UNMIK Headlines 9 January
KFOR: Situation in Kosovo, peaceful (dailies)
Following media reports on Sunday that KFOR gave the head of the Serbian Army Headquarters, General Ljubisa Dikovic, information that there could be turbulences at the border with Kosovo, KFOR issued a statement saying the situation in Kosovo was peaceful and stable. “Referring to Albanian and Serbian media reports regarding the information that KFOR allegedly shared with the Serbian military authorities, KFOR assesses that the situation in Kosovo is calm and stable. KFOR will continue to work to ensure a safe environment and freedom of movement throughout territory of Kosovo. Within its mandate, KFOR has close relations and frequent exchange of information with Kosovo and Serbian institutions, neighboring countries and international organizations. Therefore, in case of any warning that might affect the security situation, KFOR is prepared to take any necessary measures to make Kosovo safe, in close coordination with the Kosovo police and EULEX, in the benefit of every citizen living in Kosovo,” reads the statement. 3
Selmanaj: Demarcation issue to be resolved within a month (Zeri)
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) MP, Rasim Selmanaj, told the paper the border demarcation deal will be resolved by the end of January or early February this year. He did not give more details but added that his party’s stance regarding this issue remains the same. “I support any version of the deal where Kosovo does not lose territory,” he said. The paper also reports that the Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs will discuss the draft Law on border demarcation with Montenegro on 15 January.
Renegotiation and arbitrage in demarcation draft-law (Koha)
The draft law for demarcation of the birder with Montengro will be proceeded to the MPs to analyze it before voting it on 15 January. This draft law carries an article which leaves open the possibility to renegotiate this document or to send the demarcation matter for an international arbitrage. However, both alternatives require prior ratification, which is reached with at least two thirds of the votes pro from the 120 MPs of the Assembly of Kosovo. The paper claims to possess a copy of the draft law and adds that the solution, which by a part of the government is considered to be acceptable even for the opponents of the Agreement, is on the second article of the draft-law. “Dispositions of the Agreement for the State Border between the Republic of Kosovo and Montenegro, signed in Vienna on 26 August 2015, if there are new legal facts, can be changed and fulfilled with consent of the parties. Dispositions of this Agreement can be change according to the same procedure as foreseen for the endorsement,” is stressed in one of the articles. “International arbitrage can be requested with consent of the parties to change the dispositions of the agreement,” the draft law reportedly stresses.
Serbian List does not accept conditioning of Association with army (Koha)
The paper reports based on its sources that members of the government of Kosovo are discussing creation of the army of Kosovo with the coalition partners from the Serbian List. According to these sources part of these discussions is acceleration on establishment of the Association with Serb-majority Municipalities in exchange for creation of the army. However, members of the Serbian List claim that there are differences on the establishment of the Association: Serbs insist that Brussels agreement should be the only guideline for establishment of the Association and not the decision of the Constitutional Court. “No discussions were held with the Serbian List regarding the transformation of Kosovo Security Force. The position of the Serbian List is clear. Discussion for creation of the so-called Kosovo Army are out of question. The only armed force in Kosovo is KFOR,” chief of Serbian List protocol, Zorica Marinkovic, told the paper.
Government concerned about death of two Kosovo Serbs (Lajmi)
The government of Kosovo expressed through a press release concern for the death of two Kosovo people in village Babimoc, Obiliq municipality. The government requests from the respective bodies to shed light to the case as soon as possible. The government also calls on all citizens who might have information on the case, to cooperate with police.
Two individuals, a female and a male, were found dead on Monday in a house in Babimoc.
Haradinaj’s visit to the US, cancelled (media)
Most of the media report today that Kosovo Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, has cancelled his planned visit to the United States because he could not obtain visa. An official of the Iowa National Guard, Colonel Greg Hapgood, told Radio Free Europe that “Haradinaj was invited by General Timothy E. Orr to attend an event on 11 January, but we were notified that he could not obtain visa at this time”. Haradinaj in a Facebook post said he was still waiting for the visa, while his advisers denied that the US Embassy has rejected Haradinaj’s application for visa. They told media the process was still underway.
Kosovo and Albania requested to undertake energy measures against Serbia (RTK)
Albania’s Industry Confederation (Konfindustria) has expressed concern about Serbia’s continuous blockade of the 400 kilowatt line between Kosovo and Albania. “The Government of Albania and Kosovo should urgently discuss countermeasures towards Serbia, with regards to the above matter,” notes a press release issued by Konfindustria. Serbia continues not to implement the agreement reached with Kosovo party on energy, in 2013.As consequence, Kosovo loses within a year from three to five million Euros. Only with the lack of functioning of the 400 kilowatt line with Albania, the loss has already reached one million.
Faton Topalli resigns from all positions at Vetevendosje Movement (Koha)
Kosovo Assembly MP from Vetevendosje Movement, Faton Topalli, resigned on Monday from all his positions at this party. He noted on his resignation letter that recent developments within the party are the reason for his loss in elections in Ferizaj. Topalli expressed concern with current developments and resignations at Vetevendosje.
Around 15 thousand signatures for petition on demarcation and special court (media)
Around 15 thousand people have signed an online petition calling on Kosovo authorities to ratify the border demarcation deal with Montenegro and against the abrogation of the specialist chambers. The petition was initiated by journalist Berat Buzhala and is expected to be handed over soon to the Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli.