UNMIK Headlines 24 January
Opposition: SAA, result of dialogue with Serbia (Epoka e Re)
Opposition representatives in Parliament on Thursday criticised the government for the lack of progress in negotiations for the Stabilization/Association Agreement with the European Union. They argued that the SAA with Kosovo is different than with other regions; it came as a result of the dialogue and the compromises with Serbia. Kosovo’s European Integration Minister Vlora Citaku rejected the argument, saying that the SAA is just like agreements with EU countries. She added that Kosovo expects to conclude the SAA by late February.
Osmani: No visa liberalisation with Thaçi government (Koha)
LDK MP Vjosa Osmani said on Thursday that Kosovo’s European integration process was filled with empty promises and lacked concrete political actions. According to Osmani, Kosovo will receive visa liberalisation when the current government steps down. Osmani also criticized the government of being unable to carry out necessary reforms. “As a result of the government’s political irresponsibility, the process of European integration has degraded,” she added.
Without Russia and Serbia, status is undefined! (Zeri)
In a second part of an interview for the paper, German Ambassador Peter Blomeyer said Kosovars cannot escape the reality and that many issues related to status remain unresolved until Serbia and Russia recognise Kosovo’s independence.
Blomeyer spoke of the risk Kosovo faces from the growth of radical Islamic groups. He said such groups should not be underestimated because, although currently small, they could increase over time.
Commenting on the economy, Blomeyer said that the withdrawal of serious Western investors – especially Germans – has seriously damaged Kosovo’s image. He also expressed outrage over the failure of privatising Kosovo Post and Telecom.
Brussels meetings continue (Tribuna)
Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri traveled to Brussels to continue with the technical dialogue, prior to the meeting of the Prime Ministers on 28 January. A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, informed that she traveled with the Director of KOSTT, Naim Bejtullahu: “The key focus of the meetings will be the issue of accelerating the process of implementing the Brussels Agreement on energy, which was reached on 8 September 2013.”
U.S. general: EULEX should stay! (Tribuna)
NATO SACEUR, General Philip Breedlove, said the downsizing of KFOR troops in Kosovo should be according to the conditions on the ground, and not based on timelines. In an interview for Radio Free Europe, Breedlove said EULEX should continue its work in Kosovo. “EULEX has a big role to play. It is the second biggest stakeholder in northern Mitrovica and this is an important role. Its capacities in the courts, justice and police are very important to our success. It is crucial that EULEX stays and continues its progress,” Breedlove said.
Pantic running for mayor again after causing extraordinary elections (Koha)
Former candidate of Srpska List, Krstimir Pantic, who led the municipality to extraordinary elections, will run again. Even though he refused to take the oath as mayor of Mitrovica North, Pantic announced that he is a candidate on 23 February. The Central Election Commission members said that this is orchestrated by Serbia’s Government, with the intention to transform Mitrovica North in a center of the so-called Association/Union of Serb Municipalities. Pantic expects to have a meeting with Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic to officialise his candidature.
Bosnia and Herzegovina changes its position (Tribuna)
The decision of the Kosovo Government to establish a visa regime for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina caused concern. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country in the world where Kosovo citizens cannot travel, since the Bosnian-Serb-Croatian federation does not recognise Kosovo documents. One day after the decision made by Kosovo to establish a visa regime for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, officials of this state stressed that a solution must be found. “Bosnia and Herzegovina should make some progress on relations with Kosovo. With our businessmen working in Kosovo, I hope that we will resolve this issue,” stated member of the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Izetbegovic.