EU: Kosovo proposes way ahead for implementation of Association agreement

The options of reopening this subject are being seen as dangerous to the Democratic Party of Kosovo. As long as civil society gives executive support for the establishment of association, but only on the basis of the country's Constitution.

European Commission spokesman Peter Stano tells Kosovo Press that the 2013 agreement on association has been concluded with confidence and that Kosovo is left to propose a way ahead for its implementation.

“In 2013 Kosovo entered an agreement to establish the Association of Serbian municipalities. This agreement was concluded with confidence by all parties involved. It's never been canceled. In fact, the 2013 agreement was ratified by the Assembly with the majority of 2/3. By doing so, Kosovo undertook an international obligation to implement this agreement. Kosovo has yet to propose a way forward to implement the” agreement, it says through a written response for KosovoPress.

But government spokesman Kurti, Kryeziu, tells Kosovo that the executive position on this topic is clear and that there will be nothing that will defunct the country.

Kryeziu: An ethnic association of municipalities cannot be made

You know, the government has a clear attitude on this subject. I also reminded them of the positions of the Vetevendosje movement on this subject. Prime Minister Kurti has said that freedom of association is freedom guaranteed by the Constitution, for which there are both the Constitutional Court judgments, which will serve the country's functioning rather than the defunction of the country. So we've said that one-ethnic association of municipalities cannot have”, Kryeziu declares.

The options of reopening this topic into dialogue are being found dangerous by the MP PDK, Hajdar Beqa.

Beqa: Returning association theme to the table is dangerous

I consider that such a thing is dangerous. The PDK has been against association at the time former Prime Minister Mustafa signed it. In addition, we have an act of Constitutional Court decision and consider that any attempt to restore the discussion of association is a slight return of Serbia under the sovereignty of Kosovo and the Constitution and the state of Kosovo” are threatened, he says.

Meanwhile, the institute's director E PIK, Demush Shasha says there is nothing wrong with establishing the Association of Serbian municipalities that is in line with the rights Pako and Ahtisaari have given him.

Shasha: The foundation of association is now an international duty of Kosovo, but based on the country's Constitution

“The foundation of association is now Kosovo's international obligation that must certainly be implemented. There is nothing wrong with establishing an association that is in line with the rights Pako and Ahtisaari have given him. It in Article four if I am not mistaken has given major rights to association in areas pertaining to Serb rights in Kosovo. Areas affecting their identity in Kosovo, including education, science, culture. In such things, there is no problem that the association gets sufficient competencies for promoting Serbian interests in Kosovo. The question is that this association should be established in line with the Constitution of Kosovo and with the European charter for local self-government. Kosovo's central power must continue. Respectfully the government of Kosovo, or the Ministry of Local Power. As long as these principles are respected, there's no problem with the community association. But I believe we are now in a circle where its formation will be part of the package of the final agreement of Kosovo and Serbia”, he says.

Because of opening the topic of establishment of association, Kosovo-based dialogue Serbia has been blocked since last year. Until it is still unknown whether this topic will be on the agenda at the June meeting between Prime Minister Kurti and Serbian President Vuciq. / KP