Interruption of election campaign in the north, a Serb game (Kosovapress)
Northern Kosovo Serb political representatives have rejected the symbol of the “state of Kosovo” on ballots for upcoming parliamentary elections and as a result have ceased their election campaigns in the four northern municipalities.
Citizens and political analysts in southern and northern Mitrovica believe the decision by Serb leaders is just a game, that they are trying to gain more privileges and that ultimately they will take part in the elections.
Mitrovica-based political analyst Nexhmedin Spahiu told Kosovapress that boycotting the elections would weaken the political power of Kosovo Serbs in the Assembly. He added that Serbs will not only take part in the elections but their turnout will be higher compared to Albanians. “Serbs will certainly take part in the elections and their turnout will be higher than Albanians. They are trying to gain some privileges by playing the game ‘take whatever you can’. The Central Election Commission needs to have a firm position and not make any concessions in this regard,” Spahiu said.
Zeljko Tvrdisic, political analyst from northern Mitrovica, said northern Kosovo Serbs will follow Belgrade’s instructions. “As has happened several times now, northern Serbs will do whatever Belgrade tells them. They will take part in the elections, perhaps the turnout will be smaller compared to municipal elections. Their current reaction is a result of fear that they will not be successful in elections and also because there is less room for manipulation of votes,” Tvrdisic added.
Some northern Serbs, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Serbs would certainly boycott the elections if Pristina does not accept their requests.
Parties avoid mentioning establishment of army in their campaigns (Koha)
Unlike campaigns for municipal elections last year, political parties are now avoiding making promises for the establishment of armed forces and the rule of law.
During her recent presentation at the United Nations Security Council, Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga said ethnic communities in Kosovo, countries in the region and international stakeholders were invited to join efforts for the creation of Kosovo’s army, “as part of this important dialogue”.
Meanwhile, the election campaign in Kosovo is intensifying with all kinds of promises by political parties, but none of them prefers mentioning the establishment of the army.
Prosecution requests another 90 days in detention for Uke Rugova (Koha)
The prosecution has requested for another 90 days in detention for Uke Rugova and his group. If the court adopts the request, the former MP will remain behind bars at least until 15 August. The paper claims to have secured a copy of the request by prosecutor Allen Cunsick. The request reveals for the first time that Rugova’s friend, Izet Beqiri, was convicted for organized crime and drug trafficking in Italy and that Italian authorities are considering to start negotiations with Kosovo to extradite Beqiri or for him to serve his sentence in Kosovo. The decision on the prosecutor’s request is expected next week.
Irinej visits Tirana to attend inauguration of Orthodox cathedral (dailies)
The Patriarch of the Serb Orthodox Church, Irinej will visit Tirana, Albania, where he will attend the inauguration of an Orthodox cathedral. Several news websites note that will be “the first visit to Albania by the Serb Patriarch who is known for his radical positions against Albanians and Kosovo”.
