"Decision on KLA crimes court made under intl. pressure"

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Branimir Stojanovic says he is satisfied that amendments that will pave the way to establish a special court have been adopted.
Source: B92 Monday, August 3, 2015 | 20:46

(Beta, file)

"Of course we're satisfied, it was uncertain until the very end. Until the last moment we did not know whether we will have enough votes," he said.
Stojanovic told B92 late on Monday that he "hoped the law will also be adopted during the session this evening," and that "the decision (on the amendments) was significantly influenced by the international community."

"It is quite clear that this decision was made under pressure from the international community. Without implementing this obligation there could be no progress," said Stojanovic.

Stojanovic also commented on the threats received by Kosovo assembly members from the Serb (Srpska) List to say he was "not scared by the threats at all."

"Our obligation is to defend our people's interests, there is an investigation, I hope there will be results. I believe that a big and important thing has been done today. "

The assembly of Kosovo has adopted constitutional changes under strong pressure from the U.S. and the EU which pave the way for the formation of the special court that would deal with war crimes committed by the KLA.

After five hours of debate, 82 deputies voted in favor while five were against. 80 votes plus 14 from MPs from minority communities were needed to pass the proposal.