Valdete Daka, chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), denied media reports that this institution is already preparing for early parliamentary elections as a solution to the political deadlock. “We are not making any preparations. On the contrary, we are in the post-election phase of June 8 elections and we are drafting post-election procedures,” Daka said.
Vetevendosje has answered an advisor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who yesterday visited Kosovo and requested the continuation of the dialogue with Serbia. According to Glauk Konjufca from Vetevendosje, the format of the talks is unequal and only focuses on internal issues in Kosovo. Vetevendosje is not against the dialogue in principle, but the dialogue with Serbia should have certain conditions. For example, Serbia cannot be talked to if its constitution says Kosovo is a part of Serbia, and if Serbia does not recognize Kosovo.
The Kosovo government, through a press release, called on protesters to show calm, maturity and restraint. The press release adds that the new barricade over the Iber/Ibar River will be removed soon, in accordance with the laws of Kosovo and the Brussels agreement for the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade. Meanwhile, Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga called on Kosovo citizens to help law enforcement authorities to do their work.
The Office of the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Catherine Ashton, has confirmed its stance that talks between Pristina and Belgrade should continue. The spokesperson of Baroness Ashton, Maja Kocijancic, said that whoever becomes the head of the government should continue the negotiation process with Belgrade, aimed at the normalization of relations. Kocijancic told Radio Dukagjini that the new government should also implement previously reached agreements.
The Kosovo police say there are still no suspects or arrests in connection with the murder of Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) candidate Elvis Pista. Law enforcement authorities said that a special team has been established to carry out investigations in connection with this murder.
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) held a regular meeting of its party presidency, the second after the 8 June elections. AAK head Ramush Haradinaj spoke about the latest political developments and about the process of working more closely with coalition partners to form a governing program. The engagement we have undertaken will create a stable and useful future government for Kosovo, said Haradinaj.
Preparations are underway in The Hague for the establishment of the special court of Kosovo. Anonymous Dutch officials said they are preparing to manage the unusual case of establishing the court of an independent state in their territory, although the court will function according to Kosovo laws. The Netherlands will amend some of its legislation to facilitate “the import of the special court of Kosovo”. After the formation of the assembly and the government, Pristina too is expected to amend several laws that will help create the special court and make it functional.
The former KFOR commander, German General Klaus Reinhardt, is in Kosovo for the 15th anniversary of the liberation. Reinhardt was also seen on Sunday in the headquarters of several political parties. Is he facilitating the efforts to bring the Vetevendosje Movement into the opposition bloc? On Saturday, Reinhardt was greeted at Vetevendosje headquarters by its leader Albin Kurti and Rexhep Selimi. Sources told Gazeta Express that Reinhardt is playing the role of facilitator in the latest developments.
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci congratulated the people of Kosovo on the occasion of Peace Day, 12 June. Thaci said, “On this important anniversary we are remembering with devotion and pride the sacrifice of all who died for freedom.”
The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, took part in the official opening in London of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The Global Summit was organized by the British Foreign Office Secretary, William Hague, and the Special Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelina Jolie. Participants at the Summit included high-level delegates from all over the world, UN representatives, and Foreign Ministers. The EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Catherine Ashton, also took part.