Tirana hails Kosovo, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia move

TIRANA, Oct 21 – Tirana welcomed the signing of the act for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kosovo and FYROM.
FYROM and Kosovo established diplomatic relations Sunday, having sealed a deal to demarcate a shared border after years of tense dispute.
The Albanian government considered the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kosovo and FYROM “an historic act in close relations and cooperation between the two countries and an important contribution for regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration process.”
Foreign Minister Ilir Meta also welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kosovo and FYROM as a very important message for peace, stability and progress in our region.
Meta had a phone conversation with his Kosovo counterpart, Sk쯤er Hyseni, greeting him at this great diplomatic achievement which further highlights the new state of Kosovo and its European policy.
Tirana also welcomed the agreement reached by state commissions of Kosovo and FYROM for the delimitation of the borderline between the two countries.
Tirana supported the statement of the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Common Security, Javier Solana, who warmly commended the authorities of the two countries for the achievement of this important agreement as a sign of maturity, responsibility and mutual respect.
Albania assessed this agreement as an important contribution to peace and stability in the region and a clear testimony of the will of both countries to intensify bilateral relations and good neighborliness for a common European future.
The Balkan neighbors’ foreign ministers signed a joint communique pledging to, “Ƴtrengthen the friendly relations on the basis of mutual respect of the national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” according to a statement from FYROM’s Foreign Ministry.
The United States, which keeps some 1,000 peacekeepers near the border area, welcomed the new relations between FYROM and Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia only last year.
“We commend the leadership of both countries for their resolve in taking a significant step toward Euro-Atlantic integration by establishing good neighborly relations and enhancing regional stability,” U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said in Washington.
Serbia, however, was angered by the news. It has refused to recognize Kosovo’s independence and vowed to try to block more countries from doing so.
“The decision will certainly have consequences,” Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic warned, though he did not elaborate. He said FYROM’s move had “dealt a blow” to already strained relations with Belgrade.