The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, reacted after today’s decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to support Kosovo’s request to join the Council of Europe.

Vjosa Osmani:

• “The voice of Europeans has been heard! Thank you to all the MPs who voted for Kosovo’s membership. A big thank you to our delegation and all those who continuously support the people of Kosovo. One more step!”

The prime minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, reacted stressing that he hopes that the next phase will be concluded successfully.

In a post he made on social networks writes that today is a big day for Kosovo

Albin Kurti’s reaction:

• “A big day for Kosovo, the Assembly votes in favor of our application to join the Council of Europe. This is a resounding approval of our state’s record for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, bringing the Republic of Kosovo one step closer to full membership”

The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, also reacted after today’s decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Bajram Begaj’s reaction:

• “I welcome today’s decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). I thank all those who have worked and supported Kosovo’s rightful request to join the Council of Europe. Now only the final step is expected in May, which also marks the well-deserved moment to celebrate.”

The Foreign Minister of Albania, Igli Hasani, has welcomed the vote in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe.

Igli Hasani:

• “Another historic moment for Kosovo. The recommendation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for Kosovo’s membership is a recognition of its progress and potential. It is a decisive step towards increased cooperation, stability and prosperity for the people of Kosovo. It is a proof of Kosovo’s commitment to European values. Next step: Committee of Ministers”

The majority of deputies of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe supported the membership of Kosovo in this organization with headquarters in Strasbourg.

171 deputies voted for, 29 were against and 11 abstained.

None of the amendments proposed by Serbia were approved.

Kosovo took a step towards membership in the Council of Europe on March 27. Despite the vote against of Serbia and two other countries, the Committee for Politics and Democracy of the Council of Europe approved the report of the rapporteur for Kosovo, Dora Bakoyannis, which recommends that the country has met the conditions to become a full member of the Council of Europe.

The issue is now in the hands of the Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe, who must finally decide whether Kosovo will become the organization’s newest member.