Rohde: It is not necessary for Kosovo to make a final decision on the CSM

The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, stated that Kosovo is not being asked to make a final decision on the Community of Serb Municipalities. He emphasized that sending the draft Statute of the CSM to the Constitutional Court for review would be sufficient for Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe, as reported by Reporteri.

Rohde pointed out that Kosovo, for a start, needs to take the first step.

"We have said that the draft should be sent to the Constitutional Court so that the court can verify whether it is in accordance with Kosovo's Constitution. This is the first step. That would be enough for Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe to happen very quickly. These meetings cannot be frequently convened for a vote, and this was clarified some time ago. Without this step, there is no guarantee of a majority. A failed vote would be catastrophic," Rohde said.

He added that Germany wants Kosovo to be part of the Council of Europe.

"We want it to be positive, we want Kosovo in the Council of Europe, but Kosovo has to do its part, and that is expected. Once Kosovo joins the organization, every citizen will be able to approach the European Court of Human Rights as an individual, whether it concerns pension rights or lawsuits against other countries. This is the homework that has not been done," Rohde stated.