Drilon Gashi

June 15th, 2008 or Constitution Day, marks yet another milestone in the more recent history of the Republic of Kosova. So while Sunday, February 17th 2008 was Independence Day; Sunday, June 15th, 2008 effectively represents “Sovereignty Day”. In actuality, the Constitution of Kosova coming into force represents “increased” sovereignty for the new state and not necessarily full sovereignty. This lack of full sovereignty was expected and recommended since the Constitution includes the Ahtisaari Plan and supervised independence as the initial solution for Kosova’s status issue.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon clarified for the Government in Prishtina what exactly they would be celebrating on Sunday. His statement or as he referred to it, the “least objectionable option” was issued to Kosovar President Fatmir Sejdiu last Thursday and outlined the co-existence of UNMIK, EULEX, and the Government of Kosova. To sum it up, the plan outlines the gradual decline of the political competencies of UNMIK in favor of increasing operational control and responsibilities for EULEX and more importantly the Government of Kosova.

This statement by Ban Ki-Moon indirectly supporting the reality of an Independent Kosova is important for political clarity in Kosova, towards transparency for the 43 countries that have recognized the Republic of Kosova, and for countries that are yet to recognize Kosova. If countries have been skeptical in their individual recognition to this point, it should comfort them to know that as of June 15th, the Republic of Kosova is officially sovereign as well as independent.

Not surprisingly, Serbia was not pleased at the political development of Kosova. It seems that they would be much more content with an unstable Kosova; one which would instead have a lack of development that could be blamed on “the Albanians”. Perhaps this instability could also make it easier for Belgrade to once again conquer and invade Kosova, something that they were able to do 96 years ago, in 1912. Since the Republic of Kosova seems to be closely and effectively collaborating with the international authorities (therefore moving forward), a different strategy has been pursued by Serbian authorities towards an instable Kosova, one they are taking into their own hands.

Slobodan Samardzic, the former Serbian Minister for Kosova, has planned that at the end of this month, there be a creation of a parallel Serbian parliament in Kosova. That would therefore create a Kosovar Parliament, made up of majority Kosovar Albanians and the minorities of Kosova (including the Serbian minority) with special minority rights and privileges; and a parallel Serbian Parliament in Kosova which is totally illegal and unrecognized, not even recognized by neighboring Serbia according to Boris Tadic. Let’s not forget to mention that this attempt at instability is also undemocratic and instead, a foolish challenge by the radical nationalist faction of Serbia. 

The Republic of Kosova has an important road ahead, apart from assuming increased political authority in line with the Constitution of Kosova; the focus of the Government must also be on increased lobbying towards the recognition of their new state. The goal is recognition from 97 countries by September, something that can lead towards becoming a UN member state in the near future. Apart from supporting the recognition of Kosova, the new Constitution with high democratic standards is a good way to continue forward for all of the citizens of Kosova, who will eagerly stand to benefit.

Drilon writes from Prishtina.

Comments (2)

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Sebaneau said:

	The question is: what provisions does said Constitution have in the way of punishing treasonous citizens who openly agitate for annexation by a foreign, hostile power?
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June 19, 2008
Votes: +3

Dardanian said:

	Superb work, Drilon. The constitution of the Republic of Kosova is one the most democratic ones in the world.
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June 17, 2008
Votes: +8