The European Union Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative today welcomed the ratification of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the EU. In a press statement sent by the EU Office, it was said that the ratification of the SAA is a major step forward on Kosovo’s European path.

The paper’s Brussels-based correspondent, Augustin Palokaj comments on the recently signed Stabilization Association Agreement between the EU and Kosovo. According to him, the EU has intentionally held the signing of this agreement without any notable ceremony as differently from the other countries, as if it feared the countries that have not recognized Kosovo and Serbia. He notes that apart from the content of the SAA for Kosovo which differs from those of the other countries, the manner in which the Agreement was signed differs as well.

Serbian List parliamentary group chief, Slavko Simic, said today that the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) is an important step for Kosovo itself and the entire region. Promising a constructive contribution to the realization of the requirements of the SAA, Simic specifically stressed the benefits towards economic development and entrepreneurship in Kosovo.

Vetevendosje Movement parliamentary group chief, Glauk Konjufca, said today that Kosovo was able to sign the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU only because of the agreements reached with Serbia in Brussels. "The SAA with the EU is being ratified by contesting the state of Kosovo, since a footnote was put in Kosovo’s name. Kosovo’s integration is passing through Belgrade, " Konjufca said.

The government of Kosovo discussed in its meeting today the draft law for ratification of the Stabilization Association Agreement between Kosovo and the European Union. The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, said that they are submitting the SAA draft law to the Assembly in order to be proceeded as soon as possible and for Kosovo to move faster in the integrating processes.

The U.S. State Department has issued a press release which notes that signing of the Stabilization Association Agreement (SAA), between the European Union and Kosovo marked a major milestone on Kosovo’s path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. “We welcome this strong sign of Europe’s continued commitment to Kosovo and congratulate the leadership and people of Kosovo for their hard work in achieving this goal. The SAA will bring tangible benefits to all in Kosovo, and we look forward to its rapid approval by the Kosovo Assembly,” notes the press release.

The Presidency of the Kosovo Assembly scheduled the next plenary session for Monday 2 November, in order to ratify the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA). The news was confirmed by Aida Derguti, member of the Presidency from Vetevendosje Movement, who said that the Presidency has agreed to hold a plenary session on Monday for the ratification of the SAA. The session will start at 10:00. However, Derguti emphasized that the opposition will block the other session with other points on the agenda, scheduled for the same day starting from 13:00.

Kosovo Assembly Deputy Speaker Xhavit Haliti, said today that he hopes that the Assembly Presidency will decide to hold a special session to ratify the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) and that he expects that the opposition to confirm their participation in this session.  “The ratification of the SAA requires two thirds of the MPs and I believe that the opposition will agree to participate in a session to ratify this important agreement for Kosovo,” Haliti said.

Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the EU was signed in Strasbourg on Tuesday. This first legal document between Pristina and Brussels was not signed with the Member States individually, as it was the practice, but was signed directly with the EU. Together with name Kosovo was asterisk, whichmeans that this agreement in no way prejudges status.

Kosovo’s Minister for European Integration, Bekim Collaku, informed on his Facebook account that he has just signed the Stabilization Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the European Union.

“I am happy and proud to have been part of this historical moment of formal determination of the Republic of Kosovo towards the EU integration and membership. I told this to the High Representative, Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn as well.”