Prishtina, July 22, 2013
Honorable participants,
Thank you all for your presence in this magnificent manifestation of the Day of Justice in the Republic of Kosovo.
Everyone remembers July 22, 2010, when we looked forward to the International Court of Justice delivering the public opinion on the declaration of Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty.
We, in Kosovo have not had even the slightest dilemma in terms of that opinion, because the decision to declare Kosovo an independent and sovereign decision was made by the legitimate representatives of the people of Kosovo, it was made in full respect of the will of the citizens of Kosovo for their political status, it was a decision that came as a result of close cooperation and coordination with the international community.
Three years ago the opinion of the International Court of Justice, definitely and openly found that Kosovo’s declaration of independence was in full accordance with international law.
Allow me, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, to initially congratulate the people of Kosovo, to thank all the friends and international partners for their confidence and continued support they have given to Kosovo for 16 years in the process of transition during the United Nations; also in the process of negotiations on Kosovo’s status, as well as the declaration of independence and now, during the consolidation and strengthening of our state.
Thank you very much, Ambassador Tracy Jacobson, thank you to the Government of the United States of America and all the ambassadors of the European Union, the whole democratic world.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Big days like today, the day of justice, mark moments of the recent and brightest history of our country.
Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo were unjustly deprived of the right to celebrate this day for a century.
In historical terms our permanent efforts for justice served our country as a guide for freedom, equality and peace, while a look at the present shows that justice serves to the Republic of Kosovo to strengthen the rule of law and order and it contributes to the integration process.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo leads the processes to achieve these goals with deep dedication, as one of the priorities that takes place more weight in this process is the rule of law and order, which is also the essential priority of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.
Honorable participants,
Let me emphasize that today, as never before, we mark this day during a highly relevant and specific stage for the country and our citizens.
Now, when the rule of law and order is eventually extended to the whole territory of the Republic of Kosovo; now when a year ago we have concluded the international supervision of independence; now when we are consolidating the state and becoming stronger as a sovereign; when the Republic of Kosovo has received the green light for the start of negotiations for a Stabilization and Association Agreement; now, when the Republic of Kosovo has exceeded the number of 100 recognitions from different countries around the world; when the Republic of Kosovo is a member of international organizations; when Kosovo is among the few countries in the region and beyond with positive economic growth; when the Republic of Kosovo has managed to have excellent relations with most countries of the world; now, when the Republic of Kosovo has begun the extremely important process of the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which at the same time marks the beginning of justice in Kosovo, but I can say also in the region.
Everything that makes this day great was reached thanks to the continuous commitment of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and its cooperation with international and local institutions, for which I thank all relevant local and international actors.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo and all other institutions that are present here today are maximally committed to more law and order in Kosovo, in order to wage a successful battle against corruption, organized crime and all other negative phenomena.
So there is no issue more fundamental to the Government of the Republic of Kosovo than ensuring equality before the law and the rule of law to effectively represent the essence of existence and prevalence of justice in our country.
In addition to what was said so far, let me mention in a focused way some of the concrete steps taken by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to contribute to progress in the field of justice today, amongst which the most important are:
• Deep reforms in the justice system;
• Full independence of the judiciary;
• Reform of legislation and full harmonization with EU legislation
• Investment in infrastructure (such as the Palace of Justice and different courts in different cities of the Republic of Kosovo)
• The successful implementation and operation of alternative occupations in all areas of jurisprudence.
These and other positive developments reached so far have provided equal access and trust in justice in our citizens and the society in general.
I wish on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to also thank the law and order mission, EULEX, for its close cooperation with Kosovo institutions, which has been a successful collaboration.
Also, I have full confidence that the transition process will be a process of cooperation and mutual success, so that the state of Kosovo and its institutions will work with full responsibility and constitutional law, on the basis of activities, commitments and capacities they have, and the work done so far.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The day we mark today would not be so important and so significant, and with such great achievements, without the tireless work of the judicial institutions of the Republic of Kosovo.
So once again I want to thank everyone for their work; but of course we must do more.
As Prime Minister of the country, once again here in front of you, I want to congratulate and thank these institutions and ensure their continued support in order to achieve our common goals, namely order, law and justice.
Happy Day of Justice of the Republic of Kosovo
Thank you!
Last modified: July 31, 2022