UNMIK Headlines 19 May
New recognitions, neither fast nor easy (Koha)
The paper reports on the front page that despite positive developments between Kosovo and some of the five non-recognizing member states of the European Union, it is unrealistic to expect a dramatic change in their position. Citing unnamed sources, the paper further notes that Slovakia will not change its position against Kosovo’s independence soon, Cyprus and Spain will maintain their firm opposition to Kosovo’s statehood, whereas Romania and Greece are more flexible. However, neither Athens nor Bucharest are expected to recognize Kosovo soon.
Reserved seats compensated with inflated number of Serb voters (Koha)
The paper reports that Serbs are trying to compensate for reserved seats by inflating the number of voters in opposition with the constitution and laws of Kosovo. Around 8,000 voters, possessing only Serbian documents, have been included in the preliminary voters’ list. Same as in last year’s municipal elections, the Central Election Commission is assisting in the process by collecting voters applications in Serbia. The paper notes that this action by the CEC is in opposition with the law on elections. Sources told the paper that officials of the CEC Secretariat and the OSCE mission in Pristina visited Serbia on Friday and Saturday. Another visit is planned for Monday. The goal is reportedly to collect applications of Serb voters there.
SHIK empowered in the PDK list (Tribuna)
Democratic Party of Kosovo MPs that were known to be members of the former Kosovo Intelligence Service (SHIK) are now joined by their former chief, Kadri Veseli, in the election race. If candidates like Adem Grabovci, Elmi Recica, Fadil Demaku, Latif Gashi and Bekim Haxhiu manage to win sufficient votes, they will most likely have their former superior Veseli in the new mandate of the parliament.
However, apart from Veseli who is the second in the PDK list, the other former SHIK members have not received prominent spots with the former head of the party’s parliamentary group, Adem Grabovci, being 29 on the list.
Ceku: KSF ready to deploy in Serbia and Bosnia (dailies)
Kosovo Security Force Minister, Agim Ceku, said they are waiting for an invitation from Serbia and Bosnia to deploy their troops and assist authorities there with the recent floods. “The Kosovo Security Force is ready to help all those in need of help in the region. We are ready, if they need our help. It is a humanitarian issue, we have no reservations in our relations with countries, despite the fact that they have not recognized us. When people’s lives are at stake, we are ready to intervene,” Ceku said.
BIK: Don’t campaign in mosques! (Lajm)
The presidency of the Islamic Community of Kosovo (BIK) said it remains committed to fulfill the right of education and employment of Albanian females wearing headscarves in Kosovo public institutions. BIK called on all political parties not to campaign in mosques and other buildings of this institution.
BIK also expressed opposition to the march against homophobia held in Pristina on Saturday. “The Islamic Community once again distances itself from this phenomenon that is degenerating, denigrating and is not in line with the natural pattern of human kind and is against the lessons of God, religious principles, healthy tradition of society and healthy family,” said the BIK reaction.
Two agreements signed with Serbia (Epoka e Re)
Kosovo Business Alliance has signed for the first time cooperation agreements with counterparts in Serbia. The first agreement has been signed with the Innovative Energetic Center Teslianum in Belgrade and the second with Serbian Chamber of Commerce for the region of Kragujevc.