Time for Kosovo's independence to be recognized, says premier

Text of report by Radio-Television Kosovo TV on 9 June

The time has come for the international community to recognize Kosova's [Kosovo's] independence as it did with Montenegro, said Prime Minister Agim Ceku. He added that with this act the destructive past of the post-Tito era will be finalized and its former parts will be on the right path towards joining the European Union and NATO.

PM Ceku stressed that Kosova's statehood is a precondition for its economic development. Kosova needs sovereignty so it can encourage foreign investment and create a healthy developing alternative, thus moving away from an economy that is dependent on donor aid. On the issue of minorities Ceku said that the government is making an effort to build trust, especially with the Serb minority, to convince them that a sovereign Kosova will have a positive role in the Balkans.

We want to have good cooperation relations with all countries within the framework of the EU and NATO. Albania, with which Kosova has historical, cultural and linguistic ties, is a natural partner. Such a partnership can be formed with Serbia too if it decides to take the path of cooperation and integration and not the one of obstruction and division, said Kosova Prime Minister Agim Ceku.

Source: RTK TV, Pristina, in Albanian 0937 gmt 9 Jun 06