Prishtina August 11, 2011– Movement FOL held the next day debate of the Forum FOL Openly, to discuss the latest political developments in the country, including the decision on imposing reciprocity, and the Kosovo Police intervention in point 1 and 31 in northern Kosovo. Panellists in this debate were the French Ambassador Mr. Jean-Francois Fitou and Koha Ditore newspaper editor, Mr. Agron Bajrami.

Ambassador Fitou said that “Kosovo Police intervention in point 1 and 31 was surprising to us, but it was necessary, he said now we must deal with the new situation, which is created, which in a way or another is provoked by the government of Kosovo “. He further added that “The Government of Kosovo should implement reciprocity measures in the north, but we all must work not to worsen the situation there.” “Separation of the north of Kosovo cannot even be discussed, but what we recommend is to try once again implementing the Ahtisari package, a package which provides great opportunities for decentralization, and as for me it is among the most flexible documents that Kosovo has, and through which we could find a solution for the north of Kosovo, “he added. Ambassador Fitou said that “regarding the presence and the role of international institutions in the north, I think that in the current situation it is best for KFOR to create a kind of security for citizens who are there, on the other hand EULEX should be more prepared regarding involvement of the rule of law in the north “. “In Kosovo, there will be not a second Bosnia, there will be no separation, but what we must care is the implementation of the Ahtisaari package, fighting smuggling and organized crime, establishing the rule of law and work for Kosovo integration in EU, “concluded his speech Ambassador Fitou providing security and guarantees for this.

Koha Ditore newspaper editor, Mr. Agron Bajrami said that “during the last 12 years there were even more delicate situation, where the Government of Kosovo was supposed to intervene in the north, but this does not make this decision wrong. He further added that “the decision by the Government of Kosovo has been more apolitical-administrative decision, which was actually right, but not complete.” With the intervention of the Government of Kosovo on July 25, except that had to be taken under control border points 1 and 31, it was also supposed to isolated parallel structures in the north, stopping organized crime, arresting people involved in smuggling and organized crime. He said that “Ahtisaari”s plan is nothing more than talking about decentralization, but what we must insist during talks with Serbia is that it recognized us as a sovereign state, that would be a good solution not only for Kosovo, but also for the entire region. “

The debate continued with discussions between panellists and participants present at the debate.

Prishtina, 29 July 2011-Movement FOL held the next day debate of the Forum SPEAK Openly, discussing “On the transparency of public investment in road infrastructure,” at same time publishing the report on procurement in the Ministry of Infrastructure. Panellists in this debate were the Secretary General at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr. Skender Gashi, and Project Coordinator in FOL Movement, Mr. Fidan Kalaja.

Secretary General at this ministry, Mr. Skender Gashi, said that “we should promote transparency especially when it comes to public money.” He stressed that “in 2009, 207 projects were implemented by the ministry about, in 2010 about 92 of them and during the six month period this year 58 projects.” He stated that “internal control of public finances provides accountability of management ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, descriptions of the budget and financial management principles, transparent, efficient, effective and economical”. Regarding the contract for construction of highway Morine-Merdare he said “he was not involved in this process and that this contract goes beyond his powers as secretary of this ministry.”

Project Coordinator, Mr. Fidan Kalaja said that the Ministry of Infrastructure, except that leads regarding the budget that was allocated for capital investment, it also is leads for the number of contracts and their value. Only during the last two years (2009-2010), this Ministry has signed over 270 contracts, worth about 821 million euros, including a contract for construction of highway Morine-Merdare.

He emphasized that a special attention was paid to the analysis of procurement procedures selecting the supervisory company on the highway. According to him, the Ministry of Infrastructure on June 15 2011, has awarded the tender for the supervision of works on the highway to the company “Hill International”, the offer was 6 million and 950 thousand euros. In the announcement of the contract award of the Ministry was stated that the winner was announced the branch in Luxembourg of this American company. Two vice presidents of this company in America Mr. Robert L. Burnet and Mr. Mohamed A. El Zahab, worked for years in the American corporation “Bechtel”, which is contracted to construct the highway.

According to this report there are cases where companies which have won tenders have hired people from political parties or people who are close to them. Such cases are in the tender for vertical and horizontal signalling in national and regional network of the Republic of Kosovo where the winning company is the company “RSM”, a company where the parliamentarian Rexhep Selimi is getting paid. The other case is the tender for reconstruction of the road Llukafc – Tomoc where winning company “Victoria Invest International” in its background presents its relation with the politician Blerim Kuci. One of the winning companies of the tender “vertical and horizontal signalling in national and regional network of the Republic of Kosovo” is the company “Drenica”, where its owner, Mr. Ismet Shamolli who also is an official of “Eurokos” a company that has acquired one of the lots of this tender. According to the report in this year the Ministry of Infrastructure has continued with the compensation practices to the companies that have shown to be irresponsible and have delayed work on projects prior to MTC, as is the case with the company “Arda Rei”, which was contracted to accomplish the work of round junction. In the tender for summer and winter maintenance of roads, according to the report during the announcement of the winners of this tender the Ministry of Infrastructure has used the elimination criteria of companies.

