Mustafa: Kosovo a regional example in respecting minorities
(KTV)
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa received the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors. Mustafa and Thors discussed main achievements in Kosovo and different aspects related to minority communities, online edition of KTV reported.
According to a press release issued by Office of the Prime Minister, Mustafa highlighted the general progress in Kosovo and the respect for the rights of non-majority communities by the state and Kosovar society.
Mustafa reiterated that Kosovo remains a regional example regarding the treatment of minorities and emphasized the values of multi-ethnicity and tolerance which depict Kosovo.
On the other, Commissioner Thors commended Kosovo’s progress and expressed her interest for different processes related to minorities, and other developmental aspects in Kosovo.
PM Mustafa: EULEX mandate will continue
(RTK1)
Mandate of the EULEX Mission in Kosovo will continue. This was confirmed by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, who said that this is a request of the European Union and the United States of America.
He said that there are still uncompleted cases by EULEX. According to him, it is at the interest of Kosovo that competencies of this Mission are transferred to the locals, what is also being discussed, nevertheless EULEX will continue its mandate once more.
Serbs of the north refuse to register in Kosovo census
(Klan Kosova)
Several years have already passed but Serbs living in Kosovo do not accept to register in censuses, online version of Klan Kosova reported.
This was also announced by the Srpska List caucus leader, Slavko Simic, who said that he speaks on behalf of the whole Serb political spectrum.
On the other hand, mayors of northern municipalities say that census cannot happen on its own, as there is no stable security or political situation where citizens in the north would appropriately respond to this process.
Government announces sending demarcation in the Assembly
(KTV)
Government of Kosovo does not plan to back down from the categorical position it has that delineation of the border line with Montenegro is alright, KTV reports.
Regardless of the threats of the opposition, it announces that demarcation will soon be in the Assembly and they will request voting as it is.
Advisor to Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, Faton Abdullahu, stated for KTV that they do not have the luxury to lose much time when it is known that it is a condition set by the EU for visa liberalisation. He said that there are intentional misinterpretation by individuals and political parties.
Regarding the proposal of former Assembly Speaker Jakup Krasniqi to establish a new commission to avoid mistakes of the State Commission on Demarcation, Abdullahu considers the idea valid, but he said that it must be legitimate.
In the meantime, political analyst Imer Mushkolaj thinks that there should be a new commission, but it should be a parliamentary committee established by the very MPs, and not just for the sake of establishing it.
Jevtic: Attack against the house of the Serb returnee has terrorist act elements
(RTK2)
Kosovo Minister for Communities and Return Dalibor Jevtic told RTK2 that a bomb was thrown at the house of Serb returnee, Zdravko Nikolic, in Kovrage village of Istog/Istok municipality. Jevtic said that Police reported the bomb attackafterwards, adding that the attack has elements of a terrorist act.
“This is definitely a terrorist act and more worrying than this terrorist act is the fact that respective bodies did not tell exactly what it is all about. Fortunately, the family was not home at the time of the attack, otherwise the consequences would be way severe,” Minister Jevtic said.
He said that there are some areas in Kosovo where local residents are not ready to accept the returnees.
Public administration reform significant for Kosovo
(RTK2)
Head of EU Office in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar, said that public administration reform is very significant for Kosovo. Primarily, it is significant for development of the economy, entrepreneurship, creation of new jobs, whereas the civil society plays an important role in this, he added.
Jasenka Perovic of the Technical Assistance for Civil Society Organisations said that a strong civil society is essential for increasing the accountability. She believes that it is necessary for citizens to take part in implementation of public reform and that civil society has a key role on this.
These statements were made during a conference held on Thursday where about 80 participants of civil society and EU institutions from six Western Balkans countries took part.
28 persons compete for post of KACA Head
(KTV)
Albulena Haxhiu has taken her place at the Head of Assembly Legislation Committee after several months of work boycott, KTV reported. The Commission’s task on Tuesday was to interview candidates aiming to lead the Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency (KACA) for the next five years.
Haxhiu, who was not pleased with the work of her colleagues from the Committee for the fact they decided to close the meeting for media, said she will ensure that the Commission will be unbiased and fair during the interviewing process.
She said that out 29 candidates who applied for this vacancy, one withdrew.
Whereas, MP Selvie Halimi stressed that political influences will not be taken into account, and, according to her, this is also the PDK’s message.
Public institutions with more professional sign language interpreters
(Klan Kosova & KTV)
Government of Kosovo has launched the new regulation on provision of sign-language services for deaf and hearing-impaired people.
This regulation is focused in increasing the number of professional sign language interpreters in all public institutions.
Representatives of Kosovo Deaf Association welcomed the new regulation and considered it as a fulfilment of an obligation toward this community.
