Ylber Hysa: Rugova and Kosovan challenge

Koha Ditore carries an op-ed by ORA deputy chief, Ylber Hysa. (Excerpts)

It is not difficult to prove that after the public announcement of Rugova’s illness, Kosovo definitely has entered a new stage where not everything will remain the same. Combined with other aspects, like the report on Standards, the eventual start of the final status process, possible fight for power, it adds many unknowns to the Kosovan equation.

Rugova has always been the glue that has kept the cohesion of the LDK. Rugova now is facing a few decisions: what will happen with the Forum, the government, the LDK and the Presidency itself. Whatever these decisions will be, they will have long-term repercussions for Kosovo and they could determine many processes. Even if he does not make decisions, there will still be repercussions, says Hysa.

Whether Rugova will live to see independence remains a crucial question in all this process. The addressing of the final status and of the independence [issue] should happen while Rugova is alive. If the process of status definition drags on for too long, then Rugova could turn into a myth and [others] could then say ‘if it were [up to] him, he would never accept anything less than independence’.


Hysa says that Rugova’s illness should not be a reason for postponing the process of the final status of Kosovo, but on the contrary it should be a reason for accelerating the process.