The human rights group Amnesty International is demanding justice in the case of two members of the Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) movement who were killed three years ago. In a public letter, the group addressed legal institutions and UNMIK on the anniversary of the deaths of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini. UNMIK forces opened fire on a crowd during a violent protest in Pristina on February 10th 2007. The rubber bullets fired were well past their expiration date and became lethal.
Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti goes on trial next week for organising the demonstration. The Self-Determination group said Kurti will boycott the beginning of the trial to protest international missions that don't recognise Kosovo's independence.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Kosovo Official: South Serbia Would Join Kosovo
The speaker of Kosovo's Assembly, Jakup Krasniqi, said that if Serbs from northern Kosovo wish to "secede", then "ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia are ready to join Kosovo".
Tanjug news agency quoted Krasniqi as saying to Pristina media that “if some of the Serbs are not ready to live in the northern part of Kosovo and think that they can break away, then the Albanians of the Presevo valley are ready to join Kosovo.”
The northern half of the northern Kosovo city of Mitrovica, a city which has been divided along ethnic lines since the end of the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in 1999, remains largely under the control of Belgrade.
In order to bring the north of Kosovo under the control of Pristina, the International Civilian Representative in Kosovo, Pieter Feith, announced a plan last week which envisions elections and the creation of a new municipality. The strategy ran into fierce opposition from the Serbian government.
Upon announcing the plan, Feith said: "This has the potential to be a new beginning for everyone in the new municipality, with the final aim to make Mitrovicë/Mitrovica North a municipality with a positive, sustainable future, safe and prosperous for the people living there."
Commenting on the strategy created by the government of Kosovo and the ICO, Krasniqi said it was “very important for Kosovo Serbs", because it "creates a new municipality of Northern Mitrovica, which is an alternative that would function a lot better than the current situation."
“It would be best for Mitrovica to be one municipality, however, something like that is not possible currently. The creation of a new municipality and the integration of Serbs does not call for a division, but it is not a joining either. It is an effort to implement peace and order,” Krasniqi said.
On the other side of the border, the southern Serbia municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac, and Medvedja are home to Serbia's largest ethnic Albanian population outside of Kosovo.
Oliver Ivanovic, state secretary in the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, has called on the international community to respond to Krasniqi's statement on the alleged readiness of the ethnic Albanians in south Serbia to join Kosovo.
"Serbia will not exchange a part of its own territory for another part of its own territory, nor are the concepts of division and of mutual exchange of territory topics for discussion. We have absolutely thrown those ideas out," Tanjug quoted Ivanovic as saying.
He also expressed his concern that representatives of the international community in Kosovo did not react to the "warmongering" declaration of the Kosovo official.
Tanjug news agency quoted Krasniqi as saying to Pristina media that “if some of the Serbs are not ready to live in the northern part of Kosovo and think that they can break away, then the Albanians of the Presevo valley are ready to join Kosovo.”
The northern half of the northern Kosovo city of Mitrovica, a city which has been divided along ethnic lines since the end of the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in 1999, remains largely under the control of Belgrade.
In order to bring the north of Kosovo under the control of Pristina, the International Civilian Representative in Kosovo, Pieter Feith, announced a plan last week which envisions elections and the creation of a new municipality. The strategy ran into fierce opposition from the Serbian government.
Upon announcing the plan, Feith said: "This has the potential to be a new beginning for everyone in the new municipality, with the final aim to make Mitrovicë/Mitrovica North a municipality with a positive, sustainable future, safe and prosperous for the people living there."
Commenting on the strategy created by the government of Kosovo and the ICO, Krasniqi said it was “very important for Kosovo Serbs", because it "creates a new municipality of Northern Mitrovica, which is an alternative that would function a lot better than the current situation."
“It would be best for Mitrovica to be one municipality, however, something like that is not possible currently. The creation of a new municipality and the integration of Serbs does not call for a division, but it is not a joining either. It is an effort to implement peace and order,” Krasniqi said.
On the other side of the border, the southern Serbia municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac, and Medvedja are home to Serbia's largest ethnic Albanian population outside of Kosovo.
