Thaci buying more time (Zëri)
Request of Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) to give another mandate to the commission for election reform is considered to be another attempt of Prime Minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaci at winning more time and postponing elections for 2015. Political analysts say the issue of election reform surpasses competencies of the parliamentary commission and it is up to political leaders to finally conclude this issue. At the same time, opposition parties say they are ready to head to election even without election reform being concluded only to, as they say, shorten lifespan of Thaci government as soon as possible.
KLA veterans announce more protests (Koha Ditore)
Tens of Kosovo Liberation Army veterans tried to force their way into the Kosovo Assembly building yesterday but were prevented by the Kosovo Police. The former KLA members demanded approval of the law on war veterans and although Assembly Speaker Jakup Krasniqi agreed to meet three persons in his office, protesters refused the proposal saying that Krasniqi is the one that should come to them and address them. KLA veterans expressed determination to continue protesting until their demands are met by the institutions of Kosovo.
Janicijevic killed by ‟northern mafia” (Zëri)
The killing of Dimitrije Janicijevic, one of the most successful businessmen in the north, has caused fear and concern with residents in the north at a time when elections for mayor of North Mitrovica are expected to be repeated. Local Serbs say they feel unsafe and although they do not exactly know the reasons why Janicijevic was killed, they suspect the act was carried out by the so-called ‟northern mafia”. Janicijevic’s business was attacked in the past several times but it is believed that his decision to run for mayor has caused alarm with the mafia in the north.
Tonga recognizes Kosovo (Tribuna)
Prime Minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaci took to his Facebook page to announce that the state of Kosovo was recognized by another country, Tonga. “I just received information that independence of Republic of Kosovo was recognized by Tonga, island country in the Pacific Ocean. This is 105th recognition of the state of Kosovo”, Thaci wrote.
