Commissioner Hahn does not bring hopes for liberalisation of visas
(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)
The European Union continues to speak about criteria for Kosovo, but it does not speak about integration timeframes by any means. Johannes Hahn, the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, spoke in Prishtinë/Pristina about meeting of criteria and jeopardizing of visa liberalization process for Kosovo.
Hahn said that Kosovo has marked progress in regards to liberalization process; however, according to him, it must be continued with implementation of recommendations.
“Before we recommend visa removal for Kosovo, the number of applications for asylum in EU countries and the number of people that illegally stay in Schengen zone must be decreased. Therefore, I call on you to reinforce controls at your borders and inform those that flee that they will not be granted asylum,” Hahn stated.
He said that Kosovo government should find a solution for the economic development, in order for the number of asylum seekers from Kosovo not to be this high in European countries.
The Enlargement Commissioner, Hahn, has linked Kosovo integration processes with the results of talks with Serbia.
“Dialogue with Serbia is vital for Kosovo, for the European integration of Kosovo. The existing agreements should be implemented in their integrity. Kosovo’s progress will be determined by the progress in dialogue and compromises that will be made in this dialogue,” Hahn underlined.
Hahn also called on Kosovo institutions to continue working with the Special Investigation Task Force, regardless of how challenging that can be.
During Wednesday, Commissioner Hahn also met with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli, as well as with the opposition representatives.
PM Mustafa urges Srpska List to return to institutions
(RTK2)
After the meeting the EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa urged representatives of Srpska List to return to their work at the Kosovo Government.
PM Mustafa said that Srpska List representatives continue to be members of Kosovo institutions, while he expressed his hope that they will quickly return to their official duties.
Moreover, PM Mustafa considers that Srpska List participation in the institutions is vital not only for the Serb community, but also for all Kosovo citizens. Mustafa underlined that Srpska List leads relevant ministries that deal with all the citizens of Kosovo.
Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo Branimir Stojanovic also met with Commissioner Hahn. Following the meeting, Stojanovic said that Hahn did not call on Srpska List representatives to return to Kosovo institutions.
According to Stojanovic, potential return of Srpska List in Kosovo institutions shall be discussed in coming days with Serbian officials.
Witness: Oliver Ivanovic was among the executioners
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
The trial session against Oliver Ivanovic, who is suspected of serious criminal offences in the Mitrovica/Mitrovica town during 1999-2000 continued on Wednesday at the Basic Court of Mitrovica/Mitrovicë north.
Shefki Kasumi, at the capacity of the witness, spoke about the events that happened in 1999.
“Around 10:00hrs of 14 March 1999, the Serbian Army forced us out of our homes and divided men. Lined up one after the other we had to pass through the Kovaç Street and we were handed over to police members who were wearing uniforms. Afterwards, executions and killings started,” Kasumi said.
According to him, four persons were killed on this occasion; Fatmir Mustafa, Avni Abazi, Skender Paqarada and a person that the witness did not remember his name. He emphasized that among the masked police officers he recognized Oliver Ivanovic, who shortly was not wearing a mask while he was approaching them.
RTK Management and Board briefed Kosovo Assembly Committee
(RTK1)
The Assembly Committee for Public Administration, Local Government and Media held a meeting with Radio and Television of Kosovo (RTK) Board and Management, where they were informed about the work and challenges that this public broadcaster is facing.
Deputy Chairperson and other members of this committee said that work in this medium is not an easy challenge, but they called on management of the public broadcaster to be more transparent.
“There is lack of space for women in informative programs,” LDK MP Alma Lama told RTK managers.
On the other hand, RTK Management briefed the Assembly Committee about the problems that this medium is facing. They said that RTK counts on financial support of Kosovo institutions to digitalize its network, production and archive.
RTK Director General Mentor Shala underlined that taking into account the pace of technology development, RTK will need to have new staff members.
In the meantime, RTK Board Member Rrahman Paçarizi said that RTK has not only met, but it has also exceeded the number of mandatory programs broadcasted in languages of minority communities.
Vetëvendosje municipal councillor arrested and released after
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Vetëvendosje municipal councillor Ylli Hoxha was arrested by police on Wednesday for obstructing official person on performing his duty. Hoxha was arrested on his way to the meeting of Prishtinë/Pristina Assembly Committee for Policies and Finances.
Otherwise, Hoxha was arrested for participating in the protest, held by Vetëvendosje municipal councillors and activists in front of the garbage-collection company Pastrimi. They did not let Salihu, the discharged CEO of the Company, enter his office.
Nonetheless, Kosovo Police released Ylli Hoxha on Wednesday’s evening hours, KTV reported after. The news was also confirmed by Vetëvendosje Movement.
