COMM STT hosts Thursday's session of 11 million, KMDLNJ, opposition

COST officials clarify that the Commission's recommendation for Economy that paves the way for the sharing of 11m euros through COSTT for paying the flow spent by Serbs in four northern municipalities in Mitrovica, becomes effective only after its review and approval at the Kosovo Assembly plenary session.

COMM The STT also indicated whether these 11m euros would be due to the debt to KEDS and the Elektrover operator.

The possible action that allows the division of tools by COST is being named by the Council for Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms (KMDLNJ) as discriminaters, unjust and unacceptable. While, in the ombudsman institution, they have not commented on Kosova Preis recommending the fee for the current in the north.

Vetevendosje Movement's proposal is also being rejected by Commission for Economy Chairman Ferat Shala, who says KOSTT is financially endangered.

Zana Bajrami-Rama, the manager for Communications and Relations with the Public at COST, says in a written response to KosovaPress that according to the initial procedures with the Kosovo Assembly Rule, the parliamentary Commission's recommendation is presented for review and approval at the plenary session of the Kosovo Assembly.

According to the spokeswoman, Bajrami-Rama, COSTT is a 100% state-owned public company, and according to the Law on Electricity adopted in 2016, shareholder rights are exercised through the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.

The COSTT has also said that with the allocation of 11m euros for coverage of energy expenditures in the north, the COSTT is not financially endangered, but also reiterated that the long-term and sustainable solution to the situation in the northern part of the country, which solves the supply and collection problem in the short term, is necessary.

“According to the Parliamentary Commission's recommendation that the COST take responsibility for covering losses from the energy used but not paid in the northern part of Kosovo, for the next six months as a transitional phase until the solution of the situation in the north, exploiting revenues from its own budget, those that will be compensated for by dividendda or any other potential mechanism. Use of KO Tools STT, according to the Parliamentary Commission's recommendation, does not financially jeopardise COST for this previous six-month transition period, within which it is envisioned to resolve the northern issue. COSTT risks that it is inevitable right that all Kosovo citizens are supplied with electricity but also the duty of citizens to pay the accepted service. Therefore, the long-term and sustainable solution to the situation in the northern part of the country, which solves the supply and collection problem in a short term, is necessary”, says a written response for KP from Bajrami-Rama.

In COST, they have also clarified whether these 11m-euro means will be earmarked for debt to KEDS and electronic operator Sever.

No. These vehicles are designed to be used to cover up losses from used electricity, but not paid in the northern part of Kosovo, for the next six months as a transit phase until the situation is resolved in the north”, Bajrami Rama says.

The executive director of the Council for Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms (KMDLNJ), Behxhet Shala, has called on Kosovo institutions to find a quick solution for irresponsible consumers.

Shala for Kosova Prees says the Kosovo government should interrupt this practice, as the evil one stresses implementation of double standards for citizens of the same country. While adding that we should not treat citizens according to ethnic affiliation or political opportunity.

He is doubting that there is any political agreement for this that the Government of Kosovo is obliged to pay these bills. Whatever it is, Shala says this government should stop this practice, as it is not right on ethnic grounds for 20 years to continue this phenomenon indefinitely.

“We in terms of human rights consider it unfair, but in a legal sense it is illegal. We think the government has to take any action to stop this. It is not right that the overwhelming portion of Kosovo's citizens, who have a serious economic situation regularly pay off their commitments, if one day is delayed they are cut off from the network, yet someone 20 years does not pay and have an abundance of electricity and spend as they wish, so this is completely unacceptable and unfair”, says Shala.

The recommendation proposed by VV deputy Mimoza Kusari Lila and backed by MP Armend Muja, which gives way to covering electricity spending in the north, was rejected by opposition MPs.

Commission Chairman for Economy from the PDK ranks Ferat Shala is asking COST not to implement this recommendation, as according to him, it conflicts with the laws in power and the opinion of the ombudsman.

“I make public appeal, COSTT should not be hasty, should clarify the legal issue, is not obliged COSTT only with this recommendation to jeopardise its financial stability. There's a court ruling, there's an ombudsman's opinion on the job. And I wanted none of COST officials to be hasty and conflict with the law, because this problem would not end with a debate. I'm sorry to say, the second danger rate is that in addition to the payment and subsidies being done to the illegal part, illegal operators are also being destroyed by the KO Company. STT, which will have economic and strategic consequences for the country”, Shala says.

MP Shala raises doubts that with this leading action of COSTT they have come under the influence and pressure of the government, because according to which COSTT is a victim.

I'm sorry to say, part of the COST's management team has fallen into the influence and pressure of the government, because COSTT here is a victim, basically risking the economic well-being of a company that dares not be endangered is strategic company COSTT. His financial share cannot be touched and his financial stability shaken. Now even so, if it is said that COSTT pays them, COST is an integral part, 100 per cent of the state, of the Kosovo parliament. It's the same budget, same money. So for political tactics, to throw ash to the eyes now the Kurti Government is wanting public money to take it north through the second gate, through COST, doing twice as much damage”, Shala points out.

The parliamentary commission, on Wednesday with ideas and supported by VV deputies on Wednesday, has voted in favour of dividing 11m euros from COSTT for paying the flow spent by Serbs in four northern municipalities. Against that were opposition deputies.