Headlines - 12.02.2015

Mustafa ready to report to Assembly on dialogue (Epoka e Re)

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, is ready to report to the Assembly on the agreement on justice reached with Belgrade in Brussels, despite the fact that his reporting is not in the agenda of today’s session. Mustafa’s readiness to address the Assembly on the issue of the recent agreement was confirmed by the Kosovo government spokesperson, Arban Abrashi. 

EU: Justice agreement to integrate not discriminate (Koha Ditore)

Spokesperson to the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, Maja Kocijancic, said that the goal of the recent justice agreement between Pristina and Belgrade is to integrate the courts in the north into a unified system with the rest of Kosovo. Kocijancic was asked to comment whether the appointment of judges and prosecutors in the north based on their ethnic background would constitute discrimination, to which she responded that the agreement is aimed at integration. 

US strongly support Pristina-Belgrade dialogue (Kosova Sot)

Jeniffer Psaki, Spokesperson of the US Department of State, stated that the US hails the resumption of the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. “The agreement marks a significant and substantial step forward, in the process of the normalization of the relations between Kosovo and Serbia,” she said. She also added that the United States will continue to strongly support the efforts of all parties engaged. 

Vetevendosje against Pristina-Belgrade agreement (Koha Ditore, Bota Sot)

On the front page, Koha Ditore says Vetevendosje Movement considers that the justice agreement reached in Brussels is in violation to the Constitution of Kosovo as well as the Law on Courts. Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti said dialogue with Belgrade should be based on principles. “The dialogue which has no principles and conditions for Serbia, and is always about Kosovo’s internal affairs, cannot bring good results for Kosovo,” said Kurti. He said Vetevendosje will continue “to fight its battles” not only in the Assembly but also in the streets. Bota Sot quotes Kurti as saying in a press conference that the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, and his Deputy, Hashim Thaci, have “sandwiched” themselves between the Government of Serbia in Brussels and the Serbian List in Kosovo. According to Kurti, while Thaci and Dacic managed to divide the police, Mustafa and Vucic divided the judiciary. Kurti said that the agreement in Brussels established the foundation for the association of municipalities with Serb majority, adding that the formula “more autonomy and less independence” is being reached.

UNMIK doesn’t leave, repositions itself (Zeri)

The paper writes that while Kosovo institutions are demanding UNMIK cease all field activities and transform into a political office, the mission is planning the opposite. Citing unnamed sources within the mission, the paper writes that UNMIK has leased a new “super-modern” building in Fushe Kosovo/Kosovo Polje, and will relocate there as of June this year. According to these sources, UNMIK is moving from the current premises because it was asked by the owner who privatized the property. Shpend Berbatovci from UNMIK’s Office of the Spokesperson and Public Information has not denied the relocation of the mission’s headquarters. “If there is any development that has to do with the potential relocation of the staff, the Office of the Spokesperson and Public Information will issue a statement to announce the change of address on the mission’s website, for guidance of the mission’s partners,” said Berbatovci. The paper writes that the transformation of the United Nations mission will not be so easy because of the way the decision-making process functions at the UN.

Jahjaga continues field visits to try and prevent migration (dailies)

The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, on Wednesday made a visit to the municipalities of Podujeve/Podujevo and Gjilan/Gnjilane in an effort to prevent irregular migration. During her visit, Jahjaga met with municipalities’ mayors and also talked to many people about the problems they face. Jahjaga called on the Kosovo people not to flee because, according to her, Kosovo institutions are working for a better future for the people. 

Germany to return Kosovo migrants within weeks (Bota Sot)

The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Angelika Viets, told Voice of America that the people migrating from Kosovo are deceived because they cannot gain housing in the European Union. According to her, within a few weeks, Kosovo should expect the return of those who have migrated irregularly to the EU countries. Viets said that her country is facing an increasing number of asylum-seekers from Kosovo, who have almost no chance to obtain residence in Germany. “In November 2014, there were 600 people seeking asylum in Germany, in December the number went up to 1,956 and in January there were over 3,000 applications. The percentage of those who could benefit is 1.1 or 1.2 percent,” said Viets.

Ministry of Culture against discussions with Serbia on artifacts (Koha)

Kujtim Shala, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, is against the proposal of the government of Kosovo to discuss in Brussels the issue of 1,244 archeological and ethnographic artifacts of Kosovo which are in Serbia for 15 years now. Experts in this field consider that the artifacts were misappropriated and therefore there is no need to negotiate on the issue.