Kosovo's New Political Leadership

ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER Kosovo’s new political leadership ASSEMBLYasi SUPPORT INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER юѦȱŘŖŖŜǰȱќȱŘŘ

Strengthening the oversight role of the Kosovo Assembly oces Mission in Kosovo ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 2 NEWSLETTERasi Editorial Editorial 2 Kosovo has a new political leadership. Within one Mr. Kolë Berisha’s speech on the occasion ǰȱȱ ȱǰȱ ȱȱȱȱ of assuming the Assembly Presidency 3 ȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱĜǯȱȱ Fatmir Sejdiu succeeded the late President Ibrahim President Fatmir Sejdiu talks to BBC 6 Rugova. Former TMK Commander Agim Ceku succeeded Bajram Kosumi as prime minister. Mr. “There is no full freedom in Kosovo Kole Berisha succeeded Nexhat Daci as president unless all of Kosovo’s citizens can enjoy it” 7 ȱȱ¢ǯȱ¢ǰȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ȱǯȱȱŘŚȱȱŘŖŖŜǰȱȱ¢ȱȱ Kosovo Serb Leaders Meet Premier Çeku, ȱ¡ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱęȱ ȱ Consider Joining Government 9 rounds of talks on decentralization. Recent Developments in the Assembly 10 ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱĴȱȱȱȱ¢ȱ sessions in the Assembly on various policy issues. The new president Let’s learn to hear the voice of the citizen 12 ȱȱ¢ǰȱǯȱ ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱ a new democratic atmosphere and to strengthen co-operation with Presidency of the Assembly 14 international institutions. Transparency and full adherence to Rules Why we asked for a new dynamic in of Procedure are high on his agenda. Assembly’s Work 16 In light of the current changes at the Assembly one can hope that this ȱǰȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱȱĴǰȱ Our Vision of an Independent Kosovo 17 to further enhance their role in overseeing the work of the government ȱ ¡ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Pay off Time 18 Consolidated Budget (KCB). These are key issues to come closer to Strengthening the oversight role of the ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Kosovo Assembly 19 ¢ȱȱĜȱȱȱȱȱ¡ȱǯ Challenges and Improvements of the ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ work of Kosovo Assembly 20 ȱȱ ǰȱȱȱȱęȱȱȱ¢ȱȱ areas that have been presented mainly in the form of a review. Kosovo’s Journey Toward EU Integration 22 ȱȱǰȱǯȱȱ¢ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ Reviewing the Draft Law on Veterans: (NDI) shares his views on the importance of a “question time” for OSCE Provides Support 23 ministers in parliament. Some questions have been initiated in the ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ The Basics of “Question Period” 24 ȱǯȱȱǰȱȱȱȱ ȱ¢ȱȱȃȱ ǰȄȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȬ¢ȱȱȬ New OSCE field presence 25 ethnic group which intends to play an active role in the legislative ȱ ȱ ȱ¢ȱ Ĵǯȱ ǯȱ ¢£ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Translation/Interpretation: ¢ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱǻ Ǽǰȱ Keeping the Meaning the Same 26 ȱĴȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱ Ĝȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ěȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ǳȱ ȱȱǰȱȱȱȱȱ with voters. At a time when Kosovo is entering its most important ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱ ȱ Ĵǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ promote co-operation while dealing with substantial issues for ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ “Assembly Support Initiative” are willing to give their contribution. ȱȱȱȱ Ĵȱȱȱȱȱǯ

