UNMIK Headlines 11 May
Dialogue to resume after establishment of Serbian government (Kosova Sot)
The EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade will not resume until the new government of Serbia is established, reports the paper. The Spokesperson for the EU Foreign Affairs High Representative Federica Mogherini, Maja Kocijancic, said that the two parties have been informed of the decision and were called on to respect the agreements reached so far.
Delawie: Kosovo is fulfilling the European agenda (dailies)
The United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Greg Delawie, said on Tuesday that the U.S. will continue to support Kosovo throughout its development and European integration. He also said that the European Commission’s recommendation for visa liberalization is a clear indication that Kosovo institutions are fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations towards the citizens. Delawie made these comments during a meeting with the newly elected leader of Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Kadri Veseli.
Abdullahu: Government reshuffling not a priority (RTK)
Kosovo Government spokesperson, Faton Abdullahu, told Radio Kosova on Tuesday that there are no new developments in the reshuffling of the government and that this is not a priority for Prime Minister Isa Mustafa. He said there needs to be a distinction between the filling of government posts and reshuffling as the second is a much more complex process which requires coordination between coalition partners and can only be undertaken under the initiative of PM Mustafa.
PDK officials discuss border demarcation with local residents (Kosovapress)
The head of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) parliamentary caucus, Adem Grabovci, along with several MPs of his party met yesterday with residents of the villages along the Kosovo-Montenegro borderline who are opposing the border demarcation agreement. Grabovci assured the residents that their interests will not be affected and that the issue is being treated with outmost seriousness by the Kosovo institutions. He said that no matter how sensitive the border demarcation issue is, “we will not permit the manipulation of your will”. The residents complained that the borderline outlined in the agreement is not in accordance with any of the previous years and that according to the new deal, their forefathers’ cemeteries will be in the Montenegrin territory.
Kurti’s ambition goes beyond the borders (Zeri)
The paper reports in a front-page story that Albin Kurti’s participation in the protest against the government in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is seen as a clear sign of his ambitions to be the leader of an all-Albanian movement. Political analysts say Vetëvendosje already has an all-Albanian movement character because they don’t recognize the borders between the Albanian-inhabited areas. On the other hand, Vetëvendosje spokesperson, Adonis Tahiri, said on Tuesday that Albanians have no rights in FYROM and for this reason Vetëvendosje supports the continuation of such protests against the government.
UNMIK raises capacities in rule of law area (Koha)
The paper reports on its main front-page article that the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has foreseen increased capacities for the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in the justice component, arguing that Kosovo’s authorities must be provided with “limited” assistance in the rule of law area. “Increased capacities will enable the constant monitoring of the situation; links with Kosovo’s judicial mechanisms and other international stakeholders such as EULEX,” Ban notes on his report. In the budget report for July 2016 – June 2017, the UN chief has foreseen the rationalization and modernization of the mission to Kosovo. This will result in the downsizing of staff compared to the period 2015/2016. The UN mission in Pristina did not comment on proposed changes in the rule of law area. The paper reported several weeks ago that UNMIK will increase its capacities in the justice component and the human rights area.
KLA veterans reject pension decrease (RTK)
Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) veterans warned that if their pensions are decreased as part of changes to the Law on KLA War Veterans, they will go to protest. The head of the Council for Protection of KLA Veterans, Xhevdet Qeriqi, said the situation may well escalate as they will, under no circumstances, accept a decrease of pensions. At the same time, the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Arban Abrashi, said they are still waiting for the final lists of beneficiaries and then try to come up with a solution favourable to all sides.