UNMIK Headlines 9 May
Kadri Veseli elected leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (media)
All media report that Kadri Veseli, President of the Kosovo Assembly, has been elected leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the biggest political party in Kosovo. In his address to the PDK convention, Veseli highlighted the successes of his party, most notably the establishment of institutions, the declaration of Kosovo’s independence, the construction of roads, visa liberalization and Kosovo’s membership of the UEFA. “The PDK is a political organization with a crucial role in all democratic processes. It is the driving force toward freedom, democracy and state-building. I will work together with you to maintain PDK’s role as a driving force for economic development and European integration,” Veseli said. He also said he would engage in fighting corruption, securing the independence of the judiciary and economic development. “We need to upgrade our legal culture and have more courage to denounce every case of corruption. Economic development and the rule of law must go hand-in-hand,” Veseli added. Koha Ditore notes in its coverage that Veseli was elected party leader without a counter-candidate and without a single vote against.
New personalities to join PDK soon (Zeri)
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) parliamentary group chief, Adem Grabovci, said on Sunday that many personalities are expected to join the PDK soon. According to him, there are many requests to join the PDK’s vision for a better Kosovo. “PDK has a spirit of internal debate. This was shown during the general convention over the weekend where delegates had the opportunity to express their concerns. I hope this will serve as an example to other parties. We have many requests from people who want to join our party,” Grabovci said.
NISMA: Vetevendosje supporters to join 14 May protest (Telegrafi)
Senior official from the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) Bilall Sherifi said he believed many of Vetevendosje supporters will join the 14 May anti-government protest called by NISMA and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK). Sherifi said he cannot imagine how Vetevendosje supporters would sit at home and not protest against the current government. “I think Vetevendosje has still time to join the protests. It still has time to call on its members, sympathizers and supporters to take part in the protest”, said Sherifi.
Visa liberalization, an “opportunity” for new departures from Kosovo (Koha)
The paper quotes civil society representatives as saying that Kosovo citizens could take advantage of the visa liberalization proposed by the European Commission to remain in EU member states and that one part of society will be disappointed by the process. Civil society representatives also recalled the experiences of other countries in the early phases of visa liberalization and the evidence that some people from those countries had migrated to the EU.
Nikolic: Constitution of Serbia preamble will not be changed (Telegrafi)
President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic said that even if the country’s constitution is changed, the preamble declaring Kosovo part of Serbia will not. “I know exactly what we will not change and that is the preamble stating Kosovo and Metohija is an integral part of Serbia. This is a process no one would wish to undertake”, said Nikolic.
Pahor: Western Balkans, a natural ground for EU enlargement (media)
Several media quote Slovenian President, Borut Pahor, as saying that the Western Balkans is a natural ground for the enlargement of the European Union. In his address at a security conference in Budva, Montenegro, Pahor said that due to the sensitivity in the region, the enlargement process should not be only a technical process but also a serious political process. Pahor also said that enlargement depends on the commitment toward the EU and NATO and the unconditional engagement of every country in the region to resolve outstanding issues that may hamper the successful conclusion of negotiations.