• Reciprocity measures to be introduced in the coming days (Koha)
• Palmer: Kosovo, Serbia to set parameters for mutual recognition (EUobserver/ Epoka)
• Haradinaj: Kurti, Osmani responsible for Grenell demanding tax drop (Telegrafi)
• Zogiani: Kurti has not been yet informed about Grenell’s agreements (Express)
• Kurti visits Kosovo Intelligence Agency (media)
• PM Kurti meets UN resident coordinator Richardson (Klan Kosova)
• Haxhiu meets EULEX Chief, Wigemark (RTK)
• Haxhiu meets Braathu, discuss rule of law (RTK)
• Government launches procedures for dismissing Telecom board (Koha)
• Ministry’s ultimatum ignored; highway construction tender not cancelled (Zeri)

Kosovo Media Highlights

Reciprocity measures to be introduced in the coming days (Koha)

The government of Kosovo led by Albin Kurti is expected to present reciprocity measures it plans to introduce towards Serbia and at the same time lift the current 100-percent tax, the paper reports on the front page.

The future steps however will not be taken without Kurti’s prior consultation with the coalition partner, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK).

Assembly Speaker who is also deputy leader of LDK, Vjosa Osmani, said that the content of reciprocity measures will be decided in the coming days. “We will have a coordinating meeting to decide all steps, be it in the time aspect or content wise,” she said yesterday.

Sources from the government meanwhile told the paper that the reciprocity measures will focus on agreements reached in Brussels which Serbia refuses to implement.

Palmer: Kosovo, Serbia to set parameters for mutual recognition (EUobserver/ Epoka)

The U.S. State Department Special Envoy for Western Balkans Matthew Palmer told EUobserver it is up to Kosovo and Serbia to establish the parameters of the dialogue. When asked if the U.S. exclude territorial exchange as a solution.

“What we support is the parties finding a way to return to the negotiating table, putting the issues of concern on the negotiating table, and finding a path toward the normalisation of their relationship, ideally with mutual recognition as the centrepiece,” he added.

“We’d like to see mutual recognition between Serbia and Kosovo as the outcome of the process,” he also said.

Palmer declined to answer further questions on whether the US position went against Germany, which has said a land-swap deal could destabilise the region.

Haradinaj: Kurti, Osmani responsible for Grenell demanding tax drop (Telegrafi)

Former Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj accused Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Assembly Speaker Vjosa Osmani for encouraging the U.S. Special Envoy Richard Grenell to demand the dropping of the tariff on products from Serbia.

“I have asked Kurti publicly not to lift the tax but he went for reciprocity instead of the tax without a deep analysis. It is senseless to restore Serbia’s economic power if it doesn’t recognise us,” Haradinaj told Tirana-based TV Ora News.

“Kurti should understand that seeking a final contract with Serbia is entirely legitimate. All other issues are worthless to us. The source of all obstacles is non-recognition,” he said.

Zogiani: Kurti has not been yet informed about Grenell’s agreements (Express)

Avni Zogiani, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Environment, told T7 broadcaster that Prime Minister Albin Kurti has not been informed yet about the two agreements of the U.S. Ambassador in Germany, Richard Grenell, reached in Munich.

He claims that letters for the agreements only were only sent to the President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci. Zogiani also said that Kurti’s invitation to meet with Thaci intended reach of joint policy. He added that Vetevendosje Movement does not plan to dismiss the President, but to wait for the conclusion of his mandate instead.

“Impeachment of the President has not been in the agenda and it was not included in the meantime. Several well-known judicial processes which are not in our hands are required for his impeachment,” Zogiani said.

Kurti visits Kosovo Intelligence Agency (media)

Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti visited the Kosovo Intelligence Agency yesterday on the eleventh anniversary of its establishment.

“In a volatile region such as Western Balkans where we have had two failed coup d’etat in the last 3 years, their work is indispensable for the security of our country,” Kurti wrote on social media.

PM Kurti meets UN resident coordinator Richardson (Klan Kosova)

Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti met yesterday the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kosovo Ulrika Richardson.

A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister after the meeting states that Kurti spoke about the priorities of the government’s first one hundred days in office, reduction of the number of ministries and deputy ministers, and actions to bring about a new governing dynamics.

“Ms. Richardson expressed belief that a new stage of cooperation has begun. She agreed that employment and justice are the most important components, therefore Prime Minister Kurti requested necessary assistance and advice,” the statement reads.

Haxhiu meets EULEX Chief, Wigemark (RTK)

Kosovo’s Minister of Justice Albulena Haxhiu hosted on a meeting with the new EULEX chief Mr. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark. They discussed issues related to the justice section as well as priorities during her mandate.

Haxhiu congratulated Wigemark on his new duty while they discussed on the supporting role that this mission can offer to the rule of law in Kosovo.  Haxhiu said the rule of law will be he priority and stressed that cooperation with international missions is very necessary.

Wigemark expressed readiness to continue with cooperation with Kosovo institutions, especially the Ministry of Justice.

Haxhiu meets Braathu, discuss rule of law (RTK)

Kosovo’s Minister of Justice Albulena Haxhiu met on Tuesday with the chief of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jan Braathu. They discussed priorities related to the justice system in Kosovo.

Haxhiu said OSCE remains a strong partner of Kosovo in the field of the rule of law and human rights. They agreed to cooperate on the processes related to the rule of law.

Braathu congratulated Haxhiu on her new duty and added that OSCE will continue to support Kosovo on further development of independent and democratic institutions, promotion of the human rights, communities and rule of law.

Government launches procedures for dismissing Telecom board (Koha)

The Ministry of Economic Development is soon expected to dismiss members of the Kosovo Telecom board of directors citing poor performance, abuse of official post, and nepotism.

According to unnamed sources, the proposal for the dismissal of the board will be presented on Wednesday to the inter-ministerial council and then forwarded to the government of Kosovo.

Ministry’s ultimatum ignored; highway construction tender not cancelled (Zeri)

Despite the decision of the Minister of Infrastructure, Lumir Abdixhiku, to annul a €110 million bid for the construction of a Pristina-Gjilan-Dheu i Bardhe highway, the ministry’s general secretary, Betim Recica, is refusing to heed instructions saying Adbixhiku’s decision has no legal basis.

In a letter, Abdixhiku asked Recica to annul the bid no later than 18 February 2020. “We cannot put the country and the government under financial obligations without the budget being approved,” Abdixhiku said.

Kosovo Institute for Justice think tank meanwhile said that Minister Abdixhiku has the right to dispute the legality of any decision taken by the previous government and that the request to annul the tender for highway construction is legitimate.