Thaci: Current crisis, only temporary (Zeri/Gazeta Shqiptare)
Kosovo’s President-elect, Hashim Thaci, in an interview with Albania-based newspaper Gazeta Shqiptare, said the recent crisis in Kosovo is only temporary and that every democracy went through such phases. “We are a young country and it will take some time for us to adjust our political culture with the advanced democratic system,” Thaci said, adding that as Kosovo President, he will work to strengthen democracy and rule of law in Kosovo. With regards to the special court for war crimes, Thaci said the establishment of this court is a very difficult matter for Kosovo and that it was a sacrifice to maintain partnership and cooperation with the international community. “I do not deny that this is an injustice done to us, because such a court was not established in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia or Serbia,” he said. “Also, we do not fear justice, we have nothing to hide. We have been totally open and cooperative towards the Hague Tribunal, UNMIK and EULEX which had mandates to deal with war crimes cases. I believe we have carried out a dignified fight for freedom and independence, and no court can change the history of Kosovo.”