The European Parliament Rapporteur for removal of visas for Kosovo, Tanja Fajon, told Radio Free Europe that she is aware of the initiative of the Assembly of Kosovo to endorse a declaration with regards to the liberalisation of visas for Kosovo. “I am afraid that it is difficult to say that this (declaration) is sufficient, being that if this declaration leads towards reopening of the border issue, the European Commission or many member states could of course use it for further blockade of the liberalisation of visas for Kosovo,” said Fajon.
According to her the precise assessment if this declaration would be sufficient cannot be made now, having in consideration the set criteria, where demarcation of the border with Montenegro is stresses as the main one. While the other, continuous criterion is combating of the organized crime and corruption.
Fajon said that she feels sorry about this criterion and stressed that it is impossible to make any changes.
However, she assessed this declaration as positive, as a form of expression of the political will on fulfillment of the two last criteria in the process of the visa liberalisation.
“Demarcation is of course quite a serious and sensitive issue. I hope that we will find a solution,” said Fajon, reiterating that the matter of visas will be treated by the European Parliament as soon as Kosovo fulfills the two last criteria.
Kosovo Assembly MPs will request through a political declaration, which is expected to be endorsed by parliamentary groups, from the European Union to recognize the right of the free movement in Schengen zone for the citizens of Kosovo.
