The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, during a visit to a polling station in northern Kosovo today said that the most important thing today was for citizens to feel free to vote. "All ambassadors are following the election process. Citizens have the right to vote freely without any problems. I hope the process passes well. It is important for citizens to feel free to vote,” O'Connell said.
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, considers that Kosovo and Serbia should continue with the dialogue mediated by the European Union. In an interview for Radio Kosova, O’Connell said that he does not believe the recently increased tensions between Kosovo and Serbia could lead to a new conflict. “I am very pleased that the Presidents and the Prime Ministers, as far as I know, agreed to lower tensions and this is very important,” O’Connell said.
The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, during a Q & A session on his Facebook page said that the wall in Mitrovica is a sensitive issue. “The wall is the issue of the week. I understand that it is a very sensitive issue. The EU has worked with both parties for years to ensure freedom of movement. I do not think that the construction of a wall helps. But I also think that the integration of Kosovo depends on many factors other than building a wall or not.”
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo Ruairi O’Connell, said that he believes on the EULEX conclusions however he added that if there is any new evidence, then the case has to continue with investigations. “It is a tragedy under all circumstances, and under the ones that it happened, it is very serious. The investigation should have commenced in a very transparent manner and with a special caution.
The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, said in an interview with the news website today that the “Pronto” affair is not the only evidence of corruption within Kosovo’s institutions. “We need to combat the culture of nepotism where people are employed based on family ties,” he said. O’Connell said the Kosovo government should seriously address the fight against terror. The British Ambassador also said that Kosovo deserves visa liberalisation but that it needs to meet the requirements first.
The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, said on Wednesday that the issue of border demarcation is a bilateral issue between Kosovo and Montenegro and that it is right that the Kosovo Assembly will decide whether to ratify the agreement. “No-one has asked Kosovo to change border with Montenegro. No-one has forced Kosovo to give up land. The agreement confirms the current border; demarcation is about setting out where the border is, not where it ‘should be’. But Kosovo is a Sovereign, Independent State, It is your responsibility.
The British Ambassador to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, said on Tuesday that the process of border demarcation between Kosovo and Montengro is a bilateral issue. “Kosovo is a sovereign country; you decide for yourselves. But I strongly believe that your decision should be taken according to the facts,” O’Connell said. He also praised the idea of the demarcation debate which is being held today in Pristina. “It is a good idea to hold a public discussion today, so that deputies and citizens can be informed about the detail, and reality, of the process.
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, said in a meeting with the British Ambassador, Ruairí O’Connell that he will make outmost efforts to secure more recognitions for Kosovo to enable it to gain membership in international organisations. “We will leave no stone unturned to boost sovereignty of Kosovo to exercise it”, Hoxhaj is quoted to have said. He stressed that Great Britain remains an important supporter of independent Kosovo and will also help in in its path to joining international organisations.
The Ambassador of the United States of America to Kosovo, Greg Delawie, said that fighting corruption should be a priority for all actors in Kosovo. Delawie made these comments during the round table organized by the Institute for Justice, supported by the U.S. and United Kingdom Embassies in Kosovo. They discussed performance and results of the justice institutions with a focus on fighting corruption.
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kosovo, Ruairi O’Connell, replied on his Facebook page to the questions of Kosovo people. Asked about corruption in Kosovo, O'Connell said that he has no evidence about the corruption in Kosovo, however, according to him, if the citizens do have evidence, then they should report it.