Albania hails new Kosova administrator, U.N. resolution on Lebanon war

TIRANA, Aug. 16 – The Albanian government said Wednesday that the nomination of Joachim Ruecker at the head of the U.N. Mission in Kosova was a “full guarantee” for Kosova’s further progress toward its status and independence.
In a letter of congratulations sent from Foreign Minister Besnik Mustafaj he said the nomination came at a very important moment for Kosova. “Preserving stability and securing sustained economic development, anticipating the application of the standards required by the international community, and progress in the Prishtina-Belgrade negotiations to resolve Kosova status within 2006 are serious challenges to your mission,” the letter said. Mustafaj also reassured Ruecker of Albania’s continuous support and that Tirana will remain an “active and constructive factor” in his mission, to Kosova’s people and to institutions in fulfilling their legitimate aspiration.
In another statement the Albanian government hailed the U.N. Security Council resolution to stop the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, adding that it hopes that Israel and Lebanon will be seriously committed to comply with the resolution.