Kosovo to pay compensation to Austrian Printing House
(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Kosovo should pay roughly EUR 5 million to the ‘AG Staatsdruckerei,” an Austrian printing house. According to the decision of the court, Kosovo should pay this amount as compensation for the early termination of the contract for production of biometric passports and also for some other unpaid obligations, KTV reported.
In February 2013, the Printing House had raised charges at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris against Kosovo because of unpaid dues for production of biometric passports and had requested a compensation for early termination of the contract by Kosovo, the judgement reads. The contract was terminated because Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Austrian partner were deceived by Natali Veliaj, owner of the ‘Consulting EU’ company, KTV reported.
Government of Kosovo had to pay the Austrian Printing House through Veliaj’s company but despite the fact she received the money from the Government, she did not paid the Austrian company.
Kosovo may appeal the verdict within 14 days after announcement of the decision.
AAK chairperson, Ramush Haradinaj reacted against this judgment. He said the compensation should be paid by millionaires within MIA, who, as he said, have been employed without any professional criteria there but on a clan basis.
EBU urges Kosovo Assembly to decide on a permanent home for RTK
(RTK1)
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has been alarmed to hear about the perilous position of Kosovo public broadcaster (RTK) following serious flooding of RTK studios two days ago.
“Radio Television of Kosovo is now working in a state of emergency after heavy rainfall led to the evacuation of staff and forced RTK2 and RTK3 to temporarily broadcast archive material” reads a press release issued by EBU on Thursday.
EBU recalls that it is the responsibility of Kosovo Assembly to decide on a permanent home for the broadcaster.
RTK Director General Mentor Shala said that this situation clearly shows the state that RTK was left in by Kosovo institutions.
While EBU Senior Project Manager Radka Betcheva said: “We would encourage Kosovo institutions to find a long-term solution to housing RTK in appropriate accommodation so they can focus on their public service remit which is so vital for democracy in Kosovo.”
The flooding highlights the property issues that RTK have been struggling with for many years with their channels operating from improvised offices since 2013.
AAK conditions its participation in the demarcation debate
(TV21)
AAK has two requests for Kosovo Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli. The first request addressed to Speaker Veseli is to invite AAK chairperson, Ramush Haradinaj to attend the debate on demarcation with Montenegro scheduled for 3rd of August and the second request is to more room to the independent experts on the debate rather to the institutional leaders.
“We expect from Kosovo Assembly Speaker to invite Ramush Haradinaj in the debate, as it is a scientific debate and it has nothing to do with a plenary session. Haradinaj has expressed his readiness to be present and to offer his contribution on this issue, as he is the leader of this process. We appeal to the Speaker, to give more space to independent experts and not institutional leaders,” said AAK MP Pal Lekaj.
But TV21 sources within the Assembly of Kosovo confirmed to this broadcaster that AAK has addressed a request to Veseli for Haradinaj’s participation in the debate, but the response will be announced after Speaker Veseli arrives from his visit to the USA. The source also said that the opposition parties have proposed to Speaker Veseli different experts for the debate, but those proposals have been rejected by Speaker Veseli.
On the other hand, MP Lekaj emphasized that if Haradinaj is not invited in the debate and if independent experts do not get the necessary space to present their unbiased opinions, AAK will entirely boycott the debate.
EULEX to transfer big cases to local judges
(KTV)
Majority of the big cases which are being trialled and investigated by EULEX are expected to be transferred to local judges.
KTV learned from sources within the European Mission that because of the staff downsizing, EULEX will keep only 2 or 3 main hearing cases.
During May, several trials were postponed due to uncertainties if the mandate of EUELX would be extended. However, Kosovo Assembly decided to extend EULEX’s mandate for a period of two years, but with some limitations.
Excavations at University campus completed
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
No human remains were found during the excavations in the vicinity of the Rectorate of Prishtinë/Prishtina University. Prosecution announced that excavations have been completed in the third and the last area suspected of mass grave.
“Any new information in any location will be assessed in compliance with the legal requirements and then we will act in accordance with the competencies and obligations of the State Prosecutor”, reads a press release issued by the State Prosecution.
Hoxha and Daka pledge further cooperation
(Klan Kosova)
On Thursday, Kosovo Minister of Justice, Dhurata Hoxha met with the chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Valdete Daka. Minister Hoxha thanked Daka for the work done so far and pledged to further deepen the cooperation.
On the other hand, Daka briefed the minister about CEC’s challenges and goals and requested a continuation of the coordination between the two institutions.
On this occasion, Minister Hoxha emphasized her commitment to provide institutional assistance to CEC to deal with the challenges, while requested that accountability, transparency, efficiency and information of citizens to be among CEC’s priorities in the future.
