Prishtina, January 20, 2014- FOL Movement is notified today that it has successfully become a member of the United Nations Convention against Corruption – Coalition UNCAC (www.uncaccoalition.org). UNCAC Coalition is a global network of civil society organizations that engages and promotes the fight against corruption through advocacy for ratification, implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Convention against Corruption – UNCAC. This coalition is established in 2006, through mobilization of civil society organization of UNCAC in international, national and regional level.

On this occasion, FOL Movement expresses its gratitude for the trust given by the UNCAC Coalition to be part of this global commitment in the fight against corruption. This is also a sign that proves the recognition and contribution of FOL Movement and its partners in promoting fight against corruption in Kosovo. We believe that this is a good opportunity for us to increase our commitment to fulfil our mission, through cooperation and exchange of experiences with other regional and international organizations as part of UNCAC Coalition.

Gjilan, 16th January 2014 – Regarding the initiative to discuss transparency of local governments, FOL Movement oday met the Mayor of Gjilan Mr. Haziri. In this meeting was discussed about the possibility of cooperation between the Municipality of Gjilan and FOL Movement and particularly about the possibility of monitoring the public procurement processes in Gjilan Municipality.

Petrit Zogaj from FOL Movement said that monitoring of public procurement processes intends to increase the level of transparency and accountability in this sector, because through this mechanism is spent a large amount of the public money. Petrit Zogaj also said that “monitoring will impact to prevent misuse, mismanagement and corruption in this sector and will serve in respecting the law and procedures in procurement processes. In addition, he stressed that public communication office should be opened and active and improve citizens’ access to public documents”.

Whereas the Mayor of Gjilan, Mr. Haziri expressed his willingness as mayor about the possibilities of cooperation. He further stated that “the cooperation with civil society is a municipal interest, as mayor I have asked the procurement office to create committees of citizens who will participate in monitoring of procurement procedures in the municipality of Gjilan”.

At the meeting was also discussed about the process of Kosovo’s membership in international organization Open Government Partnership, where Mayor Haziri said that it was a very important membership of Kosovo in this organization, this would help Kosovo in establishing an open government. This process, according to the attendees of the meeting will also affect the implementation of electronic procurement which would affect the efficiency of the procurement sector and prevent misuses and mismanagement in this sector by increasing transparency.

At the end of the meeting both sides agreed that in a short time they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to monitor public procurement procedures in Gjilan Municipality in accordance with this memorandum.

Activity Gallery

Prishtina, 16th January 2014 – With the purpose to discuss and promote transparency of local governments Movement FOL today met the Mayor of Prishtina, Mr. Ahmeti. In this meeting was discussed about the possibility of cooperation between the Municipality of Prishtina and FOL Movement and particularly about the possibility of monitoring the public procurement processes in Prishtina Municipality.

Petrit Zogaj from Movement FOL said that considering the need and willingness to enhance transparency at the municipal level in order to increase the level of good governance and the prevention of misuse, mismanagement and corruption in this sector. He further added that, according to many local and international reports one of the most sensitive sectors regarding corruption affairs is public procurement sector because through this mechanism is spent a large amount of the public money. On this occasion Petrit Zogaj said that we have taken the initiative to ask six municipalities to allow us to monitor procurement procedures in these municipalities.

The Mayor of Pristina, Mr. Ahmeti appreciated civil society’s willingness to cooperate with the Municipality of Prishtina, especially enhancing the transparency of the municipality. He expressed his willingness as mayor about the possibilities of cooperation with Movement FOL regarding transparency in public procurement and the process of Kosovo’s membership in the Open Government Partnership. He further said that “it is in the interest of the municipality to improve the level of transparency in procurement sector, there are also some other problems in this municipality as well that should be avoided, such as the conflict of interest”.

At the end of the meeting both sides agreed that in a short time they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to monitor public procurement procedures in Prishtina Municipality in accordance with this memorandum.

