Albanian PM says Serbia must be realistic about Kosova independence

STRASBOURG, France, Oct. 3 – Albania’s Prime Minister Sali Berisha took part Tuesday and spoke at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The Albanian premier made a favorable expose of the country’s situation, paying special attention to the government’s successes in establishing the rule of law by arresting many criminal groups and by stopping former monopolies. Berisha also presented his idea of Albania, 1 euro trying to attract the support of the European parliamentarians and investors from their countries. Berisha thanked the Council of Europe for helping to reform the former “totalitarian and kleptocratic” regime in Albania. With help from the Council of Europe, Albania has “embarked on meaningful reforms in the field of decentralization, education and other sectors, such as property reform and information technology,” Berisha said. He also reported reduced corruption, a “zero tolerance” for organized crime, and a significant reduction in drug trafficking during the past year. Berisha encouraged ratification by national parliaments of the Stabilization and Association Agreement which was signed last June with the European Union.
Berisha paid special attention to an independent Kosova that, he said, would contribute to Serbia’s stability adding that Belgrade’s opposition to independence for the breakaway province was unrealistic. “Despite all the changes that have occurred in Belgrade since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic’s regime, still the ghost of greater Serbia persists … and a lack of realism still dominates Belgrade’s stance toward Kosova,” said Berisha. Albania has been the biggest supporter of Kosova’s independence, leading to frosty relations with Serbia. Tirana has, however, always said it has no territorial claims and does not intend to change its border. “Rest assured, in Pristina they all hope to join Brussels. I have not found a single person there who wants to join Albania,” Berisha said, alluding to the capital of Kosova and the seat of the European Union. “The only thing we can do is to abide by the will of these people who want to have an independent state integrated into Europe.”
Ethnic Albanians insist they should not be under Belgrade’s authority. Serbia, as well as the Serb minority in Kosova, say Kosova is the heart of Serbia’s ancient homeland and should remain within its borders. The United Nations hopes to resolve Kosova’s status by the end of the year, but talks have stalled with both sides unwilling to compromise on their demands. “I believe that the independence of Kosova would contribute to the stability of Serbia and marginalize its radical forces,” Berisha said. “Due to the absence of realism … the agreement between Pristina and Belgrade is elusive.”