Oliver Ivanovic, state secretary in the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, has called on the international community to respond to Krasniqi's statement on the alleged readiness of the ethnic Albanians in south Serbia to join Kosovo.
"Serbia will not exchange a part of its own territory for another part of its own territory, nor are the concepts of division and of mutual exchange of territory topics for discussion. We have absolutely thrown those ideas out," Tanjug quoted Ivanovic as saying.
He also expressed his concern that representatives of the international community in Kosovo did not react to the "warmongering" declaration of the Kosovo official.
Đukanović on Kosovo, crime cases
Podgorica's decision to establish diplomatic relations with Priština was made in accordance with the national interests of Montenegro and the region.
This is according to a statement made by the country's prime minister, Milo Đukanović, during his interview with B92 TV.
He pointed out that those Montenegrin citizens who declared themselves as Serbs could not have a status of ethnic minority because that was not in accordance with the constitutional system of the state.
Although he did not deny claims about the existence of organized crime in Montenegro, Đukanović says that the country was "recognizable" as a future member of the EU and NATO.
“Montenegro is conducting its policy toward Kosovo in accordance with the national interests, interests in the region and realistic political facts,” Đukanović said.
He pointed out that Montenegro made the decisions to recognize the Kosovo Albanian unilateral proclamation and to establish the diplomatic relations "completely independently".
The latter, he said, was "just a logical consequence of the decision to recognize Kosovo".
“That is why we were surprised by the strong reaction of a part of the public in Serbia," because, according to him, it was expected that both the Serbian and Montenegrin public expected the establishment of diplomatic relations after the recognition.
According to the latest data, as many as 32 percent of Montenegro’s citizens declare themselves as ethnic Serbs.
However, there are no Serbs working in the Montenegrin Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, while out of 207 employed in the Ministry of Health, only 12 are Serbs.
The Montenegrin premier, however, is convinced that this does not constitute for any kind of discrimination.
"Serbs can articulate their interests by forming their National Council," he stated.
“The real question is why those, with the Serb shield, who would like to get a position in the government, parliament or company do not get it? Because they are not competent, because being Serb or Montenegrin or of any other national peprusasion is not enough to compensate for competency,” believes Đukanović.
He also said he was convinced that trial for the murder of the owner of the Croatian daily Nacional Ivo Pukanić, which has recently started in Zagreb, will not have any negative consequences "on his country".
Đukanović's former ally Ratko Knežević made a series of statements where he directly implicated the Montenegrin prime minister in that case.
Another big case, regarding attempted smuggling of over two tons of cocaine from South America to Europe, involved a large number of suspects linked to Montenegro. Regardless of this, Đukanović said that his country was "still not most recognizable by crime".
“I wouldn’t say that Montenegro is recognized in the international community by its successes related to crime and mafia. I would rather say that Montenegro is acknowledged by some other qualities,” he said.
“As a result of this acknowledgement, I expect that Montenegro will be a candidate for membership in the EU this year, and that at the end of last year we became a part of the Membership Action Plan (MAP), the last step ahead of achieving a full-fledged membership in the NATO,” the Montenegrin PM said.
Đukanović addressed another crime case, this time linking him to cigarette smuggling operations from the 1990s, to say that he had voluntarily come forward with his statement upon receiving the proposed charges from the Italian prosecution.
Đukanović emphasized that he did not fall back on his immunity then and that the prosecution continued the investigation "without him", after he had given the statement.
This is according to a statement made by the country's prime minister, Milo Đukanović, during his interview with B92 TV.
He pointed out that those Montenegrin citizens who declared themselves as Serbs could not have a status of ethnic minority because that was not in accordance with the constitutional system of the state.
Although he did not deny claims about the existence of organized crime in Montenegro, Đukanović says that the country was "recognizable" as a future member of the EU and NATO.
“Montenegro is conducting its policy toward Kosovo in accordance with the national interests, interests in the region and realistic political facts,” Đukanović said.
He pointed out that Montenegro made the decisions to recognize the Kosovo Albanian unilateral proclamation and to establish the diplomatic relations "completely independently".
The latter, he said, was "just a logical consequence of the decision to recognize Kosovo".
