UNMIK Headlines 1 March
Thaçi fails to report Brussels talks to Assembly (dailies)
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi was unable to report to the Assembly about the last meeting he had with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic in Brussels. Vetëvendosje members prevented him when displaying a banner at the speaker’s stand, which was a map depicting Kosovo and underlining the municipalities under Serbian control.
“When conditions for work are recreated, we will continue,” responded Thaçi, who, instead of returning to the Assembly following the break, read his report on the dialogue during a press conference held at the Government premises. Other parties called on Thaçi to report to the Assembly on Friday saying that it is his duty to do so.
Thaçi: negotiations with Serbia difficult (Koha Ditore)
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said the negotiations he is conducting with Serb Prime Minister Ivica Dacic are difficult for Kosovo and warned that he has to make difficult decisions in the framework of this process. “I am participating in these meetings in the name of Kosovo institutions and Kosovo citizens,” said Thaçi.
IBM begins implementation in Mutivodë, Muçibabë (dailies)
As of yesterday, the Integrated Border Management agreement began the implementation in two additional border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia, Mutivodë and Muçibabë. A Kosovo police officer told Koha Ditore that EULEX is expected to be present in the two border crossings at all times. “There are no customs as the border is closed to commercial goods,” said the officer.
Thaçi, Pacolli negotiate coalition agreement (Zëri)
PDK leader Hashim Thaçi and AKR leader Behgjet Pacolli discussed possible changes to the ruling coalition and the chances of Pacolli’s party to get the lead over the Ministry for Economic Development. Although no agreement was reached, both leaders are expected to continue discussing the issue over the coming days.
Halimi: We want the same rights as Serbs (Epoka e Re)
Riza Halimi, the only Albanian deputy in the Serbian Assembly, said Albanians in Preshevo Valley will request equal treatment with Serbs in the north. “We are standing behind the political platform of 2006; the status for Serbs in the north are applicable to that of Albanians in Serbia, according to the principles of the European Charter,” said Halimi.
Illegal mayor of Mitrovica, Krstimir Pantic, dismissed from post (Zëri)
Krstimir Pantic was dismissed from his post as parallel mayor of Mitrovica by the members of the municipal assembly following his recent appointed as deputy chief of Serbia’s office for Kosovo. Members of the municipal assembly accused Pantic of not heeding the demands and interests of Serbs in northern Kosovo. However, Serb media reported Pantic resigned as he is not legally allowed to hold two official posts.
Another explosion in the north (Kosova Sot)
A powerful explosion occurred in Thursday evening at 22:00 hours in north Mitrovica, but no injuries were reported. According to reports, the home of a Bosniak citizen was the target, who is an employee in the Administrative Office in north Mitrovica. The motives of this attack remain unknown.