This activity was made possible with the support of USAID through the Program for Strengthening Civil Society implemented by ISC – Institute for Sustainable Communities

Prishtina, July 19, 2011 – Today Movement FOL showed a performance, showing the lack of seriousness of institutions in fighting corruption.
In a strong competition between the Kosovo institutions, which are competing to win the award “Miss Corruption”, the assessment jury, consisting of international reports and FOL continuous monitoring of public institutions of Kosovo, has unanimously decided to award the Government of Kosovo “Miss Corruption”. Considering the high level of corruption, which is widespread in governmental departments, such a decision was neither sudden nor unexpected for senior government officials.
After awarding the first prize, the jury decided to award “the first follower of Miss Corruption” prize to two other “beauties”: PTK and KEC. This award was the result of numerous irregularities in the procurement, fees of out of control and contracts harmful to citizens.

Besides these two prices, the jury decided to award “the second follower of Miss Corruption” the Judicial System of Kosovo. Justifications of the jury have been the lack of judges and prosecutors, numerous irregularities that have accompanied their (re) election, and an unwillingness to solve corruption cases.

Armend Mazreku policy analyst in the Movement FOL said that FOL through this performance express its dissatisfaction and the dissatisfaction of the citizens of Kosovo regarding the high level of corruption in country”s institutions. “In addition, FOL urges all institutions of the country to fight seriously corruption, to work for the sake of the citizens of Kosovo and definitely establish rule of law,” said Mazreku.

Prishtina, July 15, 2011 – Movement FOL held the next day debating of the forum “SPEAK Openly” with General Auditory of Kosovo, Mr. Lars Lage Olofsson, discussing “The responsibility and accountability of the expenditure of public money” but also the reports of this institution dealing with the audit of financial statements of the institutions of Kosovo.

Policy Analyst in the Movement FOL Armend Mazreku, said that Kosovo institutions except that they should be accountable and transparent to other institutions, they must be to citizens of Kosovo as well.

Auditor General of Kosovo, Mr. Lars Lage Olofsson, said that one of his tasks is to build a modern auditor and to contribute to better governance in Kosovo. “In Kosovo we don”t have a good governance system; there is lack of understanding of a good system of organization works. This system is not only the public sector; the system should also involve the civil society. The main issue here is that we have a bureaucracy in terms of selection of people. These people have responsibilities. The fact that the budget is left in their trust, they should do that the best way p[possible, in a transparent manner and it is everyone’s responsibility. It is very easy to be done, one only has to be willing for that, “Olofsson said. How this money is spent, it is the main purpose of the Auditor General in Kosovo.

Further Olofsson said that everyone should be aware of his duty and responsibility. “We must build mechanisms of control and balance, in order to build a genuine democratic system.”
He stated that during the time he has been here, he has started a progress for a better system. “It is important that things be addressed at the same level. Over the years the system is getting better and this has to do with the procurement. It is also very important to discuss the financing of political parties. Political parties are private and not public sector, so it is not a good European standard that we deal with political parties. It is not our job to deal with political parties. This is a work of the CEC, and then we go and audit the CEC and see how they have done this work and see how much money was given to a party. “

Olofsson said that the contract with Bechtel & Enka to construct the highway is one of the 40 projects to be audited during this year. According to him, people in Kosovo, cannot come together as a nation, as a country to save public money. “People here are divided into families, clans, etc., and do not get together to protect their interests. Even politicians should be more careful what decisions need to be taken. When you’re sitting in a position where you can make decisions, it should be very clear to you what future may your children have. People here see only a short time, only two years, so this should be changed and they should think for the future generations. “

Auditor General promised that they are knocking on the door of each institution and recall them that they are not doing their job properly, and he said that he does not want its recommendations implemented by the institutions, because they would not learn anything.

Prishtina, July 7, 2011– Movement FOL requires Prime Minister of Kosovo Mr. Hashim Thaci to keep informed the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo with the conclusions of negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia mediated by European Union.
Being aware of the importance of these talks, the citizens of Kosovo must be notified regarding any conclusion or agreement. Transparency and accountability in this process of talks with Serbia would help in many aspects, including the need of citizens of Kosovo to be sure that the country will benefit from this process.

At the beginning of June in the Forum Speak Openly it has been discussed about Kosovo and Serbia talks. Conclusions made in this discussion were that the status quo in Kosovo is helping crime in the north, then that Kosovo began negotiations without previous preparation of public opinion, without a strategy for public ownership in this process and it was mentioned that the transparency of these negotiations is essential to increase public support for any eventual agreement.
Check this link to get the full report on discussions Speak Openly regarding Kosovo ” Serbia talks http://levizjafol.org/images/uploads/files/Sfida_e_Dialogut_Kosove-Serbi.PDF

Monitoring Report on Kosovo Public Institutions activities on Fight against Corruption January-May 2011

 
Corruption Monitor for January-May 2011

Prishtina, 29 June 2011-FOL Movement in collaboration with the State Chief Prosecution, have conducted the debate in Prishtina municipality, within the campaign “Prosecutions closer to the citizen”. Participants in this debate were the representatives of civil society, media and citizens of these municipalities. The panel members present were Chief Prosecutor in Kosovo, Mr. Ismet Kabashi, Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution Mrs. Sevdije Morina, District Chief Prosecutor in Pristina, Mr. Alexander Lumezi, Municipal Chief Prosecutor in Pristina, Mr. Haki Gecaj and Mrs. Drita Hajdari Coordinator of Corruption Cases.