“That is why we were surprised by the strong reaction of a part of the public in Serbia," because, according to him, it was expected that both the Serbian and Montenegrin public expected the establishment of diplomatic relations after the recognition.
According to the latest data, as many as 32 percent of Montenegro’s citizens declare themselves as ethnic Serbs.
However, there are no Serbs working in the Montenegrin Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, while out of 207 employed in the Ministry of Health, only 12 are Serbs.
The Montenegrin premier, however, is convinced that this does not constitute for any kind of discrimination.
"Serbs can articulate their interests by forming their National Council," he stated.
“The real question is why those, with the Serb shield, who would like to get a position in the government, parliament or company do not get it? Because they are not competent, because being Serb or Montenegrin or of any other national peprusasion is not enough to compensate for competency,” believes Đukanović.
He also said he was convinced that trial for the murder of the owner of the Croatian daily Nacional Ivo Pukanić, which has recently started in Zagreb, will not have any negative consequences "on his country".
Đukanović's former ally Ratko Knežević made a series of statements where he directly implicated the Montenegrin prime minister in that case.
Another big case, regarding attempted smuggling of over two tons of cocaine from South America to Europe, involved a large number of suspects linked to Montenegro. Regardless of this, Đukanović said that his country was "still not most recognizable by crime".
“I wouldn’t say that Montenegro is recognized in the international community by its successes related to crime and mafia. I would rather say that Montenegro is acknowledged by some other qualities,” he said.
“As a result of this acknowledgement, I expect that Montenegro will be a candidate for membership in the EU this year, and that at the end of last year we became a part of the Membership Action Plan (MAP), the last step ahead of achieving a full-fledged membership in the NATO,” the Montenegrin PM said.
Đukanović addressed another crime case, this time linking him to cigarette smuggling operations from the 1990s, to say that he had voluntarily come forward with his statement upon receiving the proposed charges from the Italian prosecution.
Đukanović emphasized that he did not fall back on his immunity then and that the prosecution continued the investigation "without him", after he had given the statement.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Estonia ends mission in Kosovo
Estonia’s intelligence team Estrif-6 finished its 10-year mission in Kosovo on Monday with a flag-lowering ceremony at the Camp Olat Rye military base in Europe’s newest republic.
The Estrif-6 team members received its ceremonial end where Estonia’s Minister of Defense Jaak Aaviksoo along with Raivo Lumiste, colonel lieutenant of Estonian Defense League awarded them with medals given to the participants taking part of international military force keeping peace between Kosovo and Serbia.
Although Estonian defense forces served at the Kosovo mission in 1999, now only couple of Estonian field officers will stay with NATO’s peacekeeping KFOR team. However, Aaviksoo said in his speech at the ceremony that the mission in Kosovo shows not only NATO’s importance but also Estonia’s good experience as guarantor of security.
Aaviksoo’s visit ends Tuesday when he meets the EULEX authorities and Kosovo’s Minister of Foregn Affairs Skender Hyseni and Minister of Security Forces Fehmi Mujota.
However, unlike its southern neighbor Lithuania, Estonia has no plans to sign a military cooperation agreement with Kosovo.
“There is no defense-related agreements planned with Kosovo, and we do not see the need for it, as many countries already are giving defense-related aid to Kosovo, and above all, Estonia focuses on Montenegro in Balkan region,” Peetr Kuimet, a press spokesman of the Estonian Ministry of Defense told Baltic Reports.
The Estrif-6 team members received its ceremonial end where Estonia’s Minister of Defense Jaak Aaviksoo along with Raivo Lumiste, colonel lieutenant of Estonian Defense League awarded them with medals given to the participants taking part of international military force keeping peace between Kosovo and Serbia.
Although Estonian defense forces served at the Kosovo mission in 1999, now only couple of Estonian field officers will stay with NATO’s peacekeeping KFOR team. However, Aaviksoo said in his speech at the ceremony that the mission in Kosovo shows not only NATO’s importance but also Estonia’s good experience as guarantor of security.
Aaviksoo’s visit ends Tuesday when he meets the EULEX authorities and Kosovo’s Minister of Foregn Affairs Skender Hyseni and Minister of Security Forces Fehmi Mujota.
