The prime ministers of Spain and Albania defended this Monday that it is necessary to reduce the potential influence of Russia in the Balkans, with calls for dialogue in regional conflicts and progress in the processes of accession to the European Union.
The leader of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, ended a visit to the Balkan countries in Albania with a press conference by his Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama, in which both made these appeals on the Kosovar issue and the tensions this Sunday in the border with Kosovo .with Serbia.
Pedro Sánchez reiterated that Spain “cannot” recognize a unilateral declaration of independencesuch as that of Kosovo in relation to Serbia in 2008, but supports the dialogue between the two parties and hopes that it will have results.
A unilateral declaration of independence violates international law. We cannot be in favor of this recognition [da independência do Kosovo”, afirmou Pedro Sánchez.
The leader of the Spanish Government added that, however, Spain supports “the dialogue efforts” between Belgrade and Tirana, especially “in the European framework”, expressing the hope that “it will come to fruition”.
Spain, which has separatist movements in its territory in regions such as Catalonia, is one of the five countries of the European Union that does not recognize the independence of Kosovo, along with Greece, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus.
Albania recognizes the independence of Kosovo, with a majority Albanian population, and Prime Minister Edi Rama has said so, stressing that there are agreements between Belgrade and Tirana and that the Kosovar authorities have “the right and the duty” to implement them. .
Edi Rama defended that it is necessary to “build peace” and seek the path of dialogue and that the Russian invasion of Ukraine should reflect.
The Albanian prime minister referred to Russia’s “potential influence” in the Balkans, which could lead to a war in that area, to say that the Albanian government is committed to “strengthening relations that build peace” and not letting that regional conflicts subside”. to the fatal lap of nationalisms” or other bellicose interests and paths.
Sánchez also considered that it is necessary to “reduce the influence” of the Russian regime in areas of regional conflict, insisting on the need for the Balkan countries to move forward with the accession processes to the European Union.
Sánchez’s visit was the first by a Spanish head of government to Albania and also the first by a leader of a European Union country since negotiations began between Pristina and Brussels for the country’s accession to the EU, he stressed. Edit Rama.
The two heads of government, both socialists, underlined that the differences in relation to Kosovo they do not prevent Albania and Spain from being “good friends”.
Edi Rama said that he understands that the Spanish position has to do with internal issues “of Spain itself” and not of “discrimination or prejudice” in relation to the Albanian community in Kosovo.
Kosovo decided to delay for a month the entry into force of new regulations on the border with Serbia that caused tensions in the north of the country on Sunday, where barricades were erected and shots were fired at the police.
Kosovo delays new entry rules at border with Serbia after tense Sunday
The new rules state that anyone who enters Kosovo with a Serbian identification card will hold a temporary document while in the country.
Pristina had also given Kosovo Serbs two months to replace Serbian license plates on cars with Republic of Kosovo plates.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Sunday that it was a reciprocal measure, since Serbia demands the same from Kosovars entering the territory.
EU diplomat chief Josep Borrell hailed Pristina’s decision in a Twitter post on Sunday night, calling for the “immediate lifting of all roadblocks.”
We welcome Kosovo’s decision to move the measures to 1 September. Expect all obstacles to be removed immediately.
Open issues must be addressed through the EU-facilitated Dialogue and focus on the comprehensive normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, essential for their EU integration paths.— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 31, 2022
Source: Observadora
