• Opposition avoids inclusion in dialogue with Serbia (Radio Free Europe)
• Fajon hopes Kosovo will get visa liberalization in May 2019 (Deutsche Welle)
• Pacolli: U.S. will support Kosovo in every process (RTK)
• “We don’t fear initiatives aimed at bringing down government” (Zeri)
• Opposition avoids inclusion in dialogue with Serbia (Radio Free Europe)

As Kosovo has entered the final phase of dialogue for normalization of relations with Serbia, political parties remain divided on the country’s approach to the process. Opposition parties, which have continuously rejected a leading role for President Thaci in the process, have made different proposals to achieve unity among political parties. Political commentator Ramush Tahiri told RFE that political unity on dialogue with Serbia can be achieved if there is good will. “For now, we have several initiatives in the Assembly and in roundtables by political parties calling for unity. There is also a platform by Assembly President Kadri Veseli aimed at reaching unity. However, different interests are not allowing for practical steps. I also have the impression that some fear assuming responsibility at a point when a final agreement with Serbia needs to be reached and when Kosovo needs to meet certain requirements by the European Union,” Tahiri added. Imer Mushkolaj, political analyst, argues that the approach of opposition parties to the process is problematic because each of the three opposition parties has different positions. He added that while it is apparent that opposition parties do not agree on the matter with the ruling parties, even among the opposition parties the situation remains unclear.

Fajon hopes Kosovo will get visa liberalization in May 2019 (Deutsche Welle)

Tanja Fajon, the European Parliament’s Rapporteur on visa liberalization for Kosovo, said in an interview to Deutsche Welle that she believes that by the end of her mandate in Parliament, Kosovo will get visa liberalization. She added that if visas are removed “everyone will be a winner”. “There are no more reasons for excuses or delays. At the same time, my advice to Kosovo’s politicians is to continue their efforts and dialogue with Brussels and European capitals to gain their necessary support and trust. This is the key to success. Kosovo must maintain its credibility and build strong alliances with EU member states and EU institutions

Pacolli: U.S. will support Kosovo in every process (RTK)

Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Behgjet Pacolli, met in Washington with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Wess Mitchell. “The United States of America have proved their strong, determined and continuous support in the most difficult periods for Kosovo and its people. They will continue to remain strongly by Kosovo’s side in every step of the state-building process,” Pacolli said after the meeting.

“We don’t fear initiatives aimed at bringing down government” (Zeri)

The three opposition parties in Kosovo’s Assembly are calling for early parliamentary elections, but they have 57 votes and they need another four votes in their attempt to bring down the Haradinaj-led government. Teuta Haxhiu, deputy leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), a partner in the ruling coalition, told the paper that the opposition lacks the votes to oust the government. She further argued that “all this noise is made over the internal interests of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and their internal race over the post of party leader. We are comfortable and we don’t fear initiatives aimed at ousting the government, let alone the LDK. We don’t even know who is the LDK leader, Lutfi Haziri or Avdullah Hoti?”. Haxhiu also said that neither the Vetevendosje Movement nor the Social Democratic Party are ready to go to early elections.