Despite objections Thaci insists: Proving Valley Joining Kosovo

President Thaci insists that Kosovo should address the Presevo Valley's request for joining Kosovo under the dialogue process with Serbia. He acknowledges that there are differences with political leaders not only in Kosovo, but also in Albania on this idea, while clarifying the Facebook debate with former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha's president.

As it continues to strengthen its idea for reforming borders within the final phase of dialogue with Serbia, President Thaci insists that this does not imply either division or exchange of territories. But on the other hand, it says it will spread in dialogue with Serbia the imminent demand of Albanians in the Presevo Valley for joining Kosovo.

“Border correction is not a term invented by me, but many states in the world have used it as a means of overcoming the ages to solve problems, to create long-term peace. I have repeated these days often: correcting borders does not mean division, does not mean exchange of territory. I say it differently, the correction of borders will not bring division of Kosovo. Everyone should know that. All these years since we are in dialogue, Kosovo institutions have been criticised why the Presevo Valley issue is not being discussed in dialogue with Serbia. Now the same people demand that we close our eyes in the face of their legitimate demand to join Kosovo. Therefore, our request is for Kosovo to return Presevo, Bujanci and Medvedja, since Serbia has failed to guarantee them rights, which Kosovo guarantees to Serbs in Kosovo”, Thaci has told public television.

The head of state denies that the East Kosovo union with Kosovo means giving the country's north. He says his idea of border correction also has support for Kosovo's friends, including the United States.

There's a big misunderstanding here that needs to be clarified. I have proposed restoring borders as possible option for reaching the final peace agreement. Separation and exchange of territories are unacceptable options for me. In the past two decades, Kosovo has come out victorious in all political processes just because it has believed in the US, even when some have had doubts or have been skeptical. We've always been with America. Even in the final phase of the dialogue, we're together. We will not surprise our strategic partner, who is meritive of Kosovo's freedom and independence. The US and EU are strongly in support of reaching the agreement and are co-ordinated among themselves”.

But even though he says to have the support of friends for this idea, against the correction of Kosovo's first borders has succeeded not only in the opposition and its policy associates, but also in political leaders in Albania.

The last is former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, with whom Kosovo president the previous day had a verbal clash on the FB social network.

This is just a media interpretation and nothing more. First, I think Mr. Berisha has given his opinion on what he thinks of developments in Presevo, Bujanoc and Medvedja. I respect his opinion, but I think it's not enough to respect human rights for Albanians there, because Serbia has failed to do so over and over again. I consider that we have a small opportunity to try joining Presevo, Bujanoc and Medvedja with Kosovo. After all, this is what Albanians and the valley political representatives are looking for from Kosovo institutions”.

President Thaci's idea of border correction is seen as frightening even political parties in position and opposition. Prime Minister Haradinaj has said that anyone who intends to shake the borders should know that this ends in war. But President Thaci has cited a peaceful agreement, such as Belgium and the Netherlands.