Limaj loves PDK in Government, says no ambition for president

Fatmir Limaj, chairman of the Social Democrat Initiative party in an interview for Radio Free Europe, says a powerful return of dialogue is expected from the meeting in Washington, aimed at eventual mutual recognition between the two countries.

Limaj, whose party is part of the current government in Kosovo, stresses that the US and the European Union will speed up the long-awaited agreement. However, for not including the opposition in the dialogue process, he thinks the opposition in the last instance could never be against a good deal that closes open issues with Serbia.

Radio Free Europe: Mr Limaj, September 4th in Washington, will hold a meeting between the Kosovo and Serbian sides. What do you expect from this meeting?

Fatmir Limaj: We expect what has been a constant demand for three years now from our most powerful partners, the United States of America and the European Union. Returning to dialogue, a powerful recovery in dialogue, aimed at eventual recognition between the two countries and an inclusive agreement, which closes all open issues between Kosovo and Serbia. It means, we expect dialogue for mutual recognition.

Radio Free Europe: Are you aware of what this meeting will discuss?

Fatmir Limaj: Of course, what I can tell you is that we have the attitude as a Kosovo side and what will be discussed at that meeting will be seen. But we are aware and will take the position of Kosovo's side with the delegation there, that the position is what I said.

As you know, calling President Trump's letter to the first two years when calling for a return to the dialogue of Kosovo and Serbia, with the letter he sent to the two presidents, should not miss the historic moment that Kosovo and Serbia at the negotiating table come to mutual recognition. These are also from the European Union, especially from Chancellor Angela Merkel and President (French) Macron, confirmed last summit.

We appreciate the return of the United States to dialogue

Radio Free Europe: Mr. Limaj, you mentioned President Trump, he said that for reaching an agreement, the interests of both sides must be balanced. How do you see this balance?

Fatmir Limaj: Of course we appreciate the return of the United States. One thing for us is clear now, and how many years that without US and EU participation and co-ordination between them, there has been no peace in this part of the region and no goals have been achieved.

Kosovo has enough arguments on the table to show what you said, that we have witnessed maturity and readiness to live such balances in regional interests, as if we have been extremely flexible in building within our state of Kosovo's judicial system. So Kosovo has all the possible arguments. Now, our country Kosovo has made a mistake in past governance by not participating in dialogue for reasons known, and all have pointed to Kosovo as an obstacle because of tax and reciprocity.

I believe that our country has made major compromises, remember that there are two issues that have fallen because of tax and reciprocity, and we have removed the obstacles required by our friends to restore dialogue.

Now when Kosovo returns to dialogue, it should demonstrate maturity to achieve the dialogue we are invited for, the dialogue for recognition. We now expect partners to be led by Mr. Vuciq to see if he really has the right to come to a comprehensive and mutual agreement, or is playing games like Serbian politics did by playing as far east as to west and by undoing this process between Kosovo and Serbia.

US, European Union to Speed up Long-awaited Agreement

Radio Free Europe: There have been statements from political leaders that a possible final agreement is being made in Washington. Do you expect an agreement from this meeting?

Fatmir Limaj: For me, the meeting in Washington is good news, not only for Kosovo I believe, but also beyond Kosovo, for all those who love peace and stability in this region. This is about the fact that I see a powerful return of the United States of America to the negotiating table as the facilitator of dialogue and, above all, this is the most important topic going on. I hope the re-locking of the United States and the European Union will speed up that long-awaited agreement from us.

Any agreement with Serbia must get broad consent in Kosovo

Radio Free Europe: None of the political leaders have been seen in the composition of the Kosovo delegation in Washington. How do you see this delegation?

Fatmir Limaj: I believe we are now in a phase where the prime minister of the Republic of Kosovo -- that is, as prime minister of the Government of Kosovo -- has all its right to present Kosovo. But if we come to the moment we are talking about and I believe that we should come quickly about an intensive dialogue, if Serbia is really serious about closing the issue with Kosovo, then I believe Kosovo needs a state delegation with a broad consensus to close the agreement once and for all.

I have always been the spokesman for what, regardless of whether we should see things flow to Washington, but one thing is clear that any agreement with Serbia, must first get the consent or consensus as wide as possible in Kosovo.

Radio Free Europe: Mr Limaj, where do you think the final agreement between Kosovo and Serbia should be reached in Washington or Brussels?

Fatmir Limaj: Kosovo cannot get itself into these situations, as I am hearing from different people. Kosovo needs comprehensive agreements with mutual recognition, and above all that agreement must be guaranteed by the United States of America and the European Union. This is more important to me.

Radio Free Europe: The opposition refused to become part of the delegation for negotiations with Serbia. How much could this jeopardise reaching a lasting agreement, considering that the same must be ratified in the Assembly?

Fatmir Limaj: I believe the opposition in the last instance could never oppose a good agreement that closes open issues -- an agreement that concludes recognition of Kosovo, an agreement that has UN membership. That's why we all have to work to such an agreement and then an agreement will find a broader support. Priorly, consultations must continue and be transparent throughout this process.

Discussions on the issue of future, unrealistic president

Free Europe Radio: Will you back Ramush Haradinaj from AAK for the presidential post. Has his party already nominated him for position?

Fatmir Limaj: Kosovo has the current president and any discussion about this subject is now early, unrealistic and unnecessary.

Radio Free Europe: Will you yourself be a candidate for the presidential post?

Fatmir Limaj: No. This is the position of the Initiative I'm talking about. Kosovo has the president, no idea, no other subject is discussed now.

Kosovo needs broad-based stable governance

Radio Free Europe: Do you think Hoti's government should expand if you do?

Fatmir Limaj: I am always for a broad-based stable government, the more powerful we know what the challenges our country is facing.

Political forces here are to serve national interests, to create effective stability and governance. In situations where the country is challenged and is troubled by different natures, political parties must come up with their narrow interests and find ways to work on these challenges by strengthening institutions, governing the country, and bringing the message of readiness and political maturity to further our state consolidation. So yes, a broad-based government is in service of what I said.

Radio Free Europe: You have invited the opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo to become part of the government where you are. Are talks on this matter then held?

Fatmir Limaj: I have expressed my opinion and desire. The question should be asked by Democratic Party officials.

That's the thought, the desire and I believe the interest of our country, the interest of Kosovo at this moment what we are.