Kosovo Parliament Elects New President, Ending Political Crisis
Kosovo's parliament elected a new president overnight, ending a protracted political crisis. The post went to Justina Shiroka-Pula, head of the Academy of Sciences and Arts in Pristina.
Kosovo's parliament elected a new head of state overnight, bringing an end to a long-running political crisis. Had the vote failed, the country would have had to hold fresh elections.
The new president is Justina Shiroka-Pula, who leads the Academy of Sciences and Arts in Pristina.
Concession to the opposition
According to the programme "Aktuaalne kaamera", the prime minister's party made a concession to the opposition at the last moment. It agreed to limit the powers of the Kosovo Specialist Court, which is based in The Hague.
Protests and the new law
Protests have been taking place in Kosovo in recent weeks, following harsh sentences handed down by the court to former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army. They were accused of war crimes committed during the struggle for independence from Serbia.
Under the new law, Kosovo's courts will be able to reduce long prison terms imposed by the court in The Hague.
Estonian connection
Estonia recognised Kosovo's independence on 21 February 2008, becoming the 13th country to do so. Diplomatic relations between Estonia and Kosovo were established in Tallinn on 24 April 2008.
