Behgjet Pacolli

Behgjet Isa Pacolli^[a] (born 30 August 1951) is a Kosovar politician and businessman who served as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2019 under the Ramush Haradinaj's government. Pacolli is a former President of Kosovo,^[a] and previously served as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo between 2011 and 2014.[1] Pacolli was one of the signatories of 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence.

Behgjet Pacolli
2nd President of Kosovo
In office 22 February 2011 – 4 April 2011
Prime Minister	Hashim Thaçi
Preceded by	Jakup Krasniqi
Succeeded by	Atifete Jahjaga
First Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo
In office 15 April 2011 – 9 December 2014
Prime Minister	Hashim Thaçi
Preceded by	Hajredin Kuçi
Succeeded by	Hashim Thaçi
In office 9 September 2017 – 3 February 2020
Prime Minister	Ramush Haradinaj
Preceded by	Hajredin Kuçi
Succeeded by	Avdullah Hoti
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office 9 September 2017 – 3 February 2020
Prime Minister	Ramush Haradinaj
Preceded by	Emanuel Demaj (Acting)
Succeeded by	Glauk Konjufca
Personal details
Born	30 August 1951 Pristina, PR Serbia, Yugoslavia (now Pristina, Kosovo)
Political party	New Kosovo Alliance (2006–2011; 2011–present) Independent (2011)
Spouse(s)	Anna Oxa (1999-2002) Masha Pacolli
Net worth	US$900 million
Signature
Website	www.behgjetpacolli.com

He is the major shareholder of Mabetex Group, a Swiss-based construction and civil-engineering company. Pacolli is also the President of the third biggest political party in Kosovo the New Kosovo Alliance.[2] He is believed to be the world's richest ethnic Albanian.[3]

As a young man, Pacolli contacted companies throughout Austria and Germany seeking work and soon after finishing his military service, he joined an Austrian company, for which he worked as a sales representative for ex-Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Poland and Russia. Two years later, he moved to Switzerland and joined a Swiss company he had gotten to know in Moscow.[3]

Early life and education

Behgjet Pacolli (born in Marec, Prishtina) is the son of Isa and Nazmije, the second of ten children, married to Mrs. Masha Pacolli. He is the father of three daughters (Arbresha, Selena, Hana) and three sons (Isa, Diar and Arman). He completed his primary education in Marec and high school in Prishtina. He is Kosovo Albanian by ethnicity but has a Swiss citizenship as well. After receiving his bachelor's degree from the Hamburg Institute of Foreign Trade in Hamburg, Germany (1970-1973), in 1974, he completed his military service in the Yugoslav army and returned to Kosovo.

Behgjet Pacolli went to graduate school at the Mösinger Zurich Institute, where he received his master's degree in Marketing and Management (1980-1982). He speaks various foreign languages, including: English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Serbo-Croatian.[4][5]

In 2018, Pacolli said in Vienna that his ancestors used to be Orthodox Christians,[6] before converting to Islam.

Career

In 1974, Behgjet Pacolli started his career as a Foreign Language Correspondent and Deputy Director for Development at the Textile Enterprise in Gjilan. He held this position until 1975 when he once again left Kosovo to move to the West to pursue career opportunities.

From 1976 to 1980, Behgjet Pacolli held important management positions in several companies, such as, Commercial Director for Regional Development of the company Peter Zimmer in Kufstein, Austria, Commercial Director of Interplastica Project Engineering in Morbio Inf., Switzerland, and afterwards he was named General Director at the same company (Interplastica).

In the fall of 1990, he founded Mabetex Project Management, a construction company based in Lugano, Switzerland, which has developed into a large business group now called the Mabetex Group, with interests in construction, banking, insurance, hospital, media, design, etc.[7]

International Projects

Russia

Pacollis group of companies has made a name for itself with the extensive renovation of the Kremlin, in which gold leaf and other extravagant materials were processed in abundance.

In 1992 Pacolli worked closely with the Yakut Mayor Pavel Borodin on several construction projects in Yakutia, Russia. Following the appointment of Pavel Borodin as head of Russia's presidential real estate, Mabetex was able to secure several major contracts for the renovation, renovation and restoration of the former parliament of the Russian Federation, the Russian State Opera, the State Duma and the Moscow Kremlin. Mabetex also built the Swiss Diamond Hotel - the first luxury hotel to be built in Russia's new era.

Uzbekistan

In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, the Mabetex group built the award-winning project for the town house. Mabetex has been working on two projects since 2019, the Vip Terminal and the international terminal at Tashkents Airport, with completion expected in mid-2020.

