Former Albanian Deputy Minister: Kosovo's NATO Membership Leads to Recognition of Serbia
Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edith Harxhi, spoke about the historical moments of 2007 and the independence of Kosovo. She recalled the visit of US President George W. Bush to Tirana, where he announced important messages for the future of Kosovo and Albania.
Harxhi emphasized that President Bush came to Albania with two clear messages.
“I was present at President Bush’s visit, which was a historic visit – the first visit by an American president to Albania. He came with two clear messages: the first was that the United States of America would recognize Kosovo’s independence and that ‘Kosovo is, has been and will remain independent.’ The second was Albania’s membership in NATO, which is a historic achievement,” Harxhi said on tevë1.
She also mentioned the conversations that President Bush had with former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha regarding Kosovo's declaration of independence.
"The date was not set, but it was said that Kosovo's independence would be declared in 2008. Meanwhile, President Bush told Berisha that it was not known in which month this would happen, but it was certain that it would happen in 2008," Harxhi stressed.
Furthermore, Harxhi recalled the moment when President Bush declared support for Kosovo's independence in Tirana, emphasizing the importance of this event for the future of Kosovo and the region.
Speaking about the future of Kosovo, Harxhi expressed her opinion on the importance of Kosovo's membership in NATO.
"I have been talking for two years about Kosovo's membership in NATO and I believe that this would be the greatest achievement for Kosovo. Kosovo has a great opportunity, as President Trump has expressed support for this process. His meetings with President Vjosa Osmani and the statements he has made about Kosovo's independence show that he is keen to support Kosovo on this journey," said Harxhi.
It also sees NATO membership as an important step towards mutual recognition of Kosovo, including by Serbia.
"A Kosovo in NATO would strengthen not only the stability of the Balkans, but also of Europe. I believe that in 2023, in May, President Trump will have a key role in realizing this goal," Harxhi concluded.
