Headlines - 26.06.2014

Scenario for a broad-based technical government (Bota Sot)

An international report in Kosovo, that is being circulated among western diplomats, warns about a dangerous situation in Kosovo and the possibility of political destabilization. Tema newspaper claims to have seen a copy of the document that supports the creation of a broad-based technical government with a clear European agenda. This government would have to complete election reforms and make constitutional amendments, especially for the election of the president and the government. The government is also expected to adopt three laws related to the future special court for war crimes. The document also notes that continuing dialogue with Serbia and the implementation of agreements reached so far should be a priority for the new government. The establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipality would also be given special attention.

Constitutional Court to announce ruling in July (Zeri)

The paper reports on page five that in the first week of July the Constitutional Court is expected to announce its ruling on which political party is entitled to try and form the new government. Citing unnamed sources, the Constitutional Court will give priority to Article 95, and in this case, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) will have 15 days to form the government. “If the PDK fails to do so, then the chance will be given to the second biggest party, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), to try and form the government,” a source from the Constitutional Court told the paper.

Mustafa ready for coalition with PDK? (Lajm)

The paper argues that Isa Mustafa, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), seems ready to “betray” the opposition bloc. Citing sources in the LDK, the paper reports that Mustafa is ready to pave the way to a coalition with the PDK.

Serwer: Vetëvendosje could change its position on dialogue (Bota Sot)

US analyst Daniel Serwer stated that Vetëvendosje could change its position on the dialogue with Serbia. He said any government that would be created in accordance with the Constitution, will be supported by the international community. He said he was surprised by the refusal of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and the Initiative for Kosovo (Nisma) to cooperate with Thaçi. He added that these three parties had different positions in the past. Asked about the current role of Vetëvendosje and its position on the dialogue, Serwer said their position towards the dialogue could change. “They were not always constructive in the past; however, the responsibilities of government are different from those of the opposition,” said Serwer.

Jahjaga: Good neighborly relations are not built by barricades (Epoka)

Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga said on Wednesday that Kosovo’s path toward the European Union depends on its ability to build good neighborly relations, including respect for the values and integrity of respective countries. “Good relations are not built only by signing agreements, but also through their implementation. They cannot be built through barricades. Meaningful dialogue can help remove obstacles that prevent cooperation,” Jahjaga said at the meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) which is being held in Romania. In a separate box, the paper notes that President Jahjaga wrote on her Facebook profile that “the SEECP endorsed the declaration which makes Kosovo an equal participant of this process at all levels.”

British embassy: Barricade can be removed through dialogue (Koha)

British representatives in Pristina have called for dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade as a way to end the period of barricades which prevent the free movement of people. Myrna Macgregor, media officer at the British Embassy in Pristina, condemned the recent violent protest in Mitrovica and said she hopes the perpetrators will face justice. “We understand the disappointment of the local population with the existence of barriers and we call on all parties to work together in dialogue in order to find a solution that will end the era of barricades and allow all citizens to move freely,” she added.

Kosovo government writes to Rakic (Kosova Sot)

Officials from the Kosovo government said that the Ministry of Local Government Administration has sent a letter to the mayor of Mitrovica North, Goran Rakic, stating that the reinstatement of barricades is in violation of Kosovo laws, and as such, the barriers need to be removed. Government officials said that EU pressure on Serbia for removing the barricade has been steadily increasing.

Rexhepi: Serbian gendarmerie, a frequent visitor in the north (Koha)

Kosovo’s outgoing Interior Minister, Bajram Rexhepi, said in an interview for KTV on Wednesday that the Serbian gendarmerie is often present in the northern part of Kosovo. Arguing that Kosovo is incapable of preventing this, Rexhepi also said that it is KFOR’s task not to allow the Serbian gendarmerie to enter Kosovo’s territory. Rexhepi also said Kosovo is incapable of removing the Peace Park on the Iber/Ibar Bridge and suggested that Brussels should apply pressure on Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic to remove the barricade. According to Rexhepi, the barricade can be removed in 24 hours and that if that is delayed it can lead to further tensions.

SITF to be asked to elaborate on its investigations (Tribuna)

When the lead prosecutor of the EU Special Investigative Task Force (SITF), Clint Williamson, visits Kosovo in July, he will receive a specific request, the paper reports on the front page. Kosovo institutions and SITF-supporting countries consider that a detailed report of investigations into organ trafficking allegations made in the Council of Europe (CoE) report is the only way to shed light on all doubts that have emerged from the document. Williamson is therefore expected to be asked to provide a detailed report so that there is clarification on whether charges like the trafficking of organs, arms and drugs, had any truth to them.

Red Cross accused of manipulating Serbs’ votes (Kosova Sot)

The paper claims to have received testimonies of five Kosovo Serbs who allege that their identities were misused in the 8 June elections, as they never voted. The five persons have already filed a complaint with the Kragujevac basic court and it is suspected that the Serbian Red Cross was involved in manipulating votes of displaced Serbs.

Pavicevic banned from entering Kosovo (Lajm)

Marko Djuric, head of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, criticized Kosovo authorities on Wednesday for banning Dejan Pavicevic, Serbia’s liaison officer, from entering Kosovo. Kosovo’s outgoing Interior Minister, Bajram Rexhepi, told Indeksonline that Kosovo authorities have their reasons for banning Pavicevic.

Nenad Rasic’s party makes complaint (Lajm)

A member of the steering committee of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDS), Goran Marinkovic, said yesterday that, after the official announcement of parliamentary elections, his party will make a complaint to the relevant Kosovo institutions. The complaint will be made, because, according to this party, there were serious flaws in the voting of 8 June.