Thank you chairman,
It is a pleasure to be here in Dubrovnik at the Croatia Summit to discuss Euroatlantic integration, which is a very important process for the security, development and prosperity of South East European countries.
Let me thank Prime Minister Sanader and the Croatian government for the invitation and the hospitality.
Croatia along with many countries in the region has recognized Kosovo as an independent state. The Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Kosovo have just established diplomatic relations and we are looking forward to a constructive and fruitful cooperation between our two respective countries.
During the last two decades, Euroatlantic institutions have been very much part of Southeast Europe. Most of us here today are witnesses of the efforts by NATO and the European Union to stop the horrors of wars and bring about peace and stability.
The violent disintegration of the former Yugoslavia into seven states is now finally at an end.
Now is the time for countries of Southeast Europe to move quickly towards Euroantlantic institutions where they belong and work together under a common political and economic roof for a future of peace and prosperity.
Kosovo’s independence has brought clarity and more stability to the region. It has already been recognized by the majority of EU, NATO and Security Council members.
More recognitions are on their way. Also countries that have not recognized yet are supporting Kosovo in many ways and look forward to its progress.
The independence of Kosovo is a result of a difficult struggle and a long process of negotiatons. It was the right thing to do and we are already proving that.
The Ahtisaari plan which is a product of those negotations is the foundation of our independence. The Kosovo institutions have embraced it, both in spirit and letter and my Government is determined to implement it in full.
We are convinced that it is the best plan for the communities in Kosovo, in particular the Serb community, for the protections of community rights and cultural heritage.
We have codified (kodifajd) the plan in our new Constitution and laws which has entered into force on June 15.
Unfortunately, Belgrade has chosen not to accept Kosovo’s independence and the Ahtisaari plan. Worse, it has encouraged the Kosovo Serbs to boycot our democratically elected institutions.
This can only harm the interest of the ordinary people. Nevertheless, there are brave Serbs who want to work for the good of their community and are an active part of our institutions.
Two ministers in my Cabinet are from among the Serb community. Eleven Serbs sit in the Kosovo Assembly.
I am proud of and grateful for their service and dedication. Isolation and manipulation will only hurt the interests of the Serb community in Kosovo.
However, I support Serbia’s European perspective and I am looking forward to working with democratic leaders in Belgrade for the good of our two countries.
But the independence of Kosovo is a fact and no one can turn the history back. But there are a lot of open issues which we will need to solve among ourselves.
It should be clear to everyone that Kosovo is united and undivided. So is Serbia and all the other countries in the region. Any attempt to destabilize it from the outside or divide it along ethnic lines runs against the European values and principles.
We want good relations with all our neighbours: Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia. Our destination is Europe.
With Kosovo’s independence, the region as a whole can now look to a future of integration and cooperation. There are many challenges before us as a new state and we need every support we can get.
To this end, we have invited an International Civilian Representative and an EU Rule of Law mission to help us strengthen the institutions of the new Kosovo. NATO will continue to ensure our security.
We have also welcomed the UN to stay to monitor our progress. We have taken genuine steps towards democratic, accountable and multhiethnic governance.
I am proud to chair a Government which is both professional and multiethnic.
The immediate priorities of my Government is to make Kosovo a safe and attractive place for investors to invests in our economy. The Kosovo people have long suffered in economic deprivation.
Kosovo is a political success story for us and the international community. We now need to make it an economic success story as well.
The Government of Kosovo, which I lead, is fully committed from day one to good governance, rule of law and zero tolerance against crime and corruption. In the new Kosovo, no citizen should feel left out or discriminated against.
My Government has also been working hard to prepare for the Donor’s Conference which will be held on July 11th in Brussels. We are looking forward to it and are encouraged by the signs of generous support from the United States and the European Union.
Southeast Europe is now on a good path to put the past behind and look towards a brighter future in the family of Euroatlantic countries.
Kosovo is ready to move forward to meet the membership criteria along with other countries in the region.
This will only be possible if we work together towards that same goal.
Thank you