Havenier: Kosovo has no choice but to implement commitments in dialogue

Kosovo's only path to integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions is through dialogue facilitated by the EU. There is no other way and especially the trust and full implementation of all commitments made by Kosovo in dialogue. This is not negotiable, we see this Kosovo government, as we have called on all preliminary governments to work in partnership with us as long as we continue our efforts to build proservative, multi-ethnic and secure Kosovo in this region. 25 years ago and so far, for the liberation of Kosovo, the American people have been, and will be proud to have stood side by side with the people of Kosovo until you have built, built and built and built from scratch a multiethnic and solid democracy”.

Hovenier added that they are committed to “s always being partners to ensure that each individual in Kosovo lives in terms of dignity, freedom and security without taking into account ethnicity. I hope we will re-compense for the future of Kosovo where all ambitions come true in the declaration of independence in the Constitution for a sovereign, multiethnic and democratic society”.

Speaking of a free and peaceful Europe, Havenier said stability in the Western Balkan region is key.

We view stability, security in the Western Balkans as key to advancing this promise especially after Putin's ruthless invasion of Ukraine where we are seeing horrors. For Kosovo, the urgency of European and Euro-Atlantic integration is clear. It's the way to ensure the prosperity and democratic freedoms you want for your grandchildren”.

Hovenier also spoke of Kosovo's future in NATO, also pointing to the tasks Kosovo must carry out to become an ally country.

The path to NATO enlargement is not to be convincing or to ask what to do for you, the way to NATO enlargement is to convince allies of what you bring to the Alliance. Nobody joins NATO because of the benefits, join NATO is because you've made the necessary reforms and set the right policies in two spheres, military and political. Are you acting as your allies, or do we have common values, or can we trust you as your allies? Are we willing to say that young men and women from Warsaw or that Iowa or New York or Rotterdam are willing to risk their lives to protect you? These are very important questions governments address. It has been challenging for other governments to be challenging for the Government of Kosovo. I'm sure we can continue to postpone this vision together”. Express

Today I released keymarks at the @CouncillofKsAmb Conference Kosovo's Path: 25 Years After Operation Allied Force and the Queen for NATO Membership. If you're covering all the diplomat attempting to put an end to the Milosevic regimes brutal Champaignn of ethnic... Pic.twitter.com/f9Pldmb56F

) Ambassador Jeff Havenier (@ U n SAmbKosovo) March 22, 2024