Bi-monthly newsletter of Ministry of Foreign SEPT/OCT 2013 Affairs of Republic of Kosovo. No.12 Year III. Greece strongly Kosovo’s Kosovo now supports the European perspective of Kosovo Path to Gender recognised 5 questions with the Head Equality by 101 UN of the Greek Liaison Office members Kosovo’s NewDiplomatFollow our sites on Twitter: @MFAKosovo @InterfaithKosovo @germiahillconf Kosovo, from supervised independence to potential EU candidate By Prime Minister of Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi The end of the supervised inde- ready playing a positive role. We pendence was a major beginning have the lowest debt compared to for the Republic of Kosovo. It GDP ratio in all of Europe. We al- was the moment that marked our so have the highest GDP growth political maturity and increased in the Eurozone, which Kosovo our social responsibilities. Like is a de facto member of through ever before, these two catego- our special relationship with the ries walk hand-in-hand: ma- German Bundesbank. In June of turity is achieved only through this year our efforts culminated the giving of responsibility, and with the decision of the Council vice versa. The people of Kosovo of the European Union to autho- themselves decided their status rize the European Union to start after decades of neglect and op- talks on Stabilisation and Asso- pression that almost ended with ciation Agreement with Kosovo. a genocide of unseen proportions Kosovo has invested public in Europe after World War Two. funds in infrastructure and ed- Many challenges lie ahead for the ucation, and we have plans to new state of Kosovo. However, make Kosovo a dynamic econo- these are ordinary challenges for my tied to both the regional and independent states and respon- Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi: Kosovoçs efforts culminated with the decision of the Council of the European Union to European markets. In the energy sible societies. They are reason- authorise the European Union to start talks on Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Kosovo. sector we will build new capaci- able, acceptable and surmount- provisions to ensure full minor- liaison officers in each other’s additional extensive rights for a ties, especially as we plan to de- able. This moment remains very ity protection, positive outreach capital cities. After ten intense northern part of Kosovo that has velop the mining sector. We will important in the recent history of towards all strata of society, the rounds of negotiations, and six a majority of ethnic Serbs: a spe- continue to invest in education our state. We have succeeded in protection of heritage, and full months of direct discussions, cial solution that will integrate to ensure that Kosovar innova- being treated equally with other decentralisation of the political the Serbian Prime Minister Ivi- them into Kosovo’s institutions tors and businesses are compet- states, and we now consider our- power to the local municipalities. ca Dacic and I recently signed a and society through the creation itive in the difficult global cir- selves as equal with them. Equal Following the positive find- historic accord that resolves our of Serb-majority municipalities cumstances. We intend to keep treatment promotes, and raises ing of the International Court of most contentious disputes — the that guarantee political, econom- prudent and conservative fiscal awareness for, the joint responsi- Justice that confirmed legality of first-ever agreement to be signed ic and socio-cultural rights. Also, policies, but still heavily invest bilities that we have towards our Kosovo Declaration of Indepen- during the deep and protracted Kosovo obtained a unique coun- in projects that will enable long- people, our neighborhood and dence and dismissed the claims conflict between our two coun- try code and reached a deal with term growth and prosperity. We the entire democratic world. To- put forth by the Serbian govern- tries. In the agreement, Serbia Serbia on energy issues. For all are improving the tax revenues day it is time for the European- ment, the EU started negotia- must dismantle the illegal polit- of the economic problems con- every year, and have tested the isation of our region. It is these tions intended to normalise re- ical, judicial and security struc- fronting our continent, Kosovo electronic trading of bonds, sup- very principles that continue to lations between the two former tures that it supports in north- and Serbia are drawn together by ported by the US Treasury and remind us of the great truths foes and put them on the path of ern Kosovo. As result, there will the prospect of participating in EU. Fighting corruption and or- about our economic, political and EU integration. I have personally be one multiethnic Kosovo po- the EU, with its vision of a peace- ganised crime are high on the cultural interdependence. There met the Prime Minister of Serbia lice