Viets: Discussion of the special court dangerous for Kosovo (Koha Ditore)
Angelika Viets, the German Ambassador to Kosovo, warned that there could be consequences if Kosovo fails to establish the special court. She told Koha Ditore that the current debate on the court is dangerous. “The European Union and Kosovo made the decision for the special court together. There was an exchange of letters between the EU and Kosovo on the issue. Establishment of the court is good for Kosovo. It is important not to aim renegotiation of the agreement for the special court. The current discussions are dangerous for the image of Kosovo as a serious partner,” Viets said. She added that if Kosovo fails to establish the court, then the UN Security Council will.
Jahjaga: Visa liberalization has been delayed (Epoka e Re, Kosova Sot)
President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga told an Albanian news website based in Switzerland that Kosovo has wasted considerable time in forming new institutions and that this has provided space for criminal groups to profit from the people of Kosovo. She said Kosovo institutions need to undertake serious efforts in reviving economy and creating new jobs. Jahjaga added that Kosovo is on the right track to signing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU and to be granted visa liberalization, a process which, according to her, has been delayed.
Ymeri promises Vetevendosje’s strengthening (Epoka e Re)
As of Sunday, the Vetevendosje Movement got a new leader. With over 96 percent of the votes of the membership of this movement, Visar Ymeri will be replacing the former leader, Albin Kurti, who did not run in these elections. Ymeri promised maximal engagement to strengthen Vetevendosje in the entire Kosovo. Albin Kurti will now be member of the General Council, the most senior body of this movement.
Northern municipalities heading towards early elections (Zeri)
Northern Kosovo municipalities have refused to adopt their respective budgets, based on the instructions of the Ministry of Finance. Kosovo government warned that Sunday was the final deadline by when the municipalities had to adopt their budgets and if they failed in meeting time requirements, extraordinary measures against them would be taken, including the possibility of organizing early elections. Chairperson of the Mitrovica North municipal assembly, Ksenija Bozovic, said it is clear that the budgets require a political solution.
Thaci in Berlin: Economy a priority (Epoka e Re)
Hashim Thaci, Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is in a two-day visit in Berlin, invited by his counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Deepening of bilateral cooperation for the development of Kosovo and regional and international cooperation will be the key points of discussions between Thaci and German authorities. Today, Thaci will meet a considerable number of the Bundestag members and will request liberalization of the visas for Kosovo. In the afternoon, Thaci will meet with Steinmeier where economy and foreign policy are expected to be the main focus.
