Special MPs' initiative is not abolition, but alternative

The deputies' “Nism for the Special Court is not a requirement to challenge the tribunal, but it is alternative, as do other former Yugoslav countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia” has stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe, Kosovo President Hashim Thaci.

He has also said that they do not encourage MPs about this initiative, but if the Parliament approves it, it would be signed as president.

In this interview, Thaci calls on MPs to urgently ratify border demarcation with Montenegro and avoid further isolation of Kosovo.

Meanwhile, regarding dialogue with Serbia, President Thaci says he is ready to lead the final phase until mutual recognition between the two countries.

Radio Free Europe: Mr. President, did the Kosovo Assembly deputies' initiative to abolish the Special Court in trust with international allies?

Hashim Thaci: I am very proud to be president of a country with the most pro-American orientation and will in the world, the most pro-European in Europe and the most pro - NATO, even from its NATO member states. Hence, such a thing has neither happened nor will happen.

Even the initiative of about 50 Kosovo Republic deputies should be understood as an alternative and not as a challenge of justice, not as ignoring or fleeing from justice. They are the people chosen by the people. They answer to their electors and are not accountable to the president or any other institutional mechanism.

Therefore, Kosovo continues to work on its Euro-Atlantic path, its sincere commitment to integration into NATO, the European Union, and the permanent preservation of separate reports with the United States. No prize will shake Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic orientation.

Radio Free Europe: Can the Special Court be considered a closed chapter?

Hashim Thaci: The verdict is in effect. The Kosovo Assembly has voted. We also have the proposal and initiative of Kosovo Assembly deputies. Therefore, nothing is closed in this world, but the decision is in effect.

Radio Free Europe: What concerns were you, especially for you as the president of the country, the statements of accredited diplomats in Pristina, that this initiative of MPs has violated Kosovo's state friendship with the West?

Hashim Thaci: I appreciate that any constitutional, legal, systematic step by the people's elected people should be looked into and taken seriously and analyzed on the multidimensional level and in no circumstances in that confrontation, or thrown into an angle that isn't. All those people there have contributed to Kosovo's freedom and independence, as well as those who are not signatories, therefore it is not good to be labeled. Neither those who are for and who are against.

We've had such actions before, but I think everything should go towards discussion and understanding. Kosovo is committed both for dialogue and for justice, but for reconciliation as well.

Radio Free Europe: You yourselves have deemed this court unfair. Were these even messages that encouraged MPs to undertake such initiatives?

Hashim Thaci: I, even in August 2015, have assessed historical injustice and invited MPs to vote at the same time, on the only condition, to maintain partnership with the US, NATO and the European Union.

Even today, I appreciate that it is historic injustice, especially when The Hague Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia is closed. As the question is now asked, why for Kosovo something special, something special, we are not second-class citizens, we have not attacked any country, Serbia.

Serbia has invaded Kosovo, and it was a defensive struggle by the liberations and the people of Kosovo.

From what I have read in the draft MP's request, it is not a request to challenge the tribunal, to bring down the tribunal, but it is alternative, as other countries of the former Yugoslavia have: Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia.

I do not encourage MPs, but any decision of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo I will pledge and sign.

If I don't sign it, of course I would commit constitutional violations. So he did not violate the Constitution despite any of the statements of anyone.

Radio Free Europe: You mentioned the issue of Kosovo's different vision in relation to other countries. Such a situation is presented to the issue of European integrations and visa liberalisation. Do you believe that next year, institutions will find a compromise for ratification of the demarcation?

Hashim Thaci: I think that we should pass the demarcation as soon as possible, establish the Association of Serb majority municipalities and move towards visa liberalisation.

If this does not happen during January, Kosovo will continue to remain isolated.

Radio Free Europe: What will be the consequences on this very issue, taking into account that it will be an election year in the European Union. Will the process return to zero?

Hashim Thaci: If it does not pass the demarcation, Kosovo will actually remain isolated, unjustly, although I have estimated that it has been an unnecessary criterion and a trap by the European Union for the political scene, not being willing to outdo the failure of European Union countries, when it is known that five European Union countries have not recognised Kosovo. They have set the conditions for demarcation, given the difficulties we have to overcome, but I want to believe in the maturity of the Kosovo political scene and in January it will be closed.

Radio Free Europe: When we're on the demarcation issue, you're signatories of the deal, while we have a government commission that says the deal was wrong. Do you feel regret in that signature?

Hashim Thaci: The August 2015 agreement is correct, it's professional. The state commission has done a good job, received the international assessment that agreement, signed as foreign minister and as deputy prime minister stands behind that signing. At the same time, I am seriously looking at the work of the new Commission. I believe that in the months of January a solution will be found to the previous Commission's performance and any eventual findings of the new Commission so that we can have a shaped stance.

Radio Free Europe: On the question of dialogue and reports with Serbia, the beginning of the latest phase of this process has been warned. Do you believe an agreement will finally be signed that will open Kosovo's doors towards European integration and membership in the United Nations.

Hashim Thaci: I want to hope that dialogue will continue to take place will form a joint political team, but also civil society on the part of the Kosovo side and then launch this process. I want to firmly believe that it will be concluded with a final agreement for Serbia to recognise Kosovo and Kosovo Serbia, meaning mutual recognition and Kosovo to be part of the UN organisation. No other dialogue makes sense with Serbia.

Radio Free Europe: Do you believe you will receive the support of the leadership in Kosovo to lead this final phase of dialogue?

Hashim Thaci: Our responsibilities are specified and clarified both with constitutions and by law, the president represents foreign policy, but this is not a single individual's job, or only an institution will be together the Parliament and the Government and the opposition and civil society.

Radio Free Europe: How did you view the role of the United States of America in the final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia?

Hashim Thaci: The role of the United States of America is irreplaceable in its powerful support role under the leadership of the European Union, but without the presence of Russia.