Rexhaj calls on Haradinaj to report to prosecutors over claims about bombs at protest

The Vetëvendosje Movement MP Arbër Rexhaj said that no concrete date has yet been set for approving the state strategy aimed at supporting the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).

Speaking on the “Interview of the Week” program on kp, Rexhaj said the strategic group is expected to define its scope of work in the coming days. He noted that the Croatian model had been discussed as a reference point, adding that the group would not take over the duties of defense lawyers. According to him, the support would be logistical, financial and diplomatic.

On October 14, the government established a working group to draft the state strategy for the former KLA leaders, following their first-instance convictions by the Specialist Chambers.

Strategy for former KLA leaders still has no approval deadline

Rexhaj said the Croatian model had been considered not only by the Vetëvendosje Movement but also by other political entities. He explained that the comparison was not based on a direct similarity to Operation Storm, since no such operation took place in Kosovo, but on the fact that this is a model that can be applied in Southeastern Europe and the Balkans.

According to Rexhaj, the strategic group will soon define its scope and work to support the former leaders. He stressed that the group’s role should not be confused with that of defense lawyers, who are responsible for legal representation. He added that diplomatic efforts are also needed to challenge the characterization of the KLA as a “joint criminal enterprise” and restore the reputation of the KLA and the Republic of Kosovo.

Regarding the recently passed law related to the Specialist Chambers in The Hague, Rexhaj said that concerns had been raised within the Vetëvendosje Movement about its constitutionality, as well as the possible response from the European Union.

Rexhaj discusses Vetëvendosje’s concerns about the law on the Specialist Chambers

The MP said that although he is not a legal expert in this field, questions about the law’s constitutionality and the position of the relevant European institutions had been raised earlier. He recalled that assurances had been given that the law met all the criteria needed for the process to proceed and for support to be provided to the former KLA leaders.

Rexhaj emphasized that the Vetëvendosje Movement had made its reservations public, while institutional responsibility for the law now rests with Kosovo’s institutions. He said this does not negate institutional responsibility, but that political accountability remains part of the debate.

Asked about Justice Minister Donika Gërvalla’s statements concerning the Specialist Chambers and the possibility of differences within the Vetëvendosje Movement following the adoption of the law, Rexhaj said he saw no problem with her positions. He said support for the former KLA leaders should transcend party divisions and involve institutions, political parties and civil society.

Rexhaj sees no clash with Gërvalla over the Specialist Chambers

Rexhaj recalled that Donika Gërvalla had previously been a member of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and that the statements in question were made while she belonged to that party. He said he did not see this as a problem, noting that Gërvalla had clarified her position and that her involvement had followed the national line.

According to Rexhaj, Gërvalla has made clear that she has no personal connection with the Specialist Chambers and that, if there were any such issue, accusations would by now have been made against the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti and the minister herself.

The MP said everyone may hold their own views, but the issue must be addressed beyond party lines. He noted that the LDK, as a political entity, did not vote for the law in the Kosovo Assembly, but later sent a person to the relevant institutions. Rexhaj said that, at this stage, cross-party agreement and cooperation are needed.

He added that support should not only be cross-party but inclusive, bringing together institutions, the Assembly, parliamentary groups, political parties and civil society.

Rexhaj also commented on statements by Daut Haradinaj of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo concerning claims that people carrying bombs were present at the October 5 and 6 protests. The Vetëvendosje MP called on Haradinaj to explain where he saw the devices and inform the competent authorities, since such a claim concerns national security.

Rexhaj to Haradinaj: Tell prosecutors where you saw the bombs

Rexhaj said it was wrong for a former KLA serviceman, a member of the Haradinaj family and a representative of a political entity to publicly claim that he had seen protesters with bombs. He said that if the claim was based on specific information about events at the protest, the matter should be referred to prosecutors immediately.

The MP called on Haradinaj to say where he had seen the bombs, stressing that the presence of such devices constitutes a threat to national security. He asked whether there had been a plan to arm people who would attack MPs in the Kosovo Assembly or the government, and called for the people in question to be identified.

According to Rexhaj, Haradinaj, as an MP and political figure, should have reported the incident to the police immediately. He said protests are held around causes and with a clear purpose, while claims about armed individuals cannot remain mere public statements.

The MP also said that during the October 5 protest, his car was hit with stones and bricks. He said he had notified the police and that their response was professional.

Rexhaj says his car was damaged during the October 5 protest

Rexhaj said his car was hit after he left the Kosovo Assembly, as protesters surrounded it and threw bricks and stones. He said he understood the protesters’ anger and, although he could have been seriously injured, considered such a situation part of the risks that can arise during protests.

He explained that protesters may throw stones, bricks or fireworks, although this is not acceptable, while maintaining order is the police’s responsibility. Rexhaj said there may have been some pushing or an isolated incident, but he did not believe the police had overstepped its responsibilities. In his assessment, the police response was very professional, even if an incidental situation may have occurred.

Regarding President Justina Shiroka-Pula, Rexhaj said she was a consensus candidate who could help foster political impartiality and stability.

Rexhaj: Shiroka-Pula can ensure stability and political impartiality

Rexhaj described Justina Shiroka-Pula as the outcome of a political agreement between two entities and as a candidate who does not represent the political will of the Vetëvendosje Movement. He recalled that the movement had initially proposed Glauk Konjufca.

According to Rexhaj, Shiroka-Pula’s status as a consensus candidate creates a degree of impartiality and could bring political stability. He said he expected her to take on her state responsibilities and diligently fulfill the obligations of her office.