Jacobson: Vote for Special Court or you will not enjoy the US support
(KTV)
The United States Ambassador to Kosovo Tracey Ann Jacobson used plain language in KTV’s Rubicon show, reminding MPs that if they do not vote for the Special Court, Kosovo will suffer the consequences, as the Security Council might establish a Tribunal instead of it.
Jacobson underlined that in that case her state will not be capable to block the long-lasting initiative of Russia for this matter, which, according to her, will also be more politically dangerous for Kosovo.
She called on MPs to vote the amendments and the law at the earliest time possible, as Kosovo will no longer enjoy the US support.
Meanwhile, she expressed her belief that Serb MPs will return to the Assembly after next week, namely after the meeting between the two Prime Ministers in Brussels.
The US Ambassador expressed her concern about Saturday’s protest called by the opposition, calling on protesters to be careful with the Kosovo image.
Voting for establishment of Special Court soon
(KTV)
Special Court’s establishment is expected to happen very soon. After the response given by the Constitutional Court, the Assembly of Kosovo is expected to decide about inclusion of the proposal for establishment of the Special Court in its agenda during the coming week.
After this, everything will depend on the MPs, as two-thirds of the votes of MPs are needed, same as two-thirds of votes of the minority MPs.
Government has already concluded all the necessary details; however, the two ruling parties, both PDK and LDK have MPs that have declared themselves against Special Court’s establishment.
MPs of the ruling parties hesitated to tell if they will vote in favour or against, no matter that some of them had said that they will not vote for it.
Nonetheless, opposition is categorically against its establishment.
The man that personally gave pledges to international factor about establishment of the Special Court, Hashim Thaçi, once again called on MPs and political parties to vote for its establishment.
Special Court’s establishment was expected to be put under question mark due to missing MPs of Srpska List; however, KTV learned that MPs of this political entity will return to the Assembly on the very day that it will be voted for Special Court’s establishment.
Opposition parties boycott Assembly sessions
(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Opposition has decided to boycott Kosovo Assembly sessions. Vetëvendosje Movement, Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), and Initiative for Kosovo have jointly decided to boycott Assembly’s work until they will manage to include the debate on increase of energy price which was expressed through a petition that gathered 35,000 signatures.
The opposition’s proposal to include this as a point of Thursday’s session agenda did not pass as they did not have enough votes.
The first part of Thursday’s session of the Assembly was also harsh. The plenary session started with verbal clashes between the ruling and opposition parties.
Institutional leaders, Isa Mustafa and Hashim Thaçi, reconfirmed their statements that problems are only solved in institutions and that opposition is trying to come into power by force.
Nonetheless, opposition parties continue to insist that protest will be peaceful and that violence is only being planned by Hashim Thaçi.
Zbogar: EU concerned about situation in RTK
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
The European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar, responded to a letter of the Radio and Television of Kosovo (RTK) Union where he expresses his concerns regarding developments in this public medium, and his support for the engagements.
“We note the serious allegations about violation of rights of your colleagues with respect to the trade unions’ rights and the freedom to exercise your profession independently,” Zbogar’s letter states.
Zbogar reemphasised that the European Union attaches a great importance to the freedom of expression and of the media. The EU has constantly voiced its concern about political interferences in the work of the public broadcaster.
“Let me assure you that we will reflect some your concerns on both accounts in our upcoming Progress Report, which is to be published on the 8th of October,” Zbogar’s letter concludes.
Judiciary staff protested at the Palace of Justice
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Judiciary staff suspended their work during Thursday as a sign of protest regarding the inappropriate conditions at the Palace of Justice.
Following Wednesday’s elevator incident, where four persons were injured, staff of this building did not consider appropriate to work on Thursday, while they complained about many things that are related to this building.
Protesters said that no matter that 30 million Euros have been invested to build this Palace, not even two months after its inauguration this building is facing many issues, which are mainly technical. They called on institutions to take immediate measures; otherwise they warned that there will be major consequences.
Speaker Veseli orders removal of Assembly’s fence
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli has taken the decision for removal of the metallic fence around the Assembly of Kosovo. According to a press release issued by this institution, this decision was taken in the line of steps taken by Speaker Veseli for opening the highest institution of the country.
“Speaker Veseli decided to remove the fence from the time of UNMIK administration. This opening is at the function of transparency toward the public and citizens,” the press release reads.
Blerim Shala elected as coordinator for talks with Serbia
(Most monitored broadcasters, RTK1)
Kosovo Assembly MP Blerim Shala has been voted to be part of the Kosovo governmental delegation in talks with Serbia.
LDK and PDK proposal for electing him as the coordinator for talks with Serbia passed with 56 votes in favour, one against and four abstentions.
