Prishtina, 4 November 2009
During their visit to Lipjan, Prime Minister Thaçi and US Ambassador Dell met with Mr. Refik Halili, the head of the Kllokot municipality preparation team who was recently attacked by unidentified persons.
The Prime Minister said, “Mr. Halili is an example of the commitment for joint engagements to build new municipalities and to build multi-ethnicity; yesterday’s attack is a condemnable act, a despicable act, an act which is unacceptable for the people of Kosovo, Kosovo’s institutions and the international community.
” He added, “We will make great efforts to investigate this case and I encourage Mr. Halili and all responsible people, all people of goodwill, to continue working. You have my full personal support, and that of the Government of Kosovo and other local authorities.”
“There will be no compromise towards any voice attempting to destroy Kosovo’s image. On the contrary, we will be uncompromising in the fight against elements aiming to damage Kosovo’s image and damage the electoral process as the two are inseparable,” stated the Prime Minister.
Ambassador Dell said that Mr. Halili represents the future of the country, by being willing to work with his neighbors, regardless of their ethnicity.
Mr. Halili thanked the Prime Minister and the US Ambassador for their support, mentioning that the encouragement and goodwill they offered were very important.
“I do not believe there will be a force that can stop us in the task we have started, because decentralization is a constitutional obligation and I only respect the laws of the Republic of Kosovo,” added Mr. Halili.
