UNMIK Headlines 6 April
Pristina-Belgrade dialogue on trade reciprocity to continue (Kosova Sot)
The spokesperson for the EU foreign policy chief, Maja Kocijancic, said that talks between the Kosovo and Serbia delegations on trade issues will continue. Kocijancic said the last meeting between the parties was conducted in a constructive atmosphere and that the EU will continue efforts in facilitating free movement, including that of dangerous goods.
Reciprocity continues (Epoka e Re)
Kosovo authorities reconfirmed that the measure of reciprocity towards Serbia on transportation of oil and gas will continue until Serbia’s acceptance of certificates issued by Kosovo authorities for the drivers and vehicles which carry hazardous substances. Delegations from Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by the European Union, discussed this issue on Tuesday in Vienna; however, the meeting concluded without any results. Kosovo’s Minister for Dialogue, Edita Tahiri, spoke to Radio Free Europe about the disagreement with the Serbian party. According to her, the justification of the Serbian party was that Kosovo is not a member of the international convention or member of the United Nations. “However, our argument was that many countries have recognized these certificates and that such arguments are not sustainable, but despite many efforts, there were no results. Our position is to keep reciprocity measures until the recognition of certificates,” Tahiri said.
Selimi: Kosovo will continue dialogue with Serbia (Epoka e Re)
The Acting Foreign Minister of Kosovo, Petrit Selimi said on Tuesday during the meeting with the German parliamentary group of friendship and relations with the European South-Eastern countries that Kosovo will continue with the dialogue for normalization of the relations with Serbia. Selimi informed the parliamentary group headed by Peter Weis and Josip Juratovic about the relations and friendship with South-Eastern countries of Europe.
Haradinaj: Coalition, only with a different PDK (Zeri)
The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), Ramush Haradinaj, told the paper he doesn’t exclude the possibility of a coalition with the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), but as he said, only if acting-leader Kadri Veseli will convince the AAK that they would not continue with the logic of the current government. According to Haradinaj, the biggest party in the country is responsible for the high rate of corruption, criminality and the growth of religious extremism. Haradinaj also said the opposition partnership is not yet possible at this stage, and that he is not willing to submit the AAK’s vision to another political entity. He also said he is confident that early elections will be held before autumn this year. In regards to special court for war crimes, Haradinaj said he is against the establishment of this court. “I think Kosovo has fulfilled its obligations towards international law,” he said.
Kosovo not planning to apply for EU membership any time soon (Koha)
The paper writes that it seems Kosovo will not follow the example of its neighbours and apply for European Union membership as soon as the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) enters into force. Kosovo’s European Integration Minister Bekim Collaku said the government this year should be very efficient in deepening of reforms and that depending of this result “and in full coordination with EU institutions, we will decide when to apply.”
Another Kosovo man killed in Syrian conflict (Telegrafi/Gazeta Blic)
Another Kosovo man is reported to have been killed in Syria, fighting alongside the so-called Al-Nusra front. According to reports, the 22-year-old Hamdi Krusha from Prizren was killed last Saturday and buried in Syria where he had been fighting for more than two years.