European Parliament urges five member states to recognize Kosovo (dailies)
The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution on Kosovo calling on the five non-recognizing EU member states to recognize Kosovo’s independence. The parliament’s rapporteur for Kosovo, Ulrike Lunacek, said that Kosovo authorities should take concrete steps to combat corruption and organized crime. “Members of the European Parliament today have given a clear message of support for Kosovo on its path towards the EU,” Lunacek said. She said that the EU’s positive impact in Kosovo is weakened due to lack of unity. She also called for visa liberalization, progress in the rule of law, freedom of media, and cooperation with the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and Belgrade. Many MPs also called on Kosovo institutions to establish the special court that will address war crimes allegedly committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Zbogar: Kosovo to focus on economic reforms and rule of law (dailies)
The European Union Special Representative in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar, said on Wednesday that visa liberalization and free movement in Schengen countries are not means to avoid problems for the people of Kosovo. According to him, Kosovo must provide convincing arguments to EU member states that it deserves visa liberalization. “Kosovo institutions should focus on economic development and the rule of law,” Zbogar said. He also said that Pristina – Belgrade dialogue is a prerequisite for Kosovo’s integration in the EU.
Hyseni calls for quick visa liberalization for Kosovo (Epoka e Re)
During an official visit to France, Interior Minister Skender Hyseni spoke about the rule of law in Kosovo and the bilateral relations with France. Hyseni also focused on the irregular migration and visa liberalization saying that the people of Kosovo have been unjustly isolated from the rest of Europe.
Djuric: The Serbian List will not return in government (dailies)
Marko Djuric, the head of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, said on Wednesday that Serbian List MPs will not return to the Kosovo government and its institutions. Djuric said Serb MPs would return only after the coalition agreement is respected in its entirety. Djuric made these comments after meeting with Serb representatives from Kosovo and Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.
Kurti: One more court doesn’t mean more justice (Koha)
Albin Kurti, the former leader of the Vetevendosje Movement, said on Wednesday during a debate organized by Pristina-based NGO [Speak Up], that the establishment of the special court is a result of pressure from Serbia and Russia. “We need universal justice and not a special court. We had UNMIK, the Tribunal and then EULEX, and I don’t believe that one more court means more justice. Such a court will never have the support of the people,” he said. Kurti also said that Kosovo Government officials are bluffing when they say that if the Kosovo Assembly doesn’t establish the special court then the United Nations Security Council will do this. “I don’t believe that the UN can establish such a court. This concerns crimes that were allegedly committed after the war in Kosovo and we know that UNMIK had absolute power during that period,” he added.
Switzerland approves police agreement with Kosovo (Bota Sot)
The National Council of the Swiss Parliament approved on Wednesday an agreement for police cooperation between Switzerland and Kosovo. This agreement aims to combat organized crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking and terrorism. The agreement allows the Kosovo and Switzerland to exchange information and to have investigative mixed groups.
