EULEX will not get involved in political games (Kosova Sot)
Head of the EULEX Mission in Kosovo, Gabriele Meucci, wrote in an op-ed published on Wednesday that EULEX will not be dragged into political games, but it will rather keep its eyes on the goal of ensuring that Kosovo has every opportunity to build strong, independent, legal institutions. “All that the EU and EULEX can do is ensure that Kosovo has the opportunity to provide independent rule of law to its people. Kosovo’s people and politicians must be the ones who decide to provide good governance and rule of law for all – it is the non-negotiable, highest priority of its government. However, when the system of justice is not engaged in the necessary steps for its essential governance, everyone loses,” wrote Meucci.
Opposition announces protest with four requests (Koha Ditore)
The leaders of the three opposition parties, the Vetevendosje Movement, Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) met on Wednesday to discuss preparations for a protest to be held on 18 April. They called on the people of Kosovo to protest, saying that the protest would be peaceful. Among the things that the protesters will oppose are: the high price of electricity, the takeover of the judiciary and Radio Television of Kosovo by the ruling parties, and the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities. According to the leader of the Vetevendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, they will also demand the dismissal of the Minister of Justice, Hajredin Kuci, and resignation of the President of the Constitutional Court, Enver Hasani.
EU reacts to Albanian PM statement (dailies)
The European Union has reacted to the statement made by the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, who said that Kosovo and Albania would unite if the EU failed to open paths for Kosovo’s EU integration and visa liberalization. The Spokesperson for the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Maja Kocijancic said that provocative statements are unacceptable and that the Western Balkan countries are making progress towards EU integration each at their own pace.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will not recognize Kosovo (Zeri)
Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Affairs Minister, Igor Crnadak, told Turkey-based Anadolu news agency that the state he represents is ready to create favourable conditions for the normalization of relations with Kosovo in terms of travel. “We will undertake all actions carefully and in close communication with Serbia,” said Crnadak. He also added that Bosnia and Herzegovina will not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
Thaci to award Constitutional Court President with ambassadorial position (Zeri)
The paper writes on its front page that Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci has decided to award the President of the Constitutional Court, Enver Hasani, with the position of Kosovo’s Ambassador to Turkey. According to the paper, Hasani is being awarded for his decision after the June elections to grant the right to form a government to the largest pre-election coalition, that is, to the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), instead of to the opposition block VLAN, despite the fact that they had the required numbers in the Assembly. According to the paper’s sources, Leon Malazogu will be sent as Ambassador to Japan, while Ulpiana Lama is engaged as a consultant for the media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo.
