UNMIK Headlines 6 April
Kosovo government indicates it will accept Serbian List requests (RTK/RFE)
The Kosovo government is indicating that it could soon accept the requests of the Serbian List for the implementation of the coalition agreement, as a condition for the return of Serbian List representatives to Kosovo institutions. Bajram Gecaj, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, told Radio Free Europe that the agreement between the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Serbian List was the basis of the coalition government. “The agreement has several points. Some of the points can be implemented quickly. For example, now they need to submit to us the names of the minister and deputy ministers. These are issues that can be resolved quickly, as soon as they return to the institutions,” Gecaj said. Serbian List representatives met two days ago with members of the Serbian Government to consult on future steps. They said that early this week they will meet Kosovo government officials, namely the coalition partners, and will return to the institutions if there is good will from both sides.
The barricade-park puts down roots on Iber Bridge (Koha)
The government of Kosovo, which is expecting an action plan from Brussels to revitalize the Iber Bridge, has mentioned the positive steps that the European Union Office in Kosovo is making to remove obstacles on and around the Iber River. At the last meeting in Brussels, officials said they were “confident that the action plan will be implemented according to schedule”. They however did not specify a timeframe for the removal of the barricade. During her report to the Kosovo Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee in March, the Minister for Dialogue Edita Tahiri, said the barricade would be removed within three months. Political analysts in the northern part of Kosovo, on the other hand, argue that it is difficult to set a timeframe for the removal of the barricade. “One cannot trust statements made by Kosovo government officials, because the removal of the barricade depends completely on Serbia’s good will,” Nexhmedin Spahiu, political analyst, told the paper.
Jashari calls on Kosovo institutions not to vote in favor of special court (Epoka e Re)
Xhavit Jashari, the chairman of the War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army, said on Sunday that Kosovo institutions should not vote in favor of the establishment of the special court which is expected to address war crimes allegations in Kosovo.
Kosovo civil society calls for clarity on visa liberalization (Koha)
Civil society representatives in Kosovo sent an open letter to senior officials of the European Union, who are in charge of the integration of South-East European countries into the European Union, calling for more clarity on the visa liberalization process for Kosovo. The letter, which was sent to EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and other senior EU officials, highlights some of the flaws in the visa liberalization process which has left Kosovo the only country isolated in the region without the possibility of visa-free travel.