However, unlike its southern neighbor Lithuania, Estonia has no plans to sign a military cooperation agreement with Kosovo.
“There is no defense-related agreements planned with Kosovo, and we do not see the need for it, as many countries already are giving defense-related aid to Kosovo, and above all, Estonia focuses on Montenegro in Balkan region,” Peetr Kuimet, a press spokesman of the Estonian Ministry of Defense told Baltic Reports.
Major powers warn Serbia to cool down Kosovo rhetoric
Major western powers have warned Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic to "cool down" his rhetoric about Kosovo in the coming months and refrain from adventurous actions after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gives its opinion on the legality of its declaration of independence.
This message was contained in a diplomatic note to the Serbian minister sent last week by the quintet of countries, the US, UK, Germany, France and Italy, which co-ordinate their policies toward Kosovo.
According to this website's sources, the note was addressed exclusively to Minister Jeremic and not to President Boris Tadic.
"We have tolerated until now the Serbian aggressive rhetoric regarding Kosovo, because we believed that with time passing it could be taken off the agenda. Our partners in Belgrade have told us that the statements of Minister Jeremic about Kosovo aimed to protect President Tadic from attack by Serbian nationalists, and the initiative to ask the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the Declaration of the independence was just a manoeuvre to remove Kosovo from the political agenda in Serbia. None of this seems to be the case and Kosovo continues to be a major political issue in Serbia," the note said.
The US and the top EU foreign policy players are becoming nervous about Mr Jeremic's lobbying activities in some countries around the world to get support for a plan to convene a special session of the UN General Assembly on the day when the ICJ makes its position on Kosovo independence known.
The aim seems to be to get support from this UN body for Serbia's intention to reopen talks on Kosovo's status, which Washington and leading EU capitals, except Madrid, consider closed since the Kosovo declaration of independence two years ago.
The ICJ is expected to give its legally non-biding opinion on Kosovo in the coming months. Kosovo has been recognised by 65 countries, including 22 member states.
This message was contained in a diplomatic note to the Serbian minister sent last week by the quintet of countries, the US, UK, Germany, France and Italy, which co-ordinate their policies toward Kosovo.
According to this website's sources, the note was addressed exclusively to Minister Jeremic and not to President Boris Tadic.
"We have tolerated until now the Serbian aggressive rhetoric regarding Kosovo, because we believed that with time passing it could be taken off the agenda. Our partners in Belgrade have told us that the statements of Minister Jeremic about Kosovo aimed to protect President Tadic from attack by Serbian nationalists, and the initiative to ask the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the Declaration of the independence was just a manoeuvre to remove Kosovo from the political agenda in Serbia. None of this seems to be the case and Kosovo continues to be a major political issue in Serbia," the note said.
The US and the top EU foreign policy players are becoming nervous about Mr Jeremic's lobbying activities in some countries around the world to get support for a plan to convene a special session of the UN General Assembly on the day when the ICJ makes its position on Kosovo independence known.
The aim seems to be to get support from this UN body for Serbia's intention to reopen talks on Kosovo's status, which Washington and leading EU capitals, except Madrid, consider closed since the Kosovo declaration of independence two years ago.
The ICJ is expected to give its legally non-biding opinion on Kosovo in the coming months. Kosovo has been recognised by 65 countries, including 22 member states.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Pack says Kosovo's EU integration depends on domestic leadership
European Parliament (EP) member Doris Pack says Kosovo needs 12 to 18 months to meet the EU-set criteria before it can benefit from visa liberalisation. "It depends on politics. If Kosovo authorities work faster, the processes can move faster too," Pack was quoted as saying by public broadcaster RTK on Sunday (February 7th). Pack said progress generally has been uneven. She noted that many Serbs participated in the November municipal elections, describing their involvement as key to the process.
Kosovo to participate in KFOR downsizing
Any further downsizing of NATO's troops in Kosovo will be decided in co-operation with authorities in Pristina, Albanian Defence Minister Arben Imami said on Sunday (February 7th). "Kosovo has developed into a stable country ... showing political maturity," Imami said in Tirana, after attending a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Istanbul. He added that the number of KFOR troops will reflect current security situations. NATO recently reduced its presence to 10,000 troops. Media reports predict it will be slashed to 4,000 by next year.
