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| Xhelal Sveçla in a press release |
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Svecla spoke about the arrival of Afghans and said Kosovo institutions are being coordinated regularly with US allies in Afghanistan, NATO, and Kosovo.
Sveçla also said that the stay of people coming from Afghanistan will not be long and as he said, Kosovo can offer them temporary protection for a period of one year.
Mr. Sveçla, a number of citizens from Afghanistan is expected to come to Kosovo. Is it known how many people will be sheltered in Kosovo?
The number we are talking about, and we are always talking about temporary housing, is somewhere at around 2,000.
Radio Free Europe: Is it known approximately when they will come to Kosovo?
Xhelal Sveçla: It is a matter of organizing this whole process of evacuation of Afghan citizens from Kabul airport to third countries and then to us in the Republic of Kosovo. It is an organizational matter, it is an extremely large logistical activity of the US military, but also of all other NATO allies, and therefore we do not have a precisely defined hour, day, date.
We are available, we are in constant contact, whether with the officials here, or with the officials of the American state in America and at the scene, but also with other collaborators of other states.
Radio Free Europe: Minister Sveçla, where the newcomers will be accommodated. It has been said that they will not be housed in the Student Center. Where then?
Xhelal Sveçla: There are several locations that are being considered. For one reason or another, we are making the necessary assessments together with our partners and as soon as it is decided, the public will be notified.
Radio Free Europe: Is it known for what period of time they will stay in Kosovo?
Xhelal Sveçla: We have been told that this process will not last in time. However, by law, we can offer temporary protection for up to a year.
Radio Free Europe: Those who will come, will they come together with their families?
Xhelal Sveçla: We are talking about everyone as a number. All those will come, who, according to the assessment of our allies, are endangered exponents together with their families, will find shelter in Kosovo as in many countries around the globe.
Radio Free Europe: Will the persons who will come to Kosovo undergo any verification process?
Xhelal Sveçla: They will definitely undergo the verification process. There are several stages of verification that they will go through, whether from our collaborators, our allies or from the state of Kosovo. Absolutely yes, Kosovo will also do a verification.