The Mabetex Group has also built the new presidential complex in Nur-Sultan, the new capital of Kazakhstan, which measures more than one million square meters.

Kazakhstan

Mabetex was the general contractor and developer of the Central Concert Hall in Kazakhstan. Mabetex is currently active in Kazakhstan, where it has played a significant role in the construction of the new capital Astana; The presidential palace was one of the construction projects. The renovation of the President's residence is symbolic of Mabetex's great achievements in Kazakhstan.

For dignitaries, staying in the now luxurious presidential residence with all its splendor is just as much a pleasure as for President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who holds his presidency there. Located on the east bank of the Ischim River, its architecture combines classic, modern and ethnic influences.

The presidential residence is part of a complex of modern administration buildings in the new city center and serves as a symbol for the new face of Kazakhstan. The Mabetex group is active in the country's construction sector and has constructed almost 40% of the buildings in the new districts of Astana. One of the most recent projects is the Classic Theater House for Opera and Ballet: The Opera House is the largest in Central Asia and was opened on June 21, 2013.

La Fenice theater in Venice after it was destroyed by fire

Italy

In Italy, the Mabetex group was responsible for the preparatory work and the project to renovate the La Fenice theater in Venice after it was destroyed by fire.

Kosovo

In 2011 Pacolli had the luxurious Swiss Diamond Hotel built on the Mother Teresa Boulevard near the central Skanderbeg Square in the middle of the capital Pristina. The six-story building has 141 equipped rooms and a spacious wellness and spa area. The hotel was awarded the 5-star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

Behgjet Pacolli is also the main shareholder of Banka Ekonomike.

Mongolia

In 2018 Mabetex started new construction projects in the Mongolian capital Ulam Batur and its surroundings, the luxurious “Turtle Rock Resort” as well as exclusive residences and a Boutique Hotel

Political career

Lobbying for Kosovo Independence

Behgjet Pacolli's commitment to improving the livelihood in his homeland began soon after the war in Kosovo ended. In 2005 he created the lobbying company "The New Kosovo Alliance", through which he lobbied exclusively for the creation of the country of Kosovo. In this journey, Pacolli collaborated with many important figures in world politics, especially American leaders, such as Frank Carlucci, Morton Abramovitz, S. Waterman, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Janusz Bugajski, Henry Kissinger, and many others. For four years, he was also a member of the board of trustees of the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS),[8] in the Committee led by Henry Kissinger, during which time he continued his lobbying efforts towards creating the appropriate conditions for declaring Kosovo an independent country.

The New Kosovo Alliance's lobbying mission, was considered fulfilled by Pacolli and other members of the organization, at the time when President Bush during his visit to Tirana in June 2007, stated, "Kosovo must be a country, an independent republic, now".[9]

Since Kosovo's declaration of independence in February 2008, Pacolli has been working diligently lobbying countries to officially recognize Kosovo as an independent country.[10] Pacolli continues his lobbying activities all around the world, where he meets senior leaders of world countries in an attempt to convince them of the arguments in favor of recognizing Kosovo's independence.[11][12][13][14]

New Kosovo Alliance

On 17 March 2006, The New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) changes its function and is transformed into a political party.

In the 2007 elections, AKR becomes the third party and leads the parliamentary opposition in Kosovo, giving its contribution to the declaration of Kosovo's independence on February 17th, 2008. During this period, although in opposition, Behgjet Pacolli continued to work towards achieving international recognition of Kosovo's independence.

Pacolli became a deputy in the Assembly of Kosovo and a member of the Committee for Budget and Finance. With Pacolli's rise in politics, he was seen as a great asset not only to Kosovo but to its development.

Seal of the President of Kosovo

Presidency

On 22 February 2011, Behgjet Pacolli was elected the 3rd President of the Republic of Kosovo.[15] During the first days in his new role, he visited Mitrovica and crossed into Serb-majority North Kosovo to reaffirm Kosovo's authority and sovereignty on the area.[16] Pacolli went on two out-of-the-country visits as the President of Kosovo, visiting Albania[17] and Macedonia.[18]

He left the role (though without formally resigning) on 4 April 2011, after the Constitutional Court of Kosovo had ruled that his election procedure had been irregular.[19]

First Deputy Prime Minister

After his withdrawal from the president's office, Behgjet Pacolli decided to continue the co-governance and took on the role of the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo.[20] During this time, with a mandate for recognitions and for foreign investments, he led the lobbying campaign for the recognition and inclusion of Kosovo as a country in the international arena, holding meetings with more than 100 presidents, prime ministers, and kings from many different countries of the world.[21][22] Pacolli has proven a creative approach to his work, focusing in the African region, in influential countries and the change of institutional regulations for foreign investment, with the aim of creating an attractive environment for business.

