Xhavit Haliti tells if PDK to vote on demarcation

Albanian parties within the ruling coalition in Kosovo, the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, the Social Democrat Initiative and the New Kosovo Alliance have reached reconciliation with the opposition Democratic League of Kosovo for voting in favour of ratification of this agreement.

The largest opposition party, the Vetevendosje Movement, has voiced opposition to this agreement, while the Serb List, partner in the ruling coalition, which had also been the day before also opposed to ratification of the agreement, has no clear answer to what its stance would be on Wednesday.

Kosovo Assembly deputy chairman Xhavit Haliti from the ranks of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, speaking of Radio Free Europe, has voiced doubt that two-thirds of the vote in the Assembly could be reached, necessary for ratification of the agreement on demarcation with Montenegro, despite Albanian parties in power and opposition the Democratic League of Kosovo, have a reconciliation in favour of voting for ratification of the agreement.

“Declarata has, but I still don't believe it can pass, if there is no vote from the Vetevendosje Movement, and if even the Serbian List votes against or does not come to the session. If that happens, then I believe the session's still on. The debate could be opened until conditions are prepared to vote”, Haliti said.

Otherwise, representatives of the Serbian List in the Kosovo Assembly have stressed that the controversial stance of this subject regarding the ratification of the agreement has not changed. However, they have not wanted to comment on whether this approach can change by Wednesday, when the extraordinary Assembly session is expected.

On the other hand, the official position of the Vetevendosje Movement has so far opposed the ratification of the agreement for demarcation with Montenegro.

Ismail Kurteshi, deputy of the Vetevendosje Movement in the Kosovo Assembly, tells Radio Free Europe that this stance has not changed and will not change, despite speculations in the opinion that deputies appointed to this subject can vote in favour of ratification of the agreement.

We do not vote on an agreement, which is harmful to Kosovo and loses 8 thousand and 200 hectares of Kosovo's land. So this is the official position of the Vetevendosje Movement and so far no MPs who have changed their stance have been heard. As far as I know, nobody changes it. Now, we see it Wednesday”, Kurteshi stressed.

However, neither Kosovo Government officials nor representatives of the Serbian List have been willing to explain whether they are discussing reaching a consensus for ratification of the demarcation agreement with Montenegro at Wednesday's session.

Ratification of this agreement remains the last condition for Kosovo by European Union institutions to receive visa liberalisation. / REL