Headlines - 23.09.2016

• Mustafa has not given up on border demarcation deal (Kosova Sot)
• Hoxhaj: Ratification of demarcation agreement in October (Koha)
• EU seeks opposition’s involvement in dialogue (Kosova Sot)
• Murtezaj: We expect good news from Greece (Epoka e Re)
• Europe’s problems, fatal for Kosovo (Zëri)
• Kosovo government sets up team for SAP representation (Koha Ditore)
• Gecaj: Kosovo enjoys extremely good relations with Montenegro (RFE)

Mustafa has not given up on border demarcation deal (Kosova Sot)

Speaking to journalists about his visit to the U.S., Prime Minister of Kosovo Isa Mustafa said that the border demarcation issue is very clear. “The final obligation that we need to fulfill is the ratification of the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro. This is an issue which cannot be overlooked as far as European Union representatives are concerned,” said Mustafa adding that the issue came up in all the meetings he had in the U.S..

Hoxhaj: Ratification of demarcation agreement in October (Koha)

In an interview for Voice of America in Albanian, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj said he believed that the Kosovo Assembly will ratify the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro during the first half of October. “If this condition is met, I believe the citizens of Kosovo will have a positive decision on visa-free travel to Europe by the end of the year,” Hoxhaj said.

EU seeks opposition’s involvement in dialogue (Kosova Sot)

Kosovo’s Minister for Dialogue, Edita Tahiri, met yesterday the new head of the EU Office in Kosovo and Special Representative, Nataliya Apostolova, who spoke about the need for the opposition’s involvement in the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue and for better informing the people of Kosovo about the process. Tahiri said the dialogue is part of Kosovo’s foreign policy and that it has produced important results, but added that full implementation of agreements should be sped up. 

Murtezaj: We expect good news from Greece (Epoka e Re)

Kosovo’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Valon Murtezaj, told the paper that his first visit to Greece a few days ago was very successful as the aim was advancement of relations between Kosovo and Greece. He indicated that after this visit, Kosovo expects good news from Greece. “Greece and other countries that have not recognized our independence are aware that Kosovo expects their decision to recognize its statehood,” Murtezaj said. He added that Kosovo’s diplomacy is working hard to convince the five remaining EU member states to recognize Kosovo. According to him, Kosovo has also been working to join International Organizations, with particular emphasis on UNESCO, Interpol and Council of Europe. 

Europe’s problems, fatal for Kosovo (Zëri)

The paper reports in a front page story that the problems within the European Union resulted in the integration of the Western Balkans, including Kosovo,  being ranked as secondary issues in Brussels. Political analysts say that the integration processes are stopped, while the Ministry of European Integration acknowledges that the visa liberalization process might be damaged by internal matters in the EU. According to this ministry, there could be consequences for Kosovo in the process of visa liberalization, especially in the final stage when the decision is political. 

Kosovo government sets up team for SAP representation (Koha Ditore)

The government of Kosovo has set up groups that will take part in the Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) that includes the Council, Committee, Sub-Committee, and special Stabilisation and Association groups. Kosovo will be represented at the SAP Council at the highest political level with seven ministers being part of the Council. The Council will be led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs while the Minister of European Integration will be deputy chair. 

Gecaj: Kosovo enjoys extremely good relations with Montenegro (RFE)

Kosovo’s Deputy Minister of Local Government and Administration, Bajram Gecaj, told RFE that statements made by Vetëvendosje Movement MP Albin Kurti that current demarcation might bring war in Kosovo, are irresponsible. “There are no indications of a war with Montenegro. We are in constant contact with Montenegro because it is a friendly state, it is a neighboring country with which we have extremely good relations. I do not believe that these statements will be taken seriously. However, it is totally irresponsible that a leader of a movement or a political party, which is part of the Parliament, to make such statements, declarations, which unfortunately, will orient Kosovo towards war with a country with which we do not have any problems at all with,” Gecaj said.