Amendments on special court to be sent to Constitutional Court (Koha)
The Kosovo Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli said on Monday that the Assembly has received documents on constitutional amendments for the establishment of the special court and confirmed that these amendments will now be sent to the Constitutional Court. “The Constitutional Court will verify whether the amendments are in line with Kosovo’s Constitution,” Veseli told reporters. The paper writes that the final version of constitutional amendments related to the special court, are not identical to those that the European Union presented to Kosovo institutions early this year. Most of the remarks made by the Kosovo technical team were not taken into consideration. A part of the document that automatically extended the EU Rule of Law Mission’s (EULEX) mandate has also been removed, and hence is referred to an initial term of the special court for a period of 5 years. The paper also claims to possess a document that foresees the establishment of a Special Chamber of the Constitutional Court, along with other Special Chambers and a Special Prosecution Office.
Thaci: Kosovo’s recognition by Israel, a matter of time (Zeri)
Kosovo’s Principal Deputy Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, in an interview for Israeli daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, focused on the war against terrorism and Kosovo’s future recognition by Israel. “We remain committed to the uncompromised fight against international terrorism. We have passed a law in parliament that forbids Kosovars from taking part in foreign wars,” he said. Thaci also added that Kosovo would continue to intensify good relations with Israel and to further cooperation in different areas.
Kosovo Police Director to visit Belgrade today (Zeri)
The General Director of the Kosovo Police (KP), Shpend Maxhuni, accompanied by European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) senior officials will visit Belgrade today where he will meet Serbian Police Director Milorad Veljovic. The visit is aimed at enhancing cooperation between police forces in the region. “Police cooperation with all countries of the region, specifically in the fight against organized crime and trans-border crime, will be a strategic priority of the Kosovo Police,” a press release issued by Kosovo Police noted.
Serb representatives: Changes in KP in the north, unacceptable (Zeri)
The mayors and representatives of Serbs living in Mitrovica North, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, said on Monday that they would not allow changes in the Kosovo Police (KP) in northern Kosovo. They warned that announced changes planned by authorities in Pristina would have long-term security and political consequences throughout the territory of Kosovo.
Ranillug mayor under pressure to annul street naming (dailies)
Koha Ditore reports that the Kosovo Ministry for Local Government is putting pressure on the mayor of Ranillug municipality to annul the decision for naming a street after late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic. Bajram Gecaj, Deputy Minister for Local Government, told the paper that the ministry would not allow such a name on road signs and said that legal measures would be taken against municipal authorities in Ranillug if they don’t change their decision. According to Zeri, the Ministry for Local Government has already annulled the decision for naming the street after Milosevic.
Petrovic: Slobodan Milosevic street, “human stupidity” (Epoka)
The former Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Slobodan Petrovic, who is also a member of the Serbian List, told Pristina-based Rrokum TV that naming a street in Ranillug after former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic is a stupid decision. “Those who made this this decision must know that they are here to serve the people of that municipality and not to create divisions between the communities,” Petrovic said.
NISMA: President should launch investigations into “Limaj plot” (Epoka)
The Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) has called on Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga to initiate investigations into “the conspiracy against Fatmir Limaj”. According to NISMA, Jahjaga should establish an investigative body that would shed light on all claims related to the case.
