UN chief concerned over slow implementation of Brussels agreements (media)
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, in his latest report on Kosovo, has expressed concern over the slow implementation of the agreements reached in the EU-brokered dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Ban said there is still much to be done in Kosovo to promote greater tolerance and reconciliation between the communities, to ensure protection of rights of minorities and to facilitate the return of displaced persons. The report, which covers the period from 16 January to 15 April this year, will be presented today at the UN Security Council. “However, with more concern is noted the slow pace of implementation of the agreements in the last 12 months and I hope the EU will take positive steps in this regard,” Ban was quoted as saying in the report. At the same time, violence in any form remains unacceptable means of expression of political views, noted Ban, calling on all Kosovo leaders to act responsibly when they discuss pressing issues. The UNSG also welcomed the establishment of the specialist chambers for war crimes and congratulated the Kosovo authorities for quick ratification of the agreement with the Netherlands. “This process is an important step in strengthening the rule of law in Kosovo, as well as a historic opportunity to contribute to healing the wounds of conflict,” Ban said on his report. Recalling previous reports of corruption, Ban reiterated that Kosovo continues to face significant challenges in the field of rule of law, especially when it comes to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. According to him, the support of international partners, including UNMIK and other UN agencies in Kosovo is still necessary.
Russia calls for increased police capacities for UNMIK for special court (Koha)
The paper reports on its front page on discussions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the eve of the Security Council session on Kosovo. Following an initiative from Russia a proposal has been made for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to include international police capacities in the function of implementing the decisions of the special court. In addition to the need for increased cooperation with INTERPOL, another justification for the proposal was cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Interior Affairs. An additional request was that UNMIK should have increased capacities in the rule of law area. Meanwhile, representatives of the Kosovo government said the UN mission cannot reassume rule of law competencies because this would require a consensus at the Security Council.
UNMIK asked to assist in issuing international arrest warrants (Tribuna)
Kosovo State Prosecution has received support from all relevant local institutions in trying war crimes but since most of the perpetrators of these crimes are believed to be nationals of Serbia, the Kosovo authorities have asked for the support of UNMIK. Being that Kosovo is neither part of Europol nor Interpol, it is unable to issue international arrest warrants and has asked UNMIK to do so in its behalf.
Mustafa: Inclusiveness in dialogue (Epoka e Re)
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, told the paper that despite the work under extraordinary circumstances of pressure and violence, with continuous attacks including the physical ones, the government has shown patience and it managed to achieve its set goals. According to Mustafa the governing coalition is stable and cooperative, clearly oriented towards economic development, state of law, and friendship with the Unites States of America. Speaking about visa liberalization, Mustafa said that prior to the voting at the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, Kosovo should ratify the agreement with Montenegro on borders. Speaking about the format of the dialogue in Brussels, PM Mustafa said that it is in the interest of the country to have a comprehensiveness in the dialogue, including the Office of the President, the Assembly and the civil society.
“Demarcation with Serbia, to be discussed in third round of talks” (Gazeta Blic)
Kosovo’s Minister for Dialogue, Edita Tahiri, said during an interview for Rrokum TV that demarcation of the border with Serbia has been in the agenda since 2014, and added that this is going to be a priority of the third round of the discussions with Serbia. According to Tahiri, this round will conclude with mutual recognition of the two countries.
Opposition to return to Assembly for demarcation (Zeri)
The opposition parties announced their return to the Kosovo Assembly whenever the latter will meet to ratify the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro. Vetevendosje Movement said it will try to stop the ratification of this agreement at all costs. Vetevendosje spokesperson, Frasher Krasniqi, said Vetevendosje will block the session on border-demarcation. “We will attend the session and will do the utmost, inside and outside the Assembly, to prevent the ratification of this agreement,” Krasniqi said. The government is expected to send the agreement to the Assembly at the beginning of June.
Murati: Demarcation should be send to international arbitration (Koha)
Kosovo Minister of Diaspora and leader of the Movement for Unity (LB), Valon Murati, told the paper the agreement on border-demarcation with Montenegro should be send to international arbitration because of the lack of transparency in the process. Murati said his party is also against the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities, but added that this mechanism is now part of the legal system. “The statute of this Association must be drafted in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo,” Murati said. He also mentioned the need for a new platform for dialogue with Serbia, based on reciprocity, which would include the position of Albanians in Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovc. Regarding the new elections as an opportunity to outcome the crisis, Murati stressed that elections can be discussed only after serious electoral reform.
Sporadic protests don’t frighten the government (Zeri)
The paper reports that sporadic opposition protests have not frightened the ruling coalition, which, once again responded to the opposition that there will be no elections prior to June 2018. Government representatives consider these protests are irrational and consumed. Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration, Bajram Gecaj, said the coalition is not threatened by opposition protests. “We had violent protest and faced with these situations. Everyone has the right to protest, but the opposition doesn’t have the right to protest with violence,” Gecaj said. However, representatives of the opposition parties have reiterated that protests and pressure on the government will continue with the same intensity.
Court of Appeals confirms Limaj’s innocence in Klecka case (dailies)
The Court of Appeals in Pristina has acquitted the leader of the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), Fatmir Limaj, and nine former fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) accused of crimes against civilians in 1999 in the so-called Klecka case. Limaj’s lawyer, Tahir Rrecaj, told a press conference that the Court rejected the request of the Special Prosecutor against the verdict of the first instance, by which Limaj and others were acquitted for war crimes. Limaj said the decision of the Court of Appeals, for the fifth time, confirms the just war of the KLA. “Today for the fifth time I received the judicial confirmation of my just war,” Limaj said.
Decan residents address Court over disputed property (Kosova Sot)
Local residents from the Decan/Decani municipality have so far protested many times against the decision to give land to the Orthodox Monastery which they claim is owned by social enterprises “Apiko” and “Iliria”. More recently, the residents have addressed the Constitutional Court in the hope of getting a favourable verdict. Adem Lushaj, representing the local community, said that they have urged the Constitutional Court judges to treat the issue with outmost seriousness and not take political decisions.
