Foreign diplomats in Kosovo have requested the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council to do its job properly and not delay in finalizing the selection of the Chief State Prosecutor.

The American Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, has stated that the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council should take necessary steps, in line with good governance standards, to restore public and international partners’ trust in the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council as a public institution.

He made these statements at the annual state prosecutor’s conference.

Hovenier expressed regret that after two years, he has to reiterate the demand to the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council for a fair, transparent, and merit-based process in selecting the Chief State Prosecutor.

He urged prosecutors not to jeopardize their integrity.

“I am convinced that it is sometimes offensive to face criticism for the work you do, not only from the public but also from government branches, which also have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law in Kosovo and good governance,” Hovenier said, particularly mentioning the work done on the agreements for admission of guilt and dispute resolution.

The Head of the European Union Office, Tomas Szunyog, emphasized that the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council’s work in selecting the Chief Prosecutor is crucial, as delays can harm the work of the prosecution and the courts.

“I have seen statements from the Government in the media attacking the work of prosecutors and judges. I have publicly criticized them, mentioning the importance of the independence of the prosecution and the courts. Attempts to undermine their work are unacceptable and must stop,” Szunyog said, urging prosecutors for more transparency in their work.

In the Corruption Perceptions Index report for 2023, compiled by the international organization Transparency International, it was stated that despite continuous efforts, key reforms for the independence of the judiciary system, such as the establishment of the vetting process and the adoption of a new law that could strengthen integrity in the Prosecutorial Council, are moving at a very slow pace.

In the latest findings of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo, summarized in the latest Public Pulse report, it is understood that the public satisfaction rate with the courts is 29.3 percent, while 30 percent is towards the Prosecution.

According to the law in Kosovo, the Chief Prosecutor must be decreed by the President of the state.

Last October, the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, did not decree Blerim Isufaj as the Chief State Prosecutor, reasoning that there were some legal violations in the selection process.

The European Union, Germany, and the United States have also been disappointed with the selection process.

In the race for the position of Chief State Prosecutor, besides Blerim Isufaj, there were also Armend Hamiti, Lulzim Sylejmani, Shqipdon Fazliu, and Kujtim Munishi.

The mandate of the outgoing Chief State Prosecutor, Aleksandër Lumezi, expired on April 21, 2022.

Currently, the acting Chief Prosecutor is Besim Kelmendi, who has the full competencies of the Chief State Prosecutor.