Headlines - 16.03.2017

• Thaci doesn’t plan on withdrawing initiative for KSF transformation (Koha)
• Thaci’s letter does not change NATO’s position on KSF (Koha)
• Kelmendi: Thaci consulted Vucic not Mustafa on KSF transformation (Zeri)
• “26 individuals on the list of Murat Jashari’s terrorist organization” (Epoka)
• Thaci to join open debate with Serbian media and civil society (Klan Kosova)
• Indictment against Minister Dalibor Jevtic (Epoka e Re)
• Gjetaj: Missing persons issue should not be politicized (Epoka e Re)

 Kosovo Media Highlights

Thaci doesn’t plan on withdrawing initiative for KSF transformation (Koha)

Despite opposition from the international community, President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci said he doesn’t plan on withdrawing initiative for the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into a Kosovo army. Thaci stressed that KSF transformation is an issue on which the local and international public opinion were informed three years ago. “This action could only be considered unilateral if someone from the international community alludes Kosovo should get permission from Serbia for its sovereign decisions. Let me be clear: This will not happen,” Thaci wrote on Facebook. 

Thaci’s letter does not change NATO’s position on KSF (Koha)

The paper reports on the front page that the letter President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci addressed to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arguing on the need for Kosovo Security Force (KSF) to transform into a Kosovo army is not likely to change the Alliance’s opposition to KSF not transforming through constitutional changes. NATO officials are quoted to have told the paper that NATO’s position was made clear in the statement Stoltenberg made on 8 March.

Kelmendi: Thaci consulted Vucic not Mustafa on KSF transformation (Zeri)

In a front-page interview to the paper, Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and member of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Ramiz Kelmendi, claimed that President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci only consulted Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic on the issue of transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) but not Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. “I find it worrying that Thaci had consultations with Vucic over the phone but not with his coalition partner,” Kelmendi said adding that Thaci revealed his initiative for KSF transformation for the first time on 5 March. Asked why he thought Thaci unveiled his initiative at this specific time, Kelmendi replied: “We have to understand that political battles are ongoing. Mr. Thaci was leader of the PDK until recently. Of course he wants to keep the PDK at a certain political level and perhaps he suspects his successor is not doing so well on the ground.”

“26 individuals on the list of Murat Jashari’s terrorist organization” (Epoka)

The President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, told RTV21 that names of 26 people are in the list of Murat Jashari’s organization.  According to him, the attack on Azem Vllasi and the list for execution are very concerning. “There are names of institutional leaders, leaders of political parties, religious leaders, journalists and columnists,” he said. He added that former KLA commanders are also on the list. “I do not know anymore who is not a traitor in this country,” Thaci said referring to the names on the execution list. According to him, this organization which he did not hesitate to call terrorist, is in the service of foreign agencies. “Looking at the manner the organization is built, finances and support, all this leads us to Moscow,” Thaci said.  

Thaci to join open debate with Serbian media and civil society (Klan Kosova)

President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, is expected to take part in an open debate today with representatives of Serbian media and civil society. The debate will begin at 11.00hrs at the Media Centre in Cagllavice/Caglavica. 

Indictment against Minister Dalibor Jevtic (Epoka e Re)

Kosovo’s Special Prosecution raised charges on Wednesday at the Basic Court of Pristina against three defendants, one of them being the Minister of Communities and Returns, Dalibor Jevtic and  the other two officials from the same ministry, suspected to have violated the official position or authority, article 422, paragraph 1, and article 31 of Kosovo’s penal code. According to the indictment, the three defendants exceeded their competencies and authorizations, when giving a vehicle of the Ministry to KiM Radio – TV Centar, for permanent use. 

Gjetaj: Missing persons issue should not be politicized (Epoka e Re)

Head of the government commission for the missing persons, Prenk Gjetaj, appealed on Wednesday for the issue of the missing persons not to become hostage of politics. Gjetaj stressed that Serbia possess documentation and archives that could open way to finding of the whereabouts of the missing persons during the latest conflict in Kosovo.