Tirana lobbied hard at UN for Kosovo’s recognition

TIRANA, Seep. 27 – The Albanian UN delegation lobbied hard its participation at the United Nations General Assembly annual meeting in New York.
The top delegation was made up of President Bamir Topi, Prime Minister Sali Berisha and Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto.
In their speeches and numerous meetings held with counterparts from around the world, Albania’s leaders appealed to UN member states to recognize the independence of Kosovo, saying such a move would help promote peace and stability in the Balkans.
They said Serbia and Kosovo should now engage in dialogue on practical issues.
“We have the responsibility toward a country and a people that rightly wish to be among us and have given ample evidence that they truly deserve it,” said President Topi.
Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, but Serbia has said that it will not recognize the declaration.
In July, the UN International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in which it concluded that the declaration of independence did not violate general international law, a 1999 Security Council resolution following the end of fighting in Kosovo, or the constitutional framework adopted by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on behalf of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
Haxhinasto said that lobbying for the recognition of Kosovo, until its membership at the United Nations was a key goal for the Albanian delegation at the summit.
“We notice with satisfaction that Albania is further consolidating its international image, as a partner and contributor to peace and development worldwide,” he said.