Franklin De Vrieze, “Assembly Support Initiative” Coordinator. ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 3 Mr. Kolë Berisha’s speech on the occasion of assuming the Assembly Presidency Assembly of Kosovo, 10 March 2006 Honourable Assembly mem- ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ęȱ ȱǰ and precious times; this is the time when we should move I am fully aware that by expres- ¢ȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ¢ȱęȱȱȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǲȱ £ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ it is the time of our general and chair the work and other cause (question)–Kosovo an ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ independent and sovereign ȱ¢ǰȱ ȱ¢ȱǰȱȱ state; it is the present and the ȱȱȱȱǰȱ¢ȱ future of our children and of ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ our grandchildren. ȱ ěǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱęǯ Rest assured that I will do my best for this sacred house— Kosovo is now facing its cru- from which the acts that ȱǰȱ¢ǰȱȱ ȱ ȱ will determine and sanction even say even its crucial ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ hours. and other areas of life in a This is certainly a historical Kosovo state will continue phase for Kosovo and its to come out—to become a ǰȱ ȱ ȱȱ temple of free speech for all in by the free vote of its citizens Assembly members; to be a ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ strong voice of both position along with the understanding ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ led by the USA and other EU ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ which promotes equal rights till the end—until we build an ȱ ȱ £ȱ ȱ ǰȱ independent and sovereign ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ state that will serve as an ǰȱǰȱǯȱȱȱ example for South-eastern I will do my utmost for the Europe; a state which will Assembly members to feel have perpetual friendly re- themselves (at home) as real lations with the USA–our heads of this household. I will ȱ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱǰȱ certainly need your support. only within one century stood And I assure you that you will next to us. have mine. ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱęȱȱȱȱ of the greatest mechanisms ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ of making Kosovo an inde- ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ a lot of responsibilities and to conduct normal work and duties lay ahead. to tackle eventual individual ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ problems of each Assembly ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ member but of all common ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱȱǻȱȱ¢ǰȱ ȱȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ as much as the circumstances are more or less smaller in ȱ Ǽǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ y Assembly President Kolë Berisha ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 4 NEWSLETTERasi utmost to enable the best ȱ ǰȱ ȱ possible co-operation in the this temple of democracy du- President Fatmir Sejdiu ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ring very critical moments ¢ȱ ǰȱ Ȭ for Kosovo and its people. I Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ would also like to thank my talks to BBC ¢ȱǰȱȱȱ party—the Democratic League In an interview with BBC, President of Kosovo spoke about the is the only way to progress. ȱ ȯȱȱęȱ challenges in his new post, the future of his country and how much given to me. I think that the best way to ȱȱȱĞȱȱȱǯȱȱȱȱ achieve all these and other ob- ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ȱǯȱȱȱȱǱ jectives is by respecting and here and move on. It will implementing faithfully the ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ BBC: Was the election of the of Kosovo independence. ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ President, with such a speedy ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ Ȭȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ consensus a result of political and the second important is- Assembly Rules of Procedure. ȱ ȱ ǰȱ maturity of the political sue in this process is how to Civilized nations are governed will continue to provide their structures and entities of create a strong cohesion of Ko- ¢ȱ Ĵȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Kosovo, or is it rather a result ȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ should be able to prove that thus far. America and Europe of pressure put from outside? we are indeed a civilized are here to help us become government as well as ensure nation. part of western civilisation. Sejdiu: I think that the most Ȭȱȱȱȱǰȱ Rest assured my friends that ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱęȱȱȱȱ I would like to use this oppor- this is our real objective. ȱȱȱǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ tunity to thank— on my and ȱ ȱ Ěȱ ȱ which has to do with serving your behalf— Academician Once again, thank you for your proves the political culture ȱȱĜȱȱȱ Nexhat Daci for his job done ęǷȱȱȱ¢Ƿȱ of Kosovo institutions and state functions. political parties. Let me also Biodata of Kolë Berisha remind you that we have gone BBC: President Sejdiu, since ºȱȱ ȱȱȱŘŜȱȱŗşŚŝȱȱºǰȱ ȱ through such challenges even you mentioned the changes ¢ǯȱ ȱȱ¢ȱȱȱºǯȱĞȱ during earlier periods. in Kosovo government, how ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȧǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ I always make mention of four much do you think these ¢ȱȱȱȱȱºȱȱ ºȱȱ ȱ- ȱȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱĚȱȱȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ŗşŝřȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱȱ were evaluated as the best ever overall processes in Kosovo? ȃȱ Ȅȱȱȱȱ ǯȱ ȱȱȱ ȱ elections held in South-eastern Were they really necessary at ȱȱ¢ǯȱȱŘŞȱȱŗşŞşǰȱȱ ȱȱ Europe and this proves that this time? ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱºȦǯȱȱȱ the people are fully aware of ȱȱ ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱǯȱ Sejdiu:ȱ ¢ǰȱȱ ȱ ȱ the times (periods) they are ¢ȱ ȱ ȱȱ ȱǰȱ Following the establishment of the Democratic League of ȱ ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ I especially appreciate the ȱĴȱȱ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ mandates he was a member of the presidency of the LDK democracy. ȱȱ ºǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ- ȱ ȱ ěȱ ǯȱ ȱȱǯȱȱȱȱȱŗşşŞȱȱȱȱ The second issue is the need to The Assembly voted him in as vice president of the LDK. He was a member of the Transi- have an international coope- ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ŗŖŖȱ tional Council in post-war Kosovo; a member of the Political ǯȱȱę¢ȱȱȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱ ȱȱ¢ȱ ȱ Ȭǲȱȱ international support in the the performance of the go- Ȃȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ upcoming periods. ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ status negotiations. This is his second mandate as a member performance of all government ministers and other high of the Kosovo Assembly. BBC: Which are the Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ challenges the President of ǯȱȱȱȱ ȱǱȱȃ¢ȱȱȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȅȱȱȱȃ ǰȱȱȱȄǯȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱęȱ changes. ¢ǯȱ ȱŗşŞřǰȱȱȱ¢ȱȱȱ¢ȱ¢ȱ month of his service? £ȱȃ Ȅȱȱǰȱȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ Sejdiu: Many of them. I think BBC: President Sejdiu, you ȱȱȱ¢ȱǱȱȃȱ¢ǯȄȱȱȱȱȱȱ this is because of the times we have succeeded a person, writes articles on current political developments. He is mar- ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ried and a father of two. who was considered perhaps aim at concluding the process one of the most successful ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 5 and popular politicians in Sejdiu: The state of Kosovo the new Kosovo, among the exists De facto. You also are ȱǵȱ ȱĜȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĝȱ it is for you to be in this post, phases of occupancy that I would say under the shadow people of Kosovo have gone of such a great President? ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱ ȱǰȱȱ Sejdiu:ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ us even states of advanced with your assessment. He was ȱ¢ǰȱ¢ȱȱ indeed a unique personality. that how we achieved to walk This is also a good chance for through an incredibly long us to use Rugova’s legacy. hard journey and keep abreast citizen’s verve. ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱȱǰȱȱǰȱ ȱ Ȭ that it was an honour and a uld like to encompass the ideal privilege for me and people ȱ¢ȱȱǰȱȱ of my generation to work ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ŘŖŖŜǰȱ with him and also to learn- shall be an encompassment from him from the get go- and of this process for Kosovo to ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĝȱ get adhered to the range of path that Kosova has gone countries recognized interna- through. tionally. ȱǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱ challenges simultaneously Ǳȱȱȱȱǰȱ plus miss the physical prese- it is believed that maybe nce of his personality. in the whole process of ȱ ȱȱ¢ȱǰȱȱȱ determination of the political ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ future of the country, position of the Serbian and experiences- gained over minority in Kosovo is the a decade and a half along with ȱȱǯȱȱ other colleagues- to keep the would Institutions of Kosovo same cohesion and to orientate provide to them, in order (direct) this energies based on that they become a part of those principles. the process of determination ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of the political future of the saying that I will do my utmost country, that as you state it to give my contribution in the ȱȱǯȱȱ ongoing processes through Sejdiu: I might look at it in a both my engagement in our ěȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ȱ ȱěȱȱȱǰȱȱ to make a problematic issue through my studies as well. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ but I would like merely to BBC: President Sejdiu, when succeed implementing our assigned to this duty, you vision for position of all the have stated that you will citizens of Kosovo including carry on running the project minorities in this concept. of the late President Rugova ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱȱȱȱǯȱ trained approach for us so- How will you proceed in this ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ process now, since it is in its majority assuring more se- President Fatmir Sejdiu ęȱǵ curity or guarantee related to ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 6 NEWSLETTERasi the presence of minorities in ǰȱȱȱȱ accelerated approach in this in the normal track of that Kosovo. Kosovo is inevitable as it was direction. ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ discussed some days ago in the Ĝȱȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ Our task is to contribute in meeting of the Ministers for approach which I used to ȱ ȱ ȱ ĝȱ ȱǰȱȱȱ¢ȱȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱǰȱȱ express our dignity of state Union in Salzburg. notwithstanding I still look at Ĝȱȱȱ ȱȱ like mechanism that would be the world with the same eyes to integrate and activate in all In this phase of our develop- appreciated in this direction. as I used to do it previously. the processes have denoted ment we have provided You are aware about statements their outcomes. There are The most important thing Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ made also in the Security ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ for me is to adapt myself in could live with dignity as an Council that this process ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ circumstances of the day and ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ in continuity becomes a prey accountability required from ȱ ȱǰȱȱȱ ŘŖȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ even of numerous reckonings me. ȱȱǰȱȱ national emancipation or made by Belgrade’s policy to- general stable situation in the formal statehood legally ¢ǰȱȱȱȱ£ȱȱ wards them. region. ȱ¢ȱȱǰȱ changes in a part of my pri- ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ or Internationally recognized ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ for us it is very important and it is constitutional and Kosovo. and activities performed here not to go back to history. We ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ and the role that I am assigned should not achieve that what could step over this will. BBC: During all those years in this Institution require ȱȱȱ ǰȱȱ people were addressing to avoidance and leaving aside You could look at motion of course that our project goal you with professor Sejdiu, a portion of my obligations ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ ǰȱȱȱ now they address to you with towards my private and family independence or national mind a treatment of minorities ȱǯȱȱȱ life. based on highest international emancipation. I could give ȱȱ¢ȱȱȱǯȱ What I miss most is simply ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ dozens of examples of in- Sejdiu? what I used to have and what integration of all citizens. dependence statements of powerful states recently esta- Sejdiu:ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ȭ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ blished. ǰȱȱȱȱ ȱ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ achieved simply with my ǰȱȱȱ ȱ¢ȱ would bring other outcomes BBC: Do you believe that at ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of life could perhaps have Ğ ǯȱ ȱȱȱȱ¢ǰȱȱ education and nurturing and consequences for my health. Ȃȱǰȱ¢ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ We won’t engage ourselves in Sejdiu will be the President ȱȱęȱ ȱ to get back to my old way of ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ of Independent Kosovo at University. living. Kosovo Institutions to create formally? ȱȱȱȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ positions which produce SejdiuǱȱǯȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ that I hesitate being called. parallel life. ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ǳȱ ȱ¢ȱĴȱ us as a generation will enjoy pleased always to get emb- towards the media and ȱȱȱȱ ȱĞȱȱ raced with it and that role journalists changed? BBC: Do you believe that ȱȱ¢ȱǰȱ ȱǰȱȱȱ there exists an international hoping they’ll live to see the Sejdiu:ȱǰȱȱȂǯȱ ȱȱȱ is an institutional position consensus on the issue of Kosovo resolved. same person and I will stick independence of Kosovo? and accountability assigned to it. I believe that we should ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢Ȭ by Assembly of Kosovo and have regular communication Sejdiu: Perpetual statements mics on the go this year and political entities’ support. since I think that you are a coming separately from senior ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ very powerful instrument of Ĝȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ of the course of Mr. Ahtisari BBC: How much has this presentation (information) and and developed debates in vis-à-vis our expressed desire complicated your personal of share a common vision. higher international levels that this takes place as soon as life, private and family life? plainly justify further ope- I am looking forward to our possible. ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Sejdiu: There are dozens of mutual and correct (truthful) ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ It will be November time when changes. The only change cooperation. that independence of Kosovo his mandate or contract signed not applied to my approach is a real option having been with United Nations shall towards problems and pe- discussed in the Security expire. This implies simply an ople is that I try to remain Published: 18 March 2006 ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 7 “There is no full freedom in Kosovo unless all of Kosovo’s citizens can enjoy it” Endorsement speech of Kosovo Prime Minister Agim Çeku, 10 March 2006 ȱǯȱ Ȭǰ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱǯȱȱȱ improving of governance and Kosovo, ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ as increasing the dynamics ȱǯȱȱȱ of work on standards imp- Assembly, ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Dear deputies, creation of more convenient Distinguished present guests, circumstances for recognition of Kosovo’s independence in I have just been given your the shortest time possible. ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ country and this I appreciate. Even though we are going Today I also take the enormous through the main stage of obligation of heading the the process in the creation of ȱȱȱȱęȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the duties towards Kosovo’s ȱęȱȱȱǯȱȱ citizens and I am honored is still more to be done in the with this obligation. Today realization of our aspirations. I have taken the mandate to We want a tolerant and de- ȱȱǰȱȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ in the European Union and most decisive of moments. NATO structures. We want a ǰȱ ȱȱ¢ǯ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ In this crucial moment for stability in the region and a ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ catalyst for positive change given trust will be a supporting in this part of Europe. The point for my work in heading creation of a Kosovo state is Kosovo’s government. By the will of the Kosovo people ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ and Kosovo government. we say to you and Kosovo’s This aim obliges us to carry out citizens that our governance our responsibilities towards will be based on the welfare of this process with accuracy. The Prime Minister Agim Çeku Ȃȱ £ǰȱ ȱ state of Kosovo is the common ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ great objective of us all. But at front of this parliament and in Ladies and Gentlemen, ȱěǯȱȱȱ ȱȱǰȱ ǰȱ¢ȱ front of Kosovo’s citizens. We will work in building brid- realize our common goals in and economic perspective are We will create a responsible ȱȱęȱ ȱ Ȭ co-operation with you all and responsibilities that belong ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ sovo’s people and manage to our international friends. ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ will address the needs of turn interethnic diversities The principles of the gover- such would not be ignored in Kosovo’s citizens. In Kosovo’s into genuine values of our ǰȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ any way or for any purpose. government there will be no society. The Kosovo government will cultivate the cli- ¢ȱǰȱȱȱȱȬ Kosovo’s citizens will be at the room for those who will not ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ Ȭȱ vernment programme. We center of our work and actions. serve as good examples of ȱǰȱ ȱȱȱ will remain focused in the ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ Ȭ intention of Kosovo being further strengthening of our ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ĵȱȱȱǯȱ home to all its citizens. ǰȱ¢ȱȱ facing the challenges of go- I commit myself to give my enhancement of economic verning while keeping in very best in order to justify ȱȱȱǰȱȬ conditions for Kosovo’s ci- mind that we will be held the mandate and your trust ȱȱěȱȱ Ȃȱ £ǰȱ ȱ poli- accountable for our work in given to me today. citizens should belong to the ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 8 NEWSLETTERasi past. Time has come for inter- steam engine that speeds up economy. Unemployment is ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǲȱ ǰȱ ȱ turning into a chronic disease ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ integrations and prosperity. increase of dynamics in the of our society. United Nations and all of standards implementation our friends who have helped One thing remains clear to The power supply remains will play a crucial role in our ȱȱȱĜȱǯȱ all of us. There is no full free- ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ governing agenda. We aim to continue building dom in Kosovo unless all of huge investment. Kosovo’s our political and economic Kosovo’s citizens can enjoy it. In the coming days we will be- infrastructure still lacks qua- capacities as well as to work gin our activities for standards lity; education and healthcare Kosovo’s majority population on building a secure environ- implementation. And this is are in a state requiring serious should realize that to achieve ment for all in order to self not because the international examination from us all. We their aims they must respect govern our country so that community set it as a condi- should restore the dignity the rights and welfare of the our citizens and international ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ¢ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ friends take pride on. ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ for the minorities is in the their implementation we Ĝǯ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ interest of the majority. The ȱǯȱǰȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ £ȱ ȱ minority communities in Ko- assure you that assessments We do not promise a solution duty to continue cooperation sovo should believe that their made by both the international ȱȱǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ interests would be enhanced community and the citizens ȱȱ¢ǯȱǰȱȱȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ and protected in the Kosovo ȱ ȱ ȱ Ěȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ ȱ ȱǰȱ and members of the Contact ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱȱȱȱ I commit myself that we will ȱȱȱȱȱȱ therefore their close and ȱǰȱ¢ȱ ȱȱǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ constructive co-operation will that they are given greater Kosovo. We strongly believe Standards implementation ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ accelerate this important pro- will be the strongest argument Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ cess for the future of Kosovo. during our daily activities. which will be created by the in the negotiation process ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ concerning Kosovo’s status. The Kosovo Serbian com- The government will intro- a democratic state that will The government will play a munity should believe that duce adequate economic poli- become a beloved homeland constructive role in this pro- we are building a society that cies and needed legislation to all of its citizens.” will be based on the highest ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ human principles of tolerance ȱȱȱȱǰȱȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ladies and Gentlemen, ȱ ęǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵǰȱ education of people according Regardless that there will be ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ doing thus everything that is to the country’s economic a NATO presence in a post- ȱȱȱȱǱ needed to maintain the unity needs. We should make use ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of the full political spectrum of our geographic position ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱ Ȃȱ£ǰȱ ȱ involved in this process. and of our own natural and ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃȱ £ǰȱ will work with dedication human resources by providing you too will have a future. In order to express our stance toward building our own Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ Kosovo belongs to all of in regard to negotiation pro- ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ foreign investors. us and together we will ǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ a protection force for Kosovo. create a society that will ȱ ȱ ǯǯȱ ¢Ǳȱ The government will support We will achieve this in full ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ “We shall never negotiate and assist in the process of partnership with NATO and and economic prosperity for ȱǰȱȱ ȱȱȱ £ǰȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ other international friends. fear to negotiate.” everybody regardless of their ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ Kosovo will develop defense ethnicity. You should believe I invite you to stick together investment to assist Kosovo’s and security policies aimed in it. In order to achieve this ȱȱǰȱȱȱ economy. We should look at creating a safe and secure ȱȱȱ¢ǰȱ¢ȱȱ steadfast. We dare not allow beyond existing framework environment for all. Kosovo ęȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ division among us. There is no and create a new vision for a should be transformed from with all other citizens of ȱ¢ǰȱȱ room for mistakes and there is a security consuming country ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ thus a brighter future to our no time to correct them. into a country that produces ȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ children and our youth. ȱ Ěȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ institutions and everyday life Ladies and Gentlemen, concept of security will be in Kosovo.” Ladies and Gentlemen, ȱ ¢ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ based on co-operation with Allow me now to say a few For the creation of a democratic ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱ NATO and our neighboring words in English to the inter- ȱȱ ȱǰȱ a wide range of crises that have countries. We will struggle ȱ¢Ǳ the implementation of stan- a direct impact on the lives to make Kosovo the largest dards is like an important of citizens and the country’s “We are very grateful to the contributor of peace and sa- ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 6 asiNEWSLETTER 9 fety in the region. ¢ǯȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱȱȱȱȱ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ Kosovo Serb Leaders Meet promising real success that to the preservation and pro- ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ motion of the core values of Premier Çeku, Consider the war. Not for a single mo- a reward for this support to ment shall I forget where I your country—Kosovo. Joining Government ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ I call on you to continue being does not know where he critical in a democratic manner The list of ministers and deputy he noted that their return is comes from; he does not know ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ministers that was presented important. “I think it we’ll where he goes to. I am proud to stress and to prove every to the Assembly of Kosovo be back in the institutions to- ȱȱȱ ȱǻ Ǽȱęȱ potential irregularity during for endorsement by Prime morrow as that’s a very short and soldier of the legendary ȱǯȱ¢ȱȱǰȱ Minister Agim Çeku did not deadline and it’s hard for us ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ęȱ ¢ȱ ȱ include the names designated ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȄȱ ȱ Every single day of my work towards your citizens and you by the Serbian List for Kosovo °ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ as a prime minister will begin will assist the government in ȱħȱǻ Ǽǯȱȱ there’s no doubt that the SLKM with having in mind those ȱȱȱĴǯ the consultative meetings that should be a part of Kosovo’s ǰȱȱȱȱ£ȱȱ Çeku had with the leader of institutions. He added that I would like to stress in the Kosovo. ȱ ǰȱ ȱ °ǰȱ only through institutions end that the government no concrete agreement had can they defend the Serb I will be engaged in the care headed by me does not begin been reached for the return community in Kosovo. Çeku for the groups which emerged anything from the outset. of Kosovo Serbs to Kosovo promised that concerns of ȱ ȱ Ǳȱ ¢Ȃȱ Ȭ We will carry on the work of institutions. One day prior to minorities will be a priority ǰȱ ȱȱȱǯȱ previous governments and we We owe a great deal to these the endorsement of the Çeku ȱȱ ǯȱ ȱȱ ȱȱȱěȱ ȱ¢ȱȱ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ On the other hand the minister to make this government ȱ ǰȱ ,ȱ ȱ ȱ more from all of us. The closer of returns and communities more dynamic and more ȱ ȱ °ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ǰȱ ȱ and the only representative Ĝǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ reach a conclusion. “We have greater our debt becomes to of the Serb community in the express my gratitude to the to talk continuously and the them. ȱ ǰȱ ñȱ previous prime ministers who doors are open to the SLKM °ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Soon Kosovo will be given ȱ ȱ ȱ Ǳȱ ǯȱ and I hope this entity will join not refuse to be a part of the the possibility of participating ȱ¡ǰȱǯȱȱ ȱǰȄȱȱ,ǯ in international cultural and Haradinaj and Mr. Bajram new cabinet. The Assembly ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ °ȱ¡ȱȱȬ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ lity that Kosovo Serbs might ȱ ȱ °Ȃȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱǰȱ ȱ laid good fundaments for return to Kosovo institutions ¢ǰȱȱ ȱ ,ȱ Ȭ Diaspora will occupy a deser- ǰȱȱ ȱ ȱȱ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱȱŗŖȱȱŘŖŖŜǯ ved place in our govern-me- during my coming work. ntal programmes. We are the luckiest generation ȱǯȱȱȱ ǰ in Kosovo’s history. History ȱǯȱȱȱ has chosen us to bring freedom Assembly, ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ friends. There is nothing here Dear Special Representative ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğǰȱ ¢ȱ of the Secretary General, has been achieved with the Honored members of ęȱȱ¢ȱǯȱ parliament, ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ¢ǯȱ I promise to you today one ȱ ęǰȱ ȱ more time that we will not is nothing more unavailing spare ourselves in our work. ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱȱȱǰȱ¢ȱȱ claim victory. Victory goes of the Kosovo government will ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ be an additional guarantee citizens. that much brighter days are ahead of our people and our ȱ¢Ƿ ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 10 NEWSLETTERasi 7 Recent Developments in the Assembly Franklin De Vrieze, OSCE Mission in Kosovo Assembly elects new Kosovo President Minister Tërmkolli refuses to respond ȱŗŖȱ¢ȱŘŖŖŜȱȱ¢ȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱ to interpellation ǰȱǯȱȱȱǻ ǼǰȱĞȱȱȱ ¢ȱ O ȱŘśȱȱŘŖŖśǰȱ ȱ- ȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱǯȱ ȱȱȱŘŗȱ Oted a motion calling on Minister ¢ȱŘŖŖŜǯȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ of Public Services Melihate Tërmkolli ȱȱ ǯȱ ȱȱȱȱȱǰȱǯȱ (LDK) to respond to allegations that ȱ ȱȱ¢ȱŞŖȱȱȱȱǻȱȱȱȱȱŗŘŖȱ she violated the Law on Public Finan- ¢ȱǼǯȱ ȱȱȱȱǰȱȱ ȱǰȱȱ ȱȱȱ Sejdiu emphasized that his primary engagement will be to lead ǰȱ ȱ ȱ - the work of the negotiating team of Kosovo and that close co- ȱ ŘŖŖŗȦřŜȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ operation with the UN Status Envoy for Kosovo Maarti Ahtis- ǯȱ ȱ ŘŞȱ ȱ ŘŖŖśǰȱ ȱ sari will be of special importance. President Sejdiu paid tribute minister sent to the presidency of the to President Rugova and emphasized his duty as president to Assembly a response to the interpel- foster political and interethnic unity. ǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ¢ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ and therefore “must be refused.” Assembly debates Administrative Protocol Although the response of Minister Tërmkolli was included Center in Germia ȱȱȱȱȱŗŚȬŗśȱ¢ȱ ¢ȱȱȱȱ ȱ ŗŚȱ ¢ȱ ŘŖŖŜȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱǰȱȱȱ Oȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱ took place. Representatives of the opposition protested as the in response to a request of parliamentary group ORA submit- Rules of Procedure of the Assembly stipulate that the minister ȱ ȱ ŝȱ ȱ ŘŖŖśǯȱ ȱ¢ȱ ȱ £ȱ to whom the interpellation is addressed is obliged to address ¡ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱǰȱ ȱ the government regarding the issue raised and that Assembly ȱȱǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱ members may debate the issue raised in accordance with the ¢ǯȱȱ¢ȱ¢ǰȱ ȱǰȱȱȱ rules. decision and assessed ORA’s actions as politically motivated endeavors against Assembly President Daci. The parliamentary Assembly adopts new legislation group leaders of ORA and PDK requested the establishment ȱȱŘřȱ¢ȱŘŖŖŜȱ¢ȱǰȱȱ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȁȬȂȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ on possible abuse of Assembly funds. Following a debate of D ȱȱǰȱĞȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱǰȱȱ¢ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱĞȱ ȱȱ¢ȱ ȱǰȱ presidency for further review. Ğȱ ȱȱǰȱĞȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ǰȱ¢Ȃȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱǯȱȱ Assembly allocates public funds to ¢ȱȱȱȱęȱȱȱĞȱ ȱȱȱ- political parties ȱȱȱ¡ǰȱȱȱǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱşȱ¢ȱŘŖŖŜȱȱ¢ȱ¢ȱȱȱ Ğȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱǯȱ Osame amount as in previous year for the distribution of the Democratic Support Fund. The Fund is intended to provide PM Kosumi resigns, LDK calls for resignation of ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱȱęȱ support from non-private sources. The Assembly presidency Speaker ȱȱȱȱȱŜȱ¢ȱ¢ȱȱ- ȱŗȱȱŘŖŖŜǰȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ȱȱȱȱĴǰȱȱǰȱȱ ȱȱ Ohis resignation. Local media reported that Mr. Kosumi ȱȱȱȱȱȱęȱȱȱȱǯȱ ȱȱęȱȱȱ¢ǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ The president of the Assembly of Kosovo had requested the ȱǻ Ǽǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ- expertise of OSCE to assess Osmani’s proposal. The OSCE had ȱȱǻȱ ȱ ęȱȱȱȱȱȱ expressed the opinion that the new proposal was discrimina- to the UN Security Council on standards implementation on tory and would not be consistent with the existing legal frame- Řśȱ ¢ȱ ŘŖŖŜǼȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ work and the Standards for Kosovo. ȱȱȱ¢ǰȱȱ¢ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 11 Kosovo (LDK) called for the resignation of the President of the ¢ȱȱ ȱ¡ȱǯȱȱȱȱǰȱ Deputy PM Haziri reports to Assembly ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ȭǰȱ ȱ ºȱ on Vienna talks ǰȱȱȱǯȱȱ ȱ¢ȱȱȱȱ ȱ ŘŚȱ ȱ ŘŖŖŜǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ from the allegations of mismanagement and misuse of public ¢ȱ¢ǰȱ¢ȱȱȱȱ- ǰȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ- O ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǯȱ Ğȱ £ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ing of the Assembly in the process of determining the future extraordinary session on the Negotiation Talks on the future ȱȱ ǯȱȱęȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱĞȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ŘŖȬŘŗȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ŗŝȱ an intense and long discussion at an extended session of the ǯȱ ȱȱȱǰȱǯȱ £ȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ¢ȱ ȱȱşȱǰȱ¡ȱȱȱ was dedicated towards implementing a decentralization pro- as president of the Assembly. cess which would bring the decision-making into the hands of the people. He also reiterated that in order for the talks to be Kosovo Assembly elects new government ǰȱȱ ȱ¢ȱȱȱȱȱȱ because they endanger Kosovo’s territorial integrity. Haziri ȱŗŖȱȱŘŖŖŜǰȱȱ¢ȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱ stated that the Kosovo delegation would not sign any ‘spe- OȱĞȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ Ȃȱȱȱ£ȱȱȱęȱĴȱȱ ǯȱ ȱ Řȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ independence is reached. Commenting on the possibilities of nounced that he had nominated the commander of the Kosovo funding from Belgrade for the Serb dominated municipali- ȱȱǻ Ǽǰȱ ȱȱ,ǰȱȱȱ¡ȱȱ ǰȱǯȱ £ȱȱȱȃ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ǯȱ¢ȱĞǰȱ ȱ,ȱĜ¢ȱ ȱȱȱȱǰȱȱǯȱȱ ȱ ȱȱȱŗŖȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱ- ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱǰȱȱȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱ- ȱǰȱȱ¢ȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ- ǰȱǯȱ¢ȱǰȱȱȱĜȱȱ¢ǯȱȱ ing.” ¢ȱȱǯȱ,ȱȱ ȱȱȱǰȱ ȱȱǰȱȱĚȱ ȱȱȱǰȱ which contained very few changes from the previous one. Mr. FȱŘśȱȱȱȱȱȱ¡ȱ Adem Salihaj was replaced as deputy prime minister by Mr. their views. Comments and critics focused on how the nego- ęȱ £ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ - tiation should be handled. Non-Serb Minority representa- ernance Reform. Mr. Fatmir Rexhepi (LDK) became Minister of tives took this opportunity to express their concerns about ȱěȱȱǯȱ £ȱȱǻ Ǽȱȱȱ the low level of consultation with the Negotiation Team pre- ȱ ǯ venting them from contributing to the negotiation talks. Mr. ȱȱȱ¢ȱǰȱȱ¢ȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ¢ȱȱȱ Aȱȱȱ¢ǰȱǯȱ ºȱȱǻ Ǽǰȱ- ȱ¢ȱ¢ǰȱȱǯȱ £Ȃȱȱȱ ȱǯȱ¡ȱǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȃȱȱȱȱǰȄȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ¢ȱȱ ȱ ȱȱȱȱŘŖŖŗǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȁǯȂȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ¢ȱ¢ǰȱǯȱȱȱǻ Ǽǰȱ ȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱǰȱȱ ȱ ȱ ŗŖȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ - ȱȱȱ¢ȱȱȱěȱȁȱȂȱȱ wise replaced on the Assembly presidency by Mr. Sabri Hamiti ȁȂȱȱȱȱǰȱȱȱǯȱȱȱ (LDK). member insisted that the reform of the local government should be the same across the whole territory of Kosovo. Auditor General meets Assembly President ȱŘŝȱȱŘŖŖŜǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ Oan introductory meeting between the Kosovo auditor gen- ȱȱȱȱȱȱ¢ǯȱȱŝȱ¢ǰȱȱĜȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǻ Ǽȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ- bly informing of its intent to begin an external review on the ęȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱȱȱȱ KCB audit. The start of the audit was delayed due to changes ȱȱȱȱȱ¢ǰȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱ of the OSCE Mission discussed the audit with the president just Ğȱȱǯȱȱ ºȱȱ¡ȱȱ- ȱȱȱ ǰȱ¢ȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱęȱ¢ȱȱȱ¢ǰȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱǯ ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 12 NEWSLETTERasi Let’s learn to hear the voice of the citizen Gjylnaze Syla, Chairperson of AAK Parliamentary Group, Alliance for Future of Kosovo

