UNMIK Headlines 15 January
Serbian PM makes nationalistic statements during Kosovo visit (dailies)
All dailies report on their front pages on the visit by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic to Kosovo, highlighting his “nationalistic statements”. They also note that Vucic encouraged Kosovo Serbs not to sell their properties and to remain in Kosovo. Koha Ditore reports that Vucic referred to Kosovo as “the cradle of Serbia”. Zeri quotes the Serbian Prime Minister as saying, “We will never give up on Kosovo”. Kosova Sot opines that Vucic inflamed Serbs’ nationalist sentiments. Epoka e Re reports that opposition parties in Pristina reacted against Vucic’s statements, but that the government has kept silent. The headline for the story in Bota Sot asks President Atifete Jahjaga, Prime Minister Isa Mustafa and Foreign Minister HashimThaci, why they are hiding from Vucic.
Cameron congratulates Mustafa on election (dailies)
United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron has sent a telegram to Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa congratulating him on his election and pledging full support to advance necessary economic reforms. Cameron said transparency and accountability will be the main pillars of Kosovo’s progress.
Thaci: Trepca will remain Kosovo’s national treasure (RTK)
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, wrote on his Facebook account on Wednesday that the government of Kosovo will adopt a strategic approach to utilizing its mineral resources. Thaci wrote: “The decision on the future of the Trepca mining complex will be based on a concrete strategy that takes into account Kosovo’s economic and state interests. At the next parliamentary session, we will discuss amendments to the Law on Public Enterprises and then the mining complex will be removed from the competencies of the Privatization Agency of Kosovo. The mineworkers have been the engine behind the economy and the least we can do for them is to guarantee that Trepca will remain our national treasure and will also be attractive for a strategic partnership with foreign investors.”
“Independent society” to protest against Jablanovic today (Telegrafi)
A press release issued on behalf of a so-called “independent society” announced that it will stage a protest today at 12:00 p.m. in front of the Ministry of Communities and Returns against the recent statements by Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic. The press release said that protesters will include representatives of civil society organizations and that the protest will be a symbolic expression of deep outrage against Jablanovic’s offensive statements towards the mothers of missing persons in Gjakova/Djakovica.
Illegal migration impairs visa liberalization process (Zeri)
The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, met on Wednesday with the Director for the Western Balkans in the European Commission Directorate for Enlargement, Jean Eric Paquet. Jahjaga said that Kosovo’s priorities remain the finalization and signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA); fulfillment of the remaining criteria on visa liberalization; engagement of Kosovo institutions in the fight against organized crime and corruption; continuation of the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue; establishment of the special court; and creation of a favorable environment for foreign investments. Paquet noted that it is important for Kosovo to prioritize the reforms foreseen within the European agenda. He said that illegal migration makes the visa liberalization process more difficult, and urged Kosovo institutions to take immediate steps to address this problem. Paquet also met with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, and discussed cooperation between Kosovo and the EU on visa liberalization, the rule of law and economic development.
Kosovo gets ready for Interpol membership (Epoka e Re)
The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Angelika Viets, informed the Minister of Interior Affairs, Skender Hyseni, during a meeting on Wednesday that Germany will reject all asylum requests from Kosovo and that asylum seekers will be repatriated. A press release issued by the Ministry of Interior Affairs notes that Viets and Hyseni discussed recent developments in Kosovo, especially in the rule of law area. They also focused on preparations for Kosovo’s eventual membership in Interpol. Hyseni said his Ministry and the Kosovo Police were working on this and would cooperate closely with German authorities in that regard.
Mimoza Kusari-Lila to run for AKR leader post (Telegrafi)
Mimoza Kusari-Lila, the mayor of Gjakova/Djakovica municipality, told KTV on Wednesday that she will run for the post of leader of the New Kosovo Alliance (AKR). Kusari-Lila said AKR elections will be held this year and that current party leader Behxhet Pacolli will probably support her candidacy.