The French Ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guerot, has called on Kosovo's political leaders to find a path towards compromise and ensure the functioning of state institutions.
During the official reception organized on the occasion of the French National Day in Kosovo, where representatives of Kosovo institutions and the international community were invited, Ambassador Guerot emphasized that in order to sign and ratify international agreements that are in the interest of Kosovo, the country needs a functional Assembly and a Government supported by that Assembly.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support Contribute“I am very pleased and proud of the work carried out by the French Development Agency (AFD), which, in its 18 months in Kosovo, has already developed some very ambitious projects. Two memoranda of understanding have been signed between AFD and the ministries. I look forward to the finalization of this work, which amounts to tens of millions of euros. This brings me to my second message, addressed with the greatest respect to the political leaders of Kosovo, this friend of France. To sign and ratify these agreements, we need an assembly and we need a government supported by this assembly. Governments friendly to Kosovo, including the French government, need a partner to move forward and support Kosovo on the path towards European integration. And European integration requires a dialogue facilitated by the EU. Let me appeal to all political leaders in this country, without exception, regardless of their party or the community they represent. An appeal for them to find their way towards compromise, to find their way to "out of the impasse that no voter is satisfied with. A call for them to find ways to ensure the comprehensive functioning of Kosovo's institutions," Guerot declared.
He stated that France will continue to stand by Kosovo.
"France has been, is and will continue to stand by Kosovo in all its diversity, by all the communities that make up Kosovar society. Over the past year, the Embassy has increased its efforts for civil society. In particular, we have continued our work in support of feminist NGOs. I am not afraid of the word, because France develops feminist diplomacy in Kosovo and around the world. Over the last four years, France has been one of the main international donors in this field, supporting 1 associations. Our work here in Kosovo is part of a comprehensive initiative based on the dignity of the individual, regardless of gender, religion or belief, affiliation, community or sexual orientation," he said.
At this festive event, the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, also appeared with a video message, greeting the French people and recalling the universal values of July 14.
"One of the most defining moments in the history of your nation. The storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the birth of ideals that have inspired generations, not only in France but around the world, liberty, equality and fraternity, remain one of the brightest days in European history. It was a turning point when the voice of the people rewrote the course of history, a day that placed the individual at its center and reminds us that no force can ever extinguish the human aspiration for freedom. The people of Kosovo have also walked a bitter and difficult path towards freedom and independence. On that journey, part of the burden was borne by our founder, the historic president Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, an intellectual educated in Paris. Rugova brought to Kosovo the French spirit, the power of speech, critical thinking and peace. Today, France and Kosovo stand side by side, united not only by history, but by a friendship based on shared values. And today, while France "You celebrate, we celebrate with you, because freedom is humanity's most precious treasure," said Osmani.
On the other hand, the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has said that Kosovo has been and remains committed to EU membership.
"This date is not only a commemoration of the past, but a continuous anniversary of freedom, of the human struggle for justice and of the birth of modern citizenship...Kosovo, as a new republic, was born in the spirit of these ideals. We have chosen the path of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, not only because it is the right path, but because it is the path that makes it a worthy country for its citizens and a reliable partner for other states...On this path, which is a journey towards Europe and the European Union, Kosovo has been and remains committed. We know that EU membership is not a political reward, but a great responsibility. And we are ready to take on this responsibility, because Europe is not just an economic space, but an ethical project, a community of values that sees the citizen not only as a number to be counted, but as a subject of justice. We are aware of the obstacles, skepticism and complicated politics that sometimes obscure the path forward, but we do not give up", said Kurti./KSP