“The lion's question John”, Nitaj tells where he will be transferred

Through a communiqué to the media, Nitaj has suggested that they have asked the authorities of the Republic of Albania to enable the transfer of the lion “John”, through the Albanian State, from and smuggled to Kosovo the same, since Kosovo is not a signatory to the CITES Convention for cross-border flow of animal types.

“I regret that such an easy problem has taken so long to find solutions, even because of the obstacles the state of Kosovo has in relation to certain conventions.

At the same time, I express my gratitude for the “Foundation Four Page”, which has expressed readiness to take over the organisation of the lion's transport “John”, from Kosovo to a third country, in this case in Holland”, Nitaj said.

Full letter of Minister Nitaj:

I welcome the rapporteur's interest in Kosovo at the European Parliament, Violet von Cremon, in terms of the lion's fate “John”, which is currently held in non-adequate conditions in Gjilan.

You called the public opinion and Mrs. Von Creemon, the ministry I am leading, has taken all necessary legal procedure for the release and transfer of it to a place where John “John” would be treated in accordance with required norms.

We now have a court ruling on his selection and transfer to another country, but unfortunately Kosovo is not a signatory of the CITES Convention on cross-border flow of animal types, so we have asked the authorities of the Republic of Albania to enable the transfer of the lion “John” through Albanian State, from and smuggled into Kosovo the same.

I am in close co-operation with Albanian Minister Klosi, and with the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Pristina, and are awaiting completion of the documentation needed by the Albanian State to close this issue.

I regret that such an easy problem has taken so long to find solutions, even because of the obstacles the state of Kosovo has in relation to certain conventions.

At the same time, I express my gratitude for the “Foundation Four Page”, which has expressed readiness to take over the organisation of lion transport “John”, from Kosovo to a third country, in this case in Holland.

Honestly,

Muharrem Nitay,

Minister of Economy and Environment