PDK and LDK working groups working on division of posts (Koha)
The working groups of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) will meet over the weekend to harmonize the program of their coalition government and to divide posts. These will be the last meetings of the groups before leaders of the parties sign the coalition government agreement early next week.
Serbs want seven percent share in new government (RTK)
Aleksandar Jablanovic, leader of the Serbian List told RTK that they would ask for a seven percent share in the new government of Kosovo. “Our conditions [for joining the new government] include the establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities, the sustainable return of internally displaced Serbs, the economic development which will not be possible if privatization in Serb settlements is not annulled, the return of the property of the Serb Orthodox Church and the protection of Orthodox sites,” he said. Jablanovic also said he expects the Serbian List will be an equal partner in the new government, “otherwise we will not join it”.
Thaci: We need to work more on inter-religious tolerance in Kosovo (Gazeta Express)
Kosovo Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, wrote on his Facebook account that he was greatly impressed by Pope Francis’ speech during his visit to Turkey. “The head of the Catholic Church delivered a wise speech during his stay in Turkey which today has a Muslim majority but throughout history has been a cradle of many religions and cultures. Pope Francis focuses on the respect for basic human rights and religions as foundations for long-term peace in the region. Kosovo has deep roots of inter-religious tolerance but we all need to work more in order to make sure that Kosovo will remain a cradle of many communities,” Thaci wrote.
EU and EULEX disagree with appointment of head of Kosovo Correctional Service (Koha)
The European Union’s Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) expressed its disagreement with the decision of the Kosovo government to appoint Emrush Thaci as head of the Kosovo Correctional Service. EULEX officials argued that there were better candidates for the post. The European Commission has asked the government in Pristina to explain the legal grounds for Thaci’s appointment.
