Kosovo’s remarks not included in the final draft for special court (Koha Ditore)
The paper on its front page reports that very few remarks made by Kosovo’s technical team were included in the final draft law for the special court. Nevertheless, the most essential remark, to not link EULEX’s mandate with that of the special court, was incorporated into the final draft. According to the paper, the draft law does not specify the duration of the mandate of the special court nor the time period within which the indictments would be issued. The detention and sentences for those found guilty would be carried out abroad.
Jacobson calls on Kosovo government to establish special court (dailies)
All dailies report that United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Tracey Ann Jacobson, has once again called on the Kosovo government officials to establish the special court. Jacobson said that the US Embassy is waiting for the government to accept the final draft for the special tribunal. “I appeal to the political leaders in the government and Parliament to move forward, to take the decision not to jeopardize the legitimacy and reputation of Kosovo for the sake of a small number of people that might be charged,” Jacobson said.
Bosch: If Kosovo fails to establish special court, the UN will do it (Kosova Sot)
The Netherlands Ambassador to Kosovo, Robert Bosch, in an interview with the paper said that the delay on the decision for the establishment of the special court has negative consequences. He said that such a court does not affect Kosovo’s sovereignty. “If Kosovo fails to establish the special court, it seems that it will go through the United Nations Security Council, and will be created as a UN court,” Bosch said. Speaking about the Drenica Group case, Bosch said that government officials should not comment on court decisions. According to him, the comment of the Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, on the Drenica Group verdict is interference in the judiciary.
EU Ambassadors meet Gruevski (Epoka e Re)
Ambassadors of the European Union countries accredited in Skopje met on Wednesday with the Prime Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Nikola Gruevski, to discuss the overcoming of the political crisis. “We have discussed today eventual solutions to overcome the political crisis and our main message is that the interest of the citizens is more important than that of the political parties. We listened today the position of the Prime Minister, on the way in which he will approach solution of the serious issues related to the rule of law and return of faith in institutions. We have requested from all relevant political factors to make efforts to find the way out of the crisis,” said Aivo Orav, Head of the EU delegation in Skopje.
Jahjaga: Kosovo, a factor of peace and stability in the region (Zeri)
Kosovo’s President Atifete Jahjaga met on Wednesday with Special Envoy of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Roberto Battelli. Jahjaga and Battelli discussed the current developments in Kosovo and its priorities in the field of the rule of law. Jahajga said that Kosovo has played an important role as a factor of peace and stability in the region and has promoted good neighborly relations. “This was proven with the commitment on the process of dialogue with Serbia,” Jahajaga said. She added that the agreements reached so far with Serbia should be implemented in their entirety, and that European membership for Serbia should be conditioned with the implementation of these agreements.
