Everything that has been done so far with regard to transition in Kosovo judiciary is a result of civil society initiatives. According to Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED) officials, this initiative includes a wide range of Kosovo’s past.

“Kosovo is not a particular case since as a concept judiciary in transition was implemented in countries that had a difficult past, either dictatorial or wars. I think that with today’s conference that is being supported by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (Knut Vollebaek) we are launching a public debate for this matter,” stated KIPRED official Lulzim Peci.

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi stated that Kosovo entered the process of democratic reforms and that it is a positive example for countries in transition. According to him, reforms in institutions, particularly in the judiciary system is a state obligation.

“To achieve these goals, establishment of professional judiciary and prosecution services that administrate the Kosovo judiciary system in professional and transparent manner is of utmost importance,” stated Thaçi.

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek said that launching of this discussion paper is a good step towards reconciliation of communities. According to him, non-punishment leads to conflicts and prevents contacts between the communities.

“In order for Kosovo to become a success story, communication should be restored amidst communities. This includes the willingness to address concerns, violations that took place and to enter a constructive debate, and this is the paper that KIPRED is presenting” stated Vollebaek.

“The reality here in Kosovo proves that irrespective of the work done in the past, during last ten years, an extraordinary work remains to be done in this field and I have to tell you that this field falls entirely under the EULEX mandate,” stated Alberto Perduca, head of EULEX justice.

“During the last six months Special Prosecution Office has worked or works on 63 cases or war crime cases. 31 of them were inherited from UNMIK prosecutors. So, this is the first inheritance that comes from UNMIK,” added Perduca.

On this occasion, KIPRED published the discussion paper with the topic “Transitional justice in Kosovo”.