Sparkes: We are investigating few deputies

In an interview for Kosova Sot, Deputy Head of EULEX, Andy Sparkes, commented on the investigation of deputies. He said that it is a confidential matter, but he did reveal that yes, few deputies are under investigation. “I cannot give you a number, but I can say that it is not half of the parliament”, says Sparkes. He also said that EULEX is not pursuing a political agenda in regards to the Limaj case.  However, according to him Limaj is being looked into because there are many corruption allegations against him.

Senior officials of the European Union have increased their pressure on the Kosovo Assembly regarding immunity of MPs. According to the paper, the immunity issue was further complicated after EULEX decided to call on heads of parliamentary groups to take a position on the matter, a move which falls outside of its regulated work.

Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, told Radio Dukagjini that the EU expects Kosovo to clarify the immunity issue. She added that EULEX enjoys the full support of the EU in its requests to the Kosovo Assembly to provide explanations on the immunity of MPs.

“Kosovo needs clarity on the immunity of members of the Kosovo Assembly and we fully support the letters that EULEX sent to the Assembly, in order to have clarity in the interpretation of the Constitution, it is unavoidable,” stated Kocijancic.

While, newspaper Zëri comment’s that the EU is supporting EULEX’s request to clarify the immunity of MPs who are under investigation. Meanwhile, experts and legislators in Kosovo argue that such requests are politicizing the cases.

The paper quotes Penal Code expert Ismet Salihu as saying that he doesn’t understand why EULEX has involved the Constitutional Court in the matter, when the prosecutor of the case can call for the immunity of an MP to be removed.

Salihu said that developments surrounding the immunity and case of former Transport Minister Fatmir Limaj are politicizing the case. “Politics have interfered,” he added.