Austria supports Kosovo's EU perspective
VIENNA -- Kosovo constitutes a test for Europe's efforts to stabilize the Western Balkans, Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said in Vienna.
According to him, Kosovo is also a test of EU's ability to promote the economy and integrate the region in the long term in the European Union.
He made the statements after meeting with the visiting Kosovo Albanian Prime Minister Hasim Taci.
"Austria is fully behind the European perspective of Kosovo. We were one of the companions of Kosovo's independence and now also offer a platform for international engagement in this country," he said.
The minister commended the "successful holding of the first elections after independence was declared one year ago", and added that the "fact that the Serb community exercised their right to vote, was a positive sign for the development of a multiethnic Kosovo".
"Priština must, however, actively pursue its efforts regarding the Serb people," Tanjug quoted Spindelegger as saying in its report from Vienna.
The meeting lasted a short time, and unusually, reporters were not invited to directly cover the event.
Spindelegger is due to arrive in Belgrade on Wednesday.
According to him, Kosovo is also a test of EU's ability to promote the economy and integrate the region in the long term in the European Union.
He made the statements after meeting with the visiting Kosovo Albanian Prime Minister Hasim Taci.
"Austria is fully behind the European perspective of Kosovo. We were one of the companions of Kosovo's independence and now also offer a platform for international engagement in this country," he said.
The minister commended the "successful holding of the first elections after independence was declared one year ago", and added that the "fact that the Serb community exercised their right to vote, was a positive sign for the development of a multiethnic Kosovo".
"Priština must, however, actively pursue its efforts regarding the Serb people," Tanjug quoted Spindelegger as saying in its report from Vienna.
The meeting lasted a short time, and unusually, reporters were not invited to directly cover the event.
Spindelegger is due to arrive in Belgrade on Wednesday.
DJUKIC-DEJANOVIC TALKED WITH SLOVAKIAN PREMIER FICO
Slovakian Premier Robert Fico stated in Bratislava that his country will not change its position on unilaterally declared Kosovo independence and that it supports a compromise-based solution to be found for the southern Serbian province at the negotiating table. In talks with Serbian Assembly Speaker Slavica Djukic- Dejanovic, Fico underlined that it is extremely important that Serbia and Slovakia keep supporting international law and Resolution 1244. The Slovakian Prime Minister stated that in regard to Serbia’s potential NATO membership, his country will not interfere in the decision-making process, since it is an entirely internal issue. Djukic- Dejanovic reiterated that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo and thanked Slovakia for the principled support in regard to this issue. She informed Fico on results in the process of Serbia’s accession with the EU and thanked Slovakia for its support to acceleration of the process.
Turkey receives Kosovo President Sejdiu with highest state honors
Republic of Turkey’s highest institutions staged today a grand reception for the President of Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu, who stayed on a two-day visit in this friend country, upon an invitation extended to him by the Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
President Sejdiu started today by visiting Anitkabir Museum, where he placed a flower wreath and paid tribute to the founder of the modern Turkey, the former President Kemal Ataturk, and other martyrs that have fallen for the freedom of this country. Following this, he was received in person by President Abdullah Gul. Having listened to the hymns of the two states, which were played under solemn cannon shootings, President Sejdiu honored the National Guard of Turkey and shook hands with the delegation that accompanied President Gul during the meeting. Both presidents had an eye-to-eye meeting fist. Then they joined the meeting between the two delegations, which confirmed once again the commitment of Republic of Turkey and Republic of Kosovo to strengthening further the brotherly relations that have existed so far between our two countries.
President Gul said Turkey is pleased to see progress being made in Kosovo every day, what he considered serves as another argument that Kosovo is a factor of peace and stability in the region.
“There is an unreserved solidarity between peoples of our countries. We support Kosovo at all international forums in which we participate and we will keep on doing this, by lobbying for the recognition of independence of Republic of Kosovo by as many countries as possible”, President Gul said, maintaining that the recognition of Kosovo by 65 countries around the world and its accession to various international institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, serve as indicators of headway made in Kosovo.
