UNMIK Headlines 16 April
Compromise on police, court and KSF could be requested (dailies)
Koha Ditore quotes diplomatic sources in Brussels saying that in an effort to make the agreement acceptable for Serbia, Pristina could be requested to make one more step towards a compromise regarding composition of police in the north, the appeals court and non-deployment of KSF for some time in the north. However, the ball remains in Belgrade’s court as it did not yet clarify what it thinks of “continuing the dialogue”.
Diplomatic sources said that it will be known by Tuesday if there is a reason for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton to visit Belgrade. Ultimately, Belgrade should say exactly what it thinks of the request for the continuation of the dialogue.
Meanwhile, Lajm quotes sources saying that Ashton’s visit to the region is for getting the views of the Balkans countries on the current situation. Sources also said that Ashton will visit Kosovo on 17 April if Belgrade shifts from its present position.
Krasniqi asks the EU to recognise Kosovo’s cooperation (Koha Ditore)
Kosovo Assembly Speaker Jakup Krasniqi said that the readiness and cooperation of the Kosovo Government to achieve an agreement for the normalization of relations with Serbia should be taken into account by the EU. He said that Kosovo should not be victimized as a result of Serbia’s daily politics. “Kosovo was quite cooperative in these talks and the EU should appreciate this. However, institutions and democracy in Kosovo should do much more to step up the road to EU integrations,” Krasniqi said after the meeting of the Assembly’s presidency.
Çeku: Kosovo wants peaceful solution for the north (Koha Ditore)
Kosovo Security Force Minister Agim Çeku said the Force will not undertake forceful actions to take control over the four northern municipalities. “KSF serves all citizens, regardless of ethnic background. We are very much committed to increase the number of Serbs within the KSF and I am certain that the Serb community will gradually change its perception,” said Çeku.
Hoxhaj receives support from German Bundestag (dailies)
During an official visit to Germany, Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj received support of the German Bundestag. Hoxhaj urged members of all political groups in the Bundestag to support Kosovo’s European perspective and not link it to the epilogue of talks with Serbia. Kosovo has had a very serious and constructive approach in this dialogue. Therefore, regardless of its epilogue, the European Union should begin a dialogue on the SAA with the Republic of Kosovo,” Hoxhaj said.
No agreement on election reform (Koha Ditore)
The latest meeting between the leaders of the main political parties in Kosovo failed to result in an agreement on election reform. The only thing that the leaders agreed on is the composition of the Central Election Commission which will include 70 percent of opposition representatives, 20 from ruling parties and the other 10 from minority communities.
Kuçi: No early elections (Epoka e Re)
Deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Hajredin Kuçi said there is no reason for early elections. “PDK will respect any political agreement and democratic legitimacy, which comes from the citizens. There is no position, either from us or from the opposition, for early elections as there is no reason for national elections,” said Kuçi, adding that if other political parties decide otherwise, the PDK is ready for early elections. In such a case, Kuçi predicted that PDK would again come first while not rejecting any party for coalition, not even Vetëvendosje.
Coalition with parties, only under the LDK leadership (Koha Ditore)
LDK would only accept coalitions with other parties under its leadership. This was said on Monday in the meeting between LDK head Isa Mustafa and Kosovo Bosniak representatives. “We are going to be very clear that we are going into elections as LDK, and all of those who are going with us in the elections will be going under LDK, because we are convinced that we will win elections,” said Mustafa. Bosnian community representatives, Rasim Demiri, Sadik Idriz and Duda Balje, were informed on the cooperation in local and national elections and local elections reform.
Gjakova Mayor Lekaj “confiscates” the paper (Zëri)
Gjakova Mayor Pal Lekaj confiscated Zëri after it reported on land expropriation by the municipality. Lekaj dismissed reports that he is being investigated for his actions but this did not stop him from engaging municipal staff to go out to the city kiosks and collect all paper’s editions to prevent citizens from reading about the alleged misuses.