UNMIK Headlines 3 September
Kosovo government welcomes ratification of SAA (dailies)
The government of Kosovo welcomed the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) by the Kosovo Assembly yesterday. "The Government considers this a very important decision for the state and its citizens, which paves the way for further integration processes of Kosovo in the European Union. The SAA establishes the foundation of contractual relations between Kosovo and the EU, which is a very good opportunity to undertake reforms to strengthen the rule of law, create conditions for economic development, deepen economic and trade cooperation with EU countries and a versatile approach for Kosovo with European standards and values,” reads the press release issued by the government.
“SAA to serve as opportunity to resort to dialogue in the Assembly” (Koha)
In the first part of an interview for the paper, Samuel Zbogar, Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, says that the ratification of the Stabilization/Association Agreement (SAA), can help resolve internal political problems and should also serve as an opportunity for political parties to resort to dialogue. “The Kosovo Assembly will play a crucial role in the quick implementation of the SAA, by adopting the necessary legislation and performing its oversight duties. Therefore, I call on all political parties to use the SAA as an opportunity to resort to political dialogue and to reaffirm their commitment to European values through deeds and not only words,” he said. Zbogar added that strong and efficient institutions are crucial for the successful implementation of the SAA. Among the biggest challenges, Zbogar mentioned the independence and capacity of judicial institutions, “which require further strengthening”, as the only way to combat corruption and organized crime. Asked if the EU would suspend the SAA if Kosovo were to eventually withdraw from one of the agreements with Serbia, Zbogar said he was confident that Kosovo will respect all agreements “because this is a matter of Kosovo’s credibility in implementing international obligations”.
Delawie: SAA to bring real benefits for Kosovo (dailies)
The United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Greg Delawie, after the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) by the Kosovo Assembly yesterday, said that the SAA would bring real benefits for Kosovo. “Congrats to Kosovo on ratifying the Stabilization and Association Agreement - a major step forward that will bring real benefits to the country,” Delawie said.
Tahiri: United Mitrovica, on its way (Epoka e Re)
Definition of the administrative borders between the northern and southern municipalities of Mitrovica has become a subject of discussions between the local and central government. Kosovo’s Minister for Dialogue, Edita Tahiri, informed that the Ministry of Spatial Planning will soon sign a memorandum with the two mayors of the Mitrovica North and South municipalities, which would confirm the regulative municipal plan. However, the mayor of the Mitrovica North municipality, Goran Rakic, has requested definition of these borders according to the statute of the northern municipality, according to which, Kroi i Vitakut belongs to the northern municipality. He stated that they will not support the memorandum. Tahiri said on Monday that Rakic’s statement for a greater Mitrovica should not be taken as a provocation, because “he is well known for irrational statements.” She called on Rakic not to deal with politics which do not help him and the municipality that he leads, but with the problems of the people. She added that a united Mitrovica is on its way being that revitalization of the bridge and removal of the barricade has started.
Tanin: UNMIK not involved in Kosovo’s UNESCO bid (Klan Kosova)
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Kosovo, Zahir Tanin, met on Monday in Belgrade with the Director of the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric. During the meeting, Djuric stressed the importance of continuing good cooperation between his office and UNMIK. “UNMIK plays a crucial role with its regular reports to the Secretary General and members of the United Nations. It is also important that this mission, working in the framework of the Resolution 1244, provides prerequisites for a status-neutral dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina,” Djuric said. UNMIK chief Tanin said that UNMIK supports the dialogue between the parties with the aim of full normalization of relations and stability in the region. Tanin also said that UNMIK was not involved in Kosovo’s bid to join UNESCO.
Crucial week for UNESCO membership (Zeri)
The paper reports that today in Paris will start the meeting of the UNESCO General Assembly, which will last until 18 November. The voting process for the recommendation of the Executive Board on Kosovo’s full acceptance in this organization is expected to take place on 9 November. From today, Kosovo enters the final week of lobbying for joining UNESCO. Kosovo political officials are expected to hold multiple meetings this week to persuade member states to vote in favour of Kosovo. Kosovo needs to receive at least 130 votes out of 195 members of the General Assembly.
Prosecution extends deadline for opposition MPs to report to police (Koha)
Citing unidentified sources, the paper reports that the Basic Prosecution in Pristina is expected to extend for the deadline for opposition MPs to report to the police in relation to their conduct during sessions of the Kosovo Assembly. Vetevendosje MPs, Albin Kurti, Albulena Haxhiu and Faton Topalli, and AAK MP Donika Kadaj-Bujupi, will reportedly have another four to five days to report to the police, before the court is asked to issue arrest warrants against them.