Police predict violence, opposition calls it government propaganda (Koha)
The paper reports on its front page that the Kosovo Police have prepared an operations plan for Wednesday, 17 February, the date of the protest called by the opposition bloc and the eighth anniversary of Kosovo’s independence. Police have warned about possible violence, Molotov cocktails and even firearms during the protest. Opposition representatives on the other hand argue that the police warnings are only government propaganda and added that their protest will be peaceful and massive.
Police arrest Vetevendosje parliamentary group chief Konjufca (media)
Several media report that Kosovo Police escorted Vetevendosje parliamentary group chief Glauk Konjufca this morning to one of the police stations in Pristina. Vetevendosje spokeswoman Tinka Kurti confirmed the information to Kosovapress news agency. Kallxo news site showed footage of police escorting Konjufca from his apartment. Other media are reporting that Konjufca, together with 25 other Vetevendosje activists, are charged with the destruction of EULEX vehicles in downtown Pristina in 2009.
Police arrest Vetevendosje spokesman Frasher Krasniqi (media)
All media report that Kosovo Police arrested Vetevendosje spokesman Frasher Krasniqi on Monday afternoon. Citing unnamed sources, Koha Ditore reports that Krasniqi was arrested over the destruction of EULEX vehicles in 2009. The Vetevendosje Movement issued a press release saying Krasniqi was arrested by police in civilian clothing as he was leaving the premises of Pristina-based TV station RTV21.
Kosovo Assembly presidency to meet today (Kosova Sot)
In a statement to the media, the Kosovo Assembly announced its presidency will meet today the heads of parliamentary groups and set the date for the next session. The statement does not say whether the session for election of the new president will also be set in today’s meeting.
O’Connell: No one should have immunity (Zeri)
In an interview for the paper, the British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, said that in Kosovo there some kind of informal immunity for those involved in crime and corruption and that the accused escape freely towards Europe. He called on those accused of crime and corruption not to flee justice. “There should be no immunity for anyone,” he said, adding that Kosovo should act with European standards and not accept sentenced individuals as MPs. In regards to the current developments, O’Connell said the current political crisis should be resolved with dialogue rather than violence. “It would be best to use energy in addressing real problems like the failure of the justice system, the level of corruption and nepotism cases,” he said.
“Kosovo should be careful with the Association/Community” (Zeri)
The former deputy UN Special Envoy for the final status negotiations for Kosovo, Albert Rohan, told the paper that the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities should not have executive competencies because it would create another power in Kosovo. But according to him, the establishment of the Association/Community is not against the Ahtisaari package. Rohan said since the declaration of independence there has been much progress in Kosovo, but he expressed regret over the current developments in Kosovo. “The biggest challenge remains creating new jobs,” Rohan said. In regards to visa liberalization, he said Kosovo is in the right direction and as soon as all requirements are fulfilled there is no need to delay the process.
U.S. Army Europe Commander to visit Kosovo today (Lajmi)
The news site reports that Lt. General Ben Hodges, the U.S. Army Europe Commander, will visit Pristina today. Hodges is scheduled to meet Kosovo Security Force Minister, Haki Demolli, and KSF Commander, Rrahman Rama. The meeting will be held at the Kosovo government building followed by a press opportunity.
Maltese President visiting Kosovo today (dailies)
President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca will visit Kosovo today and meet President Atifete Jahjaga, Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli, and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. A press conference is scheduled to take place after the meeting with Jahjaga.
Privatization Agency publishes list of usurpers (media)
Most media report that following a request by Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli, the Privatization Agency of Kosovo (PAK) on Monday published a list of usurpers of land and facilities belonging to socially-owned enterprises. According to PAK, around 170 assets belonging to socially-owned enterprises are still used by persons who have no contracts with PAK.
