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Participants in the Prespa Forum in Ohrid have called for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union as soon as possible in response to Russian influence in the region.
In the debate organized on “What after the war in Ukraine”, the leaders of the participating countries spoke in favor of granting candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, but also Bosnia, as well as visa liberalization for Kosovo, and mutual recognition of Kosovo and Serbia.
The President of Kosovo, Vjollca Osmani said that the EU member states should approve as soon as possible the decision on visa liberalization for the citizens of Kosovo. In her speech, Osmani also called for EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, as the only alternative to peace, stability and combating Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
“Kosovo has been waiting for visa liberalization for five years now, after the decision of the EU to abolish them, but this has not happened yet. Therefore, I call on all EU member states to adopt this very easy decision, it is not difficult as we have met all the conditions and there is no reason for the citizens of Kosovo to be kept in ghettos “, declared Osmani in the rostrum on the topic: “What after the conflict in Ukraine?”.
Osmani has supported the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, but said that such a status, Osmani should be given to both Bosnia and Kosovo, which plans to apply.
“The more vacuum the EU leaves in the Western Balkans, the worse the Russian and Chinese influence in the region will be. The issue is very simple, if you want to fight against Russian and Chinese influences in the region, recognize Kosovo, recognize Kosovo’s independence, allow visa liberalization. Support the status of candidate state of Kosovo and Bosnia. Do you want to fight Russian influence? “Then support Northern Macedonia and Albania on the road to the EU,” said Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani.
Reiterating the statement of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Osmani said that Serbia should recognize Kosovo’s independence.
“Mutual recognition, as we all know, is the only solution that will bring stability and long-term peace in the region,” said Osmani.
The President of Croatia, Zoran Milanovi., In his speech also stressed the need for mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia. Milanovic said that Serbia should recognize the independence of Kosovo, but also the EU to continue the process of EU enlargement with the countries of the Western Balkans to stabilize this part of Europe due to the war in Ukraine.
“Eastern countries are exposed to the malicious influence of Russian propaganda, such as Georgia, Moldova and Bosnia. Here I will mention two other countries, Kosovo and Serbia, which do not know each other, but are part of the Western Balkans. They must recognize each other otherwise there will be no movement forward. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Serbia and citing the conditions said that Serbia should recognize Kosovo to facilitate life in the Western Balkans. President Vuiqiiq reacted by saying that this was not a condition so far. “I tell you that this will not pass easily, it is not encouraging, but security means mutual recognition, so here too we must focus and convey the message to Serbia that it must make the choice, that this problem must be solved,” said the President. From Croatia, Zoran Milanovi..
The President of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, said that his country is not against granting the status of candidate country to Ukraine and Moldova, but such a status, according to him, should be given to Bosnia as the process continues with other countries. Albania, Northern Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia, the villas do not know each other.
“When it comes to Ukraine and maybe Moldova, I would like European leaders to talk about Bosnia as well. Maybe this country has not met the 14 criteria, but you have to convey the message, that you are slow in this process but we will not delay granting the status of candidate country. It is a geostrategic issue and we want to be with you and we want to do something with you, but you also want to stay with us. “This would be a strong signal not only to Bosnia but also to other countries that Brussels is doing something for the region,” said Slovenian President Borut Pahor.
The participants of the forum were also addressed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, through a video recording.
“Ukraine’s full membership, as well as the full European integration of your countries, is a historic empowerment of Europe and a complete dismantling of Russia’s ability to defeat us individually. “We need a positive response to our and your European perspective, and I am grateful that we are working together to that end,” said Ukrainian President Zelensky.
“Now is a historic moment for Europe and European security, when everyone has to decide – what Europe is and what Europe will be like in the future. Will it be as free as it is now? “Will he be so sure that most Europeans are used to it?” Said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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