Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj writes in his opinion piece that the European Commission expressed serious concerns in its last Progress Report on Kosovo over the politicization of public administration and the increase of salaries on the eve of elections. Officials in Brussels notice that Kosovo is not investing in sustainable economic development that would create jobs but is rather increasing public spending. Palokaj argues that based on the circumstances and needs, the government of Kosovo should not have more than 14 members.

Acting Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, said today at the government meeting that the new coalition between the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) has pledged to contribute to Kosovo’s development and integration. “We will give the country stable and democratic institutions, with credible people”, said Thaci. He added that the new government will be open to cooperation with the opposition, civil society, media and all countries in the region. Thaci also said that they will implement all international obligations.

The Head of EULEX, Gabriele Meucci, through a reaction towards writings  about actions of some  individuals of this mission, emphasizes that “EULEX takes allegations seriously” and that “as the mission, also the media are trying to hold responsible those who are endangering Kosovo through crime and corruption. We are on the same side.” This is about a series of articles of Koha Ditore about the corruption in this mission. We are publishing the entire reaction:

Isa Mustafa, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), is determined to meet his party’s request for him to be the coalition’s candidate for the post of Prime Minister. Mustafa told Tirana-based Top Channel on Sunday that he expects partners of the coalition to understand the leading role of the LDK. “We will continue to explore all avenues for the coalition bloc to continue its work because we have the majority.

KTV sources informed that the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK,) has agreed for Isa Mustafa to be nominated as candidate of the coalition block for the Prime Minister of Kosovo.

The four leaders of the parties of the coalition will meet tomorrow morning, when they are expected to make the new agreement official, said the same sources which informed  KTV correctly when the coalition decided to give up the post of the Assembly Speaker.

Belgrade’s liaison officer in Pristina, Dejan Pavicevic, felt provoked by a statement of Kosovo’s chief negotiator in dialogue with Serbia, Edita Tahiri. As a sign of protest, Pavicevic tried to walk out of the roundtable organised to present the report titled “Civilised Monotony” about implementation of Kosovo-Serbia agreement. The report has been a joint production of BIRN Kosovo, the Center for Transparency, Research and Accountability, CRTA, from Serbia, and Internews Kosova.

KFOR Commander,Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, underlined the fact that KFOR will continue cooperating and assisting the United Nations, the European Union, and other international actors and continues to support, as third responder, Kosovo Police and EULEX in their activities. COMKFOR made the comments at NATO KFOR Headquarters in Pristina in a meeting with the Commander of the Austrian Joint Forces Command, Lieutenant General Franz Reiszner.

Outgoing Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, hailed the visit of Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, to Serbia saying that it will contribute to improvement of relations between the two countries. Thaci expressed belief that Rama’s historic visit and signing of three important cooperation agreements mark a new chapter in relations between Albania and Serbia.

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Edita Tahiri, was in Brussels on 4 and 5 November where she took part in meetings with Serbian side, facilitated by EU, and discussed issued on energy and vehicle insurance. The parties formed working groups which are tasked in ensuring full implementation of agreement on energy. The delegations also spoke about the issue of vehicle insurance in the function of free movement of citizens and a follow-up meeting on the matter is expected to take place soon.

The four municipalities in the north of Kosovo are refusing to become part of the agriculture census which has been launched three days ago by the Kosovo Statistics Agency. In a press conference, the head of the agency, Isa Kastrati, said the municipalities’ refusal could reflect in the agricultural development in that part. Kastrati said the process should not be viewed from a political standpoint.