President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi was part of today’s discussions with members of civil society within the forum of organization “FOL”.
During the discussions with members of civil society, President Thaçi said he will continue to encourage institutional leaders, politicians and members of civil society to support internal and external dialogue.
He said that normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo means a normalization for all ethnic groups living in our region.
“Now we have a new relationship with Serbia, but I think that the current dialogue in Brussels should not turn into a monotonous and routine process. Advancement of this process is necessary, dynamism and a new energy towards new agreements, which would lead to new neighborly relations, towards reconciliation and cooperation between our peoples”, President Thaçi said.
Also, he said that the issue of missing persons and of displaced persons from their homes must be answered.
President Thaçi said that another priority which he intends to strengthen is the justice system.
“There is no doubt that we have a very modern legal framework, the most advance in the region and, we can say, in Europe as well. However, we have identified shortcomings, some gaps in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo. I have discussed with the President of the Assembly, the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice to initiate some necessary amendments to the Criminal Code. What does this beginning of amendments to the Criminal Code mean? It implies legal amendments in prosecutorial, judicial as well as correctional centers aspects.
At the same time, we will undergo important amendments which will ensure that no one is above the law in Kosovo. I will support and promote the independent and professional work of the judiciary in Kosovo”, President Thaçi said.
He added that he will work with civil society to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens by any institution in Kosovo.
The head of state said that a pillar of his presidential agenda is also safeguarding and accomplishment of the constitutional mandate.
“President of Kosovo, under the Constitution, is the guarantor of the democratic functioning of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, in compliance with the Constitution itself. Therefore, I will strictly follow my mandate and powers to initiate and enable amendments within my powers and mandate”, he said.
President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi concluded that Kosovo has put in place a tradition of respect for the Constitution and that we will foster respect for the state institutions, for rule of law, as a principle and as a value, on which we should build our country.