Donika Kadaj-Bujupi resigns from AAK
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV& RTK1)
After thirteen years of activity in the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), one of the most active MPs at the Assembly of Kosovo, Donika Kadaj-Bujupi resigned this political entity. In a written statement for KTV, Kadaj-Bujupi explained the reasons behind her unforeseen resignation.
“As a citizen and MP of the Assembly of Kosovo I have given my extraordinary contribution with the aim to stop the two detrimental agreements for the country.However, current unsteadiness and in particular the taking of unilateral decisions, which are continuously obstructing establishment of a powerful alternative that would initiate change, is one of the reasons that dimmed and weakened the dream for change in this country, which does not deserve the situation it is in, for which I have always sacrificed even by facing prison or any other challenge. The situation established is imposing me to regretfully inform you that I will no longer be part of AAK, of the party that I worked for day and night for thirteen years. I thank all my supporters and I promise that I will always find the way to serve you and interests of the country. My decision enters in force immediately, and it is irrevocable,” Kadaj-Bujupi’s statement reads.
On the other hand, AAK expressed its regret for this decision of Kadaj-Bujupi and acknowledges her contribution in AAK and in Kosovo Assembly as AAK MP. It also wished her success in her future.
In its later news edition, KTV reported that Vetëvendosje expressed its readiness to accept Donika Kadaj-Bujupi in this Movement.
Mustafa reiterates his call for unconditional dialogue
(Klan Kosova)
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa visited Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday, but there he rather spoke about the relations with opposition parties.
Mustafa expressed Kosovo Government’s pledge and willingness for unconditional dialogue within the institutions with the opposition.
“We are willing to sit and talk at any moment, but to discuss about real problems, which concern us all, not for subjects and ultimatums, because problems cannot be solved with ultimatums,” Prime Minister Isa Mustafa said.
He also expects from the opposition to return to the Kosovo Assembly.
Civil society against RTK financing from state budget
(KTV)
Civil society has requested solution for the way of Radio and Television of Kosovo (RTK) financing, but not through the state budget. In a letter that ten organisations have addressed to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), they have raised their concern regarding EBU recommendation to solve the issue of RTK financing through the state budget.
Reasons of civil society are also based on remarks of different international reports regarding the independence of this institution.
“Every year, since 2010, funding from the state budget has been criticized by the European Commission Progress Report on Kosovo as a model that ‘undermines RTK’s editorial independence’. Other local and international report share the same perception, that direct funding from the state has created room for government interference both in terms of editorial policy and institutional independence,” the letter states.
Abuses proved by external auditors are also among the reasons for discontinuation with this way of financing.
“The Independent Auditor’s Report shows that RTK’s debt has increased from 3.3 million Euros in 2013 to 4.3 million Euros in 2014. The 2014 financial report shows that RTK also exceeded the approved budget of 6 million Euros on salaries, spending nearly 6.9 million Euros for its 708 employees,” their letter adds.
Civil society expressed the readiness to give it’s contribute during the amendment of law.
“We believe that pre-payment would be the best way to avoid any direct interference of the state on the public broadcaster. This would also create a stronger link between the public broadcaster and citizens who directly pay or maintain the public broadcaster,” Jeton Mehmeti of GAP Institute said.
The letter that EBU sent to Kosovo Assembly Speaker, Kadri Veseli, used budgets of state TV stations from the region as a sample , such as Albania, Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 17 up to 22 million Euros.
PM Mustafa and Speaker Veseli express commitment against terrorism
(All monitored broadcasters, RTK2, KTV)
After starting with a minute of silence to honour victims of terrorist attacks in Brussels, Kosovo Assembly held its plenary sessions on Thursday without the presence of opposition parties.
Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli and Prime Minister Isa Mustafa expressed their commitment to being part of the global alliance against terrorism. PM Mustafa called on Kosovo citizens to leave terrorist fights and return to Kosovo.
Mustafa also said the issue of war reparations will be discussed in table of talks in Brussels.
Meanwhile, it was decided that a new plenary session will be held on 30 March, where the Public Procurement Review Body (PPRB) chairperson and its two members will be appointed, as the selection commission was voted in Thursday’s session.
The Assembly adopted the draft law on amendment of the Law on Kosovo Judicial Council
On the other hand, RTK2 reported that the Chairperson of Kosovo Assembly Committee on rights, interests of communities and returns, Jasmina Zivkovic, presented the report on monitoring of implementation of the Law on Prizren Historic Center and the Law on Velika Hoca/Hoçë e Madhe to MPs. Four years after the adoption of these laws, only minimal conditions have been created for protection of cultural and religious heritage. The report, which has not been adopted by the Assembly due to the lack of quorum, states that financing of local councils, which are tasked to prevent destruction of authentic environments, remains the key issue.
“Both these laws have been adopted in April 2012. Committee started monitoring these two laws as early as in 2013 and only at the beginning of this year we have a report which can contribute to a better implementation of these laws. It took two years for the ministry to adopt administrative instructions which would facilitate implementation of these laws,” Zivkovic said.
President Jahjaga met with US Assistant Secretary of State
(Most monitored broadcasters, RTK1)
Kosovo President, Atifete Jahjaga during her visit to the US, informed the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Victoria Nuland, with the fulfilment of Kosovo’s obligations towards establishment of the Special Court by the institutions of Kosovo and Kosovo’s determination to respect international obligations.
President Jahjaga briefed Assistant Secretary Nuland with her endeavours to mediate in the dialogue between the position and opposition in Kosovo.
President Jahjaga, was honoured by Congressman Elliot Engel at an evening organized by the Women in Foreign Policy Group, dedicated to the survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, RTK1 reported.
KTV online version, rerun an interview of the Voice of America with President Jahjaga, where she spoke about current political crisis. Amongst other topics, Jahjaga said that the current political crisis is not being solved through dialogue, irrespective that this is in the interest of Kosovo.
Jahjaga spoke also about the terrorism issue, underlining that Kosovo cannot be immune to this phenomenon. She also announced handover of Presidential mandate to the president-elect Hashim Thaçi in April.
Klokot/Kllokot Mayor clashes with a municipal councillor
(RTK2)
Klokot/Kllokot municipal councillor Srdjan Belosevic claims that the mayor of this municipality, Srecko Spasic, physically attacked him on Thursday. According to Belosevic, prior the Municipal Assembly debate on the performance of this municipality took place, Spasic hit him in the head.
Belosevic, who opposes the work of mayor Spasic for a long time, says that he does not know the reason why Spasic attacked him. He reported the case to the Police.
On the other hand, Mayor Spasic denied to have hit Belosevic, saying they only had a verbal clash after Belosevic provoked him.
Kosovo Police Gjilan/Gnjilane Regional Police Spokesperson, Ismet Hashani, confirmed the verbal incident, emphasizing that there was no physical assault between them.
