Haradinaj's warning: Correcting Borders Brings Us Back to Tragic Past

Prior to those attending, European Parliament representatives, led by Tonino Picula and the chief of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Natalia Apostolova, Prime Minister Haradinaj said it is very important to note that Kosovo citizens -- all ethnic and religious affiliations -- consider themselves Europeans, as well as stand and support the European integration of our country.

“at this early stage, we have contractual relations with the EU through the SAA, but we believe this is only the beginning and we are committed to full EU membership. We took the agenda seriously, which is part of the government program. We have integrated it with priorities taken by the SAA, through the European Reforms Agreement plan and can confirm that in late October, the first priorities will be completed and will continue with the second phase of the European Reforms' agenda, along with”, Prime Minister Haradinaj said, expressing gratitude to all European Parliament representatives for their vote on the removal of the visa regime for Kosovo citizens.

Haradinaj voiced hope that in this dynamic Kosovo will stay together in the trialog between Parliament, the Commission and the Council.

We know our tasks. Strengthening the rule of law, fighting organised crime and corruption, and staying focused on our work plan and actions here. In this direction, you can count on us. We are working substantially in the field of rule of law, not only through targeted subjects, but through the consolidation of the justice system. We don't just want to be security consumers. We are grateful to all the countries that have helped us, NATO, EULEX and all the support we have received. But now it's time for us to be security providers. The transformation of KSF into the military is in service for security contributions. By becoming a NATO member, we aim to contribute to security in the region and at large”, Prime Minister Haradinaj said.

Also, Prime Minister Haradinaj spoke about reports with neighbours, but also about dialogue with Serbia, saying Kosovo is interested in mutual recognition through mandatory legal agreement.

“This recognition should not be the subject of correction or movement of borders. What is called correction is a way of returning to a tragic past. What we must achieve together and what we hope to happen someday is a peace agreement. Our past was tragic. The wounds are still open in our country. This is the biggest contribution our country can make to”, Haradinaj said.

He also said he is interested in reaching a binding legal agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, but not through territories, not across borders and not calling on our tragic past.

“We call on every decisionmaker in Europe and beyond, not to allow the process to go in the wrong direction and to be in time to say no, because delays have cost people life in the past. We are not interested in seeing the region and the Balkans go back at that time of tragedies. We are divided here in our Parliament, position-oppositals, different parties, we have different communities, the Serbian List. When it comes to the European agenda, we will always find a way to be together. Kosovo citizens expect us to all become together and ensure the European perspective of our country”, Haradinaj said.

At the fifth meeting of the Parliamentary Commission for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in EU-Kosovo, co-chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, at the same time head of the European Parliament delegation, Tonino Picula, chief of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Natalia Apostolova and Parliament Speaker Kadri Veseli.