UNMIK Headlines 17 February
Mustafa: There are no reasons for migration (Lajmi)
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa told Klan Kosova on Monday that the migration of the Kosovo people is unreasonable and that the government has prepared a program to improve the economic situation in Kosovo. He also criticized the European Union countries, for not announcing earlier that there will be no asylum granted to the people from Kosovo. In regards to the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue, Mustafa said that the Kosovo team managed to bring the best agreement for Kosovo. “We have agreed to have a unified justice system throughout Kosovo, and this for us was an acceptable solution,” he said. He also talked about the dismissal of Aleksandar Jablanovic from the post of Communities and Returns Minister for his controversial statements. “I always saw the possibility to take measures against Jablanovic, but it was difficult to do so under such pressure. For me it was meaningless that all that violence happened for a statement, even though it was an offensive statement,” said Mustafa.
Djuric: We will not discuss succession with Pristina (Koha)
Head of the Serbian government's Office for Kosovo Marko Djuric said that Belgrade will not discuss succession with Pristina because no country can discuss this issue with “a part of its territory.” According to Djuric, Belgrade is however interested in discussing the status of social, public, church, and private property. “A large part of this property has been usurped or privatized through unilateral actions,” said Djuric adding that Serbia can attest to ownership over these properties.
Meucci: Irregular migration delays visa liberalization (Gazeta Express)
The head of European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Gabriele Meucci, told Klan Kosova on Monday that the people of Kosovo who migrated to EU countries will return to Kosovo. But, according to him, they will damage Kosovo’s visa liberalization process. In regards to the agreement on justice reached between Pristina and Belgrade, Meucci said that this agreement is a step forward, especially for the people living in the north because, according to him, currently they don’t have access to justice.
Collaku optimistic on visa liberalization for Kosovo (Gazeta Express)
Minister of European Integration Bekim Collaku said on Monday that Kosovo this year will meet the remaining criteria for the visa liberalization process but the decision on this matter will depend on the European Union. Collaku said, “Today I had a very productive meeting with the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration. One of the important topics undoubtedly was the issue of visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens. In this context, I reported on the current challenges and deadlines when it is expected this process to be concluded. I have made it clear that Kosovo during this year will fulfill the remaining criteria within this process. Then, it is at the discretion of the EU to determine when Kosovo will receive the exact date for the visa liberalization.”