UNMIK Headlines 4 January
Veseli insists on dialogue, opposition demands government’s resignation (Koha)
The paper reports on its front page that although it was thought that the decision of the Constitutional Court on the agreement on Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities would resolve the crisis, it did not happen. The government refuses to renegotiate the agreement, saying that the constitutionality of the agreement will be restored with the government decree and the statute of the Association/Community. President of the Assembly, Kadri Veseli, told the paper that the current crises must be overcome only through political dialogue. Meanwhile, the opposition is preparing for protest on 9 January, saying they will not stop until the resignation of the government. Driton Caushi, senior member of the Vetevendosje Movement, told the paper that the most legitimate request is the resignation of the government and that it will be the main request of the upcoming protests.
Delawie: Special court to try individuals, not the KLA (Zeri)
The United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Greg Delawie, told the paper that the special court for war crimes is not being established to judge the fight for freedom, but only some individuals. He recalls Dick Marty's report, saying that "there is a relatively small number of individuals mentioned in this report.” He also said that the United States supports the special court. “The idea of this court is that it will prosecute a small number of individuals, who are accused of having committed specific crimes,” In regards to visa liberalization report, Delawie said that the report was relatively positive and that now, Kosovo has to fulfill the remaining eight criteria in order to move forward in this regard.
O’Connell: Opposition’s actions, not democratic (KosovaPress)
The United Kingdom Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, told KosovaPress that Kosovo’s main problems are corruption, organized crime, unemployment and economic development. He also said that the opposition’s actions in the Assembly are not democratic. According to him, the only way to resolve the political crisis is through dialogue. O'Connell said that during 2015 Kosovo had many challenges and tough decisions to make. He mentioned the special court for war crimes as a sign that Kosovo can take responsibilities. Another important issue, according to him, was the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, which indicates that Kosovo can be treated like any other European state. But, he reiterated that Kosovo’s main problem remains the fight against corruption. “I haven’t seen much work in this direction so far,” he added.
Government condemns the desecration of catholic cemetery (dailies)
The government of Kosovo through a press release strongly condemned the desecration of a catholic cemetery in Romaje village in the Has region, Prizren. “Desecration of cemeteries is a criminal act, which, despite the isolated efforts, will not achieve to hinder the religious tolerance amongst Kosovo citizens. The government is grateful to law enforcement authorities who are doing their work to shed light on this incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” reads the press release. Also Kosovo President Atifeete Jahajga condemned the attack and called on the relevant authorities to resolve the case as soon as possible.