Meta hails OIC resolution on Kosovo

TIRANA, May 24 – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta said that the resolution on Kosovo adopted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, was a clear indication of the progress made by Kosovo as an independent country as an important factor for peace and stability in the region.
Monday’s statement from the minister was very likely a reaction to words from a Belgrade official that Albania had played the religious card for Kosovo at the OIC.
The 37th Session of the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where Meta took part lobbying for Kosovo.
Some 68 countries have already recognized Kosovo, including the United States and most of the European Union members. But Serbia, supported from Russia, say Kosovo is not a separate state but still part of the Serbian republic.
The conference adopted with unanimity a new Resolution on Kosovo, which was initiated by Albania.
“This resolution marks another achievement in the further recognition process of the sovereign and independent state of Kosovo; likewise, it is undoubtedly a success for the Albanian diplomacy,” said Meta.
The resolution highlights explicitly the interest from OIC Member States for the entire Kosovo people, albeit the ethnic or religious affiliation, as well as its significance for peace and stability all over the Balkan region. The resolution reflects the progress made in Kosovo in the aftermath of independence in strengthening democratic institutions at all levels; it highlights that independence has produced a peaceful climate, with a positive impact on inter-ethnic relations, not only in Kosovo.
The resolution welcomes the calm and peaceful climate during the latest local elections in Kosovo, with the extensive participation of the Serb community, as well as the engagement of the authorities in Kosovo and the international factor in strengthening the rule of law all over Kosovo’s territory; all these have helped provide the best possible living conditions for all its citizens.
Through the adopted resolution, the OIC Member States welcome for the first time ever EU’s ongoing efforts in advancing the European perspective for Kosovo and the whole Western Balkan region, as a decisive contribution to regional stability and prosperity.
The appeal of the resolution addressed to all Member States of OIC, its financial institutions and the entire international community to contribute to strengthening Kosovo’s economy is also a testimony of the new climate in the relations between OIC and Kosovo; this reinforces our confidence that other countries of this Organization are expected to recognize the new state in a near future.