Petrit Zogaj from FOL Movement, thanking the participants said that “FOL Movement in collaboration with the State Chief Prosecutor today, are running the seventh debate in Kosovo in seven main centres within the campaign” Prosecutions closer to the citizen “, whereby both aim to increase information about the role and work of the prosecution, to discuss challenges, constraints and future plans, to encourage citizens to cooperate with prosecutors, and to discuss the perception created for the prosecutor in Kosovo “.

State chief prosecutor, Mr. Kabashi said that the prosecution is very interested to be a fully transparent institution towards citizens, civil society and media and appreciated the initiative of Movement FOL for its commitment to the realization of this campaign. Mr. Kabashi said that “the prosecution system in Kosovo is currently facing a problem regarding of public perception to prosecution, where the latter in most cases is perceived to represent the judicial system, but people must understand and distinguish that the prosecution is an independent system and is a party of the proceedings “. According to him “conditions in 2010 are more favourable for prosecution to be a more efficient institution, finances of the prosecutors has improved significantly and the process of appointment and re-appointment of prosecutors has provided prosecutors with professional credibility and high moral integrity and ethics “. He added that “the prosecution in 2010 has managed to precede 8.2% more cases than the previous year and this year there have been many more cases of registration of citizens in the prosecution.” Prosecution will pay particular attention to cases dealing with corruption and organized crime which, according to prosecutor Kabashi “within the Special Prosecutor was created the task forces to fight anti-corruption and in all of the district prosecutions has been assigned a prosecutor who deals with the investigation of these cases. “

The debate continued with the Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecutor, Ms. Sevdije Morina, who presented the history of the operation of this prosecution, she said that “this prosecution is founded in 2006, while in 2008 was approved the Law on Special Prosecution.” She said this prosecution is paying a particular attention to cases related to organized crime and corruption, that”s why last year was also established the task forces. This prosecution according to Mrs. Morina is composed of four sectors, “the sector against terrorism, war crimes, organized crime and money laundering, where for each sector are profiled special prosecutors.” Mrs. Morina ended her speech by saying that “special prosecution cases are very complicated and therefore the investigation process can be last up to 24 months.” Since 2006, the prosecutor has handled 250 cases where among these cases 67 were of war crimes.

District Chief Prosecutor in Pristina, Mr. Alexander Lumezi, said that this prosecution is overcharged considering the large number of the cases and the territory covered. This prosecution according to him “includes about 45% of the territory of Kosovo, with about one million inhabitants and covers most of central and public institutions of Kosovo.” No matter this fact, this prosecution was the most successful and efficient prosecution “where only one prosecutor has processed over 180 cases in 2010,” said Mr. Lumezi. We are making utmost efforts to be accountable and transparent institution.

The debate continued with Mr. Haki Gecaj, Municipal Chief Prosecutor in Prishtina, who said: “This prosecution has 16 prosecutors, 2 of them are delegated to the District Court and are now in the process of profiling prosecutors under investigation natures.” Municipal prosecution according to Mr. Gecaj, is the most charged prosecution ” only in 2010 we have accepted over 3400 adult cases, over 165 juvenile cases, approximately 1716 cases and 3943 various criminal charges against unknown suspects”. He said the priority of this prosecution has been investigating abuses during the election commissioners last year, so far “about 64 cases have been handled and investigations are ongoing for other cases.”

After that, the discussion was opened to the participants and had questions and answers, between participants and panellists invited to this debate.

Mitrovica, June 27, 2011 ” FOL Movement in cooperation with the State Chief Prosecutor held the debate in the municipality of Mitrovica, within the campaign “Prosecutions closer to the citizen”. Participants in these debates have been representatives of civil society, media, and representatives of political parties and citizens of these municipalities. The panel members were Chief Prosecutor of Kosovo, Mr. Ismet Kabashi, District Chief Prosecutor in Mitrovica, Mr. Shyqri Syla, Municipal Chief Prosecutor in Mitrovica, Mr. Faruk Korenica.

Petrit Zogaj from FOL Movement, thanking the participants said that “these debates are taking place in order to clarify the work of prosecutors, which is often confused with the work of the judiciary and for many unsolved cases the prosecution is blamed.”

State chief prosecutor, Mr. Kabashi after talking about the organizational structure and responsibilities of the prosecution, said that “currently in Kosovo are engaged 78 prosecutors whereas there should be 146 of them.” However, according to him, for all vacancies there is an advertised vacancy and it is that believed by the end of October or early November this process of selection of the prosecutors will end. He said that “according to the new law, prosecutors’ selection will be conducted by Kosovo Prosecutorial Council, and it is believed that no more others could impact on their work since they have perpetual contract of work “. According to Kabashi, in 2010 the prosecution has solved 71% of the cases, and that 95% of the charges are confirmed by the courts. Regarding the functioning of the prosecution in the district of Mitrovica, Kabashi said we are informed about the hard conditions because of non – functioning of the building in the north. He said that by Tuesday, will begin renovating the building of the prosecution in northern Mitrovica and it will make it easier to work.

