Thaci: Peace in the region depends on Kosovo- Serbia

Part of this summit was Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who, speaking of peace in the Western Balkans, said it depends greatly on the Kosovo-Serbia agreement.

Thaci: Peace in the region depends on Kosovo- Serbia

The long-term peace of the Western Balkans largely depends on an agreement, on a lasting peace between Kosovo and Serbia. In a comprehensive agreement that cannot end with a mutual recognition as two independent states. This agreement also has an extremely important side of the political and economic drive from the EU. We are aware of the EU's speculation and impasse for Western Balkan states. We in Kosovo are paying the heavy price of postponement for visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens. It has become unfair, as has Albania and Northern Macedonia. I am sure that all of this will not cause speculation or doubts about what we should do or how we should treat the EU. We want to become EU member states, we have no other political and historical fate”, said President Thaci.

Meanwhile, Northern Macedonia's president, Stevo Pendarovski, said that despite the Western Balkan states facing a situation where there is reluctance to open negotiations from the EU for his state and Albania, as well as nonliberalisation of visas for Kosovo, their only solution is European values.

Pedarovski: Making a Lasting Peace in the Region

We have a huge responsibility to deal with negative trends and to direct our societies towards European values. I believe that for democratisation of states in the region, we need to increase interoperability between political groups, as well as individual in all spheres, and produce a lasting peace in the region and for the democratic and economic development more stable. This will result in a larger interconnection among our countries”, said President Pedarovcki.

Former Albanian President Alfred Moisiu said the main goal of this summit is peace and finding a common basis for addressing problems that concern the region.

Mossu: Peace ambassadors aim to strengthen Western Balkans' friendly relations

“There has been a very troubled historical past, but even in present - day conditions there are disturbing problems. Peace ambassadors in areas where Albanians live as the main goal have had in strengthening the friendly relations of the Western Balkans”, he said.

And the president of the Universal Peace Federation, Hak Jah Han Moon, speaking of world peace, said states should be more oriented with common interests of all, and not to have more nationalist ideas.

Han Moon: Nationalism is hindering common interests

There is something fundamental that is missing from either small or large states in the UN that have a challenge to nationalism. He deals with national interests in common interests. This hinders prosperity. It's the same for the EU”, she said.

On behalf of the Government of Albania, under whose auspices this summit is being held, Minister Elisa Spiropali sought to remove more state selfishness but to create a better world to leave the legacy to new generations.

Spiropal: Finding Ways to Create a Better World

Try to find ways to create a better world, not as a habit of selfishness for ourselves, but a better world for generations who will trust us. The Universal Peace Federation has done better”, she said.

The Southeast Europe Peace Summit is being held for the first time in Albania, which will last until tomorrow.