Headlines - 06.01.2018

• New formula for border demarcation (Koha Ditore)
• Haradinaj urges Assembly to give verdict on demarcation issue (Koha/RTV21)
• “Pardoning decision does not undermine relations with allies” (Koha)
• Haradinaj: We have not discussed Kosovo army with Serbian List (Zeri)
• Kurti says he is open to discussing resigned MPs’ concerns (Epoka e Re)
• Suspect in Medicus clinic case arrested in Cyprus (Koha/Reuters)

Kosovo Media Highlights

New formula for border demarcation (Koha Ditore)

The paper reports on the front page that Kosovo authorities are in the final stage of preparing a solution for the border demarcation issue with Montenegro which they think would be acceptable to all parties concerned. Sources inside the government of Kosovo told the paper that one of the option being considered is adoption of a joint statement between Kosovo and Montenegro expressing the readiness to renegotiate the demarcation agreement. However the source said that while the idea has been mentioned to Montenegrin officials but that there is no official position on it yet.

Haradinaj urges Assembly to give verdict on demarcation issue (Koha/RTV21)

Prime Minister of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, said the Assembly of Kosovo needs to give a verdict to the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro as soon as possible. “If the parliament decides to overturn this version, the government would then get involved in finding a solution. But for as long as the parliament does not decide, we have no role,” he said. Haradinaj added however that he didn’t believe the agreement had two-thirds of necessary votes to pass and that his party MPs would vote against. “Our position has not changed and is the same as when we were in the opposition,” Haradinaj noted.

“Pardoning decision does not undermine relations with allies” (Koha)

Office of President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, said in a response to the paper that the decision to pardon three convicted persons for the murder of five members of Hajra family will not undermine Kosovo’s relations with friendly countries despite the statement issued two days ago by Quint countries expressing concern over the decision. “The pardoning decision is fully in line with the Constitution, relevant legislation and applicable procedures,” the response reads. It adds that decisions taken in a democratic manner by Kosovo institutions need to be respected by all.

Haradinaj: We have not discussed Kosovo army with Serbian List (Zeri)

Prime Minister of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, said he never discussed the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into a Kosovo army with the Serbian List. Haradinaj made the comments following a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Nenad Rikalo.

Kurti says he is open to discussing resigned MPs’ concerns (Epoka e Re)

Vetevendosje MP and former leader, Albin Kurti, said he remains ready and interested to discuss all concerns raised by several of the party officials who resigned over the recent period but that these discussions should take place within Vetevendosje leading bodies. “While I was in prison, I would hear the news saying they were waiting for me to discuss. Now that I am out and anticipating a series of debates in the meetings of our bodies, resignations are lining up from those seeking discussion while I was in detention,” Kurti wrote in a Facebook post. He said Vetevendosje was a democratic entity and that its presidency decided to review resignations and asked for all those who presented them to return to their functions. “The final decision is up to them,” he said.

Suspect in Medicus clinic case arrested in Cyprus (Koha/Reuters)

An Israeli national, suspect in the trafficking of human organ case in Kosovo, has been arrested in Cyprus and authorities in Pristina have requested for his extradition to stand trial. Kosovo Police spokesperson Baki Kelani told Reuters news agency that the suspect was arrested few days ago and that he had been wanted by authorities since 2010.