Meanwhile, Shyqri Syla, District Chief Prosecutor in Mitrovica, said that there is a shortage of prosecutors and in addition he mentioned that in 20 meters square work 4 prosecutors. “Because of bad conditions we are working in the court premises in Vushtrri and we are forced to operate with only one on call prosecutor and we deal only with emergency cases,” said Syla.

Whereas, the Municipal Chief Prosecutor of Mitrovica, Faruk Korenica, estimated the situation in this prosecution as alarming. “We have only one prosecutor and a deputy prosecutor and that by law there must be 9 of them.” According to him on this prosecution are piled up many cases, and that once we asked the police stations not to send more cases because they don”t even have space to store them. “We work in 15 m / square and what is the worst we have no room or office where we could talk with witnesses” Korenica said, adding that some months ago the State Chief Prosecutor has ordered that all cases must be received so we had to receive them.

After this, the discussion was opened to the participants and had questions and answers, between participants and panellists invited to this debate.

Prizren, 24 June 2011– Movement FOL in cooperation with the State Chief Prosecutor, have conducted the debate in the municipality of Prizren, within the campaign “Prosecutions closer to the citizen”. Participants in these debates have been representatives of civil society, media, and representatives of political parties and citizens of these municipalities. The panel members present were the Chief Prosecutor of Kosovo, Mr. Ismet Kabashi, District Chief Prosecutor in Prizren, Mrs. Ervehe Gashi, Municipal Chief Prosecutor in Prizren, Mr. Enver Sokoli.

Petrit Zogaj of FOL Movement, thanking the participants said that “today is the third day and the fifth debate of Movement FOL in collaboration with the State Chief Prosecutor since we have began the campaign” Prosecutions closer to the citizen “, whereby the aim is that the public be informed for the performance and results of the state prosecution and other municipal and district prosecution”.

State Chief prosecutor, Mr. Kabashi said that “the purpose of this campaign is that the public be notified of the prosecution system, the prosecution’s activities and the results of the prosecutions on one hand and on the other hand to receive information and complaints from the public in order to improve the image and to raise the level of efficiency and transparency of the prosecution. “Also, according to the chief prosecutor there are normal preconditions that the prosecution be an independent institution, where the “finances of the prosecutors has improved significantly, the establishment and Prosecutorial Council powers and laws approved last year for the courts and prosecution.” In this context, according to him it should be taken into consideration that the prosecution has filed charges against 249 political commissioners who are suspected of abusing the electoral process last year. With the new law in 2013, the basic prosecution which will be established in Gjakova municipality which will include two municipalities currently under the District Court of Prizren, Rahovec Municipality and Malisheva Municipality, finished his speech, State Chief Prosecutor Mr. Ismet Kabashi.

The debate continued with the Prosecutor of Prizren District Prosecution, Mrs. Ervehe Gashi, who said: “This prosecution has six prosecutors and we may consider as a priority the new building of this prosecution which has advanced the work of Prizren District Prosecution.” Regarding the institutions that have filed criminal charges are the police, followed by citizens, Anti-Corruption Agency and the Tax Administration. Cases dealing with the corruption, have been priority of the district prosecution ” we have processed 13 cases, 10 of them have ended up in custody, 1 was dismissed and in two were ceased the investigations.”

Mr. Enver Sokoli, chief prosecutor in Prizren Municipal Prosecution said that “During 2010 we had around 3223 cases”. He said the priority of this prosecution has been fighting corruption, election commissioners” cases, and juvenile cases. According to him “there are 34 cases dealing with corruption only in 2011”.

After this, the discussion was opened to the participants and had questions and answers, between participants and panellists invited to this debate.

Prishtina, 25 June 2011 – Today Movement FOL did two years since its establishment. During these two years, FOL has been attentive care of the functioning of democratic institutions in the country. Our work has been supported by public opinion, citizens, media and institutions.

FOL highly appreciates the undeniable support of the media and citizens on the issues we have raised and will try to continue the mission with the same dynamic, always protecting the public interest of citizens.FOL will not be silent about developments in the country, constantly insisting on creating a decent living environment for all citizens.
FOL will always speak for civic interest!

Prishtina, 24 June 2011– Movement FOL held the next debate of the forum “SPEAK Openly”, to discuss the implementation of the Law on Courts and the fight against corruption. Invited to this discussion were the Chairman of the Judicial Council of Kosovo, Mr. Enver Peci and Director of Corruption Prevention of the Anti-Corruption Agency, Jetullah Aliu. Additionally, during this debate was published the five-month report of the institutional activities in the fight against corruption (January-May 2011).

The Chairman of the Judicial Council of Kosovo, Enver Peci, stated that the judiciary itself accepts and is not satisfied with the achievements so far. “The problem is the need for additional judges, since approximately 2000 cases are assigned only for one judge. In order to coordinate the work and increase the confidence of the citizens, we have compiled the strategy for solving cases based on the years they have been filed where the goal is that the cases are processed according their record order”.

