In the United States, members of VATRA, and Albanians everywhere, are alarmed by the worsening situation that has been created in Kosova. Images of chaos and disorder that have been coming live from Prishtina do not resemble a society where constituents elect their most capable representatives to work toward solidifying independence, enhancing the wellbeing of the citizenry and represent their concerns in parliament with dignity.
The behavior of the parliament, a lawmaking body whose decisions impact Kosova’s fate, is akin to out of control fans in a sports arena which is a contradiction to the tradition of the council of elders where two opposing sides were heard, arguments were weighed without emotion and disputes settled rationally and justly indicative of a civilized people.
The scenes outside Kosova’s parliament conjure up memories of a recent history marred with Kosovars’ confronting Serbian and Montenegrin police. It does not resemble a populous enjoying a hard won freedom that required so much blood sacrifice.
We cannot condone the oppositions’ use of violence with connotations anarchy, which are unacceptable in a civilized society and are condemnable as antidemocratic, at the same time they diminish legitimacy their own cause however righteous it may be.
The government coalition is no less to blame for creating a situation that is bursting at the seams. Pervasive corruption that extends to the highest levels of government; officials—elected or appointed—become rich overnight, while citizens grow more destitute, unemployment rises, young people hopeless for their future, and thousands of families leave their homeland in a mass exodus. Political jockeying and an unquenchable thirst for power and for limitless wealth, are some of the voiced grievances of the people, who are the ones officials, both from parliament and government should be serving.
Instead of improving, the situation deteriorated to an alarming rate after the government signed accords with Serbia regarding Zajednica and Montenegro on redefining the border. The opposition accuses the government of grave negligence that damage Kosova’s sovereignty, while the government claims the opposite. The matter now rests in the hands of the Constitutional Court. The opposition should show patience and allow the Court to perform its function.
In order to resolve this perilous situation in Kosova, we believe that firstly, a referendum should be held as soon as possible on the accords about which the public should be well-informed and understand the implications involved. This way, the people, in a safe and secure environment decide to accept the accords or discard them and opt for a new round of negotiations. Secondly, calling for early elections should be seriously considered.
We sincerely hope that all political entities, in the best interests of the people and the republic of Kosova, resolve their differences and create an atmosphere of reason in order to move towards stability and progress for the nation and the welfare of the people.