Recognition of Kosovo’s independence from Greece would be proof that Athens is ready to play a regional leadership role in the Balkans, said Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, in an interview with the Greek newspaper “To Vima”.
Kurti, who was recently in Athens for The Economist conference and had a brief meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is clearly against a territorial exchange with Serbia and against the restoration of borders in the Balkans, Gazeta Express reports.
He also emphasizes that the status of Kosovo has been established forever and that the dialogue with Belgrade is only about the future relationship between the two countries, writes “To Vima”.
Full interview:
“To Vima”: Kosovo went through an unstable political period with successive elections, but now seems to have a stable government. What are your main priorities both internally and externally? How big is the problem of corruption?
We have been focused on two basic and most urgent priorities. The first priority was to focus on pandemic management in order to minimize the consequences on public health. As a result, in the last 100 days, thanks to appropriate measures against COVID-19, excellent response from citizens and mass vaccination, the number of new cases has dropped by 99%, the number of active cases by 97% and the number of hospitalizations for 86%.
In addition, our reforms in the justice system, the fight against corruption and the preservation of public funds have had a positive impact on increasing citizens’ trust in public institutions. On the economic front, in the first five months of this year we have recorded some very positive and promising results. Our economic activity has increased by 15%, our budget revenues by 30%, exports by 66% and for this year we forecast economic growth of 7.9%. We have also designed an economic recovery package with 1.1 billion euros in contributions to our economy.
“To Vima”: Talks have intensified between Serbia and Kosovo in the context of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, facilitated by the EU. Has there been any progress in these talks recently? Has the territorial exchange scenario been removed from the negotiating table?
Kosovo seeks to resolve unresolved issues with its neighbors through dialogue. We will be able to regulate relations in the Balkans only with a principled and well-prepared dialogue, based on European values. Kosovo’s independence is thirteen years old. Since the decision of the International Court of Justice in 2010, which confirmed the fact that Kosovo’s declaration of independence had not violated international law, the debate on states has been closed. I will not discuss the status of Kosovo, nor our territorial integrity. It is a resolved issue. We can not allow the revival of failed projects for territorial exchange or those for the Bosnianization of Kosovo. Serbia must now distance itself from the Milosevic regime and not insist that in some way it continue to achieve its old goals with new means. The only topic is the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia.
“To Vima”: The Balkans seem to have returned to the attention of all major global actors and most importantly to the attention of the United States. However, following the publication of non-papers that even talk about re-establishing borders in the region along ethnic lines, several scenarios have emerged. How do you respond to those who are worried about the possibility of a greater Albania? Are you against these scenarios or would you consider them in specific circumstances? Is not the possibility of a “Balkan Schengen” a more real and constructive issue to promote regional cooperation?
I continue to believe that the best answer to all these “Non Papers” is “No comment” because through the answers, they are trying to bring to life. We must move towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Kosovo has no dilemmas. The EU and NATO are our values as well as our destination. Knowing that the current regional framework can not prepare us for EU accession, at the Tirana Summit I proposed to update CEFTA to SEFTA (Southeast European Free Trade Agreement) based on the EFTA – EEA model, which will to elevate the entire region and overcome current obstacles. We certainly hope that the European Commission can take this proposal seriously and start a dialogue that would lead to concrete results. We are convinced that if we walk this path together, then we will be able to address many challenges and achieve our common goal.
“To Vima”: Recently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Dendias, visited Pristina. Your liaison office in Athens has been upgraded, but official diplomatic recognition is still lacking. Are you optimistic that this will happen, are you in talks with the Greek side about this? Is there a timeline?
We are grateful to Greece for its support and positive attitude towards the Republic of Kosovo in the integration processes both in the region and in Europe. We highly appreciate the constructive attitude towards our country, an attitude which Greece has proved again with the support given in favor of visa liberalization for the citizens of Kosovo. Greece must be with the people of Kosovo and offer its support. Greece and Kosovo need to strengthen their independent relations because of their long common history, common goal of stability and peace in the Balkans, and their long common future.
“To Vima:” Apart from recognition, what are the main areas in which Athens and Pristina can cooperate both bilaterally and regionally? Do you see Greece as a country that can provide you with the necessary technical assistance on your path to EU integration? Are you concerned that Turkey’s close relations with Kosovo could hamper co-operation with Greece?
Kosovo wants to build on the historical ties between our peoples and strengthen long-term fraternal relations with Greece, an important element of long-term regional stability. We greatly appreciate the support of Greece. Given the weight of Greece in the region, as well as the spirit of cooperation in the region, we would welcome the decision to recognize Kosovo. Recognition would be essential evidence of the leadership role Greece should have in the region. Kosovo-Greece economic relations are strengthening. This is evidenced by the virtual economic forum organized by the two respective MFAs in April 2021. There is still room for increased trade exchanges between the two countries.