UNMIK Headlines 18 July
The West’s diminishing trust in Erdogan (Koha)
The paper reports on its front page that NATO and the European Union have condemned the coup attempt in Turkey, making it clear that in a democratic country the government cannot be changed through violence; however, both organisations now fear the regime will retaliate against political opponents. “The concern of NATO and the EU grows even bigger given that Turkey has one of the key roles in dealing with the two main challenges: the fight against terror in Syria and the resolution of the problem of illegal migrants. In the eyes of the West, the unpredictable behavior of Turkish President Erdogan is a challenge. Just recently Erdogan was engaged in a war of words with Russia whereas now he has gotten closer to Russian President Putin. The West’s trust in Erdogan is diminishing,” the paper reports.
Mustafa: We’re trying to reach consensus on demarcation (Kosova Sot)
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, said on Sunday that the ruling coalition is trying to reach national consensus regarding the ratification of the border-demarcation agreement with Montenegro. Mustafa said such an important topic for Kosovo and its Euro-Atlantic integration cannot be used for electoral gains.
Opposition skeptical over demarcation debate (Epoka)
Representatives of the three opposition parties in Kosovo have expressed their skepticism that the government will take into account their arguments against the border-demarcation agreement during a debate scheduled for 3 August. They announced that they will participate in this debate which will be organised by the Kosovo Assembly, adding that they will use arguments to prove that the government made mistakes when setting the border with Montenegro.
Thaçi: Armed Forces, multiethnic and in line with NATO standards (Epoka)
The President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, expressed his appreciation for the NATO statement issued after the Alliance’s Summit held in Warsaw earlier this month. Thaçi wrote on his Facebook page that he welcomes NATO’s assessment on Kosovo’s engagement for peace and stability in the region, in particular NATO’s commitment to continue supporting the development of Kosovo’s security infrastructure. Thaçi further said that Kosovo’s Armed Forces will be multiethnic, with the required ethnic and gender representation, and will provide security for all citizens of Kosovo. “NATO’s assessment is a gratitude and it makes us even more determined to establish the Kosovo’s Armed Force, trained and prepared in accordance with NATO standards,” Thaçi wrote.
Ymeri: The ruling coalition will get worse (dailies)
The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Visar Ymeri, said during the meeting of Vetëvendosje’s general council on Sunday that the coalition between the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) is only going to get worse, so “Vetëvendosje has to be ready to object any kind of evil coming from this coalition.” “Our movement has to be powerful against any evil coming from this government, because this is how we become stronger for the good of our country,” Ymeri said.
Serbs address Constitutional Court over Abrashi’s decision on pensions (Zëri)
The Serbian List MP and former Kosovo Minister of Social Welfare, Nenad Rasić, addressed the Constitutional Court over the instruction of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare to stop the basic pensions for retirees who do not live in Kosovo. According to the paper, Abrashi took this step to clear the pension schemes which are overloaded with many irregularities and acts contrary to the law. This step was also opposed by Vetëvendosje Movement who sees this as an act against pensioners living in diaspora.
Jan Braathu appointed head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo (Kosova Sot)
The current Norwegian Ambassador to Kosovo, Jan Braathu, has been appointed as the new head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. Kosovo President, Hashim Thaçi congratulated Braathu on his appointment. “I congratulate the Ambassador of Norway to Kosovo, Jan Braathu for his appointment as the new head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. I know the reputable Ambassador since the Conference in Rambouillet and I will have the pleasure to cooperate with him on his new position. He is an exceptional friend to Kosovo,” Thaçi said.
Hoxhaj: UNMIK, an extension of Russia in Kosovo (media)
Pristina-based Telegrafi website covered on Sunday an interview that Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj gave to RTV Dukagjini, highlighting Hoxhaj’s remarks on UNMIK.
Hoxhaj said: “UNMIK exists as an organization, a mission, in Kosovo, because Russia has blocked the adoption of the Ahtisaari Package and has also prevented replacing Resolution 1244 with another resolution that would have terminated the mission of UNMIK. In this regard, I view UNMIK’s role as an international mission that is an extension of Russia’s influence in Kosovo. I don’t mean the people working in UNMIK, but rather UNMIK as an instrument of Russia’s policy vis-à-vis the region. I believe we need to work more in order to further downsize the presence of UNMIK in Kosovo and to have fewer meetings on Kosovo at the United Nations Security Council. Beyond what we may think in Pristina, these meetings are damaging for Kosovo in the global sense. All quarterly reports that are drafted in cooperation between the [UN] Secretary-General and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo are sent to all world countries. These reports do not portray the reality of an independent Kosovo. These reports include banal details and facts. There are cases when such reports note that ‘three Albanian children threw stones at’ and we know that something like this can happen in London and Paris.”