Attack against RTK condemned

(RTK1)

European and international federation of journalists have expressed their solidarity with the Association of Kosovo Journalists (AKJ) after the attack against the Radio Television of Kosovo.

“It is unacceptable that journalists are target of attacks as a way to pressure them”, reads the solidarity letter.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, believes that this was an attack against the freedom of the media, aimed at pressuring the journalists, RTK1 reported.

The attack against RTK was also strongly condemned by ‘Reporters without Borders’.

Kosovo Assembly Internal Affairs Committee concerned by the recent attacks

(RTK1)

Assembly Committee on Internal Affairs, Security and Oversight of the Kosovo Security Force considers as worrisome the recent attack against Kosovo institutions, which are happening at the time when the demarcation with Montenegro is expected to be discussed in the Assembly, RTK1 reported.

PDK MP Fadil Demaku requested from Kosovo Police and political entities to react against these e attacks while Nisma MP Zafir Berisha expressed his doubts that the authorities are not interested to shed light on these cases.

Hyseni: Police will identify perpetrators of recent attacks

(RTK1)

Within the last months in Kosovo, the premises of Kosovo Assembly were attacked with a rocket launcher and on Monday a hand-grenade was thrown at the premises of the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK), but the perpetrators of these attacks have not been identified yet.

Commenting these acts in a round-table about security, Kosovo Minister of Interior, Skender Hyseni, said that justice institutions should be allowed to carry out their duty and should not be hindered.

Minister Hyseni expressed his confidence that perpetrators of this acts will be brought to justice.  Considering these acts as unacceptable, Hyseni said that Police will carry on with their duty and results will be delivered.

On the other hand, Kosovo Police spokesperson Baki Kelani said that the attack on the Assembly building and that on the RTK premises might be potentially linked.

Thaçi believes that criterion for visas will be successfully concluded

(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)

A year ago, in the capacity of Kosovo Foreign Minister Hashim Thaçi signed in Vienna the Agreement on Border Demarcation with Montenegro, but a year after, in the capacity of Kosovo President, Thaçi is confident that this agreement will be ratified by Kosovo Assembly in the session scheduled for 01 September.

Following a meeting with the EU Special Representative in Kosovo Samuel Zbogar, President Thaçi reiterated that the Agreement on Demarcation is right.

According to Thaçi, on 01 September the additional criteria for visa liberalization, the ratification of the agreement with Montenegro will be concluded successfully.

The departing Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar expects from MPs on 01 September to enable the progress of visa liberalisation process. He emphasized the need for unity about issues which are important to Kosovo.

Zbogar said that political entities might not agree about certain issues, but, according to him, those issues which are important for Kosovo should be respected by all, who want to see progress in Kosovo.

He also spoke about the developments in north and the positive changes, which are happening there. Zbogar said that Kosovo has also marked progressed in the rule of law.

Deputy PM Kujtim Shala released of duty

(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)

Kujtim Shala resigned from the position of Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister.According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Isa Mustafa in close consultation and with full understanding has approved Shala’s request for release from his duties as Deputy Prime Minister.

This decision has been made upon Shala’s request, so he can fully commit to his post as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, KTV reported.

In the next days, PM Mustafa will hold the necessary consultations with LDK to fill in the vacancy of Kosovo Deputy PM.

Prishtinë/Pristina mosque used for prostitution

(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)

The oldest Mosque in Prishtinë/Pristina also known as ‘Çarshi Mosque” has been built since six centuries but currently it has been turned into ‘nest of evil’, KTV reported.

Since the start of its restoration in 2011, this Mosque has remained without proper care and based on the statements of the Islamic Community of Kosovo (IKC), the Mosque is being used for prostitution and drug addicts.

This issue was raised on Wednesday during a meeting about the security in Kosovo by the representative of Prishtinë/Pristina Imams, Idriz Gjinolli. He requested from Kosovo Minister of Interior Affairs, Skënder Hyseni to solve this issue as soon as possible.

The concerns of Gjinolli were confirmed also by the acting Commander of Kosovo Police for Prishtinë/Pristina region, Rexhep Sijarina. He admitted that Police has received calls by citizens and that they have faced cases of prostitution and drug addicts in the Mosque.

On the other hand, Minister Hyseni said that he is proud of the war against terrorism, emphasizing that it is not only his merit but also the merit of all Kosovars involved in fighting this phenomena.  According to Hyseni, Kosovo achieved to prevent its citizens from going to the war in Syria.

In a meeting with local security councils, Hyseni requested from all to give their contribution in the fight against human trafficking, as according to him, Kosovo has failed to mark any progress in this aspect.

Hyseni said that the use of drugs has become a concerning phenomenon, in particular for youngsters under sixteen years-old. According to him all institutions should take the necessary measures to prevent this phenomenon, including schools, families and the communities in general.

Hearing against Ukë Rugova postponed

(KTV)

Initial hearing against former LDK MP, Ukë Rugova, former Minister of Culture, Astrit Haraqija, and 18 other persons accused of Italian visa misuse has been postponed to August 30.

All of the defendants are charged with the offence of organized crime related to the offences of abuse of official position, trading in influence and fraud.