Kosovo Parties Throw Accusations for Attack

Pristina | 12 November 2009 | Petrit Collaku

Hashim Thaci

The Democratic Party of Kosovo, PDK, has accused the leader of Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, AAK, Ramush Haradinaj for being behind the attack on Kosovo Prime Minister and PDK leader Hashim Thaci in the municipality of Decan on Wednesday.

While campaigning for Sunday's municipal elections, a group of people started throwing stones at one of Thaci’s escorts. The PDK claims that the people who had come to listen to Thaci as well as PDK’s leadership were in danger. Prior to the incident, some young AAK supporters began chanting ‘AAK’ and ‘Ramush’.

Decan is currently governed by the AAK.

The PDK said the attack was a direct infringement on the right to campaign and vote. “Directly incited and organised by Ramush Haradinaj… the people’s free vote has been jeopardized and intimated,” the PDK website stated.

“We remind Ramush Haradinaj that power is gained by votes of free will and not by violence and weapons,” it added.

In response, the AAK accused the PDK of abusing high school children. “The PDK high officials and the candidates for Decan’s assembly used uncontrolled force on Decan’s school children, in the hall where the gathering took place,” the AAK stated.

“The AAK condemns this incident, and asks the competent bodies to reveal the minors’ abusers in this election gathering,’’ it added.

Kosovo police have arrested three people and have started an investigation.

Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu condemned the attack and stressed that such actions are unacceptable. “The November 15 elections are our first challenge of internal democracy in the world’s eyes,” presidency website stated. “It is of vital importance for our country, our children’s future, that those elections be successful and honorable.”

The US embassy in Kosovo said violence has no place in campaigns: “We call on all political leaders, parties and activists to refrain from all violence and provocations as the campaign come to an end and Kosovo votes Sunday, November 15.”

The Special Representative of the European Union Pieter Feith called for the municipal election campaign to continue in a calm manner. “Violent acts have no place in a democratic election campaign. I regret yesterday’s incident in Deçan/Dečane, which was in nobody’s interest,” he said.

“I have spoken with the Prime Minister and with Mr Haradinaj. I have received clear assurances that the campaign, and election day, will continue in a calm atmosphere,” Feith added.

The Reformist Party Time, ORA, has also reacted on the attack: “The use of violence should not be tolerated in any form or any time.’’