Activity Gallery

Gjakova, 14th January 2014 – Due to the request of FOL Movement to six municipalities of Kosovo, today, representatives of FOL Movement met the Mayor of Gjakova Municipality Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila. In this meeting was discussed about the possibility of cooperation between the Municipality of Gjakova and FOL Movement and particularly about the possibility of monitoring the public procurement processes in Gjakova municipality.

Petrit Zogaj from FOL Movement initially congratulated the mayor Kusari – Lila for election as the first woman mayor in Kosovo. Then, the discussion was about the cooperation that municipalities in general and civil society must have. One of the most significant issues in this process of cooperation is monitoring the public procurement process. This monitoring is intends to enhance the level of transparency and accountability in this sector, because through this mechanism is spent a large amount of the public money and also monitoring will impact to prevent misuse, mismanagement and corruption in this sector and will serve in respecting the law and procedures in procurement processes. In addition, he stressed that public communication office should be opened and active and improve citizens’ access to public documents.

On the other hand the Mayor of Gjakova, Mrs. Mimoza Kusari-Lila expressed her interest and willingness as Mayor about the possibilities of cooperation. She further stated that “she is very interested to change the way of governance different from what so far has characterized the governance in Gjakova, by increasing the level of transparency and accountability, and avoiding irregularities in the development of all processes in the municipality of Gjakova.
At the end of the meeting both sides agreed that in a short time they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to monitor public procurement procedures in Gjakova Municipality in accordance with this memorandum and for cooperation in other areas as well.

Activity of Gallery

Ferizaj, 13th January 2014 – As a result of the request of FOL Movement to six municipalities of Kosovo, today, representatives of FOL Movement met the Mayor of Ferizaj Municipality Mr. Muharem Svarqa. In this meeting was discussed about the possibility of cooperation between the Municipality of Ferizaj and FOL Movement and particularly about the possibility of monitoring the public procurement processes in Ferizaj municipality.

Petrit Zogaj from FOL Movement said that monitoring of public procurement processes intends to increase the level of transparency and accountability in this sector, because through this mechanism is spent a large amount of the public money Petrit Zogaj also said that “monitoring will impact to prevent misuse, mismanagement and corruption in this sector and will serve in respecting the law and procedures in procurement processes. In addition, he stressed that public communication office should be opened and active and improve citizens’ access to public documents”.

Whereas, the Mayor of Ferizaj, Mr. Muharem Svarqa expressed his interest and willingness as mayor about the possibilities of cooperation. He further stressed that “he is very interested in increasing the level of transparency and accountability not only in the public procurement sector but also in other sectors of the municipal government.”

At the end of the meeting both sides agreed that in a short time they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding in order to monitor public procurement procedures in Ferizaj Municipality in accordance with this memorandum.

Prishtina, January 9, 2014 – FOL Movement is asking the six new mayors of Kosovo municipalities to open public procurement offices. FOL, through this request, is intending to initiate a true and direct collaboration between local governance and elected mayors in November’s elections and civil society, in order to increase the transparency and accountability of these institutions.

FOL believes that the will expressed during the recent election campaign by the heads already selected will be shown in the daily governance in these municipalities. We have initially picked up six Kosovo municipalities, which are Prishtina, Ferizaj, Gjilan, Mitrovica, Gjakova and Peja, but at a convenient time we will make the same request to other municipalities.

Prishtina, December 27, 2013 – FOL Movement at a party organized for the end of the year, awarded for the fifth time the Citizens’ Award. This year, the award went to Xhabir Hamiti and Visar Arifaj.

