The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, met today with the Consultative Council for Communities.
In her address to the members of the Council, Acting President Haxhiu, referring to the Law on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Communities and Their Members in the Republic of Kosovo, said that the Republic of Kosovo guarantees full and effective equality for all the people of Kosovo.
“Kosovo regards its national, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity as a source of strength and richness for the further development of a democratic society founded on the rule of law. The active contribution of all persons belonging to communities is encouraged and valued in the development of the Republic of Kosovo,” she said.
At the outset of the meeting, Acting President Haxhiu reaffirmed her readiness, in her capacity as Acting President, as well as that of the Office of the President, to support and advance the work of the Consultative Council for Communities.
“I highly value your work and your role as a mechanism for regular dialogue between communities and state institutions, with particular emphasis on the Government, as well as the Consultative Council for Communities’ multifaceted engagement on issues affecting communities in the Republic of Kosovo. Following this meeting, in recognition of the Council’s engagement and significance, I have, in accordance with the applicable law, decided to appoint a representative of the Office of the President to the Consultative Council for Communities. That representative is my adviser, Mr. Sami Kurteshi,” Acting President Haxhiu said.
She welcomed the fact that the Council continues to function regularly and engage actively in different areas.
“Mr. Kurteshi also previously served as the Ombudsperson, and it was precisely his work in protecting human rights and the rights of communities that led me to conclude that he is the right person to serve on this Council. I am also pleased that the Council is active and continues to maintain extensive contacts and direct cooperation with ministries and other institutions of the Republic of Kosovo for the benefit of communities. There are five working groups, which, as we know, address a broad range of topics and issues that directly affect the situation of communities in our country. These include employment, cultural issues, the use of languages, education, and, in particular, matters affecting the most marginalized groups, namely the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, as well as support for civil society organizations working to improve the overall situation of communities. I also appreciate the assistance provided in various projects related to communities, as well as through recommendations on various normative acts concerning community rights and interests,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasize.
She further said that, in her capacity as Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, she encourages the members of the Council to continue their honest engagement to further improve the position of the communities living in the Republic of Kosovo and, consequently, the society as a whole.
“I am committed to supporting the Council’s valuable work in the future, in accordance with my constitutional and legal responsibilities. Finally, allow me to extend my congratulations to the Egyptian community on the occasion of their day, which was marked yesterday. Indeed, the role of communities in the Republic of Kosovo has consistently been of great importance. Many of the achievements that the Republic of Kosovo enjoys today are the result of the joint efforts we have made together,” Acting President Haxhiu concluded.
