Spiropal: European Union must lift Kosovo sanctions

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali said today that the European Union must lift Kosovo's sanctions, while it expressed regret that they have not yet reached the constitution of the Parliament.

Unfortunately, institutions in Kosovo are being blocked. The point is how much political will there is on all sides to overcome these difficulties. I must say that sanctions against Kosovo must be lifted, but of course institutions in Kosovo should be more responsible. Sovereignty and territorial integrity must also be respected”, Spiropali said.

Stopping the attack on Banjska, Spiropal said clearly it was a terrorist attack and that the authors must be brought to justice.

“Sulmi in Banjska was unacceptable and no alibi could conceal the responsibility of those who undertook that attack. As far as security issues are concerned in Kosovo, US has made clear that mission UNMIK should no longer be. KFOR, EULEX, Kosovo authorities are enough to ensure security. Thus, guaranteeing the sovereignty and extension of this sovereignty throughout the entire territory must walk in parallel. An agreement should be found that guarantees time for the transfer of UNMIK”, Spiropali said.

Spiropali also said Kosovo should not deepen partition with the United States of America, but show increased caution.

Spiropal said that any issue that violates relations with the United States is a non-small problem.

Each faction, any misunderstanding, any misunderstanding with our partners, especially with the US, certainly brings concern to Kosovo, brings concern and to Tirana. We will work hard, as we have done so far not only to represent Albania at our embassies, both in international organisations in NATO and elsewhere, where Albania has a voice and does not have a bad voice, but has a strong voice, has won that prestige. We will also use this voice for Kosovo, regardless of reasons, issues, no matter where the blame lies and where the issue lies, we will use our voice and strength to support Kosovo at every step.

“Every issue that violates relations with the US is a non-small problem for Kosovo. I believe that's where all agree, I believe the Kosovo prime minister himself,”, Spiropali said.

Spiropal said that “needs to be found ways for attitudes to approach, that institutional drives do not bring serious consequences both in the lives of the institutions and the lives of the citizens of Kosovo, and that what Albania can guarantee is that everywhere we will have the opportunity to approach attitudes, negotiate, raise voices and maintain a pro-Kosovo position, we will without question do it”.

“It is the constitutional obligation, national and patriotic obligation to do this”, Spiropali said, during a TV interview./Periscopi/