Opposition to dispute Thaci’s election on basis of quorum (Koha Ditore)
The paper reports on the front page that the opposition parties’ request to the Constitutional Court to review the legality of Hashim Thaci’s election to the post of Kosovo president is based on the allegations that there was no required quorum at the time of the voting. The paper claims to have secured a copy of the opposition’s request which reemphasizes that according to the Constitution of Kosovo, election of the president requires two-thirds of the votes of all Assembly MPs. This requirement, according to the opposition, was violated as not all MPs were present at the voting, but only 80 out of a total of 120.
Assembly to hold its next session on Thursday (Zeri)
The Assembly Presidency decided that the next Assembly session will be held on Thursday, 10 March, even though the opposition parties have warned they will not allow the session to proceed normally. The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) parliamentary group chief, Ismet Beqiri, said the Assembly’s duty is to to hold hearings even if the opposition tries to prevent them. “We must sit together and discuss about all issues. The opposition has no real cause but their only goal is to take power by any means,” Beqiri said.
Opposition plans to bring down the government (Zeri)
The three opposition parties – Vetevendosje movement, Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) – are reviewing possible alternatives to bring down the government and go to early elections. AAK MP Teuta Haxhiu said the AAK is also considering the possibility of leaving the Assembly and a decision on this matter will be taken on Thursday. However, according to her, the opposition remains united in their demands for withdrawal from the agreements on Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities and border-demarcation with Montenegro. Meanwhile, Adonis Tahiri, spokesperson for Vetevendosje, said there will be no normal sessions as long as the opposition’s demands are not fulfilled.
Limaj: Opposition should consider boycotting Assembly (Indeksonline)
Leader of the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) Fatmir Limaj told the news website that continued use of tear gas at the Assembly sessions is unnecessary and that the government needs to be opposed through different means. According to Limaj, the opposition parties need to seriously consider the option of boycotting the Assembly altogether. He said that after everything that has happened in Kosovo, particularly after the decision of the Constitutional Court, the government has lost legitimacy and the only solution is to call early elections.
Kuci: President Obama asked for establishment of special court (RTK)
Kosovo’s Justice Minister Hajredin Kuci said that the establishment of the special court was done on the request and the “positive pressure” of the US. “If President Obama, Vice President Biden and Secretary Kerry send a letter and put on positive pressure, then that has to be done,” said Kuci in an interview aired at RTK. Kuci anticipated a “painful time” in Kosovo regarding the special court’s activity.
Demolli: KAF to be established when political circumstances are right (Koha)
Kosovo Security Force (KSF) Minister Haki Demolli said the transformation into Kosovo Armed Force (KAF) will happen when the political circumstances are right and when constitutional changes necessary for the transformation are passed. “Once the political criteria are in place… we as a ministry are ready for the process,” said Demolli after a meeting with Croatian Defence Minister Josip Buljevic.
