Osmani, Konjufca, and Kurti wrote to Dora Bakoyannis: We will fulfill all obligations from the Brussels Agreement, including the establishment of the CSM

President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the Kosovo Assembly, Vjosa Osmani, Albin Kurti, and Glauk Konjufca, sent a letter to the main rapporteur for Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe, Dora Bakoyannis, committing to respect all provisions of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities, Nacional reports.

The letter states that Kosovo will faithfully adhere to the list of obligations, including the formation of the CSM.

"In your letter of March 21, 2024, you provided us with 'proposed obligations that Kosovo will have to fulfill upon joining the Council of Europe.' Your letter indicates that this list, requiring a response from Kosovo's state institutions, is an integral part of our application process and represents an important step in Kosovo's full membership in the Council of Europe," the letter signed by Osmani, Kurti, and Konjufca states.

Bakoyannis's letter mentions areas related to human rights and the protection of minority communities, as well as the issue of the Brussels Agreement, urging the urgent formation of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities.

"To ensure effective implementation of the legal framework for the protection of national minorities. Substantial and tangible steps should be taken to implement all provisions of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the prompt establishment of the Community of municipalities with a Serbian majority," the attachment states.

It also mentions adequate resources for the Office of the Language Commissioner.

"To allocate sufficient resources for the effective implementation of language legislation and to ensure the legal foundation, independence, and provision of adequate resources for the Office of the Language Commissioner. Increase measures to support the socio-economic integration and political participation of members of minority communities," the annex states.

While on the list of obligations related to the functioning of democratic institutions and the rule of law, institutional leaders commit to ceasing criticism of the judiciary, which has been frequent in this term, the issue of expropriation in the north is also mentioned.

"With regard to the functioning of democratic institutions and the rule of law, fully respect the independence of the judiciary, including refraining from excessive criticism undermining trust in the judiciary, continue the fight against corruption and organized crime, ensure that expropriations are carried out strictly in accordance with the law and that all future legislation in this area is fully aligned with the Ahtisaari Plan, including the protection of property of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and that, in accordance with the circumstances, the Draft Law on Expropriation of Immovable Property, submitted to the Kosovo Assembly, is amended as soon as possible," among other things, the attachment provided by Osmani, Konjufca, and Kurti in the letter to Dora Bakoyannis states.

It is further expected that all measures will be taken to de-escalate tensions in northern Kosovo and refrain from decisions that may affect the rights and living conditions of the Serbian community, leading to further deterioration of the security situation.

"Urgent measures should be taken to promote the reintegration of Kosovo Serbs into the police forces, judiciary, and prosecution in northern Kosovo, refraining from using special police in northern Kosovo for regular police duties, ensuring their engagement when needed, and enhancing cooperation with KFOR and EULEX," the attachment states.

Dora Bakoyannis, the rapporteur for Kosovo in the Council of Europe, has prepared a draft report for Kosovo's membership in this organization this week.

The latest draft recommends Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe, but it also mentions some issues that Kosovo must address after membership.