UNMIK Headlines 30 December
North discussed during 17 January round of dialogue (Koha Ditore)
EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Catherine Ashton, who is facilitating the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue in the highest political level, told Koha Ditore in an exclusive interview that northern Kosovo will be discussed on 17 January 2013 during Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi and his Serb counterpart Ivica Dacic’s first meeting in the new year.
When asked which topics will be on the table in the next meeting on 17 January, Ashton said: “We will meet to review the progress achieved, particularly the implementation of IBM. And, as we have agreed on 4 December, we will also discuss the north.”
Jacobson: Belgrade’s Platform prevents talks (Zëri)
US ambassador in Kosovo Tracy Ann Jacobson said that Serbia’s platform for Kosovo presents an obstacle for dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. “My Government is focused on the dialogue, which is taking place in Brussels under the EU umbrella. The Kosovo Government is also focused on the dialogue. We have witnessed a few positive results from this dialogue during the year and hope to also have results next year on some important issues. Any other initiative, as it is the platform, is an obstacle,” Jacobson told Voice of America in the Serbian language.
Hoxhaj: Kosovo mark 5th anniversary with 100 recognitions (dailies)
Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj believes Kosovo will have been recognized by 100 countries by 17 February 2013, when Kosovo marks its fifth anniversary of independence. “Kosovo institutions are making efforts to secure 100 recognitions before 17 February,” Hoxhaj said in a press conference, adding that he has information about a certain number of countries preparing to recognize Kosovo, but it is not a practice to reveal their names.
Kosovo’s NATO membership depends on political will (Bota Sot)
Kosovo’s membership in NATO depends on the political will of its member states. However, the sooner Kosovo gets its own army, the shorter its path to membership, reports the paper.
Kosovo Security Force Minister Agim Çeku told KosovaPress that the Kosovo army will be officially established in 2013 in coordination with international allies. He said no one should feel threatened by the Kosovo army as its purpose is to create sustainable peace.