"The Open Balkans and Kosovo"/ Mediu: Rama must specify his positions

2022-07-01 21:44:00, Aktualitet CNA

"The Open Balkans and Kosovo"/ Mediu: Rama must specify his positions

Fatmir Mediu interview with Merita Haklajn

The Balkans are more threatened by Russian influence and China's intervention, and for this reason there should be a regional approach as far as security is concerned. This conclusion was reached by the chairman of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mediu, after the last NATO summit in Madrid, where a number of security and defense issues were addressed. In the interview with Merita Haklajn on A2 CNN, Mediu emphasized the importance of coordinating the Albanian regional factor and political cooperation, but also the need to establish a national security agency.
"We must see that security problems and Russian threats are real for Albania as well. We must go back to having a clear analysis of security issues, bring our approach regionally, and this gave us advantages in the NATO discussions. It has an important regional point because of Russian influence and China's interference. We have all the possibilities to do this. Albanians should be proud to be members of NATO. Let's give up the idea that politics starts with us every time we come to power. Political cooperation is a necessity in the framework of security. Albania needs a national security agency. There is a need for an organized institution that would coordinate the activities of all institutions dealing with national security. It is a coordinated policy, the issue of security is on the president,

Mediu emphasizes that the countries of the region that are in NATO have raised the real concern for Serbia about the Russian and Chinese intervention that are to the detriment of NATO and the USA. And here he suggests that Albania take a position that does not harm national interests.
"The time has come to evaluate ourselves, to recognize the geopolitical border and to understand that there is an alliance drawn with Russia and China and their penetration is a fact in the Balkans due to fatigue with the EU integration process and the disengagement of the US's attention in the region. But we have defined ourselves in NATO and the EU. In the geopolitical framework and the national and regional interest in relation to these countries. Any stance we take not to feed China's penetration would be to the detriment of national interests. We need to be more open-minded about this issue. Serbia's relationship with Russia is not one of benevolence, but due to clearly expressed interests".

Regarding Rama's statement at the NATO summit, Mediu says that it should be more specific by organizing with other countries in the region to bring Kosovo's membership closer, since according to him the only way to be heard is from the regional point of view .
"Before going to the NATO summit, the Prime Minister should have consultations with the countries of the region that are in NATO because they have raised real concerns for Serbia about the Russian and Chinese interference that are to the detriment of NATO and the USA. Regardless of the trend of open relations with Serbia as a NATO country, we must discuss as NATO members and as Albanians the effects of our relations. The Albanian factor should have a more defined position and coordination, have a specified position. What the prime minister says, I asked for Kosovo's membership to be more specific about how we should act, how we can be organized, but what should be done with the countries of the region to make it more regional and more sensitive. The only way to make ourselves heard is when we make others talk about us, and the only way is from a regional perspective."

Regarding security and defense issues, Mediu also appeals for a consultation with Kurti's government in Kosovo beyond personal differences.
"The Balkans and Moldova are specific interests of Russia and it is necessary to look at it realistically. That's why we have to look at it realistically, we need to consult with Kurti's government regardless of personal differences, their responsibility exceeds personal interest. I have proposed a resolution. Serbia is better prepared for war, it has its own goals, it is better administered in economic terms. We must discuss it within the house of the Albanians". /CNA.al