[ALBSA-Info] NAAC Calls on Kosovar Leaders to Compromise and Form Government

[National Albanian American Council - NAAC]

National Albanian American Council
1700 K Street, N.W., Suite 1201, Washington, DC  20006
481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001
Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova
Telephone: (202) 466-6900   Fax: (202) 466-5593
Web: www.naac.org   Email: naac at naac.org
________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2002        Contact: Sokol Shtylla (202) 466-6900
 
PRESS RELEASE
 
Kosovar Leaders Must Compromise and Form a Government
 
Washington, DC, January 15, 2002: The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) issued the following statement regarding the current political situation in Kosova.
 
As Albanian-Americans who worked tirelessly for the freedom of Kosova and the opportunity for its independence, we are deeply concerned with the slow progress the elected representatives of the people of Kosova are making in forming the new administration.
  
On November 17, 2001, Kosovars went to the polls to cast their historic vote in the first free general elections of the country.  They expressed their political will and elected their representatives to the Kosova Parliament to carry out the people's business and work together for the future of Kosova.  No political party gained a majority of votes in this Parliament to govern by itself, thus requiring cooperation and coalitions to be formed.   This is not an unusual outcome of these elections, nor is it a high expectation of the leadership of a multiparty parliamentary system to be able to handle the outcome of the elections and organize a government in a timely fashion.    

Two months have passed since the elections and the political parties in Kosova have failed to select the heads of key ministries and even to identify individuals to potentially fill some of the key executive positions to form a government.  Under normal circumstances, the political negotiations that are currently taking place are to be expected.  We must, however, not forget that the level of scrutiny on Kosova is higher than normal and the expectations even greater.  A prolonged stalemate would have grave implications for this first administration and the direct and indirect losses would be enormous for the fledgling economy.   This is an historic moment in which politicians have to work together for the good of Kosova, as the electorate was promised by the heads of each of the major political factors.  

It is the time for the elected servants of the people to find a political compromise in the interest of Kosova and for the media to raise its voice for the people.  We view it as constructive that there have been proposals offered by a number of the leaders for potential solutions but it is time that a compromise position is achieved.  We call on all political factions in Kosova and their representatives in the Parliament to make true their electoral pledges of working for and representing the people of Kosova at 21 century standards. The time has come to put aside personal/political agendas and work together to reach a stable governing arrangement for Kosova.

The people of Kosova exceeded expectations during their engagement in the electoral process.  The eyes of the international community are on Kosova and it is only through goodwill, dialogue, and cooperation that we will succeed in making its future better.  By putting aside differences and personal interests and by successfully governing, the new administration in Kosova, when formed, will be able to rebuff claims that Kosova cannot effectively manage its independence. 

After witnessing the finest electoral process in the region, we believe that Kosova has a chance to be a shining beacon for democracy in the Balkans.  It is the wish of the people to achieve this goal and the will of the people must govern Kosova.  
 
The National Albanian American Council ("NAAC") is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs.
 
For more information on the National Albanian American Council please visit us on the web at www.naac.org
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