Albanian diplomat: Kosovo should be part of Balkans' open

Diplomat Arben Ceyku thinks participation in the regional initiative “Open Balkans” would bring more benefits than Kosovo's losses.

Commenting on the development of the Skopje Economic Forum, Ceyku said Albania and Kosovo should not be self-systemed by such initiatives. He wished the signed agreements would be implemented and in parallel to the EU integration aspirations.

There is no missing from regional co-operation”, Ceyku diplomat stressed.

The diplomat said the “Open Balkans” initiative should be seen more on the plains of multilateral and non-lateral relations with a specific state like Serbia. Here he said there is a separate issue for Kosovo, and despite the challenges it has “it should not withdraw to an insulating strategy when it comes to co-operation with the countries of the region”.

Ceyku said the region's EU integration process has faced major challenges and that representation of Albanians with two states in such initiatives would be a significant indication of power.

“The presence of the two Albanian prime ministers [in Skopje] would visually express the power of Albanians in the Balkan region,” the diplomat said.

Changing the name from <x0mini-Shengen” to “Open Balkans”, Ceyku said he saw it as the crossing bridge to calm Kosovo's emotional contexts and the contexts related to the region, which should leave behind wars and interethnic conflicts.

According to Ceek freedom and integration are in favour of Albanians, and history or economic situations should not complex politicians.