The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, in her speech at the Summit for Democracy of Southeast Europe being held in Montenegro, said that the Open Balkan initiative can open the Balkan only if there is equality.

In this regard, Osmani said that regional cooperation is important, but that it also matters who you surround yourself with.

“Regional cooperation is important, but it also matters who you surround yourself with. If anyone was Milosevic’s propaganda minister during the Kosovo war, it matters. “If the perpetrators do not take responsibility for the crimes committed, it matters.”

“We see Kosovo’s membership in NATO as the only guarantee of long-term stability in the region. “In the ‘Open Balkan’ initiative, there can be an open Balkan only if we treat each other as equals.”

Osmani also said that the reason why Kosovo wants to join the EU is not only economic, but also values.

“Kosovo wants to be part of the EU, not because we see it as a money machine, but because we conform to its values. Kosovo has harmonized sanctions against Russia in line with the EU and democratic countries. “Concessions to tyrants never lead to peace.”

The President of Kosovo also mentioned here the experience of her people of genocide by the Serbian regime.

“We have experienced war and genocide. Russia’s aggression is testing our institutions and alliance. “We are reminded that freedom and security should never be taken for granted.”

EU Ambassador Miroslav Lajcak and Great Britain Sir Stuart Peach are also taking part in the summit.