Engel: Special court, a necessary evil (Koha)
The paper runs a front-page interview with United States Congressman Elliot Engel highlighting his quote that between two evils – the special court or a UN court – a special court is much better for Kosovo. “Kosovo must seek the truth and move forward. This is why I think that if the Assembly votes differently from the previous session, if some members of the Assembly can be convinced, a majority can be secured for the special court. Otherwise, there will be a United Nations court and this is bad for Kosovo,” Engel was quoted as saying. He also said, “I know that this [the special court] is not fair but Kosovo needs to prove that it has nothing to hide”.
Thaci: We will not avoid international obligations (Zeri)
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci said establishment of the specialist chambers is in Kosovo’s interest and therefore Kosovo institutions will do everything to make sure that their credibility is not undermined. In a meeting with the director of the US State Department’s Office of Southern European Affairs Thomas Yazdgerdi, Thaci also said Kosovo will not shy away from its international obligations.
Delawie: Kosovo should respond to war crimes allegations (Epoka e Re)
The already confirmed future U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Gregory Delawie, spoke at the confirming session about the history of the relations between U.S. and Kosovo, and continued U.S. support, and he clarified his intentions and engagement for the next three years. He summarized his goals in three important issues: strengthening of the rule of law, increase of regional security and inducement of economic reforms.
Delawie also said that Kosovo should respond in a suitable manner to the accusations for serious crimes committed between 1998 and 2000. “Kosovo should resolve these serious accusations if it wants to close this chapter of its history, and move forward on democratic development and Euro-Atlantic integration,” Delawie said.
Hilmi Jashari elected Kosovo Ombudsperson (Zeri/Koha)
The Kosovo Assembly managed to elect yesterday a new Ombudsperson after an internal agreement between ruling coalition parties, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK). Hilmi Jashari received 63 votes in favour, more than the two other candidates running for the post. In the past, Jashari was deputy Ombudsperson. In an interview for KTV on Thursday evening, Jashari called for greater cooperation between the Kosovo Assembly and public institutions in addressing human rights violations. “We need to promote more the rights of members of the LGBT community because in this way we can protect them. The Constitution and the Law on Education does not ban the wearing of headscarves in schools. This is why the current ban is a violation of human rights,” Jashari said.
Ramush Haradinaj reelected AAK leader (Epoka e Re)
The Election Convention of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) has re-elected Ramush Haradinaj as party leader. Haradinaj secured the votes of the majority of the Assembly of this party, with only three votes against. Voting was done by secret ballot, while he was the only candidate for the post of AAK leader.
