Thaci in Holland: We have never fled from justice

He has said that peace and justice are two fundamental issues for any society, especially those in transition. He has added further that The Hague is a country where Kosovo's independence was confirmed legally by the International Court of Justice.

After this advisory opinion in 2010, the political dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia began. The dialogue produced a historic agreement in Brussels, exactly five years ago. This happened after more than a hundred years of conflict”, he added.

President Thaci in The Hague has stressed that, of course, there is also the country where a part of Kosovo's justice system is now located, witnessing Kosovo's readiness to co-operate with international justice always.

We are proud of our struggle for freedom and have nothing to hide or fear the truth. No one ever tried to escape or hide from justice compared to other states in the region”, he added.

Speaking of statehood in Kosovo, President Thaci has said that only ten years ago, Kosovo declared the newest Republic in Europe and we can now look proudly at achievements during the decade I go.

In view of our initial position, according to him, it has been a great challenge and of course that we have had challenges and successes during this journey.

Before many present, President Thaci has said the projected increase for 2018 is nearly 5 per cent, as envisioned for 2019, while Kosovo has signed new investments of over 1 billion euros last year, especially in the energy sector.

According to him, Kosovo is a success story, but Kosovo still has numerous challenges, as do all other Western Balkan states.

President Thaci has counted the three most important challenges, where the conclusion of dialogue with Serbia is first. He has said Kosovo is open to find solutions.

“Both Kosovo and Serbia want to be part of the European Union, and the two states know we have to get to know each other. The EU will not accept us with problems. We need a legally binding agreement. I know it will be extremely difficult for both sides, and above all for Kosovo. But I am convinced that dialogue and agreement are the only way ahead of”, he added.

His second challenge for Kosovo is economic. He has said Kosovo is continuing to mark growth, but needs to create more jobs.

Thaci has said the third challenge concerns Kosovo's integration into NATO and the EU, where, according to him, Kosovo is working on meeting democratic criteria in politics, economy and legislation.

President Thaci, after the lecture, has talked with representatives of the Dutch state, diplomats, ambassadors, journalists and representatives of civil society.

He also participated in the presentation of the biographic book “State, Modern Stateman”, authored by Roger Boes and Suzy Jagger. The presentation of the book was made at the Dutch Institute for International Relations “Clingdael”, the media communique said.