Establishment of special court in violation of Constitution of Kosovo (Koha)
The paper claims in its leading story today that the headquarters of the special court was decided to be set in The Hague without the agreement between the governments of Kosovo and the Netherlands having been put to the vote at the Assembly. Legal experts argue that all international agreements require ratification from the Kosovo Assembly and as long as it does not secure this, the agreement cannot enter into force. Kosovo government officials were unavailable for comment on the final status of the agreement with the Netherlands and on whether it will be sent to the Assembly for endorsement.
Tahiri: Serbia’s parliamentary elections will not be held in Kosovo (Koha)
Kosovo’s Minister without portfolio, Edita Tahiri, told KTV early parliamentary elections in Serbia cannot be held in Kosovo. “Serbian elections cannot be held in Kosovo, because Kosovo is an independent and sovereign state. According to the international rules, those who have dual citizenship can vote, but these cases go through the embassies,” Tahiri said. Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, last week announced that Serbia will go into early elections in April. Shortly thereafter, the head of the Council for Kosovo in the Serbian Parliament, Milovan Drecun, said that despite the obstacles, these elections will be held in Kosovo as well.
Lunacek: Neither Belgrade nor Pristina implemented agreements (Koha Ditore)
European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo Ulrike Lunacek told Novi Sad daily paper Dnevnik that both Belgrade and Pristina have failed to fully implement agreements they reached in Brussels as part of the EU-facilitated dialogue. She said it is in the interest of both sides to implement agreements in their entirety. Lunacek also pointed out that the way Serbia lobbied against Kosovo’s acceptance in UNESCO goes against the spirit of good neighbourly relations.
Opposition against Thaci for President (Zeri/Top Channel)
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), MP, Donika Kadaj Bujupi, told Albania-based Top Channel the opposition will not allow Hashim Thaci’s election as Kosovo President. According to her, the President should have a unifying role and Thaci doesn’t have that. She said the opposition will oppose any initiative coming from the current government.
Kuci: Opposition has reasons to vote Thaci for President (Epoka e Re)
Kosovo’s Justice Minister, Hajredin Kuci, told the paper there is no reason for debate on electing the Kosovo President. According to him, this time the election of the President is a very clear process. Kuci said the ruling-coalition MPs have reasons in addition to the coalition agreement to vote for Thaci as President. “Also, the opposition MPs have many reasons to support and vote for Thaci for President. Apart from his contribution to Kosovo’s independence, Thaci also is known for his successes in the international arena,” Kuci said.
“Opposition’s violence linked to special court” (Zeri)
The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) MP, Alma Lama, told the paper that opposition’s actions in the Kosovo Assembly are linked to the special court for war crimes and not to the recent agreements with Serbia and Montenegro. According to her, more it would be fairer if the opposition parties called on the people to protest against special court and not for any other matter. Lama said there are no issues that can overthrow the government. “Violence is not allowed in democracy. The opposition must respect the majority,” Lama said.
Political crisis is blocking the army (Kosova Sot)
The Kosovo Security Forces Minister, Haki Demolli, said yesterday all the necessary preparations are being made for the establishment of the Kosovo Armed Forces, but “the current political developments are blocking the issue.” Demolli added that he had discussed the matter with the Serbian List and that there is progress in this regard, but according to him, the Serbian List will not allow the Kosovo Army be discussed in the dialogue with Serbia in Brussels.
Lushtaku rushed to Pristina hospital and sent back to prison (Koha Ditore)
Mayor of Skenderaj/Srbica Sami Lushtaku was rushed to Pristina hospital last night as his health is reported to have deteriorated following days of hunger strike. After undergoing medical tests, Lushtaku was, however, sent back to the high-security prison in Gerdoc where he is serving his sentence for war crimes. Lushtaku’s lawyer said his client needs round-the-clock medical care, which is being denied to him. He said he had already alerted human rights organisations about Lushtaku’s case.
