AAKA Latif: No Reason for Early Choices

In this interview given to the newspaper “The new era”, he has said the government is functioning and there is no reason for early elections or for sweeping governments.

According to Latif, parliamentary elections will even be held in 2021.

Speaking on the issue of taxing Serbian products, he has said the situation is not disturbing.

According to Latifi, the tax will not jeopardise the Kosovo coalition, the US. In this context, he has stressed that Prime Minister Haradinaj is earlier willing to resign rather than damage relations with America.

As for continuing Kosovo dialogue, Serbia, Latifi has said international pressure should focus on Serbia's address

“Latifi, during this week Kosovo has been visited by top German and British officials who have sought suspension of the tax. Following international partners' calls, is there a prime minister's reflection to move forward in this process?

Latif: In fact, pressure should focus on Serbia's address. The international community knows the problem is Serbia, not Kosovo. All those who think it is good to move on the road to normalisation of Kosovo reports -- Serbia for reaching an agreement aimed at mutual recognition -- then the pressure must be directed to Serbia, which is responsible for many evils in Kosovo. So, as a consequence of its aggressive actions against Kosovo, taxes have been imposed. After all, pressure at Serbia's address is the clearest and most necessary way to make it all, both Kosovo and the international community, because the problem is Serbia, not Kosovo.

“As a result of this tax, Kosovo is jeopardising partnership with the US.

Latif: The US reports Kosovo is not endangered if there are differences in the tax assessment. Kosovo relations the United States is growing increasingly. That's why it's not true that the U.S. reports are being jeopardised. This issue is being interpreted by some circuits and individuals. The prime minister has also said he is not willing to follow the way of undermining or breaking Kosovo relations on behalf of the Kosovo government.

“So, the moment these relations are questioned, will the prime minister withdraw?

Latif: He has declared that he will go home sooner than the US coalition would endanger him. It is not to worry, because the tax is imposed on Serbia and not on others. At the same time, in many relations, Kosovo reports are functioning daily and better. While Serbia has no willingness to reflect and correct itself, it is pointless of the pressure or conditioning it is trying to make in the direction of restoring dialogue.

“Could there be continuing dialogue without being suspended?

Latif: If Serbia is rushed to sit at the negotiating table, and Kosovo from these talks requires mutual recognition and normalisation of relations. Therefore, at the moment Kosovo and Serbia's position is clarified, as well as when it is precisely known that the process is going towards completion, then Kosovo's agreement with Serbia on free trade can be seen, meaning suspension or tax removal. Serbia must recognise the reality that Kosovo is an independent and sovereign state. To that end we are working too.

“The tax issue, could it be a reason for the overthrow of Haradinaj Government?

Latif: If the Kosovo government is supposed to collapse because it has imposed taxes on the goods of Serbia and Bosnia then let it collapse. As long as the situation is so and Serbia does not change approach, Kosovo is in a very strong position. Any of the political forces that takes over the collapse of the Government in this situation should think about whether or not to compete in elections because it will suffer a violent decline because the people of Kosovo have suffered much from Serbia's aggressive actions. Although Kosovo has become a state, Serbia continues to have hostile and aggressive approaches to Kosovo, and the people of Kosovo know that. Those who try to bring down Government in this situation should also consider the price they will pay for the election. The government may even fall, but the tax remains. The government is operating, but of course it is not easy any work as is the situation in relation to the tax to Serbia. Despite that, the Government is functioning and I am convinced that the elections will be held in 2021.

“How can you carry out the mandate when the government is constantly facing problems?

LatifThe government is active and working. It is each person's right to criticize or give warnings. Kosovo has no comfort to go to elections because significant developments are taking place. The Haradinaj government has done much work and has made important decisions, but of course there are also shortcomings in government. He has done a lot of work at the local level, responding to municipal demands. Kosovo has the army, the Law for Pay, the Law for the capital, etc. There are many governing actions which have restored Kosovo on the right track. Of course, we are aware that there are problems and challenges we need to address.

“These days have also been talked about the possibility of creating a comprehensive government. Would AAK be a part of it?
Latif: The Haradinaj government is functional and stable. If it's the question of dialogue, for the first time we have the law and the platform for this process. Their contribution to this process can also be given by the opposition, but there can be no sweeping government or early elections why opposition parties seek. The government is functioning and there is no reason for sweeping governments or early elections.

“Is there unity within the coalition to continue ruling?

Latif: The problem is not here, because this is discussed by coalition partners, but we're talking about functional institutions. And one of the most important institutions such as the Government is operating and has no reason to lead the country to elections. Whenever Serbia is willing to accept Kosovo's bid for mutual recognition, we are here. In these 20 years Kosovo has never been more powerful in political terms than it is now. /Albanian Hetemi/