Jahjaga: Special court’s establishment, obligatory (Koha Ditore)
The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, on Monday told Koha Ditore that the special court which will deal with war crimes allegations will be established because, according to her, it is an international obligation that Kosovo has already pledged to implement. Jahjaga said that the Association/Community of Serb municipalities will not have more competencies than what is foreseen in Kosovo’s Constitution. She admitted that so far there were serious problems in combating corruption and organized crime in Kosovo and insisted that the people of Kosovo, despite losing trust, have the responsibility and obligation to cooperate with relevant institutions in addressing these problems. In regards to the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue, Jahjaga said that the dialogue will contribute to advancing the European agenda of Kosovo and Serbia.
Special Court set to indict Agim Ceku (Bota Sot)
Quoting what it says are well-informed sources, the paper reports that the special court, once established, will file an indictment against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) chief of staff, Agim Ceku. The source said Ceku is only one of many people that stand to be accused by the special court.
Hyseni doesn’t know how many people fled Kosovo (dailies)
Kosovo’s Interior Minister, Skender Hyseni, during his reporting before the Kosovo Assembly European Integration Committee regarding irregular migration and visa liberalization process, said that he doesn’t know the exact number of people who fled Kosovo in the past few months. Hyseni said that it takes time to address correctly the root causes of the influx of migration. He emphasized that the causes for migration are mainly economic, for which he said that cannot be undone overnight. Meanwhile, opposition MPs criticized Hyseni for disinterest in the conditions of those who fled Kosovo.
Thaci: Germany’s role is vital for Kosovo (Epoka e Re)
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, met on Monday with Germany’s Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Thaci expressed his appreciation for Germany’s engagement to support Kosovo during all these years, stressing that Germany is one of the main partners of Kosovo. They also discussed the issue of the Kosovo asylum seekers in Germany, stressing that they will not find a place in Germany or any other EU country and will therefore have to return. Thaci also sought Germany’s help for Kosovo’s membership at the Council of Europe, NATO’s Partnership for Peace Programme and additional lobbying for Kosovo’s recognition by EU countries.
Serbia prevents determining fate of missing persons (Kosova Sot)
President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga met yesterday members of the government’s commission for missing persons led by chairman, Prenk Gjetaj. A press release issued by Jahjaga’s office states that Gjetaj spoke about the work and challenges of the commission in determining the fate of 1,652 persons still missing. Gjetaj also highlighted difficulties they face from lack of cooperation on the part of Serbian authorities. Jahjaga said in the meeting that she continues to raise the issue of missing persons in every international level meeting.
Missing persons’ families: No honorary citizenship for Kandic (Kosova Sot)
Coordination council of the Kosovo Association of Families of Missing Persons said it reviewed the proposal of the Gjakova/Djakovica Mayor, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, to award the Serbian human rights activist Natasa Kandic honorary citizenship and decided the idea is unacceptable and offensive. Families of missing persons consider there can be no honorary award given to any citizen of Serbia until that person apologizes and expresses regret for crimes Serbia committed in Kosovo.
Pacolli to leave AKR (Bota Sot)
The current leader of the New Kosovo Alliance (AKR), Behgjet Pacolli, announced he plans to step down from the party’s top post. “AKR should be even more powerful and we will soon announce who will be leading AKR. AKR is not a private party for me to say that Mimoza Kusari or someone else will be leading it. Certainly, devoted people of AKR will know whom to elect for their future leader,” said Pacolli.
