EU strengthens SAA conditions for Kosovo (Koha Ditore)

Marathon discussions dates were not provided for the start of negotiations to any of Balkan states, including Macedonia and Serbia for the EU accession and Kosovo for the SAA. A timeframe, however, was provided that opens the possibility for negotiations to begin in the first half of the coming year. All formulations were removed from the conclusions for Kosovo, which were requested by EU member states that do not recognize the independence of Kosovo.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stephan Fuele was more positive when reading the conclusions for Kosovo and Serbia. He had good words for the present government of Serbia and hopes that “Kosovo will fulfill short term conditions in order that the decision for the start of SAA agreement negotiations to be taken during next presidential term.” The next presidential term of the EU from 1 January until 31 June will be led by Ireland. 

Pristina against talks without facilitators (Zëri)

Kosovo Government officials rejected the announcement of the EU Special Representative Samuel Zbogar that Serbia and Kosovo could soon begin communicating directly without any facilitation. Government officials consider it is too soon to begin talking to Serbia without any outside mediation.

Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi said such a thing would not be possible until a peace treaty is reached with Serbia. “One a Peace Treaty between our two countries is reached, we can contact without mediators. Until that time, we need the assistance from the EU and US,” said Kuçi. 

Mustafa gives ground again (Koha Ditore)

Five months ago, LDK leader Isa Mustafa hoped that Hashim Thaçi would change his words and respect the political agreement for constitutional and election reforms. Thaçi said that presidential elections and parliamentary elections would be held according to the constitutional timeline and not according to the time frame foreseen by the agreement, Koha Ditore reports on page three.

Mustafa however initiated the latest meeting between political leaders to discuss election reforms. He said an agreement would be reached with Thaçi on election reforms. “I can tell you that despite statements about divergences, in internal discussions we noticed that important steps have been made, there is approximation among political parties, but we cannot expect that two or three meetings will solve these issues. There will be an agreement. I think this is our mutual responsibility,” Mustafa said. 

Fitou: Do not forgive thieves (Koha Ditore)

In his last interview before leaving his post in Kosovo, French ambassador Jean Francois Fitou said that the entire society in Kosovo should be engaged in the fight against corruption and this cannot only be done by EULEX. According to Fitou, no one is asking for Kosovo to have less crime than EU member states but noted that certain acts like stealing peoples’ money and building castles from it cannot be forgiven. “Some things should pass but there are some that should never be forgotten,” said the French diplomat, adding that individuals who are misusing taxpayers’ money are not only committing a morally reprehensible act but are also hindering the country’s economic progress.

Asked what is he leaving behind, Fitou answered, “I am leaving behind a new country with many open issues with a yet undefined future.”

Selimi: Serbia recognized border (Epoka e Re)

In an interview for the paper, Behar Selimi, former director of Kosovo’s Border Police, said the start of the implementation of the agreement on Integrated Border Management (IBM) implies that Serbia has recognized the state border of the Republic of Kosovo. “I think Serbia has silently recognized the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo, namely its borders,” Selimi is quoted as saying. He also said that every statement made in Serbia about this issue should be seen as an attempt to calm tensions among Serbs who are manipulated and deceived by the political elite in Belgrade. 

Ready for coalition (Express)

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj, visited Peja on Tuesday, where he once again confirmed that he is ready for the coalition with the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). He even promised to Paja citizens that from the next year, the Peja Pristina motorway will be repaired as well as from Gjergjica to Kievë. He stressed that he is ready to take over governing responsibilities for the benefit of the country and for a better Government. “We have got close with the Government to take over new responsibilities. I unite for a new initiative. We have a lot of work to do but many opportunities too,” he said. 

Vetëvendosje: US ambassador damaged us (Express)

Vetëvendosje reacted towards the statements of the US Ambassador, who said that Albin Kurti threatened former US Secretary Of State Madeline Albright. They say that they have never written to Albright, but claim that their activists have only opposed privatization.

Deputy Head of Vetëvendosje Shpend Ahmeti said Tracey Ann Jacobson's statements are damaging. “I think that this harms Vetëvendosje movement when she makes these statements. Absolutely this is damaging, because people say now that we believe to America,” said Ahmeti for Klan Kosova. Ahmeti said that messages from Kosovo for former Secretary of State have sent activists of Vetëvendosje in their capacity as citizens and not as a party. “We have sent messages, but not as Vetëvendosje movement, but as citizens and activist of Vetëvendosje movement, we have raised our concerns in connection with the privatization of post and for the fact that this is being done from a corrupted and blackmailed government,” said Ahmeti. 

Varga recalls Kosovo always being a condition for Serbia (dailies)

Laso Varga, deputy chairman of the Council for European Integration of the Serbian Parliament, said the public in Serbia has found out that the process of European integration and Kosovo are not separate issues and that progress toward the EU depends on the resolution of the other issue. In an interview for Dnevnik, Varga said the EU expects the full implementation of the agreement with Pristina and a situation where there will be no open issues. 

“Kleçka” case to start all over again (dailies)

Papers report that the Supreme Court of Kosovo has ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request to have the so-called “Kleçka” case go on retrial. The accused, including former minister Fatmir Limaj, were indicted for suspicion of having committed war crimes against the civilian population and war prisoners. Although the District Court in Pristina had in March acquitted six of the accused, the Supreme Court ruled that the testimonies of the key witness, known as witness X, are admissible.

Maryse Daviet hands over credential letters (Express)

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, has received the credential letters from the Ambassador of the Republic of France, Maryse Daviet. A press release from the Presidency informs that Jahjaga welcomed the new Ambassador and valued highly the friendship between Kosovo and France. She also expressed appreciation for the support ofFrancein all democratic processes and international consolidation towards the Euro Atlantic integrations.

Ambassador Daviet is pleased to be nominated as Ambassador to Kosovo, since she has experience in the region . She offered the support of France on Kosovo’s road towards integration in the European Union. Daivet also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Enver Hoxhaj.