Confirms American official: Ramush Haradinaj has not been given a visa

An official from the National Guard in Iowa, U.S.A., has told Radio Free Europe that Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has cancelled his visit to this state on the grounds that “ai has not been able to obtain a” visa.

Haradinaj was expected to attend an event organised by National Guard Commander in Iowa, Timothy E. Orr.

“Prime Minister Haradinaj has been invited by General Orr to that event, but it is a pity that he has not been able to obtain the visa and be together with us”, Colonel Greg Hapgood, spokesperson for the Iowa Guard said.

“The explanation has been that the visit will not take place now and that we have not received more”, he added.

According to Hapgood, Deputy Prime Minister Behgjet Pacolli is expected to participate instead of Haradinaj.

Media in Pristina have reported Sunday that the American Embassy has rejected Prime Minister Haradinaj's visa to travel to the US.

Haradinaj himself has said he is still waiting to obtain the visa.

I also expect a visa until they give it to me. I trust Kosovo! I trust America! I'm still in visa procedure”, Haradinaj wrote on Facebook Sunday.

This development follows international community criticism following efforts by Kosovo lawmakers to amend the Law for the Special War Crimes Court.