Expressing his belief that the verdict due to be rendered by the International Court of Justice will further the process of Kosovo’s international recognition, President Gul emphasized that Kosovo’s faster integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions and NATO will bring about a permanent peace and stability in the entire region.
“Republic of Turkey has made an example for all Islamic countries of the world by being among the first countries to recognize the independence of Kosovo. Therefore, we will keep on urging the OIC member countries to follow suit, as soon as possible”, President Abdullah Gul affirmed.
Thanking President Gul for the invitation, President Sejdiu said he had come to Turkey to express high appreciation and gratitude of people and institutions of Republic of Kosovo for extraordinary support that Republic of Turkey has and is still providing to our country.
“You have become a part of Kosovo’s history in its road to freedom and independence”, President Sejdiu said, adding that support that Turkey has provided to Kosovo was substantial.
“You stood by us at darkest moments of our history and you are still helping us today, by facilitating both process of recognition and integration and overall economic growth in our country. This is why we are strongly committed to strengthening our relations further for the best of the people of our two countries”, President Sejdiu added.
The same spirit of friendship and understanding also prevailed the meeting with the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Ali Shahin, who reaffirmed the commitment of this high state institution to supporting Kosova’s parliamentarians in the future.
Expressing his high appreciation for the cooperation between the two countries, Mr. Shahin said that the respective communities living in our countries constitute a golden bridge to cooperation and friendship between our peoples.
Mr. Shahin also pledged highest leaders of Turkey will maintain contacts with representatives of Organization of Islamic Conference member countries, so as to have them recognize the Republic of Kosovo as soon as possible.
President Sejdiu started today by visiting Anitkabir Museum, where he placed a flower wreath and paid tribute to the founder of the modern Turkey, the former President Kemal Ataturk, and other martyrs that have fallen for the freedom of this country. Following this, he was received in person by President Abdullah Gul. Having listened to the hymns of the two states, which were played under solemn cannon shootings, President Sejdiu honored the National Guard of Turkey and shook hands with the delegation that accompanied President Gul during the meeting. Both presidents had an eye-to-eye meeting fist. Then they joined the meeting between the two delegations, which confirmed once again the commitment of Republic of Turkey and Republic of Kosovo to strengthening further the brotherly relations that have existed so far between our two countries.
President Gul said Turkey is pleased to see progress being made in Kosovo every day, what he considered serves as another argument that Kosovo is a factor of peace and stability in the region.
“There is an unreserved solidarity between peoples of our countries. We support Kosovo at all international forums in which we participate and we will keep on doing this, by lobbying for the recognition of independence of Republic of Kosovo by as many countries as possible”, President Gul said, maintaining that the recognition of Kosovo by 65 countries around the world and its accession to various international institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, serve as indicators of headway made in Kosovo.
Expressing his belief that the verdict due to be rendered by the International Court of Justice will further the process of Kosovo’s international recognition, President Gul emphasized that Kosovo’s faster integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions and NATO will bring about a permanent peace and stability in the entire region.
“Republic of Turkey has made an example for all Islamic countries of the world by being among the first countries to recognize the independence of Kosovo. Therefore, we will keep on urging the OIC member countries to follow suit, as soon as possible”, President Abdullah Gul affirmed.
Thanking President Gul for the invitation, President Sejdiu said he had come to Turkey to express high appreciation and gratitude of people and institutions of Republic of Kosovo for extraordinary support that Republic of Turkey has and is still providing to our country.
“You have become a part of Kosovo’s history in its road to freedom and independence”, President Sejdiu said, adding that support that Turkey has provided to Kosovo was substantial.
“You stood by us at darkest moments of our history and you are still helping us today, by facilitating both process of recognition and integration and overall economic growth in our country. This is why we are strongly committed to strengthening our relations further for the best of the people of our two countries”, President Sejdiu added.
The same spirit of friendship and understanding also prevailed the meeting with the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Ali Shahin, who reaffirmed the commitment of this high state institution to supporting Kosova’s parliamentarians in the future.
Expressing his high appreciation for the cooperation between the two countries, Mr. Shahin said that the respective communities living in our countries constitute a golden bridge to cooperation and friendship between our peoples.
