Parliament to dissolve in March? (Tribuna)
The EU expects the Kosovo legislation to reach two major decisions that might lead to the dissolution of the Parliament in the second half of March. The Parliament has to vote for the rule of law package, which includes the establishment of the Tribunal on KLA and EULEX’s mandate, as well as the statute of the association of Serb municipalities that is included in the law for local government. Both decisions happen to be extremely unpopular, and it is impossible to gain the required votes from the current Parliament. Therefore, Kosovo authorities are trying to buy time, by dissolving the Parliament and letting the future legislation deal with these decisions. The law on general elections foresees holding elections 45 days after the disintegration of the Parliament.
Mustafa denies agreement with Thaci (dailies)
Isa Mustafa, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), said an agreement was reached with PDK leader Hashim Thaci to hold national elections in June, but added that a decision has yet to be made. Mustafa also said LDK has not reached a coalition agreement with any political party. LDK MP Arben Gashi, who attended the meeting between Mustafa and Thaci, denied that the two leaders had reached a coalition agreement.
Pajaziti: Open for coalition with LDK (Tribuna)
In an interview for Gazeta Express, PDK MP Zenun Pajaziti did not rule out an eventual coalition between the PDK and LDK following national elections. Pajaziti said Kosovo needs a stable government that will combat crime and corruption. “There are several factors that will determine the next governing model: the election outcome and election system. Personally, I think the country needs a stable government with the right number of MPs in Parliament and with a development pact to combat crime and corruption. The country needs greater security for the future. This is secured through a stable government … Therefore, I think all options for coalitions are open,” Pajaziti added.
Kosovo Diaspora to stage nationwide protest against the Government (Bota Sot)
A new civic movement is organising a nationwide protest in an attempt to bring down the Kosovo Government led by Hashim Thaci. The protest is scheduled for 21 March in Pristina and organisers have already begun distributing pamphlets in all Kosovo cities. The organiser of the protest based in Brussels, Fehmi Cela, said the protest will call for the unconditional resignation of Thaci and his cabinet, and for the establishment of a technical government made up of uncorrupt people and non-governmental organisations until the new elections take place.
NATO cannot help in creation of Kosovo army (Koha Ditore)
NATO diplomats in Brussels said that statements made by Kosovo politicians on the creation of Kosovo’s army are pre-election rhetoric for internal consumption. NATO officials also said they believe Kosovo authorities will keep their promise that they will not make a single step regarding the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) without consulting NATO. Meanwhile, some countries are thinking about advancing the KSF and argue that the pre-election rhetoric could damage such efforts. Diplomats in Brussels admit that the countries that have not recognised Kosovo’s independence, Spain in particular, are against plans for NATO’s greater engagement to increase cooperation with KSF. For the time being, some countries believe that KSF should be gradually invited to attend international and regional meetings on security, but they are also not sure how this will be accepted at the NATO Council.
Rakic from “Srpska” list wins in Mitrovica North (dailies)
Several dailies report that Goran Rakic from the Serb Citizens List has been elected mayor of Mitrovica North with 2,700 votes. Oliver Ivanovic received 1,420 votes. Kosovo Albanian candidates Florent Azemi from PDK received 565 votes and Musa Miftari from LDK received 449 votes. The voting process was calm and without incident.
