A new institutional conflict is emerging between Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and President Vjosa Osmani, following a formal request by the government regarding one of her diplomatic appointments.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MPJD) has officially asked President Osmani to relieve Vehbi Miftari, Head of Kosovo’s Special Mission to the Vatican, from his duties. The request, signed by Acting Deputy Minister Kreshnik Ahmeti, alleges that Miftari engaged in “unauthorized actions,” “unacceptable behavior,” and “serious breaches of professional ethics” that, according to the Ministry, compromise the integrity of Kosovo’s diplomatic service.
Documents obtained by Demokracia.com indicate that while the Ministry cites violations of laws and regulations governing Kosovo’s diplomatic service, no concrete evidence or specific incidents are detailed. The correspondence includes general references to alleged misconduct and a formal demand for dismissal.
“Through this correspondence, we request that you accept the justification for the dismissal of the Head of the Special Mission to the Vatican, Mr. Vehbi Miftari. The dismissal is proposed due to unauthorized actions and conduct that violate professional ethics and damage the integrity of Kosovo’s Foreign Service,” states Ahmeti in one of the letters.
Vehbi Miftari previously served as a political advisor to President Osmani for three years, both during her tenure in the Presidency and earlier while she led the Kosovo Assembly. He resigned from the advisory role in January 2024 and was shortly thereafter appointed Head of the Special Mission to the Vatican—a sensitive diplomatic post requiring coordination and approval between the President and Prime Minister, as well as the host state.
Only months after his appointment, the Ministry has now triggered formal diplomatic procedures to remove Miftari, signaling a potential escalation in tensions between the Ministry and the Presidency.
This is not the first instance of friction between Kosovo’s executive bodies over diplomatic appointments. Following the establishment of the Special Mission to the Vatican, Miftari publicly announced via Facebook that he would assume his position from February 1, 2024. The mission itself holds significant political and diplomatic importance, particularly regarding Kosovo’s relations with the Holy See and its international recognition.
During a private audience with Pope Francis in 2023, President Osmani highlighted that Vatican recognition would have a crucial impact on Kosovo’s statehood and Euro-Atlantic integration. The current dispute over Miftari’s dismissal underscores ongoing tensions within Kosovo’s diplomatic and political structures.
