UNMIK Headlines 15 December
Talks reach dead-end because of judiciary (Kosova Sot)
The most delicate point of talks between Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels is the part of the agreement on the reactivation of the court in Mitrovica in accordance with Kosovo laws. Legal and constitutional experts in Pristina argue that a basic court in the northern part of Mitrovica would de jure open the chapter of the creation of a Republika Srpska within Kosovo’s territory.
Legal expert Mazllum Baraliu said Belgrade’s request for a basic court in northern Mitrovica is highly detrimental and it would go against Kosovo’s constitutional and legal arrangements. “The judicial system must be united and operate based on the law on courts … Pristina should not allow any compromise or amendment to the law, it should not allow asymmetric or special courts for only one community, because this would be against our constitution,” Baraliu added.
Rasic: Kosovo leaders in favor of reserved seats (Kosova Sot)
Labor and Social Welfare Minister, Nenad Rasic, and the leader of the parliamentary group Joint Future, Goran Marinkovic, on Saturday repeated their public request for another two mandates for reserved parliamentary seats for minority communities. Rasic and Marinkovic told reporters the adoption of this request would conclude the integration of Serbs in Kosovar society.
Rasic said the lobbying group has received support from international stakeholders and from leaders of the biggest political parties in Kosovo. Rasic said the only political group that was against their request was the Vetevendosje Movement.
Rasic also said that the Serb community always played a constructive role in Parliament, “and no one should view our request as an attempt to block the parliament’s work”.
Simic: Romania and Greece, close to recognizing Kosovo (Kosova Sot)
Predrag Simic, professor at Belgrade’s Faculty for Political Sciences, said the report of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will be positive, despite disagreements on the judiciary.
Simic said Serbia has the support of EU member states that have not recognized Kosovo’s independence, but added that this support is growing weaker. “It seems these countries are under pressure, because they are accused of ruining unity. News are coming in from Romania and Greece that they are considering recognizing Kosovo’s independence,” Simic added.