Promises given to Thaci by Bolton to the White House

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has unveiled details after meeting with US National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Thaci has said that from Bolton '%i has received a unique and complete support for Kosovo on its way to resolving the final problem with Serbia, where recognition of Kosovo's independence from Serbia, changing Resolution 1244 and Kosovo's membership in the UN is envisioned.

President Thaci has also indicated that he during this phase in terms of reaching a final solution between Kosovo and Serbia will be in constant contact with the White House and American President Donald Trump.

Next, find the full interview of President Thaci given for “INA” from America, which Metro newspaper broadcast.

Mr. President, you've finally stayed in New York and Washington. But what was important you had a meeting with National Security Chairman John Bolton, what would you say?

Thaci I had an excellent conversation with American President Donald Trump's National Security Adviser, Ambassador John Bolton. A meeting that in my opinion is a unique complete support. It was common agreement that it is the right and historical moment, which Kosovo and Serbia must not lose for reaching the final agreement meaning eventual mutual recognition, changing Resolution 1244, Kosovo's UN membership. Even the White House, the administration of President Trump, Ambassador Bolton made it very clear that with the solution of problems in the Balkan region, including the end of the century-long conflict between Kosovo and Serbia, through a peaceful agreement, Europe will be calmer and stronger. What I can find is this, that Kosovo will be co-ordinated for all commitments it will have in the coming months to successfully complete the process launched for the historic peace agreement and mutual recognition of Kosovo-Serbia.

Thaci: The US role I think will be irreplaceable and Kosovo and I will personally be co-ordinated at every step with the White House with President Trump's administration that would open up the safe opportunity for Kosovo's membership in NATO and the EU. This was also the joint conclusion that this is the moment that all must mobilise, so that the agreement will be as effective as it can reflect peace in the region. So Kosovo can preserve its multiethnic character. Therefore, it was the agreement that must be reached, mutual recognition achieved, and this Kosovo-Serbia agreement must also be carried with the removal of Russia's veto to the Security Council and Kosovo benefiting global recognition.

The agreement with Serbia means border correction between two states?

Thaci : The agreement will be comprehensive and with a broad substance of many aspects or open issues, which the Kosovo negotiating team will negotiate. It would be of interest to integrate the opposition into this process. Everything will pass through the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, so I am confident in the negotiating team, founded by the Parliament, with the involvement of the opposition spectrum, so that our state is as unique and sustainable in meeting with Serbia. It's not going to be easy, but I trust this team that'll do well. I would also add that I am happy for reform in justice. Therefore, I can say that Kosovo is marking progress. We need to co-operate, as we know that in the Balkans either there's movement forward for better or movement back for worse, “staus qua” there is no more. That's why it's time for decision. It's time to move on. The US fully supports Kosovo's independence, bringing new recognitions, membership of Kosovo into other international organisations and simultaneously fully supports our sovereignty as a state.

You had an extraordinary debate on the UN Security Council, called by Russia at Serbia's request. What do you think “promoted” Serbia to seek through Allied Russia such a so-called extraordinary debate?

Thaci: Just as you ask, it was actually an extraordinary session at a normal moment and time. So we had nothing to do with such a situation as Russia claims with Serbia's request to call such a session. It is known that the decision to transform was made The KSF in the Kosovo Army, a more than normal decision made by the Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo, under more than normal conditions than the elected Kosovo people. Serbia is angry with this case, but Kosovo Serb citizens think no! On the other hand, the founding of the Kosovo Army has the full and massive support of all Kosovo citizens and unique support of Kosovo politics. So take the chance again to thank everyone for such great support. But once again the member states of the Security Council, the countries of the European Union that have supported and supported it without equivocal support today the founding of the Kosovo Army. Now after this debate or the feeling kept quite unnecessary, at Serbia's request from Russia, we can say that this debate too fled and ran out. The Kosovo Army will only move ahead. There is no turning back.

In these conditions as far as you speak, do you think Belgrade has to do the same, so after this session the dialogue in Brussels will continue?

Thaci: There is definitely no alternative in our negotiations. Dialogue must continue and reach a final peaceful agreement that, according to me, means unconditional recognition of Kosovo by Serbia; meaning recognition of each other as two neighbouring and sovereign countries. And thus we will speed up Kosovo's path towards NATO and the European Union. Even for Serbia, of course, its European path is natural, which she claims has started. We don't want hate, we don't want revenge, we want understanding and peace among ourselves. And we think that we only achieve it with a final conclusion of the agreements between ourselves through a process.

At the Security Council, you spoke for the first time as chief general of the Kosovo Armed Forces. Does this show that there is no turning back, no matter what the reaction will be in Brussels? What's the role of the United States?

Thaci: Of course! The decision adopted by the Kosovo Assembly is irreversible. Currently, the Kosovo Army is functional and is in its duty to form it. In accordance with our allies and NATO, its commitments they meet will be like a regular army. The Kosovo Army today has its goal and priority, its vision to move forward that everything in terms of it is complete. While it will be working on its commitments that will be important to have a truly professional, moderate army and equipped with contemporary military and logistical tools. Multiethnic military and prepared at the level required logistics to have a moderran one.

Finally, Mr. President, since we are even on the eve of the holiday season, do you have a message for Albanians everywhere, including those in the US diaspora.

Thaci: All Albanians, including those in the US diaspora, warmly wished the founding of the Kosovo Army. I wish you and your families in the diaspora. This has been a year of major challenges and successes for Kosovo, Albania and wherever Albanians are. Cheers!