On October 25, Group for Legal and Political Studies (GLPS) organized a Roundtable discussion on the topic: “Meritocracy in Kosovo’s Foreign Service: a set of recommendations to consider”, held in Pristina. The goal of this event was to discuss the professionalism of the Kosovar Foreign Service; and how ready Kosovo is to face the challenges in the diplomatic sphere and in relation to recognitions and membership in international organizations.

At the beginning of the discussion, GLPS presented a set of recommendations arguing that Kosovo’s Foreign Service needs to undergo a profound reform, which remains necessary for two reasons. First, the current legal basis has not served in practice and is insufficient to ensure that members of the Foreign Service are promoted on merit. Second, for years and since the establishment of the ministry, the Foreign Service has served as a mechanism for accommodating individuals close to the political elite and has served to the close interest of certain groups.

First, to address the audience was Mr. Haki Abazi, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, coming from Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV). He stated that firstly it is necessary to change the mentality of the point of view towards the Foreign Service and then to start its reform. He also added that through legal changes the government and the commission would try to reduce the quota of political ambassadors, as the goal of this government is not to have room for political influence.

On the other hand, Ms. Ariana Musliu Shoshi, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora stated that Foreign Service reform must take place with internal reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also added that there should be a systematization of diplomatic officials who have returned from countries where Kosovo has diplomatic representation.

Lastly, Mr. Lulzim Peci, executive director of KIPRED, stated that even if the commission and the parliament prepares a convenient draft-law, if there is not a proper planning within the Ministry it will not work. Among others, he added that the restructuring of the ministry should be conducted first.

Panelists:

Mr. Haki ABAZI – Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Assembly of Kosova;

Ms. Ariana MUSLIU SHOSHI – Member, Committee on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora;

Mr. Lulzim PECI – Executive Director, KIPRED;

Mr. Naser SHAMOLLI – Senior Research Fellow, Group for Legal and Political Studies.

Venue: Swiss Diamond Hotel (Blvd. Mother Theresa, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo.