Rama for Der Spiegel: Russia would love another conflict in the Balkans

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In an interview for the German magazine Der Spiegel, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, stated that Kosovo has been positive for the Balkans.

According to Rama, since the declaration of independence, the region has entered the path of peace while healing the wounds of the past.

“The decision for Kosovo was the right one. After all, right now there’s also a process of peace and reconciliation underway, even if it might take a long time to achieve”, said Rama.

But the prime minister also warned that the somewhat fragile Balkans is at risk of Russia’s influence, which according to him would be ready to welcome another conflict.

During the interview, he quoted Russian President Putin’s references to Kosovo when comparing it to Crimea and other Ukrainian regions controlled by pro-Russian separatists.

“Putin always says Kosovo, Kosovo, Kosovo. Russia is fueling the conflict in the Balkans and endangering its fragile peace. He would be content if something would move in the direction of a new conflict”, said Rama.

Emphasizing that the Balkans is divided in terms of its Russian influence and that of the West, the head of the Albanian government continued by saying that the region is also experiencing positive developments thanks to the Open Balkan initiative.

“Recently, we’ve also had some interesting developments in the Balkans. So, I want Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro to create a kind of Schengen mini-zone so we can make better exchanges amongst each other”, continued Rama.

Lastly, he added that apart from the differences that separate them, Balkan leaders are now united by a common goal: “To overturn the fate of history”.

 

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