Political parties away from consensus for dialogue with Serbia

During this discussion the panelists presented political parties' positions about the new phase of dialogue with Serbia, the platform, as well as Kosovo's representation in this process, Koha.net broadcasts.

At the opening of the table, Life Krasniqi from KDI stressed that the local political spectrum must build a consensus to better protect state interest, which has not yet been achieved.

“KDI is addressed on May 29th with a public request to the Kosovo Assembly, Kosovo deputies for holding an extraordinary tender to discuss the future of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, considering the importance that the Kosovo Assembly must play in this process”, has added to it.

The head of the LDK parliamentary group, Avdullah Hoti, has said the LDK supports the dialogue, but each individual and institution must stay within its competencies and responsibilities. Hoti added that as an MP, they have no information about what the legally binding agreement will bring, whether Kosovo's citizenship will be redefined, or whether the constitution will be opened.

Meanwhile, Memli Krasniqi, chief of the PDK parliamentary group, stressed that dialogue with Serbia has not been and that it is not Kosovo's choice, but an obligation, especially on the path to European integration. Krasniqi estimated that the agreement to be reached would exceed the size of a generation, so there is a need for inclusion and unity in the process. Krasniqi added that the compromise would be in place, but that compromise under him would not violate the sovereignty and unitability of the Republic of Kosovo.

Glauk Konjufca, head of the LVV parliamentary group, estimated that the dialogue agenda should not be dominated by President Thaci's personal agenda. Konjufca underlined that President Thaci has neither the mandate nor the right to negotiate in Brussels. On the other hand, Konjufca said Vetevendosje will use all resources available to prevent new compromises affecting the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of Kosovo.

And Dardan Sejdiu, chief of the PSD parliamentary group, estimated that the Parliament should give the green light to any decision concerning the dialogue process. He stressed that the process should have legitimacy and quality support from the Kosovo Assembly, in particular the platform and representative team. Also, Sejdiu added that an supervisory commission should be established, which would ensure transparency and accountability of this process.

Bilall the Sheriff, head of the Social Democrat Initiative parliamentary group, said they support anyone who goes into dialogue on condition that the country's sovereignty, integrity and unity are not violated. However, the Sheriff stressed that such a thing is a little reliable when we consider the course of the process so far and the agreements reached in Brussels. The Sheriff praised that the process should not be in the hands of any individual and that there should be discussion in the Assembly on the agreements before it can be reached and brought to a vote.

Muharrem Nitaj from the AAK parliamentary group stressed that opposition parties should not exclude themselves from this process of importance to the country. Nitaj demanded that no political calculations be made to take advantage of this situation until he stressed that the Parliament must have the key to this process.

This discussion was organised under the “European Perspective project ʹ construction of the national consensus for normalising relations with Serbia” supported by the Swiss Embassy in Pristina.