Brad Osman: If someone is affected by the Open Balkans, we will not be part of the initiative

In an event with Kosovo Ambassador to Skopje Florian Qehaja, on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Osmani said North Macedonia could leave the Balkans open if any of the states were affected by this initiative.

Northern Macedonia has recognised the state of Kosovo on October 9th 2008, while diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on October 16th 2009.

The Open Balkans is an organic initiative, an initiative of countries in the region, creating the feeling that we themselves can cooperate without being invited to another initiative. But the problem of the Open Balkans is that there are not all six states -- ”, Osmani said.

The positions of three other states that have decided not to be part of the initiative are legitimate. Our job is to try to convince them, but we have to prove by results that we are valuable. If we don't show results, then there's no reason for someone to join us”.

“We, like Northern Macedonia, will not allow any other state to be damaged. We consider that if someone is going to get hurt, I think here also about Kosovo because of its views on this initiative, then we will not participate in this initiative. We will be defenders of the defence to which the state wants in the open Balkans”, Osmani has declared.

He has said that Northern Macedonia provides support to Kosovo in all initiatives and membership efforts in international institutions as in NATO, the Council of Europe, as well as visa liberalisation

North Macedonia strongly supports the Republic of Kosovo on the road to international recognition. We called on the European Union several days ago immediately, without any delay to approve visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens. We are also giving Kosovo support in the Council of Europe for its accession to this European institution, but also in all other international organisations”, Osmani has declared.

According to him, this is the only way to stabilise the region to continue the process of NATO and EU membership.

“As NATO member state, Northern Macedonia is committed to preserving peace and stability in the region, and in this context we give support to Kosovo's efforts to join the” coalition, he said.

The Open Balkans Initiative is the continuation of the Balkan Mini-Shengen, presented in Novi Sad of Serbia on October 10th 2019 by leaders of Serbia, Northern Macedonia and Albania.

The Open Balkans are said to be aiming to enable free movement of people, goods and services in the Western Balkans region.

Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are not part of it.