TIRANA, June 10 /ATA/ Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti stated today that regional initiatives are stalled due to the non-recognition of Kosovo by Serbia.
In a statement to the media in Tirana, where he was part of the Summit of Leaders of the Western Balkans, Kurti stressed that, “Various initiatives bring together the leaders of the Balkans so that to spread the spirit of European integration.”
“I emphasized that while the 6 countries of the Western Balkans are in Europe, the EU is not yet Europe, because it is not complete, without our 6 countries joining”.
“Kosovo has the most difficult position because we do not yet enjoy visa liberalization, while Kosovo is the most pro-European country in Europe and we are determined to implement our multiple reforms,” said Kurti.
PM Kurti noted that regional initiatives are stalled due to the lack of recognition of Kosovo as an independent state by Serbia.
“Recognition would make countries cooperate more and move faster towards the EU. In this respect, the common market alone is not enough, but the values of the EU need to be established both within every country and in the relations between countries. These values are equality, human rights, civil rights, the fight against corruption, dealing with the past, investments in the economy, justice and others,” Kurti added.
Kurti said he had made his proposal during the meeting on how he could move forward.
“This is the model of the European free market agreement, like EFTA, as Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland have, so that we can enter as a common region in relations with the EU, in terms of economy and trade,” said Kurti.
In this context, he added, we would organize joint summits every three years and at the end of this decade be ready for EU integration.
“The most important thing is for Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro to be joined by Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in recognizing and accepting Kosovo”, stated Kurti./j.p/r.e/p.s./