Behgjet Pacolli continues to lead The New Kosovo Alliance, whose sole mission is the economic development of the Republic of Kosovo, thus improving the livelihood of its citizens and especially the perspective for the youth.

Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

From September 2017 to February 2020, Behgjet Pacolli served as Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kosovo with great commitment. [23]

Humanitarian Activities

Throughout his career in global business, Behgjet Pacolli also developed philanthropic activities. Through the foundation which holds his name, he stimulates the education of youth in elite schools, helps the poor, builds schools, hospitals, supports sports, culture, etc. In 1993, Pacolli established "Les Enfants du Sakha", presently known as "Ibrahim Kodra Foundation" a fund with the stated goal of providing help in the medical care, education and recreation of children.[24] Several times, Pacolli has also been directly involved in the release of hostages in Afghanistan and in other countries undergoing conflict. In 2004, three United Nations workers were taken hostage in Kabul, Annette Flannigan, Angelito Nayan and Shqipe Hebibi, who was from Kosovo and had neither representation nor support from the outside.[25] Behgjet Pacolli traveled to Afghanistan for one month of intensive personal work and negotiations on their behalf and has been credited with securing their release.[26][27] It was two years later that the whole story repeated itself when the Italian citizen, Gabrielle Torsello was kidnapped in Afghanistan. Behgjet Pacolli was contacted by the Italian services in order to negotiate his liberation and was successful in doing so.[28][29]

Just in Kosovo, "Behgjet Pacolli Foundation" has donated over 20 million euros for various projects. Its national and international activities include:

Pacolli is also internationally known for his work to release UN hostages being held in Afghanistan.[30]

Mabetex truck.[24]

• Main sponsor of the Aleksandër Moisiu Foundation[5]
• Founder of the Foundation and Orphanages “Bambimi Di Sakha”[31]
• 1993 – Founder and sponsor of the hospital for the shelter and care of abandoned children born with physical disabilities in Sakha[32]
• 1999 – In cooperation with the Foundation “Insieme per la pace” and Ms. Fanfani, intervenes massively in offering aid in Kukës, Ivangrad, for the refugees expelled from Kosovo
• 1999 – Foundation for Rebuilding Kosovo (FORK), Prishtina[33]
• Support to Kosovo hospitals with pharmaceuticals[34][35][36]
• 2000-2004 – Support for building the infrastructure of Kosovo Protection Corps (TMK) in Prishtina and contribution towards its professional equipment
• 2004 – Founder of the foundation South East European Development (SEED), Washington, D.C., (foundation for lobbying and promoting the independence of Kosovo)
• 2006 – Founder and head of the New Kosovo Alliance (Aleanca Kosova e Re - AKR) political party (AKR is ranked as the third political party in the country, during its first elections in 2007)
• 2006 – Mediation and release of the journalist taken hostage in Afghanistan, Gabriele Torsello[37]
• 2006 – Foundation Behgjet Pacolli, Prishtinë, contributes in scholarships, social assistance for people in need, building houses for the poor and other social and cultural contributions
• 2006 – Large donations for renovation of the Building of the Parliament of Kosovo[38]
• 2007 – Designed, sponsored and funded the building of the American University in Kosovo’ campus.
• 2008-2011 – Permanent lobbying for the recognition of the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign country[39]
• 2008 – Financed the reconstruction and restoration of the Mosque of Llap (Xhamia e Llapit) in Prishtina, a building which is enlisted as part of the cultural heritage of Kosovo
• 2009 – Financed the expansion and construction of the College of Philosophy within the University of Prishtina[40]
• 2012 – Release of the pilot James Berisha, who was taken hostage in Eritrea. Intensive engagement for the release of Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak, arrested by the Eritrean authorities in 2001
• Sponsor of sports and culture in Kosovo
• Full support in the construction of houses for the poor (ongoing)
• Assistance for dozens of patients in receiving the necessary treatment out of the country (ongoing)[41]
• Social aid for people with disabilities and people in need (monthly stipend) (ongoing)
• Member of the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS),] Washington, permanent adviser to the committee led by Henry Kissinger

On 26 November 2019, an earthquake struck Albania. As outgoing Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Behgjet Pacolli and his family personally donated 1 million euros to the relief effort.[42]

