UNMIK Headlines 25 July
Ratification of demarcation agreement, after 3 August (Zëri)
The paper reports that the government of Kosovo will not submit the border-demarcation with Montenegro to the Kosovo Assembly prior to the debate on this agreement scheduled for 3 August. Kosovo government spokesperson, Arban Abrashi, told the paper the government has not yet decided on when it will submit this agreement to the Assembly. “There is no specific date yet. I don’t believe it will happen prior to 3 August,” Abrashi said. However, according to the opposition parties, if the government decides to proceed with the current agreement, Kosovo will enter deep crisis.
Grabovci: International arbitration for demarcation (Epoka)
Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) deputy leader, Adem Grabovci, said in a front-page interview for the paper that the Assembly should vote on the border-demarcation deal with Montenegro. Grabovci also said that, due to the many contradictions, the most favorable solution would be to pursue the Slovenian-Croatian example, in order for the issue to remain open for revision or international arbitration. He added that this would require the consent of both countries. Grabovci argued that opposition parties did not help demarcation by politicizing it extremely. Speaking about the coalition government, Grabovci said that some ministries have not performed at required level, therefore it is time to assess everyone’s work.
Vetëvendosje mobilised to prevent border demarcation (dailies)
The leader of Vetëvendosje, Visar Ymeri, said in the meeting of the party’s general council that they need to mobilise to oppose the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro. He said the government of Kosovo is trying to return the issue at the table but added that Vetëvendosje membership should stand ready to undertake actions and protests to oppose the agreement. In the meeting, Vetëvendosje also elected several officials to leading positions in the party including that of the first deputy leader by Dardan Sejdiu, deputy mayor of Pristina. Meanwhile, the newcomers, Dukagjin Gorani and Donika Kadaj-Bujupi, were elected to the party’s presidency.
Montenegrin representatives to attend demarcation debate (Kosova Sot)
In a press release, the Association of Kosovo Montenegrins announced its officials will take part in the upcoming debate on border demarcation agreement between Kosovo and Montenegro. Last week, the Association came up with the proposal to the Kosovo Assembly to ratify the agreement and then undertake actions to measure the disputed territory. This was strongly opposed by the opposition parties which insist the demarcation agreement first undergo changes and then go to the Assembly.
Hoxhaj: Dialogue with Serbia should have a deadline (DW/Zëri)
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, during an interview with Deutsche Welle, said that Kosovo should continue the dialogue with Serbia, but it should have a deadline on when it must end. “Kosovo and Serbia need to think for how long this dialogue should continue. The final phase of the dialogue must be the mutual recognition as two independent states, the process of demarcation with Serbia, as well as the process of reconciliation between our societies,” Hoxhaj said. According to him, Kosovo's approach is to implement the agreements reached so far. “There are constant attempts by Serbia to postpone the implementation of these agreements or renegotiated them. As a new independent country, we intend to implement all agreements reached so far,” Hoxhaj said. With regard to the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities, Hoxhaj said that Kosovo will not move forward without the dissolution of parallel structures in northern Kosovo.
Russia calls for establishment of Association/Community (Kosova Sot)
Russian Ambassador to Belgrade, Aleksander Chepurin, said in a visit to the northern part of Mitrovica that the solution to the Kosovo problem lies in the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1244. He also said Kosovo authorities need to make efforts to implement the agreement on establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities.
EU: Ibar Mosque is not part of Ibar Bridge revitalisation (Tribuna Channel)
Officials in the Office of the EU Special Representative in Kosovo told Tribuna Channel on Sunday that the reconstruction of the Ibar Mosque is not part of the agreement for the revitalisation of the main Ibar Bridge. The news channel recalls that the mosque, which was built in northern Mitrovica in 1778, was burned and later demolished by Serbian forces in 1999.
Ferat Shala appointed Acting Minister of Environment (media)
Several media report that Kosovo Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, has authorised Ferat Shala to perform the duties and responsibilities of the Minister for Environment and Spatial Planning. The post was previously held by Ferid Agani, who resigned amidst corruption charges.
Citizens light candles in Pristina honouring Munich attack victims (media)
Most media report that citizens lit candles in downtown Pristina on Sunday evening honouring the three Kosovar youth that were killed during the recent shooting in Munich. Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaçi declared Sunday a national day of mourning. The three youth will be buried in Kosovo on Tuesday.