Positive assessment for 3 November elections (Epoka e Re)
Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri said that in the last meeting in Brussels with Serbian delegation all sides were asked to give their contribution for creating a safe climate for local elections in the north. “Three mechanisms, Kosovo Police, KFOR, and EULEX will cooperate closely to provide a high-level security so that the voters and all people involved in the election process can operate unhindered”, said Tahiri.
Tahiri, who is also head of the Kosovo delegation, said further that there were positive assessments in Brussels regarding the preparation process for local elections. “Our side was particularly commended for maximum efforts it has put for successful conclusion of all procedures relating to elections of 3 November”, Tahiri told the paper.
Kosovo Government to pardon €125 million debt to Serbs (Zëri)
The paper reports that the Kosovo Government has given up on efforts to pursue collection of a debt that Kosovo Serbs owe to the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK). The debt reaches 125 million euro with 105 million being the amount that Serbs in the north owe to KEK.
Sources said that European Union has suggested to the Kosovo Government not to raise the debt issue as their agenda includes other issues of higher priority. “There were initiatives by both Pristina and Belgrade to discuss in Brussels the debt of Serbs, although the stances of the two sides were completely different. Serbia wants the debt to be erased while Kosovo wants to collect it”, the source said.
SAA negotiations to begin on 28 October (dailies)
European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule will not come to Kosovo to open negotiations for Stabilisation and Association Agreement on 28 October. Instead, the Kosovo Minister of European Integrations Vlora Çitaku will launch the process with EC’s General Director of Enlargement Departments, Joost Koorte. The EU’s Office in Kosovo said the SAA is expected to be signed with Kosovo by spring of next years and enter into force late in that year.
Vulin declared a wanted person (Koha Ditore)
All police stations in Kosovo yesterday received an arrest warrant for the Serbian minister without portfolio Aleksandar Vulin. He is wanted for unauthorized crossing of the border. Chief prosecutor of Mitrovica Basic Prosecution, Shyqyri Syla, said that evidence show Vulin has entered the territory of Kosovo through unauthorized roads.
Vulin reacted to the news by saying that the arrest warrant for him is aimed an inciting a revolt among Serbs ultimately making them reject elections of 3 November. At the same time, Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said the move represents violation of Brussels agreement. “Thaçi assured me personally, in the presence of Catherine Ashton, that Vulin can go to Kosovo whenever and wherever he wishes”, said Dacic.
Mallias: Greece will recognize Kosovo (Koha Ditore)
Greece’s former ambassador to the US Alexandros Mallias said before students of Prizren University that his country has no other choice but to recognize independence of Kosovo. He said the increased contacts between authorities in Athens and Pristina are evidence that Greece is moving towards recognition of Kosovo. “It is expected that Kosovo will open a liaison office in Athens. I think this is a process by the end of which Greece will recognize Kosovo”, said Mallias.
