Speech by Director of ACA Mr. Hasan Preteni in the ceremony of the award for best journalistic reports against corruption
Honoured guests and friends journalists:
Corruption is one of the most negative phenomena which is happening to Kosovo in these last 10 years. No matter what extent it has, high or low, this phenomenon must be fought with greater force, with participation by all, since the further development of this phenomenon - undoubtedly greatly endangers the social, economic, and political development of the country, denigrates the rule of law, leads to loss of moral values, and reduces to zero the level of transparency and accountability.
When all these happen, our society will remain hostage to corrupt practices and unfairly robbed of the future and hope that one day we will be part of the larger European community.
But fortunately, there are ways to combat this destructive phenomenon. A preventive measure (in the manner of its special shape) is the work of a journalist that you do each day to unmask and reveal the various forms of abuse in sectors where corrupt practices may be an everyday practice.
This event has now become traditional, for awarding prizes to media reports and findings of corrupt actions is only a small symbolic demonstration that shows our support for your courage as a journalist in investigating and reporting cases of alleged corruption. Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency will always be the main partner of yours and wants to increase and enhance this cooperation more in the months and years to come.
As never before Kosovo society is demonstrating signs of intolerance towards this destructive phenomenon. This is because it is deeply understood that the presence of this phenomenon has become the biggest obstacle to development and progress of the country in general.
I encourage everyone to join our energies and put the foundation stone of a noble joint commitment to build a modern society, without vices and where accountability is the responsibility of everyone, starting from me and you, to continue to the furthest top institutional hierarchy of the state.
