Osmani met ambassadors, spoke of visa liberalisation, membership in Council of Europe

The president of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has continued meetings with ambassadors of various EU countries accredited in Kosovo. Today, she also met with Germany's ambassador to Kosovo, Italy and Slovenia. With them, President Osmani discussed interstate reports, specifically for support from these countries in terms of the visa liberalisation process and membership in the Council of Europe.

With these countries' ambassadors, the president specifically discussed the political developments that flow after the 13 October meeting of the European Council technical visa-worker group, for visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens.

President Osmani thanked the friendly states, Germany, Italy and Slovenia for the continued support they have given Kosovo in various processes. According to President Osmani, it is very important that this support continues even now, when Kosovo expects the very important process of creating opportunities for free movement of our citizens, which directly affected their lives.

President Osmani stressed that EU member states should also take into account the recommendation of the European Commission, which has already confirmed that it supports the recommendation made to abolish visas for Kosovo since our state has fulfilled all criteria.

“equally important”, President Osmani stressed, “is not allowed in any way to establish additional criteria for visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens, because this would affect the denial of a right of our citizens and would hurt the EU's credibility”.

The president expressed her confidence that technical requirements -- regarding the ETIAS -- will not affect political decision-making and the appointment of a visa liberalisation decision on Kosovo citizens.

President Osmani has also requested further support of these countries for Kosovo's membership process at the Council of Europe. According to the President, membership in this organisation is very important for the citizens of the country because it enables them to protect and promote human rights and freedoms and helps the country further advance human rights.

In the coming days President Osmani will also meet representatives of other states to discuss these very important processes with them for the citizens of our country. /Periksopi/