Haradinaj seeks help from US official for Kosovo membership in international organisations

The prime minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, hosted US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Laura Cooper, with whom he talked about current developments in Kosovo and the region, the country's integration processes and challenges in the field of security today.

Prime Minister Haradinaj stressed the importance of the US military and diplomatic presence in Kosovo and the region as a factor of stability and peace, and specifically praised the support the US continues to give Kosovo in building a democratic and inclusive state.

Prime Minister Haradinaj said that with the new ruling dynamic Kosovo is accelerating implementation of reforms in the country in various areas, namely that of rule of law and order and economic development.

He said international consolidation and membership in Kosovo's international organisations, including international security mechanisms, with the goal of addressing the challenges of violent extremism and radicalism, is of particular importance to create stability and stressed that US assistance in this area is necessary.

Prime Minister Haradinaj stressed that Kosovo is building good neighbourly relations with all countries in the region and is engaged in the process of dialogue with Serbia for normalisation of relations. He said dialogue must be reformed and mandated by bringing a concrete final result -- that of mutual recognition between the two states. Prime Minister Haradinaj said that in the final phase of the dialogue and its conclusion it is necessary to include the US as guarantor of the process together with the EU.

Speaking of transforming the Kosovo Security Force into the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Haradinaj stressed that efforts are being made in this direction within the country's constitutional framework, in inter-institutional co-operation and with communities, and that this process will take place in close co-ordination with the US. He said the FAK will be a force built on international, multiethnic and professional standards. Prime Minister Haradinaj also stressed the importance of participating and contributing the KSF to Peacekeeping Operations.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Laura Cooper said the US will continue to support and stand by Kosovo in all its processes.