site.btaBulgarian PM Borissov Calls For Dialogue between Kosovo, Serbia

Pristina/Sofia, April 16 (BTA spec. corr. Antoan Nikolov) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov is paying a one-day visit to Kosovo on Monday. In Pristina Borissov said that in order to join the EU and take advantage of its funding, the Balkans need to change according to the criteria of the Union.

Borissov urged for dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina which in his opinion will enable them to solve their problems and thus apply for EU membership. He also voiced a hope that Skopje and Athens will too resolve the problem with the name of the Republic of Macedonia. The Bulgarian PM stressed the importance of Transport Corridors 8 and 10 which go via Bulgaria and Kosovo.

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci awarded the Order of Independence to Botissov for his contribution to Kosovo's freedom and independence. The high state award was given on the occasion of the tenth anniversary since the declaration of Kosovo's independence, the information service of the Bulgarian Government said.

Thaci told Borissov that the order is in recognition of Borissov's personal contribution and commitment in support of Kosovo, and in recognition of the efforts of the Bulgarian people in developing the friendly relations between the two countries. "We know that the Bulgarians will welcome us anywhere and we feel the Bulgarian spirit everywhere," Thaci said.

A video of the awarding ceremony was posted in Borissov's Facebook page where he also wrote that he and Thaci discussed the European path of the countries in the Western Balkans and the guarantees for the peace and stability in the region. "We both concurred that the project for infrastructural and digital connectivity between the six Balkan countries and the EU will speed up the development of our countries," Borissov wrote.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Borissov, Thaci said that Kosovo's only path is joining the EU and NATO.

He said that the participants in the talks found that the entire region should become part of the EU which will help achieved lasting peace on the Balkans.

The participants also discussed the construction of European and regional roads which will connect Kosovo with EU countries. Thaci said that only through investment in infrastructure and modernization will it be possible to have higher living standards. The Kosovo President said that his country will take part in the construction of the motorway connecting Tirana, Pristina and Nis.

Thaci said that Kosovo will continue the dialogue with Serbia, noting that his country will carry out a true peace process. He insisted on liberalization of the visa regulations with the EU, saying that Kosovo has met the criteria for this.

Borissov said that Kosovo and Serbia should normalize the relations between them. "You and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic carry a huge burden but you must go the way," Borissov said.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister once again stressed the key importance of the EU-Western Balkans meeting in Sofia in May. He called on the leaders of all Balkan countries to forget their egotism. Borissov said that the goal is to convince the EU that "no black holes or gaps should remain in Europe," meaning Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania.

Borissov concurred with Thaci that the visa regulations for Kosovo need to be liberalized. He said he will demonstrate "maximum persistence" to help in this.

At the end of the meeting Borissov once again invited Thaci to attend the meeting in Sofia. The Bulgarian Prime Minister voiced a hope that a compromise will be found to hold the meeting because Kosovo has been recognized by more than 100 countries. In Borissov's words, it will be possible to find a suitable way for the countries who have not recognized Kosovo to be represented at the meeting.

Borissov also conferred with his Kosovo counterpart Ramush Haradinaj. The two discussed the development of the bilateral relations and the need for good neighbourly relations as a condition for stability and prosperity in the Balkans, the information service of the Bulgarian Government said.

The need was established to expand the contacts, especially in the area of the economy, energy, investments and tourism. Borissov suggested the organization of a visit soon at the level of ministers to boost the process. "We thing that Bulgaria can soon achieve an even bigger presence on the markets of Kosovo," he said.

The participants in the meeting noted that an indicator for the progress of reforms in Kosovo, the development of the civil society and following the best European practice is the development of a legal framework for the protection and guarantee of the rights of minorities. Bulgaria is especially interested in the progress in this area as there is a community of Kosovo nationals who identify themselves as Bulgarians, Borissov said.

During his meeting with Haradinaj Borissov again stressed that the European perspective of the Western Balkans depends on the peace and stability in the region. He said that each country must show that it is wise enough to go along the European path.