EC: In Kosovo, identity is easily changed (Zeri)
The European Commission’s fact-finding mission for visa liberalization in Kosovo has prepared a report, highlighting as the main concern the safety of personal documents and the justice system. A source within the European Union Office in Pristina told the paper that the EC team presented remarks over the security of personal documents, border demarcation with Montenegro, irregular migration, law on public procurement, public safety and freedom of movement and the justice system. The EC team praised in its report the work of the Kosovo Police.
Pristina, Belgrade to discuss insurance policies next week (Kosova Sot)
The European Union Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Maja Kocijancic, said on Wednesday that teams of experts from Pristina and Belgrade will meet next week in Brussels to continue discussions on insurance policies. “The two teams will discuss the elements that led to the failure of implementation of the agreement,” Kocijancic said. She didn’t specify when the Prime Ministers of Kosovo and Serbia would meet to continue the dialogue.
Eichhorst appointed EEAS Director for Balkans (Koha)
Dutch diplomat Angelina Eichhorst has been appointed the European Union External Action Service’s director for Balkans, Turkey and Europe (outside EU). Eichhorst replaces Fernando Gentilini who has been the key EU official in brokering the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Eichhorst is expected to be the right-hand of EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. Gentilini meanwhile has been appointed EU special envoy for the Middle East.
NISMA asks government to accept Assembly’s decision (Epoka e Re)
The Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) called on the Kosovo government on Wednesday to respect the decision of the Assembly of Kosovo on the amendment 24, reached during the 26 June session. “This decision is obligatory for all, without any exclusion, be it for those who voted for it or against it. Implementation of this decision does not have an alternative,” a NISMA press release said. “We are already witnessing an unseen pressure on MPs, especially towards those who voted against. Such pressure is unacceptable in a democratic society, therefore we call on the deputies not to become subject of this pressure.”
Hyseni: Citizens to combat extremism (Zeri)
Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Skender Hyseni, urged the people of Kosovo to maintain religious harmony and fight religious extremism. “The citizens of Kosovo have an obligation to oppose the wrong messages that call for violence and religious hatred. Kosovo is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-confessional country and this is a value that we must preserve,” Hyseni said during a visit to Gjilan/Gnjilane municipality.
Jablanovic against constitutional amendments (Zeri)
The leader of the Serbian List, Aleksandar Jablanovic, said yesterday that he is opposed to the constitutional amendments that pave way to the formation of Kosovo’s Armed Forces. “There was an attempt during the meeting of the Kosovo Assembly Presidency to include in the agenda the constitutional amendments on the establishment of the Armed Forces. This is unacceptable for us and we believe there should be a more serious approach to the matter,” Jablanovic said. He also denied media reports according to which after the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities, the Serbian List would agree with the formation of the Armed Forces.
Civil Protection prevents inspection of Jugobanka (Zeri)
The Economic Crimes Unit (ECU) from Pristina and Kosovo Central Bank inspectors were prevented from entering the Jugobanka premises in northern Mitrovica on Wednesday. The paper reports that with a court order, the ECU wanted to inspect the work of this bank, which operates illegally in the northern part of Mitrovica, but the bank’s workers and members of the so-called “Civil Protection” prevented their entry. Jugobanka director Ljubisa Popovic said that the Jugobanla’s employers, with the help of the citizens, were only protecting their jobs. He also said that the ECU’s intention was to close down this bank and stop payment operations with Serbia.
Kumanovo defendants refuse questioning by prosecution (Epoka e Re)
The hearing process of the arrested during a police action in Kumanovo was blocked at the very beginning, being that the suspects did not accept to make any statement, without being initially informed on the Prosecution’s evidence. According to the defense such act of the Prosecution violates the law and Article 206, which stresses clearly that that the Prosecution should initially present evidence and then hear the statements of the suspects. Lawyer Naser Raufi, who represents mainly the suspects from Kosovo, said that he has already appealed at all competent and international institutions.
