Unnamed international sources told the news site today that Kosovo’s Foreign Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, is believed to be responsible for Kosovo’s failure to join the UNESCO. According to these sources, without receiving prior signals from Kosovo’s friends, Thaci tried to force his way to the post of Kosovo President by attempting to secure Kosovo’s membership of the UNESCO. “Without certain votes and without a ‘go-ahead’ from countries that support Kosovo, Hashim Thaci decided to apply for UNESCO membership.

Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci said at the meeting of the government that the decision of UNESCO not to admit Kosovo as a new member does not undermine Kosovo’s statehood and that membership in international organizations remains a priority for the government. Although Kosovo did not receive enough votes to join UNESCO, Thaci said that the votes in favour of Kosovo’s membership show that "we won against Serbia.”

Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci welcomed the latest European Commission Progress Report saying it acknowledges the progress Kosovo has made in the EU integration process. “The assessment of the progress achieved in the visa liberalization process is also welcomed. We now rightly expect to travel next year without visas to Europe,” Thaci wrote on Facebook. “There is no doubt we are on the right track. Our progress is being acknowledged. Nothing and no one can stop our path to EU.”

UNESCO did not approve at today’s General Conference voting Kosovo’s membership in the organization. Kosovo’s application received 92 out of the required 95 votes while 50 countries opposed the motion. Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Hashim Thaci wrote on his Facebook account that despite the vote result, the vast majority of countries did vote in favour of Kosovo’s membership. “Kosovo’s path is unstoppable and we will apply and gain membership in other organisations as well, including UNESCO,” said Thaci.

Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, writes on his Facebook account that Kosovo has scored another small but important procedural victory in the UNESCO today. “Serbia’s attempt to postpone the vote [on Kosovo’s UNESCO bid] for November 13 has failed. The vote has been confirmed for Monday,” Thaci writes.

Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, met today in Pristina the European Union Director for Western Europe, Western Balkans and Turkey, Angelina Eichhorst. During the meeting, Thaci underlined the commitment of the government of Kosovo on the path towards EU membership. "I thanked Mrs. Eichhorst for the support that the EU continues to give Kosovo. The SAA opens new opportunities for our citizens, but also stimulates the economic development.

Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, said today that Serbia is doing everything possible to prevent Kosovo to join UNESCO. According to him, the Serbian Government tried to cancel the discussion on Kosovo’s membership in UNESCO. "These days Serbia is trying with every procedural trap to annul Kosovo's membership in UNESCO. I was just informed that the General Assembly approved the agenda in general, including the discussion on Kosovo’s bid to join this organization,” Thaci said.

The front page of this daily notes that no one can question the importance of the Stabilization Association Agreement, despite the legal and political specifications due to the EU’s neutrality toward Kosovo’s status. However, except for the opportunities, SAA involves a range of duties and priorities that should be in the agenda of the governing officials of Kosovo.

Following the ratification of the Stabilization/Association Agreement with the European Union, First Deputy Prime Minister Hashim Thaci told reporters in the Assembly hall that Kosovo will now assume new obligations and responsibilities. “These responsibilities will be directly linked to the implementation of certain criteria that are required to move forward with reforms in the legislation and the economy.