Headlines - 03.04.2014 Serbia with new strategy for negotiations (Koha Ditore) In a front-page story, the paper reports that Serbia has announced it will draft a new strategy for the future talks with Kosovo. As a response to the Kosovo Government’s decision to create the Armed Forces, as well as the transformation of EULEX’s mandate in June, Belgrade officials said these issues surpass the Brussels Agreement and that they will raise these topics in Brussels. Meanwhile, Kosovo Government officials categorically rejected talks with Serbia on the Kosovo Armed Forces and the EULEX mandate. Bekim Collaku, political advisor to Prime Minister Thaci, told the paper: “the establishment of the Kosovo Armed Forces is a done deal already, because the decision has been made by the Government of Kosovo and the Constitutional Court gave the green light to move forward. Under no circumstance will this issue be discussed with Serbia.” Collaku also said that Serbia doesn’t have a say in the mandate of EULEX. “This issue is decided in close coordination between Kosovo institutions and the European Union,” he added. EULEX to undergo minor changes (Tribuna) On the front page, the paper reports on an agreement between Kosovo and EU over the future mandate of EULEX and says the Kosovo side has managed to make sure that, as of 15 June, court panels will no longer be consisted of two EULEX and one Kosovo judge, but the other way around, making the Kosovo judges a majority. EULEX international prosecutors will continue to enjoy executive competencies but, in order to take on more cases, they will need the approval from their Kosovar chief prosecutor. In addition, EULEX is expected to remain a large international mission in Kosovo and will undergo minor downsizings but will not be divided into three units as was planned by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton. EULEX will also not change its name and will continue to have its own police although it will be more focused in the north of Kosovo. It will continue to have a chief of the mission as this was the only way to ensure compliance with UN SC resolution 1244. Parliament to be dismissed, Thaci has agreed (Zeri) The paper reports on the front page that LDK leader Isa Mustafa is confident that parliamentary elections will be held either in May or June. In an interview for the paper, Mustafa said that parliament could be dismissed this month and that PDK leader Hashim Thaci and the majority of political leaders have agreed on this. Meanwhile, LDK will prepare the text listing the reasons for dismissing parliament and it will harmonize the document with other parliamentary parties. Agreement on election date to be reached today (Epoka e Re) The leaders of the biggest political parties in Kosovo are expected to meet this morning with the US Ambassador in Kosovo, Tracey Ann Jacobson, and discuss the setting of the date for parliamentary elections. “The meeting is expected to result in an agreement for the date of parliamentary elections,” said a source of the newspaper. Cliff confirms Tribunal is being discussed in Brussels (Koha Ditore) British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ian Cliff, said during a visit to Lipjan on Thursday that an eventual tribunal that would try alleged crimes committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army is already being discussed in Brussels. “We all know that there was a report by Dick Marty on organ trafficking, and we also know that everyone in the government and other institutions knows that we need to address these allegations. But we need to find a credible way, because we don’t want this issue to be returned to the United Nations. This issue is being discussed in Brussels and I am not informed about other details,” Cliff was quoted as saying. Cliff: Going to war, harmful occurrence (Lajm) Ambassador of Great Britain in Kosovo, Ian Cliff, has joined the increasing concerns in connection Kosovar youth going to other countries to fight. While commenting on the latest case of a young man from Ferizaj who is reported to have been in a suicide attack in Iraq, Ambassador Cliff said that the issue should not be exaggerated and that perhaps the lack of perspective is pushing young people to take radical steps. “There are many young people that maybe don’t see their perspective here, because of unemployment and other aspects and are incited to take such actions,” said Cliff. Vucic is laying the groundwork for recognition of Kosovo (Lajm) Lajm on the front page quotes Kosovo analysts saying that the statement of the new Serbian Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vucic, regarding how he will not say bad words for the Kosovo delegation, means he is laying the groundwork for the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. Analysts said that after talks led by Dacic, Kosovo de facto has been divided into two entities and only a few things have remained to define this division, emphasizing that once this division will be made clear, Serbia will recognize Kosovo just as it had done with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beqaj: We have understanding with IMF on salary increase (Koha Ditore) Kosovo Government officials said on Wednesday that there is no disagreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the decision to increase salaries. “The Stand-By Program includes seeking funds from the IMF to increase financial stability in the country, whereas we don’t need funds from the IMF. After the end of the 20-month program with the IMF, we concluded that we need a new program which will maintain financial discipline, but we don’t need funds. The new program will address maturity and planning which is already producing effects in budget stability. Kosovo is the most disciplined member of the IMF,” Finance Minister Besim Beqaj said on Wednesday. Constitutional Court legitimizes transformation of KSF into KAF (Koha Ditore) The Constitutional Court of Kosovo has ruled that the future establishment of the Kosovo Armed Forces (KAF) has full legitimacy. Agim Ceku, minister for the Kosovo Security Force, announced the court’s ruling during the government meeting on Wednesday. Ceku said the Constitutional Court ruled that constitutional amendments for the KSF transformation into KAF do not undermine rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of Kosovo. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said the transformation could be discussed in today’s session of parliament. Sources in parliament however told the paper that they received the information but they have yet to see the full ruling of the Constitutional Court. “So far we only received a note from the Constitutional Court saying that the request is acceptable and that the proposed amendments do not violate rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution,” the source said.