Express reports on its front-page that the confirmation by European Union foreign ministers that UNMIK and EULEX will coexist for several months does not change the state agenda in Kosovo. Can the Constitution of Kosovo enter into force while UNMIK will still be here? Pristina has no dilemma. On June 15, it will adopt the new constitutional order.

 

The paper quotes Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi as saying that after June 15 there will be full clarity concerning the presence of the international community in Kosovo. “Clarity is good for all missions, both local and international. Above all, it is important to have a decision-making centre,” Kuçi added.

He also said, “the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo will enter force on June 15 and will be fully respected throughout Kosovo’s territory.”

In the meantime, all opposition parties insist that UNMIK should leave Kosovo as soon as possible and be replaced with EULEX. “I believe that after February 17 and June 15, UNMIK’s further stay in Kosovo is a farce,” said former Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi.

EU’s deployment in Kosovo will be delayed because of the consultations between Brussels and the United Nations about the “reconfiguration” of UNMIK, while the EU’s aim is to be operational in the whole territory of Kosovo, not only in the south, stated Slovenian chief diplomat Dimitrij Rupel in Brussels on Monday.

He added that there are “serious complaints” addressed to the Secretary- General, if he accepts the EU’s initial idea, that EULEX immediately replaces UNMIK.

“The idea was that EULEX replaces UNMIK, while the problem is that the transition, specifically the “reconfiguration” needs more time than it was planned,” Rupel is quoted as saying adding that “discussion and consultations are being held”.