Opposition leaders agree to continue meetings (dailies)
The leaders of the three opposition parties – Vetevendosje Movement, Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) – met yesterday to discuss further actions against the current government. They also discussed the upcoming protest but didn’t set a final date yet. AAK’s spokesperson Muharrem Nitaj said the only agreement on that meeting was to continue with such meetings. However, RTK reports that the AAK already disclosed the formula on the joint election list, through which the opposition intends to win the next parliamentary elections. According to RTK, AAK is proposing that Vetevendosje Movement has 40 names on the list running for MPs, AAK also would have 40 names, while 20 names would be from the Initiative for Kosovo and 10 from the civil society. AAK will leave it to Vetevendosje to choose whether to nominate someone for Prime Minister or to propose the leader of the list.
US snub Kosovo corrupt officials (Koha Ditore)
The US Ambassador to Kosovo Greg Delawie said his country will stay away from corrupt officials and will have no cooperation with them. “Our efforts to uproot corruption are not only limited to those who we work with but also to those we don’t. The Government and Embassy officials do not meet officials accused or convicted of corruption,” said Delawie adding that while this sometimes complicates the work of the US Embassy, “it is the right thing to do”. Delawie made the comments at the signing of the Kosovo-US extradition agreement.
Osmani: Veseli could send Kosovo to early elections (Zeri)
The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) MP, Vjosa Osmani, told the paper that Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli could send Kosovo to early elections after he claims the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) leadership. Such a situation, according to her, would not be favorable for the LDK. Osmani said the PDK even in the past has proved that it doesn’t respect agreements with other parties. According to Osmani, the only way out from the current crisis is through dialogue, but “there is no will from either party for such a thing.” She also accused Prime Minister Isa Mustafa for using a “sexist language” against her for not being present at the session when Kosovo’s president was elected.
Haradinaj: Border demarcation commission, unconstitutional (Koha Ditore)
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) MP Daut Haradinaj said in an interview for KTV that the ad-hoc commission set up by President Atifete Jahjaga to review the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro is unconstitutional. He said that if the commission’s findings are not in line with the demands of the opposition parties, they will take to the streets again.
Arifaj: Facing special court will purify Thaci and KLA’s war (Epoka e Re)
Ardian Arifaj, advisor to the President-elect Hashim Thaci, said yesterday that Thaci doesn’t fear the special court for war crimes because he knows that Dick Marty’s allegations were defamatory. “Mr. Thaci insists to open an investigation into such defamation made by Marty,” Arifaj said. “It would be good as soon as possible to face these charges in order to purify the war, the KLA’s name and the figure of Mr.Thaci,” he added.
Ilazi: EC mission focused on demarcation and justice (Epoka e Re)
The European Commission fact-finding mission of experts has already verified the factual situation in Kosovo regarding fulfillment of the remaining eight recommendations for visa liberalization. Deputy Minister of European Integration, Ramadan Ilazi, said the mission was focused on two issues: border-demarcation with Montenegro and justice or the fight against corruption. According to Ilazi, these two issues have already been addressed by the Kosovo institutions and do not impede eventual recommendation for visa liberalization.
