Kosovo PM Kosumi quits under pressure
By Shaban Buza
PRISTINA, Serbia-Montenegro (Reuters) -
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060301/wl_nm/serbiamontenegro_kosovo_premier_dc
Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi resigned on Wednesday following international criticism that he had failed to do enough to create a multi-ethnic state as the province seeks independence.
Citing the need to preserve a coalition majority and the cooperation of Kosovo's Western backers, Kosumi told reporters: "I find the correct and ethical action is to resign from the post of prime minister."
Kosumi, 45, handed in his resignation to President Fatmir Sejdiu after word leaked that he no longer had the confidence of his own Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) party.
Kosumi was also criticized for ineptness by other members of Kosovo's ruling ethnic Albanian coalition and Western mentor states shepherding the Serbian province through talks that could lead to its independence later this year.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan criticized the Kosumi government in a January report for not doing enough to meet democratic standards set by the U.N. for the creation of a just and smoothly functioning multi-ethnic society.
Political sources said Kosumi's resignation was the "result of pressure" following a round of meetings with Western envoys earlier in the week, including the United States.
He is expected to be succeeded by Agim Ceku, a former senior commander in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) who now heads the Kosovo Protection Force, the civil emergency unit set up to absorb former rebel fighters.
"Agim Ceku has been offered the post of prime minister and is going to say he accepts at a press conference this afternoon," a source close to Ceku said.
Kosumi was elected by the Albanian-dominated Kosovo parliament a year ago when then-Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj was indicted on war crimes charges by the United Nations tribunal in Kosumi was elected by the Albanian-dominated Kosovo parliament a year ago when then-Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj was indicted on war crimes charges by the United Nations tribunal in The Hague. Political sources said the ruling coalition was very unhappy with Kosumi's performance, his perceived lack of leadership and inefficiency. They pointed out that two cabinet posts, for the interior and justice portfolios, had still not been filled three months after they were created by the province's administration.
The West wants Kosovo's status resolved this year and is impatient with any unnecessary delays. Kosumi quit just as he was due to meet visiting United Nations special envoy Marrti Ahtisaari, the former Finnish president charged with mediating Kosovo status talks with Belgrade.
FORMER GUERRILLA AS SUCCESSOR? ..................
PRISTINA, Serbia-Montenegro (Reuters) -
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060301/wl_nm/serbiamontenegro_kosovo_premier_dc
Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi resigned on Wednesday following international criticism that he had failed to do enough to create a multi-ethnic state as the province seeks independence.
Citing the need to preserve a coalition majority and the cooperation of Kosovo's Western backers, Kosumi told reporters: "I find the correct and ethical action is to resign from the post of prime minister."
Kosumi, 45, handed in his resignation to President Fatmir Sejdiu after word leaked that he no longer had the confidence of his own Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) party.
Kosumi was also criticized for ineptness by other members of Kosovo's ruling ethnic Albanian coalition and Western mentor states shepherding the Serbian province through talks that could lead to its independence later this year.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan criticized the Kosumi government in a January report for not doing enough to meet democratic standards set by the U.N. for the creation of a just and smoothly functioning multi-ethnic society.
Political sources said Kosumi's resignation was the "result of pressure" following a round of meetings with Western envoys earlier in the week, including the United States.
He is expected to be succeeded by Agim Ceku, a former senior commander in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) who now heads the Kosovo Protection Force, the civil emergency unit set up to absorb former rebel fighters.
"Agim Ceku has been offered the post of prime minister and is going to say he accepts at a press conference this afternoon," a source close to Ceku said.
Kosumi was elected by the Albanian-dominated Kosovo parliament a year ago when then-Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj was indicted on war crimes charges by the United Nations tribunal in Kosumi was elected by the Albanian-dominated Kosovo parliament a year ago when then-Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj was indicted on war crimes charges by the United Nations tribunal in The Hague. Political sources said the ruling coalition was very unhappy with Kosumi's performance, his perceived lack of leadership and inefficiency. They pointed out that two cabinet posts, for the interior and justice portfolios, had still not been filled three months after they were created by the province's administration.
The West wants Kosovo's status resolved this year and is impatient with any unnecessary delays. Kosumi quit just as he was due to meet visiting United Nations special envoy Marrti Ahtisaari, the former Finnish president charged with mediating Kosovo status talks with Belgrade.
FORMER GUERRILLA AS SUCCESSOR? ..................
posted by Balkan Terrorism Editor at 6:12 PM
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