Headlines - 18.04.2017

• Mustafa: Let us surpass ourselves on visa liberalisation (Epoka e Re)
• Thaci: We will sue Serbia for genocide soon (Epoka e Re)
• “Fresh elections in Kosovo to take place on 28 May or 4 June?” (Klan Kosova)
• Recica: If border demarcation fails, PDK ready for elections (Telegrafi)
• “Elections to be held in June, new government: PDK-AAK-NISMA” (Epoka)
• “North privileged by special employment law” (Koha Ditore)
• Fire at medical clinic in Mitrovica north (Klan Kosova)

Kosovo Media Highlights

Mustafa: Let us surpass ourselves on visa liberalisation (Epoka e Re)

Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, said on Sunday that Kosovo should surpass itself to fulfill the only condition left for visa liberalisation, endorsement of the demarcation of the border with Montenegro. He took to Facebook to write that any delay on this matter harms Kosovo. Senior U.S. and German officials who recently visited Kosovo also appealed on Kosovo Assembly MPs to adopt the current agreement with Montenegro.  

Thaci: We will sue Serbia for genocide soon (Epoka e Re)

The President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, said while remembering massacres throughout Kosovo that Kosovo will very soon sue Serbia for genocide. “Eighteen years ago, after the consecutive massacres and attempts for ethnic cleansing throughout Kosovo, Serbian forces killed in Poklek, Drenica, over 54 family members of Mucolli and Elshani families, most of them women, old people and children. On the same day, they killed 24 Albanians in Cikatove e Vjeter village. We sympathize even today with the pain of these families. The state of Kosovo and its people will never forget these crimes and we will soon sue Serbia for genocide in Kosovo,” wrote Thaci on his Facebook page. 

“Fresh elections in Kosovo to take place on 28 May or 4 June?” (Klan Kosova)

Klan Kosova has quoted sources as saying that the leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Kadri Veseli and that of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Isa Mustafa, are expected to end their coalition agreement on 25April, a day after the border demarcation agreement is voted at the Assembly. According to sources, the outcome of the vote will not be decisive for the fate of the ruling coalition and that elections will be held regardless of it. According to this scenario, elections could take place anytime before 4 June.

Recica: If border demarcation fails, PDK ready for elections (Telegrafi)

Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MP, Elmi Recica, said that if the Assembly of Kosovo fails to ratify the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro, Kosovo could head to early elections. According to Recica, PDK stands ready for elections if this is considered to be in the interest of the people of Kosovo. Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, has earlier announced that the border demarcation agreement is expected to be presented to Assembly for ratification during this month. 

“Elections to be held in June, new government: PDK-AAK-NISMA” (Epoka)

Kosovo Assembly MP from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Shukri Buja, said in an extensive interview that the current government of Kosovo is not functional and suggested new elections. He said that there are many reasons to send the current government home while PM Mustafa on retirement. He said that the most optimal time for elections is June of this year. He added that if this does not happen by then, then it is illogical to bring the government down by the end of its mandate. He expressed conviction for PDK’s victory and said that the new government should be led by PDK in partnership with the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA).

“North privileged by special employment law” (Koha Ditore)

The paper reports on the front page today that the Assembly of Kosovo has initiated a special law on professional development and employment of residents in the north of Kosovo which also includes the southern part of Mitrovica. The draft law aims to provide direct financial support to businesses if they employ residents from the north. The draft law is expected to go through the first reading in today’s Assembly session.

Fire at medical clinic in Mitrovica north (Klan Kosova)

The news website reported that a medical clinic in the neighbourhood “Kodra e Minatoreve” of Mitrovica North has been set on fire. There have been no casualties in the fire but according to sources, material damage is significant. Police said it was investigating the case but has no suspects yet. Vetevendosje MP, Aida Derguti, said she was concerned with the attack and called on the institutions of Kosovo to condemn it.