On dialogue, EU "forgets" Kosovo's territorial integrity (Koha Ditore)

After the latest meeting between prime ministers Hashim Thaci and Ivica Dacic, EU member states have more or less agreed on the text of conclusions that will be adopted next week at the meeting of ministers of the General Council, which are then expected to be endorsed by heads of states. The paper claims to have secured a copy of the text of conclusions which are to a large extent dedicated to issues regarding relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and the situation in northern Kosovo.

The paper notes that, unlike the enlargement document adopted by the European Commission two months ago, the current text does not mention "the territorial integrity of Kosovo".

Diplomatic sources from EU member states that have recognized Kosovo's independence told the paper that "the reference to territorial integrity by the Commission was a mistake triggered by statements by Serbian officials for Kosovo's partition and a message had to be sent that partition is not an option".

The same sources said that regarding Serbian diplomacy, "many member states, as well as certain circles related to dialogue, expressed that there should be no reference to territorial integrity because this would prevent the continuation of dialogue and the EU would lose its position as a status neutral organization." The term "territorial integrity" was strongly rejected by the five non-recognizing member states, which argued that such a term would imply that the EU is treating Kosovo like a state.

Another element in the conclusions is that they don't mention "parallel structures" or "Serbia's structures" in northern Kosovo.

PDK-AAK partnership pending (Koha Ditore)

PDK leader Hashim Thaci and AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj implied after their meeting yesterday that finalizing a partnership between their respective parties will take time, Koha Ditore reports on page three. None of the leaders, however, said who would lead a ruling coalition between the two parties.

Although in opposition, Haradinaj reconfirmed to Thaci they would cooperate in three areas: dialogue with Serbia, election reforms and the European integration process. Both leaders said in future meetings they would address the issue of partnership.

"We are willing to cover all state responsibilities," Thaci was quoted saying. "The partnership will take time and a more thorough debate."

Asked by reporters if he told Thaci to give him the post of prime minister, Haradinaj said, "I have already said in the media that I want to take over responsibilities, including the leading responsibilities in the government. The assumption of responsibilities is a process. We started off with several topics today. We will address other topics in the future. This is the truth. Thaci did not address the question, and only stated that there is mutual readiness to strengthen the state."

Talks on northern Kosovo next year (Express)

Austrian Ambassador to Belgrade, Johaness Eigner, said yesterday that talks for a long-term solution for northern Kosovo will be held early next year, Express reports on page five. Eigner said no imposed solution would be sustainable. "Pristina and Belgrade should begin with easier topics and, at a later stage, address the status of northern Kosovo. It is too early to discuss this issue now," he added.

Belgrade convinces northern reps to abandon blockades (dailies)

One day after meeting with leaders in Belgrade, the heads of parallel municipalities in northern Kosovo decided to allow the construction of the Jarinje border crossing and remove the blockade on the road leading to it . Northern representatives called on citizens to abandon the roadblock, where they had been staying for several days.

Krstimir Pantic, the so-called mayor of Mitrovica, said there is no reason why representatives of northern Serbs should not accept the conclusions of the Government of Serbia. "All our requests have been accepted by the European Union and by the Prime Minister of Kosovo. I see no reason why this assembly should not support the conclusions of the Republic of Serbia. Together with our government, we will reach the best possible solution, not only for the status of the north, but for all of Kosovo," Pantic said.

War Veterans protest in support of Limaj (dailies)

All dailies report that around 200 former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) protested yesterday in Pristina against the arrest of Fatmir Limaj and his three associates in the Klecka case. The protest was held in front of EULEX headquarters, where protesters called on the EU mission to stop the "witch hunt" and immediately release Limaj and his fellow combatants. Protesters argued that their detention was absurd and unfounded.