Steinmeier: Compromise needed from Kosovo and Serbia (Koha)
The paper runs on its front-page an interview with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, highlighting his quote that Kosovo and Serbia have achieved historic process through dialogue, but that there are also open issues that need to be clarified soon. Steinmeier, who will be visiting Belgrade and Pristina on Tuesday, told the paper that he would “encourage the governments of Serbia and Kosovo to display the necessary readiness for compromise and determination”. “Kosovo and Serbia share the perspective for European Union membership. Who wants to develop a European policy in Brussels, must have good neighborly relations and clearly defined relations with neighbours. This is why Germany and the European partners expect a comprehensive normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo in the form of a binding agreement,” Steinmeier said. The German Foreign Minister also said the government in Berlin expects the Kosovo Assembly to vote in favour of the establishment of the special court that will address war crimes allegations.
Dujarric: Special court could be sent to Security Council (Koha)
The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Stephane Dujarric, told Pristina-based TV21 that some UN member states have asked the UN Security Council (UNSC) to act in relation with Dick Marty’s allegations for war crimes in Kosovo. Dujarric said that if talks between the European Union and Kosovo authorities on the establishment of special court fail, then the issue could be sent to the United Nations Security Council. According to Dujarric, the UN is waiting for the outcome of negotiations between the EU and Kosovo. “Currently we cannot prejudge the negotiations, so we have to wait,” Dujarric said.
Kuci: Documents on special court came from the EU (Zeri/Epoka e Re)
Kosovo’s Justice Minister, Hajredin Kuci, said on Monday that the documents for the establishment of special court were drafted by the EU and were handed over to Kosovo institutions ready, without intervention possibilities. A technical team established by Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga, reviewed the documents and made their remarks regarding to the legislation that should be changed in order for Kosovo Assembly to approve these documents sent by the EU. Kuci said that the Kosovo Assembly is the one that takes the decisions on changing the legislation by two thirds vote. “Whichever decision will the Assembly take, I will applaud.” Kuci said. Kuci has made these comments while reporting to the Committee for European Integration. MPs of the opposition parties once again reiterated that special courts violates the constitution of Kosovo. Kuci also said that the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) will end its mandate in 2016.
Government with strategy against radicalism (dailies)
The Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, with the support of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo, has taken the initiative, with the contribution of civil society, media and religious community, to come up with a strategy on how to prevent violent extremism and radicalism that leads to terrorism. The Prime Minister’s advisor for national security, Edon Myftari, stressed that the phenomenon of terrorism and radicalism has affected Kosovo and the government is considering as a national priority to develop a strategy that prevents extremism and radicalism.
EU promises 350 thousand euros for the missing (Zeri)
The head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar, on Monday promised 350 thousand euros to enable DNA tests for the missing persons of the conflict in Kosovo. He said that the discovery of the truth in order to enable victims’ family members to mourn their loved ones remains an urgent task. “The EU calls on Pristina and Belgrade authorities to increase political commitment and support for information on missing persons,” Zbogar said. According to him, finding missing persons and finding those responsible for crimes is a prerequisite for reconciliation between communities.
Human remains discovered in Llausha, Skenderaj (Kosova Sot)
Following information about the possibility of a mass grave being located at a site in the village of Llausha, Skenderaj/Srbica municipality, EULEX began exhumations and according to a press release issued by the mission, discovered 4 bodies.
