Prishtina, October 4th 2018 – President of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, attended today the regional Anti-Corruption Conference, being held in Prishtina.
President Thaçi said that corruption is not an issue specific only to Kosovo or countries of the region, but it is challenge of global level.
Apart from consequences in political and socio-economic developments, President Thaçi also said that corruption impacts the field of security as well.
“Corruption is present in all countries, be they developed, in development, and also in those as yet under developed. The level and format varies. For this reason, cooperation among states in crucial for achievements in the fight against corruption phenomenon”, said President Thaçi.
The head of state pointed out that republic of Kosovo is the youngest state in the region and during its ten years of statehood has undertaken a series of measures towards consolidation of the rule of law and functioning of constitutional order.
“Kosovo’s constitutional order is based among others, in the principle of the rule of law. State of Law and strong governance, poised to fight the organised crime and corruption, feeds the economic growth of a country and opens the perspectives for all its citizens. In this direction, Republic of Kosovo has approved the necessary legislation and has established institutional and inter-institutional mechanisms for this purpose. But, we are still facing challenges related to the implementation of the legislation and functionality of these mechanisms” said President Thaçi.
The head of state said that the achievement made by republic of Kosovo are evident.
“Legal acts have been approved which prevent and sanction corruptive activities. Policy documents have been drafted. Mechanisms have been created for this purpose and concrete steps have been undertaken aiming to strengthen the rule of law. Gradually, the number of judges and prosecutors has been increased. Capacities of the institutions in implementation of the rule of law have been raised and the budgets of the law enforcement institutions have been raised” said the President.
As time require, according to President Thaçi, the anti-corruption legislation is continuously being updated, in order to strengthen the rule of law.
“Republic of Kosovo, has continuously made progress in its fight against corruption and organised crime. Of course, there is always the possibility to do even more in strengthening of the rule of law, and to work even more professionally. We do know that the fighting of organised crime and corruption is not easy, but we are determined to move ahead”, added President Thaçi.
He also pointed out that challenges must be overcome with professionalism and determination, through exchanging of experiences with the other countries of the region and beyond.
President said that he expects that the discussions held at this conference help identify the regional challenges in fighting of corruption, cooperation opportunities and the steps required to overcome the identified challenges.
President Thaçi said that recommendations that come out of this conference, will be included in the functional review of the National Anti-Corruption Council, a coordinative body under his leadership.
He also said that he aims the expedition and advancement of the work of the National Anti-Corruption Council, in function of the guaranteeing of the constitutional functioning of the institutions.