TIRANA, Aug 1 /ATA/- Prime Minister Edi Rama stated on Monday that Spain’s decision not to recognize Kosovo’s independence is irrelevant to any kind of discrimination or prejudice against the Albanian community in Kosovo.
It is known that Spain’s position is different and traditionally unwavering for reasons related to Spain itself, but which have nothing to do with any kind of discrimination or prejudice against Albanians in Kosovo and their rights. However, we discussed against the backdrop of a situation that late last night escalated unreasonably, since the government of Kosovo has the right and the duty to implement the agreements by exercising territorial sovereignty, which originates from an independence in the administration of the state and the arrangements agreed upon with the other side are to be implemented and not to be negotiated,” said Rama.
Pressed by the journalists about this issue, Rama underlined that “Spain has its own reasons for reading the relationship with Kosovo as it does, but this does not prevent Spain, absolutely at all, from saying: “We endorse the liberalization of visas for the citizens of Kosovo.” However, this is not an expression of disregard for dignity, rights and the way we Albanians see this issue, on the contrary.”
Also, Rama said that “precisely because Russia has the potential of pulling the strings up to an escalation that could lead to war here in the Balkans, we must be very attentive and we must be very determined to move down the path of strengthening ties that build peace. This is not a reason again to lean into the tempting but fatal lap of nationalism and warmongering attitudes, but it is one more reason to insist on peace building mechanisms. I’ll give you an example, those who don’t stand up for peace, those who don’t stand up for any kind of dialogue with Serbia, want Kosovo to become a member of NATO, under the conditions when precisely the possible shadow of Russian aggression in the Balkans directly threatens Kosovo. The simple question is how will Kosovo become a member of NATO? Spain is in NATO, Romania is in NATO, Slovakia is in NATO and how can we talk Spain or other countries into agreeing to admit into NATO a country that they do not recognize, except by pushing a process whereby recognition will come as a result of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo.”
“Can you imagine that until yesterday Russia was in NATO’s partnership for peace, do you know that Serbia is in NATO’s partnership for peace, do you understand that we cannot even include Kosovo in NATO’s partnership, for the same reason? But joining NATO is a strategic vision, whereas these wars that start as a tempest in a teapot and can escalate into Balkan wars are not a strategic vision. These are national folklore short-sightedness,” Rama underlined.
He said that the only way to achieve recognition of Kosovo is through the constant quest for dialogue from Kosovo and that without the West there would be no future.
“For me, the government of Kosovo has done the right thing. It has my support and ours 100%. It did the right thing twice, first it sought to implement the agreement and secondly it postponed that. But, having said that, dialogue, dialogue, dialogue. Peace, peace, peace. We do not choose our neighbors,” said the Prime Minister.
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