Petrit Zogaj, the Executive Director of FOL said that “FOL Movement is closing this year, just like other four previous years, with an event, which is trying to support, protect and thank individuals who, although had encountered difficulties in performing their daily work, did not stop at any moment to inform the public, to open debates on certain issues and to protect their right causes. Mr. Hamiti and Mr. Arifaj, are an example of devoted citizens who do not compromise with principles, being willing to face the risks that may come. “

Meanwhile, Halil Matoshi , a board member of FOL Movement said that in the context of the great debate in our society and beyond, regarding the secularity of state and the right of faith, Xhabir Hamiti being a scholar of Islam, with his approach against its politicization, and against the open tendencies to use religion for political power and domination of society, thus supporting a conciliatory discourse between these two rights . “Although under various threats and constraints within Kosovo Islamic Community (KIC), Mr. Hamiti did not become part of conformity to mold the cultural and spiritual misinterpretation of this society and this country, struggling with the power of the word for the right of religion, respectively the religious diversity on one hand and to respect the Constitution and laws of the modern state, separated from religion. Thus, Mr. Hamiti testified that Islamic faith can be adjusted to the conditions of a new democracy, as this one in Kosovo, without flapping these two rights, and therefore this should be as a classic example of a courageous thinker who with no price disagreed with changing the multi religious character of Kosovo society, while maintaining intact the multi religious tolerance and ecumenism, as a prominent value among Albanians throughout history courses, “said Matoshi.

Xhabir Hamiti said that our future, and the progress of our country, will also depend on the orientation and our right religious approach. “Everybody, but first of all religious leaders should think with their heads in the way and native approach of interpreting religion, which means a way of bringing together believers and not by threat in its name”, said Hamiti. According to him, those who take the lead, and divide our citizens by using religious sentiments for personal, foreign or any ideology interests, causing damage and separations, they do not do any good to religion nor our citizens or our future.

Matoshi said that Visar Arifaj was justly awarded with Citizens’ Award, because of the assistance he gave to expose the corrupt politics and creating a new political era in Kosovo, which resulted with unexpected results on local elections nationwide. “His example as it is unique; it should also be a model of courage and creativity to all who try to influence the public discourse for the good of the country, creating innovative approaches to the public that are both popular and progressive. Visar and Strong Party’s formula brought down a wall for us. This award is an appreciation for that” said Matoshi.

In meantime, Visar Arifaj, said: “Courage is a very interesting matter. Since we started with the idea of the Party, about two years ago, we did not think we needed guts for such an idea. Only when the elections came, we realized that we needed courage for something like Strong Party. We actually thought this is a very natural expression about the political and social circumstances we live in. The good thing is a lot of people have been working on the creation and organization of the Strong Party, starting with candidates themselves, regular vice-presidents and vice-presidents in the shade, so that the party became a reality. I, as a typical chairman and a politician, simply take the merits “.
Winners of this award in the past four years were: Mr. Rufki Suma, independent candidate who won the election for mayor of Hani i Elezit, Mrs. Ajnishahe Shala-Halimi, an activist for human rights, Mr. Ejup Bajrami, citizen of Prishtina and defender of this city, Adem Meta, a journalist from Skenderaj.

Prishtina, December 20, 2013 – Today, FOL Movement organized a round table on the topic: The Right for a “Fair Trial”, in this occasion was published also the report with the same title. This table served as a platform for discussing the preconditions of the right for a Fair Trial and its practical implementation in Kosovo, a topic which was also analyzed in the report.

Participants in this meeting were representatives from Basic Prosecution in Prishtina, Kosovo Police, EULEX, Civil Society, media and experts of human rights and freedoms.

Kenan Tora from FOL Movement stated that the purpose of this report is to analyze the preconditions of the right for a Fair Trial and its application in judicial practice in the context of the cases related to corruption and abuse of authority monitored by FOL Movement . Then Admir Salihu also from FOL Movement continued with the report’s main findings and recommendations. He said that the right for a Fair Trial is a right guaranteed by all international conventions of human rights and also its implementation in Kosovo is also empowered by the Constitution and other laws applicable in Kosovo. However, the current system does not provide adequate defense. The commitment of public institutions of the Republic of Kosovo regarding the implementation of international standards on the protection of human rights, empowered by the Constitution, requires a much greater commitment in practice. He continued that, it is recommended continuing training and education of judges, prosecutors and lawyers regarding to human rights, higher acting standards by prosecutors, higher ethical and legal standards and appropriate measures should be taken including disciplinary actions in cases where lawyers do not act in accordance with professional standards provided by the Code of the Chamber of Attorneys or legal provisions.

