Thaci: Kosovo celebrates US independence as if it were its state holiday

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci said that many Kosovo citizens understand and celebrate US independence, as if it were Kosovo's state holiday.

In the traditional reception organised by the American Embassy tonight to mark US independence, President Thaci stressed that celebrating the 4th July Day of US Independence is always a special and emotional event.

I am impressed that many of Kosovo's fellow citizens understand and celebrate this holiday, as if it were Kosovo's state holiday. This feeling is understandable to Kosovars, to the pro-American people and state in Europe and beyond. So it has been, so it is now and will remain forever because our freedom, our values, are incarnated with those of the American people”, the president said.

He added that the American model built on individual freedom, co-existence between peoples and communities, power sharing and accountability, rule of gravity and law are already universal values of democratic states around the world. The president confirmed that “Kosovo has accepted these values and is dedicatedly working to achieve our strategic goal of becoming part of the EU, NATO, and though not, even part of the UN”.

We are on the right track to achieve that goal. Of course, deepening reforms in our country, in the field of rule of law, economy, education, health, etc., will facilitate our journey.

“But the main obstacle on this path remains the necessity of reaching the final agreement for normalisation of relations with Serbia. That is the necessity, they made this dialogue inevitable and crucial for our Euro-Atlantic future. Consequently, this major goal requires responsibility from all state institutions, parliamentary political parties and civil society. We are blessed that as in any important process so far, we have the unreserved support of the US, the EU, and of all our partners who want to see Kosovo and the region in lasting peace”, said President Thaci, Kosovo Press reports.