believe that Kosovo should apply at the right moment for full membership in the UN and not for the status of observer at the General Assembly, because they consider that such action could further delay Kosovo’s equal membership.
Constitutional Court reprimands judge (Epoka e Re)
The Constitutional Court decided on Tuesday to dismiss Judge Kadri Kryeziu from all cases that could involve political disputes, and which may include the President of Kosovo, the Government, the Ombudsperson or municipalities. The decision of the Court came after Kryeziu was seen participating in an election rally of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). Kryeziu admitted that he had used poor judgment.
