KOSOVO: ISMAIL KADARE SUPPORTS THE CANDIDACY OF UKSHIN HOTI FOR THE SAKHAROV PRIZE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Paris, October 6, 1998

Honourable members of the European Parliament

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Not very far from the headquarters of Your distinguished European institution, one of the most known and respected political prisoners of Europe is serving his sentence in Serbian prison.

Since number of years Mr. Ukshin Hoti has been among the first and most dedicated advocates and promoters of strengthening the relations between Kosova and the rest of Europe. the shameful fact that professor Hoti is still in prison is particularly deplorable in still worsening situation that the Kosova Albanian people are facing now.

Both Kosova and Europe now need more than ever Mr. Hoti free.

Allow me therefore to express my strongest support for the nomination of Professor Ukshin Hoti for the Sakharov Prize. I am convinced that on the basis of your own experience with the positive impact of the attribution of the Sakharov Prize in some cases in the past, the European Parliament should decide to support this courageous man.

With my best regards,

Ismail Kadare