Kerry in Kosovo: “Violence is unacceptable, dialogue in Parliament”

02/12/2015 00:00

The US State Secretary, John Kerry, visited Prishtina where he was
received by the US Ambassador, Greg Delawie, and Prime Minister Isa
Mustafa.

During his short stay, he held meetings with PM Mustafa and Deputy Prime Ministers Hashim Thaci and Brabnimir Stojanovic.

“Today we had the pleasure to meet Mr.Kerry. I updated him with the situation in our country and thanked the US Secretary and Government for the help they are giving to Kosovo. Their help served to pay the foreign debt of Kosovo accumulated through years. We have received help in education, with the police, the KFOR presence, the law enforcing institutions, and also the care and support our people had from the US government by sheltering people in their country. The Kosovo government and people value the role of the USA in our independence and for establishing democratic values. We are working for further economic development, political stability, good neighboring and EU integration. We are working for the integration of the Serbian communities. After signing the Stabilization Association Agreement we are looking forward to the visa”, PM Mustafa said among other things.

“Thank you for the wonderful reception. The flags and posters show pride for us as well as your evaluation for us. We took an important path together and we have mutual respect. I apologize for the short visit, because Kosovo deserves a longer one. I have promised to return again. I will talk with Vucic in Belgrade and the dialogue between you is very important. On behalf of President Obama, I greet you and guarantee the commitment of the USA to constantly support Kosovo”, Kerry said, adding that “Violence in Parliament is not acceptable and there should be room for dialogue, despite the disagreements. It is our example with Vietnam. We were in war with them and now we have left it behind to make way to cooperation. Parliament is not a place where you should be afraid of tear gas. All parties must discuss their disagreements and all citizens should be treated equally, regardless of their political, ethnic or gender affiliations”, Kerry said, underlining that the USA will proudly support Kosovo’s economic development.

FOTO GALERI

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