Kosovo should be a member of the Council of Europe, says the chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs from Finland, Kimmo Kiljunen. He considers the obstacles on the part of Serbia to be regrettable, as he says that membership also means the protection of the rights of Serbs living in Kosovo. In an interview for KosovaPress, he talks about the visit to Kosovo, Albania, and Serbia and the pressure for the establishment of the Association. According to him, the participation of citizens in the elections in the four northern municipalities has set a world record. Also, he emphasizes that the boycott of the Serbs is a shame and that the current situation is tense.
Kimmo Kiljunen, who is also the head of the Finnish delegation to the Council of Europe, speaks about the pro-Kosovo vote in the Parliamentary Assembly.
He emphasizes that Finland supports Kosovo’s membership in other international organizations as well, as he emphasizes that the Council of Europe is an organization of common values. He says that he mentioned this in the meetings he held in Serbia, but that shows that he was criticized.
Kiljunen adds that Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, also means membership in the human rights system in Europe.
Asked whether this process should be connected with the establishment of the Association of municipalities with a Serbian majority, he states that Kosovo has agreed to such a thing.
He considers Serbia’s obstacles in this membership process as regrettable, for which he adds that Kosovo should be a member of the Council of Europe.
While talking about last week’s election process in the north of the country, the chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs of Finland declares that a world record has been set for the low participation of citizens.
Good relations are a prerequisite for Kosovo and Serbia to join the European Union, he adds. According to him, Kosovo should make compromises.
The chairman of the Finnish delegation to the Council of Europe, Kimmo Kiljunen emphasizes his country’s support for Kosovo’s membership in other international organizations. However, as he adds, it remains for Kosovo to decide whether it wants to be part of the NATO alliance and the United Nations Organization. /Sh. Pajaziti
