Scandalous: Minister Gervalla had ruined organising the Independence Festival in Hamburg

On the 14th anniversary of Kosovo's Independence, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspore Donika Grovalla was visiting the General Consulate in Hamburg. Instead of organizers, however, the real ʹcapadaia was itself Gervala, demanding that everything go according to her plan.

This was not liked by outgoing consul-General Gramos Begolli, who had later sent an email to the prime minister, Albin Kurti, and to the deputy owner, Glauk Konjufca, who told of his concern with the Gervala actions.

The minister had initially not announced her participation at the meeting, and also at the invitation and programme prepared by the Kosovo General Consulate in Hamburg, the minister's name, nor her friend Muhamet Idrizi, chairman of the association “Oda” in Hamburg, who came with the minister.

Below, find a full interview.

Isander newspaper: How did the whole event happen from Minister Gervala's visit to Hamburg?

Gramos Begolli: In line with the established practice, we spent weeks before the event planning it. That way we prepared the agenda, the script, and the list of speakers and guests. David-19 has been an important factor because of rules in Germany where events are limited in terms of participants. Everything was ready and determined, organized and planned. The ministry has been aware that something like this is being prepared, as it is the Independence Day holiday. On February 16, I received messages in Whatsapp from an unknown number. There was no evidence of who she was, claiming she was Minister Gervala. I asked to be directed through official communications to the Ministry. I also asked our ambassador to Germany, the Secretary General, the Office of the MPJD Secretary General, to confirm whether this number is the minister's position. No official response happened until I received other messages from the same number of strict languages and instructions.

Isander newspaper: What exactly has been required of you by Minister Gervala?

Gramos Begolli: The messages in Whatsapp , which already appear to be from Mrs. Gerillas, they wanted Consulate to invite Mr. Muhammad Idriz and to apologize for not having invited him to the event before, as well as to his word during the event. This demand has been unacceptable since we have behind reasons why Mr. Idriz has not been invited since I have not received formal instruction. On February 17th, the Independence Day MPJD Unannounced Gervala appeared in Consulate, along with Mr. Idrizi. I was invited to the office to talk, and I presented my reasons for the situation in question. She asked to speak and, of course, was given the word as the MPJD, and she also told me that I would not speak but that Mr. Idrizi. All of this on Independence Day, at an event organised by the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo!

Isander newspaper: Why did you view Gervala's request as inappropriate?

Gramos Begolli: There are several reasons why this is scandalous and against the rules: - The form and mode of communication at the last minute, the unknown number of whatsapp é; the communication which has not even been corrected since I looked through official channels. The tone of communication was also innocent to a minister who spoke with a general consul. - Then the fact that she appeared in Germany without following any protocol. A minister of foreign affairs cannot travel to just one country, and this is a very friendly country, there are strict rules for the official visit. Its presence without protocol can seriously disturb German authorities; these rules exist for a reason.

He came without announcing the General Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo to announce the authority of the host country to take all actions for high visits to another country.

) He invited us to a meeting in a very ethical and professional way, recommending me to smile and change my organization agenda and ordered me not to take my word, and instead to speak to Mr. Idrizi.

So an event organised by the legitimate institutions of the Republic of Kosovo was turned into a party event where, instead of accredited persons addressing guests, this was done by people close to the minister and her party.

Isander newspaper: Who have you complained to after the minister's visit?

Gramos Begolli: To Kosovo Prime Minister Mr. Kurti and Parliament Speaker Mr. Glauk Konjufca as well as I have put members of the Parliamentary Commission for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

Isander newspaper: What steps do you expect to take after this complaint?

Gramos Begolli: I believe the rules and protocol are broken. Communication regulations, organisational interventions and unprecedented visit. I'm not a lawyer, and I can't judge, but I know our rules and our laws very well and I believe there's been a breach. I alarmed all competent bodies and believe that the body responsible should consider the case and make decisions about possible violations of the rules. If confirmed, I expect the right legal consequences

Isander newspaper: Who is Muhamet Idriz, and what does it mean in Kosovo diplomacy?

Gramos Begolli: I don't know much about Muhamet Idriz, but in many cases from exile in Germany, I have heard him complaining about this person, describing him as a tense and divisive person. As far as diplomacy is concerned, he has done no harm to Kosovo diplomacy and the image of the minister. Moreover, some people have informed me that there is a bad experience in Epipingen, Germany with the Albanian community

Isander newspaper:  Has there been complaints by participants after Idriz got word?

Gramos Begolli: But there have been many complaints by members of the Albanian community in Germany.

Insander newspaper: Have you met Minister Gervala's request for forgiveness?

Gramos Begolli: No, he's never gonna do anything like that. The general consul of the Republic of Kosovo who does the work professionally does not need to apologize to any such person. I in my position, not just Gramos Begolli, but the Consul of the Independent State of Kosovo.

Insander newspaper: How do you assess such an action by Mining Gervala, what this reflects for Kosovo society

Gramos Begolli: Cases like this are indications whether we're a rule-based society, whether we're a legal state, whether we know diplomatic protocol or not. Possible violations should not be passed without legal analysis, and if confirmed by competent authorities, appropriate measures must be taken. That's how serious, organized, democratic states work. The way the minister acted has been the practice of the 1990s when Kosovo has had institutions to organise such events. Now with all these sacrifices being made to create democratic institutions it is meaningless to become the bypass of institutions and the turning back