According to him, the motivation of administrative staff is weak, thus we could not assign spokesmen in courts, where citizens could be more informed. “To have a system really trustworthy, it takes time. Only the reappointment process has taken at least two years and we think that in future we should not appoint any judge without investigating his past. “Therefore, the judicial system is being reformed, he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Corruption Prevention of Anti-Corruption Agency, Jetullah Aliu, said that ACA has repeatedly emphasized that corruption in Kosovo exists and in worrying proportions and this is shown also in various international reports. According to him, the recent recommendation of ACA was that the Law on Public Procurement be amended. “In the last report that we have made public, regarding declaration of the property, we see that there are a lot of millionaires, and in a poor country such as Kosovo and with a salary like they are, it is hard to attain that much property,” said Aliu. According to him ACA is also working regarding the conflict of interest, which by so far are being investigated 30 cases suspecting senior officials are in conflict of interest.

Policy analyst in the Movement FOL Armend Mazreku, while presenting the five-month report on institutional activities in the fight against corruption (January-May 2011), said that the Government of Kosovo from 80 decisions that have been approved during this period, only one has been in the fight against corruption, while at the same period of last year there were more activities in the fight against corruption. According to him, public institutions marked a setback regarding the fight against corruption.

Gjilan-Ferizaj, June 22, 2011– Movement FOL in cooperation with the State Chief Prosecutor, were in the next debate in Gjilan and Ferizaj within the campaign “Prosecutions closer to the citizen”. Participants in these debates have been representatives of civil society, media, and representatives of political parties and citizens of these municipalities. The panel members were Chief Prosecutor of Kosovo Prosecution, Mr. Ismet Kabashi, Mr. Jetish Maloku, Chief Prosecutor of District Prosecution in Gjilan, Mrs. Rabije Jakupi, chief Municipal Prosecutor in Gjilan, Mr. Alexander Lumezi, Chief District Prosecutor of Prishtina Prosecution and Mr. Shukri Jashari, the Chief Prosecutor of Municipal Prosecution in Ferizaj.

Petrit Zogaj of Movement FOL, thanking the participants said that ” Movement FOL in collaboration with the State Chief Prosecutor have initiated the campaign” Prosecutions closer to the citizen “, whereby the aim is that through the direct information of citizens, media and civil society, by Kosovo Chief Prosecutor, Chief Prosecutors of District Prosecutions and Municipal Prosecutors, to increase the level of transparency of this institution. “

State Chief Prosecutor, Mr. Kabashi said that the prosecution of the state through this campaign aims that the prosecution and prosecutors be closer to citizens, to inform them of the work of the prosecution and encourage them to cooperate closely with the prosecution. “According to him the year 2010 has been a successful year for the prosecution “even though prosecutors were faced with a large volume of work, the quality of this work is measured by the decisions of confirmed cases, where 95% of the cases of the prosecution have been confirmed by the courts. “Also, according to the chief prosecutor there are normal preconditions that the prosecution be an independent institution, where the “finances of the prosecutors has improved significantly, the establishment and Prosecutorial Council powers and laws approved last year for the courts and prosecution.” Mr. Kabashi in the debate conducted in Ferizaj said that thanks to the law on the courts approved last year, the municipality of Ferizaj will be with the Basic Court and Prosecution in 2013.

The debate continued with the Chief District Prosecutor in Gjilan, Mr. Jetish Maloku, who made a brief presentation of the work of the prosecution for the year 2010 and the first half of 2011. He said that “during 2010 there were about 335 cases, for 312 were filed criminal charges involving 422 grown up people and this number of cases is much higher than in 2009”. According to him, cases dealing with corruption and organized crime are given priority by the District Prosecution in Gjilan, where “in 2010 were processed 8 cases, 6 cases have been solved and two are being investigated and for the first half of the year 2011 were 10 cases, 7 of them were solved and 3 are being investigated. “Mr. Maloku emphasized that in order to increase transparency of prosecution many steps have been taken that the institution could be opened to the public as one of the main elements of restoring public trust in this institution.

Mrs. Rabije Jakupi, chief Municipal Prosecutor in Gjilan, after making a brief presentation of the report of the work of the prosecution for the year 2010, said, “Municipal Prosecution of Gjilan is one of the most successful prosecutions in Kosovo regarding the processing of the cases in court and their solving. “

In the debate held in Ferizaj, was also present the Chief District Prosecutor of Pristina, Mr. Alexander Lumezi, who said that this prosecution is the most charged regarding cases dealing with corruption and organized crime. In this context this prosecution “has filed 12 charges relating corruption”.

While Mr. Shukri Jashari, the Chief Municipal Prosecutor in Ferizaj, said “that in this prosecution are engaged four prosecutors and that until June 2011 were 1343 cases of adults and 122 cases of juveniles.” He added that this prosecution implements the plan that every day the citizens are accepted in the prosecutor’s office in order to increase the transparency of the institution of prosecution.