We are living at a time when From whom then can we democracy is expanding all learn? I believe that we ought over the world. For Kosovo to start learning from citizens. ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ęȱ ȱ Ȭ As elected representatives we ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ have to learn to listen to what now in the process of building citizens have to say and hence ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ acknowledge that they play a mocratic institutions. We ha- paramount role in the overall ve managed to successfully es- processes and developments tablish democratic governing in Kosovo. structures. If we want to be a society ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ where both women and men through a new process of de- can voice their concerns on ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ public issues and strive to which requires the strengthe- ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ning of democratic institu- our duty and responsibility ȱȱ ǰȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ Assembly. these objectives. Can the strengthening of in- ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ stitutions alone be possible £ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ȭ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ fected by the government capacities of its citizens? In ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ democratic states the go- policymaking process then vernment serves the people; these policies will not be Gjylnaze Syla the people do not serve the ȱ ǯȱ Ğȱ ǰȱ Ȭ problems and helping citizens and represent their interests ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ zens can communicate their will prove that parliamentary when the government policies are citizens of a democratic concerns by visiting the lo- democracy has a tangible are unfavorable for them. ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ impact in their life. ǻǼǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǯȱȱ ¢ǰȱ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ further strengthening of the Ĵȱȱȱȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ member should represent Assembly in performing its ȱȱȱ¡ȱȦ members and citizens con- constituency interests. And responsibilities in a more ef- her representative function. tribute to democracy by this can be achieved only ęȱ ¢ǰȱȱ¢ȱ¢ȱȱ The citizens have to feel that strengthening the relations if one knows exactly who ȱȱȱǰȱȱȱǯȱȱ they are being treated fairly by between the citizens and the Ȧȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ government and by giving cooperates with them and if The job of an Assembly me- those who have elected them the “real estimation” as to Ȧȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ mber is very complex and and that their representatives how government policies are future political career of the ǰȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ȱ Ȭ are taking into consideration implemented. ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ¢ȱ warding. The question is how their needs and protecting much depends on establishing can you become a successful ȱǯȱȱȱĜȱ Assembly members who are and preserving the support of Assembly member? A medical should serve as a sort of “mini- ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ Ȧȱǯȱȱȱȱ doctor learns about medicine Assembly” (a small Assembly) ¢ǰȱȱȱĴȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ in the respective zone. to be re-elected and to advance This is the case of societies with learns about law in a law school Listening to peoples’ opinions in their political career. ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ and a piano player learns and bringing them up to the ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ what’s the situation in Kosovo? ȱȱȱȱȱǰȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ their opinions and concerns The Assembly has very limited but an Assembly member does enable the development of are heard in the process of ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ not have a special school to policies based on the real ¢ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ needs of the people. Becoming have their representative at should not prevent us from Assembly member. more responsive to the local ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ exercising our responsibility ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 13 to represent the people. ŗǼȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ £ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ members’ capacities and at ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȦȱȱȱȱȱ places where they can easily the same time enable them to require huge sums of money ěǲ ȱǰȱȱȱ¢ȱ Ĝ¢ȱ¡ȱȱǰȱ ȱȱǯȱǰȱ and consequently increase and nor an abundance of human ŘǼȱ ȱȱȱǲȱǰȱ ǯȱ ǰȱȱ¢ȱ¢ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ strengthen the Assembly’s own feeling of responsibility- řǼȱ ȱ¢ȱȱ ȱȱ very professional and able to capacities in performing its to be closer to the citizen- case. empathize with citizen’s con- ǰȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ cerns. and aided by the US-based The last option being smarter open to all members. National Democratic Institute and nobler. Ǳȱȱ¢ȱȱȬ The decision and the success (NDI) for International Af- nication between the Assembly regarding these activities Despite my desire to personally ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ member and the citizen should ȱ ǰȱ Ğǰȱ ȱ depends solely on and from initiative to open such an become a routine. Com- no one else. We shouldn’t have not been able to help Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ munication is essential in stre- focus on only lawmaking and ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ £ȱ ȱ Ȧǯȱ ȱ ngthening public’s acknow- overseeing responsibilities. have learned that it is very followed the geographical ledgment for the work done ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ important to listen to their ǲȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ by Assembly members and our role as representatives by concerns carefully and try to Ȧǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ £ȱ moreover it is a tool to ensure treating citizens as real partners help. This is how I learned ȱ¢ȱ ȱȱĴ¢ȱ ǯȱ its legitimacy. in our endeavors. This can be ȱȱǱȱȱȱǯȱ ǰȱ ȱȱ¢ȱȱ Although the initiative for accomplished by gathering Although I can not solve all be their representative. ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ £ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱȱȱ£ȱ I believe that this initiative is munication with citizens is by creating instruments for them. Sometimes I have to a serious endeavor towards ǰȱȱȱȱȱĜȬ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ building our own system of ient. To increase the Assembly learning from them. ȱ £Ȃȱ ǰȱ ȱǰȱ ȱ my capacities and requested will also pave the ground for services. OSCE Chairman meets Assembly presidency our citizens to practically engage in the governing and And the fourth lesson has to do nȱ ŗŜȱ ¢ȱ ŘŖŖŜȱ ȱ ȱ ȬȬĜȱ other processes and develop- with challenges I have faced. OǻǼǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ - ments taking place in Kosovo. Most of the citizens expected ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ My aim is to give my humble my direct and immediate help. ǰȱȱ¢ȱ ȱ¢ȱǰȱȱ¢ȱ contribution to increasing The main challenge was the of the Assembly of Kosovo and a delegation of Kosovo Serb Ȧȱ £ȱ ǰȱ ȱ time constraint to deal with all representatives. The CiO also visited a returns site in Svin- as they could tackle their own ǰȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ºȦȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ- problems. Ĝȱȱ ȱ¢ȱǯȱ ȱ ºȦǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the need for progress on standards implementation during ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ȱ ǰȱ order to create good relations ȱȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ with the constituency the ¢ȱȱȱȱȱǯȱǯȱȱ ȱȱȱ Assembly member colleagues following activities should be the long-term presence of the OSCE in Kosovo in a post- learned is that citizens are undertaken. status environment. our “bosses” and that smart Ǳȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱ employees are always sensitive In order to meet citizens’ and responsible towards their ¡ǰȱ ȱ £ȱ “bosses’” concerns. should have the opportunity The second lesson that I have to elect their representatives. learned is related to the citizens’ Meaning that in Kosovo we needs and requirements. Their should be able to have an ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ electoral system with open ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ lists and electoral zones. ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ǳȱ £ȱ ȱ ȱ and pensions. that they have the ownership In tackling citizens’ require- over the Assembly and its ǰȱ ȱ general I had three ǯȱ ǰȱ Ĝȱ Ǳȱȱ for communication with ci- ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 14 NEWSLETTERasi Presidency of the Assembly

