http://www.neurope.eu/articles/97096.php

NEW EUROPE – 25/10/2009 (www.neurope.eu)  

Web Edition Issue 857
News Archive Issue 857

Where Kosovo treds

Prince Leka of the Albanians spent a 24 hour packed agenda day in Brussels early last week. During this trip he found some minutes to chat with Alia Papageorgiou on Kosovo’s progress, Balkan stability and the upcoming Albanian local elections.

What brings you to Brussels today?

Every time I come to Brussels it’s a very speedy agenda there’s no difference this time around. Obviously my trip is in relationship with the support of the Kosovo question as well as having continuous contact with the Albanian community within Belgium.

Is there a large Albanian community in Belgium?

There is quite a large Albanian Community from Albania as well as from Kosovo. Of which the majority are pre 90s period who have a huge amount of contact with the Royal family as well as different activities and businesses within the community.

What else was on your agenda for Brussels?

One of the major duties which I have is to continue to lobby for the Kosovo question, to insure that Kosovo is going to be integrated as a state within Europe.  A state which will have all the opportunities of having European Candidacy and membership in the future.
Obviously we have a lot of work to do, with reforms, not only in Kosovo but in Albania as well, and I think it’s a joint dream of the Albanian people to be active members of the European Union.

What do you see as the future roadmap leading Kosovo and Albania into that future could development be a part I know you yourself are involved in several Development Foundations how do you see this path?

I personally have a number of humanitarian objectives and duties as well as projects with universities as well as within communities helping the population. I worked within the Ministry of foreign affairs and I am looking forward to working with the Ministry of Interior this coming Monday (October 26) so it’s a situation which allows me to be involved intricately within the governmental system as well as being able to help the Albanian communities within the country.

How do you think the world perceives the Kosovo issue at the moment? How is that changing?

We have to make sure that we carry on helping Kosovo. Ensure that it has a viable economy. Obviously Kosovo is going towards elections shortly so it would be essential to ensure democratic progress for the Kosovars, ensuring that political tensions between the parties don’t get away from the main aim which is Kosovo’s long term stability.
 I think that also Albania has its role in ensuring that it continues to be a stabilizing factor within the whole Balkan region, without allowing for any propaganda that tries to create a “great Albania” or some of these terminologies which no longer exist within the European concept.

What type of example and precedent does Kosovo present to the region and the world?

Kosovo is an independent country. Over 61 different countries have signed the recognition of Kosovo. Now it is essential that we start communicating with other countries which obviously have different positions. 
I hope that the Kosovo question is also linked to Serbians hopes and aspirations within the European Community. Obviously it has to decide between the East and West cultures and we hope and we support Serbia’s desires of the Serbian population of becoming Europeans in the full concept of the term, within the European Union.

Do you see Croatia as an example for the region?

I think that Kosovo will take its time. Croatia is far more advanced and I must admit that Croatia, Montenegro and Macedonia (FYROM) getting the Schengen status and ratification is a very major step for the whole region.
I hope that Albania will have the chance to ratify the Schengen status within the EU, which will be essential for Albania’s growth, stability as well as economic advancement of all the progress which the states have accomplished these last 4 years.

Since independence, what have been the biggest challenges for Kosovo?

The most important thing is that we have to ensure that Kosovo has a stable reliable economy. This will be the most difficult point. We have to ensure that the political factors within the Kosovo government remain away from corruption and also ensure that the viability of the society, free access for example, goes on not only for businesses but also to be a connection to the EU and strengthening the connections with Serbia, Macedonia and the others in the region.

The Party of Sali Berisha is a part of the European People’s Party. What do you think the EPPs role could be for Kossovo?

The PM has a very good relationship with my family, especially since he has come out in favour of the return of my grandfather’s remains. Obviously the Royal family tries its hardest to be above party politics, and creates  an equilibrium with all the different actors, but the EPP is playing a role within Albania and the democratic party is a member and ensures that democratic and European values carry on through this.

How would you describe the situation in Kosovo today?

At this time the politicians are all very tight. Democratic local elections are on 15 November and you have a whole lot of tension coming across, as all politicians know when it comes to voting, the local elections will be a very strong indicator for the future. Next year is general elections of different parties  Thaci the current prime minister as well as the opposition all trying to vie for the will and indicating what will happen next year in a national level.

Does Europe enter into the debate?

At this stage it is a balance. Obviously the population want to see reforms, they want to see continued progress. Europe continues to be an indicator as Kosovo relies essentially on the aid and the help of the EU  through EULEX as well as UNIMICO  during its time so it’s a period of great importance for the population in ensuring that we supervise and watch what happens, including allowing the Serbs their own right to say what they want within the elections.

Is this an unprecedented period of stability in the Balkans or is that premature to say?

I would say that finally we are starting to get a continued stability within the Balkans. The Albanian factor within full Balkan stability is essential.