Kosovo’s unification through European integration

TIRANA, March 8 – Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto said that all elected institutions in Kosovo must commit to major challenges they have, including negotiations with Serbia and Kosovo’s independence recognition by all the countries.
In an interview to Kosovo’s public TV station RTK, Haxhinasto stressed that it is absolutely an important priority of Albania’s foreign policy to help the new state of Kosovo in its consolidation, the growing number of recognitions and regional integration initiatives, and membership in regional and international institutions.
Tirana and Prishtina have been in close coordination and so will be in the future. He said that there are a number of issues to be better coordinated to achieve a new dynamic in the recognition of Kosovo’s independence and stressed that there are many positive signals for a near recognition from different countries.
Haxhinasto also said that the most efficient way to coordinate the Albanian factor in the region is to embrace European integration as a process of the future of the region.
Haxhinasto stressed that dialogue is an important process which should focus primarily on issues of common importance to citizens of both countries, technical and concrete issues. He rejected ideas for talks on issues related to Kosovo’s status.
“It’s very clear to all the international partners, U.S. and European Union that the issue of Kosovo’s independence is a closed issue now. What remains to be solved are the practical and concrete issues,” he said.
Commenting on the incident of Frankfurt, Haxhinasto said that “the case is unfortunate but that has nothing to do with the people of Kosovo or its representatives and the feelings they have toward the United States of America, but with a wider appreciation to civilization, to the adoption of civic values, European values of communication and living.”