Albanian politics congratulates Kosovo on Independence

2024-02-17 10:03:00, Politikë CNA

Albanian politics congratulates Kosovo on Independence

Illustrative photo

Heads of state and representatives of Albanian politics have congratulated Kosovo on the 16th anniversary of the declaration of Independence. So far, President Bajram Begaj, Speaker of Parliament Lindita Nikolla and Foreign Minister Igli Hasani have reacted.

President Begaj states in a post on social networks that Kosovo is an independent state, a positive, peace-loving and important factor for security in our region.

"Kosova has been a Republic for 16 years. It is today a success story in the Balkans in respect of human rights, with its vibrant culture and the youthful energy of a forward-looking people. Kosovo, an independent state, is a positive, peace-loving factor and important for security in our region. We are two states, but one nation with one language and one culture. We must use this golden opportunity to show that we are capable of building modern states according to democratic principles, in cooperation and coordination with our partners, the USA and the EU. Congratulations, Kosovo!", says Begaj.

While the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, says: "Happy Independence Day, Kosovo! Today, we celebrate the freedom and sovereignty of Kosovo, but we also humble ourselves for the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of our brothers and sisters for a democratic, safe and prosperous Kosovo. Albania has been, is and will always be by Kosovo's side and supporting and promoting the country that belongs to it in the European, Euro-Atlantic and international structures".

The speaker of the parliament, Lindita Nikolla, writes that Kosovo is Albania's national priority, while emphasizing that the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia is the only way to peace.

"Kosovo is a national priority of Albania. The Assembly, the institutions of the country and all citizens are on the side of the people and institutions of Kosovo in facing the challenges of development and Euro-Atlantic integration, which are achieved in coordination and with the support of major allies, the USA and the EU. Albania supports Kosovo's integration into NATO, membership in the Council of Europe and the Adriatic Charter, A5. With the support of the USA and the EU, the strategic allies of the Albanian nation, the European future of Kosovo is secure. The dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the EU, is the only path to peace, security and stability in the region," she says.

Today marks 16 years since the declaration of Kosovo's Independence. The Declaration of Independence of Kosovo was made on February 17, 2008 in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo in Pristina.

In an extraordinary meeting attended by 109 out of a total of 120 deputies, the Assembly of Kosovo unanimously declared Kosovo an independent, sovereign and democratic state.

The legality of Kosovo's Declaration of Independence has been a controversial topic for some time. Serbia opposing the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo sought evaluation of the international validity and support for its position, allegedly that the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo was illegal. Following this development, in October 2008, Serbia requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.

On July 22, 2010, the International Court of Justice, through an Advisory Decision, reconfirmed that Kosovo's Declaration of Independence did not violate any article of International Law. /CNA