German Ambassador supports Kosovo FM Gervalla, condemns today’s developments in Assembly

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Gazeta Express

06/05/2021 19:10

German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, has reacted following today’s clashes in the Assembly of Kosovo between ruling and opposition MPs.

Ambassador Rohde in a statement posted on Twitter has supported Kosovo Foreign Minister, Donika Gervalla, saying the personal attack against her is unacceptable.

“Today’s scenes in the Assembly were unbecoming for a Parliament. I also find the personal attacks against FM Gervalla unacceptable,” Ambassador Rohde wrote.

MPs of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) in opposition clashed with the MPs of ruling party Vetevendosje. The heated debate prompted almost a physical clash after Kosovo Foreign Minister Donika Gervalla accused the PDk of voting the establishment of Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) established to prosecute and try alleged crimes of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). The Hague-based court has filed an indictment against former KLA leaders, including two former leaders of the PDK, Hashim Thaci and Kadri Veseli.

The debate was reignited after media published a statement of Gervalla who in 2017 stated that she would send materials to the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) on alleged crimes of certain individuals within the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).

Reporting before MPs on Thursday Gervalla has denied any cooperation with the KSC and reiterated that The Hague based court was established by the PDK and its allies. Her statements in the Assembly prompted reaction of the PDK MPs who interrupted the session after an intense debate with the ruling MPs of Vetevendosje.

German Ambassador in his statement posted on Twitter said that Germany, like all EU member states, fully supports the Kosovo Parliament’s decision, passed by a two third majority, to establish the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.

“Fighting impunity and investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity is part of the Kosovar commitment to the rule of law. Germany is convinced that fighting impunity through national and international criminal courts is part of a responsible legal and foreign policy,” Rohde said.

“There can be no lasting peace in a society without justice. We owe it also to the families of the victims. It is important to support the important work of the KSC which is enshrined in Kosovar law,” Ambassador Rohde said. /GazetaExpress/