Berisha warns Kosova leaders against not coordinated independence declaration

TIRANA, Oct. 21 – Prime Minister Sali Berisha appealed to Kosova’s political leaders to coordinate their efforts for the province’s status with the United States and other European or world top leaders and avoid taking unilateral steps alone.
Kosova Albanian politicians, including Prime Minister Agim Ceku, have already stated that the UN-administered territory might declare its independence if the current stage of negotiations that ends December 10 fails to produce that outcome.
“The Albanian government calls upon the Kosova authorities not to take unilateral steps, but to coordinate the option that is left, because that option, for the moment, seems to be the recognition of independence”, Berisha said while addressing the Atlantic Council for Albania on Sunday.
“Such an option should be coordinated with the US and other governments in the Contact Group”, Berisha said, referring to the six-nation group that brings together Russia, which supports Serbia’s opposition to Kosova independence, and five western powers.
Berisha added that the Contact Group countries have a clear concept for peace and stability in Kosova and the wider region and have played a defining role in the Balkans’ exit from the spiral of war.
Berisha restated Albania’s support for the plan for Kosova’s supervised independence that the UN’s special envoy, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, presented earlier this year, describing it as a just proposal, not only for peace in Kosova but also for the region.
“The project of President Ahtisaari recognized the desire of the majority for independence, as the only option that would provide stability”, said Berisha.