Headlines-31.10.2015

Opposition will not participate in the session for SAA’s ratification (dailies)

The opposition leaders decided that the opposition MPs will not participate on the Assembly session on Monday when it is expected the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA). Vetevendosje Movement spokesperson, Frasher Krasniqi, said that the opposition took this decision because according to them, the agreement is not complete. However, Krasniqi said that the opposition will not block the session. “Since the contractual relation with the EU is very important, the opposition will not block the session,” Krasniqi said.  He added that the opposition leaders will hold a press conference on Monday where they will further explain their stance regarding the SAA.

SAA might be suspended if agreements with Serbia are not implemented (Koha)

Through the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA), Kosovo is committed to implement all the agreements signed so far with Serbia and to negotiate all the contentious issues. Withdrawal from each agreement might result in the suspension of the SAA by the European Union, Koha Ditore writes today. These issues are addressed in the SAA document signed this week in Strasbourg between Kosovo and the EU.

Government approves initiation of procedures for special court’s HQ (dailies)

Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, during the government meeting yesterday presented the initiation of procedures for an interim agreement with the Netherlands regarding the special court for war crimes. "Special court’s establishment in The Hague, Netherlands, requires an agreement between the two countries,” Thaci said. “Based on this initiative, we will establish a working group that will lead the negotiations to conclude this process. The working group will be led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while its members will be representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kosovo Assembly, and representatives from the President’s Office,” he added. The government of Kosovo approved this initiative.

Selimi: We are committed to stop the Association (Epoka e Re)

Vetevendosje Movement MP Rexhep Selimi, in an interview with the paper said that the key to political and institutional stability in Kosovo is in the hands of the Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. He said that the best solution for all parties is the suspension of the agreement on Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities. Selimi said that after the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, the opposition will continue to block the work of the Assembly, saying that the more the government will insist, the greater will be the reaction of the opposition. "We will not step back as a result of pressure from the government. We are committed to stop this Association,” Selimi said.