Government submits draft law on border demarcation for ratification

(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)

Less than ten hours after the conclusion of scientific debate on demarcation, Government of Kosovo submitted the draft law on ratification of the international agreement with Montenegro to the Assembly.

Addressing the Government meeting on Thursday, Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj reminded that visa liberalisation and European integration depend on this agreement. Hoxhaj said that in case any fact proving the opposite comes up, than the law also stipulates the solution through arbitrary or direct agreement with Montenegro.

“If new legal facts are offered, the Agreement may be changed and amended with consent of the parties. International arbitration may also be sought if the parties agree,” FM Hoxhaj said.

Convinced that the cause of opposition is wrong, Prime Minister Isa Mustafa reiterated that this is a just decision.

During the day Albin Kurti addressed MPs at the Assembly and told them that they are willing to stamp that Kosovo is a state without territory and borders. Speaking of demarcation ratification, he said that ‘the Assembly will be called to legitimize this act of treason and the biggest crime since the declaration of independence.’

Dozens of Vetëvendosje supporters responded to the Movement’s call to show up in ‘Skëndërbeu’ square, in front of the Assembly building, in order to stop, as they said, inclusion of ratification of the demarcation agreement in the Assembly’s session agenda.

Deputy Chairperson of this political entity, Dardan Sejdiu, said that Vetëvendosje is not against demarcation, but it is against giving away of land. Two hours after, the protesters dispersed peacefully; after they were assured that demarcation issue was not included in the agenda.

Kohavision learned from its sources that ratification of the agreement is expected to be done before 15 August, probably on 10 or 11 August. According to these sources, this issue must be closed prior to the visit of the US Vice President Joe Biden, who will be visiting Kosovo on 17 August.

AAK: Any effort to exert pressure over MPs may degenerate into violent developments

(KTV)

Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) considers that current version of demarcation received its needed answer in Wednesday’s scientific debate.

According to this political entity, this response remains to be formalised with the vote against of MPs at the Assembly.

“Votes against the ratification of the current version of the border demarcation with Montenegro also mark the beginning of resolution of this case that has held our country hostage for almost a year,” reads a press release issued by AAK.

According to the AAK, any effort to exert pressure over the MPs or to smuggle or buy the votes in favour of this Agreement is a total irresponsibility, which may degenerate into violent developments.

Tahiri: IBM Agreement is strengthening Kosovo’s sovereignty

(Klan Kosova, KTV)

Minister for Dialogue Edita Tahiri stated that the Agreement on Integrated Border Management (IBM) is strengthening the sovereignty of Kosovo state. She also spoke about the meeting they had with the steering committee of the IBM Project regarding construction of permanent border crossing points.

In this meeting, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) presented the final plans of these crossing points which have been designed in compliance with the requests of Kosovo authorities.

Libor Chlad, Deputy Head of Cooperation in the EU Office in Kosovo, said that the European Union is happy with the progress of implementation of this project.

EULEX Prosecutor to assess recently published wiretaps

(Most monitored broadcasters, RTK1)

Wiretaps published by the Insajderi portal were topic of discussion in the meeting that Chief State Prosecutor Aleksandër Lumezi had on Thursday with the EULEX Chief Prosecutor Claudio Pala.

In a press release issued it was said that EULEX Chief Prosecutor has assigned the prosecutor in charge for the so-called ‘MTPT Case’ to make an assessment of the content of wiretapped telephone calls. The report from this assessment will be handed over to Chief State Prosecutor Aleksandër Lumezi, it was added.

In the meantime, PDK caucus leader Adem Grabovci said he is willing to respond to justice regarding the recent wiretaps in case it is proven that he has committed a criminal offence by employing people.

Grabovci considers this action of his as a contribution to opening of new jobs. He made these comments on Thursday’s session of Kosovo Assembly, where he was criticised by the Vetëvendosje caucus leader Glauk Konjufca.

Politicians with great influence on appointments in public enterprises

(KTV)

It has always been spoken about political appointments in boards of public enterprises, but it was not known that people of politics had such a great influence in these appointments.

This was stated by the Director of “Çohu” organisation, Artan Demhasaj, in relation to the publication of wiretapped telephone calls of MP Adem Grabovci, where the latter is heard orchestrating appointments in boards of public enterprises, KTV reports.

According to Demhasaj, now it is clear that all those who competed went through filters, thus losing the value of the competition, as only those suitable and obedient to political parties, and not based on meritocracy, were selected in these boards.

In the meantime, Burim Ejupi, Director of INDEP organisation, says that since the declaration of independence, when the public enterprises were transferred to the ownership of Kosovo Government, starting from the Kosovo Trust Agency, political appointments in boards also started to increase.

Indictment filed against Klinë/Klina Mayor and two others

(Most monitored broadcasters, Klan Kosova)

Special Prosecution of Kosovo (SPRK) reported that it has filed an indictment against four defendants regarding a case of misuse of official duty and non-reporting or false reporting of assets.

Klan Kosova learned that the indictment has been filed against Klinë/Klina Mayor Sokol Bashota and his deputy Enver Berisha. The other official against whom the indictment has been filed is Director of Administration in the Municipality of Klinë/Klina.

Special Prosecution of Kosovo filed the indictment in Pejë/Pec Basic Court for this case. The indictment was filed by an international prosecutor of SPRK following the complicated investigations carried out by Kosovo Police.

New EU Special Representative for Kosovo appointed

(RTK1) 

The European Union appointed Natalya Apostolova from Bulgaria, as the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Kosovo. Natalya Apostolova will replace Samuel Žbogar as of 1 September.

An EU press release states that the EU Special Representative plays a leading role in promoting a stable, viable, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, adding that the EUSR supports Kosovo’s European perspective and rapprochement with the EU in line with the perspective of the region and in accordance with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.