Mr. Shahin also pledged highest leaders of Turkey will maintain contacts with representatives of Organization of Islamic Conference member countries, so as to have them recognize the Republic of Kosovo as soon as possible.
Kosovo should not be a problem for Serbia to start EU accession talks
Head of the European Union delegation in Serbia Vincent Degert said Kosovo should not be a problem for Serbia to start EU accession talks, Radio Television Vojvodina reported. He noted it has not been a problem during the negotiations on Stabilization and Association Agreement and implementation of the Transitional Trade Agreement.
The start of the discussion on Serbia’s bill on EU membership talks depends both on procedures and real issues over the new Lisbon Treaty, which requires EU institutions to inform the national parliaments about accepted candidatures, Degert noted. In his words, even if June is the deadline for the start of the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement it depends on the expectations of the other EU member states, which wants to check up on Serbia’s cooperation with the Tribunal in The Hague. According to the assessment of the chief prosecutor Serbia will need a year, may be less, to get the status of candidate member state, the head of the EU delegation in Serbia noted.
The start of the discussion on Serbia’s bill on EU membership talks depends both on procedures and real issues over the new Lisbon Treaty, which requires EU institutions to inform the national parliaments about accepted candidatures, Degert noted. In his words, even if June is the deadline for the start of the ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement it depends on the expectations of the other EU member states, which wants to check up on Serbia’s cooperation with the Tribunal in The Hague. According to the assessment of the chief prosecutor Serbia will need a year, may be less, to get the status of candidate member state, the head of the EU delegation in Serbia noted.
Kosovo Ambassador presents credentials to Sweden King
Lulzim Peci, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in the Kingdom of Sweden, presented his Letters of Credentials to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf in Stockholm.
Ambassador Peci expressed his thanks to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf for the help which the Kingdom of Sweden has given Kosovo and he informed him of the progress achieved here. Ambassador Peci gave special emphasis to the implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan, the participation of the Serb community in the November 2009 local elections, and the recent development of the Republic of Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic service.
His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Victoria talked about their memories of a visit made to Kosovo and expressed their interest in economic development, privatization and protection of the environment, especially revitalizing the Trepça complex and investing in energy.
At the end of the audience, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Victoria wished Ambassador Peci success in his work. Then Ambassador Peci presented Sedat Burrniku, the Consul of the Republic of Kosovo’s Embassy, to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Victoria.
Ambassador Peci expressed his thanks to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf for the help which the Kingdom of Sweden has given Kosovo and he informed him of the progress achieved here. Ambassador Peci gave special emphasis to the implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan, the participation of the Serb community in the November 2009 local elections, and the recent development of the Republic of Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic service.
His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Victoria talked about their memories of a visit made to Kosovo and expressed their interest in economic development, privatization and protection of the environment, especially revitalizing the Trepça complex and investing in energy.
At the end of the audience, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Victoria wished Ambassador Peci success in his work. Then Ambassador Peci presented Sedat Burrniku, the Consul of the Republic of Kosovo’s Embassy, to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Victoria.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Turkey urges Islamic countries to recognize "Kosovo Independence"
Turkey urged Islamic countries to recognize Kosovo’s independence, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul yesterday reiterated his country’s all-out support for recognition of Kosovo’s independence by the international community and called for other Islamic countries to also support it.
He said that Turkey, as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), would also continue to extend support to Kosovo’s recognition by the European Union and NATO countries.
He was speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara with Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu.
A Muslim majority country, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 18, 2008, and Turkey was among the first countries to recognize it as an independent state.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul yesterday reiterated his country’s all-out support for recognition of Kosovo’s independence by the international community and called for other Islamic countries to also support it.
He said that Turkey, as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), would also continue to extend support to Kosovo’s recognition by the European Union and NATO countries.
He was speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara with Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu.
A Muslim majority country, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 18, 2008, and Turkey was among the first countries to recognize it as an independent state.
Visiting Kosovo Soldiers
Governor John Hoeven and Major General David Sprynczynatyk fly across the globe to visit North Dakota men and women serving in Kosovo.
The 620 soldiers are about half done with their yearlong peacekeeping mission...
