UNMIK Headlines 17 June
Haradinaj or Thaci, EU expects dialogue to resume (Koha)
The paper reports on the front page that Brussels expects Pristina to show the same commitment to dialogue with Belgrade, regardless of who will lead the next government in Pristina. Talks with Belgrade have become a topic in discussions for the formation of the new government. One of the conditions of the Vetevendosje Movement for the eventual Haradinaj government is to suspend negotiations with Belgrade. Analysts too agree that the time has come to set some basic principles and not talk with Belgrade without securing an equal position on inter-state matters. The EU, meanwhile, is closely following developments after the 8 June elections and modalities for the creation of the new government. The office of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said it expects the dialogue to resume and the 19 April Brussels agreement to be implemented in its entirety. Despite delays in the implementation of that agreement, sources in Brussels told the paper in March that Edita Tahiri, convinced that Thaci will lead the new government, had suggested other topics for talks with Belgrade. “The demarcation of the border between Kosovo and Serbia; air and railroad transport; compensation for war damages; compensation for families of those killed; the issue of missing persons – these are some of the issues proposed by Edita Tahiri, coordinator of technical groups for talks with Serbia,” the source said. Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci told the paper that dialogue is the best way to resolve problems between the two parties and that this is a local and international obligation.
Mustafa: There is no reason for new elections (Botapress)
The heads of the opposition coalition, Isa Mustafa from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Ramush Haradinaj from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), and Fatmir Limaj from the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), have held their regular meeting. After the meeting, Isa Mustafa rejected the possibility of new early elections, adding that the opposition coalition is respecting the laws and constitution. He said he is also having meetings with Vetevendosje.
Haradinaj promises stable government (Lajm)
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) held a regular meeting of its party presidency, the second after the 8 June elections. AAK head Ramush Haradinaj spoke about the latest political developments and about the process of working more closely with coalition partners to form a governing program. The engagement we have undertaken will create a stable and useful future government for Kosovo, said Haradinaj.
AKR demands CEC recounts all votes (Epoka e Re)
The New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) expressed its concern over the voting process which, they claim, resulted in irregularities. AKR said it is currently verifying election results and will decide on future steps depending on the final assessment. AKR urged the Central Election Commission (CEC) to recount all votes as fraud is evident.
UK calls for political maturity (Zeri)
After certification of results, the United Kingdom expects a regular legal process, in line with the constitution, and requests that political parties work together for the benefit of Kosovo, as they pledged during their campaigns. This was stated to the paper by the Embassy of the UK. Regarding negotiations on forming political coalitions, the Embassy notes, “They are a standard part of the democratic process.”
Still no suspects for murder of Pista (Lajm)
The Kosovo police say there are still no suspects or arrests in connection with the murder of Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) candidate Elvis Pista. Law enforcement authorities said that a special team has been established to carry out investigations in connection with this murder.
Kosovo to soon have its own currency (Tribuna)
The paper reports that Kosovo is getting ready to adopt its own currency. The Governor of the Kosovo Central Bank said the idea is currently being considered. Economic experts believe that a Kosovo currency would be necessary for developing monetary policies. But they also warn that the stability of the currency would be challenging to maintain, and it would be almost impossible to circulate a currency that could compete with the euro.