Brussels, 14 June 2013
The Republic of Kosovo delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri, who is in charge of the dialogue on the implementation of the agreement on normalization has been in Brussels from 10 to 14 June, holding talks on the practical implementation of the agreement on the normalization of inter-state relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia, with the mediation of the European Union.
On the talks agenda were the issues of justice, security, the creation of the association and local elections.
At the conclusion of the talks in this round, Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri stated that the talks process had gone well and good grounds for agreement had been built so that next week, a detailed plan for the implementation of the agreement could be completed, a plan which will take into consideration the obligations of each party to implement the normalization agreement and the time periods during which these obligations must be completed. The obligations for the Serb party relate to the dismantling of illegal Serb structures in justice and security, which must be finished during September, respectively to dismantle all illegal justice structures by 1 September, and security structures by 30 September. The entire dismantling process was set out as a gradual process ending in September, and the Serb party during June will take a government decision to end the financing of illegal structures, as is foreseen in the agreement on normalization and the implementation plan. The obligations of the Kosovo party relate to the integration of Serb individuals in the security and justice institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. The integration of Serb citizens in the respective institutions of the state of Kosovo is foreseen to occur through a gradual process, respecting all procedures and criteria according to the laws and Constitution of Kosovo, and bearing in mind their absorption capacity.
The obligations of the Kosovo party include the Kosovo Government appointing a regional commander for the four municipalities with Serb majorities, which is anticipated to occur at the start of next week. We have pledged to meet this obligation within the time period defined and according to the legal procedures of Kosovo and the Normalization Agreement, and respectively it is the Ministry of Internal Affairs that will deal with this appointment, said Deputy Prime Minister Tahiri
On this occasion, we expressed our readiness as the Kosovo Government to successfully implement this integration because we think that implementing the agreement on normalization is in the interest of citizens and the European prospects of our state, she said.
Ms. Tahiri stated that there had been progress in the preparation of the creation of an association of municipalities with a Serb majority, as well as concrete results in creating the management team, which has the duty to prepare the process for the establishment of the association of municipalities with a Serb majority, after the holding of local elections in the Republic of Kosovo. Members of the management team are representatives from the municipal administration in the four municipalities. The management team for the founding of the Association includes: Igor Kalamar, Ljubomir Marić, Dragan Jablanović, and Dejan Radojković.
Furthermore, yesterday the delegation of the Republic of Kosovo held meetings with the OSCE, during which officials of the CEC and the OSCE discussed the OSCE’s facilitating role in the local elections that will be held across Kosovo in the autumn. During the local elections, it is anticipated that the OSCE will give its assistance in the four municipalities with a Serb majority, as is set out in the implementation plan. In the meeting, the good cooperation between Kosovo and the OSCE was commended and past experience was noted as important.
The Kosovo delegation stated that it welcomed the OSCE’s readiness to act as facilitator, and noted that local elections will be held all over Kosovo and will be announced officially by the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. According to its mandate, the CEC will implement the election process all over Kosovo, whereas the OSCE in this case will provide support and assistance.
The talks will continue next week starting on Monday and according to the dynamic set out by the European Union, are expected to end in the second half of the week.
The delegation of the Republic of Kosovo, led by Deputy Prime Minister Edita Tahiri, included the following: Dren Zeka, head political advisor to DPM Tahiri; the working group on justice included: Ismet Kabashi (head of the working group), Enver Peci, Fejzullah Hasani, Sali Mekaj, Arjeta Rexhaj, Donikë Qerimi, Albert Avdiu, Ehat Miftaraj and Ramadan Gashi. The working group on security included: Rashit Qalaj, Bardhyl Jashari and Elona Cecelia. The working group on the Association included: Besnik Osmani (head of the working group), Ruzhdi Halili, Visar Xani and Labinot Hoxha. The working group on elections: Valdete Daka (head of the working group), Miradije Mavriqi, Abedin Mehmeti, Gazmir Raci and Qemajl Marmullakaj.
Last modified: July 31, 2022