Meanwhile Fikrije Krasniqi-Fejzullahu, Prosecutor at Basic Prosecution in Prishtina, highly praised the preparation of this report and said that all the findings of the report are true and also praised the recommendations. She said that the increase of the cases is one of the main causes affecting the delay for trials, which has a direct impact on the implementation of standards for a fair trial.

Hilmi Jashari an experts of human rights said that this report will help in paving the way for the advancement of standards for a fair trial in Kosovo’s judicial system. He went on to say that if Kosovo would be a member of the Council of Europe, current problems with the implementation of standards for a Fair Trial will also bring damage to the Kosovo budget, since Kosovo would become then, an object of appeals to the European Court of Human Rights.
Shqipe Ibraj-Mala, Deputy Ombudsman said that such reports help in advancing human rights standards in our country. She also stressed the problems of justice institutions due to the lack of human and technical capacities.

Emin Beqiri from Department for Investigation of Economic Crimes and Corruption in Kosovo Police said that the institution he heads, is constantly working on professional advancement in processing cases. But to achieve progress in this matter, a proper coordination between all institutions of justice is needed.

Prishtina, December 16, 2013 – On Saturday, December 14, 2013 FOL Movement introduced the Anti-Corruption Statistics Platform. In this platform were presented the statistics of anti-corruption cases that were initiated or were in process during the nine months of this year by prosecution, court and police. Also, on this platform, the data of these institutions in quarterly and annual basis can be compared online.

However, what was reported (unintentionally) on Saturday and Sunday by some print and electronic media is that the figures that we have introduced in the platform are considered as these data are cases of corruption that occurred within the Prosecution, Courts and police. Thus, in this case was made a wrong interpretation of the data of the platform in some media reports. We want to explain this to public opinion that the figures published in this platform are about all the cases that these three institutions have addressed within this period, that is January-September 2013.

For more information, please find attached in the link below the statement issued by FOL Movement when introducing the Anti-corruption Statistics Platform.
Statement: FOL Movement introduces Anti-Corruption Statistics Platform

http://levizjafol.org/al/aktivitetet/artikulli/levizja_fol_lanson_platformen_e_statistikave_anti_korrupsion

Prishtina, 14 December 2013 – Today, FOL Movement has published the online Anti-Corruption Statistics platform, where the anti-corruption statistics of Prosecutions, Courts and Police will be published regularly every three months and annually.
Fidan Kalaja from FOL Movement said that the platform is posted in the website of the FOL Movement (http://levizjafol.org/plateforma-statistikave-anti-korrupsion/) and statistics that will be published on this platform will be comparable and their comparison will also be every three months within the institution.
“Due to a four – year work of FOL Movement stuff in monitoring corruption in Kosovo, the organization is making progress in realizing its mission, contributing in the fight against corruption by developing an Anti-Corruption Statistics platform in Kosovo,” said Kalaja.

This platform includes three institutions that are directly involved in the fight against corruption: Prosecutions, Courts and Police. For each institution have been included three main categories: taking bribe, giving bribe and abuse of authority. Each of these categories has its sub-categories, which are included in the platform and will constitute the total number of main categories.

The platform has been developed in order to include anti-corruption statistics from 2010, but due to the non-standardization of statistics by these institutions, it was impossible to include the previous years. Thus, the data that will be included in the platform will be for 2013, for prosecution, courts and police on a quarterly basis, January-March, April-June and July-September.

FOL Movement is developing a system that is completely new, not only in Kosovo but also abroad, stated Fidan Kalaja. “These data, according to him, will be updated regularly and new categories will be added to further develop this approach, which is vita, especially for measuring the impact of the implementation of laws, actions and anti-corruption policies in the country. We expect that these data will be useful for our institutions, especially the judicial and prosecutorial system, they will reflect and enhance the effectiveness of the fight against corruption “.

This platform will offer the opportunity and access for every citizen of Kosovo to see the work and commitment of national institutions in the fight against corruption, based on tangible and comparable data.

