Headlines - 26.09.2014

Bloc says it won’t wait indefinitely (Tribuna)

Representatives of the post-election coalition met yesterday with leaders of non-Serb community parties and requested their support for a solution that they said represents the will of the majority in the Assembly. Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader Isa Mustafa said after the meeting that the bloc’s positions remain unchanged and that Kosovo needs to have a different government. Mustafa said the bloc would attend a possible meeting with President Atifete Jahjaga. “We will go and present our stances”, he said. At the same time, the leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) and the bloc’s candidate for prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, accused the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and its MP who is temporary chairing the Assembly, Flora Brovina, of “shamefully” delaying the upcoming Assembly session. “Despite the fact that we are seeking a solution in institutions, we cannot wait indefinitely for this abuse to end”, warned Haradinaj.

Mustafa: Coalition agreement won’t change (Lajm)

Isa Mustafa, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), who has been nominated by the opposition bloc for Assembly President, said on Thursday that the agreement between the three parties would not change regardless of recent ideas. Mustafa said the statement by LDK MP Arben Gashi in favor of reviewing the coalition agreement is Gashi’s individual opinion and that it would have no impact on the coalition’s final decisions.

Jahjaga: Solution to political deadlock must be found in Assembly (Epoka)

Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga said on Thursday that the solution to the political deadlock must be found in the Assembly of Kosovo. “Members of the Assembly are the ones that need to find a solution. The process should pave the way to the establishment of new institutions. I will perform all my constitutional and legal obligations and guarantee the democratic functioning of institutions,” Jahjaga told the Express news website.

Kaidanow: Respect the Constitutional Court’s decision (Koha)

Tina Kaidanow, the United States State Department Anti-Terrorism Coordinator and former ambassador to Kosovo, told KTV in an interview that political parties in Kosovo must solve the political deadlock while fully respecting the decision of the Constitutional Court. “It is very important for Kosovo to have a new government. It is the responsibility of the people of Kosovo and party leaders to reach a compromise agreement. The solution must be in line with the decision of the Constitutional Court. As far as I know, President Jahjaga is working to facilitate dialogue between parties, but the ultimate responsibility rests with the parties. You should also consider the damage that is being caused by the lack of institutions,” Kaidanow said.

Serbian List to respect Constitutional Court’s decision (Tribuna)

The paper reports that the Serbian List is ready to vote for anyone who manages to secure the sufficient votes for Kosovo Assembly Speaker. The leader of the List, Aleksandar Jablanovic, said that they will respect the decision of the Constitutional Court and support the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) candidate if that person gets at least 52 votes. Jablanovic said the Serbian List continues to communicate with the post-election coalition bloc but added that Vetevendosje should change its approach if it wishes to have the List’s support.

Carolan returns to resolve political deadlock (Koha)

The paper reports on the front page that Judge Robert Carolan will return to serve on a short-term contract with the Constitutional Court of Kosovo. During that time, the Court will address a case that President Atifete Jahjaga is expected to submit with the aim of resolving the political deadlock. Carolan’s earlier departure left the Constitutional Court without the necessary quorum to address political cases.

Kosovo President meets US President (Koha)

Atifete Jahjaga, President of Kosovo, attended the traditional reception organized by Barack Obama, President of the United States, for the United Nations General Assembly.

Borchardt: Special court delayed by political deadlock (Bota Sot)

Bernd Borchardt, head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), who will leave his post this weekend, said on Thursday that the timeline for the establishment of the special court has yet to be specified. At a roundtable organized by the Pristina-based Group for Judicial and Political Studies about the role of EULEX, Borchardt said the establishment of the court could be prolonged as a result of delays in the establishment of the Assembly and the new government. “There are still many details that need to be clarified. Several legal amendments need to be made and this can be done only after the establishment of the new Assembly and government,” Borchardt said.

Zbogar gets support from KFOR (Zeri)

The Kosovo Force (KFOR) Commander, Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, expressed his full support on Thursday to the head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Samuel Zbogar. Figliuolo said KFOR would fulfill its duty as the third reactor in the field of operations, supporting Kosovo Police and EULEX actions, in order to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement.