Kosovo Premier Ceku calls on Serbs to see their future in Kosovo, not Belgrade

Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive

Prishtina [Pristina], 21 August: Prime Minister of Kosova [Kosovo], Agim Ceku, has called once again on the Serbs of Kosova to see their future in Kosova, and promised them an open door for their integration in the institutions of Kosova, adding that Kosova party will have a lot of things to show to [UN] mediator [Martti] Ahtisaari about the Standards application.

The head of the government, in his weekly speech on Radio Kosova, said he was confident about the future of Kosova, calling on the Serbs to recognize the reality and give up Belgrade.

"They do not know what to be oriented to. Their compass is out of order, they do not know if they should be supplied with Kosova or Serbia documents, nor where do they belong to. They do not know which [registration] plate to use in their vehicles, or whether if their vote has any value," said Ceku.

According to Ceku, this is all happening as the consequence of the confusing statements of Belgrade officials, who systematically manipulate with the Serbs of Kosova. So they should urgently recognize and accept the new reality in Kosova created in 1999, as well as seizing the misinformation that creates fright and insecurity.

"As the consequence of all this pressure, Serb habitants feel frustrated and tired. They worry for the independence of Kosova, and are afraid of unknown, of the test of joint life with Albanians," he said, adding: "Majority in Kosova knows that the energy, goodness and insistence win over everything. The patience, determination and firmness evidence good cause and the seriousness of these causes."

In regard to Martti Ahtisaari's visit, Prime Minister Ceku expressed his optimism. "Ahtisaari will come tomorrow to visit Prishtina. We have what to show to him. We have made evident improvement in the standard implementation, the thing that we have promised. The government has taken the responsibility of giving arguments that support Kosova's request for recognizing the independence as soon as possible."

Source: KosovaLive website, Pristina, in English 21 Aug 06