Italy’s Embassy in Kosovo has expressed concern over the possibility that Kosovo’s Assembly will vote tomorrow on amendments to the Law on Specialised Chambers.
In its response, the Italian Embassy has estimated that the proposed changes raise serious concerns as regards meeting Kosovo’s international commitments and respecting the fundamental principles of rule of law.
According to the Embassy, concerns are particularly related to the independence of the judiciary, the protection of victims and witnesses, the continuation of procedural rights and the ensuring of effective accountability. The issue of constitutionality of these changes has also been raised.
The embassy has indicated that, since the return of the law to the Assembly for review, it has been active in conveying its concerns and expectations to Kosovo authorities.
In this direction, it has stressed the need for preliminary consultations prior to the adoption of any change, in line with Kosovo’s international pledges.
Sorry that these consultations have not yet been held, says the Italian Embassy’s response.
Furthermore, the Embassy estimates that the law in the current form will serve neither the interests of Kosovo nor the interests of individuals who have recently been condemned by Kosovo’s specialised Chambers.
Complete Italian Embassy Posting:
We express our concern over the possible vote expected tomorrow for the law that changes and meets the Law for Specialised Chambers.
The proposed changes raise serious concerns about meeting Kosovo’s international pledges and respecting the fundamental principles of rule of law, particularly the independence of the judiciary, protection of victims and witnesses, continuation of procedural rights and effective accountability. These changes also raise questions about their constitutionality.
Since the return of the law to the Kosovo Assembly for review, we have been active in conveying our concerns and expectations to Kosovo authorities.
This includes the need for preliminary consultations prior to the adoption of any change, in line with Kosovo’s international pledges.
We’re sorry these consultations haven’t been held yet. The law in the current form will serve neither the interests of Kosovo nor the interests of individuals who have recently been condemned by Kosovo’s specialised chambers. )
Source Layer: Insander