PDK MP Eliza Hoxha called on Kosovo to develop a strategy for cultural, public and historical diplomacy to explain the country’s war of liberation in its proper context and its journey toward freedom and independence.
Speaking in the Assembly, Hoxha said legal, political and financial support for the appeal before the Specialist Chambers should be accompanied by an organized effort in diplomacy and culture.
Të lidhura
None found
She said such a strategy should present the full context of the war of liberation and protect the dignity of the struggle for freedom, without undermining respect for justice, victims’ rights or the independence of the judicial process. She stressed that the aim should not be limited to responding to a verdict, but should represent a long-term investment in presenting Kosovo’s history, identity and experience internationally.
Hoxha described the institutions’ approach to date as largely reactive. She said that during the six years of proceedings in The Hague, few cultural activities presenting Kosovo’s historical truth had been held abroad.
The MP also voiced concern about Serbia’s investment in film productions and diplomatic activities which, she said, distort the history of the war in Kosovo. In response, she called for more high-quality creative work to tell the country’s story through contemporary forms of artistic expression.
Among the steps Hoxha proposed were securing war photographs from local photographers and foreign agencies, as well as increasing funding for scientific research and academic publications on Kosovo’s recent history.
She said the effort should bring together historical, cultural, academic, media and citizen diplomacy, with the involvement of the diaspora and allies.
Hoxha also called for cultural attachés to be appointed to Kosovo’s embassies and for a Culture Strategy to be drawn up. She criticized the lack of results in these areas, despite the relevant ministries reaching an agreement in 2020 and the concept document for arts and culture being approved in 2022.
Finally, the MP proposed expanding the State Strategy for the Specialist Chambers to include parallel diplomatic and cultural activities. These activities would not directly intervene in the appeal, she said, but would help international partners better understand the context of Kosovo’s struggle for freedom.
