Fatmir Sheholi: Reasons for the isolation of Kosovo (Blic)
Kosovo is in the institutional blockade. Dialogue in Brussels between Kosovo and Serbia is dysfunctional because of the blockade. Because of the blockade there is no continuation of work on the Special Tribunal for alleged war crimes of the KLA. Kosovo's image on the international scene fades.
Kosovo faces the most dangerous radicalism, extremism and terrorism. Young Albanians go to Iraq and Syria without knowing who they are fighting for; they go because they see no perspective in Kosovo.
Kosovo has problems with the recognition of independence. After the report of the Chief Prosecutor (Clint Williamson) for the investigation of war crimes against Serbs, started the bid with the names of those who will be found on the indictment, and former KLA commanders are mentioned led by the outgoing Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. The court proceeding for war crimes against the group "Drenica" is in the course, suspected is former KLA commander Sulejman Selimi, former Ambassador of Kosovo to Albania.
At least three mayors (Kacanik/Kaqanik, Urosevac/Ferizaj and Prizren) from the ranks of Thaci's PDK are legally convicted, but they are on the run or have institutional protection not to surrender. The court proceeding against the criminal group which dealt with Schengen visas is in the course, with the former MP and son of the late President Rugova indicted.
Although the Supreme Court has issued a final decision for war crimes and sentenced five people to 10 to 18 years of imprisonment, four of them are on the run for two years. Former MP Gani Geci killed a man in Skenderaj/Srbica with a pistol. Geci is on the run. Dino Asanaj, Chairman of the Board of the Privatization Agency, was stabbed 12 times with a knife, perpetrator is not found. Books of Veton Suroi are burned (Snake Legs), by former KLA fighters, because of the factual allegations in the book on what Kosovo went through.
Workers of the pipe factory are protesting for 60 days in front of the government, who were supposed to be paid 20% from the privatization of the factory by the decision of the constitutional court. Every week is spilled 10 000 liters of milk in front of the government by the dairy association because importers have better conditions than domestic producers. Due to the forged doctorate, resignation had to be submitted by Rector of the University of Pristina, he was not brought before the justice. Kosovo has the highest unemployment rate in Europe - more than 40 per cent of people do not work. In the extreme poverty live 11.8 per cent, while in poverty with 0.9 cents a day live 18.7 per cent of the people.
From Kosovo, daily through illegal crossings, massively flee people and seek refuge in European countries. The property of many Serbs is usurped, cases have been for long time in the courts, but no one deals with them. Because of all this, Kosovo is an isolated place in Europe where there is no visa liberalization and foreign investment.
I think that this irrefutable evidence will make clear why the Albanian parties found themselves in a political bloc and prevented Thaci to form a government.