President Thaçi announces recognition from Vatican
(Klan Kosova)
In an interview with Klan Kosova’s Debate Zone show, President of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi said he is expecting good news from Vatican and that it deals with recognition of Kosovo. Following his visit to the Holy Seat, Thaçi is expecting this recognition to happen soon. He also announced that Pope Francis will visit Kosovo. After the Vatican’s recognition, he is also expecting a number of other recognitions.
During this interview, Thaçi said that demarcation with Montenegro must be ratified at the earliest time possible, in order for the visa liberalisation process to happen.
He said that Assembly of Kosovo should vote ratification of demarcation with Montenegro within the next ten days, at the contrary; he warned that Kosovo will pay the price in its path toward the European future.
Thaçi is considering his involvement in the process of talks as compulsory. He pledged that he will help dialogue with Serbs to avoid prolongation of the Kosovo Armed Force establishment.
VV announces protest for opening of Ibër Bridge
(Klan Kosova)
Vetëvendosje Movement chairperson Visar Ymeri has announced protests if the Ibër Bridge will not open for traffic. He made these statements after the meeting he had with Mitrovicë/Mitrovica South Mayor Agim Bahtiri. Vetëvendosje leaders offered their support to the latter.
According to Ymeri, Mayor Bahtiri had to fight with two instances, with Serbian structures in one hand and at the other hand with the negligence of Kosovo central institutions, which in many cases became an obstacle in this regard.
Bahtiri and Ymeri also discussed about Mitrovicë/Mitrovica administrative borders and said that these borders will remain unchanged.
Civil society urges PM Mustafa to suspend Prizren Mayor
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Civil society organizations requested from the Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa to fulfill his pledge of ‘clean hands’ at local government level, too.
Forty non-governmental organizations requested from PM Mustafa and Minister of Local Government Administration, Ljubomir Maric, to suspend the Mayor of Prizren Ramadan Muja, based on the Law on Local Government.
Among the reasons listed by Agron Demi of GAP Institute for Muja’s suspension are also degradation of Prizren, negligence which resulted with the death of the three-year old girl Xheneta Gashi in Prizren Historic Centre, Muja’s issues with the judiciary, and the conviction of the Prizren Municipal Education Director.
According to the NGO representatives, Muja’s resignation would be a positive precedent for Kosovo. NGOs threatened with other steps in case the Government fails to take the requested actions.
AAK and Nisma agree to be part of demarcation commission
(Most monitored broadcasters, RTK1)
Two opposition parties, AAK and Nisma, said they will agree to be part of a commission that would review the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro, if the government dismisses the current commission led by Murat Meha.
Nisma representatives told Radio Kosova that they are willing to contribute to the stabilization of political situation; however, according to them, the Government also needs to reflect in order to restore the political normality in Kosovo.
AAK and Nisma MPs risk losing their mandates
(KTV)
Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Nisma për Kosovën continue to boycott the Assembly of Kosovo. Four months have passed since the majority of MPs from these two political entities have not signed in the MPs list, KTV reported.
But, mandate of AAK and Nisma MPs might be lost by the decision that their leaders took four months ago.
AAK MP Time Kadrijaj said that MPs of her political entity are ready to lose their mandates, because they are determined not to give up their two main requests. Nisma caucus leader Valdete Bajrami also shares Kadrijaj’s opinion.
On the other hand, Albert Krasniqi from Kosovo Democratic Institute said that with the Assembly’s rules of procedure, MPs cannot be absent for more than six months, while the decision to revoke their mandate or not, should be made in a plenary session.
Civil servants do not like the Government’s treatment
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa and Minister of Public Administration (MPA) Mahir Yagcilar ignored participation in an organisation that marked the International Public Service Day. The meeting was organised by the ministry led by Yagcilar, but he and his superior did not take part, KTV reports.
This also revolted unionists of civil servants, who expressed their criticism for the undignified treatment that is being made for them.
Nevertheless, deputy minister of MPA, Hajredin Hyseni, was present at this meeting and emphasised administration reform is their priority; however, the chief unionist Mursel Zymberaj reminded that no moves for treatment of this category were taken over the last five years.
In the meantime, chairperson of the Independent Oversight Board complained that the Government is not implementing decisions of this Board.
Referring to the laws that allow radical actions to them, unionists announced that there might be such measures in case the Government does not change its approach toward this category.
Charges against six arrested Serbs eased
(Klan Kosova)
Basic Court in Pejë/Pec has eased charges against six Serbs who were arrested two days ago in Pejë/Pec under suspicion of having assaulted several Kosovo Police officers while on their duty.
Three charges against them were dropped; driving while intoxicated, incitement of hatred, and possession of weapons. Now they are charged of assaulting and obstructing police officers in carrying their official duties and of verbal attack against police officers, Klan Kosova reported.
