Thaci: Many countries in the world have used correcting of borders to exceed the ages

Thaci has stressed that setting limits does not imply division or exchange of territories.

He in this interview insists that Kosovo should address the Presevo Valley's request in dialogue with Serbia.

It says that in the last two decades, it has never been against the interests of the citizens of Kosovo and the United States.

President Thaci acknowledges there are differences between the leaders of Albania and Kosovo on the basis of dialogue, but says the latest Facebook status has not been addressed to former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

Kosovaress: President, in recent weeks you have used the term “correction of borders”. This by institutional and political representatives is translated in exchange for territories, since Serbia traditionally seeks territory from Kosovo. Can you tell us exactly what you think about correcting borders?

Thaci: Correcting borders is not a term invented by me, but many countries in the world have used it as a means of overcoming issues to solve problems to create lasting 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 is guaranteed to Serb «in Kosovo.

Kosovaress: To be clearer. You think Kosovo doesn't give the north in exchange for Presevo?

Thaci: Kosovo has not entered this dialogue to lose, nor to give. Kosovo has entered this dialogue to reach peaceful agreements in line with state interests. Kosovo has always been victorious in front of Serbia, because we have been united in our right to freedom, independence and have consistently followed the support of the United States of America. Therefore, the entire political spectrum, civil society, should be united to bring Kosovo the next victory, that of EU membership, NATO and the UN.

Kosovaress: President, against border correction, ruling partners and the whole opposition have emerged. Even friends of Kosovo. Do you know something others do not know? Do you have American support for the idea of border correction?

Thaci: 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.

Kosovaress: Meanwhile, for your stance you have been sharply criticised by former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. You immediately responded with serious counteraccuses. Why did you react to him?

Thaci: This is just 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. I'm inclined to listen more to these latters than anyone else. But I'm sorry that some media have become masters of warped truth. It is easy to predict such bomb headlines even after this interview. But state and national interest is not determined by false airs, but only by institutional and responsible decisions. I have no open personal issues with any leaders in Albania or in Kosovo. But of course we have differences when dialogue with Serbia is at stake. Despite that, I believe in the historic justice that Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja must join Kosovo. /