Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, in an interview to Croatian daily Vecernji List, commented on relations between Kosovo and Serbia and possible tensions between the two countries after the parliamentary elections in Kosovo. Thaci also commented on Russia’s role in Kosovo and the region, and said that Bosnia and Herzegovina is being kept hostage by Republika Srpska. Thaci also talked about Kosovo’s commitment in the fight against radical Islam and terrorism.
Asked to comment on the 11 June parliamentary preliminary election results, which show that the PAN coalition leads with around 34 percent of votes, Thaci said more important than who forms the new government is for this government to be oriented towards NATO and the European Union, “as this is the sole orientation of the people and politicians of Kosovo”.
Asked to comment on his meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Brdo Summit, Thaci preferred to talk about relations between Kosovo and Serbia in general. “I have been meeting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for several years now as part of the Brussels dialogue and we have built direct and constructive communication despite statements by political leaders in Belgrade that are meant for daily consumption. What is most important and this is apparent in forums such as the Brdo Summit, is that all of South-East Europe is engaged for the values of the European Union. All leaders and all countries that aspire to join the EU must support and communicate on the basis of these values. We cannot remain hostage of the past, myths and animosities from the past. We need to look toward the future and build good neighborly relations. Sometimes this requires leaders making difficult but important decisions because this is the only way toward the EU. We have built a fair communication with President Vucic. In some cases, when it was necessary, we talked over the phone. The Brussels talks are not easy for either side. But most importantly we are all engaged in making good decisions for our people and countries, regardless of how difficult they may seem at first sight,” Thaci said.
Thaci also said that immature actions, such as the Serbian train and the wall in Mitrovica North, no longer exist.
On the future army of Kosovo, Thaci said: “as far as the army is concerned, every independent country has its own army. Kosovo too will have a professional army in line with NATO standards. This will be a multiethnic force in the service of all citizens of Kosovo. The Kosovo Armed Forces will contribute to strengthening peace and stability throughout South-East Europe. In fact, Russian bases in Serbia are a threat to peace and security in the Balkans,” Thaci was quoted as saying.
Thaci said Croatia is more than a friendly country for Kosovo, “it is a strategic partner”. He also commented on the initiative to change the Constitution through which the Croatian minority would have its representative in Kosovo’s Parliament. “The moment I took over the Office of President, my first visit was with the Croatian community living in Janjeva. Among the first initiatives was the election reform that includes constitutional amendments and the recognition of Croatian and Montenegrin communities through which they will have guaranteed seats in Kosovo’s Parliament. The new legislative that will be formed will address this issue. There is consensus in Kosovo to include the Croatian community in the Constitution. This will happen soon,” he said.
Asked about Kosovo’s relations with Russia and the possible recognition of Kosovo’s independence by Russia, Thaci said: “Russia has a liaison office in Kosovo. We acknowledge the traditional friendship between Russia and Serbia and we have no problem with that. In fact, we believe that Russia would be doing a big favor to Serbia by recognizing Kosovo and thus helping Serbia relieve itself from the myth about Kosovo”.
