9 minutes agoCongressman Keith Self calls for greater pressure on five NATO nations that do not recognise Kosovo
Periskopi(2 months ago)
(2 months ago)US Congressman Keith Self has called for increased diplomatic pressure on five NATO member states that have not yet recognised Kosovo's independence, naming full international recognition and the prospect of Kosovo membership in the Alliance as key factors for long-term peace and stability in the Balkans.
These comments were made during a hearing session at the US Congress Foreign Affairs Committee, where they discussed security developments in the region and the role of the United States in Southeast Europe.
According to him, the lack of recognition by several countries within NATO creates political and institutional barriers that, as it estimated, slow Kosovo's consolidation in Euro-Atlantic security architecture.
Kosovo's full international recognition and its future NATO membership are key elements for ensuring long-term peace and stability in the Balkans”, Self has declared, broadcast Periscope.
He has stressed that at a time of increasing global uncertainty, the strong leadership of the United States and support for Kosovo remain crucial, not only for regional security, but also for strengthening democracy and lasting peace in Southeast Europe.
The US Congressman noted that Washington's commitment to the Western Balkans should remain continuous, including efforts to improve co-ordination with allies within NATO over the Kosovo issue.
Kosovo has declared independence in 2008 and has been recognised by the majority of NATO and European Union member states, but five Alliance states have still not recognised it, which continues to be one of the obstacles to its international integration processes.
