Macedonia: O'Brien confirmed that the US will commit to Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic integration

Macedonia expressed in an interview with Voice of America, the assessment of United States support for the development of Kosovo's defence capacities. Regarding the United States' request for the rapid formation of association, he said the Ohrid Agreement should be implemented both by Kosovo and Serbia as a whole and that any agreement must be in line with the Constitution.

Voice of America: Mr. Macedonia, what were the main issues that arose at the meeting with Mr. O'Brien?

Ejup Macedonia: My official visit to the United States today began with the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs meeting. I'll have more meetings in the next few days. I'm meeting with Deputy Secretary of Defense Sasha Baker and Mrs. Wallander, who is deputy secretary's assistant in international affairs. At the meeting with Mr. O'Brien discussed many things, many common issues. In particular, we stressed the need for continuing excellent reports between the United States and the Republic of Kosovo and deepening these reports. I once again received confirmation that the United States of America and, personally, O'Brien will engage in supporting Kosovo in membership in international organisations, with particular emphasis on Euro-Atlantic integration, the peace partnership programme and other regional programmes, where the United States has a special role. According to Assistant Secretary of State O'Brien, the United States of America will continue to support the development of our country's defence capacities. Developing these capacities has already been in full co-operation with the United States and other NATO partners.

Voice of America: As we heard from the latest news from Pristina, the United States is demanding the rapid establishment of association. How do you evaluate this requirement?

Ejup Macedonia: The Ohrid Agreement, reached between Prime Minister Kurti and Serbia's authorities, is assessing and that is said by the prime minister, which must be implemented by both sides, normally. All agreements within the main agreement must be implemented without exception. We continue to stress the fact that any agreement, which will be signed, should normally have Kosovo's constitution. So the question should be unequivocal that they will be in line with our country's constitution. Although this process was severely damaged by the September 24th terrorist attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, the Kosovo government continues to focus dialogue as the only means for resolving disputed issues between the two countries.

Voice of America: Mr. Minister, the September 24th attack on Kosovo police in the north, sparked concerns about the security situation in the region. How do you view this situation currently?

Ejup Macedonia: The security situation in that area is now much calmer. We have the continued presence of the state in that part, particularly the Kosovo police, which, in effect, has been present before the 24 September attack, enabling citizens and the welfare of citizens there. But also, by preventing the development of various illegal and terrorist activities, including on illegal roads, which have been used by many groups there for bringing illegal weapons to Kosovo, which was used by the Rajdoic-led group in attacking our country's institutions. Now the situation is calmer. However, the danger continues to be present. The threat continues to be present, as the hegemonistic and aggressive approach of the Republic of Serbia continues in relation to our country, and as long as Serbia's militarism continues, including purchases from China and Russia, which are continuing purchases Serbia is accomplishing. But even in view of the militarism of the border part with Kosovo, where Serbia already has 48 front operational bases set.

Voice of America: Did the expulsion of Kosovo from Defender Europe 2023 have consequences?

Ejup Macedonia: Despite the damage to the image by leaving “Defender Europe 23”, I can more precisely say by suspending the day of distinguished visitors, because the entire training process, all targets of “Europe 23” realised in Kosovo. We have continued even after the suspension of co-operation with the US military teams to see our capacities that have been engaged in this exercise. So exercise “Defender Europe 23” has successfully ended despite the suspension of the day, which has been the suspension of the day of distinguished visitors, which is normally an important activity. But really the content hasn't been damaged at all.

Voice of America: Secretary - General NATO Jens Stoltenberg, on at least two occasions after 24 September, reiterated that the Kosovo Security Force should not be deployed in the Serb-inhabited north without the initial consent of KFOR commander, referring to an agreement with NATO. Do I miss out on your strength in the north?

Ejup Macedonia: In fact, it was the 2013 pledge not to include the Kosovo Security Force in operations north of Kosovo, which is respected by all of us today. Normally, it is a different matter to agree or disagree with that commitment. But we are aware of international vows and continue to respect the 2013 pledge and we will respect it consistently. It is estimated that the Kosovo Security Force will operate north of the country, making preliminary co-ordination with KFOR forces, which we do over and over again. It is noteworthy that even after the 2013 pledge, we have had operations in the past in co-operation with KFOR of separate units, mainly search for rescue on the Lake of Wyman. So despite the restrictions we have in the north, in co-operation with KFOR, we are in constant co-ordination that if the country's territory and sovereignty are violated or the lives of citizens, we will be willing to support the Kosovo police or KFOR operations in the country's north. Always considering that it will take place in advance co-ordination with KFOR. Otherwise, the Kosovo Security Force has mandates to exercise its duties throughout our country and train, develop, prepare to carry out its three key tasks, which is to protect the country's territory, military support for civil authorities, and participation in international operations.