Prishtina, December 12’th 2013 – On Thursday, the Advisory Board of FOL Movement held the last meeting for this year. FOL Movement leaders informed the members of the Board about the activities and events that FOL has conducted during 2013, and also about the plans of the next year. After the presentation of the work done in 2013 by FOL, the board’s members expressed their support for the work done by and its plans for 2014.

At this meeting was discussed also about the organization of the Citizen Award ceremony, where FOL for the fifth time will give the award. After a long discussion on the proposals and justifications for this award, the Board decided for proposals and the day when it will be held.

Gjakova, December 10, 2013 – FOL Movement within the project “Getting closer citizens and justice institutions”, which is supported by the American people through USAID / ATRC, held the next meeting of the “Justice Access Forum” in Gjakova on Tuesday, on the International Day of Human Rights and Freedoms. The panel was constituted by: Vaton Durguti, chairman of the Basic Court in Gjakova, Shpresa Bakija, chief prosecutor of the Prosecution Office in Gjakova and Aishe Berisha, spokesperson of Kosovo Judicial Council. Present were also representatives of Kosovo Police, representatives of Ombudsman, representatives from the Centre for Legal Aid, civil society and interested citizens of municipality of Gjakova. At this meeting was presented the monitoring report on hearing sessions in Gjakova and Podujeva.

Kenan Tora from FOL Movement stated that since the beginning, the Justice Access Forum was initiated and established in order to strengthen the access to justice by establishing new means of communication which would facilitate the cooperation between judicial institutions and citizens in the Municipality of Gjakova, and also serve as a platform to discuss not only the problems faced every day in the justice system but also as a platform coming up with ideas to solve these problems. He also presented the main findings of the report on monitoring hearing sessions related to corruption and abuse of authority, stressing that access to information in court is often extremely difficult because of bureaucratic procedures. Presentation of this report and organization of the forum happened to be on the International Day of Human Rights and Freedoms. On this occasion he also spoke about the importance of this day and further he stated that citizens’ access to justice institutions can have a very positive effect on the realization of their rights and freedoms.

While Aishe Qorraj – Berisha, spokeswoman of KJC made a presentation about the work of KJC but also stressed and acknowledged the problems and challenges of the judiciary which are associated with the International Day of Human Rights stating that the violation of human rights exists in Kosovo as well. “We must not forget that the third power in Kosovo has gone through various stages. In 2013 the judiciary has gone through a radical reform, “said Qorraj-Berisha.

The President of the Basic Court in Gjakova, Vaton Durguti, stated that all the findings of FOL Movement stand and are a concern. He said that there is a large number of cases and it is justified due to the fact that the Basic Court in Gjakova have under its jurisdiction the municipalities of Rahovec and Malisheva. “When we add to this the transfer of the cases from the former District Court in Peja it shows that the number of the cases is very large. Furthermore, Durguti mentioned that within the Basic Court in Gjakova is operating the Probation Council – Correction Council”.

Meanwhile, the Chief prosecutor of the Prosecution Office in Gjakova, Shpresa Bakija said that prosecution of criminal offenses in Gjakova is successfully completed. “In January 2013, we started with 70 cases and now we have Rahovec and Malisheva. Due to the fact that now we are a Basic Prosecution and Rahovec is in our jurisdiction, I have to mention that have received cases from District Court in Prizren as well”.

The discussion was opened and other participants spoke, among others the Commander of Police Station in Gjakova, Kristë Gjokaj said that this institution has excellent cooperation with Court and Prosecution and they are always at citizens’ service.

Edmond Dushi, a representative of OSCE asked the President of the Court that “FOL Movement recommendations should be considered and work on these improve these recommendations in order to improve them so that citizens do not have troubles getting information or service delivery by the administration of the Court “.

Flamur Gojani – asked to use more the electronic media where the information of citizens and their reports can be published on the website of the Court.

