Haradinaj shows reasons why the platform for dialogue with Serbia withdrew

Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has informed the government cabinet of the withdrawal of the platform for dialogue with Belgrade from considering the Kosovo Assembly.

Haradinaj said this was done in order for political subjects and acts in Kosovo to be given time and space in the debate on finding better access to this subject.

I have withdrawn the Government platform today that has been directed to parliament for consideration. Because by noting a major interest in political forces, as in parliament as outside for a continuing debate. With that debate given time and not creating a breach among political groups, we have pulled the platform for talks with Serbia. With this we give the political spectrum to parliamentary groups to come with their ideas, their proposals. Kosovo needs to find the formula for a comprehensive representation, in this important topic. As a result of the consultations we have had between us and the situation that was created in public discussions in parliament, I have estimated that this is a proper action for the time now”, he said.

Haradinaj has also strongly condemned recent incidents with interethnic motives, saying that the competent organs should light up the reasons and motives, and that the authors are brought to justice.

The government of the Republic of Kosovo is concerned and condemns recent incidents, which have interethnic motives, which negatively affect relations between communities in Kosovo. The Kosovo government seeks from competent bodies, so that as soon as it illuminates the reasons and motives of these low cases and their authors can be brought to justice. Such cases aim to undermine the efforts of institutions to build a comprehensive democratic society. Also, the Government of Kosovo invites all citizens who may have information on cases to co-operate with the bodies of the order”, he said.

The government has also approved the demand for compensation of 53m euros for additional expenditures to the Bektel Enka consortium, following the extension of the contract for the “Arben Xhaferi” until December 31st, 2018.

Minister of Infrastructure, Pal Lekaj said that construction of the” Arben Xhaferi” was meant to end on January 1st 2018, but since the previous government had failed to pay annual bills to Bechtel Enka company in order, the deadline for completion of the works has had to be delayed by the end of this year.

After the signing of the contract extension agreement in December last year, the Bechtel Enka consortium has submitted the demand for indirect spending, for extending the completion deadline to many for 63m euros. Their request has been justified in indirect spending, keeping needed equipment, and because of insufficient commitment to their resources during 2014-2017. Spending on material and not material damage has not been required. Only I spending coverage has been required for the contract's extra term by 31.12.2018. After intensive negotiations held between the two sides, we have managed to reduce this amount to 45m euros. Adding T VSH 18 per cent in many of the 8.1m euros, for a total, meaning the total amount is 53m and 100 thousand euros”, he said.

Prime Minister Haradinaj said approval of this request is appropriate action.

“This is the real conclusion, that the Government of Kosovo assumes responsibility in this situation, not allow the country to pass on legal disputes, which had ended up in international courts and at the same time would result in broken relations with a very serious operator for our country in this case in the most serious possible project, in the largest potential investments we have made to date, from the country's budget. As far as I'm concerned, it's the right action to approve this request”, he said.

The government of Kosovo at today's meeting has appointed Speeder Selmanaj for deputy director at the Air Navigation Service Agency. Haradinaj said that even though Selmanaj, has been close to his party, he has not been influenced by him to take office.

The real “has been a colleague for a long time. We traveled together, no. The selections and they have their own processes. This influence is not the result. Yes, he was a colleague, part of our team before”, he said.

Otherwise, the government's approval has been obtained by the Bill on the Protection of Personal Data and the Bill for Access to Public Documents.