Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, currently on an official visit to the United States, participated in a discussion at the Hudson Institute in Washington D.C., where she addressed both the ongoing institutional crisis in Kosovo and the U.S. role in regional peace.
During her discussion, President Osmani revealed her intention to re-approach Kosovo’s Constitutional Court for clarification regarding the failure to constitute the Assembly by the July 26 deadline. This deadline was set by the Constitutional Court, but its ruling did not sufficiently clarify the consequences if the Assembly remains unconstituted.
“In our constitution, when we drafted it, it was impossible to foresee every single scenario. It was drafted in a positive mindset, that lawmakers would cooperate, instead of blocking each other and the institution,” Osmani explained. “So, right now, due to a lack of constitutional clarity, if I may call it that, Parliament has not been constituted. But we had a new case in the Constitutional Court, and the court has clarified that there is this strict 30-day deadline, which will expire on July 26, for the Constitution of Parliament. But it did not clarify what are the legal consequences of non-compliance with that mandatory constitutional deadline. So, it seems I will have to address the court again and ask them that particular question, and I hope they will respond.”
Despite the current political stalemate, Osmani expressed optimism for overcoming the deadlock, emphasizing that the Assembly’s failure to constitute itself is harming Kosovo and its citizens.
Trump Credited for Preventing Conflict Escalation
President Osmani also reiterated her assertion that U.S. President Donald Trump’s personal engagement prevented a planned escalation by Serbia on the border with Kosovo. This is the second time Osmani has publicly stated Trump’s role in averting a potential conflict.
“As President Trump has said, he prevented a tension, he prevented an escalation, what Serbia was trying to do on the border with Kosovo. But, it was his personal commitment and his role that prevented it, which is true leadership in maintaining peace,” Osmani stated. “Because peace, as we all know from the war in Ukraine, should never be taken for granted. It is something that must be constantly defended, constantly cultivated. And the role of the United States in this effort is essential. It is indispensable and irreplaceable.”
Furthermore, Osmani discussed the Washington Agreement of September 2020, stating that it has been implemented. She sees greater potential in moving beyond this agreement, noting her experience with the Trump administration as being “doers.” “Our experience with the Trump administration is that they are doers, they get things done, so I think there is potential to do important things, not unimportant things, not small things. I am talking about big things, things that would truly contribute to long-term peace, not quick fixes, long-term peace in the region….”
