Havenier: Surprised by criticism surrounding draft status

US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier has said on Wednesday he is surprised by the comments and criticism that are being made for the draft state for the establishment of the majority Serb municipalities in Kosovo proposed by senior Western officials.

“I think the focus should be on how Kosovo can move forward, adopting this draft, if there are questions about constitutionality, as I said earlier, I'm saying again, there's only one body that can decide what is in line with the constitution”, Houvenier said, citing that only the Constitutional Court can decide on the constitutionality of the proposed drive.

He made these statements after a conversation with students in Mitrovica.

Havenier has told the media that the American stance has not changed in terms of association.

“The US believes it is duty for Kosovo to form the Association of Serb-run municipalities. I know that last night the EU and its Council have renewed that expectation, that the Government of Kosovo should make moves in that direction. The US position has been clear. The association should be in line with the current Kosovo Constitution, should be in line with the Constitutional Court's decision, should not be the third level of power, should not have executive competency. We don't want another Republika Srpska. We don't want something that has a negative impact on the functioning of the state of Kosovo”.

Houvenier has even been asked if the proposed draft could change, though he has said the document in question reflects the stance of the West.

“This is a question for [EU envoy for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue Miroslav] Lajcak, I think he has told the Government of Kosovo and others that he is open to comments. But Lajcak's team, with US support, have worked closely on this draft to ensure that it meets all the conditions I mentioned. Is there room for improvement? Maybe. But no time should be wasted in specifics to waste the moment, to move forward with Association”.

Draft-statute for Association has been introduced to Pristina and Belgrade in October.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq have said he is acceptable to them.

Things are not moving forward because of the conditioning of the parties.

In separate meetings with Western officials in October, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said the signing of agreements with the neighbouring country guarantees the implementation of agreements, while Serbia's President Aleksandar Vuciq has insisted on implementing the “that has been signed”.

In recent days, the draft has also been handed over to opposition parties in Kosovo.

In some proposals for Radio Free Europe, their representatives have expressed concern and disagreement with it.

According to them, draft status, as such, affects the unitary character of the state and creates parallels in power.