In today’s press conference, President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci categorically rejected the possibility of discussing partition of Kosovo as part of the final settlement with Serbia. “Unfortunately, we are witnesses to fake news. I am here today as president of the country to reassure the citizens of Kosovo that there is no force that can make Kosovo discuss let alone agree to its partition. I can assure you with all my institutional responsibilities that partition of Kosovo will not even be discussed,” Thaci said. He said he will work to make sure the final agreement with Serbia is in line with Kosovo Constitution and that it will only make sense if its outcome involves mutual recognition and possibility to join international organisations without delay. “We need to reach agreement as soon as possible and have mutual recognition,” said Thaci warning of a repeat of the scenario with ratification of the border demarcation with Montenegro. “Circumstances change and not always to our advantage.”
He said he welcomes the present debate in Kosovo regarding dialogue with Serbia which he said is aimed at encouraging all actors to work towards reaching a final agreement for normalisation of relations. Thaci noted however that it was disappointing that political parties did not manage to agree to a joint document concerning dialogue with Serbia. “We have shown amazing results in Rambouillet where as Kosovo delegation we demonstrated responsibility and took it on together. At the time we also had different opinions but reason prevailed,” Thaci said. “I have full confidence that the political spectrum will come together for state interests. Work for the interests of the citizens and all assume responsibility, or rather those who wish to do so.”
Asked what the introduction of the Presevo Valley question means for the dialogue in Brussels and whether this could lead to redrawing of borders, Thaci said: “I hope this represents correction of borders between the state of Kosovo and Serbia.”
As to the question of why he was hosting more press conferences lately, Thaci said he was doing it for the sake of transparency. “People need to be informed of every detail,” he said.