Kolë Berisha, President

Sabri Hamiti Ramë Buja Xhavit Haliti Naim Maloku Gazmend Muhaxheri Mahir Yağcılar Kosovo Serbs

Committee for Budget and Finance Chairperson Group Chairperson Group Hydajet Hyseni PDK Group Naser Osmani LDK Group First Vice Chairperson Sadudin Berisha LDK Group First Vice Chairperson Snežana Milić SLKM Group Second Vice Chairperson Husnija Bešković 6+ Group Second Vice Chairperson Safete Hadërgjonaj PDK Group Members Ymer Muhaxheri LDK Group Members Nekibe Kelmendi LDK Group Ali Sadriu LDK Group Ramadan B. Kelmendi LDK Group Besa Gaxherri LDK Group Nerxhivane Dauti PDK Group Lutfi Zharku LDK Group Hajredin Kuçi PDK Group Naxhije Doçi LDK Group Gjylnaze Syla AAK Group Gani Koci PDK Group Dragiša Krstović SLKM Group Demir Lima PDK Group Veton Surroi ORA Group Mazllom Kumnova AAK Group Rifat Krasniç 6+ Group Committee for International Cooperation and EU Integration Nazim Jashari ORA Group Chairperson Group Sabri Hamiti LDK Group Committee for Community Rights and Interests and for Return First Vice Chairperson Chairperson Group Bajram Rexhepi PDK Group Ranđel Nojkić SLKM Group Second Vice Chairperson First Vice Chairperson Džezair Murati 6+ Group Sanije Aliaj LDK Group Members Second Vice Chairperson Ilmi Ahmeti LDK Group Mahir Yağcılar 6+ Group Rudina Bukoshi LDK Group Members Alush A. Gashi LDK Group Nait Hasani PDK Group Nexhat Daci LDK Group Saša Djokić Jakup Krasniqi PDK Group Nuran Malta 6+ Group Xhavit Haliti PDK Group Džezair Murati 6+ Group Emrush Xhemajli No Group Numan Balić Group For Integration Saša Djokić No Group Sabit Rrahmani Group For Integration Teuta Sahatqija ORA Group Xhevdet Neziraj AAK Group Committee for Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports Bislim Hoti AAK Group Chairperson Group Zulfi Merxha Group For Integration Enver Hoxhaj PDK Group Rustem Ibiši Group For Integration First Vice Chairperson Committee for Judicial, Legislative Matters and Constitutional Framework Nimon Alimusaj LDK Group with sub-committees for Gender Equality, Petitions and Public Complaints Second Vice Chairperson and Missing Persons Gojko Savić ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 15 Chairpersons of Parliamentary Groups

Alush A. Gashi Jakup Krasniqi Gjylnaze Syla Ranđel Nojkić Teuta Sahatqija Džezair Murati Ferid Agani LDK PDK AAK SLKM ORA 6+ For Integration

