The Future of the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue: Citizens Perspectives” was the topic of the public debate that KDI organized with the citizens of the municipality of Kamenica, where was discussed about the impact that Kosovo-Serbia dialogue has had in the lives of the citizens of this region as well their expectations for the new phase.

Part of the panel discussion were the members of the Assembly of Kosovo: Fatmir Xhelili (PDK), Xhelal Sveçla (LVV) and Ahmet Isufi (AAK). At the beginning of this debate, Jeta Krasniqi from the Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) stated that the new phase of Kosovo-Serbia dialogue should be conducted in wide consultation with citizens from all regions, in full transparency and institutional co-ordination for the negotiating platform.

AAK deputy from this region Ahmet Isufi said that citizens are disappointed with the process of dialogue due to non-implementation of agreements such as IBM, free movement or diplomas. Isufi said that the format of the dialogue should change and that the Assembly should legitimize the negotiating platform and the negotiating team.

Regarding the representation of the interests of the Albanians of Presevo and addressing them within the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Isufi said that reciprocity should be the basic principle of talks with Serbia. He added that Kosovo should give citizenship to all citizens of these areas who for 18 years have no identification documents.

Xhelal Sveçla from LVV, assessed that dialogue agreements were harmful. He demanded that the Kosovo Assembly initiate a parliamentary inquiry into the agreements reached. Svecla said that we need to have internal dialogue, especially with non-majority communities to integrate them into the country’s institutions and detach Serbia’s influence over the Serbian community. Svecla added that the interests of the citizens of the Presevo valley were not mentioned in the talks even though this was a request of the LVV. He added that the solution should be sought either by including them in the delegations or by reaching agreements that improves the lives of the citizens of this region.

Fatmir Xhelili, deputy of the Kosovo Assembly from the PDK, assessed that the dialogue was partially successful and the completion of the dialogue is mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia and membership in the UN. He assessed that this process will integrate the Serb community into the institutional and social life of Kosovo. While stressing that the role of the Assembly in the future of this process remains important. He added that Serbia on its path towards the EU would be obliged to respect and guarantee the rights of Albanian citizens.

Citizens of the Gjilan region raised their concerns over the non-implementation of agreements on free movement, diplomas and IBM. Citizens demanded transparency and involvement of their demands in these talks.

After the debate with citizens, representatives of KDI, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Fatmir Matoshi, as well as the deputies of the Assembly of Kosovo, Ahmet Isufi and Xhelal Svcla, Major Nebih Aliu from the Border Police visited the new border point in Kapi of Sfirca.

Although works at this border crossing point started in October last year, it is still not functional due to the lack of electricity supply from KEDS, despite the request submitted to this authority. MPs of the Assembly pledged to address this issue in the Assembly and the Government.

The public debate and site visit were organized within the framework of the memorandum of cooperation signed between KDI and the Assembly aimed at increasing the participation of citizens in the framework of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and strengthening the Assembly’s oversight role towards the Government, financed by the Swiss Embassy.