UNMIK Headlines 17 June
Footnote distinguishes Kosovo in Wachau (dailies)
An asterisk symbol next to the name of Kosovo prime minister and a footnote with the explanation that the status is not prejudged, has distinguished Kosovo from other participating countries in the forum of Wachau in Austria.
According to the Serb news agency Tanjug, both prime ministers except for greeting each other on Sunday, also spoke about their experience in the dialogue that the challenges that await the agreement achieved on 19 April.
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said that in the beginning it was only a technical dialogue and mentioned some of the agreements including Kosovo not to be obstructed in regional organizations, Kosovo diplomas to be recognized and for cadastral documents to be returned. “It is clear that this agreement is a historic achievement, but it is also clear that it requests radical change of the paradigm and the stance vis-a-vis Kosovo. In Belgrade, Kosovo should be seen as a partner and not as an enemy or province of the post-ottoman times,” said Thaçi, during his speech in Wachau and added that “Kosovo should not view Serbia as in the period of 1913 to 1999.”
New compromises for MUP in the north (Zëri)
Zëri reports that authorities in Pristina can make yet another compromise and to give in to the request of Serbia for the inclusion of hundreds of MUP members in Kosovo police in north of Kosovo. This is at least the concern raised by opposition and political analysts in Kosovo who fear that the law for amnesty, which is expected to be approved in Kosovo Assembly, will pardon illegal security structures in the north who are in control of that part for 14 years.
However, Kosovo Government officials assured that the law for amnesty would not be made for north or for the south side, is not relating to a particular ethnic group of a territory and will be applicable for entire Kosovo. Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Hajredin Kuçi, claimed that there will not be any amnesty for criminals and post war secret services. Regarding the inclusion of MUP structures in the Kosovo Police, Kuçi stated that one part of security structures presently acting in the north will be part of Kosovo institutions.
Today, a new chapter opens with Serbia (Epoka e Re)
Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Enver Hoxhaj, said that exchange of liaison officers between Pristina and Belgrade is a great event for the entire region. According to Hoxhaj, this act is a concrete result of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia and the best proof that Serbia is accepting the reality of the independent state of Kosovo. He added that with establishment of the diplomatic missions in Pristina and Belgrade, is a key element towards normalization of the relations between the two countries.
Peci: Normalization, when you recognize Kosovo (Tribuna)
Lulzim Peci, Kosovo’s liaison officer in Serbia, said the full normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade would happen when Serbia recognizes Kosovo. Peci told Serbian media he hopes his stay in Belgrade would be organized based on an agreement reached in Brussels on May 30 for opening channels of communication with all Serbian institutions.
Peci also said one of the main aspects of his work would be the implementation of the Brussels agreement. As far as immunity is concerned, Peci said he would have greater immunity than the diplomatic immunity foreseen in the Vienna Convention. “We will have full or absolute immunity. Our office will operate within the EU office in Belgrade,” he added.
Preshevo Valley demands opening of Kosovo office (Zëri)
Political representatives from Preshevo Valley called on the Kosovo institutions to open an office in the Valley. They expressed disappointment with the Government of Kosovo and legislators who passed a resolution for the Valley but did not specify the need for opening of an office in Bujanovc.
“Our demand is to have reciprocity from the start of agreement’s implementation so that everything granted to Serbs in the north should also be extended to Albanians in the Valley,” said political representative Jonuz Musliu.
Haradinaj: Latest arrests have affected historic argument (dailies)
Alliance for Future of Kosovo leader Ramush Haradinaj stated that latest arrests of former KLA fighters has affected a historic argument, which according to him, is KLA. “The arrests have touched historic arguments, which mean KLA, but I hope they will prove their innocence,” said Haradinaj during a visit to Prekaz.