Allie: Kosovo on good track to become NATO member

NATO officials continue to stress that the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force should be done only through constitutional changes, rather than otherwise. President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Paolo Alley has also delivered this message.

He after a meeting with Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, said his presence in Kosovo testifies once again that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly has supported Kosovo committed and dedicated to the Western Balkans.

According to him, the Western Balkans are an essential part of Europe and that it will not be complete without the Western Balkans.

“NATO thinks this transformation should happen in respect to a constitutional framework. So, of course, we are convinced that the best way would be through constitutional reform. It's up to your government and leadership to find the right proposal and the right way. Negotiations on a European level are on the table. NATO will not withdraw from its commitment to Kosovo, KFOR is still here and will be here”, Alli said.

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj stressed that the entire perspective of the Western Balkan region is a word, just as other countries and Kosovo in NATO see lasting security and peace.

“We welcome NATO's presence, KFOR in Kosovo. We consider this a permanent presence. It is a presence highly respected by Kosovo citizens. I think that's true. In the prospect of passing our force into the military, we will do our best to witness to our partners, NATO that we have a responsible solution, so this will be a responsible way”, Haradinaj stressed.

NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Paolo Alli has also been welcomed by Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who has expressed his thanks for the visit, co-operation and support NATO's Parliamentary Assembly has given Kosovo. The head of state has confirmed to President Alli that Kosovo is a factor of stability in the region, dedicated to dialogue with Serbia that will bring lasting peace to the entire region.

While, Paolo Alley, has expressed satisfaction with the co-operation NATO has with the Kosovo Assembly.

Alli during the day has also met with the Kosovo Assembly chairmanship. After the meeting, he has said Kosovo is on track to meet the goals of becoming a NATO member.

Alli added that some issues to be met are essential, as is normalising relations with Serbia.

We clearly understand that the population wants to join the Euro-Atlantic community. Of course, there is still a need for progress in the reforms required by NATO and the European Union, but, I am sure, Kosovo is really on a good path to achieving its goal of becoming a member of the Euro-Atlantic community. Of course, some issues are immediate, as is normalising relations with Serbia”, Alli said.

According to him, fighting corruption and organised crime is the first point, but Allahi said they have generally seen a development in Kosovo and the Western Balkan region.

According to Alli, this region is important for Europe and will not be fulfilled without EU integration.

While Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Xhavit Haliti said Kosovo is and will be for European integrations. Haliti said he has assured Alli that the Assembly of Kosovo and the people here are for Western orientation.

“We like Kosovo have been, we are and will be designated for European integrations and NATO integration. Kosovo institutions, Parliament, people in general, all political parties, all citizens of Kosovo are Western-oriented and will be part of the European Union”, Haliti stressed.

Haliti added that they will insist that they fulfil their obligations to meet standards to be part of the EU and NATO. /