UNMIK Headlines 17 January
European Parliament adopts resolution on Kosovo (dailies)
The European Parliament, in its latest resolution on Kosovo, has called on the five non-recognizing EU member states to recognize Kosovo’s independence. The resolution calls on political parties in Kosovo to adopt the law on elections as quickly as possible.
Ulrike Lunacek, European Parliament’s rapporteur on Kosovo and author of the resolution, said progress by Kosovo and Serbia in their European paths is welcome, “nonetheless, the European Union should not place Kosovo in a separate path from other countries in the region”. Lunacek also said the EU needs to accelerate the process of visa liberalization for Kosovo, “because Kosovo is the last country in the region whose citizens cannot travel freely in EU member states”.
Lunacek also said, “there is a need for vigilant monitoring of progress in Kosovo. Corruption remains a big problem as throughout the region and this should be addressed”.
The resolution also calls on Kosovo authorities to agree with extending the mandate of EULEX beyond June this year.
Leader of Serb liberals in northern Mitrovica killed (dailies)
Several dailies report that Dimitrije Janicijevic, representative of the Serb Liberal Party (SLS) in the municipality of northern Mitrovica, was killed on Wednesday night in front of his house. Although the motives behind the killing are not known yet, officials in Belgrade said it could be politically motivated. Koha Ditore quotes sources as saying that lately other Serbs viewed Janicijevic as a traitor and associate of the Government of Kosovo. Janicijevic was a target of several attacks in the past.
Albanians, absolute amnesty beneficiaries (Koha Ditore)
Amnesty from criminal prosecution that was agreed in the political dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia turned out to be the most beneficiary for members of the Albanian community rather than those of Serb as originally intended. Kosovo Judicial Council figures indicate that 1,174 criminal cases were dropped as part of the amnesty and although they do not say what ethnic group the beneficiaries are, heads of basic courts told the paper that the vast majority are Albanians. Out of this number, around 1,100 persons were convicted for illegal possession of weapons and only two cases included incitement of hatred.
Thaçi to reformat the Government (Zëri)
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, according to the paper, has decided to make certain changes in his cabinet by replacing several ministers and deputy ministers. The officials affected will be those who haven’t performed well or have been involved in various scandals. The move is aimed at improving the image of the Kosovo Government.
Embassies determine coalitions in Kosovo (Lajm)
The paper quotes political analysts in Pristina as saying that it is difficult to predict possible coalitions after parliamentary elections because the majority of the bigger political parties lack platforms and a clear political and economic vision. Analysts told the newspaper that coalitions are determined by the outcome of elections and the unfortunate interference of foreign embassies in Pristina. They also argued that a future coalition between the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and minority communities is most likely to form the next central government.
Citaku: Kosovo has met requirements from visa dialogue (Koha)
During her visit to Brussels, Kosovo’s European Integration Minister Vlora Citaku talked about visa liberalization dialogue in a press conference organized by the European Policies Center. Citaku said Kosovo has met the necessary requirements and is now awaiting confirmation from the European Commission. She also said that she expects the European Commission by the end of its current mandate (in autumn) to recommend Kosovo’s inclusion in the list of countries that don’t require Schengen visas to travel.
Grabovci: No to parliamentary elections in June (Epoka e Re)
In a front-page interview for the paper, PDK parliamentary group chief Adem Grabovci said the PDK is against parliamentary elections in June. Grabovci said election reforms need to be completed before announcing the date for parliamentary elections.
Grabovci also said that the LDK’s request for general elections in summer is aimed at manipulating the election process. “Those calling for elections in June are interested to manipulate elections the same way they manipulated local elections last year,” he added.
Republic of Kosovo logo remains taped over (Tribuna)
The logo of the Republic of Kosovo in the documents signed by mayors and municipal assembly members in the northern municipalities remain taped over despite the efforts from the Ministry of Local Government and Administration and EU officials to remove the sticker tape from the logo once the swearing-in ceremony was complete. Some officials involved in the process said the reason why the tape was not removed is because it was glued so well, it is impossible to take it out without ripping the paper apart.