Conference of Balkans Ministers held
(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Kosovo Foreign Minister Hashim Thaçi was the first one to launch the works of regional ministers’ conference dubbed “Western Balkans 6” held in Prishtinë/Prishtina on Wednesday. But, this was not a usual opening, as Thaçi constantly avoided the term Republic when talking about Kosovo.
After the meeting that lasted for over two hours, Deputy Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and the EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, showed up at the conference, KTV reported.
Western Balkans countries were promised millions of Euros of investments, for various projects in infrastructure.
The EU Commissioner, Johannes Hahn, called on regional ministers to get engaged in development of concrete projects, in particular those related to energy and rail transport.
Hahn said that millions of Euros will be invested in these projects, some of which will also be provided by the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) funds. According to Hahn, all investments are expected to be done with the EU’s support; however, the countries should also contribute in this process. The projects are expected to end before 2030.
A joint statement, which sets the basic principles for continuing with concrete projects later, was signed in this meeting.
Regional ministers of infrastructure and foreign ministers took part in this conference. The Serbian foreign minister Ivica Dacic was also present in this conference. Kosovo FM Thaçi said that that he was happy about his presence.
“It was a special pleasure and honour for me to receive the Ministers of the region, including Minister Dacic. We have spent a long time on full normalisation of relations. Dacic’s presence is a support for implementation of agreements and an additional message for normalisation of our relations,” Thaçi said in a press conference.
Meanwhile, Serbian FM Dacic said that they should focus on important issues, and not deal with statements that reminisce the past.
Dacic refrains himself from giving political statements, addresses only to Serbian media
(All monitored broadcasters, RTK1)
During the coffee break of the regional ministers’ conference held on Wednesday in Prishtinë/Pristina, Serbian foreign minister Ivica Dacic expressed his readiness to make a pronouncement only for Serbian media, but not also for the Albanian ones.
Although it was his first time at the centre of Kosovo capitol, he did not speak long about the feelings he had about this. Nonetheless, Dacic said that the conference is important for relaxation of relations between the two countries.
Irrespective to numerous questions and persistence of Serbian journalists, the former Serbian Prime Minister and current foreign minister, Ivica Dacic, showed to be reserved, trying not to make statements on political issues between the two countries.
“I do not want to talk about this now. I will come for a visit to the OSCE Mission in Prishtinë/Pristina, and we will talk about this matter. Therefore, let us devote ourselves to these regional roads,” Dacic told journalists.
While he was departing the conference venue, Dacic was asked if his visit implies recognition of Kosovo.
“No this visit was without inter-state relations,” Dacic briefly replied.
Strike of judges cancels about 6.000 court sessions
(KTV)
About six thousand court sessions have been cancelled since the beginning of the strike of Kosovo Basic Courts. On the 17th day of the strike in seven Kosovo regions the situation has aggravated further.
The judges have given up from their request for salary increase, but they only request the additional hazard pay of 200 Euros.
Apart from the urgent hearings, judges have also started to give permissions for family visits in detention centres. However, they are considering their situation alarming, saying that their issue is not being treated with much seriousness.
At the Office of Prime Minister disagree with the statements that strikers’ requests are not being treated seriously. They say that they consider judges’ requests reasonable, but they gave a clear message: there are no budgetary possibilities for meeting their requests. Therefore, quitting of the strike seems to remain as the only compromise.
Officials of the Ministry of Justice did not respond to Kohavision questions regarding this matter.
Rexhepi accuses UNMIK of politically ceasing investigations for a massacre
(Klan Kosova, KTV)
Former minister of interior, Bajram Rexhepi, gave his testimony in the legal process against Oliver Ivanovic which is happening in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë north.
Rexhepi responded to questions of the case prosecutor, which were related to Ivanovic’s role between 1999 and 2000, and functioning of the known structure “Bridge Watchers”.
For ceasing of investigations that the French gendarmerie had started for the massacre 15 April 1999, Rexhepi accused UNMIK, which, according to him, did this with a political decision – for the interest of political stability.
Former Prime Minister and minister of interior Rexhepi said that “Bridge Watchers”, which were created with the assistance of Ivanovic, were the initiators of incidents, beatings, and probably of the killings, while according to the indictment filed, he is said to have acted as the leader of this notorious group.
PM Mustafa apologizes to women
(Klan Kosova)
Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, admitted that Kosovo needs further inclusion of women in power. According to him, Kosovo needs to have women leaders and they must take important decisions.
Mustafa said that it is impossible to develop some branches of economy without the presence of women.
“You might accuse me that I have only two women ministers in my cabinet, and I apologize for this. We should have had more women in Government,” Mustafa stated at the “Week of Women” conference that is being held in Prishtinë/Pristina.
Assembly of Kosovo and USAID sign agreement
(Klan Kosova, RTK1)
With the aim to increase the transparency of Kosovo Assembly’s work, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli and the USAID Mission Director James Hope.
The latter said that he is very happy for this agreement signed on the initiative of Speaker Veseli, and that transparency increase means more informed decisions.
