rapporteur Bakoyannis of the pro-member of Kosovo in KiE: Minorities Will Better Protect

It for the Serbian media “N1” said that “the protection of Serb minorities and others in Kosovo will be much better if Kosovo becomes a member of the Council of Europe”.

On March 27th, the meeting of ministers of the Council of Europe, where its report on Kosovo for possible Kosovo membership in this organisation can be voted.

Bakoyannis says it is not yet certain whether this will be so, because “are a series of preconditions that must be met until that report is ready”.

“I will recommend oversight for Kosovo by the Council of Europe. A post-monitorial process will follow, which can begin if the Council of Ministers continues with his vote, because they are responsible for making decisions”.

It is a process in which members of the political committee follow every step that must be implemented.

“Pristina must agree to implement those steps in the coming months and years. This happens with all countries, because no country is perfect, unfortunately, so all countries in our Council have problems with implementation regarding human rights and this is something we monitor in all countries and will be monitored in Kosovo, in case the Committee of Ministers decides to accept Kosovo into the Council of Europe”.

Bakoyannis has also spoken of the decision to register the Decani Monastery on land, naming the implementation of the Kosovo Constitutional Court's decision as a major success in the region, but also the most important step towards the protection of the Serbian Orthodox Church so far.

“This shows a clear sign that there is a goal of authorities in Pristina to obey rule of law and initiate reforms needed for the safe status of the Serb minority”, she told the Serbian media.

She believes she has done her job “with honesty and consistency, that she has allowed no pressure”, so she has been able to present a detailed description of the situation in Kosovo at the Council of Europe ministerial committee.

It is not just 24 ha for the monastery, but a symbol and a gesture for all Orthodox Christians in the Balkans. I am an Orthodox woman myself, and you understand how important it is for that civilization to be protected and today protected after 25 years and after that decision made in Pristina”.

I'm sure not naive. I know and am fully aware that there is also a list of outstanding serious cases involving democracy and rule of law in Kosovo, as well as the strong resistance of Pristina on different fronts. The Council of Europe knows this very well, but the fact that in five months we managed to resolve an issue that dragged on for 25 years is a huge achievement and will be in my” report.

Bakoyannis has also been asked about the additional conditions they are mentioned to be set for membership in the KiE.

She says her report will certainly contain all concerns and reserves when it comes to the stance of Serbs and other communities in Kosovo.

All those concerns about democratic status, the state of the Serb minority, the problems we face, all of these will be mentioned in detail in the report I mentioned”, she points out.

She stressed that her report will present the current situation in Kosovo to colleagues in the Council of Europe for human and religious rights, achieved progress on the difference between implementation and actual adoption of law.

Bakoyanis acknowledged that she feels honored that her colleagues chose her for reporting the Council of Europe for Kosovo, despite Greece's non-recognition of Kosovo, considering it as a sign of confidence that she will do her work responsibly.

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