The Kosovo Assembly is expected to continue today, at 11:00 p.m., the plenary session interrupted yesterday for lack of quorum after pause. It is also in order to review the Law on Changing and Fulfilling the Law for Specialized Rooms and the Special Prosecutor’s Office.

The inclusion of this point was adopted following the PDK Parliamentary Group’s request.

The law has returned for review by President Justina Shiroka-Pula, while the Commission for Legislation has announced that 61 votes are needed for its adoption without changes.

Before the possible vote, the European Union Office in Kosovo has voiced serious concerns about the impact of changes in the country’s international obligations and the respect of fundamental principles of rule of law.

According to the EU, concerns are particularly related to the independence of the judiciary, the protection of victims and witnesses, the continuation of procedural rights and effective accountability. Questions have also been raised in response to the constitutionality of the changes.

The EU office has indicated that, since the return of the law to the Assembly for review, it has forwarded its concerns and expectations to Kosovo authorities. It has called for preliminary consultations before any adoption, in line with Kosovo’s international obligations, Kp reports.

Full support for this stance has been expressed by the German Embassy, which has agreed with EU concerns about possible law voting.

Even the Italian Embassy has asked for consultations before the adoption, expressing regret that they have not yet been held. According to her, the law in the current form would serve neither the interests of Kosovo nor those of persons recently convicted by the Specialised Chambers.

Meanwhile, the Great Britain Embassy has warned that the proposed changes risk undermining Kosovo’s relations with international partners and would not serve the country’s basic interests.

The British Embassy has stressed that it has taken into account reactions and frustrations over recent acts, but has assessed that Kosovo can best achieve its goals by respecting international pledges and dedication to justice, accountability to rule of law.

We encourage the Assembly to take the necessary time for further consultations, both within the country and with the European Union and other international allies, with the aim of finding a better solution, it is said in the British response.

European Enlargement Commission Marta Kos has also been declared for amendments to the law. On November 4th, she said the EU was developing dialogue with the Government of Kosovo on this issue, warning that the amendments risk undermining the country’s progress towards European integration.

On the other hand, PDK chairman Vlora Citaku’s task officer, has urged MPs to adopt the law returned by the president and then launch a new procedure for his change.

During the November 12th session, Citaku has pledged that the PDK will present its new legal initiative on Monday, November 16th, and has proposed that the amendment be completed within 2 weeks.