Headlines - 05.04.2017

• Coalition admits vote problem with border demarcation deal (Koha Ditore)
• Lunacek: No visa liberalisation without ratification of border deal (RTK)
• “Visas should be removed, with or without voting on demarcation” (Epoka)
• Thaci: We are getting ready to sue Serbia for genocide in Kosovo (Bota)
• Assembly session postponed pending Haradinaj’s hearing (Zeri/Koha)
• Opposition: Unacceptable for Jablanovic to lead Serbian List (Telegrafi) 

Kosovo Media Highlights

Coalition admits vote problem with border demarcation deal (Koha Ditore)

The ruling coalition parties – Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) – have admitted they do not have sufficient votes to ratify the border demarcation agreement with Montenegro, the paper reports on the front page today. Head of LDK parliamentary group, Ismet Beqiri, said it is evident there are concerns with securing the necessary votes. “We are not hiding the fact there are some troubles but I don’t know exactly how many oppose the Agreement,” Beqiri said. At the same time, Assembly Vice President from PDK, Xhavit Haliti, said he is not aware of delays in Government submitting the agreement to Assembly. “I don’t know why it is not reaching the Assembly but it seems this is due to political problems and the number of votes,” he said.

Lunacek: No visa liberalisation without ratification of border deal (RTK)

European Parliament Vice President Ulrike Lunacek said the EU would not agree to modify conditions for visa liberalisation for Kosovo. “For the EU, border demarcation with Montenegro and efficient war against organised crime and corruption are inseparable conditions and without their implementation, Kosovo cannot obtain visa-free travel to Schengen zone,” Lunacek said to Tribuna Channel. 

“Visas should be removed, with or without voting on demarcation” (Epoka)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Valon Murtezaj, assessed that Kosovo has made progress on its path towards European integration. He requested from the European Union to treat Kosovo equally, especially when the matter of visa liberalization is concerned. According to him, visas for Kosovo people should be removed no matter if the Agreement on demarcation of the border with Montenegro is adopted or not. He considers this to be an obligation of the EU. 

Thaci: We are getting ready to sue Serbia for genocide in Kosovo (Bota)

The President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, reiterated on Tuesday that Kosovo is making the required steps and procedural preparations to sue Serbia for genocide. “It is procedural aspect which we have to respect. We also have to make several procedural steps required in the field of democracy, as well as some steps on attain access and the uncontested legal ground of our right to accuse Serbia for genocide in Kosovo. The world is aware if Serbia committed genocide in Kosovo or not,” Thaci said.  

Assembly session postponed pending Haradinaj’s hearing (Zeri/Koha)

Presidency of the Kosovo Assembly has decided not to hold any sessions until after the court hearing of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) leader Ramush Haradinaj scheduled for 6 April in Colmar, France. The decision was taken on the request of the AAK parliamentary group. However, Koha reports that officials from the appeals court in Colmar told Tanjug that the hearing in Haradinaj’s case is likely to be postponed again.

Opposition: Unacceptable for Jablanovic to lead Serbian List (Telegrafi)

Opposition parties in Kosovo have reacted to the news that Aleksandar Jablanovic is expected to be appointed the new leader of Serbian List saying his return to Kosovo institutions will not be possible. Vetevendosje MP, Shqipe Pantina, said Jablanovic has insulted mothers of missing persons in Gjakova/Djakovica and cannot be part of Kosovo institutions. Head of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) parliamentary group, Pal Lekaj, also said Jablanovic’s appointment is unacceptable and called on the government of Kosovo to reconsider cooperation with Serbian List if Jablanovic is confirmed as its leader.