Kosovo Press Review – October 11, 2012

Koha Ditore

European Commission approves the feasibility study for Kosovo. For the first time Brussels says that the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is a condition that both parties need to fulfill in order to become full members of the European Union.

Zeri

German Minister of Defense Thomas de Maiziere criticizes EU’s rule of law mission to Kosovo, saying that it is not up to its mandate and for that reason needs to reconfigure completely. The German minister said that EULEX’s failure is a heavy burden for KFOR peacekeepers. He said that Germany is not happy with this balance and called the EU to review the mandate of its mission in Kosovo, and pledged his country help.

Express

Serbia’s Prime Minister Ivica Dacic has expressed its concern about the European Commission formulation used in the study to assess the countries progress. He argued that the terminology found in the text, which advises Belgrade to respect Kosovo’s territorial integrity when the issue of the north. Such conditionality, according to Dacic may cause Serbia’s withdrawal from the negotiating table with Kosovo.

Balkan Insight has not verified the facts in the original press reports and cannot vouch for their accuracy.