After this, the discussion was opened to the participants and had questions and answers, between participants and panellists invited to this debate.

Peja – Gjakova, June 20, 2011– Movement FOL in cooperation with the State Chief Prosecutor, have conducted the debate in Peja and Gjakova, within the campaign “Prosecutions closer to the citizen”. Participants in these debates have been representatives of civil society, media, and representatives of political parties and citizens of these municipalities. While the panel members present were State Chief Prosecutor of Kosovo, Mr. Ismet Kabashi, Mr. Agron Galani, Chief Prosecutor of District Prosecution in Peja, Mrs. Lirije Morina, Chief Prosecutor of the Municipal Prosecution in Peja and Mrs. Shpresa Bakija., Chief Prosecutor of municipal prosecution in Gjakova.

Petrit Zogaj of FOL Movement, thanking the participants said that “FOL Movement in collaboration with the State Chief Prosecutor had initiated the campaign” Prosecutions closer to the citizen “, through which both parties aim to increase information about the role and work of the prosecution, encourage citizens to cooperate with prosecutions, and discuss the work of prosecutions in the regions “.

State Chief Prosecutor, Mr. Kabashi said that the prosecution is very interested to be fully a transparent institution towards citizens, civil society and media, and for this we thank Movement FOL for its commitment to the realization of this campaign. According to him the year 2010 has been a successful year for the justice system in Kosovo, “Kosovo Assembly approved two of the most basic laws for the good functioning of the justice system and has completed the process of appointment and re-appointment of judges and prosecutors “. He added that “the prosecution in 2010 has managed to proceed 8.2% more cases than the previous year and this year there have been many more cases of reporting of citizens in the prosecution.” Prosecution will pay particular attention to cases dealing with corruption and organized crime. According to prosecutor Kabashi “within the Special Prosecution was created a task force to fight against corruption and in all district prosecutions is assigned a prosecutor who deals with the investigation of these cases. “Mr. Kabashi in Gjakova said that with the law on courts which has been approved last year, the municipality of Gjakova will have the Basic Court.

The debate continued with the Chief District Prosecutor in Peja, Mr. Agron Galani, who emphasized the fact that this prosecution lacks prosecutors and that in July this year will begin with completion of vacancies with new prosecutors. According to him “only in 2010 are pursued 600 criminal charges, of which 529 charges has been raised, 10 charges relating to corruption and economic crimes and municipal officials had been arrested, who were previously” untouchable “by the justice “. “Prosecution in Peja district is transparent and asked NGOs, media and citizens not to be reluctant to seek information and documents in this prosecution,” concluded his speech Mr. Galani.

Mrs. Lirije Morina, the chief prosecutor of the Municipal Prosecution in Peja said that “During 2010 we had approximately 1100 criminal charges for grown people and 60 for juveniles.” Municipal prosecution is faced with ongoing problems and difficulties, but according to her “it is a positive fact that only last year the prosecution has begun a normal cooperation with the state prosecution.” According to her the “nature of the cases processed by this prosecution mostly are dealing with aggravated thefts, theft of woods, injuries, fights, traffic accidents, taking bribes, etc..”.

In the debate held in Gjakova, the chief municipal prosecutor in this municipality Mrs. Shpresa Bakia welcomed the initiative of Movement FOL and prosecution that the prosecution should be more open and closer to citizens. She said that “the prosecution of Gjakova municipality faces a very special phenomenon where the percentage of juvenile cases is higher than in Peja municipal prosecution.”

After this, the discussion was opened to the participants and had questions and answers, between participants and panellists invited to this debate.

Prishtina, June 17, 2011 ” Today, representatives of the Movement FOL met with the Chairman of the Judicial Council of Kosovo, Mr. Enver Peci, to discuss the establishment of an anti-corruption forum as a platform for communication between the key institutions supposed to fight against corruption. Establishing such a forum is supported by the British Government. At this meeting also was discussed the procurement monitoring of KJC and allowing the Movement FOL to monitor trials of corruption cases.

Prishtina, June 10 ” Minister of the Ministry of Health, Ferid Agani and executive director of the Movement FOL Ramadan Ilazi, on Friday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry and FOL, which enables the organization to observe directly the procurement procedures in this ministry. Such a memorandum aims to enhance transparency and accountability in public procurement process.

Movement FOL signed similar memorandums for monitoring procurement also with the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration while the Ministry of Infrastructure has refused to allow the monitoring of procurement by FOL Movement.

Signing of the memorandum with MH, the minister Agani and the leader of the Movement “FOL”, Ramadan Ilazi assessed as important to establishing accountability in managing public money.

Fidan Kalaja, project coordinator of procurement monitoring at FOL Movement said that the procurement sector as the most affected by corruption should have special attention from civil society. “These memorandums favour the transparency growth and accountability and protect the public interests to prevent misuse of public money “, emphasized Castle.

Thus, in the period April to June, the Ministry of Justice have cancelled and re-tendered about 7 tenders. Movement FOL inspected during this phase also the implementation of a contract. Also during this time the request of FOL Movement for amendment of that law on Procurement has been supported, giving about 20 recommendations that should be met by new legislation.

