Eurasia Press & News
Kosovo’s Prime Minister has guaranteed full transparency over donor funds directed to Kosovo.
“I guarantee donors that every cent they spend will be accounted for,” Hashim Thaci told a press conference about the Donor Forum.
The Donor Forum was organised by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Agency for European Coordination, Development and Integration, to provide a mechanism for analyzing the past year as regards Kosovo’s social and economic development and the impact of donations.
Thaci said all donors would keep faith with Kosovo as a result of the disciplined and effective management of budgets. “This Forum presents the continuation of dialogue between the government and our donors,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the formation of working groups to examine spending would conclude in June, while the next donor forum would be held in February 2009.
“With your continued support and assistance, we will show the world that we are ready to make hard decisions, that we understand the responsibilities that come with independence, and that we are ready to leave the legacy of the conflict behind,” Thaci added.
“We are dedicated to making our contribution to the building of the newest, most stable and dynamic country in the heart of Europe,” Thaci continued.
Patricia Rader, of USAID, a major donor to the country, said it was clear that Kosovo’s government had made progress during the last year. “We will continue to work with our colleagues in the government and with the population of Kosovo, notably in energy and social welfare”, she said.
Lawrence Meredith, head of the department for Kosovo issues at the European Commission, also noted overall progress but reminded that donor money needed to be managed in the best ways. “We expect Kosovo to coordinate donor finances for the maximum gains for everyone in Kosovo”, he said.
