Headlines - 29.01.2013 Jahjaga-Nikolic meeting to encourage new compromises (Koha Ditore) The meeting that could take place next week in Brussels between Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and Serbia’s Tomislav Nikolic is viewed by European officials as an effort by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton to broaden support for new compromises in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. Although there is no official announcement when the meeting will take place, sources from the EU said efforts are underway to make sure both Presidents meet the coming week, definitely before the next round of talks between the Prime Ministers. EU officials hope the meeting between Jahjaga and Nikolic will encourage the Prime Ministers to continue the dialogue in a constructive way and make new compromises. Assembly presidency urges review of Shala appointment (Koha Ditore) Following complaints from several representatives of political parties in Kosovo, the Assembly’s presidency has urged relevant mechanisms to review the procedures that led to the appointment of the new RTK director, Mentor Shala. Head of LDK parliamentary group Ismet Beqiri said that RTK is not up to its task. “RTK is a public broadcaster that is publicly funded and should serve its citizens, not political parties,” said Beqiri. Vetëvendosje representative Visar Ymeri said the appointment of Shala is an affront to the public broadcaster. Ymeri accused Shala of using RTK for corruption. Two months after accusations, Thaçi praises EULEX (Koha Ditore) Two months ago, PM Hashim Thaçi accused EULEX for working in a “hideous,” “shameless”, and “insulting” manner towards the institutions of Kosovo. Now, however, he praised the organization for its close cooperation with Kosovo institutions. During his farewell meeting on Monday with head of mission Xavier Bout de Marnhac, Thaçi praised him for his “personal engagement and dedication […] We expect to work closely with the EU mission in the future to strengthen order, security, and law, especially in northern Kosovo,” said Thaçi.  General’s regret (Express) In an interview for the paper, outgoing head of EULEX Xavier Bout de Marnhac said he regrets that the mission he led did not achieve more results in the north. de Marnhac adds that there has been progress in the region that brough Kosovo closer to the EU. “But I always say that this is a mission for crisis management and, despite the crisis influence, we have achieved a great deal,” said de Marnhac. Speaking about Kosovo’s progress over the last two years, the former French general said one achievement is the start of the dialogue on visa liberalization and between Kosovo and Serbia, which he hopes will resolve many outstanding issues in the north. Beqiri: PDK convention similar to those of North Korea (Express) The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK)’s general secretary Ismet Beqiri compared the recent convention of the ruling Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) to North Korea’s communist regime. Beqiri criticized public broadcaster RTK for censorship. “The public broadcaster should not become PDK’s servant,” Beqiri said.  Against and against (Epoka e Re) According to the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK)’s general secretary Ismet Beqiri, there will be no cooperation between LDK and PDK, despite PDK’s belated efforts to profile themselves as center right. Beqiri said LDK is rightist “on paper, in words, work and proper representation.” Beqiri said LDK wishes to cooperate with Vetëvendosje, despite their differences, adding that the recent meeting between both party leaders is a good indicator. Regarding premature elections, Beqiri said, “LDK’s position is known […] We do not want to enter into premature elections and allow PDK to steal votes.” Decan residents protest in defense of 23 hectares of land (dailies) Decan residents protested yesterday for the second time in two weeks against giving 23 hectares of land to the Decan Monastery. The land used to be owned by two socially-owned enterprises. Nearly 2,000 citizens marched in opposition to what they called a political decision from Milosevic’s era, which will negatively affect their property. Protesters accused local institutions, the President, the Government, and MPs for avoiding the matter. They also called on foreign embassies to resolve the matter. Protesters said they appreciate cultural and religious values but will protect their property at all costs.  Huruglica: Barricades up north impeding customs agreement (Epoka e Re) Naim Huruglica, general director of Kosovo Customs, said the full implementation of the customs agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is being blocked by barricades in the north. Huruglica is optimistic that the customs agreement will be implemented in all border crossings with Serbia. Huruglica also said the customs agreement will help fight smuggling. “The agreement prevents illegal trade or smuggling, and helps legitimate trading,” he said.   South Mitrovica residents want inclusion in fund (Kosova Sot) Mitrovica mayor Avni Kastrati hopes the fund for the north will support regional economic development. The municipality’s finance director, Rrustem Abiti, added Vushtrri will also benefit from the fund.