Headlines - 27.01.2017

• Hodzić: The illegal wall is not part of the EU project (Epoka e Re)
• KFOR dismisses media reports of Serbian army presence in Kosovo (Koha)
• Krasniqi: Dialogue deteriorated Kosovo-Serbian relations (Epoka)
• Special court has no order for Haradinaj’s detention (Koha Ditore)
• Minxhozi: Albania would interfere if Kosovo gets into a conflict (media)
• Kurti: Albania should not leave Kosovo alone (Telegrafi)
• Serbian parliament MP assaulted in Mitrovica (Klan Kosova) 

Kosovo Media Highlights 

Hodzić: The illegal wall is not part of the EU project (Epoka e Re)

The executive official in Mitrovica North, Adriana Hodzić, told the paper that the illegal wall in northern part of this municipality was not part of the EU project for revitalization of the main bridge of River Ibër. She said that the project foresees a supporting wall for the planned promenade but not the wall that was built there. Hodzić could not say when the wall would be demolished, however she noted that a flexible and acceptable solution for all parties will be found. 

KFOR dismisses media reports of Serbian army presence in Kosovo (Koha)

KFOR has dismissed reports in certain Serbian media outlets suggesting that Serbian army troops were involved in a joint military drill with KFOR inside the territory of Kosovo. A KFOR spokesperson said the picture posted in the media showing Serbian army and KFOR troops was taken along the borderline between Kosovo and Serbia as part of monitoring activities as set out by the UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

Krasniqi: Dialogue deteriorated Kosovo-Serbian relations (Epoka)

Jakup Krasniqi, head of the National Council of the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA), said during a press conference on Thursday that the Brussels dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia worsened the relations. He said that the dialogue brought agreements which harmed Kosovo’s sovereignty and integrity. According to Krasniqi, The President and the Prime Minister of Kosovo are responsible for degradation of Kosovo at these talks. 

Special court has no order for Haradinaj’s detention (Koha Ditore)

Chief prosecutor of the Kosovo Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, David Schwendiman, confirmed that no order came from him regarding the detention of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) leader, Ramush Haradinaj, but refused to say whether he is the subject of any of the upcoming indictments. “The specialist prosecutor does not comment on ongoing investigations or on who could be a possible subject of a criminal prosecution,” Schwendiman said. 

Minxhozi: Albania would interfere if Kosovo gets into a conflict (media)

The Albanian Ambassador to Kosovo, Qemal Minxhozi, said that Albanians in Albania are concerned about the recent situation in Kosovo. “It is a legitimate right of the brothers and sisters from Albania to be concerned about what is happening here, people are extremely concerned and disappointed with Serbia’s position at the same time.” He said that Albania was never a spectator towards the political events in Kosovo. “Albania has always had a constructive position, encouraging dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. This shows that Albania was focused on improvement of the relations between Kosovo and Serbia.” Asked how would Albania react if Kosovo got into an eventual conflict, Minxhozi said: “We are Albanians, and we will react as Albanians. There is no Albania and Kosovo, but there are Albanians, we are one nation and we have obligations for our compatriots.”

Kurti: Albania should not leave Kosovo alone (Telegrafi)

In an interview with Tirana newspaper Koha Jone, former Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti warned of a possible conflict in Kosovo claiming that all political forces in power in Belgrade today are the same as the ones during Slobodan Milosevic’s regime and noted that Serbia has increased spending on military equipment over the last period. “Bosnia, Kosovo and even Montenegro are in danger from Serbia. Kosovo and Albania should stand together for the good of the Albanian nation,” Kurti said.

Serbian parliament MP assaulted in Mitrovica (Klan Kosova)

A member of the Serbian parliament is reported to have been physically assaulted by two masked persons in Mitrovica last night. The attack was confirmed by Kosovo Police regional chief, Zeljko Bojic. After medical treatment, the victim was released from hospital.