Headlines - 29.09.2017

• Thaci hints at possibility of opting out of representing Kosovo (Koha)
• PM Haradinaj meets US Defense Secretary Mattis (media)
• Pacolli: UNMIK played positive role but 1244 not applicable anymore (Koha)
• At GA, Albanian President Meta calls on UN states to recognise Kosovo (Zeri)
• Vetevendosje insists today’s protest will be peaceful (Koha)
• Two LDK MPs confirm participation at today’s protest (Zeri)
• Police ready for Vetevendosje protest (Klan Kosova)

Kosovo Media Highlights

Thaci hints at possibility of opting out of representing Kosovo (Koha)

Koha Ditore reports that President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci came back from New York with changed ideas on the dialogue with Serbia as he did not reiterate the concept of ‘border correction’ and that he has hinted at the possibility of bowing down from representing Kosovo in the process. “It is entirely irrelevant who leads the dialogue,” Thaci said in a press briefing upon return from the US. He spoke of the need for the Kosovo negotiating team to be inclusive and noted: “The president could opt out completely.” Thaci said dialogue with Serbia need not be politicized. “Let us strengthen unity to act as a country,” he said.

PM Haradinaj meets US Defense Secretary Mattis (media)

Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj met in Washington D.C. the US Secretary of Defense James Mattis. A press release issued by Haradinaj’s office states that Haradinaj informed Secretary Mattis about all developments in Kosovo and reiterated that Kosovo army would guarantee peace in the country and the region and could also serve alongside US army in peacekeeping missions. Secretary Mattis on his part is said to have expressed his highest considerations for the people of Kosovo and their aspirations to live freely as part of the Euro-Atlantic family. “Secretary Mattis expressed the willingness and commitment of the US Government to help Kosovo in the process of dialogue, but also in all the processes that Kosovo is going through. In this context, Secretary Mattis confirmed once again the strong support for the KSF and the process related to the transformation of this force in accordance with the foreseen strategic plan,” the press release reads.

http://kryeministri-ks.net/en/prime-minister-haradinaj-pentagon-supports-the-kosovo-army-and-people/

Pacolli: UNMIK played positive role but 1244 not applicable anymore (Koha)

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli has played a positive role but the Security Council resolution 1244 is not applicable anymore. Pacolli made the comments in a meeting with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo. “Kosovo is a country with a peaceful interethnic environment which should be transformed into a joint house of UN missions in Kosovo,” Pacolli is quoted in a press release issued by the Kosovo Foreign Ministry.

http://www.mfa-ks.net/en/single_lajmi/3503

At GA, Albanian President Meta calls on UN states to recognise Kosovo (Zeri)

In his address at the UN General Assembly, President of Albania Ilir Meta called on UN member states to recognise Kosovo as an independent country and enable it membership in international organisations. Meta said agreement between Kosovo and Serbia should mark separation from the history and the past and improve daily lives of people in both countries.

Vetevendosje insists protest will be peaceful (Koha)

In an interview with KTV yesterday, Vetevendosje MP Arberie Nagavci said they have made all necessary preparations for today’s protest which is set to take place at 2 p.m. in Pristina. Nagavci said the protest will be peaceful and the police have been informed about it. “If there is any tendency [for violence] tomorrow, it would be instigated by someone other than us,” Nagavci said. “We cannot support a person that has no legitimacy, this has been made abundantly clear,” Nagavci said in reference to Kosovo President Hashim Thaci leading dialogue with Serbia.

Two LDK MPs confirm participation at today’s protest (Zeri)

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo Haxhi Avdyli has announced he will join today’s protest called by Vetevendosje against President Hashim Thaci leading dialogue with Serbia and discussing change of borders. Avdyli’s fellow-party MP, Vjosa Osmani has also confirmed participation at the protest as has independent MP Korab Sejdiu and Mitrovica Mayor Agim Bahtiri who is member of the ruling coalition party New Kosovo Alliance (AKR).

Police ready for Vetevendosje protest (Klan Kosova)

Kosovo Police said in a statement it has established an operational plan to guarantee law and order during Vetevendosje’s protest today. Police said they met protest organisers and discussed the need for today’s event to be peaceful.