Kuçi: National consensus needed for demarcation (Epoka)
Kosovo’s Justice Minister, Hajredin Kuçi, told the paper that a national consensus is needed for the ratification of the border-demarcation agreement with Montenegro. He said this issue does not belong to one person or one party only, but rather to all political parties. With regard to the ruling-coalition, Kuçi said that despite the challenges, the government has had a good performance in fulfilling the joint programme. With regard to the justice minister, he said he has transferred the majority of his tasks to Deputy Minister Lirak Çelaj. Kuçi also added that he expects the Democratic Party of Kosovo leadership will very soon decide on the name of the new justice minister.
EULEX to handle high-profile cases (Koha)
The paper reports on its front page that the agreement between Kosovo and the European Union for the mandate of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) foresees that in extraordinary circumstances some cases will be transferred to international prosecutors. The parties however did not fully define what constitutes extraordinary circumstances; it mainly relates to situations where the expertise and experience of EULEX prosecutors can ensure a better investigation or penal proceedings. Legal experts in Pristina meanwhile have argued that this will include many high-profile cases, to respond to eventual political pressure.
Hoxhaj to Russia: Kosovo rightfully member of PCA (RTK)
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, has responded to Russia’s criticism over Kosovo’s admission as a full-fledged member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague. Hoxhaj tweeted that Kosovo’s admission was legally and procedurally correct. Russia argued that Kosovo is not an independent country and as such cannot be a member of the PCA.
Roth: Kosovo, condition for Serbia’s membership in EU (Kosova Sot)
Germany’s State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Michael Roth, said on Wednesday that Serbia should act in accordance with EU’s foreign policy and should normalize its relations with Kosovo prior to joining the European Union. “Before Serbia becomes an EU member it is necessary for Serbia to normalize relations with Kosovo,” Roth said.
KSF suspends its officer after he was arrested in U.S. (media)
Several media report that the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has suspended its officer, Ismail Sekiraqa, after he was arrested on charges of second-degree statutory rape with a 14-year-old girl in Pulaski County, U.S., last week.
