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US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said in Pristina on Monday that Kosovo should take its rightful place in Euro-Atlantic structures, while calling for the normalization of relations with Serbia as a way to counter Russia’s efforts to destabilize the Balkans.
Ms. Donfried is staying in Kosovo as part of a five-day visit to the Western Balkans region.
“I am here at a challenging time, a defining moment for Europe and the Western Balkans in particular. Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and brutal war against Ukraine has shown how important and urgent it is to continue working to ensure that Kosovo and its neighbors continue the reforms needed for their democratic consolidation and integration. in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. Earned by hard work, we should not take the peace and progress of Kosovo for granted. We all have to fight every day to work for the citizens. “This means advancing efforts to ensure that Kosovo takes its rightful place in European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including the agreement on the normalization of relations with Serbia, focused on mutual recognition,” she said.
Assistant Secretary Donfried, who met with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, said the “satus quo” is unstable and not only hinders the European future of Kosovo and Serbia, but is a benefit to the Kremlin.
“Russia wants to undermine unity and democratic consolidation in the Western Balkans, making sure that you and your neighbors can not and will not integrate into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. (Russia) believes that a stronger, more prosperous and more democratic Balkans is a threat to its influence. Better relations between Kosovo and Serbia threaten Russia’s ability to incite division and fear. “The best way to counter the Kremlin’s efforts to destabilize the region is simple. Kosovo and Serbia must unite and urgently re-engage in EU-facilitated dialogue with strong US support.” .
Russian aggression in Ukraine has raised concerns about the effects of the conflict in the Western Balkans as well.
“I know that many in Kosovo are concerned about the security of Kosovo in this uncertain time. I want to assure you that the commitment of the United States and that of the Allies remains ironic. “KFOR, NATO’s largest mission, is the most visible station of our continued commitment to Kosovo’s security and stability,” she said.
The US Assistant Secretary praised Kosovo’s leadership for sheltering Afghan refugees and the readiness of the port to shelter refugees from Ukraine.
“Kosovo has shown the world that when people need it, its doors are open,” said Donfried, who also spoke at a news conference about former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright, who died on March 23.
“We have recently lost one of the strongest American advocates of Kosovo’s independence and sovereignty, Madeline Albright. “She was very committed to Kosovo and the future of Kosovo,” she said, noting that Ms. Albright’s commitment to Kosovo continues to be strong in the United States.
Ms. Donfried is staying in Pristina a few days after the visit of three US senators who supported Kosovo’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.
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