UNMIK Headlines 22 January
PM Mustafa writes letter to Trepca miners (Bota Sot)
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, is reported to have written a letter to the Trepca miners who have been on strike since Tuesday, assuring them that the government of Kosovo is undertaking all necessary and possible legal steps to resolve the mine’s status in the interest of the miners and the people of Kosovo. Mustafa described the measures that the government has taken so far to prevent Trepca’s bankruptcy and urged the miners to end their strike.
Government wants to keep Trepca mines (Koha)
In a front-page story, the paper notes that the draft law adopted by the Kosovo government, which would extend the status quo of the Trepca mining complex, notes that the mines will be transformed into a public enterprise owned by the “Republic of Kosovo.” An unidentified source told the paper that the state wants to keep the mines in Stantrg, Kishnica, Artana, Kopaonik and Leposavic, as well as the lead metallurgy in Zvecan and the zinc metallurgy in Mitrovica. According to the government’s plan, another 14 units of the mining complex will be privatized.
Miners determined to continue strike (Epoka e Re)
The Trepca miners do not intend to stop their strike despite their worsened health conditions. Trepca’s general manager, Ahmet Tmava, said on Wednesday that, if the mining complex remains under the Privatization Agency of Kosovo, that would impede Trepca’s development. Qazim Jashari, the director of Trepca’s Stantrg mine, warned of more radical measures if the miners’ requests are not fulfilled. The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, has not visited the miners and stated that the strike is unjustifiable. “The resolution of the Trepca problem requires time. We consider that there is no reason for a strike because the workers are safe,” Mustafa said.
AAK to join protest against Jablanovic (Zeri)
The paper reports on the front page that the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) will join Saturday’s protest organized by the “Cries of Mothers” Association and the Vetevendosje Movement against statements by Communities and Returns Minister Aleksandar Jablanovic. Although Jablanovic apologized for his statement, which criticized protesters in Gjakova/Djakovica, civil society representatives are adamant that he should be dismissed. Several Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MPs said on Wednesday that the government is using double standards when it comes to Serb and Albanian ministers.
Parliament to discuss irregular migration on Friday (Zeri)
At the request of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), the Kosovo Parliament on Friday will discuss the issue of irregular migration. At the end of the debate, MPs are expected to come up with recommendations, although the paper writes that there is doubt that such a debate can stop the migration. “We will propose that the Parliament comes up with a strategy action plan that will call on the government and other relevant institutions to undertake concrete actions aimed at preventing irregular migration,” AAK MP Donika Kada Bujupi said.
Veseli meets US Ambassador (Zeri)
Kosovo Parliament Speaker Kadri Veseli met on Wednesday with the United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Tracey Ann Jacobson. Veseli and Jacobson discussed Kosovo’s legislative agenda, emphasizing the need to adopt laws, which would help move Kosovo towards Euro-Atlantic integration, as soon as possible.
Kosovo government adopts Progress Report plan (Kosova Sot)
The government of Kosovo yesterday adopted an action plan to implement recommendations stemming from the European Commission’s latest Progress Report on Kosovo. Minister of European Integration Bekim Collaku said the plan is expected to be implemented over a one-year period.
Serbian List MP arrested on rape charges (dailies)
Several dailies report that Adem Hoxha, a Serbian List MP, has been arrested on rape charges. Hoxha is suspected of having raped a girl in her North Mitrovica apartment. The Basic Court in Mitrovica has ordered a 30-day detention for Hoxha. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to 10 years in prison.