• COVID-19: 678 new cases, nine deaths (media)
• One Good Thing: In Kosovo, virus lets humanity shine through (AP)
• Palmer holds separate virtual meetings with Kosovo leaders (media)
• Palmer: Opposition to be in Assembly session during president's vote (Telegrafi)
• Kurti, Osmani call political parties to discuss future steps (media)
• PDK and AAK on Kurti’s and Osmani’s letter (Klan)
• In interview, Abdixhiku discusses Kurti's letter, LDK election result (Klan)
• Von Cramon submits report on Kosovo to EP (media)
• Butel: Kosovo has not yet met all visa liberalisation criteria (Express/RTK)
• Nagavci: We do not need to co-govern with LDK (KTV)
• AKR seeks complete vote recount (media)
• Markovic: I lost my job for refusing to vote for Hodzic (RFE/media)
• Ministry: Don't fall prey to fake news of Kosovo's de-recognition (media)
• Croatia to increase number of troops to Kosovo (media)

 

COVID-19: 678 new cases, nine deaths (media)

Kosovo has recorded 678 new cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths in the last 24 hours. 397 persons have recovered from the virus during this time.

There are 11,283 active cases of COVID-19 in Kosovo. 

One Good Thing: In Kosovo, virus lets humanity shine through (AP)

Helping her elderly father beat back his coronavirus infection on her own taught Arta Jashari how the power of one can offer hope to others and change things for the better.

The 32-year-old soprano took it upon herself to treat her father, Baki Jashari — the Kosovo Philharmonic’s maestro who suffers from diabetes and a heart ailment — after she discharged him last June from the country’s overwhelmed Pulmonological Clinic.

Under quarantine, the job was difficult. It was with the kindness of neighbors who provided Jashari with food and other essentials that she was able to cope. Her father recovered a month later, but it was the compassion of strangers that made her understand the world is in this together and that kindness should be paid forward.

See more at: https://bit.ly/2OGW5v4

Palmer holds separate virtual meetings with Kosovo leaders (media)

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer, held virtual meetings yesterday with acting President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, the outgoing Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti and Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti and Serbian List leader Goran Rakic.

Osmani said that the current focus is the establishment of institutions without delay and that the citizens of Kosovo have voted for the winning coalition based on the defined priorities that focus on fighting crime and corruption and the creation of jobs and prospects for young people, a press release issued by the Kosovo presidency states. She also added that due to the pandemic, providing adequate vaccines for citizens and pandemic management and economic recovery should be priorities of the new institutions.

On the issue of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Osmani said that President Biden's clear approach that dialogue should centre on mutual recognition was warmly welcomed in Kosovo while adding that Kosovo institutions should speak in one voice.

Agreeing that new institutions should focus on fighting corruption, addressing the pandemic, economic recovery, and job creation, Palmer on his part stressed the importance of active engagement in the dialogue. He is reported to have confirmed the U.S. involvement as a partner in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and will coordinate positions with the EU. He also said that the U.S. remains an eternal ally of the people of Kosovo.

A statement issued by the Kosovo Government says that Hoti and Palmer discussed the overall situation in Kosovo and the challenges it is facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoti thanked Palmer for the continued support of the United States.

Kurti meanwhile tweeted: “I had a virtual meeting today with DAS Matt Palmer & Amb. Kosnett. We discussed Kosova’s urgent need for vaccines, importance of US investments and coordination between US & EU on the dialogue. Mr. Palmer congratulated us on the landslide victory and expressed his support.”

Rakic is reported to have said in the meeting that he expects political parties to respect the election result of the Serbian List and that the continuation of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue is vital for the Serb community.

Palmer: Opposition to be in Assembly session during president's vote (Telegrafi)

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer, said his country will work with any government that comes as a result of free and democratic elections.

Speaking to RTV Dukagjini, Palmer said he would like to see Kosovo with a strong government, a good partner to the U.S. "We don't have favourites in the politics of others," he said adding: "It seems there are very clear roads ahead towards a strong government in Kosovo which could be such a partner to the United States."

