The UN Coordinator for Development and permanent representative of UNDP in Kosovo, Andrew Russell, spoke about corruption saying that this phenomenon is not for granted but it has to be paid for it every day.

Russell made these statements during a conference for presentation of the Targets for Sustainable Development which were officially endorsed by the UN General Assembly on 25 September.

“Corruption is not for free, we pay the corruption every day. We pay for it, it is a tax for us and it exhausts our development as a society,” said Russell.

Asked about the impact that Sami Lushtaku’s attempt to escape from prison would have to the image of Kosovo’s justice system, Russell said that there are other organizations that assesses these issues. “Our current job is to work with people. There are other organizations in the world that could reply specifically if a specific incident or decision could have a good or bad impact on the perception of Kosovo,” Russell said.

He spoke about the Goals for Sustainable Development endorsed by the United Nations.

According to him, there are sixteen objectives in total, starting from elimination of poverty, inducing of sustainable agriculture, ensuring of healthy lives, education, reach of gender equality, administration of water and sanitation, ensuring access to energy, promote economic growth up to the building of efficient institutions and accountability.