The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has ruled out participating in further meetings with caretaker Prime Minister and Vetëvendosje leader Albin Kurti, arguing that previous consultations have failed to produce results and are only delaying the formation of Kosovo’s institutions.
PDK lawmaker Besa Deliu said her party had made its position clear and that the immediate priority should be the constitution of the Kosovo Assembly.
“PDK has clarified its position. We do not need to meet with Albin Kurti anymore, because it has become clear that these meetings are a farce,” Deliu said.
She argued that if Kurti genuinely wanted to resolve the political deadlock, he would first ensure the constitution of the Assembly and then act in accordance with Kosovo’s laws and institutions.
“We will not meet with Albin Kurti because it has become clear that these meetings only serve to delay the procedures and lead the country toward new elections,” Deliu said, adding that the party’s position was to return to the process of constituting the Assembly and focus on serving Kosovo’s citizens.
Deliu also challenged Kurti to proceed with the election of Kosovo’s president without the votes of PDK’s 22 lawmakers.
Her comments came after the United States renewed its call for Kosovo’s political leaders to work together to overcome the institutional deadlock and establish functioning institutions in accordance with the Constitution and decisions of the Constitutional Court.
In a statement to Radio Free Europe, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said the prolonged political impasse was resulting in missed opportunities for Kosovo.
“This ongoing political deadlock is resulting in missed opportunities for Kosovo. It is time for leaders to prioritize progress and stability for the benefit of all citizens,” the spokesperson said.
Deliu said the U.S. position was consistent with PDK’s own call for the Assembly to be constituted and the institutional process to move forward.
Kosovo’s new Assembly has remained unconstituted since the June 7 parliamentary elections, with political parties divided over the way forward and the election of its leadership.
