Main Stories 26March

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  • Rehn wants practical way for Kosovo (Koha Ditore)
  • Even the Prime Minister applies UNMIK regulation (Koha Ditore)
  • Judah: The north is lost for the foreseeable future (Koha Ditore)
  • John Craddock: Political and diplomatic efforts will continue (dailies)
  • Pristina expects ICJ to have a positive opinion (Koha Ditore)
  • Russian Police left Kosovo (Zëri, dailies)
  • Nobody asks UNMIK (Kosova Sot)

Kosovo Media Highlights

Rehn wants practical way for Kosovo (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore reports that some EU countries’ reservations about the enlargement process have provoked the enlargement commissioner, Olli Rehn, to insist that the European perspective for the Balkans be maintained, because if this becomes a question mark, the achievements in the Balkans would be endangered and the reforms would be slowed down. Rehn madehis remarks to a group of journalists in Brusselsbefore the start of the meeting of EU Foreign Ministersthat is to be held on Friday and Saturday in the CzechRepublic and where the Balkans will be one of the main topics.

Rehn hailed the fact that “after a long time, the Balkans will be on the agenda of the EU Foreign Ministers, which until now where busy with the financial and economicproblems.” The EU enlargement commissioner called the continuation of the process of enlargement a necessary policy, because it ensures long-term stability of the sensitive Balkans region.

“We can freely call the policy of enlargement, the policy of stability”, said Rehn. Journalists asked if he expects any problemsarising between EU Foreign Ministers at the meeting because Kosovo Foreign Minister Skënder Hyseni was invited and his authority is not recognized by the five EU countries thatdo not recognize the independence of Kosovo. Rehn said that “The issue of organization was the responsibility of the Czech Republic.”Hesaid he does not expect any problems, but on the contrary anticipates a productive meeting where “the entire region will be represented.”

Talking about Kosovo’s path to the EU, Rehn said that possibly in autumn the commission will conduct a feasibility study, to look at how to achieve a European perspective for Kosovo. Asked how this can be done when five EU countries do not recognize Kosovo, he said that there is a practical and pragmatic way.

Even the Prime Minister applies UNMIK regulation (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore reports that relyingon the non-functioning of the Independent Council for Senior Nominations (KELP), Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi released on Wednesday a decision to discharge the officers in charge of the permanent secretaries in eight ministries of the government. The decision of the Prime Minister, which is claimed to be based on constitutional competencies, came a few days after he asked the Assembly about a new mandate for KELP. In the meantime,the Assembly refused the new composition of KELP and the request of the Prime Minister was unlawful according to the guidelines of the legislation.

Administrative Direction no. 11/2008 provides for the implementation of the procedures for the functionalizing of the council for senior appointments. After this council was not functionalized, the decision forthe Prime Minister to discharge permanent secretaries was based on UNMIK regulation 2001/9 on KELP from May 2001.

Judah: The north is lost for the foreseeable future (Koha Ditore)

Koha Ditore carries an interview with the well-known British analyst and journalist Tim Judah which he gaveto the documentary “Independence in Four Seasons”, which was produced by Forum 2015. Judahsaid that there will not be further dialogue on status since this issue is closed once and for all. However, he said that there will be talks during the coming months and years on different issues of daily importance, and that in a very discrete manner this is already happening.

“I think that the north of Kosovo is lost for the foreseeable future. Even if years are required, there should be some accommodations there. Of course the Government there is not governingeffectively. This is possible, but looking at things, as they are right now, the north of Kosovo is lost. However, it is a fact that on the map, the north is part of Kosovo and it will continue to be so. I do not think that this will change in the near future. But seeing the manner in which it is currently functioning, I suspect that yes, it is lost. But I do not think that this is something new that came after independence; it has been like this since 1999,” Judah is quoted as saying.

John Craddock: Political and diplomatic efforts will continue (dailies)

Dailies report that in testimony to the U.S. Senate,the Supreme Commander of NATO forcessaid that Kosovo continues to be a source of destabilization in the Balkans. Citing international media, dailies report that the main reason for Craddock’s presentation in front of the U.S. lawmakers was the situation of the mission in Afghanistan, while a part of this report was dedicated to KFOR troops in Kosovo and U.S. and NATO military cooperation with the countries of Western Balkans.

“KFOR under NATO control, with 15,000 soldiers from 32 countries, is one of the most trusted security organizations in Kosovo, with well-trained soldiers for creation of a peaceful environment,” said Craddock. He appealed to hesitant EU countries to recognize independence of Kosovo.

Pristina expects ICJ to have a positive opinion (Koha Ditore)

Based on sources close to the ICJ process, Koha Ditore reports that only three weeks before the deadline to submit arguments,Kosovo has not submitted its argument for independence to the Court. However, no other countries have submitted arguments – either defending the legality of Kosovo’s independence orarguing against it.

According to Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry, Kosovo’s argument is being prepared at the most senior professional level and it will be submitted in time. “We will submit our position before 17 April. It will be at the most senior professional level possible,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Vlora Çitaku.