Members First Vice Chairperson Remzije Nimani LDK Group Naim Jerliu LDK Group Gjylshen Berisha LDK Group Second Vice Chairperson Ragip Zekolli LDK Group Špresa Murati 6+ Group Mark Krasniqi LDK Group Drita Statovci PDK Group Members Sala Ahmetaj PDK Group Ilaz Pireva LDK Group Myrvete Dreshaj-Baliu AAK Group Nurishahe Hulaj LDK Group Nuran Malta 6+ Group Nafije Berisha LDK Group Genc Gorani ORA Group Fehmi Vula LDK Group Flora Brovina PDK Group Committee for Economy, Trade, Industry, Electricity, Transport and Teuta Hadri PDK Group Telecommunication Zahrije Jusufi PDK Group Chairperson Group Zylfije Hundozi AAK Group Ibush Jonuzi LDK Group Zlatica Kujundžić First Vice Chairperson Committee for Public Services, Local Administration and Media Bajrush Xhemaili PDK Group Chairperson Group Second Vice Chairperson Nekibe Kelmendi LDK Group Mahir Yağcılar 6+ Group First Vice Chairperson Members Fehmi Mujota PDK Group Fadil Gashi LDK Group Second Vice Chairperson Brikenda Kryeziu LDK Group Oliver Ivanović SLKM Group Milazim Haliti LDK Group Zef Morina LDK Group Members Sala Berisha-Shala PDK Group Ramadan Musliu LDK Group Hatixhe Hoxha PDK Group Nexhat Rexha LDK Group Xhevdet Neziraj AAK Group Kamber Kamberi LDK Group Slađan Ilić SLKM Group Januz Kastrati LDK Group Teuta Sahatqija ORA Group Hajredin Hyseni PDK Group Selvije Halimi PDK Group Committee for Agriculture, Forestry, Rural Development, Environment and Ymer Halimi AAK Group Spatial Planning Špresa Murati 6+ Group Chairperson Group Ylber Hysa ORA Group Rifat Krasniç 6+ Group Committee for Preparedness and Emergency First Vice Chairperson Chairperson Group Lulzim Zeneli LDK Group Naim Maloku AAK Group Second Vice Chairperson Goran Bogdanović SLKM Group First Vice Chairperson Ylber Hysa ORA Group Members Second Vice Chairperson Jusuf Sutaj LDK Group Džezair Murati 6+ Group Shaban Halimi LDK Group Zyhrie Maloku LDK Group Members Fetah Berisha LDK Group Agim Krasniqi LDK Group Berat Luzha PDK Group Fadil Geci LDK Group Afrim Arzuallxhiu PDK Group Samije Zeqiraj LDK Group Xhelal Canziba PDK Group Fadil Gashi LDK Group Nazim Jashari ORA Group Qibrije Hoxha LDK Group Sokol Bashota PDK Group Committee for Health, Work and Social Welfare Emin Krasniqi PDK Group Chairperson Group Xhevat Bislimi PDK Group Fatmire Mulhaxha-Kollçaku ORA Group Vesna Jovanović SLKM Group ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 16 NEWSLETTERasi Why we asked for a new dynamic in Assembly’s Work Jakup Krasniqi, Chairperson of PDK Parliamentary Group, Democratic Party of Kosovo

ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ • The issue of the documents the Democratic Party of Kosovo ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱȱȱęȱȬ We brought up this issue date of the Assembly that more convinced that the Assembly parliamentary sessions be of Kosovo must follow the ȱȱȱȱȱęȱȱ stream of talks that would responsibilities handed to the develop an independent parliament by the electorate. and sovereign state. But Our requests were presented that was possible only if the during the second mandate Assembly held weekly ses- ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ sions and engaged in special following the session of March Ĵǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ŘŖŖśǰȱ ȱ ȱ¢ȱȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ for the establishment of an Assembly had no chance Investigative Parliamentary to follow the professional Ĵǰȱ ȱ ȱ and political work of the Jakup Krasniqi examine candidates who we- working teams of the Kosovo re renominated by Bajram Negotiation Team. units including the Assembly ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱȱǰȱ free movement of people Ȋȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ request was opposed without the presidency and all the and goods. A profound and emphasized the issue of any debate by the governing ȱ ęȱ ¢ȱ thorough reform must take ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ coalition. We have brought the Consolidated Budget place in those segments. since we were convinced up this issue in other sessions of Kosovo. We possess that the educational process We requested issues as well. ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ documents and loads of is tied to economic and social ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ President Daci neglected to data proving violations of development and therefore that the recent developments open a discussion to address the laws and the way the ȱ ¢¢Ȃȱ ĴȬ occurring in Kosovo and Ȭǰȱ ȱ Ȭ Ministry of Economy and ǯȱȱȱȱǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱ Finances covered those were and we are convinced been presented before the and corruption. breeches. We are convinced ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ ȱęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ by people who were not produced more requests. That even by the Report of the our engagement was that the distinguished as the ones means new responsibilities ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Kosovo Parliament was not ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ for the Assembly and Parlia- other evidence we have. there just to initiate democratic and advance the education mentarians. If the Assembly But we want them to be ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ does not start holding weekly ęȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ to lead the political process they have politicized this ǰȱȱ ȱȱȱȱ ȱ Ĵǯȱ regarding an independent and ǰȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ to meet its responsibilities The establishment of that ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ or perspective for the future nor deal with the most vital Ĵȱȱȱȱ law. It would be a state where generations. Look at the issues that will be presented by powerful people in the all the citizens would be equal situation at primary and to the Assembly and other governing coalition. ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱǰȱ ȱȬ of their ethnic distinctions. ¢ȱȱºȦñȬ Ȋȱȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ntinue to be persistent on our We have raised again these tina! The situation there ce and Security issues be request and we will continue requests at the beginning ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ Ȭ to repeat them in the future. ȱ ŘŖŖŜǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ mester of this year. We ȱǰȱȱ¢ȱ issues which should have ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ are convinced that these ȱ ǰȱȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ responsible for this. segments are highly vital elections and it should start ȱȱȱȱęȱȱȱ to the current political • We continue to ask for the working will full capacity and ŘŖŖŜǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ establishment of an Investi- enhanced accountability. Let the following issues should well as for the future of its ȱȱȱę¢ȱȱ gative Parliamentary Com- start being reviewed as of the citizens. Without justice Ĵȱȱȱȱ¢ȱ good will start to function in ȱȱŘŖŖŜǱ ȱ¢ǰȱȱȱȱȱ Kosovo’s Institutions! ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 17 Our Vision of an Independent Kosovo Ferid Agani, Chairperson of Parliamentary Group “For Integration”, Party of Justice

