Haradinaj: No splits in the coalition bloc (Telegrafi)
Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), said on Friday that alleged splits within the coalition bloc were fabrications by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). “The PDK should schedule the session of the Assembly, instead of dealing with the coalition bloc,” Haradinaj said. “We are in regular contact with [LDK] leader Mustafa and with other colleagues in the LDK, as well as with NISMA and the Vetevendosje Movement. Everything is in line with what we discuss in our meetings. We understand that it is in the interest of our opponent, the PDK, to invent splits within our coalition bloc. It would be better however if they [PDK] would schedule the Assembly session.”
Haradinaj said the coalition bloc was collecting signatures of MPs and will then submit a request to Flora Brovina, chairperson of the Assembly’s inaugural session, to schedule the session. “I believe we will submit the request early next week,” he added.
Asked to comment on the government’s adoption of the budget proposal for 2015, Haradinaj said: “This deserves no comment. Adopting the budget of 120 MPs with only 36 votes deserves no comment”.
Mustafa: Institutions will be formed in the next couple of days (Lajmi)
Isa Mustafa, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), has indicated possible political changes in the next couple of days. Mustafa writes on his Facebook account: “The election of the Assembly Speaker and deputy speakers cannot indefinitely block the formation of the government. Blocked by the decision of the Constitutional Court and faced with abuses by the owners of this decision, as well as due to lack of readiness by institutions to create room for the parliamentarian majority, I believe it is a priority to offer a solution for the formation of the government. A government consisting of the LDK, AAK, NISMA in agreement with the Vetevendosje Movement and with the inclusion of minority communities, will be a stable and efficient government focused on the economic and democratic development of the country and on international partnership. This coalition has worked tirelessly in the last five months to offer a program of positive changes, it has achieved a cohesive approach and mutual trust on the majority of issues that are vital for Kosovo’s interests. This government will also propose constitutional amendments in order to prevent future political interpretations of the constitution and to restore the right of the parliamentarian majority. It is never late for such a victory, especially in a young and fragile democracy such as Kosovo. The next couple of days will serve for our political reflections so that the country gets the government it deserves”.
Jahjaga only a facilitator, solution in the hands of political leaders (Zeri)
The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, does not have a decisive role in resolving the political deadlock as she is only providing a neutral ground where leaders of political parties can express their opinions for overcoming the crisis and forming the new institutions. According to representatives of political parties, President Jahjaga has only listened to their positions and did not provide any concrete proposal. Political analysts in Pristina argue that it is up to political leaders to find a solution because they have received the trust of the people. Arber Vllahiu, advisor to Jahjaga, told the paper that one cannot preempt the outcome of meetings facilitated by Jahjaga.
Ratel suspected of impeding investigations against Azem Syla (Koha)
In the sixth part of a series of articles about alleged corruption in the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the paper reports on allegations that a group of people led by Azem Syla, member of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), have appropriated lands in the amount of over €100 million. A key witness in the case against the group would be Nazim Bllaca. However, Jonathan Ratel, who now works as Deputy Chief Prosecutor in the Special Prosecution of Kosovo, reportedly impeded prosecutors Maria Bamieh and Diana Wilson from interviewing Nazim Bllaca as an associate witness. Ratel argued at the time that Bllaca was not a credible and reliable witness despite the fact that Bllaca had testified in two cases that resulted in 57 years in prison for seven people accused of murder and attempted murder.
