Kurti for the Greek newspaper: Recognition proves that Greece is Balkan leader, with Greeks brotherly ties

Kurti, who was recently in Athens for the “conference The Economist” and had a brief meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is clearly against a territorial exchange with Serbia and against the restoration of borders in the Balkans. He also stresses that Kosovo's status is established forever and that dialogue with Belgrade has only to deal with the future relationship between the two countries, writes “To Vima”.

Total interview:

“To Vima”: Kosovo passed an unstable political period with successive elections, but it seems it now has a stable government. What are your top priorities both in the internal and outside? How big is the problem of corruption?

We've been focused on two basic and more urgent priorities. The first priority was the focus on managing pandemic with the aim of minimising the consequences on public health. As a result, in the last 100 days, due measures against COVID-19, a brilliant response from citizens and mass vaccines, the number of new cases has dropped by 99%, the number of active cases for 97% and the number of hospitalizations for 86%.

In addition, our reforms in the justice system, the fight against corruption and the preservation of public funds have had a positive impact on increasing citizens' confidence in public institutions. On the economic front, in the first five months of this year we have seen some very positive and promising results. Our economic activity has increased by 15%, our budget revenues for 30%, exports for 66%, and for this year we forecast economic growth for 7.9%. We have also drafted an economic revival package with 1.1 billion euros of contributions to our economy.

“To Vima”: Talks have intensified between Serbia and Kosovo in the context of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, relaxed by the EU. Has there been progress recently in these talks? Has the territorial exchange scenario left the table of talks?

Kosovo seeks to resolve unresolved issues with neighbours through dialogue. We will have the opportunity to fix relations in the Balkans only with a principled and well prepared dialogue based on European values. Kosovo's independence is thirteen years old. Since the International Court of Justice ruling in 2010, which confirmed the fact that Kosovo's declaration of independence had not violated international law, the debate over states has been closed. I will not discuss Kosovo's status, nor our territorial integrity. It's a settled case. We cannot allow the revival of failed projects for territorial exchange, nor for Kosovo's Bosniakisation. Serbia must now distance itself from the Milosevic regime and not insist that it somehow continue to achieve old goals by new means. The only topic is the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia.

“To Vima”: The Balkans appear to have turned to the attention of all major global acts and most importantly to the attention of the United States of America. However, following the publication of non-papers, even talking about restoring borders in the region along ethnic lines, several scenarios have been presented. How do you respond to those who worry about the possibility of a large Albania? Are you against these scenarios or would you consider them under specific circumstances? Isn't this a “opportunity Balkan Schengen” more real and constructive issues to promote regional co-operation?

I continue to believe that the best response to all these “Noon Papers” is “No comment” because through responses, they are trying to bring them back to life. We must move towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Kosovo has no dilemma. The EU and NATO are our values as well as our destination. Given that the current regional framework cannot prepare us for EU accession, at the Tirana Summit I have proposed to update CEFTA in SEFTA (South East European Free Trade Agreement) based on the EFTA model ÉA, which would glorify the entire region and overcome current obstacles. We certainly hope the European Commission can seriously consider this proposal and initiate dialogue that would lead to concrete results. We are convinced that if we walk together on this road, then we will be able to address many challenges and achieve our common goal.

“To Vima”: Recently, Greece's Foreign Minister Dendias visited Pristina. Your liaison office in Athens is advanced, but official diplomatic recognition is still lacking. Are you optimistic that this will happen, are you in talks with the Greek side about it? Is there a deadline?

We are grateful to Greece for its support and positive attitude towards the Republic of Kosovo in integration processes in both the region and Europe. We highly appreciate the constructive attitude towards our country, which Greece has again witnessed with support given in favour of visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens. Greece should be with the people of Kosovo and offer its support. Greece and Kosovo must strengthen their independent relations due to long-standing common history, the common goal of stability and peace in the Balkans and the long common future.

“To via:” Besides recognition, what are the main areas in which Athens and Pristina can co-operate both bilateral and regionally? Do you see Greece as a country that can provide the necessary technical assistance on your path towards EU integration? Are you concerned that Turkey's close relations with Kosovo could hinder co-operation with Greece?

Kosovo wants to build on historical ties between our peoples and strengthen long-term brotherly relations with Greece, an important element of long-term regional stability. We highly appreciate Greece's support. Given Greece's weight in the region, as well as the spirit of co-operation in the region, we would welcome the decision to recognise Kosovo. The recognition would be essential evidence of the leading role in the region Greece should have. Kosovo-Greece economic relations are strengthening. This is witnessed by the virtual economic forum organised by two relevant MPJs in April 2021. There is still room for increasing trade exchanges between the two countries.