Engel: US to engage in Kosovo- Serbia

US Congressman Eliot Engel has declared that the United States should be involved in dialogue with Serbia, even though it is a European Union issue.

He said Kosovo is not in the United Nations because of the troubles that come to Kosovo from Serbia and Russia.

The American Congressman made these comments in the launch of the Milenium Trust in Kosovo, the foundation of 49m dollars, which will implement the US Federal MCC agency projects in Kosovo.

The United States must be included even though it is a European Union issue. It's the European Union, the United States of America should be involved in this, so I'm in the best interests of both countries entering, but I'm very disappointed with the Serbian Government's attitude towards Kosovo. You know that Kosovo is still not in the United Nations because of troubles from Serbia and Russia, Kosovo is trying to enter various agencies like Interpol, for example, and Serbia has blocked Kosovo's entry. And so is W NESCO, Kosovo has lost for three votes and I am saying these because there are two countries -- Serbia and Kosovo -- that if they are trying to work together talking and moving directly to the EU, then one country should not undermine the other country's demands. They must work together, make things easier, and I would like to see something like this”, he said.

He added that he has met with Vucin and Dacici and that he is convinced that through dialogue with the US they can achieve these, because according to him it is not fair for Kosovo to be blocked in its journey to that end.

While Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said that with the start of this project, he is confirming a new chapter of the relationship between Kosovo and America.

The government's chief said the MCC programme focuses on two areas, the first being energy and the second transparent governance.

Haradinaj: This agreement brings $49m today to Kosovo's economic development

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This agreement brings today 49m dollars for Kosovo's economic development for the energy sector, but also for the justice sector. I have instructed relevant ministries, agencies and other institutions to fully co-operate in implementing this agreement. I think three things are important today as this conference is taking place, the first is that this is an irreversible donation from the American people, it's not a loan or a loan, but a concrete aid, to concrete projects. This assistance has been conditioned under certain conditions, we have now met those conditions and we are working to get the best results of our work. The second is in areas that will be financed by this grant are areas that we have chosen. The third point is that we will not stop until we bring in further investment”, he said.

Haradinaj has thanked President Thaci and former President Jahjaga, but also former Prime Minister Mustafa, who, according to him, have made their contribution to foundations.

The main operating officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Jonathan Nash, said Kosovo has potential for development and in that direction will have US support.

Nash: This help I want to be investments for more powerful futures

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“These 49 million want to be investments for Kosovars for building a stronger economic future for this republic, and we will support the Government of Kosovo to strengthen its institutions, rule of law. As well as creating opportunities to increase, reduce poverty and boost regional stability by providing reliable electricity, expanding the market and reducing spending in family economies”, he said.

Meanwhile, US Deputy Ambassador to Kosovo College Hyland has said that the Government of Kosovo is already responsible for implementing the programme effectively and accountability for Kosovo citizens.

And we all have optimism and pride as we are now going through the implementation of the millennium's dare programme, realizing that without our co-operation it would not be possible to feel this impact on people in Kosovo. Prime Minister Haradinaj knows that the government is now responsible for implementing this programme with efficiency and accountability for Kosovo citizens and welcoming the partnership with you. And we expect this foundation not to waste any time, but to get started. We are convinced that they will work in the energy sector and transparent governance and take it to the highest level. We are counting on this and counting on everyone else that there are very few issues which are more important than these for the future of Kosovo”, she said.

The MCC's Kosovo Prague programme supports Government efforts to curb energy spending in family and business economies, and to improve transparency and accountability with a focus on institutional and policy reforms.

The MCC Prague programme is a smaller grant programme that focuses on advancing institutional and policy reform and helping partner states serve their people better. MCC investments promote economic growth and help people rise above poverty, creating more stable and secure states as well as new business opportunities.