Kurt's failure to appear at the Attorney, the Government reacts: In the United States and France, state officials are witnessing at the office, why are you making an exception?

The prime minister's office has again reacted to the question of the prime minister's testimony in office, Albin Kurti, to the Special Prosecutor, who has refused to give it Monday as ordered by the court.

Kurt's office says this case has been politicised and reiterated that Kurti is willing to give the testimony, but on condition that it is taken into his office.

“Why is this unnecessary insistence on a procedure that has no impact on the core of the matter?”, the ZKM said in response.

Moreover, ZKM said that so far they have not responded to the public agenda because of respect for the legal process, which it says should be carried out without outside interference.

Response:

Prime Minister's Office Reaction Over Public Debate on Prime Minister-Designed Witness on State Reserve Issue

Dear citizens,

These days, a public debate has been raised on an issue that should not have been politicised: giving the prime minister's testimony about state reserves. During this time, we have faced a wave of dezinforms and attempts to forge a false perception of this process. Therefore, it is important to clarify the facts and defend the principles of a just and democratic society.

Not our until now reaction has been a lack of attention, but respect for the legal process that should be carried out without outside interference. However, it has become clear that we are facing an open attempt to manipulate and confuse public opinion.

We want to be clear: Prime Minister Kurti never refused to testify. Rather, it has offered full cooperation to help justice accomplish its work of integrity.

The willingness and will to bear witness has been offered on several occasions and at different times at the Office of the Prime Minister. In all developed democracies, including the US and France, it is standard practice for top state officials to testify from their offices, to maintain the disrepute and avoid politicisation of legal processes. The same principle has been implemented in Kosovo, at least in the case of two former prime ministers and even the current deputy prime minister! Why, then, is the exception? Why this unnecessary insistence on a procedure that has no impact on the core of the matter?

The prime minister continues to be willing to testify quickly, the better, for the purposes of justice and respect of institutions. Our government has brought major reforms, especially in government transparency and the fight against corruption, which have been recognised and praised by independent international organisations like Transparency International. We strongly support the independence of the judicial system, but reject its use as a means of political gain.

Never in post-war Kosovo, there was more effort to reform justice, ranging from the package of anti-corruption laws to the state Bureau for the seizure of unwarrantable property. With all efforts to halt the demanding reform of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council and eliminate corruption in this system, reform will take place and life.

It is not and cannot be anyone's duty, especially the commercial and economic chambers, to give legal opinions or to influence judicial processes. Businesses and economic organisations have an important role in the country's development. Our government has been a strong ally of their work by providing institutional and political stability and promoting economic growth, which has led to doubling foreign direct investment over the past four years.

Those who seek to misuse this issue for political purposes must find honest ways to challenge the government through ideas and policies that serve citizens.

The prime minister's office remains open and co-operative with any institution acting in line with principles of justice and impartiality.