level in the crucial period of Institutions is not an Albanain ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ Kosovo. ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ Political awareness and pro- dominate democratic princi- motion of sincere collabora- ples based on the civilized va- tion in the process of joint lues of native cultures. ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ The time has come to prove an essential quality of our ourselves and others that in parliamentary group. By our Kosovo there are democratic ęȱ ȱ Ȭ and visionary potentials for ture we aim to show to local ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ and international political and democratic state. It is factors the existence of the clear to our parliamentary democratic potentials within group members that national the Asssembly of Kosovo for exclusivity it is not a way in accomplishing mutual political this direction. activity on multiethnic and multireligious basis. I am I am convinced that in no convinced that political colla- way would we diminish the boration of parlamentary rep- ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ resentatives of political parties Kosovar Albanian people representing a part of the during an age-long war for Ferid Agani Albanian majority population gaining freedom and indepen- and for the ethnic communities ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱȱŘŖŖśǰȱȬ bly and was supported by ȱ Ǳȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ Albanian people are ready tary representatives of the six the OSCE and the USA-based ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ to co-operate on a fully equal political parties represented National Democratic Institute community present more basis in political as well with in the Assembly came to the (NDI). ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱǰȱ ȱ they cohabit with and they conclusion that the democratic ȱ¢ȱ ȱȃȱ proof than the dryly verbal will be enhanced to the highest ȱȱȱȱęȱ ǰȄȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ statements on multiethnicity ȱȱ ǰȱȱ tiethnic and multireligious and democratic principles. pedestal of freedom-loving ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ people of the world which conistence represents high ȱ¢ȱ ȱȃȱ a stage which shall enable aimed and gained sovereignity £ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Integration” is concrete proof them to fully articulate their historical and political heri- and full independence by that political representatives of respecting most democratic political positions ensured by ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ Ȭ minority ethnic communities and civilized principles. constitutional norms and Rules limated in preparedness for living in Kosovo and political ȱ ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ democratic coaction of all representatives of Albanian As the biggest multiethnic Parliamentary representatives its citizens in statebuilding people should not collaborate political group in the Kosovo ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ processes for an independent ¢ȱ¢ȱĴȱȱȱȱȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Kosovo. It proves a historical ȱȱę¢ȱȱ ȱȬ ȱ ȃȱ Ȅȱ ¡Ȭ Democratic Party of Kosovo continuity of peaceful and in-hand for each others causes pects support from all par- ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ȭ constructive cohabitation of and political commitment liametary groups as well as ȱ ǰȱ ȱ £ȱ Kosovar society belonging to toward mutual aims and from its international relevant ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ objectives. It presents proof partners on accomplishing Uȱȱ¢ȱȱ ǰȱ ȱǰȱȱĜǰȱ of high political unity when it noble goals put forward on established the Parliamentary ȱȱǰȱǯȱ questions major issues related Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱȃȱ on.” Its main goals are to improve ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ tioning of the Asssembly of The establishment of the new the democratic functioning well as concrete proof to the Kosovo and well-being of all political group was welcomed of the Kosovo Assembly and international community that ȱ£ȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱĜȱȱ sovo Assem- to enhance its political unity the primary goal of Kosovar any exclusion. ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 18 NEWSLETTERasi Where will Serbs be once status talks are over? PAY OFF TIME =RUDQ&XODÀFDIUHHODQFHMRXUQDOLVWIURP%HOJUDGH ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ but also within his own party. ȱȱȱǰȱȬ ñȱ°ǰȱȱ ¢ȱȱȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱ that they are the authentic ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱȱȱ°Ȃȱ removal. Approximately at the ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ºȦñȱȱ ȱ °ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ good relations with Kosovo ȱȱ+ǯȱȬ ęȱ¢ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ °ȱ ȱ Local Serbian politicians en- ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱęȱȱȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȃȱȱ message to Belgrade of their °ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ status talks much weaker than ¢ǯȄȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ wish to see him as a partner in was freezing his position as they’ve ever been in the last few political groups and indi- ȱºȦñȱȱ ǰȱȱȂȱĜȱ six years. Proverbially divided viduals in the game. scene. The recent appoint- to grasp what this would mean and without any vision and ment of the new Kosovo The Serbian list for Kosovo in the reality of the political ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ prime minister was an ideal ȱħȱǻ Ǽǰȱȱ climate. much space to manoeuvre ¢ȱȱ °ǰȱȱ opportunity for SLKM to enter ǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ in the political competition a limp coalition of three par- the government in the least ȱ°ȱȱȱȱ with Kosovo Albanians and ties—the Social Democratic ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱǰȱȱ the International Community. ¢ȱ ǻǼǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ the selection of former TMK it is the fact that two of SDS KM The only thing that can be newal Movement (SPO) and Commander Agim Çeku was MPs in the Kosovo Parliament undoubtedly anticipated is the the Democratic Party (DS). The unacceptable for Serbian Pri- ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱȱĚȱ fact that the headquarters of ȱȱ ñȱȱȱ and it is those two MPs who within the Serbian political these parties are in Belgrade is op-portunity was imprudently can now provide a majority block; both politicians and critical for the political activities ǯȱ ǰȱȱȱȱ for the governing coalition in the majority of Serbs in Ko- of this coalition and the future ȱ ȱ ȱ °ȱ ºȦñǯȱ sovo are fully aware of this. ȱ ȱ °ȱ ǯȱ could soon make the decision The representatives of the ǰȱȱ¢ȱȱ ȱ ȱȱ ǰȱȱ ñȂȱ ȱȱȱ ȱǰȱȱ International administration he is going to enter Kosovo ǰȱǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ have also realised this fact government has to be seen in that he is given the position window of opportunity for and in view of that thoroughly ȱ ǰȱ ȱ °ȱ of the Minister for Returns ȱ °ȱ ȱ ȱ revised the entire political repeatedly proved that he ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ Ğȱȱęȱȱȱ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ has a high grade of political ȱ ¢ȱ ñȱ °ǯȱ ȱ of the governance of the Prime Kosovo status talks. The mes- integrity and is sometimes position of Minister for Ag- ȱ +ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ǳȱ ȱ ȱ capable of making important ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ as he announced to make an be good if Serbs take part in decisions independent of Bel- deputy ministers and several evaluation of the performance Ȃȱȱǰȱ grade’s dictate. positions on the Steering Bo- of all respective ministries at however these processes will ard are all reserved for the ȱǰȱȱȱȱ ȱ The diplomatic representatives ȯ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ºȦñȱ SLKM Coalition. replace all ministers who have underperformed. thout them. do not miss a chance to meet ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ñȱ Ȭ Within the Serbian political ȱ °ǰȱ ¢ȱ °ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ me ȱ ȱ Ěȱ ȱ ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 19 in Kosovo is still the Serbian ȱ ȱ ǻǼǰȱ Ȭ Strengthening the oversight role of ticularly as their members are also members of the Serbian ȱ ¢ȱ ǻǼǰȱ ȱ the Kosovo Assembly current leading party in the Fatmire Mulhaxha Kollçaku, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Labour and Social Welfare, Reformist Party ORA ȱ ǰȱ ȱ has full control over the ac- In the second mandate of the tivities of the Co-ordination ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Centre for Kosovo and Me- ȱ ȱ Ĵǰȱ ȱ ħǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ¢ȱĴȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ěȱ ȱ ȱ established with the scope Northern Kosovo. The recent that now covers the work of changes within the SNC have ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ no substantive nature and of Health and the Ministry of “the merging” of the North Social Welfare. Although the Kosovo SNC with the Central ĴȱȱȱȱŗŘȱ Kosovo SNC could rather be ȱȱěȱǰȱ called as a decorative move. all the decisions up to now ǰȱȱȱ¢ȱȱȱȱ have been undertaken with ȱ ñȱ ¢ȱ full consensus. demonstrated the direction in which Belgrade’s political ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ stance on Kosovo will be ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ headed in the coming months. ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ȱ Fatmire Mullhaxha, standing right, in a recent visit to a hospital. ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ñȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ opportunity to get acquainted soon have an opportunity ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Friedrich Ebert Foundation. with the law and obstacles to demonstrate in practice ¢ȱǰȱȱǯȱȱȱ We are grateful for their con- in its implementation and how much he cares about Ĵȱȱ ǰȱȱ tinues support. also the issue of applicability Serbs in Kosovo. If all his of the law. Up til now our and Social Welfare has also The review of the laws is a political wisdom continues Ĵȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ȱ very important part of the to come down to protests ȱȱ¢ȱȱǰȱȱ ȱȱ ǰȱ ȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ about “war criminals” to also secondary and tertiary very important for the proper there is also an oversight role either the negotiation team or ȱ ȱ ȱ ºȦȬ functioning of the health ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ within the leadership of Ko- ñǰȱ £Ȧñȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ case of the monitoring of the ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ºȦ°ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ did not go through a second Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Kosovo will unquestionably opportunities to meet many reading in the Assembly since the ministries which it covers. gain much less then what ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱęȱȱ ȱȱ ȱȱȱ¡ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Kosovo Albanians and the ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ fully prepared. like to mention an initiative of In-ernational Community are ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ¢ȱ willing to concede to them ȱȱĴȱ ȱ with the users of the services. now. ȱ Ğȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ two public hearings with implementation of the law on In this scope we plan to or- The possible independence of experts and representatives Health. ganize a couple of public ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ěȱ ǰȱ ȱ hearings with the providers however some analysts point ȱ ęȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ the goal of gaining as much ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱǰȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ advice from those who will ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱǰȱ ȱǰȱ would be the oversight of ¢ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ministry of Health. i.e. doubled salaries for those the Ministry of Health in the implementation and review of ¢ȱȱ ǰȱȱ approval of certain sub legal Ğȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ the legislation. ȱȱȱĜȱ acts – non-approval or late ǰȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ĵȱ approval of which disables the prepare a report with recom- could present a much stronger cooperated with organisations implementation of the law in mendations aimed at bringing blow to Serbs. And making and institutions such as the the most part of it. The second about a plenary session in or- ȱ ȱ ȱ ñȂȱ US-based National Democratic activity were the visits planned der to raise the issue of health prerogative. ȱ ǻ Ǽǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱęǰȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ care. ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 20 NEWSLETTERasi Challenges and Improvements of the work of Kosovo Assembly Rebecca Kilhefner, Monitor of the Assembly, OSCE Mission in Kosovo

