The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Philip Kosnett, said in a debate organised by the Kosovo-based think tank Fol that Kosovo has sound laws but that implementation of court decisions remains a challenge.
“As Kosovo enters the second decade of independence, it has capable institutions and sound laws stemming from its Constitution. Citizens have more access to information from authorities than before. Kosovo is amazing the world as leader in the region regarding transparency in public procurement. Kosovo has approved comprehensive law on whistleblowers before the EU. Citizens in Kosovo can be proud with everything in this front but you still have a great deal of work ahead,” he said.
Kosnett mentioned the case involving the Orthodox Monastery in Decan as an example of the court ruling not being enforced. “The Constitutional Court that decides based on the Constitution has confirmed that the Orthodox Church has ownership over certain land parcels but cadastral officers at the local and central level have refused to implement the decision as a result of having the backing of certain senior officials of the Government of Kosovo,” he said.
Kosnett said that rule of law enables everyone to have a bright future. “I believe Kosovo’s international partners play a constructive role in enlightening justice violations as the U.S. Embassy has done and will continue to do so. However, the main responsibility to ensure there is justice in Kosovo lies with the people of Kosovo,” he said.