force with a single chain of ful and prosperous Europe that agenda: this will mean that in- can be no cooperation if you are to find solutions to the every-day command. An elected Serb re- has open borders for people and vestors can be sure of a fair and alone in this. Although national problems of the people, which gional commander will lead the goods. This is a vision well worth prompt legal system, and the pride in the Balkan societies can have been caused by Serbia’s less new police region of Mitrovica working towards and compro- people will also know that free- be high, the states are small and than forthcoming policies in the North. In addition, the courts mising for. As Prime Minister, dom brought with it equality. vulnerable. We must remember past. Serbia’s stance is quickly in the north will function under I’m blessed to lead a country We have shifted gears in that the Kosovar government changing: we initially agreed to Kosovo laws, and we will recruit that has fully embraced Euro- fighting corruption and organ- and institutions were supposed the recognition of Kosovo diplo- and appoint more Kosovo Serb pean values. Kosovo is Europe’s ised crime, as the EU progress to implement a certain number of mas, car plates, and to exchange judges. Our agreement provides youngest state, but we are al- report has noted. CONTINUES ON PAGE 5 2 sept/oct 2013 Kosovo’s New Diplomat Diplomatic Bits & Pieces 5 QUICK QUESTIONS SHORTNEWS FROM THE EMBASSIES Greece strongly supports the European perspective of Kosovo, fully aware of the UNSC Report: historic agreement and fundamental implications of that position progress towards normalisation of relations The report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Interim Relations between Greece and Kosovo are based on Administration in Kosovo stated that the positive steps taken by sincere friendship and the awareness of our common interest both Belgrade and Pristina in the EU-facilitated talks have resulted in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in historic agreements and fundamental progress towards nor- malisation of their relations. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the decision of the European Council, during its June What is the best thing about meeting, to reaffirm the European perspective for the region. This working and living in Kosovo? is in keeping with the important strategic commitments made at the 1 There are a lot of great things about EU summit at Thessaloniki in June 2003. Mr. Ban commended the living and working in Kosovo. Firstly, leadership in both Pristina and Belgrade for demonstrating a seri- the people: they are very warm, friendly ous and steadfast commitment to their dialogue, while also stressing and always make me feel welcome. This the importance of the implementation of this agreement. is not restricted to the everyday citizens, but also those I work with in the politi- cal leadership, both in government and Dr. Dimitris A. Moschopoulos President Jahjaga meets with the President opposition. Secondly, Kosovo is rich both Ambassador, Head of the Greek Liaison Office of France, Mr. Fran’ois Hollande in natural and in cultural heritage. The Foreign Minister Hoxhaj visited Athens Kosovar landscape is wonderful, and the and was received by the Greek Foreign President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, met the cultural and religious monuments found Minister. We have also agreed that Kosovo President of the Republic of France, Mr. François Hollande, in Brdo throughout are rightfully considered sites will soon open a Trade Office in Athens, in near Kranj, Slovenia. President Jahjaga stated that Kosovo’s suc- of outstanding world heritage. Friends light of the increasing commercial activi- cess is because of both its citizens and institutions and also the sometimes ask me whether I encounter ties between us, activities that we want to international community. She also added that Kosovo’s international hostility in Kosovo considering Greece’s further expand. consolidation is being carried out with the help of its friends, includ- non-recognition. I have never, however, What is your favorite part of ing France. President Hollande expressed his interest in the develop- felt any hostility directed towards me. Of Kosovo?Kosovo is very rich in ments in Kosovo including not only the process of building a legal course the question of recognition comes 4 both natural and cultural sites. state but also its EU integration developments. He expressed particu- up often in my talks with both the Kosovar The Rugova Valley is absolutely spec- lar interest in the economic development of Kosovo and its capacities, leadership and ordinary people, but that tacular and awe-inspiring. In the Serbian and the help which France and the EU might provide on this issue. is absolutely natural and is always done in monasteries I find timeless beauty, both both a friendly manner and good faith.