Honors and awards

• Certificate of appreciation from the AUK (American University in Kosovo)
• Highest honorary award of the Russian Federation
• “The Acknowledgement of the City of Tirana” honor, given by the mayor of Tirana, Lulëzim Basha, in 2015[43]
• Peace Ambassador from the Universal Peace Federation
• Honors by the Kosovo Protection Corps (TMK)
• Peru: Peruvian President awards Peru the highest honor
• Nelson Mandela Foundation Award
• Liberia: Honorary Diplomat of the State of Liberia
• Peace Prize Gusi Peace Prize, Philippines
• Ambassador of Peace to the Universal Peace Federation
• Cavalier del Millennio per la Pace ("Knight of Peace of the Millennium") of the Centro Nazionale per la pace, Italy
• Honorary citizen of the cities of Lezha and Korça
• Key (2011) and certificate of recognition (2015) from the city of Tirana
• Doctor honoris causa of the European University of Tirana
• Special Leadership Award from the POLIS University for his life's work in politics, peace-building and humanitarian work
• Rochester Institute of Technology Honorary Degree
• Acknowledgment from US President Bill Clinton
• Honorary Citizen of the City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Chancellor's Gold Medal of the Community College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Keys to the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana
• Honorary Citizen of Astana, Kazakhstan
• Order of the Kazakh President Kurmet (2016) for services to the economy, science, culture, education and social affairs
• Kazakh President “2015 Constitution of Kazakhstan” Medal (2015)
• Doctor honoris causa of European University of Tirana
•  Albania: On 21 March 2011 received a copy of the key of the city of Tirana on the occasion of his state visit to Albania.[44]
•  Albania: In 2015 President Nishani decorates Behgjet Pacolli with the Honor of Nation Order[45]
• Title Doctor Honoris Causa in Economics "Ismail Qemali" University, Albania, 2018
• In December 2019, Minister Behgjet Pacolli was received in a private audience by Pope Francis.[46] Pacolli spoke of "the traditional good relations and contribution of the Holy See to Kosovo during its tumultuous history and in the face of current socio-economic challenges.“
• On December 27, 2019 Behgjet Pacolli received the high award "Mother Teresa" in Tirana for his services, personally from the Albanian President Ilir Meta. One of many awards for his commitment in all these years.

Publications

• Founder of the daily newspaper “Lajm” (Eng.: News), founded in 2004.
• Author of the autobiography “From Challenge to Challenge: Life Behgjet Pacolli”, published in 2010[47]
• Author of the documentary book “To lobby for Kosovo”. The book is a summary of documents, articles, experiences, and comments on lobbying for the international recognition of Kosovo's independence. The book was published in 2014.[48]

Notes and references

Notes

a.	^ Albanian: Behgjet Isa Pacolli [bɛhˈɟɛt paˈtsoɫi];[49] Serbo-Croatian: Behđet Isa Pacoli.

a.

^ Kosovo is the subject of a territorial dispute between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia. The Republic of Kosovo unilaterally declared independence on 17 February 2008. Serbia continues to claim it as part of its own sovereign territory. The two governments began to normalise relations in 2013, as part of the 2013 Brussels Agreement. Kosovo is currently recognized as an independent state by 99 out of the 193 United Nations member states. In total, 113 UN member states recognized Kosovo at some point, of which 14 later withdrew their recognition.

