According to the writer of this editorial peace, Halil Matoshi, the request of Kosovo allies to establish the special court for the alleged war crimes is a confirmation of Kosovo’s sovereignty as a subject of the international justice. If the opposite was the case, considers Matoshi, then, based on Resolution 1244, the United Nations together with Serbia, would establish a court which would have jurisdiction over Kosovo.
Kosovo officials are adamant that the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities will be in accordance with Kosovo’s laws and constitution. The Association was discussed at the latest meeting between Kosovo and Serbia Prime Ministers in Brussels, but no agreement was reached. Serbian government officials insist that the Association will have executive competencies and will be more than a non-governmental organization, while Kosovo officials argue that it will be created based on Kosovo’s laws.
Imer Mushkolaj criticizes opponents of the special court noting that they find all sorts of arguments, starting from violation of sovereignty and integrity, KLA’s clean war, special war against KLA, but none of them speaks about the most important issue, the victims. “The people who are not among us anymore and who are suspected to be murdered by former KLA warriors,” writes Mushkolaj.
In an interview for the media, Thomas Yazdgerdi, the US State Department Director of the Office of South Central European Affairs, said he was disappointed with the Kosovo Assembly’s failure to adopt the special court. Yazdgerdi said that although it is a difficult matter, the Kosovo government should resend the issue to the Assembly and that MPs need to vote in favour of the special court. “As friends of Kosovo, the United States of America are disappointed that the Kosovo Assembly did not adopt the creation of the special court.
The Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli, met today with United States Congressman Elliot Engel, and discussed current developments in Kosovo, its European perspective and cooperation between the two countries. Veseli thanked Engel for his engagement and contribution in raising the awareness about the Kosovo issue and the efforts for liberation and independence. Veseli briefed Engel on ongoing processes in Kosovo, the challenges and difficulties. Engel said the United States, its Congress and people will continue to support Kosovo in its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
According to KTV’s editor-in-chief Adriatik Kelmendi there was only one Kosovo Albanian MP who spoke about all crimes alleged to have occurred in the Kosovo conflict and that was Ilir Deda from Vetevendosje. In his speech at the Assembly session on the establishment of specialist chambers, Deda said that crimes were not only committed against Albanians but also against other communities and absolutely all should be addressed by a Kosovo war crimes court which Pristina authorities would have to set up. According to Kelmendi, no MP has ever called for justice for non-Albanian victims.
United States Congressman Elliot Engel in his address to the Kosovo Assembly today called for the establishment of the special court that will address war crimes allegations. Engel said the court would be established, either by the Kosovo Assembly or the United Nations, and that it would not be good for Kosovo if the UN establishes the court. Engel said Kosovo was doing many things that other countries cannot do, but also that a lot remains to be done in the fight against corruption and for economic development.
The U.S. Congressman Eliot Engel, proposed to the institutions of Kosovo to find a solution for establishment of the special court and to the Assembly of Kosovo to vote for the constitutional amendments which open way for the establishment of this court.
Kosovo’s Assembly President, Kadri Veseli, has summoned the leaders of parliamentary groups today in an effort to find a solution to the establishment of the special court. The news site recalls that on Friday the Kosovo Assembly failed to pass the constitutional amendments for the special court, putting Kosovo in a difficult position vis-à-vis its international partners. The government meanwhile has suggested a revote in the Assembly, whereas the opposition has rejected this.
The Dutch Ambassador to Kosovo, Robert Bosch clarified his recent statements and actions on his social network Twitter. “To clarify, when I speak out, I have Kosovo’s best interest in mind and never mean to offend. If perceived so, I am sorry for misunderstanding,” wrote Boch. This clarification came after Bosch’s being in the focus of the attention for his statements at Kosovo Assembly during the session for the amndment of constitutional changes that would open way to the special court as well as his actions in the street.