Coalition bloc, separately in elections (Tribuna)
On the front page, the paper reports that extraordinary elections are increasingly being viewed as a way out of the political deadlock although political parties hesitate to enter a new process. Officials from the Alliance for Future of Kosovo (AAK), part of the post-election coalition, said that there is no need for elections but if they are to be held, the bloc will run together as a single entity while Vetevendosje will run on its own. However, Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) refused to speak about elections saying they are not a viable option. “We cannot speak about political deadlock but I think that the will of 83 MPs has the full legitimacy of the people”, said LDK deputy leader Teuta Sahatqia.
Berlin: Solution rests in Jahjaga’s hands (Zeri)
The paper reports on the front page that international institutions are not expected to interfere in breaking the political deadlock in Kosovo. “We said we will not interfere in the establishment of central institutions, therefore, we expect Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga to solve this issue very soon. She has already made several steps in this respect,” an official at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin told the paper. Asked to comment on the agreement between the opposition bloc and the Vetevendosje Movement for the latter to lead dialogue with Serbia, senior German officials said the resumption of dialogue should not even be questioned and that the process should not be based on the willingness of a single political party.
Brussels doesn’t plan to interfere in Kosovo political deadlock (Kosova Sot)
The European Union insists that it does not plan to interfere in the establishment of new Kosovo institutions. The office of the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security continues sending messages that Kosovars themselves should find a solution to the deadlock. “Brussels will not interfere in what is considered to be an internal issue of Kosovo,” said Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for the EU High Representative. EU diplomats said Brussels would welcome any Kosovo government that is ready to resume the process of dialogue with Belgrade.
Petrovic: New elections unnecessary, but Serbs are ready (Koha)
Slobodan Petrovic, leader of the Independent Liberal Party (SLS), said new elections in Kosovo are not necessary, but that Serbs are ready to go elections if they are held in order to overcome the institutional deadlock. “If a solution is not found to emerge from the crisis and the political vacuum, then elections are an option. Serbian List MPs believe that elections are not the best solution, but we are ready even for this option. The Serbian List will support any political group that manages to secure the majority … As far as the establishment of the government is concerned, the Serbian List will follow the platform that best represents the interests of the Serb community in Kosovo,” Petrovic said.
Ratel: There is religious extremism in Kosovo (dailies)
Jonathan Ratel, Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Special Prosecution Office of Kosovo, told Vesti newspaper that there is religious extremism and potential for terrorism in Kosovo. Ratel said such a situation exists in places with a high level of unemployment, chronic poverty and little possibilities for a better life. “There are two penal investigations underway that involve a certain number of people. I expect indictments in the near future. These are serious indictments that include participation and recruitment of individuals in terrorist activities. I cannot comment on ongoing investigations and I can say we have excellent cooperation with Kosovo Police and other agencies that support us in collecting evidence and give us other forms of assistance,” Ratel said.
Lombardi: Recognition of Kosovo, a matter of protocol (Lajm)
During the visit of Pope Francis to Albania, Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, was asked by reporters about the independence of Kosovo and eventual recognition by the Vatican. Father Lombardi said the Pope’s visit does not have a diplomatic or political character. “The recognition of Kosovo is not about refusal but rather a matter of protocol,” Lombardi told reporters.
Djuric: Kurti not in dialogue (Zeri)
During a visit to Mitrovica North on Friday and Saturday, Marko Djuric, Director of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, said the participation of Serbs in Kosovo institutions is very important as this would help them exercise their influence and decide on many issues that are important for them. “Serbs are an inevitable factor in the establishment of new institutions,” he said. Djuric also ruled out the possibility of Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti leading talks with Serbia in Brussels. “A decision will be made, and the Serbian side will have a serious say on this. Regardless of who these people are, we cannot expect them to protect our interests,” Djuric added.