“International justice will be on Kosovo’s side, in judicial, political, geographic and all other aspects,” Deputy PM Hajredin Kuqi said.

Russian Police left Kosovo (Zëri)

Russia has ended its participation in the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, Leonid Pogorelov, commander of the Russian Police Contingent under the U.N. Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), told journalists on Wednesday. The last Russian peacekeeper left Kosovo early this week.

“Our group was withdrawn in two stages. The first group left Kosovo on January 28, and the second one on February 23,” Pogorelov said. Russian police officers came to Kosovo within the framework of the peacekeeping operation nine years ago. “We staged all sorts of police operations, from road patrolling to the arrests of criminals. In addition, we taught local police how to operate on the Kosovo territory,” he said.

He explained that Russian officers had used weapons only twice, in 1999 and in 2000. In all other cases, they had used special equipment only, including handcuffs. At the end of the mission, the U.N. praised the high level of training of Russian police officers. “According to foreign representatives of the mission, the prestige of Russian officers became quite high. Many foreign colleagues would like to work in Kosovo with Russians, because we faultlessly discharge our duties,” he said. A total of 400 Russian police officers and men of the Frontier Guard Troops under the Federal Security Service (FSB) have been deployed in Kosovo since the mission began. “It was decided in 2007 to reduce the numerical strength of the mission to the minimum, and after that to turn over the law enforcement functions in Kosovo to the EU police. After that, the U.N. mission was completed,” he added. According to him, “the heads of the mission regard the current situation in Kosovo as relatively stable.”

Nobody asks UNMIK (Kosova Sot)

Kosova Sot reports that UNSG Ban Ki-Moon’s report does not oblige UNMIK to undertake actions without the cooperation of the parties, but it suggests to UNMIK to remain ready to facilitate contacts between Pristina and Belgrade. After his return from New York, UNMIK chief Lamberto Zannier is expected to ask Kosovo leaders to discuss the instructions derived from the latest report. However, official Pristina also requested the end of UNMIK at the last session on Kosovo at the UN Security Council

UNMIK officials said that they would proceed with possible engagements only after consultations with the parties. UNMIK Spokesperson Alexander Ivanko said that UNMIK will continue with the reconfiguration of the mission. “We will continue with the process of reconfiguration. By June, UNMIK will be reduced by 90 percent compared to last year,” he said. “As far as technical arrangements are concerned, we will continue to work together with the other actors.”

Kosovo Press Headlines

Koha Ditore

Front page

  • Rehn wants practical way for Kosovo
  • Stability, responsibility of Kosovo’s Institutions
  • Even Prime Minister works with UNMIK regulations
  • Bahrain will recognize Kosovo’s independence
  • Judah: The north is lost for a predictable future

Other headlines

  • Pristina expects ICJ to have a positive opinion (2)
  • Hyseni receives promises for recognitions “in time” (3)
  • KTA seat twice more attractive than the budget one (5)
  • Open field for corruption in Kosovo (7)
  • Frckovski: Diplomatic relations with Kosovo to establish urgently (7)
  • Schtainbah: Two countries that do not recognize each other cannot enter EU (7)
Zëri

Front page

  • Britain reduces presence, EULEX does not feel liable
  • John Craddock: Political and diplomatic efforts for Kosovo will continue
  • Minister Hyseni seeks new recognitions in New York
  • Box with files of candidates for Constitutional Court to open on Friday

Other headlines

  • Are the “acting positions” at Kosovo Government coming to an end? (2)
  • Admiral Fitzgerald reconfirms NATO determination to support KSF (2)
  • 24 March 1999: Major political, historic and moral border line (3)
  • Schtainbah: Two countries that do not recognize each other cannot enter EU (4)
  • Ambassador Hlep meets Krasniqi and Daci (4)
  • Russian police officers leave Kosovo (5)
Kosova Sot

Front page

  • Thaçi dismisses secretaries with political “costumes”
  • Craddock: We offer concrete security help to Kosovo
  • Lithuania admonishes withdrawal of its troops from KFOR
  • Editorial: A request without details

Other headlines

  • Maloku renews Commission for agriculture (2)
  • Nobody asks UNMIK (3)
  • No Russians in UNMIK (3)
  • Coalition and opposition: we want local elections this year (3)
  • Hyseni lobbing for recognition of Kosovo (4)
Epoka e Re

Front page

  • U.S. determined to strengthen Kosovo’s independence
  • Haradinaj requests to face Thaçi
  • A game with the family of a martyr
  • Why has Mitrovica municipality taken Erza’s flat?

