Special court, not on the agenda of the Kosovo Assembly (Kosovapress)
The constitutional changes that pave way to the establishment of the special court will not be discussed at the next session of the Assembly of Kosovo, despite a statement by Prime Minister Isa Mustafa that the re-proceeding of the amendments will happen very soon. These amendments reportedly should once again pass through the Kosovo government meeting, which would then submit them to the Assembly Presidency. The latter called a meeting with heads of parliamentary groups for today; however, they will be discussing two draft laws which do not concern constitutional amendments.
Engel: I was told that UN can establish the special court (Kosovapress)
US Congressman Elliot Engel told Pristina-based RTV21 on Monday that Kosovo is faced with a solution between a special court established by its Assembly and a special court formed by the United Nations, “because there will be a special court”. “I was told that there will be a special court of the United Nations. And I do not think that Kosovo can get a fair agreement at a United Nations court. Serbia and Russia have kept Kosovo outside the United Nations in an unjust manner. Therefore I do not believe that the United Nations would be fair towards Kosovo. I understand that the special court will be difficult, because these are difficult solutions. However, I do believe that it is better if you establish the court rather than have the United Nations do this. This is why I think the Kosovo Assembly should adopt the special court,” Engel said.
Opposition warns over the Association/Community (Zeri)
The paper on its front page reports that the opposition parties warn that with the compromises that might happen over the Association/Community of Serb-majority Municipalities, the partition of Kosovo is being prepared. Valon Myrtezaj, advisor to Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, said that as yet there is no agreement on the issue of the Association/Community even though the parties have worked numerous drafts. According to him, compromises may happen only up to a level where the constitutionality and state laws are not violated.
Thaci: Kosovo to join the EU in ten years (dailies)
Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, in an interview with German-based Der Spiegel, said that Kosovo in five years might be a member of the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and in ten years might join the European Union. The paper writes that Thaci during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked for her support for Kosovo’s EU membership, and said that Kosovo is a place of opportunities, “but still has some unresolved issues.”
Jahjaga: Brussels agreements to be implemented (dailies)
Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga met on Monday with KFOR Commander, Major General Francesco Figliuolo. During the meeting, Jahjaga said that Kosovo is an emerging democracy, and is building good neighborly relations in the region. She said that Kosovo is committed to the Pristina – Belgrade dialogue and to the implementation of agreements reached in Brussels. “Jahjaga and Figliuolo discussed the continuation of the mutual cooperation, given that the KFOR is one of the most respected international institutions among the population of Kosovo,” states a press release issued by Jahjaga’s Office.
Hodzic: It is time to see implementation of agreements (Epoka e Re)
Head of the Administrative Office in Mitrovica North, Adriana Hodzic said in an interview for this daily that the situation in the north is stable but that the people remain hostage to higher politics. She added that it is time to see in practice the implementation of the agreements reached in Brussels. She assesses that the establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipalities is required but that it should not carry executive competencies. She also said that the association should not interfere in the work of the local self-governance. Hodzic stressed that Kosovo and Serbia should find a compromise on these issues.
Minister Bajrami says she will not stop battling corruption (Kosova Sot)
EU Special Representative to Kosovo Samuel Zbogar wrote a letter to Kosovo’s Minister of Trade and Industry Hykmete Bajrami where he accused her of ruining all the good work her ministry did in the past. Zbogar said Minister Bajrami had dismissed from work professional people with excellent performance. He warned that if this practice continues, Kosovo will fail in all European Union integration targets. Minister Bajrami replied by saying that no pressure will make her abandon the idea of fighting crime and corruption. She said it is absurd not to hold accountable someone who paid 7,000 euros for a plane ticket. “All this criticism is a motivation to continue fight against corruption even more”, said Bajrami in a Facebook post.
LDK elects party presidency (dailies)
The second-largest political party in Kosovo, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) elected yesterday its leadership. Agim Aliu, Haki Rugova and Lutfi Haziri have been appointed deputy leaders of the party while Ismet Beqiri was elected to the post of secretary. According to LDK leader Isa Mustafa, two more deputy leaders will be elected in September.
KP: Fire at the house in Llapushnik caused by electricity (Zeri)
Kosovo Police (KP) confirmed yesterday that the fire which broke out in a house belonging to a member of the Catholic religion in the village of Llapushnik was caused by electricity failure. The paper writes that members of the Catholic community in this village are convinced that the fire was set intentionally by someone.
Anarchy in management of public funds in the north (Koha)
In its front-page story, the paper covers the latest auditing reports for the municipalities of Mitrovica North, Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok. Auditors have revealed that in the Serb-inhabited north, residents do not pay taxes and the municipalities do not spend their respective budgets in accordance with Kosovo’s laws. According to the auditors, “the problem is of a political nature”. One of the biggest deficiencies that were evidenced in the auditing reports for the four northern municipalities is that people hold jobs even without a working contract.
