Minister of Justice, Hajredin Kuci, hosted today a meeting with the chief of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX,) Gabriele Meucci. In this occasion the latter congratulated Kuci on his new mandate as Minister of Justice.
No party has expressed interest to compete in the extraordinary elections for the Mayor of the Municipality of Graçanicë/Gracanica. At least none of the parties applied for certification, even though the deadline is tomorrow, 23 December. Valmir Elezi, Spokesperson of the Central Election Commission, confirmed this news.
Kosovo’s Minister of Justice Hajredin Kuci said today that Kosovo’s institutions are in the final phase of reaching an agreement for the integration of the judiciary from the north in Kosovo’s judicial system. “I expect the agreement to be reached in early January. This will imply full integration in the judicial system of the Republic of Kosovo,” he said. According to Kuci, in 2016, Kosovo will have full capacities to take over full responsibilities in the judiciary.
The Public Prosecution of the Canton of Solothurn in Switzerland has terminated the procedure against Kosovo’s former deputy, Azem Syla. Charges for fraud and non-fulfillment of the obligation to report could not be proved. Different documents were considered, his apartment was raided and several interrogations took place during the investigation. His financial situation at the banks in Switzerland and Kosovo was also checked systematically and the prosecution concluded that no action that could be prosecuted could be proved.
Pristina Mayor Shpend Ahmeti writes on his Facebook account that the latest developments within the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) show that nationality does not make one immune to corruption. “Corruption is not a cultural phenomenon. Sayings such as ‘Balkans people are naturally corrupt’ are both inaccurate and unrighteous. We should urgently change the belief that others will fight corruption for us. 1. We need to fight corruption on our own. It is important to build a system and mechanisms that combat corruption and have people that are willing to do this.
The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, is calling on political leaders to find a solution to the political deadlock without having to go to new elections. “We have entered a difficult period for the country, a deep institutional crisis that is shaking the sustainability of the state of Kosovo and jeopardizing the wellbeing of the people. This situation requires the full commitment of all leaders of parliamentary parties to use cooperation and trust in overcoming the problem. President Jahjaga is calling on leaders to find a solution and not go to elections.
Post- election coalition parties - Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Alliance for Future of Kosovo (AAK), Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) and Vetevendosje - see no reason to continue with debates during Assembly sessions and say that conclusions that came from the last session should now be implemented.
Kosovo’s National Institute for Public Health confirmed today that a person who returned from the Hajj pilgrimage and who was believed to be infected with Ebola does not have symptoms of the virus. Naser Ramadani, Director of the National Public Health Institute told Radio Kosova that the person is under full medical observation. “I contacted the patient today and he has no eventual symptoms of the Ebola virus,” Ramadani said.
Valdete Daka, head of the Kosovo Central Election Commission, said on Sunday that this institution is ready to organize early elections. “Legal timelines for early elections are 30-45 days. The quality of the process of elections would depend on the time available to organize them,” Daka told RTK. She also said that there are no problems with organizing elections in the northern part of Kosovo.
Representatives of the coalition consisting of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), the Initiative for Kosovo (NISMA) and the Vetevendosje Movement are hinting at the possible replacement of Flora Brovina as chairperson of the Kosovo Assembly. Coalition officials argue that Brovina, a member of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), is supporting her party in the Assembly. AAK MP Donika Kadaj-Bujupi said a solution for the blockade will be found.