Dialogue to focus on implementation of agreements (Koha Ditore)
According to the paper, come this autumn, Brussel’s attention to Kosovo will focus on three topics: how to repatriate Kosovo asylum seekers from EU countries, steps Kosovo institutions are taking in fighting religious extremism and thirdly, the annual European Commission progress report. Following the reaching of four agreements between Pristina and Belgrade, EU officials say there is reason for optimism but at the same time stress that the EU, in particularly Germany, want to see concrete progress in implementation of all agreements.
Vetevendosje: Association/Community bad for people of Kosovo (dailies)
In an open debate in Pristina yesterday, Vetevendosje leaders reiterated their opposition to the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities saying it divides Kosovo and grants political autonomy to the Serb majority municipalities. “The Association is more powerful than the Republic of Kosovo,” said Vetevendosje leader Visar Ymeri who announced, as he said, sustainable demonstrations against the Association/Community.
Dumoshi: Certain individuals cannot make threats in the name of people (Zeri)
Kosovo Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Vlora Dumoshi, reacted against threats “in the name of people”, which were made to electronic addresses and personal accounts of several government officials. “Threats for assassinations, orchestrated violence, public hangings and shootings in the name of people were sent to personal accounts of the legitimate representatives of Kosovo institutions by activists of a political entity. As a mother, a citizen and an official in the Kosovo institutions, I am concerned for the terrible destructive potential of some political parties,” Dumoshi said, adding that no one should make threats in the name of people. Kosova Sot writes that the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Arban Abrashi, a few days ago received death threats by an individual called Alban Morina, thought to be Vetevendosje activist. The Vetevendosje Movement denied allegations saying there is no activist in Vetevendosje by that name.
Jablanovic, head of the Association/Community? (Zeri/Gazeta Blic)
The paper reports that the former Communities and Returns Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic, could be the only candidate for the post of head of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities. Gazeta Blic writes that according to its sources, this is already a done deal and it is already decided by Belgrade and the Serbian List that head of the Association/Community would be Aleksandar Jablanovic. Kosovo’s Local Administration Minister, Ljubomir Maric, said that as of Monday they will start drafting the statute of the Association/Community. According to him, the Association/Community would also include the Municipality of Prelluza (Vushtrri/Vucitrn) and Municipality of Gora (Dragas).
Government of Kosovo gives in to Serbian List (Koha Ditore)
Government of Kosovo has backtracked on its goal to transform the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into Kosovo Armed Forces (KAF), reports the paper. While in the past, Prime Minister Isa Mustafa expressed hope in gaining the support of its coalition partner, Serbian List, on the issue, he has recently stated there is lack of understanding on amending the KSF law. Opposition representatives say this is an indicator that the government of Kosovo has given in to Serbian List demands.
Missing persons to be discussed in Brussels (Epoka e Re)
On the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared, Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa said that Kosovo authorities have discussed with the European Union officials the prospects of discussing the issue of missing persons in the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue in Brussels. He called on the international community to put pressure on Serbia to create opportunities for investigations, excavations of mass graves in Serbia, as well as for providing information about the Kosovo citizens, who have disappeared during the 1998-99 conflict. Kosovo’s President Atifete Jahjaga said that more commitment is needed from all sides involved in finding a solution to this issue in order to bring justice to the victims and enable reconciliation. According to her, shedding light on the fate of the missing people is a priority of the Kosovo institutions.
Serbian nun: Kosovo in UNESCO, absurdity (Zeri)
Orthodox nun, Makarija, of Sokolica Monastery in Boletin, said that Kosovo’s acceptance in UNESCO would be unfair and the biggest absurdity. According to her, in Kosovo there are no Albanian cultural monuments, except for two Islamic monuments from the Ottoman era. According to her, Serbia should urgently use its diplomatic means to prevent Kosovo’s membership in UNESCO.
