UNMIK Headlines 28 February
Dialogue expected to be finalized without written agreements (dailies)
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi mentioned the possibility that the end of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue not result in anything signed by the parties. His deputy, Hajredin Kuçi, said Kosovo aims for such an agreement but has “red lines” regarding its content.
Since it is possible for the process to be finalized without a signed agreement, the need for the creation of international mechanisms arose, which would follow the degree of implementation of aspects on which the parties agreed.
According to sources of Koha Ditore, the process of normalizing full relations between Kosovo and Serbia will continue for a long time after the actual process of dialogue has been completed.
As far as the goal of the process is concerned, different western diplomats have told media that a solution for the north is intended, which will enable EU ministers to give the green light for the start date on membership negotiations between EU and Serbia and offer the mandate to the European Commission to start the negotiation process of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo.
Thaçi: Association of Serb municipalities will be NGO (dailies)
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi said in a government meeting that the association of northern municipalities will function like a non-governmental organization, without executive or legislative powers. “It cannot be a replacement of municipal assemblies; municipal responsibilities cannot be transferred to this association,” assured Thaçi.
Valley could request association of municipalities (Koha Ditore)
Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi sees the possibility for the creation of one association of Albanian municipalities in Serbia like with the Association of Serb municipalities in Kosovo, if it was requested from the Albanian leadership of the Valley. “For Albanians in Preshevo Valley, it can happen as an association. You know that if we look at the European convention for local self governance, such a possibility is foreseen,” said Kuçi.
Kuçi: Opposition will also be convinced (Epoka e Re)
Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi said that the opposition arguing against the association of Serb municipalities will be convinced otherwise once necessary clarifications are provided. He stated that such a mechanism is not illegal.
In an interview for the newspaper, he said that the basis of this association is the law for local self-governance and inter-municipality cooperation, which has been approved by the Kosovo Assembly with two-thirds of the votes. According to him, this association does not violate the sovereignty or integrity of Kosovo.
EULEX files indictment against Prizren mayor (dailies)
EULEX prosecutor filed an indictment against Prizren Mayor Ramadan Muja on charges of corruption, which also includes five officials from the Prizren municipality.
“Ramadan Muja is charged with four counts of abusing official position or authority. Minir Krasniqi is charged with two counts of abusing official position or authority. Kadri Ukimeri, Avni Ademaj, Sadik Paçarizi and Abdullah Tejeci are charged with one count of abusing official position or authority each,” reads a press release issued by EULEX.
Officials at the Municipality of Prizren did not comment on the indictment and said they have not yet received any official notification. “We learnt the news from the media and when we get something official we will make a public statement,” said spokesperson Ymer Berisha.
Hoxhaj accused for politicizing diplomatic staff (dailies)
Members of the Assembly committee on foreign affairs accused Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj of politicizing diplomatic service and illegally employing staff. Members of the committee held Hoxhaj accountable for Kosovo recognitions that were since retracted by some countries, the failure of Kosovo to gain membership in international mechanisms, and talks with Serbia.
Hoxhaj said one of the main priorities for 2013 is Kosovo’s membership in international organizations and that the membership in European Bank of Reconstruction of Development was a huge success.
OSCE without answer on organizing elections in the north (Express)
OSCE mission in Kosovo has not received any official request from the Kosovo Government to organise elections in northern Kosovo. Spokesperson Nikola Gaon told RFE that OSCE is closely following developments in the dialogue. “OSCE has not been consulted on this issue and we have not undertaken any steps in this regard but naturally we are following developments in the dialogue,” said Gaon.
Fajon: No double standards for Kosovo (Tribuna)
MEP Tanja Fajon said in an interview for the paper that the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue is necessary as it is the only way to improve living conditions for citizens of both countries. She also said that the European Commission is not using double standards for Kosovo. “It is not enough to only have laws on paper. They should also function in practice,” Fajon said. “I am also concerned with the Commission’s findings of limited capacity of Kosovo to fight organized crime and corruption, which has a great implication on EU’s internal security,” she added.