US Ambassador to Kosovo, Tracey Ann Jacobson, said in an interview for Express that before being dismissed, the Assembly has some important tasks to undertake, including extending EULEX’s mandate. “With regards to elections, my main concern is that they are free and fair, transparent and well organised and that the current Assembly of Kosovo is able to do its duties before being disbanded,” said Jacobson. She added that the election reform currently being debated by the Kosovo Assembly is more technical and not substantial, which the US and the EU called for.
Speaking about the creation of an international tribunal that would address possible war crimes cases in Kosovo, Jacobson said the issue is being discussed between Kosovo and the EU and that a solution is close. “It is important for the Government and the Parliament to reach an agreement with the European Union on this issue. It would be damaging for the image of Kosovo to have a judicial process that is not transparent and doesn’t meet international standards. I think this would be much more damaging for the image of Kosovo than where the Court would be based. I think the solution would have to fulfill the needs of the prosecution, the international community and the needs of Kosovo”.
She also noted that extending the mandate of reserved seats for minority communities would be a positive development for Kosovo and would send a strong message at a time when citizens in the north took part in Kosovo elections for the first time. “It would also convey a powerful and credible message to the international community that Kosovo is ready to move forward as a multi-ethnic society,” Jacobson said.
Asked about the dialogue with Serbia, Jacobson said it was important to remember that the process was not only between two prime ministers but between two territories. “I am very confident the process can continue,” she said. “I think it is clear to Kosovo and Serbia that the work should continue not only for the sake of stability and better life for the two countries, but also for their European path. I wish to believe that the dialogue will continue and that Mr. Vucic will be as active a participant as Mr. Dacic was.”
The US Ambassador said Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has done tremendous work in the dialogue and has moved it forward despite it being a difficult process and politically unpopular.
