German Foreign Ministry: Kosovo parties to form new government and move forward dialogue, visas

Gazeta Express

21/01/2020 15:46

German Foreign Ministry says Kosovo remains a high priority on their foreign policy agenda, both in the EU and bilaterally.

In an answer to Gazeta Express the German Foreign Ministry encouraged winners of October elections in Kosovo to form a new government, taking into account and fulfilling the will of the people of Kosovo.

“This remains all the more important with regard to the continued domestic reform process, focusing on the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as administrative reform in the country,” the German Foreign Ministry told Gazeta Express in a written statement.

“We are convinced that the process of forming a new government should be driven by domestic actors. Strong domestic institutions can provide the citizens of Kosovo with much-needed services and create the right conditions for growth and prosperity,” the statement reads.

“In order to make the case for Kosovo’s priorities in Brussels and the capitals of EU Member States – such as visa liberalization with the EU – Kosovo needs to form a new government,” the German Foreign Ministry says. According to German’s Foreign Ministry, on the regional level, the relationship with Serbia continues to constitute a major obstacle for Kosovo in order to tap its full potential. “It is essential to restart the dialogue on normalisation under the aegis of the EU High Representative and to re-enter into substantial negotiations with the aim of a sustainable and comprehensive agreement which contributes also to the stability of the region,” German Foreign Ministry concluded.

Kosovo held early elections on 6 October 2019 after Ramush Haradinaj resigned as prime minister. The Vetevendosje Movement won the elections but they lack majority in Parliament and currently are negotiating with the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) to form a coalition. Despite ongoing negotiations, the two parties have failed to reach a deal on sharing power in new government.

The president of Kosovo Hashim Thaci has mandated on Monday the Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti to form new Government who according to the Constitution has 15 days to present his cabinet before the Parliament. Germany and other EU member countries and EU institutions have called Kosovo political parties to swiftly form new institutions. /GazetaExpress/