Monday 13th October 2008 MEDIA HEADLINES IN ENGLISH

You’re listening to NEWS REPORT, a summary of today’s media, prepared by UNMIK ON AIR

Pristina recognizes Macedonia’s constitutional name,
Serbia to continue cooperation with its neighbours, and
EU leaders discuss financial crisis

KOSOVO
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni has said on Saturday that Kosovo recognizes FYR of Macedonia with its constitutional name. Analysts warned of a reaction by Greece, which has not recognized Kosovo’s independence. However, a Government spokesperson said its decision will not harm relations with Greece, adding that Greece will soon recognize Kosovo’s independence.

The Kosovo Government is preparing a platform to defend the legality of its independence at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Government spokesperson Memli Krasniqi said the Government is gathering the best local and international experts to present its case to the ICJ.

UK Ambassador John Sawers said Kosovo’s independence is irreversible. He appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to view the wider context of Kosovo’s independence and its preceding political events starting from dissolution of former Yugoslavia.

With the recognitions of Kosovo by neighboring states Prime Minister Hashim Thaci assured Kosovo Serbs that government institutions will do their best to improve their lives, and appealed to them to see Kosovo as their state. Last weeks’ recognitions will contribute to improvement of interethnic relations, he said.

Albania’s President Bamir Topi said that recognition of Kosovo by its neighbours will positively affect decision-making of other countries. He stated that more could have been done to lobby for Kosovo’s recognition amidst Islamic and Latin America countries.

The Movement for Unification, asked Kosovo leaders to be more aggressive in regard to the ideas and proposals coming from Serbia. Commenting on Serbia’s President statements, Avni Klinaku, the leader of the movement said Serbia is preparing for Kosovo’s division. He called on the Assembly to discuss the issue.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said that Serbia’s EU accession and the recognition of Kosovo’s independence were “two separate but parallel processes.” Serbia deserves to begin implementing the trade sections of the SAA, said Rehn, adding that the Commission will give its first appraisal to abolish visas for Serbian nationals in November.

Kosovo citizens holding Serbian passports will not be allowed to travel to EU states, Brussels based diplomats said; “If a citizen comes to our border with Republic of Serbia passport issued in Peja, Gjilan or Mitrovica, he will be returned as such passports are invalid for us,” the source says that Serbia has been asked not to do such a thing, if it wants visa liberalization.

Authorities in Gora region, southern Kosovo, have torn down a school built from the Serbian government funds, Belgrade based media report. The school in the village of Mlike which is inhabited by Gorani minority was demolished since the reconstructions came without an appropriate permit.

REGIONAL
Serbia’s Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic said his Government would, in spite of the moves of Montenegro and FYROM in recognizing Kosovo, continue economic and other forms of cooperation with those countries. He added that the diplomatic measures, like the expelling of ambassadors, are not aimed at the people of those countries.

Croatia’s President and Prime Minister announced that a package of anti-mafia legislation will be adopted soon that will boost co-operation among authorities responsible for security. The decision came on the heels of the mafia-style murder of 26-year-old Ivana Hodak, the daughter of a prominent lawyer, in broad daylight in Zagreb on October 6th.

President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed in Nicosia to speed up talks aimed at reunifying the island. UN Special Envoy for Cyprus Alexander Downer announced after the meeting that they will now meet on a weekly basis.

INTERNATIONAL
In Paris yesterday European leaders discussed a draft statement for countries that use the Euro. They will temporarily guarantee future bank debt to encourage lending and ease the credit crunch. They could guarantee debt for up to five years.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is due in Harare for further mediation aimed at breaking the political impasse in Zimbabwe. The government and the opposition MDC remain deadlocked over a decision by President Robert Mugabe to allocate key cabinet posts to his own Zanu-PF party.

WEATHER
The Weather will be mainly sunny, with highs of 18 and lows of 6 Degrees Celsius. Tomorrow, the weather will be partly cloudy.

And that’s the latest. Thank you for listening and goodbye.