Headlines-17.01.2015

Intelligence chief resigns (dailies)

The head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), Bashkim Smakaj, resigned from his post on Friday. Media report that Smakaj made this step at the request of Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. Dailies report that Mustafa’s decision to remove Smakaj from his post as KIA chief is one of the actions that PM is undertaking to “clean the agency from dubious elements.” The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hashim Thaci is insisting that Smakaj be appointed as Kosovo Ambassador to Japan.

Mustafa: Jablanovic's statement was reckless (Zeri)

Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, assessed as immature the statement of Minister for Communities and Returns, Aleksandar Jablanovic, who, according to Zeri,  insulted the families of missing persons, calling them "beasts". "We think that Jablanovic's statement was reckless,” said Mustafa. “But we have to keep in mind that the minister has publicly clarified his statement and his position," he added. Mustafa didn’t mention the possibility to dismiss Jablanovic from his post.

Zbogar: Don't appoint militants (Zeri)

The Head of the European Union Office and EU Special Representative to Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar, met on Friday the mayor of Pristina, Shpend Ahmeti. Zbogar said that the European Commission will support projects for the Municipality of Pristina, but he asked from Ahmeti to appoint competent people on important posts."It is crucial to have competent people running the projects. Since they are difficult projects and involve difficult activities that need competent people to run them. Mayor has all our support in trying to achieve that," said Zbogar.

Gracanica elections - four prosecutors on duty (Zeri)

Zeri reports that the State Prosecution appointed four prosecutors that will be on duty for Gracanica extraordinary elections on 18 January. The Coordinator for National Elections, Laura Pula, said that the four prosecutors are committed to prevent irregularities in order to protect the citizens’ right to vote.

Kuci and Cliff discuss judiciary’s priority issues (Bota Sot)

Minister of Justice, Hajredin Kuci, met on Friday with the British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ian Cliff. Kuci and Cliff discussed the priority issues of the judiciary, the main challenges and how to restore the confidence of Kosovo people in the justice system.