The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga has sent a letter to President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Affairs, Ms. Caterina Ashton, and the representatives of the five states, U.S., UK, Germany, France and Italy, after the decision of the Republic of Serbia on holding elections in the territory of Kosovo.
In the letter it is written:
Since the declaration of independence of the Republic of Kosovo in February 2008, my country has developed following democratic principles with a clear intention of seeking membership in Euro-Atlantic organizations. European Union, for many years, has played an important role in Kosovo in building a democratic, inclusive and law abiding society. Our European path is a joint effort of the European Union and the international community to build a stable state, a factor of peace and stability and a leading example of respect for human rights for all its citizens.
As the President of the Republic of Kosovo I am fully committed to these democratic principles. Therefore, I write to express my deep concern over the announcement by the Republic of Serbia to organize and hold elections in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo through which it seeks to breach the sovereignty of my country, to strongly challenge its territorial integrity and to provoke instability in Kosovo. Kosovo cannot allow any neighboring state, or its so-called representatives that run illegal parallel structures within our territory, to organize elections of any kind anywhere in the Republic of Kosovo.
Any efforts by the Republic of Serbia to organize such elections in the Republic of Kosovo violate international norms and laws as well as key European principles. As such, these efforts are illegal and unacceptable.
The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo acknowledge the international standard that dual nationals enjoy the right to vote in national elections and we express our willingness to respect those rights. We work towards finding practical solutions that are consistent with the European standards, international law, and the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, but we cannot accept any electoral process to be held in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo that undermines the country’s status as an independent state.
The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, the Constitution and its laws are the sole authority to call for and govern any kind of elections held in the Republic of Kosovo.
The holding of the elections of the Republic of Serbia in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo will be a serious setback to the efforts of the people of Kosovo and the international community, who have worked hard for the past two decades to restore a sense of normalcy in the region.
It is a step back and not a step forward towards European integration. It is reminiscent of the rhetoric and actions of the past that do not become a country seeking membership in the European Union.
This announcement has already caused tensions among Kosovo’s citizens who have worked relentlessly to create an independent country based on the civic principle and continue to make important strides to build a society based on equality.
Kosovo’s institutions have successfully completed the process of decentralization that allowed the creation of new municipalities with a Serbian majority as foreseen by the Comprehensive Status Proposal, guaranteeing broad rights for the Serbian community in the Republic of Kosovo.
This plan provides the basis for the integration of Kosovo’s northern municipalities. It allows for the citizens of this part of the country to without hindrance elect legitimate representatives who would defend and further the interests and benefits enjoyed by the majority of the Serbian community in the Republic of Kosovo.
The toleration of this act conducted by the Republic of Serbia also endangers the EU-facilitated dialogue and the implementation of all the agreements reached between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia, risking the halt of this crucial process for the future of the region.
I appeal to the European Union and the international community to show determination and to prevent the organization of these elections in the Republic of Kosovo. The Republic of Serbia should be reminded that one of the key requirements to continue its path toward EU membership is the principle of good neighborly relations.
I would like, once again, to express my deep consideration for your understanding and help for all processes in Kosovo.