Prishtina, December 6, – Today, FOL Movement presented a brief analysis on the effect of non-functioning of the PRB in Public Procurement during the period August-November 2013.
Kenan Tora from FOL Movement explained that ” FOL Movement for three years regularly every three- months have published the report” Procurement Monitor “. In this report has been analyzed the implementation of Public Procurement Law by Contracting Authorities respectively Public Institutions of the Republic of Kosovo through analyzing the decisions taken by the Procurement Review Body, an institution which according to the Law on Public Procurement has the powers and responsibilities for reviewing complaints regarding public procurement procedures . But, since August 01, 2013, a substantial problem that has preoccupied and damaged the Public Procurement sector as a whole was the non-functioning of the PRB, it is because 4 out of 5 members of the PRB board were ended the mandate. FOL Movement through a reaction in the media on September 12, 2013 has attracted attention and expressed its concern about the situation. In this short analysis FOL Movement, analyzes the effects of the situation which is created when the PRB became non- functional, a situation which still is the same.”

According to official data that FOL Movement was provided for the purpose of drafting this analysis by the Secretariat of the PRB, two board members were ended the mandate on 01 August 2012, whereas the Chairman of the PRB and another board member were ended the mandate on 01 August 2013, and ever since the PRB functioned with only one member of the board, thus not being able to execute all the powers and accomplish all responsibilities provided by law. Except this, unfortunately, the only mandated member of the board of PRB, Mr. Osman Kryeziu, passed away on 21 November 2013 thus the PRB currently is in a situation with no mandated board members.

According to the Law on Public Procurement, the PRB board consists of five members, who are nominated by the Government and appointed by the Assembly for a term of 5 years. Assembly of Kosovo establishes a selecting body, independent, consisted of three judges appointed by Kosovo Judicial Council, the Parliament accepts the recommendations of this body for the new members of the PRB and then votes on.

Kosovo’s government has neglected the legal terms and has proposed the new names for the board members of the PRB in delays. These proposals were sent for appointment to the Assembly. But first there were summer vacations, then local elections campaign and differences between political parties about certain issues have postponed holding regular sessions of the Assembly and as a consequence the appointment of new board members of the PRB is still pending.
FOL Movement in order to expose the current situation in numbers, requested from the secretariat of the PRB to provide data concerning the number of the cases which have remained blocked as a result of non-function of the PRB, the monetary value of these cases and to which Contracting Authorities respectively institutions these cases belong to.

Based on official data that FOL Movement provided from the Secretariat of the PRB, since 01 August 2013 when the term of PRB board expired until November 19, 2013, there are 160 complaints that are not reviewed which were filed by different Economic Operators. The monetary value of the tenders which are supposed to be reviewed by the PRB, is about � 52,292,393.59, and these tenders are announced by 61 various Contracting Authorities. Consequently, these tenders as a result of non-function of the PRB remain blocked and cannot be processed.

In this period, when the PRB has been non-functional, the development of procurement procedures and signing of contracts by some institutions has continued, despite that economic operators cannot apply their legal right to appeal about certain issues. This situation may have consequences, like loss of the public money and harm fair competition between economic operators. In addition, the effects of this situation will be present even after the appointment of the new PRB board due to the large number of cases which are piled up, and among them, there are cases that are legally old to be reviewed.

Considering that all credible international and local organizations reports show a high level of corruption in Kosovo and due to the fact that most of the public money is spent through public procurement procedures, FOL Movement considers that current situation, when the PRB is non-functional can affect the growth of opportunities for corruption and misconduct in public procurement.

FOL Movement based on the current situation and the effects this situation can produce even after the appointment of the new board, likewise in the statement issued on 12 September 2013, requires that procedures for appointing the new PRB board members are done as soon as possible by the Assembly of Kosovo and the PRB becomes functional in order to perform as assigned by law.

Monitoring report on the hearing sessions in Gjakova and Podujeva

 
Courts Monitor

October 24, 2013 – Visar Arifaj from Partia e Fortë (strong Party) was the next guest in “Prishtina Forum 2013” a debate with political parties candidates in Prishtina.
This series of debates is being supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, office in Prishtina.

