Swiss politician supporting Shaqiri's Jaka

Ten years ago, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia.

Old federal adviser Micheline Calmy-Rey (72) was an early and firm lawyer for Kosovars, and now their reputation is relatively high.

In an interview with “Sonntags Blic”, Calmy-Rey commemorates Switzerland's role in forming the new state and explaining Switzerland's close ties with Kosovo, Albinfo.ch reports.

What she doesn't understand is criticism against Swiss National players Granit Jaka and Gerdan Shaqiri, following their winning match at Kaliningrad.

For the sake of copyright, we're bringing in a full interview.

Mrs. Calmy-Rey, the Swiss national team won against Serbia on Friday. Have you followed the game?

Micheline Cally-Rey: No, but the result made me very happy.

Kosovo-rooted Swiss guerrillas Jaka and Shaqiri made a gesture representing the two-headed Albanian eagle during the celebration. They immediately received serious criticism. How do you judge both?

How can you define yourself more loyal than through a score for Switzerland? No one can force them to throw out the window their origins and past. Both players are Swiss, but their roots are in Kosovo, and that is not at all contradictory. Especially not in Switzerland.

What does that mean?

I was born in Valais and became a politician in Geneva. And I'm both: Both Valis and Geneva. This is not at all a contradiction.

You have played a central role in creating the independent state of Kosovo.

Switzerland was important. We were the first country to start a discussion on Kosovo's status. Even since 2004. For years Switzerland has been committed to reducing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. When it became clear that no progress in these talks was possible, we raised the Kosovo status issue at the UN. A long, UN-led process followed. The process ended in 2008 with an independent state.

Who first met from Switzerland?

No. The Foreign Policy Commission and the Federal Council were originally to be reconciled. We have recognised Kosovo in the same way as other European countries.

How close are the relations between Switzerland and Kosovo?

Very tight. Ten percent of Kosovars live in Switzerland. When I'm in Kosovo, I see many cars with Swiss license plates. Some even say Kosovo is Switzerland's 27th canton. Switzerland is still very present there: with KFOR soldiers and DEZA development projects.

What does Kosovo matter to you personally?

We are William Telle's land. I have been touched by the freedom struggle of this people. Especially with Kosovo diaspora people in Switzerland, I have many wonderful meetings. Sometimes, when I get in the cab, the driver says: “Mrs. Calmy-Rey, you don't have to pay anything, I'm from Kosovo.

” On several trips to Kosovo, I feel respected as Mother Teresa (laughs). But this only shows what great importance official Switzerland's activity has been and still has in the Balkans.