ȱ¢ǰȱȱȱ ȱ prepared and made known to Assembly members only a few days before the plenary ǯȱ ǻȱ Ĝ¢ȱ ȱ agenda preparing was partly a result of the Assembly holding ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ discussed below.) The agenda was usually not approved ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ even at the beginning of the ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ one or more members raised strong objections at the beginning of the session and were given a chance to speak. This sometimes resulted in lengthy debates during the middle of the plenary session as to whether a certain item should be reviewed on that day or ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ǰȱ ȱ minister was about to present ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ when an Assembly member ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ law should be regulated by ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ new law. This assertion led to an extensive debate on ȱȱĞȱ ȱȱ ȱǰȱ ȱ¢ȱ ȱĴȱȱȃ Ȭ kward” situation that had ǰȱȱ ȱȱȱ The Assembly of Kosovo is Agenda setting plenary session. Implemen- been avoided if the agenda had been prepared and ap- now approximately halfway The Assembly’s procedural tation of this provision allows proved as stipulated in the into its second mandate. Be- rules require that the agenda Assembly members to raise rules. low is a brief overview of for each plenary session be objections to the proposed improvements in its functio- prepared in advance by the agenda and ensures that the ȱȱȱǰȱȱȬ ning and procedural comp- Assembly presidency and Assembly plenary has the sidency began a couple of ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ presented to the Assembly ęȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ months ago to prepare plenary that remain. for approval at the previous course of its work. agendas in advance and ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 21 present them for approval by ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ person does not want to multitude of procedural and the Assembly at the previous has led to confusion when appear to be obstructing free ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the Assembly has been asked debate. Some parliaments as indicated earlier in this from the previous practice. To ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ have ever-evolving lists of ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ensure that the interests and of people to a body from a ¡ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ for the presidency to compile concerns of parliamentary large pool of candidates. The types of statements that are an agenda in advance and groups are properly taken Assembly should develop considered unparliamentary present it for approval at ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ detailed procedures for more ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ should make a practice of ¡ȱȱǰȱȱȱ arbitrary rulings on members’ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ consulting with heads of the appointments to government statements. Statements made uncertainty about which items groups when preparing the and independent agencies at a session that do not will be ready for review one ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ and other bodies. appear on the list but none- ȱǯȱ¢ǰȱȱ rules. theless might qualify as procedural rules place a tight Debates unparliamentary language ȱȱȱęȱȱ Voting are sometimes subject to ȱĞȱ ȱȮȱȃȱȱȱ There has been a recent trend wider discussion. It might Under the Constitutional Fra- towards much freer and ten working days and no later ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ than three working weeks mework and the Assembly’s more extensive Assembly de- ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ from the day of distribution” ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱȱȱĴȱ Ȯȱ ȱȱĜȱȱȱ of the Assembly requires members wishing to speak ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱ Ěȱ to under a monthly system. the support of a majority of Constitutional Framework ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ members present and voting Ĵǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱǰȱȱ ȱȱ important agenda items are ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ detailed guidelines on unpar- statements were ordered to Ğȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ except in special cases where liamentary language. ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ be “deleted from the record” ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ With regard to the length foreseen. That means that because of their content. All a minister is not present to ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ Assembly members have ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ not unreasonable for the number of members do not equal rights to participate ¢ȱȱ¢ȱǰȱȱȱ presidency to set a time li- ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ fully in the Assembly and ȱ ȱȱȱĞȱ ȱȱ mit for a particular debate sed even when less than half ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ for some reason be postponed ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ the members present vote ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱ¡ȱ¢ȱǰȱ preferably in consultation ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ so the current trend is long ȱȱȱĞȱ¢ȱ with parliamentary group receives more votes in fa- ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ by at least a month instead leaders. Such an agreement vour than in opposition. It is ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱ ǯȱ ǰȱȱ by responsibility on the part could include an allocation therefore always necessary to sessions on a monthly basis of Assembly members and of debate time to each call for and count the votes in ȱĴȱȱȱȱ a certain degree of control parliamentary group that is ǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱȱĞȱ by the person chairing the approximately proportionate has received a relatively ǰȱȱȱȱ session. to their representation in small number of votes in ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ to the government and debates favour. This provision has Members are banned by the ȱ ȱ ȱ ȬĜȱ on vital current issues. There been misinterpreted many rules from using “unparlia- members to speak during have been recent indications ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱȄȱǻěǰȱ that the Assembly will begin ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ the debate if they wish to do ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ to meet on a more regular ȱ ǰȱ ȱ so. It would then be up to the Assembly as to whether a ȯǰȱ ¢ȱ Ȭ Ĵȱȱǰȱȱȱ each parliamentary group to ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ sions were already held that is conducive to inter- designate its own speakers ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ and divide debate time more frequently in February a proposal being declared as community violence) and the chair of the session has a duty among them. and March than in previous defeated when it should have months. This trend should ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ to call to order any member who uses such language. It Frequency of plenary be institutionalized with a and vice versa. return to a weekly system of ȱȱĜǰȱȱȱ sessions The Constitutional Frame- ǰȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱ plenary sessions to allow the work and the Rules of Pro- provocative statements and The adoption of a monthly Assembly to fully play its cedure contain no provision true unparliamentary lan- system of plenary sessions important role at this crucial on how to vote between a ǰȱ¢ȱȱȱȬȱ two years ago has generated a time for Kosovo. ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE 22 NEWSLETTERasi Kosovo’s Journey Toward EU Integration Torbjorn Solhstrom, Personal Representative of Javier Solana in Prishtinë/Priština Former British Prime Minister institutions. This has not been great importance to the EU. ȱǲȱǰ Winston Churchill once said easy. But the way in which the Together with international Ȋȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ that the Balkans was a region Kosovo political establishment ȱȱȱȱ ǰȱ work on standards and other that produced more history has overcome these challenges ȱ ȱȱ ȱ key European reforms. than it could possibly swallow. has been a sign of maturity Solana set out some of the key While there might still be an and responsibility. parameters for future work in I was pleased to hear a clear ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ řŗȱ commitment in this respect ȱȱȱȱȱǰȱ Theses changes come at a ȱ ¢ǯȱȱ ¢ǰȱȱ from Kosovo’s new prime Kosovo and its institutions crucial period for Kosovo. With ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ minister in his acceptance have recently displayed an the appointment of former be made to ensure that the speech to members of the Ko- ability to digest a considerable ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ Ȭ process is concluded by the sovo Assembly. Especially amount of political change in a ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱȱŘŖŖŜǯ encouraging was his promise amount of time. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ In parallel with the status to reach out to minority The untimely death of Kosovo the future status of Kosovo populations and to show that President Ibrahim Rugova began. The foreign ministers ǰȱ ȱ ȱ of standards and other key Kosovo can be home for all its ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ of the EU have expressed the communities. ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ full support of the Union for European reforms listed in the ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Sejdiu as the new President of the Special Envoy and have so called European partnership Ǳȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ agreed to the appointment for Kosovo continues. The last report to the UN Security ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ȱ led by former Kosovo Pro- of Mr Stefan Lehne as the EU Council showed uneven Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ tection Corps Commander Representative to the Status progress. At a time when Ğȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱȱ ȱęȱȱ Process. The EU works closely Ȃȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ gagement of UNMIK. We ŗŖȱȱĞȱȱȱ with President Ahtisaari and tangible results in this area are anticipate a future when the EU of Kosovo Prime Minister ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱ essential. will be more deeply engaged Bajram Kosumi. At the same aspects of the status process. on the ground in Kosovo and ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱǰȱȱȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ȱ in the region’s process into ȱǰȱȱ ºȱǯȱ views two key challenges in location in the middle of European integration. We will ȱȱȱ ȱǰȱȱ ȱȱǱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȯ have more EU in Kosovo and have been changes on all of the and the outcome it will Ȋȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ more Kosovo in the EU. three top positions in Kosovo’s produce — is obviously of cipate constructively in the We’re already in the process of gradually building up our ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ diplomatic personnel as well as with experts in the area of rule of law. A planning team for a future EU mission in the areas of police and judiciary should be established in Pristina later this spring. This team will work closely with Kosovo ǰȱ ȱ ȱ newly established Ministries ȱ ȱȱ ǯȱ Ȃȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱęȱ the exact form of the future EU ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ least as it will depend on the ȱȱȱȱĴǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ǳ ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER 23 • The EU’s approach will be to maximize Kosovo’s Reviewing the Draft Law on Veterans: ȱ ȱ ȱ ěǯȱ The authorities – not the international community OSCE Provides Support – will be responsible and -DGH'XFKHVQHDX%HUQLHUDQG3DWULFH4XHVDGD26&(0LVVLRQLQ.RVRYR accountable; ȱ Řřȱ ¢ȱ ŘŖŖŜǰȱ ȱ expertise to the Kosovo Ass- reviewed and commented on • the EU will seek to help Assembly of Kosovo adopted embly President at the end ȱ ȱĞȱ ȱȱȱ Kosovo address two ca- the Law on the Status and ȱ ȱ ŘŖŖśǯȱ ȱ ěȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ tegories of challenges. First Rights of the Families of ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ŝȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ structural challenges—eco- ¢ǰȱ ȱȱ ȱȱ October. an overview of his comments ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ The OSCE’s involvement did and concerns to members technical — that Kosovo ȱȱȱǰȱȱȱȱ not aim to play a direct role of the functional Assembly shares with the rest of the legislation aimed at alleviating ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ęȱ the harsh living conditions of ȱ ȱ ęȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ into consideration by the challenges—guarantees for those citizens most directly ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ěȱ¢ȱȱȱĚǯȱ encourage legislators to ad- to the review and amendment ǰȱ ǰȱ Long-term co-operation bet- dress the concerns of the ȱȱĞȱ ǯȱȱȱ etc — that will follow from ween the Assembly of Kosovo most vulnerable fringes of ȱȱǰȱ the provisions of the status and the OSCE Mission in the society in a pragmatic and ȱ ȱȱȱę¢ȱ Ĵǲȱǰȱ Kosovo also contributed to non-partisan manner. In the improved in comparison to this achievement. ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ • the EU’s vision will be ȱ ȬĚȱ ¡ǰȱ The process started almost where the vast majority of certain aspects of it remain to help Kosovo towards problematic. European integration. The ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ŘŖŖŚǰȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ EU Ministers of Foreign ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ harsh social and economic The adoption of the Law ěȱ¢ȱȱ£ȱ introduced to the Assembly. ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃȱȱȱęȱȱ Kosovo institutions towards highly sensitive. ȱ Ǳȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱ taking the responsibility to that there is a future for ȱȱȱǯȱȱĞȱ The Croatian Law on War address the needs of this the whole of the Western ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ŘŖŖśȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ important social group. Balkans inside the EU once when a new government re- positive example from the ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęǯȱ introduced it and it was sub- ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ most important phase will sequently endorsed once again Ǳȱ ǯȱ That commitment includes ¢ȱȱĞȱȱȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ Law on War Veterans. Taking Important challenges are still reading. From this point until ǰȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱęȱȱȱ¢ǰȱ of the law will largely depend Ȭǰȱ ȱ ȱ OSCE proposed the services ȱĞȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ on subsidiary legislation to be present at the Salzburg me- of a Croatian expert to assist of amendments. issued by various Ministries eting. ȱ ¢ȱ Ĵȱ ȱȱȱȱǰȱ in their task of reviewing and on the availability of ¢ǰȱȱȱȱ¢ȱȱ such as the war veterans ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ budgetary resources. standards and status. Historic ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Law. Thanks to the co- ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ parliamentary groups and UN- operation of the Croatian OSCE Mission in Kosovo not end the moment there’s a ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ has had fruitful dialogue Ĵȱȱ Ȃȱǯȱ ȱ ȱ Ğȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ with war veteran and invalid Only a new chapter will start. ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ a suitable candidate was organisations and provided ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ of the Assembly faced a ¢ȱęǱȱǯȱħȱ its support to ensure their ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĝȱ ȯȱ ȱ ²°ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝȱ reintegration into society towards EU and NATO. It will Ěȱ ȱ ȱ of the Croatian Ministry of and improve their social not be easy. But countries in ensuring the enactment of a ȱȱȱǰȱȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Central and Eastern Europe non-discriminatory law with had been extensively involved OSCE stands ready to provide have proven that the journey realistic prospects for full ȱȱĞȱȱȱȱ the Provisional Institutions itself is very important and implementation. Recognising Law on War Veterans and its with assistance in the crucial that it’s possible to reach this ȱ ¡¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ subsidiary legislation. phase of implementing the ęȱǯ ȱ ¡ȱ ȱ ěr of ȱȱȱ ȱǰȱȱ Law. ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE NEWSLETTERasi The Basics of “Question Period” David Payne, National Democratic Institute (NDI)

part of the regular sessions But a minister’s hesitancy can researched questions. A of the Kosovo Assembly. The ¢ȱěȱȱȱȱǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ Ȭ Rules of Procedure contain A minister who cannot handle vernment is vulnerable. Fur- provisions for one. A question a clever questioner will have a ǰȱȱȱȱȱ Ȅȱȱ¢ȱȱę¡ȱ short political life. Ğȱ£ȱ¢ȱǰȱ daily period set aside for oral Ministers are expected to be ǰȱȱȱȱ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱȱȱǰȱȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱ¡¢ǰȱ¢ȱȱ a normal and necessary part for any Speaker. Whips will members of the opposition of parliamentary executive insist to their caucuses that and answered by government oversight. “Les absents ont the best guarantee of public ministers. A minister will toujours tort!” or “Be absent ȱ ȱ ȱ ęǰȱ sometimes be given notice ȱ ¢ȱ ǷȄȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ restrained and polite poignant before the session begins of the ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ exchange between a minister intention of a member to put a ȱ¢ȱȱȱǻȱȦȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Ğȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ place) to the prime minister no avail. informing the minister of the or next senior minister. A The cardinal rule for opposition ȱ ¡ȱ ǰȱ ȱ question may not normally parties is never to ask a David Payne ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ be refused by the president question for which you do not ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ because of the absence of a already know the answer. The The right to seek information pressing occurrences will from a government minister minister. opposition aims to prey upon inevitably dictate the necessity weak ministers with the hopes and the right to hold that of a question. Although according to Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ most rules of procedure it of gaining more air time in the A question must be directed ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ parliament are recognized is forbidden to put forth a ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ȭ ȱȱĚȱĴȱ ¢ȱ as two of the fundamental question which provokes liamentary secretary or the from potentially problematic principles of parliamentary ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ prime minister. The prime issues. But question period government. Members of the Speaker of the House minister may defer the answer also presents an ideal chance parliaments usually exercise must use his or her greatest ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȧȱ ȱ to government ministers to these rights by asking questions skill in maintaining order. An ȱ Ȧȱ ȱ ǯȱ relay the good news of their ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱȱ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱȱȱȱ formal “question period.” The ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěǯȱ usually no longer than one naivety and ignorance of the ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ęȱ ǰȱ ȱȱ¢ȱ minute followed by a response ǯȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ information through ques- ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ of similar length. A minister period at its best only enhances tioning is a vital aspect of ȱȱȱ Ĵȱȱ must therefore be well briefed parliamentary democracy the duties undertaken by in- in the British parliamentary ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ȱ ěȱ and executive accountability. ȱǰȱȱȱ Ǳȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ a convincing answer on the A necessary balance for a a central role in parliamentary uld be favored in the spirit of spot. The media generally necessary democracy. Without strategy. Questions are usually ȱȃǰȄȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ ȱ an authentic question period a ȱ ȱǰȱȱ period is a privileged moment ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ parliament is not entirely open ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ when the opposition can the potential of raising an issue and democratic. It’s a question ȱĴȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ can embarrass or enhance the of standards to which all true beforehand. public on equal terms and call credibility of the government parliaments aspire. The government proposes and where a skilful remark it to account. ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ can sway public opinion ȱȱȱ Before joining NDI, David says the traditional dictum of through keen oratorical skill ěȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Payne had served as a Member parliaments throughout the ȱĞȱ¢ȱǯȱȱ ȱȱěȱȱȱ of the Canadian Parliament, democratic world. The time minister can choose to delay of opposition to undermine Parliamentary Secretary to three is ripe for a question period ȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ¢ȱ Quebec Prime Ministers, and as to be introduced as a normal on the issue at a later date. through persistent and well- ȱȱȱǯ ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER New OSCE field presence Kara Johnston-Molina, OSCE Mission in Kosovo Democratic governance me- ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ans proper functioning of ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the institutions in particular ȱ ȱ ęȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ OSCE will soon be the only responsibility and accounta- international organization in bility. The basic principles ȱ ȱȱ¡ȱęȱ of the UNMIK policy are to Ǳȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ȱȱ¢ȱ ȱȱȱřŖȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Kosovo as well as its three pilot ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ municipal units. This entails a rules of procedure and other transition of responsibilities ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ from the Department of Ci- pertaining to the protection vil Administration (DCA) to of the rights and interests of OSCE as the two work closely minority communities. together to manage a seamless The transfer of responsibilities handover of functions and res- ȱȱȱȱ ȱ ponsibilities as UNMIK ‘right Ismet Beqiri, Mayor of Prishtinë/Priština, in Municipal Assembly – most recently seen with the £Ȃǯȱȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱ ȱ ȱȱ co-operation with UNMIK and applicable law and ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱȱǰȱ Standards. And just as these can ȱ ȱ ęȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ within the framework of reporting and analysis and ȱȱȱȱǰȱ for co-ordination will only ȱŗŘŚŚȱȬȱȱȱ providing recommendations to they can also be used to hig- ȱȱȱȱĴȱ ȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the Spe-cial Representative of hlight the remaining legal ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ accountable for their actions at ȱ ¢Ȭ ȱ ǻ Ǽȱ and procedural impediments transitioning to post-status every level. The basic premise on executive intervention. to the non-discriminatory ac- international arrangements. of the UNMIK policy is that Each of the Municipal is made ȱȱȱ£ȱȱǰȱ In the post-status phase (and ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of an international and local ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ğȱ ȱ Ȭ encouraged to take corrective £ȱ Ĝǰȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ǽǰȱ Ȭ actions in cases brought to its paired up with a similarly ȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱ CE will have an independent Ĵǰȱ ǯǯȱ ȱ ȱ constructed team from the ȱȱǰȱȱȱȱ role and may be asked to the right to intervene in the last Department of Human Rights including the municipalities to take on a leading role in the ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱ ǯȱěȱȱ act against such malcontents if international presence in Ko- Mission in Kosovo is working ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ¢ȱȱęǰȱ sovo. This should be used in on a pro-active monitoring Ĝȱȱȱȱȱęȱ and to ensure that civil an optimal way to monitor policy to encourage preventive OSCE Regional Centres in the servants act within the law. the implementation of any and ‘self-corrective’ measures ęǯȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ UNMIK is ready to act under outcome of the Future Status through a slight reorientation resent the ‘eyes and ears’ of the the accountability policy if talks at municipal level during of its activities and an enhanced ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ŘŖŖŜǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ on analysis resulting from do not act in accordance with ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ěȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ proactive monitoring and to the framework of obligations. preserve its participation very much in partnership ȱȱ ǯȱ Its mandate demands nothing within the existing pillar less. with our multi-lateral partners Ȃȱ Ĝȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ structure of the international – the European Union and the ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ Ȭ The success of the accounta- ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ United Nations – in our future sence to remain appraised of bility policy relies heavily on for the continuity of its work planning. compliance with Standards the principle that OSCE and in a future structure. In either ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ implementation and imple- ȱ ¡ȱ ęȱ ȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱ ment an accountability policy. is well-integrated with the ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱȱ ȂȱřŖȱ ȱ ȱ ĜȬȱ ȱ rest of UNMIK in Kosovo. making the democratic system municipalities and the pilot act in accordance with their Co-ordination is essential to and a multiethnic society in municipal units. This has ǰȱ ȱ ensure a consistent approach Kosovo sustainable. ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE NEWSLETTERasi Translation/Interpretation: Keeping the Meaning the Same Lirak Karjagdiu, OSCE Mission in Kosovo

