Headlines - 10.01.2017

• Kosovo MFA: Dacic provoking stability in the region (Koha Ditore)
• EP: Kosovo Serbs to become independent from Belgrade (Zeri)
• Albanian interior minister writes to Interpol regarding Haradinaj’s (Koha)
• Justice agreement not implemented within set timeline (Koha Ditore)
• Tahiri: Serbia towards recognition of Kosovo (Zëri)
• Gecaj: Unilaterally established association will be proclaimed illegal (Zëri) 

Kosovo Media Highlights

Kosovo MFA: Dacic provoking stability in the region (Koha Ditore)

Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the statements of Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic about the Albanian diaspora as “inciting” and “unacceptable.” Dacic said they have information that Albanian diaspora is planning to seize Serbia’s diplomatic representations in the EU and US as a response to the detention of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) leader Ramush Haradinaj. Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry said such statements are aimed at keeping tensions high in the region and only contribute to destabilisation. “Under these circumstances, such acts of violence could be orchestrated by the Serb state and then attribute them to the Albanian diaspora,” the Ministry said.

EP: Kosovo Serbs to become independent from Belgrade (Zeri)

The European Parliament Commission for foreign policies, will be discussing the annual reports on Kosovo and Serbia. The draft report on Kosovo was prepared by Deputy President of the European Parliament, Ulrike Lunacek, while the one on Serbia by the German MP, David McAllister. The draft report on Kosovo expresses regret for the extreme polarization of the political scene in Kosovo and appeals to all political parties to create conditions for beneficial dialogue that would soften tensions and make possible finding of a sustainable compromise, which would help Kosovo’s European path. Lunacek appealed on her draft report to the leaders of the Serb community in Kosovo to take over full responsibility and ownership of their seats at the institutions of Kosovo, acting in an independent manner from Belgrade and in a constructive and beneficial manner for the entire Kosovo population.

Albanian interior minister writes to Interpol regarding Haradinaj’s (Koha)

Albanian Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri has written a letter to Interpol’s Secretary General Jurgen Stock asking him to reassess Serbia’s arrest warrant against the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) leader Ramush Haradinaj. Tahiri said the execution of the arrest warrant in question undermines fundamental rights of criminal justice as well as human rights. “Haradinaj, as the subject of this arrest warrant, was investigated, tried and acquitted by the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia,” Tahiri wrote adding that being tried twice on same charges is a violation of human rights and a precedent for international law.

Justice agreement not implemented within set timeline (Koha Ditore)

The paper reports on the front page that the government of Kosovo has failed in beginning the implementation of the justice agreement in the north. According to the deal, 10 January was the time by which the court and basic prosecution in the north would have to be up and running. However, EU officials insist the agreement is on the right track and will be implemented in January. They also said that the delays in the process of implementation are related to administrative issues. “We can assure you that the two sides are working very hard to find a solution,” the EU said in a statement to the paper.

Tahiri: Serbia towards recognition of Kosovo (Zëri)

Kosovo’s Minister for Dialogue, Edita Tahiri, expressed conviction that Serbia will recognize the independence of Kosovo, not because the Serbian state is willing to do so, but because it will be obliged if it intends to join the EU. According to her, the more Serbia speaks against Kosovo, the closer it is towards recognition of Kosovo. She also told lajmi.net that the wall in Mitrovica will be removed very soon.

Gecaj: Unilaterally established association will be proclaimed illegal (Zëri)

Establishment of the Association of the Serb-majority Municipalities in a unilateral manner as warned by the representatives of the Government of Serbia, would be announced illegal by Kosovo institutions, which consider that the Association cannot be established prior to dissolving of all parallel structures and Serbs’ return at Kosovo institutions. Bajram Gecaj, adviser of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, said that the government of Kosovo does not accept ultimatums and that the Association will be established after the creation of a suitable environment.