Thaci: Opposition blinded by thirst for power (Epoka e Re)
Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci wrote on Facebook that the opposition leaders are blinded by thirst for power and want to take it by force. He said the opposition is becoming increasingly frustrated, especially following the Constitutional Court’s decision which, according to Thaci, set two things straight: first, that the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities will be established in line with the agreement ratified by the Assembly of Kosovo and second, it has clearly specified provisions that the statute of the Association/Community needs to contain. Thaci acknowledged the right of the opposition to protest but stressed that these should be democratic and peaceful.
Hoxhaj seen as possible candidate to replace Thaci (Zeri)
The paper quotes an unnamed source within the ruling coalition as saying that once Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci is elected to the post of the president of Kosovo, his ministerial post could be taken by his fellow-party member Enver Hoxhaj who was foreign minister in one of the previous governments. The source added that the idea of the foreign ministry being led by the current Interior Minister Skender Hyseni who comes from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) while the interior ministry would go to someone from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) is unlikely.
Serb pilgrims visit Orthodox church in Gjakova/Djakovica (dailies)
A group of about 50 Serb pilgrims visited Wednesday Orthodox Church in Gjakova/Djakovica as part of Orthodox Christmas celebrations. The visit was protested against by a group of around 100 local residents who claimed war criminals could be amongst the pilgrims. Gjakova/Djakovica police commander Kriste Gjoka said the visit went peacefully although one of the protesters was arrested for disrupting public order.
