Mustafa: Jablanovic, no longer a member of Kosovo government (dailies)
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa announced in a press conference on Tuesday that Communities and Returns Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic is no longer part of the Kosovo government. Mustafa did not say if Jablanovic resigned or if he was dismissed. Mustafa said he is focused on integrating the north of Kosovo, resuming the Pristina – Belgrade dialogue, and, as he said, “to make Serbia recognize Kosovo’s independence”. “We will cooperate with all communities, but will not allow anyone to harm the sovereignty of our country,” Mustafa said. He promised to resolve the issue of the Trepca mining complex, but did not indicate what would be the solution.
Jablanovic: I don’t accept Mustafa’s decision (KosovaPress)
Aleksandar Jablanovic, who was dismissed on Tuesday from his post as Minister for Communities and Returns, told Klan Kosova that he does not accept Prime Minister Isa Mustafa’s decision for his dismissal. Jablanovic said the Serbian List would soon issue a statement on whether or not it will remain part of the ruling coalition. “The Serbian List is disappointed by Mustafa’s decision,” he added.
Vetevendosje postpones protest (Zeri)
Vetevendosje Movement officials told a press conference on Tuesday that they have postponed the protest initially planned for Wednesday, after the Kosovo government met one of the opposition’s requests, the dismissal of Communities and Returns Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic. Vetevendosje MP Visar Ymeri said protests demanding the transformation of the Trepca mining complex into a public enterprise would still be held, but he did not give a specific date. Ymeri also said that Jablanovic’s dismissal was a victory of the people of Kosovo.
Djuric: Jablanovic’s dismissal, a big mistake (Kosova Sot)
Marko Djuric, the Director of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, said on Tuesday that Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa’s decision to dismiss Communities and Returns Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic was a very big mistake. “Jablanovic is not guilty for what he is being accused of. We will decide on our future steps after the meeting between Serb members of the Kosovo government and Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic,” Djuric said.
U.S. Embassy: Violence impedes Kosovo’s development (Zeri)
The United States Embassy in Kosovo issued a press release on Tuesday calling on the Kosovo government, opposition parties, and citizens to demonstrate their shared commitment to Kosovo’s future by ensuring that planned protests are conducted in a peaceful manner. “Citizens have a right to express grievances to the government, and the government has an obligation to listen and respond. Economic development, job creation, irregular migration, rule of law, corruption, and regional and ethnic relations are serious and complex challenges, which will require broad engagement and effort throughout Kosovo – including from institutions, opposition, civil society, and the media. Violence impedes Kosovo’s development and serves as a distraction from the critical issues the country faces. Constructive, non-violent behavior– in institutions and on the streets – is the only way for Kosovo to advance,” the press release said.
Rasic ready to replace Serbian List in Kosovo government (Tribuna)
Nenad Rasic, the leader of the Progressive Democratic Party, said on Tuesday that he is ready to replace the Serbian List in the Kosovo government, in the event the List does not agree with the dismissal of Communities and Returns Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic.
