Headlines - 20.01.2017

• EU on a mission to save Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Koha Ditore)
• Merkel requests meeting between Kosovo and Serbia (Gazeta Metro)
• Dikovic: KFOR guarantees security in Kosovo (Koha)
• Vucic rejects parallels between Kosovo and Crimea (Klan Kosova)
• Apostolova: Corruption remains a serious concern (Epoka e Re)
• Opening of the Iber River bridge planned for tomorrow, postponed (Lajmi)
• Kurti tells why teargas is not being used at the Assembly (Gazeta Metro)
• Seven convicted for terrorist activity (Zëri)

Kosovo Media Highlights

EU on a mission to save Kosovo-Serbia dialogue (Koha Ditore)

The paper reports on the front page that the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, has called a high-level meeting between officials in Belgrade and Pristina on 24 January. “The developments over the past days underline the need for increased commitment and engagement by the two sides through the Dialogue. Progress in the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia remains of paramount importance for both sides, for the European Union, and the Western Balkans as a whole,” Mogherini noted in a statement. However, according to the paper, it remains unclear as to who will represent Kosovo at this meeting since to discuss recent events, Mogherini telephoned Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic but not his Kosovo counterpart Isa Mustafa. Instead, Mogherini had a conversation with President Hashim Thaci.

Merkel requests meeting between Kosovo and Serbia (Gazeta Metro)

Serbia’s Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vučić, informed that during a telephone conversation with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, they agreed to hold next week a meeting with the Kosovar party, mediated by Brussels. The Serbian Prime Minister is currently at the World Economic Forum in Davos.  “This is not a problem for us. We have agreed to try to stop any kind of tension even though it will be difficult,” Vučić said to the journalists in Davos.

Dikovic: KFOR guarantees security in Kosovo (Koha)

The Chief of Staff of Serbian Armed Forces, Ljubisa Dikovic, and KFOR Commander, Major General Giovanni Fungo, discussed yesterday the current situation in Kosovo. Dikovic reiterated that according to the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Kumanovo peace agreement, KFOR is the main force in charge of maintaining security in Kosovo. At the same time, Major General Fungo confirmed KFOR will take all necessary measures to secure peace for all people in Kosovo.

Vucic rejects parallels between Kosovo and Crimea (Klan Kosova)

In an interview with Italian paper La Republica, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said that allegations by Kosovo President Hashim Thaci that Serbia plans to annex the north of Kosovo as Russia did with Crimea are the biggest absurdity he ever heard adding that Kosovo is part of Serbia according to its Constitution. Vucic said Serbia would do everything to avoid armed confrontation and invest in peace.

Apostolova: Corruption remains a serious concern (Epoka e Re)

Head of the Office of the European Union in Kosovo, Natalyia Apostolova, said that the war against corruption remains a serious concern, and EU’s priority in Kosovo. During the meeting with the director of the Anti-Corruption Agency, Shaip Havolli, she expressed the full support for the work of this agency and stressed the need to strengthen further the field of the prevention of conflict of interest and assure transparency on financing of the political parties, public procurement and declaration of wealth. She invited Havolli to undertake an active role on the implementation of the priorities for the rule of law.

Opening of the Iber River bridge planned for tomorrow, postponed (Lajmi)

Opening of the main bridge in Mitrovica, which was planned for tomorrow, has been postponed, while the works for renovation on renovation of the bridge and “King Peter Street” in the north are not completed. The European Union’s Spokesperson for foreign policy, Maja Kocijancic, said that EU is discussing with both parties to find an acceptable solution on all the issues related to the works at Mitrovica Bridge and “King Peter” street. 

Kurti tells why teargas is not being used at the Assembly (Gazeta Metro)

Vetëvendosje movement MP Albin Kurti spoke on Thursday at the Kosovo Assembly session about the reasons why they are not using the teargas at the Assembly anymore. He said that the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities is dead and that is why they are not using teargas. “We do not throw teargas as long as the Association and demarcation are not brought at the Assembly." 

Seven convicted for terrorist activity (Zëri)

The Basic Court in Pristina sentenced on Thursday seven individuals for organizing participation in terrorism as well as for recruiting for terrorism, with over twenty years of prison. The sentences vary from two and a half years, to four for each of them. One of the accused was released due to the lack of evidence.