Kosovo’s Thaci urges ex-KLA members to answer war crimes court summons
President Hashim Thaci commenting on summons the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) sent to ex-KLA members to appear before this international court dealing with alleged crimes committed during the war in Kosovo, urged former members of guerrilla army to respect the court and not avoid justice. Original post Here
US Ambassador calls 'historic' vote on Kosovo Security Force transition
US Ambassador to Pristina, Philip Kosnett says Friday’s vote of Kosovo’s Parliament on KSF transition is a historic one for Kosovo. MPs are expected to vote tomorrow a package of laws enabling transition of lightly-armed KSF into Army of Kosovo. Original post Here
Kosovo NGO submits new war crime complaints against Serbs
The Civil Society Group, an NGO collecting evidence about war crimes committed by Serbs in Kosovo in 1998-99 war, has submitted on Wednesday new criminal complaints to the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo identifying 700 Serbian individuals suspected of committing these crimes. Original post Here
Pacolli asks Germany to push forward visa liberalization for Kosovo
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli met his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Strasburg and asked Germany’s support to push forward visa liberalization for Kosovo. Original post Here
UK supports Kosovo Army, says Ambassador O’Connell
British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, says United Kingdom believes creation of Kosovo Armed Force is just and advised authorities in Pristina to consult with NATO allies. Kosovo Parliament is set to vote on Friday a package of laws enabling transition of the lightly armed KSF into full-fledged army. Original …
Kosovo's PM Haradinaj urges ex-KLA members not to avoid justice
Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj reacted on Wednesday after news that former senior commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) have received invitations to be interviewed by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in charge for investigating and prosecuting alleged crimes of the KLA during and after the war in Kosovo 1998-200. …
The U.S. Government’s MCC selects Kosovo as eligible for a compact program
Kosovo became eligible for assistance from the U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) after their board of directors selected Kosovo for a compact program. MCC is currently implementing a $49 million grant as part of the Kosovo Threshold Program. Original post Here
German MEP slams Kosovo leaders: Corrupt leaders cannot fight corruption
German Member of the European Parliament, Markus Ferber, says corruption, impunity, and non-implementation of laws by Kosovo leaders, are hindering visa liberalization. Original post Here
Kosovo’s PM says EU’s Mogherini has ‘killed’ the dialogue
Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj reacted to statements of the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, who stated Monday that she does not rule out exchange of borders between Kosovo and Serbia. Original post Here
Resignation of Serb mayors unconstitutional, says Kosovo PM Haradinaj
Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj says the resignation of the Serb mayors in four municipalities of northern Kosovo is unconstitutional. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 10 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita thanked around 300 police officers, firefighters and Armed Forces personnel involved in the Kruja wildfire operation. Lamallari praised their work in evacuating residents and managing the fire, which strong winds intensified. He said special forces, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his gratitude and respect for Air Force pilots, firefighters, army special forces and police officers who protected residents during the wildfires in Kruja. In a social media post, Rama said the teams had overcome a difficult challenge. He said they had …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania will experience mostly clear and hot weather on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clouds will appear occasionally around midday and in the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Southeastern areas may see brief periods of denser clouds. The sky will clear …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s Defence Ministry reported 8 wildfires across the counties of Tirana, Fier, Durrës and Lezha. Six remain active, while authorities have brought 2 under control or placed them under monitoring. A total of 227 personnel are working on the ground. Authorities have also requested 50 additional …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albin Kurti of the Self-Determination Movement (LVV) asked for more time for political talks on August 8. He did not nominate a candidate for parliament speaker. As a result, the constitutive session did not continue. Tensions rose after Time Kadriaj, an MP from the Alliance for …
TIRANA, August 10 – The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has launched a national information and promotion campaign for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). AIDA is working with 10 municipalities and the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC) on the campaign. The initiative will provide businesses with information on financing opportunities, exports, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Farka Air Base today and met Air Force pilots involved in wildfire operations. The pilots have carried out aerial missions in several areas affected by fires in recent days. Nufi thanked the pilots for their work and commitment. He also …
TIRANA, August 10 – Gjirokastër continues to attract visitors from around the world with its history, architecture, landscape and cuisine. Tourists from the United States, France, Spain and Italy shared their impressions during visits to Gjirokastër Castle. An American tourist praised the castle’s rich history and age. She said the …
TIRANA, August 10 – Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko has called President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement on Kosova’s independence a diplomatic mistake. Goncharenko, who initiated a draft law on recognising Kosova in the Ukrainian parliament, reacted to Zelensky’s remarks in Belgrade. Zelensky said Ukraine had no plans to change its position on …
Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here