American ambassador's order to fight corruption

This week ended with the International Anti-Corruption Day footnote, where various activities were held in Pristina's main square.

The tree of corruption was also placed there.

While the American ambassador to Kosovo, Greg Delawi on the case of ending “the anti-corruption week”, has said that during this week with many debates we took a joint stance to fight corruption in Kosovo.

Delawie also said the international community is here to help, but the fight against corruption belongs to the competent Kosovo bodies.

He also said changes regarding the Kosovo Criminal Code that will take place, the Kosovo Assembly must approve as soon as possible.

“We have heard of the process for which the Justice Ministry is leading the Penal Code re-launched, including the contribution of civil society and the international community to eliminate all remaining shortcomings. We have also heard their vows that work on reforming laws that increase the discipline of the judicial system will continue and are moving very quickly, when it does, the Assembly must adopt this package as soon as required, he said.

Delawie also said they are committed to continue working with all those who are committed to reforms in procurement, judicial reform and any other effort that releases Kosovo's potential, and its citizens to achieve the bright and prosperous future they deserve.

He also cited the project for the municipal competitiveness index, which he said would have a direct impact on the transparency and participation of citizens, while also reducing the possibility of corruption in the future.

While the chief of the European Union's office in Kosovo, Natalia Apostolova, said she has joined this “Java Anti-Corruption initiative” to encourage all of Kosovo's people to become a voice that will not tolerate corruption and act with dedication against corrupt officials.

Apostolova has reiterated that the EU's priority remains the fight against corruption.

I want to stress once again that the fight against corruption remains a priority of the European Union because corruption has an impact on all areas of life by undermining economic development, as well as the rule of law, for this reason all of us have to unite in our common goal of rooting out corruption... . I am glad to say that Kosovo has improved all its efforts for legislation, which teach us to have specific laws that are of crucial importance in European anti-corruption reform”, she said.

Apostolova added that they are shutting down “the anti-corruption week”, but the fight should not be stopped because every day it should be the fight against corruption.

Meanwhile, NGO coalition representative Betim Musliu said the international anti-corruption day's footnote was wrapping it up with symbolic activity, through the tree which was located in the square and was decorated with corruption cases in Kosovo.

He said further that as long as there are no conscript results in fighting corruption there will be no welfare of Kosovo citizens. /Telegraphy/