Another practical achievement during this phase is the increase of accountability of economic operators during the draft of offers.

These memorandums are the first of the kind in Kosovo, an international practice recognized in the sphere of action of NGOs and it favours the function of advancing democracy and supervision of expenditure of public money.

Prishtina, June 10, 2011 – Movement FOL within the forum “SPEAK Openly”, organized a panel discussion with the UK Ambassador in Kosovo, Mr. Ian Cliff, and members of civil society. The discussion focused on current developments in Kosovo, anti-corruption fight, the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, and the strategy of the United Kingdom to support the international recognition of Kosovo, especially those within the EU states that have not recognized Kosovo.

In his speech at the forum, Ambassador Cliff pointed out:
“Fighting corruption is one of the areas of special importance to the British Embassy. Supporting two projects regarding the fight against corruption, including the project of Movement FOL, shows our commitment towards corruption in Kosovo. This is an area where Kosovar leaders should be focus continuously to ensure that Kosovo can move forward in the EU integration “.

He added that “anti-corruption fight is part of British programs and such programs support the Kosovo institutions in the fight.
“Britain is providing political support for a greater number of recognition and to promote Kosovo’s membership in international and regional organizations.”

“Also, the UK believes that practical progress in the dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade is crucial for EU integration aspirations – both for Kosovo and Serbia”.

Executive Director of the Movement FOL Ramadan Ilazi, noted that: “Movement FOL highly appreciates the support of the British Government for our country and civil society in Kosovo. FOL Movement believes that in order to increase the effectiveness in fighting corruption, public institutions need to enhance and strengthen communication and coordination among them”
Movement FOL has initiated the forum “SPEAK Openly” in order to bring the civil society closer to important decision making processes in country.

Prishtina, June 9, 2011 ” Today Movement FOL published the first Comparative Report on Evaluation of Declaration of the members of the Assembly of Kosovo at the Anti-Corruption Agency and the Central Election Commission. Based on the findings of this report, FOL has identified significant differences that exist between what the members of the Assembly of Kosovo have stated in ACA and CEC.

This report focuses precisely on the quality of the property declaration. This is done by focusing on a group of senior officials directly elected, respectively by comparing their property statements to the Anti Corruption Agency and the Central Election Commission (both made in 2010). The aim is that by identifying potentially incorrect data and possible inconsistencies, to give an insight into what challenges and problems the process of declaration of property of senior officials is going to face in the technical aspect, so that they can improve and promote the implementation of constitutional and legal obligation of senior officials to declare their property.

This report contains detailed data on the number of senior officials who are required to declare their property, the number of those who have done this duty during the reporting period and those who have not done so, and the number of officers against whom Anti-Corruption Agency has requested the imposition of administrative sanctions. According to the report, out of 800 senior public officials required to declare their property, 619 of them have declared the property, while 173 of them have not done this, which represents a 78.1% rate of implementation. Regarding the year 2010, within the first term of declaration (March 31, 2010) implementation rates increased 9.97% (from 78.1% to 88.07%). Expressed in absolute figures, from 1560 senior officials obliged to declare their property, 1374 of them have done so and 186 of them not, but by June there are only 69 of whom have not declared the property. Within the deadline for regular annual declaration of property, the rate of implementation is reported to be increased for 7.63% (from 88.07% to 95.7%). Regarding inter-institutional declaration of property of senior public officials, the report of 2009 shows refusal by two executive institutions to cooperate with the Anti Corruption Agency in providing requested information, while in 2010 there was no any barriers of this nature reported.

The findings presented in this policy analysis show that the declaration of the property of senior officials still faces challenges and problems. Among the most important identified are: there is considerable difference between the form of ACA and the CEC of declaration of the property of senior officials, the lack of a guideline on declaration of property, lack of mechanisms and procedures for verification of the property declared, the variance of data for different categories of property, and often even contradictory information.

Prishtina, June 5, 2011

Statement: “It is not good for anyone that we have not developed mechanisms of agreement, we have not created circumstances that not the road, but institutions are the place where the solution must be required.”

Author: Atifete Jahjaga, President of Kosovo
Date: May 13, 2011
Source: president-ksgov.net[1]
Evaluation: True

Justification: The institutions of Kosovo have not yet managed to create real mechanisms for participation in decision making and considering that we take this statement as true. The country’s president has a mandate to unify the political class and should use its authority to create these institutional mechanisms to increase citizen participation in decision making. Unlike the forms of reaction, including street protests are democratic tools that citizens express toward developments in the country and as such they cannot be stopped.

Statement: “From today I assure and guarantee all citizens of Kosovo and all Kosovo employees, that thanks to our consistent policies, very concrete and our determination, we have agreed with the IMF and the salary issue is solved once and for all.”

Author: Hashim Thaçi, Prime Minister of Kosovo,
Date: June 1, 2011
Source: Koha ditore[2]
Evaluation: False

Justification: International Monetary Fund has excluded Kosovo from the opportunity to benefit from its programs, precisely because the Government of Kosovo has not reached agreement with this institution for its decision to increase salaries in the public sector.