Through a video conference Hoeven and Sprynczynatyk give an update on how the troops are doing... Donnell Preskey was there...
"Good Evening from Kosovo" Governor John Hoeven and Major General David Sprynczynatyk are spending a few days visiting the hundreds of North Dakota Guardsmen and women serving in Kosovo..
(Spry) "Every soldier I've talked to is very cheerful, very proud of the fact they're here." As a country, Kosovo is getting stronger... So soldiers are able to slowly pull back..
(Dohrmann) We are doing less route patrols doing that because of increase capacity of Kosovo police." So their mission has transformed... Soldiers used to be the first to respond now Kosovo police are handling more security operations on a daily basis
However military leaders believe our presence in Kosovo is still necessary..
(Spry) "The people of Kosovo, you can only imagine how much they appreciate and respect the American soldier and our North Dakota National Guard members. They know that with our presence their lives will be safe, their communities will thrive and they know they have a future. So our people are making a difference." A calmer Kosovo is reflected in the number of soldiers who have been serving in the country..
In 1999 fifty thousand KFOR soldiers were in Kosovo... 11 years later there are ten thousand
Governor Hoeven says soldiers are developing critical skills in Kosovo that someday they may use in other parts of the world... (Hoeven) "Things doing here, what may do in not to distant future in Iraq and Afganistan so our forces can leave and come back home. " While the North Dakota soldiers' mission in Kosovo may be less intense than prior deployments Hoeven and Sprynczynatyk say soldiers are proud of the job their doing helping a war torn country get back on it's feet...
The 620 North Dakota soldiers are part of a multinational force of about 2,200 troops.
The force includes soldiers from across the U.S. and five other countries.
The 620 soldiers are about half done with their yearlong peacekeeping mission...
Through a video conference Hoeven and Sprynczynatyk give an update on how the troops are doing... Donnell Preskey was there...
"Good Evening from Kosovo" Governor John Hoeven and Major General David Sprynczynatyk are spending a few days visiting the hundreds of North Dakota Guardsmen and women serving in Kosovo..
(Spry) "Every soldier I've talked to is very cheerful, very proud of the fact they're here." As a country, Kosovo is getting stronger... So soldiers are able to slowly pull back..
(Dohrmann) We are doing less route patrols doing that because of increase capacity of Kosovo police." So their mission has transformed... Soldiers used to be the first to respond now Kosovo police are handling more security operations on a daily basis
However military leaders believe our presence in Kosovo is still necessary..
(Spry) "The people of Kosovo, you can only imagine how much they appreciate and respect the American soldier and our North Dakota National Guard members. They know that with our presence their lives will be safe, their communities will thrive and they know they have a future. So our people are making a difference." A calmer Kosovo is reflected in the number of soldiers who have been serving in the country..
In 1999 fifty thousand KFOR soldiers were in Kosovo... 11 years later there are ten thousand
Governor Hoeven says soldiers are developing critical skills in Kosovo that someday they may use in other parts of the world... (Hoeven) "Things doing here, what may do in not to distant future in Iraq and Afganistan so our forces can leave and come back home. " While the North Dakota soldiers' mission in Kosovo may be less intense than prior deployments Hoeven and Sprynczynatyk say soldiers are proud of the job their doing helping a war torn country get back on it's feet...
The 620 North Dakota soldiers are part of a multinational force of about 2,200 troops.
The force includes soldiers from across the U.S. and five other countries.
Dead body found in Zvečan
Deputy Regional Director of the Kosovo Police Serbia (KPS), Ergin Medić, told the Tanjug news agency that police found the body at about 1:45 CET during a routine patrol.
“It is a man in between 25 and 30 years of age, and we are currently in the process of identifying him, since he had no personal documents on him. The police have ruled out a violent death, since there were no visible signs of violence noticed,” he said.
An autopsy will be done on the body to confirm the cause of death and the identity of the man.
“It is a man in between 25 and 30 years of age, and we are currently in the process of identifying him, since he had no personal documents on him. The police have ruled out a violent death, since there were no visible signs of violence noticed,” he said.
An autopsy will be done on the body to confirm the cause of death and the identity of the man.
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