European Parliament adopts resolution on Kosovo (dailies)
Yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution assessing Kosovo’s progress in the EU integration process. The start of EU accession negotiations with Serbia and the progress made in normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo was welcomed by MEPs in two resolutions passed yesterday. The MEPs welcomed the progress made in 2015 in normalising relations between Serbia and Kosovo and called on Belgrade and Pristina to move forward with the full and timely implementation of agreements reached so far, noting that this is one of the conditions for Serbia’s accession to the EU. “The future of an independent Kosovo lies in the European Union, but it needs to do more to fight corruption and organised crime and start delivering tangible results, also in the economy”, said EP rapporteur Ulrike Lunacek. “Kosovo is also the only country in the Western Balkans whose citizens are not allowed to travel freely in the EU for three months. This anomalous situation has to change quickly in order to ensure that citizens do not feel “locked-in” anymore”, she added.
Government of Kosovo welcomes EP resolution (Kosovapress)
The government of Kosovo welcomed the adoption of the resolution on Kosovo by the European Parliament in a press release. “The government of Kosovo is grateful for the positive assessment of the European Parliament on progress in meeting the criteria for visa liberalization, calling to make the necessary actions so that Kosovars travel without visas in 2016. The government considers it very important that the European Parliament is willing to consent to the recommendation of the European Commission on visa liberalization,” reads the press release.
Breedlove: KAF, in accordance with neighbours (dailies)
During a visit to Kosovo yesterday Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, General Philip Breedlove, said the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into the Armed Force (KAF) should be implemented in accordance with Kosovo’s neighbours and that NATO will monitor this process. He further said the KSF should continue cooperation with KFOR in order to benefit from the experiences of the mission. According to the General, KFOR will remain in Kosovo for as long as necessary. During his stay in Kosovo, Breedlove met KFOR Commander General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa.
Ban Ki-moon: Constitutional Court’s decision, important step (RTK)
In his quarterly report on the situation in Kosovo, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined that the recent decision of the Constitutional Court and the efforts of the government to continue the process for establishing the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities are important steps but that the timeline of agreed procedures is not being fulfilled. The report is expected to be discussed at the UN Security Council session on 24 February, under the presidency of Venezuela.
Serbia’s elections in Kosovo according to model applied in 2014 (Koha Ditore)
Replying to the paper, the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo said that they see no problem in organising the Serbian parliamentary elections in the territory of Kosovo in line with the model applied two years ago. “This was discussed at the last meeting between Prime Ministers in Brussels,” said the Belgrade office. In 2014, the OSCE had assisted in opening ten polling stations throughout Kosovo which the Government of Kosovo referred to as “collecting stations.” Officials from the Kosovo Government were unavailable for comment, but earlier, the head of the Kosovo negotiating team Edita Tahiri said that the Serbian elections voting could take place on the premises of the Belgrade Liaison Office to Pristina.
Sahatqija: Visa liberalization to be granted this year (Tribuna Channel)
Yesterday, Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) MP Teuta Sahatqija said that the European Union is currently reviewing the information sent by the Ministry of Integration about the additional eight criteria for visa liberalization. “We have received very positive messages from Brussels and I believe Kosovo will be granted visa liberalization this year,” Sahatqija said, adding that a mini-mission from Brussels will visit Kosovo in February to assess the situation. She also spoke about the location of the Ombudsperson, which is one of the criteria. “I think it is unfair of the Constitutional Court not to free the premises for the Ombudsperson. The government is making efforts to find another building for the Ombudsperson,” Sahatqija said.
Kosovo Police raids offices of Klina mayor (dailies)
Yesterday, Kosovo Police undertook a search operation in the premises of Klina municipality under the order of the special prosecution which suspects that the mayor, Sokol Bashota, along with a group of his associates, is involved in the misuse of public funds. Koha Ditore reports that the whereabouts of Bashota are unknown at present as he was supposed to have been brought in for questioning by the police yesterday but the police could not locate him.
