Headlines - 28.11.2017

• EU responds to Kosovo Assembly MPs that left the session (RTK)
• Kosovo and Albania governments hold joint meeting in Korca (media)
• MPs Kurti and Kadaj-Bujupi arrested for violating probation rules (Koha)
• Abrashi requests recount of votes in Pristina (RTK)
• Dacic against America’s involvement in the dialogue (Lajmi.net)

 Kosovo Media Highlights

EU responds to Kosovo Assembly MPs that left the session (RTK)

The EU Office in Kosovo, EULEX and Chiefs of the EU Missions in Kosovo, responded to the Kosovo Assembly MPs from the governing coalition who boycotted the Assembly session as sign of protest against EULEX and accusations recently raised by a former official of this mission. “Kosovo has a European perspective. But the pace of Kosovo’s EU rapprochement clearly depends on the pace at which it implements reforms in all relevant fields, in particular in the area of the rule of law and fundamental rights. A functioning, effective multiparty parliamentary democracy is essential in Kosovo in order to enable Kosovar lawmakers to make these much-needed reforms. It is important that the democratic processes are followed, that the parliament meets regularly and frequently, that it functions properly and effectively, and the rule of law is upheld. We expect all elected representatives to act responsibly and implement priorities that reflect the will of the people without needless further delay. In relation to the second round of the municipal elections, the EU is closely monitoring all current developments and expects all political actors to act responsibly, for the sake of the Kosovo people,” reads the press release.

Kosovo and Albania governments hold joint meeting in Korca (media)

The governments of Kosovo and Albania held a joint meeting in the city of Korca yesterday ahead of Albania’s Flag Day, most media report. The fourth such meeting resulted in the signing of twelve memorandums of understanding and bilateral agreements in the field of foreign policy, European integration, culture, agriculture, environment. On the occasion, Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj asked for Albania’s support in Kosovo’s efforts to join international organizations and increase the number of recognitions.

MPs Kurti and Kadaj-Bujupi arrested for violating probation rules (Koha)

Vetevendosje’s MPs, Albin Kurti and Donika Kadaj-Bujupi have been rearrested yesterday after violating the measure of house arrest imposed by the court. Both MPs, now in detention, were seen celebrating Sunday evening Vetevendosje’s victory in runoff elections in Pristina and Prizren. Vetevendosje reacted to the arrest saying the arrest warrant against their MPs, including Albulena Haxhiu, was unlawful as prior to that they had requested the dismissal of the trial chamber. “The arrest of MPs is unjust and a clear manifestation of the political persecution against Vetevendosje through law enforcement and justice mechanisms captured by main actors of the Pronto Clan,” Vetevendosje said in a statement following Kurti’s and Kadaj-Bujupi’s arrest.

Abrashi requests recount of votes in Pristina (RTK)

Former candidate of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) for the mayor of Pristina, Arban Abrashui, commented the results after the counting of conditional votes and those sent by mail. He insisted that recount of votes would return trust of the people. “Me and you, together, insist for the recount to happen because this process would remove any dilemma and keep the trust of the citizens in the election process and in the final result of this process. Recounting does not affect anyone’s right, not allowing it without a clear legal ground despite our proof, affects my right and that of the voters whose vote appears to have been manipulated,” Abrashi wrote on his Facebook profile. He added that all legal possibilities are being considered for this to happen.

Dacic against America’s involvement in the dialogue (Lajmi.net)

Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic has reiterated Serbia’s position that they do not want the U.S. in the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. According to him, the U.S. has been continuously present in the dialogue but “they were behind the scenes.” He also commented recent speculations that former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice will become the special envoy for Balkans. According to Dacic, claims that Kosovo has been recognized by 115 states “are a big lie.” Commenting recognition of Kosovo by Madagascar, Dacic said that “the war is ongoing.” “In order to become a UN member, a state needs two thirds of the votes. We are friends with Russia, therefore they will never become part of the UN,” Dacic said. Speaking about the Pristina Belgrade dialogue, Dacic said “EU cannot set a single position that Kosovo is independent and that Serbia should recognize this independence too.”