Ibishi: The case of Faton Hajrizi shows the lack of legal and political cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina

Security expert Nuredin Ibishi assesses for Kosovo Online that the case of Faton Hajrizi demonstrates that, despite numerous agreements between Belgrade and Pristina, there is neither good legal nor political cooperation.

Ibishi emphasizes that there are many statements from leaders in Kosovo and Serbia, representatives, and relevant ministers – concerning internal affairs, justice, and foreign affairs – in which, due to a lack of cooperation, different qualifications are given.

He believes that this case has been politicized, sometimes being classified as a criminal act, while, as he points out, Serbia claims it is a terrorist act.

"Therefore, this is due to a lack of cooperation, especially regarding these basic principles of good neighborly cooperation and the fight against organized crime," our interlocutor states.

He recalls that a lack of cooperation existed even during UNMIK, and that this cooperation was more formal than real and practical, and that this has continued to the present day.

One of the problems lies in the exchange of information concerning the safety of citizens, he says, as well as in specific cases like that of Faton Hajrizi.

Ibishi suggests that cooperation needs to be established through good neighborly relations and in a functional sense, not just for this case but for many cases that may be important for the safety of citizens both in Kosovo and Serbia, because, he adds, "some who commit criminal acts in one country have found refuge in the other."