Press release of Prime Minister Edi Rama:

Hello!

I am here to welcome the new and long-awaited development in Kosovo.

Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel of a political crisis, relatively long, but not at all unnatural for a young democracy under construction.

We welcome this development without any political bias, but as an expression of a desired functioning democracy.

The Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo have decided to agree, not for what they wanted before the election, but what imposes the will of the people of Kosovo. This should be welcomed as a return in the democratic reality of the country of political parties that are available to a constitutional solution, which restores popular legitimacy of Kosovo institutions and gives them a meaningful sign of the goodwill of citizens of Kosovo, of the international community, the economic and social life of the other state of Albanians.

I repeat it that this decision has neither been the most longed nor the easiest decision for both major parties in Kosovo and for their leadership. The long time that has passed since the end of the election shows us how much difficult this decision was. And time will talk about the results that such a solution, as painful as politically courageous, will bring to Kosovo, to the economy, to society, but certainly also for dialogue with Serbia. Let’s leave it to time, but today, it is a welcomed solution that deserves full support and encouragement.

By supporting and encouraging simultaneously all opposition factors of Kosovo in order to rigorously oversee the major coalition.

At least, in figures, the major coalition respects at best the will of the majority of the citizens of Kosovo. Let’s wish that the government come out of this new solution will respect this will both in the spirit and action of the government, to make major reforms that a major coalition has not only the opportunity but also the obligation to carry out.

People in Kosovo know it, we in Albania know it, Albanians in the region know it, but also all international friends and partners know that decision-making challenges that Kosovo institutions will immediately face, in particular the Parliament and government, are difficult and strategic.

The new time in the region requires Kosovo to take a more active role in strengthening peace, dialogue and regional cooperation.

Build a more credible example of a transparent, democratic and inclusive government.

Develop even stronger strategic relationship with Albania, as well as ensure the continuity of the unwavering support of the democratic world battle against Islamic extremism and other harmful influences for our region.

Therefore, Kosovo will need in the months and years ahead, on the one hand a new and strong majority, able to face challenges and make appropriate decisions, however difficult they may be, but on the other hand a opposition that is imposed by the force of argument and the sense of national dialogue and understanding, in front of fundamental challenges of the new state of Kosovo.

As Prime Minister of Albania, I want to assure all citizens and all political parties in Kosovo that the Republic of Albania will always be on the side and in support of Kosovo. Meanwhile, the Government of Albania is eager to begin joint work with the new Government of Kosovo to strengthen our strategic partnership and to continue with a new speed the journey started at a meeting of the government in Prizren, and to bring forward, together, the historical process that started at the Berlin Conference, becoming a common model, Albanian and regional of development, understanding and Balkan integration in Europe.

Thank you!