Government admits it will discuss north (dailies)
Kosovo Government officials admitted that the north will be a dialogue topic between Pristina and Belgrade.
After the regular meeting of the government cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi said the north will be discussed with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic in the context of forcing the neighboring country to stop interfering in that part of Kosovo and stop funding illegal structures. “There will be talks on how to remove parallel structures and how to help the Serb population realize the reality that Kosovo is independent,” said Kuçi.
Kuçi said that PM Thaçi will talk with his Serbian counterpart about disbanding Belgrade structures from northern Kosovo. According to Koha Ditore, Kosovo’s acceptance to speak about any issue relating to the north demonstrates a significant change of stances that the Government held over the years.
Serbia’s approach towards Kosovo same as before status (Koha Ditore)
According to the draft resolution of the Government of Serbia, which is expected to be approved in the Serbian Parliament, Belgrade will continue to hold the same approach towards Kosovo as it had before the dialogue on Kosovo’s status in 2007.
The draft resolution ignores Ahtisaari’s Package, Kosovo’s declaration of independence, and its recognitions according to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In this resolution, Serbia uses international law as a reason to refuse to recognize Kosovo. The platform, with which Serbia requests territorial autonomy for Kosovo Serbs, is also part of this resolution.
Thaçi declares 2013 year of successes for Kosovo (dailies)
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said that the new year will see substantial progress in the path towards EU and NATO integrations. “Together and with a joint effort of everyone, the fifth anniversary of the declaration of independence will find us in a higher level of development,” said Thaçi during a government meeting.
While presenting priorities of the Kosovo Government for this year, Thaçi split them into four groups: economic development, good governance and rule of law, human resources development, and increase social welfare.
Judah: The north cannot be resolved with meeting (Express)
British expert on Kosovo and Serbia, Tim Judah, told Radio Free Europe, that Pristina and Belgrade cannot resolve the issue of the north quickly. “If there is a will, a solution will be found. This would have been a solution similar to some other example, however each case is special, therefore it cannot be ‘copy pasted’.” According to Judah, the issue of the north will only be introduced in the next meeting. “So, there will be more to it than opening this matter in the form of exchanging opinions. No one expects the issue of the north to be resolved within a single meeting in Brussels. This is only the beginning of a process,” said Judah.
Serbia provoking broad conflict (Zëri)
Political analysts in Kosovo and Presevo consider that the ultimatum issued by the Government of Serbia to remove the monument of UÇPMB fallen heroes represents a provocation for a new conflict in the region.
On the other hand, authorities in Pristina are likely to raise the issue in the upcoming meeting between the Prime Ministers of Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels. “I am convinced that the Prime Minister of Kosovo will emphasise support for the political and democratic rights of national identity. Normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia cannot happen behind the rights of Albanians there,” said Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi, who added that the monument in Presevo represents a symbol of Albanian freedom fighters.
Zbogar, Jahjaga support finalization of election reform (Zëri)
Current developments in Kosovo and the processes that the country is experiencing were discussed in a meeting between President Atifete Jahjaga and EU Special Representative Samuel Zbogar. Both officials agreed that 2013 is an important year for Kosovo, especially for its European path as well as for democratic processes. Jahjaga and Zbogar also stressed the need for speeding up and finalizing election and constitutional reform, and noted that rule of law throughout the territory of Kosovo enables its progress.
Hodzic: Serb citizens will embrace economic platform (Epoka e Re)
The Administrative Office in northern Kosovo is ready to contribute to the economic platform of the Kosovo Government, which aims to replace the financing of illegal structures from Serbia. The head of this office, Adrijana Hodzic, told Telegrafi that the platform has good chances because, during their work in the field, many Serb citizens requested support to conduct economic activities. Hodzic stated that representatives of foreign embassies in Kosovo continuously expressed readiness to support economic projects, which would help these citizens.
Germany insists on conditions (Express)
The State Secretary at Germany’s Foreign Ministry, Emily Haber, is in favor of the direct engagement of her country and insists that parties fulfill their conditions, including disintegration of parallel structures and respecting Kosovo’s integrity. According to a press release issued by Kosovo’s Ministry for Integrations, Haber stressed these issues during a meeting in Berlin with Minister Vlora Çitaku and the Prime Minister’s advisor, Bekim Çollaku. Furthermore, German interlocutors expressed interest on recent developments and the next round of dialogue.
Close this issue immediately (Express)
Minister of Internal Affairs Bajram Rexhepi told the paper that it is very easy for judicial bodies to resolve the case involving the disappearance of €1.4 million. “They have all the documents and required evidence. For this, I have voluntarily given a statement in EULEX. Let them catch those responsible and sentence them. If we do not find a solution with the Austrian company by Friday, we will announce a new tender for the production of biometric passports,” said Rexhepi.
