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Marianne Tritz criticises political parties’ intelligence services in Kosovo

In her report for the Political Affairs Committee debated in the Parliamentary Assembly on Tuesday, Marianne Tritz expresses concern at the situation in Kosovo, characterised by ethnic tensions, inadequate protection of minorities and the existence of powerful intelligence structures within political parties. The German Green, who is a member of the Socialist Group in Strasbourg, is convinced, however, that the two sides will have to agree on the future status of Kosovo under pressure from the international community.

Strasbourg, 21 June 2005

Question: How is the situation developing in Kosovo? Can one speak of democratisation and stabilisation?

Marianna Tritz: There has been some progress, although there is no question of a consolidation of democratic stability. In response to international pressure, the two sides have shown a greater willingness to adopt a more open attitude. An international presence is still needed, and will be for some time to come. If Kosovo were left to its own devices, there would be a danger of fresh outbreaks of violence owing to the hostility between ethnic groups.

Question: What are the main difficulties facing this region?

Marianna Tritz: The ethnic tensions are what stand out most. The much-evoked multi-ethnic Kosovo is unlikely to become a reality in the near future. Protection of minorities is not guaranteed. These groups can only move around safely within their own areas. The return of refugees, either on a voluntary basis or sent back by the receiving countries, is causing huge problems: the infrastructure needed to integrate these people is lacking, and so they are left to their own resources. Kosovo is burdened by high unemployment, between 60 and 70%. Organised crime and corruption should not be forgotten either. It is unacceptable that the political parties maintain their own intelligence services and, in that way, control political life.

Question: A decision on the future status of Kosovo is to be taken this year or next year. Do you see any prospects of an agreement between Albanians and Serbs on independence for Kosovo or autonomy within Serbia?

Marianna Tritz: The outcome of these negotiations is completely open. But Albanians and Serbs will have to reach agreement. Pressure from the UN, the EU and the Council of Europe will see to that. The gulf between the two sides is still huge, but I am nevertheless optimistic.

Question: You call for greater Council of Europe involvement in Kosovo. Has that been lacking so far?

Marianna Tritz: The Council of Europe is already playing a very active part. But the Council of Europe office in Kosovo has a staff of only three, which naturally sets limits on involvement. Staff numbers should be increased. And more financial resources should be made available for the ongoing assistance programmes, in the area of the protection of minorities, for example.

Question: What can the Council of Europe do in practice to move things forward in Kosovo?

Marianna Tritz: The Council of Europe should give Kosovo the benefit of the experience it has gained since the fall of the Iron Curtain in democratisation programmes for central and eastern Europe. Greater use should be made of the Venice Commission’s expertise in providing legal safeguards for fundamental rights. The Council of Europe should become more involved in work to expand local democracy and decentralisation: this could be the path to extensive self-determination for minorities. Above all, what is needed is involvement in promoting political dialogue between ethnic groups, and between the governments in Pristina and Belgrade. The Council of Europe could bring the two sides together for talks on neutral ground outside Kosovo, for example in Strasbourg.