Sholtes understands the despair of Kosovars for visas: Complete all conditions

The rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Igor Sholtes, has said that Kosovo has met all conditions for visa liberalisation, while stressing that Kosovo citizens have been given a promise that after meeting these conditions they will travel without visas, but that the same promise has not been kept.

Sholtes, in an interview for “european interests”, said visa liberalisation does not help avoid isolation only Kosovo, but the entire region.

Kosovo is the only Western Balkan country where visa requirements still exist. Kosovo met two important conditions set up by the European Commission -- the fight against corruption and organised crime -- and the second, border demarcation with Montenegro. This second condition was a sensitive issue. And then, like I said, nothing happened. And now people in Kosovo feel depressed, they believe their country does not deserve this. With this, we give you an example of how problematic it can be when you promise something, and you don't keep your promise”, said Sholtes, broadcast Koha.net.

He added that the European Parliament and the European Commission have a positive attitude regarding visa liberalisation, but stresses that the final decision depends on the Council of Europe.

“We are talking only about visa liberalisation, which would not only help Kosovo but the entire region avoid isolation”, he stressed.

On the other hand, European Parliament rapporteur for Kosovo Igor Sholtes said that in the Kosovo- Serbia still has difficult issues.

Kosovo's “Creation has opened many chapters. But this is a test for the EU to see how well you know the Balkans. Because Bosnia and Herzegovina also poses a problem because it is a state of specific regime and Bosnian nationalism is on the rise”, he stressed.