October 24, 2013 – The next guest in “Prishtina Forum 2013” a debate with political parties candidates in Prishtina , was Kaqusha Jashari from PSD.
This series of debates is being supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, office in Prishtina.

October 22, 2013 –The next guest in ‘Prishtina Forum 2013’ a debate with political parties candidates in Prishtina , was Valon Murati from LB.
This series of debates is being supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, office in Prishtina.

October 18, 2013- The next guest in ‘Prishtina Forum 2013’ a debate with political parties candidates in Prishtina , was Agim Çeku from PDK.
This series of debates is being supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, office in Prishtina.

October 16, 2013 – The next guest in ‘Prishtina Forum 2013’ a debate with political parties candidates in Prishtina , was Korab sejdiu from AKR.
This series of debates is being supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, office in Prishtina.

Prishtina, October 14, 2013 – Today, FOL Movement held the Regional Conference on “Anti-Corruption Legal Package – The Law on Protection of Informers”. This regional conference was a meeting point between various institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, civil society of Kosovo and Region as well. The conference aimed to pave the way in preventing and fighting the high-level of corruption in Kosovo and to promote further the “law on Protection of Informers “approved by Assembly in 2011.

The participants in this meeting were representatives from central and local institutions of Republic of Kosovo, representatives of the judiciary and prosecution, representatives of civil society from region and Kosovo and media.

Hajredin Kuçi – Minister of Justice , stated “Kosovo, currently has the best laws in the region regarding prevention and fighting corruption, it is thanks to the work of local relevant experts and assistance that was given to them by the international community, in spite of this, the largest mission of the European Union rule of Law is present in Kosovo ” . When focusing on the Law on Protection of Informers, Kuçi said that “there are legal foundations to fight corruption. These legal foundations include also two laws approved by institutions such as the Law on Protection of Informers and Law on Witnesses Protection, which protect individuals and employees if they report corruption cases or other criminal offenses”. He further added that “It should be clearly defined the main authority in preventing and fighting corruption, laws which fight corruption should be harmonized and there should be a greater cooperation among regional countries against these phenomena.”

Slagjana Tasheva from Transparency International in Macedonia said that “Corruption appears in various forms and fighting it is done through various mechanisms, and of them is licking information by employees, where among the most important elements is the instance which would be responsible for the acceptance, protection and tracking information”. Further, she added that “Macedonia, unlike Kosovo, has no specific law that protects individuals who report corruption affairs and that the relevant legislation in this area is not clear.”

Vuk Mara� from MANS – Montenegro said that “Llegal gaps inside the law, often aim to cover the lack of political will to implement them.” He further added that “Montenegro faces major problems in the field of preventing and fighting corruption, even until recently there was not a law that would protect whistleblowers of this phenomenon.” In the end he stated that “Although recently, the Government of Montenegro approved the Law on Protection of corruption reporters, this law is still not applicable and therefore it is inefficient.”

Besim Kelmendi from State Special Prosecution said “Law on Protection of Informers should be promoted further, and that citizens should be encouraged to report corrupt and legally protect them.”

Enver Peci, Chairman of the Kosovo Judicial Council said “Kosovo as a new country is experiencing problems with law enforcement, but such a thing should not discourage us and application of these laws is not impossible.” He further added, “Establishment of protective mechanisms which come from laws seem to be difficult, and therefore it’s needed the adjustment and function of the laws once they are approved approval.”

Drita hajdari – Anti-Corruption Prosecutor stressed that “We should make a comparison and a distinction between the Law on Protection of informers and Witnesses Protection Law, by clarifying legal concepts.”

At the end of the Regional Conference, there were some recommendations, among them as follows:
– Changing the name of the law;
– Clear definition of reporting corruption system;
– Clarifying protection means of individuals reporting corruption;
– Clarifying sanctions against individuals responsible in case of non-tracking information and discovering the identity of individuals reporting corruption;
– Creation of a judicial police handling corruptive cases, and
– Intensifying regional cooperation in fighting organized crime and corruption.