References

1. John Kerry (2014). "Government Formation in Kosovo". Retrieved 10 December 2014.
2. Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (2010). "Background Note: Kosovo". Retrieved 22 March 2010.
3. Chris Bennett (1999). "Living The Life Of Behgjet". Retrieved 1 November 2008.
4. "Behgjet Pacolli Biography". Behgjet Pacolli. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015.
5. Thaçi, President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim. "Behxhet Pacolli - President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim Thaçi". President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim Thaçi. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
6. "Pacoli: Crkve su i albanske, moji bili pravoslavci..." B92.net (in Serbian). Tanjug. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
8. "Center for Strategic and International Studies |". www.csis.org. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
9. Traynor, Ian; editor, Europe; agencies (10 June 2007). "Bush insists Kosovo must be independent and receives hero's welcome in Albania". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 August 2017.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
10. "Pacolli Lobbies for Kosovo in Africa :: Balkan Insight". www.balkaninsight.com. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
11. Vjosa Musliu (2009). "Pacolli Lobbies for Kosovo in Africa". Archived from the original on 25 March 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
12. Giulietto Chiesa (2005). "La resistibile ascesa del sig. Pacolli - 30-12-05". Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
13. Anko Ordoñez & Sara Danni (2009). "Interview with Behgjet Pacolli". Retrieved 27 March 2010.
14. Koha Ditore, Lajm (2009). "Businessman lobbies Libya to recognise Kosovo".
15. Thaçi, President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim. "Behgjet Pacolli elected as new President of the Republic of Kosovo". President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim Thaçi. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
16. SuperKosovaAlbania (26 March 2011), Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli visit Mitrovica 25.02.2011, retrieved 20 August 2017
17. Thaçi, President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim. "President Behgjet Pacolli concluded many official activities in Albania". President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim Thaçi. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
18. Thaçi, President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim. "President Behgjet Pacolli meets the Deputy Prime Minister of Macedonia Vasko Naumovski". President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim Thaçi. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
19. "GJK-KS" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
20. "The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi takes the decision to appoint Mr. Behgjet Pacolli as First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo - Vesti - Republika Kosovo - Kancelarija Premijera". kryeministri-ks.net. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
21. "The Republic of Benin is the 80th state to recognize Kosovo's independence". Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Kosovo. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
22. "Deputy Prime Minister Pacolli meets Ugandan President Museveni - News - The Republic of Kosovo - The Office of the Prime Minister". kryeministri-ks.net. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
23. https://indeksonline.net/me-ceremoni-shteterore-albin-kurti-merr-detyren-e-kryeministrit/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
24. World Investment News (2002). "Kosovo". Retrieved 27 March 2010.
25. "BBC NEWS | World | South Asia | Briton in Afghan kidnap dispute". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
26. Liam Clarke (28 November 2004). "UN 'did nothing to help hostages'". The Times. London. Retrieved 26 March 2010.
27. Corriere Della Sera (2006). "Pacolli: ho avuto un ruolo anch' io". Retrieved 26 March 2010.
28. L'Espresso (2006). "TORSELLO: ANCHE PACOLLI NELLE TRATTATIVE PER LIBERAZIONE". Archived from the original on 10 September 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2010.
29. The Jawa Report (2004). "Ransom Paid for UN Hostages?". Retrieved 26 March 2010.
30. The World Water Organization (2009). "Executive & Advisory Boards". Archived from the original on 22 December 2009. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
31. Thaçi, President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim. "Biography - President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim Thaçi". President of the Republic of Kosovo - Hashim Thaçi. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
32. ln2016 (30 December 2016). "Fituesit e Vitit 2016/ Ilir Meta, Behgjet Pacolli, Armand Shkullaku, Ylli Rakipi". KohaJone.com. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
33. "Living The Life Of Behgjet". Institute for War and Peace Reporting. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
34. "Fondacioni "Behgjet Pacolli" me donacion për spitalin e Gjilanit – Fondacioni Behgjet Pacolli". www.fondacionibehgjetpacolli.org. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
35. "Shtretër edhe për Spitalin e Gjakovës nga Fondacioni "Behgjet Pacolli" – Fondacioni Behgjet Pacolli". www.fondacionibehgjetpacolli.org. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
36. "Fondacioni "Behgjet Pacolli" me donacion për spitalin e Pejës – Fondacioni Behgjet Pacolli". www.fondacionibehgjetpacolli.org. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
37. "Interrogato Bejet Pacolli sul rapimento di Torsello". Retrieved 22 August 2017.
38. "Renovation of the building of Parliament of Kosovo".
39. "Pacolli Lobbies for Kosovo in Africa :: Balkan Insight". archive.is. 17 January 2013. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
40. "Fakulteti Filozofik – Fondacioni Behgjet Pacolli". www.fondacionibehgjetpacolli.org. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
41. "Shërime brenda dhe jashtë vendit – Fondacioni Behgjet Pacolli". www.fondacionibehgjetpacolli.org. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
42. "Behgjet Pacolli i jep 1 milion euro për të prekurit nga tërmeti në Shqipëri". Gazeta Express. 28 November 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
43. Behgjet Pacolli (3 March 2015), Lulzim Basha: Behgjet Pacolli është një mik i përhershëm i Tiranës, retrieved 22 August 2017
44. Received a copy of the key of the city of Tirana
45. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
46. "Ministri i jashtëm i Kosovës, Pacolli, tek Papa në Vatikan".
47. Pacolli, Behgjet. "Nga Sfida në Sfidë - Liber nga Behgjet Pacolli". www.ngasfidanesfide.com. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
48. "Të lobosh për Kosovën - Liber nga Behgjet Pacolli". teloboshperkosoven.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
49. Interview with Pacolli in Albanian on YouTube

External links

• Personal website
• Behdjet Pacolli on the New Kosovo Alliance website
• Behgjet Pacolli at the Assembly of Kosovo