Headlines - 01.12.2016

• Kosovo with unitary justice system from 10 January 2017 (Epoka)
• CEC asked to allow OSCE access to polls in Drenas/Glogovac (Kosova Sot)
• Ambassadors: Parties to decide on elections (Zeri)
• EULEX: Dehari’s autopsy was correct (Zeri)
• Vetëvendosje: EULEX spoke as a partner of Pronto clan (Epoka)
• FM Hoxhaj speaks of imminent new recognitions of Kosovo (Kosova Sot/Zeri)
• Kajtazi: Theft of prosecutor’s phone was a threatening message (Telegrafi)

Kosovo with unitary justice system from 10 January 2017 (Epoka)

Pristina and Belgrade agreed on Wednesday in Brussels to finalize implementation of the agreement for justice by 10 January 2017. Kosovo’s Minister for dialogue, and chief negotiator, Edita Tahiri said that implementation of the Brussels agreement allows creation of the unitary justice system in the northern part of Kosovo, after so many years. Based on the agreement, a basic court and prosecutorial office will establish in the north. Tahiri is quoted as saying in Insajderi that starting from January 10 next year all illegal judicial structures operating in northern Kosovo will be dissolved and integrated in Kosovo’s judicial system.

CEC asked to allow OSCE access to polls in Drenas/Glogovac (Kosova Sot)

The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, sent a letter to the head of the Central Elections Commission, Valdete Daka, on behalf of Quint representatives, asking her to allow the OSCE and its staff to have access to the polling stations ahead of mayoral elections in Drenas/Glogovac. O’Connell said there have been historical concerns with the voting process in the area and that “in a period of heightened political tension, it is important both for Kosovo and the region that the elections would be accepted by all as free and fair, and OSCE monitoring would help ensure this.”

Ambassadors: Parties to decide on elections (Zeri)

The paper reports in a front page story that diplomatic representatives in Kosovo say that political parties should decide whether to go to early elections or not. However, they highlight the fact that elections cost a lot of money. Officials from the British Embassy in Pristina told the paper that the issue of early elections should be decided by those who were chosen by the people. While in regards to border demarcation with Montenegro, the British Embassy considers it only as a bilateral issue between Kosovo and Montenegro. Meanwhile, the German Ambassador to Kosovo, Angelika Viets, said that elections in Kosovo should be held in 2018. According to her, elections would not make any essential changes in Kosovo and that they would take time, which Kosovo does not have.

EULEX: Dehari’s autopsy was correct (Zeri)

The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) has given its full support to the forensic experts who performed the autopsy of Vetevendosje activist Astrit Dehari who died in Prizren detention center. “As part of its mandate, EULEX monitored this case and is confident that the investigation and autopsy were carried out correctly, in a professional and diligent way, in line with best European practices and with all meaningful lines of enquiry being pursued.  Whilst the circumstances are unusual, the Kosovo institutions revealed that Astrit was in his cell on his own at the time of the incident. EULEX supports the findings and the logical conclusion drawn from the facts and evidence available through the investigation and autopsy,” reads a press release issued by EULEX. “However, the events surrounding Astrit Dehari’s death should serve as a reminder that, although the Kosovo Correctional Service is striving for improvements, much  more is needed, looking forward,  to prevent such incidents and further loss of life.”

Vetëvendosje: EULEX spoke as a partner of Pronto clan (Epoka)

The Vetëvendosje Movement reacted to the press release issued by EULEX, which assesses that investigations and autopsy on Astrit Dehari’s case were commenced in a precise, professional and careful manner. “Administration of the investigation process, contradictory public statements of the police, leaking of data, scientific contradictions on the causes of death, and general engagement of the investigation concentrating more on public propaganda rather than on serious investigation, made the process of the investigation of Astrit Dehari’s death absolutely unreliable and suspicious,” says the press release issued by this party. “During the time of serving in Kosovo, EULEX has been subject to many scandals and major suspicions for judicial interferences for political interests as well as many corruption scandals,” continues the press release.

FM Hoxhaj speaks of imminent new recognitions of Kosovo (Kosova Sot/Zeri)

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, briefed the government of his recent lobbying activities for recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Hoxhaj said that the goal is to increase the number of recognitions to 130 which makes two-thirds of UN member states. This, according to him, would enable Kosovo to apply for membership in Interpol and UNESCO next year. “The process of Kosovo independence’s recognition has become difficult but I want to assure you that we will have good news in the coming days,” Hoxhaj said. In an interview for Zeri daily newspaper, Hoxhaj said there should be no problems in regards to visa liberalisation for Kosovo, even though five EU countries did not recognize Kosovo. According to him, four of these EU countries already recognize Kosovo passports.

Kajtazi: Theft of prosecutor’s phone was a threatening message (Telegrafi)

Vehbi Kajtazi, editor-in-chief of Pristina-based news website Insajderi, told RTV21 on Wednesday that the theft of Kosovo State Chief Prosecutor Aleksander Lumezi’s phone was a threatening message. “The message sent was that they can enter anyone’s home including the home of the person that should enjoy the highest protection in the country,” Kajtazi said.