Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka has clearly stated that Albania will always be in the arms of Kosova and will advise it not to deepen the gap between it and the US-EU, as the consequences will be serious for the country.

Xhaçka said that the government of Kosova should listen to the international allies because otherwise it faces international isolation and serious consequences for the country’s economy.

“We are worried by the increase in tensions in the north and we are engaged with the allies so that the situation does not deteriorate further. We are sorry to find ourselves in this delicate situation at a moment when there was a golden opportunity that would lead to the final solution of the normalization of their relations.

In our case, the concern becomes great where the allies unanimously find the greatest responsibility in Kosova, weakening its positions in the eyes of the USA and the EU.

For us, Kosova is sacred, we share the objectives of the government of Kosova for a final negotiated solution with Serbia. It is imperative that the government of Kosova listens to internationals to de-escalate the situation. Stop deepening the gap with the US and the EU because the consequences are great.

Kosova-Serbia dialogue, the only way to peace. Reaching an agreement on mutual recognition between the two countries, Kosova’s membership in the EU and the UN is very important and requires a lot of courage than what is happening today in the north”, said Xhaçka

Regarding the kidnapping of 3 Kosovo border police officers by Serbia, Xhaçka demanded that they be released and that Albania is awaiting the final report of KFOR. Xhaçka called for maintaining calm and taking steps to reduce tensions.

“The most recent situation with the 3 policemen kidnapped by the Serbian army risks adding fuel to the fire. We have been in close contact with the allies about this event and have asked for KFOR’s assessment of what happened and we are waiting for the end of the investigation.

It is imperative to maintain calm and the Serbian government to release the three policemen without wasting time. Their release would be a great contribution towards reducing tensions. We are of the position that the soldiers have not threatened the national security of Serbia and in such cases even crossing the border or entering an area that can be considered Serbia would not lead to their arrest, but to their return, therefore they must be released. Albania must maintain a constructive attitude that supports Kosova and de-tensions the situation”,  Xhaçka said.

Xhaçka also spoke about the country of Kosova regarding the ban on vehicles with Serbian license plates, where she added that she hopes that this will only be for security reasons, as it could damage not only the regional market but also Kosovo itself.

“Banning the circulation of vehicles with Serbian license plates. We emphasize that free movement is part of the commitments that our countries have undertaken, within the framework of the work for the creation of a common regional market.

The measures are not for economic purposes, but for security measures. It remains to be seen what this means in reality because it would damage the economies of the region and Kosova. It would weaken its position in the eyes of the international community.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has followed closely the session held after the elections and the subsequent unnecessary and harmful measures. We have been in contact with the US-EU, we have worked pro-actively to find a solution. Rama has sent them a draft for the association, an important and essential step for de-tensioning”, Xhaçka added.

/k.s/