99 MPs back declaration on the Specialist Chambers, Fadil Maloku explains its significance

Kosovo’s Assembly on Monday adopted a declaration on the Specialist Chambers’ judgment in The Hague against four former KLA leaders.

Through the document, MPs rejected as unacceptable the finding that there was a “common criminal purpose.”

Professor Fadil Maloku told “Bota sot” that the declaration’s 99 votes in favor demonstrated broad political agreement in the Assembly.

He said the adoption was particularly significant in the current circumstances, as it represents the institutions’ effort to establish a common position on an issue linked to the KLA war and Kosovo’s state-building process.

“The adoption of this declaration with 99 votes in favor, no votes against and no abstentions is a significant indication that a form of political consensus is beginning to take shape.

Given the circumstances Kosovo currently finds itself in, its weight, in my sociological assessment, is undoubtedly much greater.

The declaration clearly shows that the Assembly is seeking to establish a collective institutional position on an event that affects not only the convicted individuals, but also how a large part of Kosovo society understands the KLA war and Kosovo’s state-building,” the professor said.

Maloku described the declaration as an important step toward political legitimation and strengthening collective memory. However, he stressed that it is not a legal act and cannot affect the court’s decision.

The professor also emphasized that the vote showed that the Assembly can overcome political divisions and deadlock through solidarity and shared commitment.

“I would describe it as an important act of political legitimation and consolidation of collective memory, but not as a legal act that can intervene in the court’s decision.

Nevertheless, in this case I also noticed an interesting sociological paradox. An Assembly that until yesterday was generating polarization and deadlock showed today that, when there is solidarity and goodwill, it is possible to move forward,” he concluded.

PERMBAJTJA:

Kosovo