Other headlines

  • Spain admits the mistake of withdrawal of troops from Kosovo (2)
  • Rehn: Kosovo should not remain the “black hole” (2)
  • Several countries expected to recognize Kosovo soon (3)
  • France reviews military presence in Kosovo (3)
  • Russia concludes its engagement at UNMIK Police (4)
Express

Front page

  • Discharges Permanent Secretaries
  • Limaj stays on the road
  • Little owner the Kosovo Government

Other headlines

  • Rexhepi: Richness without owner (2)
  • Shala: Feasibility, ignorance and immorality (3)
  • Russia ends its mission in Kosovo (4)
  • Britain reduces the mission in Kosovo (5)
  • Promises about Kosovo (6)
  • For the fifth time (7)
Lajm

Front page

  • Ministers disobey the law
  • New recognitions expected

Other headlines

  • Image, hostage of the procedures (3)
  • USA will continue on the enforcement of the Kosovo state (3)
  • Russia without police in UNMIK (4)
  • The Kosovo citizens optimistic about the future (4)
Bota Sot

Front page

  • The city that was not united even after bombardments

Other headlines

  • Marshal Centre to help the security mechanisms (2)
  • 24 march – Road to Independence (4)
  • Opposition criticizes government for sleeping (4)
  • From Benin good signals (3)
  • Recognition even from Trinidad and Tobago (3)
  • USA will help Kosovo (3)
  • Begolli: I will investigate all the judges and prosecutors (6)
  • New Kosovo recognitions expected (7)
InfoPress

Front page

  • What were the connections of the Çeku government with Beopetrol
  • The prime Minister Thaçi discharges officers in Charge appointed from the positions of political advisers

Other headlines

  • Continuous request for recognitions (2)
  • USA helps in the consolidation of the independence (2)
  • Candidates enter the selection (3)
  • Justice that is late (3)
  • London cats the EULEX staff (4)
  • Kosovo not to be a “black hole” (4)

Belgrade Media Update

  • Russian police leaving UNMIK (Beta)
  • Britain reducing number of officials within EULEX (Radio Beograd/Tanjug)
  • Lithuania reducing number of soldiers within KFOR (Tanjug)
  • Spanish Defense Minister to discuss Kosovo in Brussels (Tanjug)
  • Ivanovic: To find long-term solution for electricity problem in Kosovo (Tanjug)
  • J. Cradock: Kosovo still source of instability in Balkans (Tanjug)
  • New protest rallies of Kosovo Serbs due to power cuts (Beta)

Russian police leaving UNMIK (Beta)

Russia has terminated its participation in the UN peace operation in Kosovo, according to Leonid Pogorelov, the commander of Russia’s UNMIK contingent. He said that the last Russian peacekeeper left Kosovo earlier this week. The group left in two phases, one on 28 January and one on 23 February, Pogorelov told a press conference in Moscow. Russian police arrived in Kosovo nine years ago, he said, and had dealt with numerous tasks, including patrolling, guarding and arresting criminals. They had also helped in the training of local police officers, he said. According to Pogorelov, other foreign groups said that the image of the Russian officers in Kosovo had been at a high level, and that many of the contingents within the UNMIK mission had expressed a desire to work in cooperation with their Russian counterparts. Since the beginning of the UN mission in Kosovo, 400 officers from the Russian Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Services’ border division have come and gone. Pogorelov said that the “mission’s leadership has evaluated the current situation in Kosovo as being relatively stable.”

Britain reducing number of officials within EULEX (Radio Beograd/Tanjug)

The British government, due to budget savings, will reduce the number of its officials within EULEX, but London will continue to offer support to Kosovo by financing the key positions in EULEX and the International Civilian Office, the British Embassy in Pristina stated. The British government has announced that it will be facing as of April “very increased mandatory increments for the activities of peacekeeping through the UN to the EU, which has been caused with the fall of the pound and increased activities on peacekeeping in the regions such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

Lithuania reducing number of soldiers within KFOR (Tanjug)

Lithuania has announced that it will withdraw the largest number of its soldiers from KFOR, giving the reason for this financial problems and the necessity for keeping soldiers in Afghanistan, the Pristina media reports. “We want to reduce our contribution to KFOR for two reasons. First, the security situation in Kosovo has improved. Along with the financial crisis, our budget has been reduced, while we also have significant engagement in Afghanistan,” said the spokesperson of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry Dangule Bickauiskiene.

Spanish Defense Minister to discuss Kosovo in Brussels (Tanjug)

Spanish Defense Minister Karme Chacon will meet in Brussels on Thursday with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer with whom she will discuss Madrid’s decision to withdraw its troops from Kosovo, Spanish sources in Brussels announced. The same sources stated that the Spanish Defense Minister is most probably planning to elaborate the reasons for her country’s decision to withdraw 630 soldiers within KFOR, Ansa reports.

Ivanovic: To find long-term solution for electricity problem in Kosovo (Tanjug)

The Serbian government must find a long-term and sustainable solution for the problem of power supply to Kosovo Serbs, and with that goal in mind, we have already offered some concrete solution, stated State Secretary in the Ministry of Kosovo Oliver Ivanovic. He has assessed that the most efficient solution would be to give a license to the public enterprise “ElectroKosmet” i.e. the section of the Serbian Power Corporation that functions in the north of the province, to take over the job of maintaining the low-voltage network and charging the electric energy in all Serb communities in Kosovo. Ivanovic reminded that the Serbian government has offered on several occasions the humanitarian help in the form of energy, in order to compensate part of the unpaid bills of Kosovo Serbs. According to him, such an agreement could be made in the form of a written contract, mediated by the international community representatives.