Thaci: It is time for Kosovo and Serbia to end century conflict

“It is the right and historical moment for Kosovo and Serbia during a short term to reach historic peace agreements for mutual recognition as two neighbouring states”, says Kosovo President Hashim Thaci.

According to him, this process also has the strong support of the international community, with particular US emphasis.

Even the White House, the administration of President Trump, Ambassador John 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.”, underscored for INA, President Thaci.

Asked whether the agreement is a base of border correction, President Thaci said the “agreement will be comprehensive and with a broad substance of many open aspects or issues, which the Kosovo negotiating team will negotiate.” According to him, the US role will be irreplaceable in this process, which will end with recognition of Kosovo from Serbia, and this agreement should also be carried with the removal of Russia's veto to the Security Council and Kosovo gaining global recognition.

Full interview with President Hashim Thaci held in New York:

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 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.

What's the role of the United States?

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 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 open aspects or 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 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, Kosovo's membership in other international organisations and simultaneously fully supports our sovereignty as a state.

You had an extraordinary debate on the UN Security Council, this one called from Russia at Serbia's request. What do you think “promoted” Serbia to seek through Russian allies 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 at Serbia's request to call such a session. Granted, the decision to transform was made The KSF in the Kosovo Army, a decision this more than normal 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 I get the chance to thank everyone once more 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 session kept completely 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 for the dialogue in Brussels to continue after this session?

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, which she claims has started, is natural. 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?

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 work on its commitments that will be important to have a truly professional, modern army and equipped with contemporary military and logistical means. Multiethnic military and prepared at the level required logistics to have a modern army.

Finally, Mr. President, since we are also 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. / INA