The Guardian: Vucic will accept independence, Kosovo-Serbia deal within six months or a year
The Guardian is reporting that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will accept independence only if Serbia gets something concrete in return. Vucic told The Guardian that he believes the final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is possible within “six months or a year.” Original post Here
Djuric: Apostolova siding with Kosovo
Director of Serbia’s Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, on Thursday reacted to a statement made by the Head of the EU Office in Pristina Nataliya Apostolova who stated that Pristina “should do more to convince states that did not recognize Kosovo’s independence to do so in the near future.” Original …
Kosovo President Thaci to meet German Chancellor Merkel in Berlin
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci is set to visit Germany on 9 May known as the Europe Day when he is expected to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel. Original post Here
Tusk urges Kosovo to build consensus on meeting EU criteria
European Council President Donald Tusk, who is visiting Pristina today, urged Kosovo leaders to build a political consensus for advancing the EU integration path. Original post Here
Thaci not a unifying figure in Kosovo to lead the dialogue with Serbia
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who has been tasked by the Government to lead the final phase of the political dialogue with Serbia, is perceived as obstacle and accused of not being a unifying figure in the country. In addition to opposition parties who are fiercely criticising Thaci’s role in dialogue …
Daniel Serwer in Pristina: Vetevendosje and Srpska List unconstitutional parties
Daniel Serwer, expert of Balkans affairs, said that the Vetevendosje Movement and Srpska List are unconstitutional political entities in Kosovo. Serwer made the comments attending a debate organised by Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED) dubbed “Balkans, EU and U.S.: Can they synchronise again?” Original post Here
EU gives Kosovo four months to establish Association of Serb Municipalities
The European Union made it clear to Kosovo institutions that they have only four months to establish the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. Their reaction came after Blerim Shala, political advisor to President Hashim Thaci, said that there will be no establishment of Association without signing final agreement with Serbia. Also …
Car of ex-Kosovo Police member set on fire in Zubin Potok
A BMW vehicle was set on fire in northern municipality of Zubin Potok last night, Kosovo police says. Original post Here
Germany wants EULEX mission in Kosovo extended
The government of Germany wants the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo – EULEX be extended for two more years, but its duties be streamlined. Kosovo leaders would like the mission to leave the country in June when current mandate of the mission expires. Original post Here
Kosovo President Thaci wants political consensus on the dialogue with Serbia
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci asked the support of political parties for continuation of the dialogue with Serbia. The Government approved last week a platform which gives head of state a leading role in political dialogue with Belgrade. Original post Here
The moralistic reaction to leaked tapes of women filmed secretly in intimate acts shows Albania is still struggling to accept women as sexual beings – while also failing legally to protect victims of non-consensual exposure. Original post Here
An anti-government protest led by students demanding better educational conditions escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police in the Albanian capital. Original post Here
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has condemned acts of vandalism at the Apostolic Nunciature in Tirana on Tuesday, including the removal of the Holy See’s flag. The ministry stressed that diplomatic missions must remain inviolable and retain their dignity under national law and international law. It also said …
The US Army will rotate troops from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and support units from the 1st Infantry Division into Kosovo to support NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR). The incoming troops will replace the Florida Army National Guard’s 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The rotation will also bring in elements of …
Albania aims to conclude agreements to avoid double taxation with all 27 European Union member states as it aligns its tax legislation and practices with European standards. Deputy Finance Minister Andi Memeti outlined the objective during a parliamentary committee discussion on ratifying an agreement with Lithuania. He said these agreements …
The National Territorial Council has cleared the way for the new Kavaja Market in the city centre. French architect Manuelle Gautrand designed the project to introduce a contemporary architectural concept to the urban space. The development covers 3,130 square metres of land, with a building area of 1,405 square metres. …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula met on Tuesday with the families of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, who face trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Shiroka-Pula stood by the families and acknowledged the hardship they face. She pledged …
Students from several universities boycotted classes on Tuesday and gathered outside the Ministry of Education to protest for a second consecutive day. The boycott involved students from the University of Medicine, the Agricultural University, the Polytechnic University, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Philology. …
President Bajram Begaj met Michael Granoff, chairman of the board of the Albanian-American Development Foundation, and other board members at the Brigades Palace. Begaj praised the foundation’s contribution to economic development. He stressed the importance of continuing its projects in education, tourism, cultural heritage and agriculture, as well as efforts …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu responded to the violence during Tuesday’s protest outside the Ministry of Education. In a Facebook post accompanying footage from the demonstration, he said violence, calls for chaos and attacks on institutions and businesses were not solutions. Gogu stressed that the right to protest is fundamental and …