Kosovo wants to find a suitable time to formally apply for NATO membership. President Vjosa Osmani said that the inter-institutional working group formed on this issue is working to determine the best time for application.
In an interview with the Montenegrin news agency, Osmani stressed that EU and NATO membership is the only way forward for the Western Balkan countries.
“My country has never seen other options. “We have seen this not only as the point of view of the people of Kosovo, but as the vision of every government and institution that has led the country so far,” she said.
Osmani recalled that several countries in the region are already in NATO, including Montenegro, which, she added, has contributed to security in the region.
She said that it is time for Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina to be offered a clear and accelerated path towards NATO, Express reports.
“Obviously, Serbia does not show that intention. “However, it must be clear to all others who are working for NATO membership that, from a security point of view, membership is necessary in the light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” Osmani said.
She indicated that Kosovo has formed an inter-institutional working group that is dealing with this issue.
“When that group finishes its work, we will be able to come up with the exact date,” said Osmani.
She said that the road to NATO membership also passes through the Partnership for Peace, which is the first step for Kosovo.
“Currently we are facing a very absurd situation, as the Partnership for Peace includes countries like Lukashenko’s Belarus, as well as Serbia, anti-NATO countries that are not even trying to join the alliance,” Osmani said.
Asked what reaction she expects from official Belgrade when Kosovo formally submits its application for NATO membership, she said that Kosovo would never have declared independence if it had seen Serbia’s reactions.
Osmani said that when Kosovo is ready to apply for NATO membership, Serbia’s reaction is definitely something to pay attention to.