Palmer said the opposition parties should be loyal to Kosovo when it comes to the president's election. "We think those parties that will be in the opposition should act responsibly as a loyal opposition - not loyal to the government but loyal to the country. Do their work, be present, ensure there is quorum for vote so that the institutions can function. The last thing Kosovo needs are new elections. Kosovo needs a government, a president and journey forward towards Europe."

Palmer was also asked to comment whether the U.S. considers Vjosa Osmani to be the right candidate for the job of the Kosovo president to which he replied that this is something that should be decided by Kosovo. "I can't see a reason why she would not be electable. The voters will choose the future president of Kosovo."

Palmer also commented on the recent remarks of the former presidential envoy Richard Grenell against the Vetevendosje Movement and its leader Albin Kurti saying that Grenell no longer represents the U.S. government and is now an ordinary citizen.

Kurti, Osmani call political parties to discuss future steps (media)

Kosovo election winners, Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani, have sent invitations to political parties to attend discussions on the post of the Kosovo president on 15 March.

"Based on the result of the early elections of February 14, it is very important to move forward with formation of institutions that reflect the will of the citizens expressed in elections, as soon as the final results are certified by the CEC. In order for the process of forming new institutions to be swift and in full accordance to the country's Constitution and the applicable legislation, you are invited for a consultation on the future steps in this process," the letter sent out to leaders of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and to non-majority community parties.

PDK and AAK on Kurti’s and Osmani’s letter (Klan)

Xhavit Haliti, member of the leadership of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) said his political party has received Albin Kurti’s and Vjosa Osmani’s letter which invites them to discuss formation of the new institutions.

“I have been informed that a letter has arrived, and I stated also earlier that this is normal. This happened because the winner of the elections should officially consult with all parliamentary parties, to agree on the date of the constitution of the Assembly, to elect the government and election of the President, is there is an agreement.

“I believe that tomorrow we will discuss and inform you on our position on what we as a party should do. I consider that it is good for the parties to communicate with each other, to discuss about all the options of the future of the country and this should not be an obstacle for us to discuss the main issue that has to do with the country. I am for cooperation with all the political parties in Kosovo,” Haliti said.

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj said on Thursday that he is ready to go to the meeting. “If there is readiness for discussions, we are open. We are opposition, and we will be in service of the country,” Haradinaj said.

In interview, Abdixhiku discusses Kurti's letter, LDK election result (Klan)

Lumir Abdixhiku, who is currently running for the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) said the new leader of this political party will not rush to meet Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani.

“I have not seen the letter, I do not know what it contains, from what I saw, there were some media headlines. As far as I understood, it is on 15 March, which means a day after, the LDK leader must rush to the meeting with Vjosa and Albin…such thing will not happen,” Abdixhiku said.

“The new leader of the LDK should go to his office the next day, to take over his duty. To receive consultations on formation of LDK bodies, which is the leadership,” Abdixhiku said adding that it is almost impossible to participate as LDK bodies are yet to be formed. “There is no rush, it is impossible because LDK bodies are not responsive on 15 March.”

In this extensive interview with Klan Kosova, Abdixhiku spoke also about the Vetevendosje Movement (LVV) and its leader Albin Kurti. "To my convictions, the ideas of the left are harmful for Kosovo, the ideas of the dissolution of the state of Kosovo are completely wrong. It is a political platform, I believe that this is clear now. I consider that if there is a party that respects the Constitutional order and the statehood of Kosovo that is the LDK," Abdixhiku said.

Speaking about his running for the leader of the LDK, Abdixhiku said ‘I will engage to convince everyone that my platform is the right solution for the LDK.’

Abdixhiku blamed his own political party for the election results. "The voter has given the LDK continuous chances. We did not hear the voice of the citizen, which was not a voice but a cry. The LDK was not paying attention to this," he said.

Von Cramon submits report on Kosovo to EP (media)

European Parliament Rapportuer for Kosovo Viola von Cramon announced that the Committee on Foreign Affairs has recently adopted her report on Kosovo and that the final report will be adopted at the plenary on 24 March.

In a series of Twitter posts, von Cramon said that the EP sees Kosovo as a country with a clear European perspective. "We welcome the commitment from Prishtina, but there is still a long way ahead towards EU accession. There is much to do to improve the situation of rule of law and fight more against corruption. Kosovo needs to implement its obligations in energy aquis to fight airpollution. We want to see Belgrade-Prishtina dialogue to continue this is the interest of both sides."

