Political analyst Ilir Deda has argued that Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe should form part of a broader strategy to seek a review of the Specialist Chambers’ verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders, Teve1 reported, according to Kosovo Online.
Deda said membership in the organization was essential to securing legal protection, warning that Kosovo’s exclusion from the Council of Europe could trigger further debate within society over how to defend the rights of the former KLA leaders.
“Without the Council of Europe, we will have a major debate in this society. If membership in the Council of Europe is not part of this strategy, we will have a lot of discussion. It is pointless. Do whatever you want, but as long as you are not a member of the Council of Europe, you cannot secure legal protection,” Deda said.
Meanwhile, Vetëvendosje Movement lawmaker Valjon Hoti cautioned against placing all hopes in the Council of Europe, arguing that the legal process should remain the primary focus.
Hoti said Kosovo should pursue membership in the organization as part of its broader approach, but stressed that the case must ultimately be addressed through the judicial process.
“The Council of Europe is also a political decision made by its member states, and I disagree with placing all our hopes in it. Work should also continue in that direction, making it part of the strategy, but we must win justice before the Court of Appeals with the facts that are on our side,” Hoti said.
The remarks highlight differing views on how Kosovo should pursue efforts to challenge the Specialist Chambers’ verdict against former KLA leaders, with Deda emphasizing the potential role of the Council of Europe and Hoti underscoring the importance of the judicial appeal process.
