31/10/2012 Political Affairs and Democracy
Strasbourg, 31.10.2012 – “This is my third visit to Kosovo(*) since the adoption of my last report in 2010. My impression is that the democratic interplay in Kosovo is improving over the years, but democracy needs time,” said Björn von Sydow (Sweden, SOC), Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), speaking to the media at the end of a two-day visit to Kosovo (29-30 October 2012).
“Sustained effort is needed to improve the functioning of democratic institutions, to build an efficient public administration, independent institutions and judicial system, to do away with a culture of impunity and to implement effective rule of law. The legislative framework for the fight against corruption needs to be further strengthened and fully implemented.”
Mr von Sydow also highlighted a number of challenges which Kosovo has to face, including the normalisation of relations between Pristina and Belgrade within the framework of the European Union mediated dialogue, freedom of movement in North Kosovo, media freedom, returnees, refugees and internally displaced persons, and access to information and education for all communities living in Kosovo, including vulnerable groups.
“Kosovo has an advanced Constitution and a sophisticated body of legislation. What is needed now is the vision, the vigour and the political will to pursue the path of implementation to make Kosovo a viable place,” stressed Mr von Sydow. “Concrete and tangible results have to be achieved. My aim would be for the Council of Europe to help Kosovo rise to the challenge of delivering effective human rights, democracy and the rule of law guarantees to all its citizens,” he added.
The Rapporteur also visited the monastery in Peja/Peç, spiritual home of the Serbian Orthodox Church. “Each and every element of the religious and cultural heritage of Kosovo is an integral part of what makes up the cultural identity of Kosovo. Kosovo must strive to become a ‘society of citizens’, rather than just a place where majority and minority communities merely co-exist in parallel, without genuine and day-to-day interaction,” he concluded.
During his visit, Mr von Sydow held exchanges of view with high-level policy makers, independent bodies and community representatives, as well as NGOs and representatives of international organisations. He plans to make a fact-finding visit to Belgrade on 15-16 November 2012 and to present a report with a view to a Parliamentary Assembly debate in January 2013.
(*). Throughout this text, all reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.