Headlines - 18.02.2019

• Haradinaj: Trump’s support, very beneficial (RTK)
• Haradinaj makes negative remarks believed to be against Veseli (KTV)
• U.S. delegation: We work to stop Russian aggression in the region (RTK)
• PDK MP on tariff: There will be concrete steps in the coming days (Klan Kosova)
• BDI leader Ali Ahmeti calls on Pristina to suspend 100-percent tariff (media)
• Bomb in Mitrovica North (RTK)
• Bahtiri: Albanian villages from Leposavic to join united Mitrovica (media)
• Simic: Serbs celebrate Serbia’s Day, not Kosovo’s (Tanjug, RTK)

Haradinaj: Trump’s support, very beneficial (RTK)

The Prime Minister of Kosovo Ramush Haradinaj said during an interview for the U.S. broadcaster CNBC that Kosovo is pursuing the road towards NATO and EU membership, however the main challenges derive from Russian aggressions and terrorism in general. “What we call a Taliban or Islamic agenda, was very aggressive towards us. But Russians are aggressive too. They base majority of their activities from Serbia, they have around three thousand monitors that they call humanitarians in Serbia. Majority of them are in fact members of security services, Russian security services. But we have our home duties and we are not alone. We work in close partnership with the U.S. and its allies, mainly NATO allies,” Haradinaj said. He added that the U.S. President is offering support which is very beneficial for Kosovo and the region. “When combating of terrorism is concerned, I think that we are good partners,” Haradinaj said.

Haradinaj makes negative remarks believed to be against Veseli (KTV)

KTV reported on Monday evening that leaders of the ruling coalition, Kadri Veseli and Ramush Haradinaj, were never seen angrier at one another than at the Kosovo Assembly session on Monday on the anniversary of independence. Haradinaj could not hold back his anger when Veseli, during his address to the MPs, mentioned several topics that are challenging their cooperation. “When the addresses were ended, Haradinaj did not say goodbye to the people present, and chose to leave the plenary room separately. Haradinaj addressed some insults that probably were referred to Kadri Veseli, with whom he was seen to be angry throughout the session,” KTV reported.

U.S. delegation: We work to stop Russian aggression in the region (RTK)

President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, received on Sunday a delegation of U.S. Senators and Congressmen, led by Senator Jim Inhofe. Thaçi thanked the delegation of the U.S. Senators and Congressmen for their contribution to Kosovo’s freedom and independence. “Your visit, right on the 11th anniversary of the Independence is the best proof of our sacred relations, between Kosovo and the USA,” Thaci said. On the other hand, Republican Senator Jim Inhofe, congratulated President Thaçi and the people of Kosovo on the 11th anniversary of the Independence. “I am honoured to lead the delegation of the US Congress to Kosovo. Kosovo is an important partner for the United States and for NATO, as we are working together in prevention of the increase of the Russian aggression in the region”, said Senator Inhofe. RTK reports that the delegation of 17 members from the U.S. met also with Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, however the meeting was held behind the closed doors.

PDK MP on tariff: There will be concrete steps in the coming days (Klan Kosova)

Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MP, Blerta Deliu – Kodra, said the 100-percent import tariff on Serbian and Bosnian goods was introduced in response to Serbia’s continuous aggressive approach vis-à-vis Kosovo. “We have faced systematic obstacles from Serbia. Serbia did not show courage even in the implementation of the Brussels agreements,” she said. Deliu Kodra, whose party has called for a 120-day suspension of the import tariff, said there would be concrete steps on this issue in the coming days. Kosovo would not have been independent without the help of friends. We must be very careful in safeguarding our relations with international friends. I strongly believe that in the coming days we will see concrete steps that will prove Kosovo’s seriousness”.

BDI leader Ali Ahmeti calls on Pristina to suspend 100-percent tariff (media)

Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) leader, Ali Ahmeti, said in an interview to RTK on Monday that Pristina should suspend the 100-percent import tariff on Serbian and Bosnian goods. “Every delay in the final talks between Kosovo and Serbia can cause problems not only between these two countries but also in the region and beyond,” Ahmeti said. “This is why all the engagement should be focused on strengthening peace, stability and security, so that one day we can join NATO and the European Union”.

Bomb in Mitrovica North (RTK)

A bomb has exploded today early in the morning in Mitrovica North, fortunately there are no casualties, reports RTK. The explosion occurred at around 05:00 hours in front of a fitness center which is in “Vojvode Putnika” Street in Mitrovica North. Except for the materials damages, there are not casualties. Sources of Kosova-Press inform that the owner of the fitness center is Sead Cesko, of Bosniak ethnic, who is also Kosovo Police officer in duty at Brnjak border crossing. It is learned that the explosion broke the glasses of this center and damaged a vehicle “Seat Ibiza” with registration plates KM 012-BC, that was parked in vicinity. The author and motive of this incident is unknown so far, while Kosovo Police is at the site investigating the case.

Bahtiri: Albanian villages from Leposavic to join united Mitrovica (media)

Mitrovica South Mayor, Agim Bahtiri, visited on Monday the Albanian-inhabited villages in Leposavic municipality and paid homage at the cemetery of martyrs there. Bahtiri said that once Mitrovica is united, all Albanian villages in that region will celebrate the next anniversary of Kosovo’s independence in a united municipality.

Simic: Serbs celebrate Serbia’s Day, not Kosovo’s (Tanjug, RTK)

Deputy leader of the Serbian List, Igor Simic, said Serbs have their own holidays, Sretenje and the Day of Serbia’s Statehood that they celebrated two days ago, therefore there is no reason for them to celebrate the Kosovo Day. “When we speak about some kind of independence, we ask what it is about and what is to be celebrated,” Simic said. He added that there is no more euphoria that was 11 years ago in Kosovo when the independence was proclaimed and when visa liberalization, better economy and membership at all international organisations was promised. “None of these was reached,” Simic said. He further said that unemployment in Kosovo is fifty percent and that seventy percent of youth are unimplied. He also mentioned dissatisfaction with withdrawal of recognitions and breach of relations with the U.S. Speaking about Kosovo’s Platform for Dialogue with Serbia, Simic said no one in Serbia will accept this platform.