Albania receives Kosova’s new constitution

TIRANA, June 16 – A group of Kosovar lawmakers have arrived in Tirana to deliver a copy of their new constitution to Albanian authorities. The Kosovar constitution is scheduled to become law this Sunday,
The Kosovar lawmakers met with Albanian parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli, Defense Minister Gazmend Oketa, lawmakers and other top officials. Albanian officials praised the Kosovar officials on the new constitution, which is considered to be the foundation of the new state.
Albanian officials also offered their assistance to the Kosovar lawmakers in assuring they have the expertise to bring all government institutions under the control of the UNMIK authorities.
President Bamir Topi said the new constitution is part of a neutral and democratic process of taking over governing from international institutions.
“Today is important, not only for Kosova but for the whole region and its neighbors, as it becomes an equal country where the basic juridical and political documents of the state function to guarantee the future of all its citizens,” said Topi in a statement.
The Foreign Ministry welcomed Kosova’s new constitution “as the most important event in the history of this new, independent and sovereign state.” The constitution lays down the foundations of building a free and democratic Kosovo, oriented towards European and Euro – Atlantic integration and becoming a worthy member of the family of free nations, according to a statement. (Tirana Times Staff)