UN chief: Pristina and Belgrade to continue dialogue (Epoka e Re)
The United Nations Security Council will discuss today the quarterly report of the UN Secretary General about the situation in Kosovo. The Kosovo delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj, while Serbian media reported that Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic will be leading their delegation. Member states are expected to welcome Pristina’s decision to establish a special court for war crimes in Kosovo. In his report, UN chief Ban Ki-moon notes the firm commitment of Pristina and Belgrade to achieve progress on European integration, with the engagement of the European Union as facilitator of the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade. Ban also notes that dialogue between the two parties must continue.
President Jahjaga calls on MPs to resolve the situation (Bota Sot)
Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga believes the decision of the Constitutional Court is obligatory for everyone as it guarantees a credible and just process and assures the functioning of the state of Kosovo. Arber Vllahiu, spokesman for the President, quoted Jahjaga for Radio Free Europe as calling on all assembly members to find a solution and establish the institution which represents the interests of the people of the country who elected them. “Democratic culture and political maturity would help calm down tensions and this can also reflect on the people of the country, who have demonstrated calmness, maturity and dignity throughout the process,” Vllahiu quoted Jahjaga as saying.
U.S.: Decisions of the Constitutional Court must be respected (Koha)
The United States Embassy in Pristina said on Thursday that it expects leaders of political parties to respect the decisions of the Constitutional Court and to make way for the establishment of new institutions. “The United States Embassy continues to expect all Kosovo leaders to respect the decisions of the independent Constitutional Court. The decision strengthens Kosovo’s commitment to resolve legal matters in a transparent and democratic fashion that mirrors its commitment to the rule of law,” the US Embassy told the paper.
Meanwhile, European Union representatives in Kosovo said they don’t want to comment on the current situation because it is an internal matter of Kosovo. They said however that the new government should be established as soon as possible in order to address outstanding challenges such as economic reforms, rule of law and normalization of relations with Serbia.
Haziri: Bloc will not withdraw, we have three more options (Epoka e Re)
Lutfi Haziri, member of the chairmanship of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), said on Thursday that the decision of the Constitutional Court has not closed all doors to the opposition bloc. Haziri said the opposition coalition is considering three options, but he did not provide any further details. “The LDK will have the post of Assembly President and we will not accept any compromises. We don’t plan to withdraw,” Haziri was quoted as saying.
Grabovci: We are not buying MPs (Lajm)
Adem Grabovci, deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), denied on Thursday that his party was bargaining with MPs from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) to elect the Assembly President and a third term for PDK leader Hashim Thaci. In an interview for Politiko news website, Grabovci did not deny that the PDK was in daily contact with opposition MPs, including Vetevendosje.
Vetevendosje: The Constitutional Court has buried democracy (Koha)
The Vetevendosje Movement is not ruling out possible protests against the decision of the Constitutional Court, whereas representatives of the LDK-AAK-NISMA coalition said they are focused on reaching their objectives in an institutional way. Dozens of Vetevendosje activists on Thursday went into the front-yard of the Constitutional Court, placed a wreath of flowers saying that this court has buried democracy and also painted “Squatted by the PDK” on one of the walls of the court.
Merkel, Balkan’s hope (Epoka e Re)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has united on Thursday in Berlin, the Prime Ministers of Western Balkans, by opening a new and important chapter of EU relations with the region. Merkel, together with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, gave a press conference after the meeting. Merkel said the European Union would push forward the integration of Balkans countries in the big European family. She made it clear that Germany will be a guarantee and supporter of the development projects in Western Balkans and the region.
Two dead after armed confrontation at Kosovo – Serbia border (dailies)
Several dailies report that a Kosovo Albanian was killed and another one was injured early Wednesday morning at the border between Kosovo and Serbia in Merdare. The victim is Fatmir Mehmeti from the village of Dumnica. During an armed confrontation, a 30 year-old member of the Serbian Gendarmerie was shot and killed. According to Belgrade-based B92 news agency, Kosovo Albanians were accused of illegal logging inside the territory of Serbia. Belgrade meanwhile has ordered police reinforcements at the border with Kosovo.
