Konjufca: Cooperation between Assembly and civil society was formalized
(RTK2)
On 3 April the Assembly of Kosovo adopted the Declaration on Partnership between Kosovo Assembly and Civil Society. Implementation of this Declaration should facilitate participation of civil society organizations in Assembly’s activities related to passing of laws and development of civil society in Kosovo.
According to Kosovo Assembly Deputy President Glauk Konjufca, cooperation between civil society and the Assembly existed, but it was formalized with the Declaration on Partnership between Kosovo Assembly and Civil Society.
“Until now the cooperation between civil society and Kosovo Assembly was non-formal and it depended on the subjective willingness of the institutions; however, after adoption of the Declaration the status of cooperation changes because now we have the institutions which are responsible to involve civil society in Kosovo Assembly’s work,” Konjufca stated.
Civil society’s participation in Assembly’s work will be ensured through the Assembly’s working group and the civil society.
“This Declaration on Partnership envisages establishment of the working group of the Assembly and the civil society which will be mandated to observe implementation of this Declaration. Representation of members from one or the other group must be balanced,” Kosovo Assembly Secretary Ismet Krasniqi said.
Civil society representatives underline that the Declaration is the most important thing in the process of achievement of cooperation related to drafting of amendments and passing of laws.
Action Plan that envisages the form of implementation of this Declaration is in its drafting phase. Having in mind that the end of Assembly’s political mandate is coming closer, implementation of this Declaration is only expected to happen with new legislature.
Thaçi: We will not tolerate conditions for establishment of KAF
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi confirmed that governing and opposition party leaders will meet on Wednesday with the international community representatives. He said that a unanimous decision was expected to be made in this meeting on voting for establishment of Kosovo Armed Forces (KAF).
Thaçi warned that no political entity may condition establishment of KAF by any price. However, the Prime Minister tried to be honest with citizens when it comes to minorities. “I want to be open and very honest with citizens of the Republic of Kosovo: nobody should think that we can establish a Kosovo army of KAF by making statements against minority members. That is not tolerated by the USA, NATO or the EU,” Thaçi said.
On the other hand, LDK officials reiterated that they would vote in favour of establishment of KAF, but they insist that they will not vote in favour of extending reserved seats for another mandate.
Mustafa calls for consensus on dissolving Assembly
(KTV)
The LDK leader Isa Mustafa called on political parties to get unified about dissolving Kosovo Assembly and scheduling the date of early parliamentary elections.
“Dissolving of the Assembly with an agreement and consensus on the elections date is a prerequisite to fair and democratic elections,” Mustafa was quoted to have said.
However, Mustafa’s idea was objected by Vetëvendosje (VV). MP Albulena Haxhiu said that VV believes that the road to elections should pass through bringing down of the Government.
According to her, dissolving of the Assembly as a method for opening the path to elections derives from the Mustafa-Thaçi agreement.
“Dissolving of the Assembly blames the Assembly as if the political, economic, and social degradation of the country was a consequence of the Assembly, thus granting a full amnesty to the Government,” Haxhiu said.
PDK in favour of early elections
(RTK1)
The PDK vice chair Kadri Veseli confirmed that PDK was in favour of early elections, but he did not mention any date when elections are planned to happen.
Veseli made this statement during his visit to a private company.
Twenty-five Serb families willing to return to Suharekë/Suva Reka
(KTV)
Twenty-five (25) out of 150 Serb families that were expelled after the end of the war from seven villages of Suharekë/Suva Reka municipality are willing to return. The news on the possible return has irritated the families who experienced crime and who suspect that it was their Serb neighbours that committed the crimes.
While local residents consider the returns as injustice saying that they will not accept to live in the same place with perpetrators, the Municipality also has no financial means to provide house reconstructions.
KIA Oversight Committee requests Smakaj’s dismissal
(KTV)
Following many scandals at the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), The Assembly Committee for KIA Oversight requested dismissal or resignation of the Head of KIA Bashkim Smakaj.
Because of verification of Police members which was carried out by KIA, it was stated that those two institutions are in an open war situation. This was refuted by the Police.
On Friday, Head of KIA will brief the KIA Oversight Committee.