Von Cramon also urged the European Union to do its 'homework' and grant Kosovo visa liberalisation as soon as possible.

See the report: https://europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document

Butel: Kosovo has not yet met all visa liberalisation criteria (Express/RTK)

French Ambassador to Kosovo Marie Christine Butel said that Kosovo will not be getting visa liberalisation in the near future as it has not met all the guarantees required to be granted visa-free travel.

"I can assure you that the position of France on the issue of visa liberalisaton remains unchanged. France has noted positive developments on the part of Kosovo such as Kosovo Assembly's approval in November 2018 of a legal package aiming strengthening of the law. But these laws have not yet produced tangible and sustainable effects," she told Gazeta Express. "Therefore France, along with some other member states, considers that all required guarantees have not yet been met at this stage," Butel continued.

Nagavci: We do not need to co-govern with LDK (KTV)

Arberie Nagavci, member of the Vetevendosje Movement (LVV) said that her party does not need co-govern with the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK). Her statement came after Anton Quni, who is running for the leader of the LDK, left open the option of coalition with LVV.

Nagavci told KTV that citizens have expressed trust on LVV on February elections.  "You are aware that LVV in the 2019 elections openly expressed its desire to cooperate with the LDK, and this had impact that the LDK got a fairly high percentage of votes, but what (LDK) did on March 25 and afterwards, received the answer in this election. LVV has become the subject with the most seats in the history of Kosovo, we will not need to co-govern with the LDK, as the citizens have given us this trust. We will cooperate on issues that are in the interest of the citizens, so we do not need a coalition. How the LDK and other entities will reform, remains to be seen in the coming years. This time, the citizens have entrusted the government to Albin Kurti," Nagavci said.

Asked about the Vjosa Osmani’s return to the LDK, as elaborated by Lutfi Haziri a few days ago, Nagavci expressed skepticism. "These are the statements they use for their internal elections, this is a decision to be made by Vjosa Osmani herself, but under the current circumstances, I do not think it is possible. Vjosa Osmani will be the next president, so there is no reason for her to return," Nagavci said.

AKR seeks complete vote recount (media)

New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) has joined the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) in demanding a complete vote recount.

AKR's Islam Pacolli said in a Facebook post that the electoral process needs legitimacy. "Only a full recount can guarantee the inviolability of the citizens' will. Therefore, the CEC should allow a recount. There is no alternative to this," he wrote.

Markovic: I lost my job for refusing to vote for Hodzic (RFE/media)

Bojan Markovic, security guard at the Ranillug municipality, said he lost his job after he refused to vote for Adrijana Hodzic after explicitly told to do so by the mayor Vladic Aritonovic, member of the Serbian List.

Markovic alleged that Aritonovic told him he expected four votes for Hodzic from his family. Two days after elections, Markovic was called in by the mayor who asked him to show evidence that he voted as instructed. "I told him I did not vote her and that my parents didn't want to either," Markovic said.

A week later he was dismissed by a privately-owned company which provides security services to the municipality. The private company owner said they received orders from the municipality to downsize the security staff.

Mayor Aritonovic denies allegations and says he never pressured people to vote for certain political entity.

Ministry: Don't fall prey to fake news of Kosovo's de-recognition (media)

Kosovo's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has urged the public opinion and the media not to, as it said, fall prey to fake news coming from Serbia suggesting that several countries have expressed readiness to withdraw decision for recognition of Kosovo.

"MFAD announces that the return of the debate and Belgrade's propaganda through fake news by using the so-called 'de-recognition' concept has been revived to create confusion in the public opinion at a time when our country is going through a period of transition of institutional consolidation," the ministry said in a statement.

Croatia to increase number of troops to Kosovo (media)

Croatia is expected to increase the number of peacekeeping troops to Kosovo, said Prime Minister Adrej Plenkovic after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Stoltenberg, Plenkovic said: "We are already present in Kosovo as you mentioned [and] we will increase our presence there very soon, in the coming weeks."