EU representative in Kosovo predicts difficult year (Koha)
Samuel Zbogar, the European Union’s Special Representative in Kosovo, said on Tuesday that 2015 is going to be a difficult year for Kosovo because people are expecting their lives to become better. He said the government has very little time to show results and to show people that they should remain here and not seek a better future by using illegal channels to get to Western countries. Zbogar made these remarks at the reception of the Diocese of Raska and Prizren on the occasion of the Orthodox New Year. Also attending the ceremony were Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, Interior Minister Skender Hyseni, Culture Minister Kujtim Shala, Communities and Returns Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic, UNMIK chief Farid Zarif and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Kosovo.
Mustafa: Trepca mining complex a “national treasure” (RTK)
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa wrote on his Facebook account on Tuesday that the Trepca mining complex is a vital “national treasure” of Kosovo. He wrote, “The government will take all necessary measures to ensure its authority over Trepca. The line ministries are working to find a long-term solution to keep the jobs of over 5,000 workers and create new jobs as well,” Mustafa wrote.
Hyseni: Visa liberalization would stop illegal migration (Epoka)
Kosovo’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Skender Hyseni, met on Tuesday with the European Union’s Special Representative in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar. During the meeting, Hyseni said that visa liberalization would help stop the illegal migration of people from Kosovo. Hyseni and Zbogar also discussed support for enforcing the rule of law throughout Kosovo.
SAA for Kosovo could be finalized by end of year (Kosova Sot)
Kosovo’s Committee for European Integration met on Tuesday with a delegation from the European Union Directorate for Enlargement. They discussed Kosovo’s progress related to the Stabilization/Association Agreement (SAA) and in meeting visa liberalization requirements. Cindy Van der Boogert, a representative of the European Commission, said she hopes that the SAA will be signed and finalized by the end of the year. Van der Boogert said that illegal migration is a concern for all and expressed the EU’s readiness to assist Kosovo in preparing an awareness-raising campaign to prevent such movement.
Krasniqi: PDK-LDK coalition intimidates people (Telegrafi)
Jakup Krasniqi, a senior official in the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), said on Tuesday that the recent departure of several of its members would not damage the party. Krasniqi said he was confident that NISMA would bring together all those who want change in Kosovo. “The ruling coalition of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) is not doing any work; it’s just blackmailing and intimidating people,” Krasniqi added.