Statement: “There is no profit from them, God save us from EULEX”
Author: Bajram Rexhepi, Minister of Internal Affairs,
Date: April 27, 2011,
Source: koha.net[3]
Evaluation: Contradictory

Justification: While in an interview with Koha Ditore newspaper Mr. Rexhepi accused EULEX of failing to do its job, on the other hand in the report presented to the Assembly, he denies himself by saying that “The overall security situation and the rule of law in the Republic of Kosovo is calm and stable, but it can be classified as fragile, especially in the northern part of the country, but all this is under control, as a result of the commitment of all institutions responsible for security, ranging from Kosovo police, EULEX and KFOR who are engaged in maintaining order and security situation in this region, and throughout the Republic of Kosovo.

Programme promise: “During this term of government, public administration reform remains a key priority. Contributing the realization of this priority the government has made the an analysis of situation in all segments of public administration, through the program of Functional Review of Government”

Author: Programme of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo 2011-2014[5]
Date: February 2011
Source: Prime Minister”s website
Evaluation: False

Justification: The last action of the coalition government for the establishment of the Ministry of Diaspora is inconsistent with the government program and above all with the Programme of Functional Review of Government (Fridom). Since this program emphasizes that: “The number of ministerial portfolios is a concern that should be addressed. Kosovo currently has more ministries than other small states of the EU, affecting the cost and internal coordination. The objective should be rationalization of the composition of the government by re-arranging the functions in some ministries “[6], on the other hand the Government Kosovo regarding the needs of coalition establishes another additional ministry by increase the number of ministries to 19, even though the report Fridom emphasizes that the number of ministries shouldn”t be higher than 18. Fridom states that Kosovo has the highest number of ministries compared to other European countries, even though with the GDP significantly smaller than those countries.

Statement: “First of all I don”t have a party, I’m impartial, no party, AKR has its own problems, let them deal with their own problems, I am not responsible for them … but as far as my work and as a professional I have no connection with them.”

Author: Behxhet Pacolli, President,
Data: March 17, 2011,
Source: The show “Jeta në Kosovë”, RTK
Evaluation: False

Justification: There are two reasons why this statement of Mr. Pacolli is false. The first has to do with the fact that Mr. Pacolli was an active participant in three-party-meetings between the PDK, LDK and AKR, which resulted in an agreement and Mr. Pacolli also signed. At these meetings there is no doubt that Mr. Pacolli represented AKR otherwise there would be no reason he had to be in these meetings. And the second reason has to do with the recent agreement to restructure the government, which made Mr. Pacolli Deputy Prime Minister. In the statements of Mr. Pacolli the talks between him and Mr. Minister are confirmed regarding the amendment of the coalition agreement. Who negotiated on behalf Mr. Pacolli if he is no longer President of AKR”

Prishtina, June 3, 2011 ” Today, Movement FOL began with a forum called “SPEAK Openly”, which aims to bring civil society closer to decision-making processes which are important for our country. The first activity within the forum was the discussion on Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. The panellists were: Mr. Bekim Baliqi, Head of the Department of Political Science in UP and Mr. Halil Matoshi, analyst.

Ramadan Ilazi, executive director of the Movement FOL at the opening of this discussion, said that the purpose of this debate is to bring a different perspective of the political talks between Kosovo and Serbia. He further stated that “It is important to understand that if this process will be summarized in an agreement and if such a document will be submitted for approval to the Assemblies of the two respective states. Kosovo experience has shown that negotiation processes that do not have public ownership can fail so it is essential the transparency of the process and the people of Kosovo are ensure that the country will benefit from this process.

On the other hand, Mr. Halil Matoshi, said that it is good that at least civil society can speak openly about this process, considering that in the Assembly of Kosovo we did not see something serious about this process.
“I think that it was not the right time for Kosovo to begin these negotiations. Assembly of Kosovo shall approve a resolution by which would require the suspension of these talks until the fulfilment of certain conditions by Serbia, including the cessation of the campaign against Kosovo’s and termination of the support of parallel structures in Kosovo.

The Head of the Department of Political Science at UP z. Bekim Baliqi, said that he disagrees with the fear what Kosovo is losing and what Serbia is wining from these talks. “What we know is that these are not talks, but classic negotiations. The most important issue in this process and which is not transparent so far is the duration of these talks, because they could not negotiate endlessly about something, “said Baliq. According to him, the parties which usually negotiate have opposing views therefore “the golden mediation” is required. “It is not yet very clear for Kosovo what to expect from these negotiations, on the other hand for Serbia it is very clear what it expects from these talks. If for Serbia has been a kind of seduction EU membership, and visa liberalization for Kosovo, it should have been known what would be the price that Kosovo will pay off in this case. “Baliq, who added that non-involvement of the United States of America as a mediator in these negotiations is a mistake.

Conclusions of this discussion were:
The Status quo in Kosovo is helping the crime in the north
Kosovo has began negotiations without previous preparation of public expectations and without a strategy for public ownership in the process.
The transparency of these negotiations is essential to increase public support for any eventual agreement

Monitoring Report on Institutional Activities in the Fight Against Corruption March-April 2011

 
Corruption Monitor for March-Aprill 2011