Hoxha: Large quantity of illegal weapons a result of wars and ongoing tensions in the region

Valdet Hoxha, former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Kosovo, tells Kosovo Online that the large quantity of illegal weapons in the hands of citizens is a consequence not only of the wars of the 1990s but also of the ongoing tensions in the Western Balkans, and that tragedies like the one in Cetinje should serve as a basis for taking legal actions to confiscate these weapons.

"Unfortunately, in the Balkan region, there is a relatively large number of illegal weapons in the hands of citizens. It is believed that this is mainly due to the history of wars during the 1990s, but also due to often high and constant tensions in this region. However, as we see, the presence of illegal weapons in the hands of citizens also brings innocent victims and tragedies as in the case of Cetinje. These cases should at least serve as a basis for taking a series of legal actions towards the elimination or reduction of the number of illegal weapons in the hands of citizens," stated Hoxha.

Asked about Kosovo, Hoxha says that events in Banjska, as well as the explosion in the Ibar-Lepenac water canal, do not contribute to creating a peaceful environment.

"Unfortunately, as we see, countries in the Balkan region, despite internal security challenges, also face serious challenges from external destabilizing factors," emphasizes Hoxha.

He said that despite continuous campaigns by competent institutions, assessments indicate that a large amount of illegal weapons is still in the hands of citizens in Kosovo.

"For the security institutions of Kosovo, it has been and remains a constant challenge to eliminate or control it, despite strategies, plans, campaigns, and even amnesties that have been undertaken from 1999 to today. We cannot be idealists and claim that this number of weapons can be eliminated or brought fully under control, but Kosovo must continue to take legal steps based on criminal legislation in terms of confiscating illegal weapons, and also continue raising awareness, designing and implementing effective strategies that would allow the confiscation or control of illegal weapons, curbing arms smuggling as much as possible and strengthening legal criteria for possessing licensed weapons," says Hoxha.

He emphasizes that this is a global problem and that tragedies occur even in the most developed countries.

"As we see around the world, the issue of weapons in the hands of citizens, whether licensed or illegal, is very challenging because there are cases where tragedies happen quite often even in countries where there is a policy on weapon possession. This shows that even though a state may have knowledge and a registry of citizens armed with a permit, it is not enough to prevent tragedies. However, efforts to build a model of institutional action towards the elimination of weapons, putting them under control, and, above all, ensuring a safe environment for all citizens of the country, must be a permanent and ambitious commitment of state institutions," emphasizes Hoxha.