Vetevendosje MP Rexhep Selimi told Botapress today that the problem with the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro is in Pristina and that it needs to be resolved there. “This is the first time that I’m hearing about ideas to go to the border. The problem is here in Pristina and it needs to be resolved here. There may be protests all over Kosovo in the future.
The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, said on Friday he supports the decision of the Kosovo government to extend EULEX’s mandate in Kosovo for another two years. According to him, EULEX is still necessary in Kosovo because Kosovo is failing in the justice area. “Kosovo is failing in the rule of law and therefore EULEX’s presence is still necessary in Kosovo. However, EULEX should be active throughout Kosovo, even in the north,” Haradinaj said.
The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) will soon publish the names of the party’s presidency. A source within the LDK told Botapress that party leader Isa Mustafa has decided to appoint Haki Rugova, Agim Veliu and Lutfi Haziri, all mayors in their respective municipalities, as members of the party’s presidency. Vjosa Osmani has not been included in the LDK General Council and will no longer be part of the party’s presidency. According to the same source, Sabri Hamiti will no longer be deputy leader of the LDK.
Kosovo publicist and director of Botapress newspaper, Bajrush Morina, will most likely be part of the Kosovo Prime Minister's cabinet, Gazeta Blic reports.
Citing sources close to Prime Minister Mustafa, the news website reports that new Prime Minister has decided to immediately appoint the Spokesperson for the Kosovo Government. The source said that "I do not know if Bajrush Morina knows this, but there is a big chance that he will be offered this post”.
KFOR has commended the engagement of the Kosovo Police during yesterday’s protest in Mitrovica. According to a press communiqué from KFOR, Kosovo Police was able to stop a large protest, while showing great professionalism, efficiency and an ability to manage the situation. It adds that KFOR has stationed a team of US KFOR troops in the middle of the bridge over the Iber/Ibar River, and Italian military police in the northern part of the bridge. Another team of German soldiers was also summoned to intervene, when some elements started to use force.
The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, met with KFOR commander Salvatore Farina. They talked about the present situation in Mitrovica and the northern municipalities. Jahjaga said the reinstatement of the Mitrovica barricade was unacceptable and violates freedom of movement for all people. She added that the reinstatement prevents progress and the full integration of all people into the social and institutional life of Kosovo.
Analyst Halil Matoshi reacted to the decision of the President to seek clarification from the Constitutional Court on which leader should be proposed as Prime Minister – Hashim Thaci, who won the 8 June elections, or Ramush Haradinaj, who has been nominated by the coalition of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA). According to Matoshi, President violated the Constitution in this case. “The decision to request interpretation from the Constitutional Court supports the goals of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK).
The US Ambassador in Kosovo, Tracey Ann Jacobson, supported the decision of Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga to ask for clarification from the Constitutional Court about her role in the formation of the new Kosovo government. She said to Voice of America that this was a responsible action.
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, is attending the 41st session of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In the two-day session, Hoxhaj is expected to address the participants and call for recognition of Kosovo’s independence. He already met several foreign ministers from countries that have not recognised Kosovo and urged them to do so. “I can confirm that the recognition process is unstoppable and there will only be good news regarding recognition of the Republic of Kosovo”, Hoxhaj said.
Koha Ditore reports on the front page that the barricade on the main bridge over the Iber/Ibar River was removed only temporarily. Serbs replaced it with another barricade which they called the Peace Park. Throughout this action, Kosovo Police elite units only served as spectators. Municipal and central authorities all rushed to claim credit for the removal of the barricade, but when another one was built, all remained silent.