KDI: Continue of dialogue must not find Kosovo without internal consensus

During the media conference, Violet Hajoli from KDI said this analysis is trying to give the public a broader picture of the effects that has produced the current lack of consensus between the political spectrum of dialogue, as well as the effects that there may be in this process continuing to lack of political consensus.

Hajolli, speaking of political spectrum positions about the closing phase of the dialogue, stressed that achieving broad political agreement is expected to be difficult. She added that political clashes which could continue among the institutional leaders would negatively affect the consensus between the political spectrum, while continuing polarisation in attitudes could also contribute to old political resentments and party calculations.

“The differences of the political spectrum over specific aspects of this process have led the country to frequent political and institutional crises. Considering the importance and sensitivity it has for Kosovo and its citizens to complete the process of dialogue with Serbia, it is necessary to reach a reconciliation between the political spectrum concerning the continuation of the dialogue, respectively, the principles on which the Kosovo side will complete this process. ” said it.

On the other hand, Life Krasniqi from KDI unveiled issues related to which political consensus must be reached. It argued that the format of dialogue, the time dimension in reaching the eventual agreement with Serbia and the topics that should be part of the dialogue are the elements around which it is extremely important to reach internal political consensus.

According to Krasniqi, the other very important issue is the agreements reached so far, the judicial status of most of which continues to remain clearly undefinated.

Besides these elements, lobeing on the basis of a unique attitude should accompany this process from the first steps, unlike the wrong practices of the past. She said”.

As for the effects that may or may not bring to a political consensus, Kransiqi stated that in the internal plan, reaching the consensus would avoid situations and opposition to a eventual agreement, while, in the external plan, it would strengthen Kosovo's negotiating position in the first place in relation to Serbia, but would also facilitate lobbying initiatives in third countries.

When, the continuation of the lack of consensus will affect the paralysing of institutional life, the possibility of ratification in the Parliament of an eventual agreement, as well as the lack of Kosovo side's unique attitude towards Serbia and international partners. ” added further.

Based on the findings of this analysis, as well as on the importance of having internal political consensus in relation to the dialogue process, such as the most sensitive political process Kosovo is going through, the Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) offered the recommendations following:

The new government should intensify efforts to achieve consensus in the middle of the political spectrum regarding all phases of dialogue for reaching the final agreement with Serbia, including pre-preparative, preparation, determining agenda and options on the final agreement with Serbia. Consultations should be developed on the basis of trust, putting Kosovo's state interest in first.

Opposition subjects should be just as responsible for reaching consensus on issues of state interest. They must show commitment and constructiveity in order to overcome obstacles to achieving compliance.

The country's president and prime minister, conform their constitutional responsibilities, should be constantly consulted and contribute to building political consensus regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue process.

This public opinion research is conducted under the project “European Perspective ʹ construction of the national consensus for normalising relations with Serbia” supported by the Swiss Embassy in Pristina.