Albanian President Ilir Meta declared from Skopje that the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia must conclude in a comprehensive solution for all parties and that would guarantee EU membership to both countries.
His remarks came during a speech on “Albanians in the new Millenium – challenges and perspectives” at the Institute of Spiritual and Cultural Heritage of Albanians in the Macedonian capital.
The head of the Albanian state said that he does not believe in a solution that would lead to fewer Serbs in Kosovo or vice versa.
“The core issue is that both countries want to join the European Union and if they want to join, they must walk toward the path of European principles and values, but not put in discussion these principles and values, such as the unacceptable idea of border changes”, he said.
1/2 In our region there are no big & small nations. There must be🇪🇺values in our region which are equally protected&respected by all. Redrawing the borders in our region can not be a solution because this issue has been tried, has failed & has been a catastrophe for the region. pic.twitter.com/J6NaJF6vKa
— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) January 13, 2022
In regards to the Open Balkan initiative, President Meta said that it is an initiative that was imposed from the top and remains ambiguous, adding that it has attracted more controversy rather than any concrete results.
“It is worth recalling when Serbia stopped Kosovar athletes, without going over other elements that we see on a daily basis that do not help in any way to increase confidence or consolidate regional cooperation”, said Meta.
According to him, Europe must take a more serious approach toward the Western Balkan and it must deliver on its promises.
“Opening negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, as well as liberalizing with Kosovo, would bring a concrete and positive contribution in consolidating peace, stability and security in the region, as well as the prosperity of our citizens”, concluded Meta.
