The new Kosovo Security Strategy formulation process: Inclusiveness and transparency
17/05/2013
GAP Institute as member organization of the Forum for Security, in the conference of May 15, with respective representatives of the security sector institutions, presented the analysis on: The new Kosovo Security Strategy development process: inclusiveness and transparency”.
Read full report in here:Download:
In this analysis, GAP addresses some important aspects for the new Kosovo Security Strategy development process, such as duration, inclusiveness, transparency and public debate, by providing examples of countries which represent successful examples of inclusive and transparent consultations in such processes.
Kosovo Security Strategy development process has not been inclusive, transparent, and the strategy hasn’t been published even after it was approved. In addition, even the final version of the strategy has been imposed from the Security Advisory Unit of the International Civilian Office. Therefore, the new Kosovo Security Strategy development process has to be inclusive and transparent. Besides the public institutions, civil society, media, independent experts of the field, political parties, and other interested actors should take part in the strategy development process.
The decision 09/67 of the Government of Kosovo approving the Strategic Security Sector Review (SSSR), respectively its 1.6point, defines development of a new Kosovo Security Strategy. SSSR has an organizational structure under the direction of a Steering Committee which is led by the Minister of Kosovo Security Force. Developing the new Kosovo Security Strategy based on this decision, respectively its 1.6 point is against the Constitution of Kosovo, article 127 which defines that Kosovo Security Council (KSC) in cooperation with the President and the Government develops the Kosovo Security Strategy. In addition, this decision is against the Law on the establishment of the Kosovo Security Council, respectively article 2.1 which defines that Kosovo Security Council in coordination with the President of Kosovo develops and reviews the Security Strategy which is approved by the Government and submitted to the Assembly for the final approval.
The new Kosovo Security Strategy development process should start after the SSSR process is concluded. The developments of the new Kosovo Security Strategy and SSSR have to be separated processes. Initiating the process should be open and a decision should be taken by the Government, which pursuant to the Constitution and other laws will authorize the Kosovo Security Council to coordinate the new Kosovo Security Strategy development process. U.S. and France are the two countries which represent good examples of an inclusive and transparent National Security Strategy development process.
All regional and most of EU member countries make documents public either in a format of National Security Strategy or in the format of a relevant document for the country’s security and defense. The National Security Strategy is not confidential and is made public as such. Therefore, based also on the Law on Classification of Information and Security Clearances, Kosovo Security Strategy will have to be public and easily accessed by all.
