Delawie: In democracy, the majority determines the policies (Koha)
In a front-page interview for the paper, the United States Ambassador in Kosovo, Greg Delawie says that the United States of America support the agreements reached between Kosovo and Serbia, including the agreement on the formation of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities. Delawie said the opposition must unblock the Kosovo Assembly and express its disagreements through debates and not by throwing eggs at other elected representatives. “The people of Kosovo have elected their government and we work with the government elected by the people. It is hard for me to see how throwing eggs or anything else, except words in the Assembly hall, can strengthen democracy in Kosovo or contribute to the achievement of its broader objectives,” he added. The US Ambassador said the United States is Kosovo’s most powerful friend and biggest protector and that it would never support any agreement that violates Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Delawie also said that decisions and policies are determined by the majority that forms the government and that those who are unsatisfied should try and win the next elections.
Opposition warns of protests (Epoka e Re)
Opposition MPs blocked the Kosovo Assembly session on Thursday, calling on Prime Minister Isa Mustafa to withdraw his signature from the agreement on the formation of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities. Commenting on the opposition’s action, Assembly President Kadri Veseli said “the minority would not be allowed to impose its will on the majority in parliament”. Meanwhile, Vetevendosje parliamentary group chief Glauk Konjufca said the opposition would not back down on its request for Mustafa to withdraw his signature, “otherwise we will call for all-national protests”.
Limaj: Referendum to decide fate of Association/Community (RTK)
Leader of the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), Fatmir Limaj, said in an interview for a local TV channel that Kosovo has strictly abided by the Ahtisaari status plan but he will not support anything that exceeds rights provided by the package. He said that if a law on referendum is passed by the Assembly it will be evident whether people of Kosovo are in favour of the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities or not. Limaj stressed that there can be no agreement reached without the consent of the Assembly.
President Jahjaga meets UNESCO director (dailies)
Kosovo’s President, Atifete Jahjaga, met yesterday in New York the director-general of UNESCO, Irina Bokova. Jahjaga and Bokova discussed the importance of cooperation and responsibilities for the protection of cultural heritage in Kosovo. UNESCO is expected to take a final decision on Kosovo’s bid to join this organization in November this year.
US supports Kosovo’s bid to join UNESCO (dailies)
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, met yesterday in New York with the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Blinken praised the strong leadership of the Kosovo government and the recent decisions taken by Kosovo regarding the special court, agreements reached in Brussels, as well as the agreement on the border demarcation with Montenegro. He also expressed the support of the US for Kosovo’s membership of UNESCO, INTERPOL, the signing of the SAA and other integration processes. Mustafa emphasized the commitment of the Kosovo government for the Euro-Atlantic integration processes.
Mustafa seeks EU’s support for Kosovo (dailies)
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, during his stay in New York met with the European Union Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos. Mustafa stressed the utmost commitment of the government in regards to European integration, by seeking greater support from the EU. Mustafa also said that Kosovo has met the criteria for signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) and visa liberalization. Avramopoulos praised the achievements in Kosovo, by expressing the EU support for Kosovo.
Mustafa: There is no increase of extremism in Kosovo (RTK)
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, during an interview with Voice of America, said that the number of Kosovo citizens participating in foreign wars has decreased. “According to our information, currently there are 70 people from Kosovo fighting in Syria,” Mustafa said. He said that there are several religious influences coming from various Islamic countries who preach religion in Kosovo. “We have had religious tolerance before. Now we have some religious preachers that do not foster tolerance or patience, not only among other religions, but also within Islam in Kosovo,” he said. But, he believes that the Islamic Community is now in the right track and has control over these currents.
Dragan Jablanovic resigns as head of “Provisional Authority” (Zeri)
The paper, citing Serbian media, reports that Dragan Jablanovic resigned from his position as head of the so-called “Provisional Authority”, a Serbian parallel structure operating in Kosovo. Jablanovic said he resigned because of disputes between his son Aleksandar Jablanovic and the director of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric. Dragan Jablanovic also holds the post of mayor of Leposaviq/Leposavic.
Minister Abrashi visits Leposaviq/Leposavic (Koha)
Kosovo Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Arban Abrashi visited yesterday the municipality of Leposaviq/Leposavic in the north and discussed with its mayor, Dragan Jablanovic, possible ways of cooperation. Abrashi said that the two signed a memorandum of understanding transferring the centre for social welfare and the budget under the municipality’s competencies.
Presevo Valley calls for reciprocity (Zeri)
Political representatives of the Presevo Valley have submitted to the European Parliament the decision on establishment of the Association of Albanian municipalities in Serbia. President of the National Council of Albanians in the Presevo Valley, Jonuz Musliu, said he expects that this Association be established as soon as possible. “Europe cannot play double standards. We demand reciprocity,” Musliu said.
