Assembly Security Committee argues over KSF transformation
(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)
The issue of transforming the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) into armed forces is still causing a lot of debate. The Kosovo Assembly Security Committee members requested that transformation of KSF into armed forces should not be negotiated in any way with Serbia. According to Vetëvendosje MP Rexhep Selimi, if the KSF issue would be negotiated with Serbia, then Kosovo’s security and its army would be substantially harmed.
However, the request was objected by Serb MP Goran Marinkovic, who said that this should be a topic of discussion with Serbia.
This statement again was objected by Anton Çuni of LDK, who said that this issue should by no means be a topic of discussion with Serbia.
Fatmir Xhelili assured everybody that the Kosovo Government representatives did not ask for Serbia’s permission when deciding to establish Kosovo armed forces.
The Committee chairperson Ahmet Isufi said that the strategic document on KSF transformation should not be mixed up with other issues. According to him, regarding other implications, responsibilities should be taken by those who interrelate this process for political purposes.
The Committee members demanded that the KSF transformation does not serve for electoral campaign and not be a political bargaining as an exchange for reserved seats.
Dissatisfactory use of official languages
(RTK2)
Use of official languages in public institutions is not at the satisfactory level. This is demonstrated by the increasing number of complaints for non-respect of the law on minority languages, presented in the annual report of the Office of Commissioner of Languages.
Language Commissioner Slavisa Mladenovic underlines that during 2013, ten complaints were filed in the Office of Commissioner of Languages over non-respect of the use of official languages in Kosovo institutions, and that these complaints were solved through mediation. The plan is to carry out a research and find out how much the Law on the Use of Official Languages is being respected.
“We are working on awareness raising and I believe that our activities will demonstrate to citizens that they may complain and that they have the right to do so, and that they will not face any consequences. Everything that we did in 2013 on raising awareness is being reflected now through increase of complaints. Only over the last one month and a half, we had over twenty complaints, which is a very good indicator for this,” Mladenovic said.
Chairperson of the working group for use of official languages Jelena Bontic called on minority community citizens to address the Language Commissioner in case they encounter non-respect of official languages.
Special prosecutor for Marty’s accusations arrives in Kosovo
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Lead Prosecutor for the EU Special Investigative Task Force (SITF) Clint Williamson, who is investigating accusations of former Swiss senator Dick Marty, is paying a visit to Kosovo. On Tuesday, he met with Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Justice Hajredin Kuçi, and with the Interior Minister Bajram Rexhepi.
A statement issued by Office of the Prime Minister reads that Deputy Prime Minister Kuçi expressed Government’s position about the Task Force performance, requesting that any possible trial takes place in the Kosovo territory and in line with the Kosovo legislation.
“The Kosovo Government is keen to assist justice and the truth, as well as to collaborate with the international partners – the EU and the US, but at the same time respecting our country’s jurisdiction and in any case preserving the image of the just war and of our country,” Kuçi said. He added that Kosovo has built sufficient capacities in the justice area to deal with any possible case.
However, Williamson once again reminded him on the mandate of his Task Force. A statement issued by the Special Investigative Task Force reads that Williamson expressed his commitment for an independent investigation which would enlighten the truth of the Council of Europe report. Williamson stressed that the mandate of the Task Force is investigating, and if there is an order also prosecuting the persons who were responsible in alleged crimes in Marty’s report.
Nevertheless, Williamson added that the investigation is ongoing, and any prejudice on its end would be hasty.
On the other hand, the idea of establishing an international war crime tribunal in Kosovo continues to be strongly opposed by justice experts. According to them, establishment of such a court would be a knockout and failure for Kosovo. Moreover, they say that it is Kosovo institutions themselves that have contributed to this situation. While they believe that such a step is unnecessary, they are convinced that those alleged crimes can be tried by local judges and prosecutors, but all what they need is support. A debate on this topic was held in KTV’s Rubicon show.
EULEX confirms Ivanovic’s transfer to Mitrovicë/Mitrovica Detention Centre
(Klan Kosova)
EULEX has confirmed the ruling of the pre-trial judge for Oliver Ivanovic’s transfer to Mitrovicë/Mitrovica Detention Centre. According to EULEX’s press release, the Review Panel has indicated that the decision is to be executed immediately.
In the initial ruling of the pre-trial judge, it was assessed that there was no security risk for the north Serb leader in being detained in Prishtinë/Pristina Detention Centre. In the Appeal process, the Review Panel found that there were no legal reasons to prevent Ivanovic from being transferred to the Detention Centre in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica.
Ministry of Environment sues former Prizren mayor Kryeziu
(KTV)
Ministry of Environment has sued former mayor of Prizren Eqrem Kryeziu for issuing construction permits in Prevalla. The charges will also be faced by former director of urbanism in Prizren Hysein Kaza, engineer and construction permit designer Ylber Gashi, and Iftiman Lutfiu, representative of Diarko design studio.
