The topic of formation of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities has again sparked heated debate among top political figures in Kosovo, revealing deep tensions between Pristina and the European Union. Today, Besnik Tahiri, head of the parliamentary group for the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK), rebuked recent criticisms by Kosovo Assembly President Glauk Konjufca, emphasizing that Kosovo’s leaders have already committed to the Association in writing.
“On March 23, Osmani, Kurti, and Konjufca signed an agreement to establish the Association. What more could be needed than the signatures of our top three leaders, pledging the formation of this Association?” Tahiri said in a statement today.
Tahiri’s remarks came as a response to Konjufca’s comments earlier in the day, where the Assembly President stated that, while the European Union could criticize Kosovo for delays, “no specific deadline exists” for forming the Association.
The comments from both leaders emerged after a session of the Assembly Presidency, where parliamentary group leaders also scheduled two sessions for this week. Following the meeting, they addressed the press, with Konjufca opening by questioning the EU’s approach toward Kosovo.
Konjufca: EU Should Not Draft Kosovo’s Association Plan
Speaking on recent EU criticism over Pristina’s delay, Konjufca argued that the European Union’s decision to offer its own draft proposal for the Association earlier this year was discriminatory as it reportedly “strips Kosovo of its sovereign authority.”
“Kosovo must sit down with the EU and clarify, once and for all, who has authority here,” Konjufca said, according to local media outlet Koha.
“The EU cannot be the one to propose an Association draft on Kosovo’s behalf. By doing so, they strip Kosovo of its sovereign authority… Kosovo has the right to present its own draft for the Association’s status. Delays or not, we are still under EU measures, but this does not mean our authority can be taken away,” he asserted.
AAK’s Besnik Tahiri: Government Deflects with Issues on the North, Bridge, and Association
Besnik Tahiri from the AAK criticized the government today, accusing it of using topics like the Association, the North, and the Mitrovica Bridge to deflect from unresolved social issues.
“Every time we need to discuss social issues, they bring up the North, the Association, the Bridge. They have nothing left to talk about,” he stated.
Tahiri presented a document from March 23, showing a letter signed by President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Assembly President Glauk Konjufca, promising to establish the Association. Addressed to Dora Bakoyannis, the Council of Europe’s rapporteur on Kosovo, the letter reflects Kosovo’s commitment to form the Association.
“So, what more could you want than the signatures of the three leaders—the Prime Minister, the President, and the Speaker of Parliament? They are committing here to form the Association,” he concluded.
PDK’s Abelard Tahiri Calls Konjufca’s Remarks “Election-season Posturing”
Adding to the tension, Abelard Tahiri from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) criticized Konjufca’s remarks as pre-election rhetoric, claiming they offer no tangible benefit for the people. He argued that the Self-Determination Movement, to which Konjufca belongs, lacks a clear plan for Kosovo.
“These are unserious statements in a dire situation. They’re merely election-season posturing, which does nothing for the people,” he said. Tahiri expressed hope that the upcoming elections would result in a new government capable of lifting EU sanctions on Kosovo.
“Kosovo will have a new government that can remove sanctions, restore our funding, and open up new opportunities,” Tahiri asserted, pointing to recent developments he believes signal Kosovo’s current state under the EU measures.
Tahiri cited a recent visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the region, observing how her statements toward Albania and Kosovo differed sharply.
“You saw the difference in her stance towards Albania and Kosovo. In Albania, she reaffirms the European agenda and the benefits of EU funds, while here, Kurti is left asking for sanctions to be lifted,” Tahiri said.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
