Kosovo authorities accept findings of EC Progress Report (Koha)
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci did not deny any of the findings of the European Commission (EC) Progress Report, which hold him and the government responsible for interference in the judiciary and media, for the lack of results in the fight against corruption, and for the politically-motivated increase of civil servants’ salaries. “The report portrays the real situation and developments in our country; it also notes the achievements and challenges faced by state institutions. I call on all ministers to analyze the Progress Report according to their respective competencies and to make sure that they fulfill all recommendations for 2015,” Thaci said at a government meeting.
Zbogar: Kosovo facing a “dead end” (Lajm)
The Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar, said on Wednesday that Kosovo is facing a dead end as the political elite lacks the readiness to break the deadlock. Zbogar made these remarks after the publication of the European Commission’s Progress Report on Kosovo. He said that, four months after successful elections, Kosovo is at an impasse and already feeling the consequences of delaying the establishment of institutions. He said there are many issues that the Assembly and the government need to address. He also called on Kosovo’s leaders to prioritize the interests of Kosovo and its people and find a way forward.
Jahjaga believes party leaders will find a solution (Bota Sot)
Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga met on Wednesday with Eric Fournier, the political director at the French Foreign Ministry’s Department for Europe, who was accompanied by the French Ambassador to Kosovo, Maryse Daviet. President Jahjaga said she believes political party leaders will find a solution within the constitutional framework that will lead towards the establishment of institutions and the continuation of democratic processes and European integration. Fournier said the rapid establishment of Kosovo institutions is a necessity and the whole process should take place within the legal framework of Kosovo.
Cliff: We aren’t interfering, Britain supports Jahjaga’s efforts (Bota Sot)
The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ian Cliff, said during a visit to Mitrovica on Wednesday that his country supports efforts by Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga to break the current political deadlock. Cliff said the international community would not interfere and that the responsibility lies with Kosovo institutions and political parties.
The bloc is not like it used to be (Tribuna)
The paper reports on the front page that, although the post-election coalition is still holding regular meetings and their media appearances are coordinated, they have recently began meeting President Atifete Jahjaga separately. The paper adds that the behavior of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader Isa Mustafa is particularly striking. In her last round of talks with political representatives, President Jahjaga met Mustafa face-to-face without the presence of other LDK officials, which was not the case with other leaders. However, officials from Jahjaga’s cabinet claim that the meeting with Mustafa was just like any other that the President had with leaders of parliamentary parties.
Halimi: Exchange of territories undermines Kosovo’s statehood (Tribuna)
An Albanian MP in the Serbian parliament, Riza Halimi, said the idea of exchanging territories between Kosovo and Serbia conflicts with international positions and seriously undermines Kosovo’s sovereignty. “At this point in time, when an independent Kosovo has been recognised by over 100 countries, such statements undermine the progress achieved so far and create confusion”, said Halimi.
No mortal remains found in Piskote village (Lajm)
Excavations started yesterday at a suspected mass grave in the village of Piskote, in the municipality of Gjakove/Djakovica. Prenk Gjetaj, head of the Kosovo government’s Missing Persons Committee, told Kosovalive that no mortal remains were found at the site. He said excavations had been ordered by a EULEX prosecutor.
Another Kosovo youth killed while fighting for ISIS (Bota Sot)
Citing a story published by Kosovapress, the paper reports that A. Uksmalji, a 24- year-old Kosovo Albanian from a village in the municipality of Ferizaj/Urosevac, has been killed while fighting for ISIS in Syria.
Kosovo suitable terrain for human trafficking (Koha)
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a roundtable in Pristina on Wednesday where it presented an assessment report on human trafficking in the Western Balkans. The report notes that human trafficking is a serious crime that extends to all Western Balkans countries, and that Kosovo is seen by mafia groups as suitable terrain for operating freely. Kosovo’s Deputy Minister for Internal Affairs, Sasa Rasic, who also serves as the national coordinator against human trafficking, said that Kosovo has the right legal acts, action plans and strategies for combating human trafficking, but that the challenge lies in the implementation of legal provisions.
