Haradinaj: Thaci to analyse participation in dialogue since no visa liberalisation

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has said there are objections that the visa liberalisation issue be decided on the agenda of the European Union's Council of Ministers meeting.

Following the meeting of the European Integration Interministerial Council, Haradinaj has indicated that despite the fact that Kosovo has passed two important phases of the liberalisation process, the European Commission's assessment and the European Parliament's vote to start the dialogue, there is now a lack of readiness to put this matter in order on the part of the Council of Ministers with the reasoning that political will is lacking.

“We, like the Government of Kosovo, are insisting that this issue be put in order day by the Council of Ministers regardless of whether or vote for or against. It does not prejudge the outcome and keep the day in order. I believe that if it enters the agenda of the Council of Ministers liberalisation will be voted” Haradinaj has indicated.

Kosovo's prime minister has even linked visa liberalisation to Thursday's meeting between the presidents Thaci and Vuciq, saying the EU is giving much importance to dialogue, forcing Kosovo to be part of it, but denying its citizens to move without visas.

It would be very bad for one side, in this case Kosovo to be told to participate in dialogue and your citizens have no right to move without a visa. Thaci is wise to examine for himself what he is doing, should he continue to go to these meetings so or should he accept that any agenda of his country depends on the mood of the neighbouring country” has declared Haradinaj.

He has confirmed that at the beginning of December in Kosovo, European Union Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn will remain with authorities in Pristina for implementation of EU integration reforms.