Never have there been so ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ĵȱȱȱǰȱ many people in the history ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ and even in literary translatio of humanity engaged in ǰȱǰȱȱȱ lucid and original manner. ns.” translation activities as ȱ Ĝǲȱ ěȱ Whereas interpreters in need ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ¢¢ǰȱ agencies and institutions; ȱ ȱ¡ǰȱȱȱ challenges is the inadequate thousands of translators and ȱǰȱǰȱ who are not assigned by the ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¡ǰȱ interpreters facilitate the educational and cultural “Call of Nature” to work on ȱ ǰȱ Ȭ Ȭǰȱǰȱǰȱ organizations. With their something and they cannot do ǰȱ ǯǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱěǰȱ¢ȱȱ ȱ¢ǰȱȱ¢ȱȱ ȱ simultaneous and consecutive ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ communication between dancing like a bear where interpreting during confe- communication between international and national once they appear funny the ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ other time dangerous. This ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ human and pertinacious ac- ǰȱ ¡ǰȱ ǰȱ type of interpreter possess no the national or international tivity. managers and employees. Ğȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ęǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ £¢ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵȱ The role of interpreters and ȱ ȱȱǰȱ¢ȱȱ and believe that interpretation translations the translator translators in the develop- to understanding between is the easiest thing in the world. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ment of international rela- ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ They do not accomplish their correct and proofread the ǰȱǰȱǰȱȱ ǰȱȱȱ¢ȱ task; they destroy not only ¡ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ęȱ ¡ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ¡ȱȱǰȱȱȱ and this is something that is enormous. One can not to the transmission of ȱ¢ǰȱ¢ȱȱȱ cannot be done during an oral ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱȦȱǯ translation. ǰȱȱȱ ǰȱęǰȱǰȱ Poor interpretation can even ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ Accorȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ state-forming and democratic result in the failure of an event. ǰȱ ǰȱ ¢Ȭ a well-known Albanian inter- ¡ȱȱȱ¡ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱȱǰȱȱȱ both into Albanian and other interlocutors misunderstand ǰȱ ęǰȱ ǰȱ interpreters in need or those regional languages. ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ȭ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱȱǰȱȬ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ǳȱ Ȭȱ picture of each other due to ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ interpretation in Kosovo before and pseudo-interpreters. Ac- ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȃȱ ęȱ poor interpretation. Such noble mission of interpreters ȱ ŗşşşȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ a situation can arise due to and translators in our era. practiced by a few talented hardworking and gives it the lack of responsibility of ǰȱȱȱǰȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ǰȱ ȱǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ £ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ not merely a condition for ȱĞȱȱ ȯȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȧ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ¡¢ȱ ȱ interpretations are mediocre ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ but also an incentive for our for interpretation—the skill and need to be retranslated frequently due to lectures ǰȱȬǰȱȬ is being exercised as Vedat by another interpreter so the which lack terminology ǰȱ ǰȱ Ȭ Kokona puts it “by those who are in need and those ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱȱ ¢ǰȱȱȱ¢ǯ who do it indeed.” They do the position of co-translator. ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ for language styles and scores of young translation and mother nature calls upon Ȭǰȱ ȱ ȱ underestimate interpreters experts have been engaged them to work the way it called ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ and interpreting. To avoid such and hired and now exercise them and not otherwise. ȱ ȱ ȱ Ğǰȱ ȱ situations the speaker should the mission and task of the ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ nor wish to work. This ȱ ȱ Ȧȱ ȱ ȱ interpreter or translator. ȱ Ğǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ category—as he points ȱȱǰȱȱȱ ¢ȱ ȱȱ¢ȱȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ and ȯȱȱȱǰȱin ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE asiNEWSLETTER lacking order and logic orator should also avoid using simultaneous); An important role that ǰȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ then the interpreter has no Śǯȱ ȱȱȱȱ might be played by the ȱ ęȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ other alternative than to be terminology specialized language and literature may take on the form of an confused and transmit an and acronyms to be used departments of the University inadequate meaning. unclear message. during the conference ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ operation with international The orator should also take Facilitation and assistance śǯȱ ȱȱȱ to the interpreters is best £ȱ ȱ ǰȱ into account the rhythm or talking points of speeches provided by the relevant could send interpreters for ȱȱȱȱǯȱ Ȧȱ or presentations; should address in a normal institutions which employ ȱ ȱ ę¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ¢Ǳ Ŝǯȱ ȱȱ£ȱ specialization in translation what the interpreter is doing. before the events start to abroad. Lately the idea of ŗǯȱ ȱȱȱ Speakers should not talk all answer possible questions establishing an Institute for ȱǰȱȱȱ at once as the interpreter an interpreter might have Ȧȱ meeting and the context of cannot interpret for them all. about the terminology ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ the speeches; ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ and the meeting format. supported by the international long and complex sentences Řǯȱ ȱȱȱ Ğȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ community would enable or paragraphs and speak in the importance of the and success of interpretation ȱ ęǰȱ ȱ ǰȱȱȱ£ȱ meeting and the level of depends both on the and professional capacity sentences. The speaker sho- participants; quality and quantity of the building of interpreters at the uld take into account the řǯȱ ęȱȱȱ preparatory work before international level. Such an pronunciation as this may them about the type ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱǰȱ¢ȱ ȱ easily alter the meaning and of interpretation ȱȱęȱ as Kosovo aims to be a part of thus be misunderstood. An (consecutive or of interpreters. Euro Atlantic integration. ASSEMBLY SUPPORT INITIATIVE NEWSLETTERasi

ASSEMBLYasi SUPPORT INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER

ASI Mission Statement The Assembly Support Initiative (ASI) is the inter-agency coordination mechanism of democratization programmes in support of ȱ¢ȱȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱ£ȱȱ Assembly of Kosovo. The work of ASI focuses on a democratic political culture based upon acknowledge of and respect for democratic rules of ǰȱ¢ȱȱ¢ȱȱȱǰȱȱ ȱȱȱȱǰȱȱȱȱ¡ǰȱ respect for the multi-linguality and participation in regional and inter- ASSEMBLYasi SUPPORT INITIATIVE parliamentary contacts. NEWSLETTER ȱȱ ȱȱȱȱǰȱȱȱȱ coordinate programs while identifying needs in direct interaction with Editorial board: ȱ¢ǯȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ Sven Lindholm, Franklin De Vrieze, Chris Cycmanick, Blerim Vela, liaises with all ASI partners and calls regular coordination meetings in Labinot Hoxha, Edmond Efendija, Krenar Loshi. ȱ ȱ¢ȱǯȱȱȱ ȱ Ĵȱ informs a broad domestic and international public on the developments OSCE Mission Headquarters, 10000 Prishtinë/Priština Tel. (+381-38) 500 162 Fax: (+381-38) 500 188 in the Assembly of Kosovo as well as the ASI support programmes. contact: [email protected] Currently participating in ASI: http://www.osce.org/kosovo ȱȱĞȱǻǼǰȱȱȱĞȱǻǯǼǰȱ ȱ The views expressed by the contributors to this Newsletter are their own and do not ȱ Ğȱ ǻ Ǽǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ necessarily represent the views of the Assembly, OSCE Mission in Kosovo or the ǻǼǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǻǼȱ ȱ ȱ ASI partner organisations. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ Slovenia and the Institut International de Paris la Defense, United States Pictures in this Newsletter: ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǻ Ǽȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ OSCE: pg. 2, 17, 14, 26 • Daily Newspaper Express: pg. 1, 2, 20 (Visar ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǻ Ǽǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Kryeziu) pg. 3, 7, 11 (Ermal Meta) pg. 5, 9, 13, 16 (Astrit Ibrahimi) pg.10 ȱ ǻǼȱ ȱ Ȭȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ¢ȱ ȱ (Ferdi Limani) pg. 25 (Fisnik Dobreci) • UNMIK DPI: pg. 18 • Assembly of ǻ Ǽǰȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ¢ȱȱ Kosovo: pg. 14, 15. • NDI: 24.