The public is conscious: The Gervala ministry reacts after Periscop exclusive reporting

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with a communique concerning several reports of Gani Jakupi, the Kosovo Embassy's foreign adviser to Brussels, that it is paid 7,500 euros.

The MPJD says that in terms of the contract, all procedures followed have largely refrained from the laws of the Republic of Kosovo.

As much as the amount of material compensation does not amount to a literal salary, but includes all the costs related to the fulfillment of the contract, among other things, covering the cost of life and other expenses for professional engagement in Brussels. The amount in question does not in any respect exceed the standards of similar consultancy contracts, which are aimed at diplomatic insight into states and in various areas and significantly exceeds the cost of a senior diplomat of the Republic of Kosovo in Western Europe”.

MPJD says it must also be clarified that in the foreign consultant's commitment there has been no conflict of interest, while during the selection process, as in all other cases, the factor has been expertise and professional competence and the benefit of strengthening our country's international subjectivity.

The broad public is aware that in the past there were 50-folder contracts, but with results many times more modest than the contract mentioned during these days”.

Full response:

Regarding media reports about a contract for the commitment of foreign consultant through the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Brussels, with the aim of accurate information from the public, the Foreign Ministry and Diaspora report:

The controversial contract has been linked under the addition of the capacities of the Republic of Kosovo to penetrate particularly certain states, which have not yet recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as to offer literal consultations in the field of public and cultural diplomacy.

The contract has been linked to respecting all legal procedures. The consultant's selection has been made based on the specific needs of the concrete project and its specific knowledge. The numerous contacts of the consultant selected in the world of culture and media, especially in a number of states that have not yet recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, are a precious asset to our culture, diplomacy and state. The selected consultant is a well - known artist in the extensive cultural and artistic circles of Western Europe, especially in France, Belgium, and Spain, but also in much of Latin American countries.

It is important to note that as regards the content of the contract and specifically the sum mentioned in the media, all procedures have been contained with fanaticism in the laws of the Republic of Kosovo. The more the amount of material compensation is not a literal salary, but it includes all the costs related to the fulfillment of the contract - among other things, the covering of life costs and other professional commitments in Brussels. The amount in question does not in any respect exceed the standards of similar consultancy contracts, which are aimed at diplomatic insight into state and various areas and significantly exceeds the cost of a senior diplomat of the Republic of Kosovo in Western Europe.

It should also be clarified that in the foreign consultant's commitment there has been no conflict of interest, while during the selection process, as in all other cases, the factor has been expertise and professional competence and the benefits of strengthening our country's international subjectivity. The general public is aware that in the past there have been 50-folder contracts, but with results many times more modest than the contract discussed during these days.

The nature of diplomatic activity and specific instruments used for achieving foreign policy goals, not only in Kosovo, is such that publishing detailed information is destined to seriously damage the diplomacy and interests of the Republic of Kosovo. This is especially true of Kosovo's efforts to contact and establish co-operation with states, which have not yet recognised Kosovo's independence, as well as the states in which access to our official diplomacy is limited.

The Republic of Kosovo has so many citizens around the world who, despite their extraordinary professional success in many different areas, have never forgotten their country. In addition to their professional career, they are fully engaged in overcoming the different challenges that Kosovo has faced and continues to face along the process of strengthening its international subjectivity. For this devotion they are highly commended.

) The MPJD will not cease in the future to seek and enable the contribution of all who have the will and opportunity to help in various areas of diplomacy, to place Kosovo in the country deserved in the international arena as the independent, sovereign and democratic Republic.