Kosovo’s future lies within the European family

Dr Muhamet Hamiti

It is a great honor for me to welcome all of you to this celebration of the First Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kosovo. One year ago, on this historic day for my country, the democratically-elected leaders of the people of Kosovo declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign state. As proclaimed in our Declaration of Independence, the act of independence, “reflects the will of our people and it is in full accordance with the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and his Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement.” Both the recommendations and the comprehensive proposal of the UN Special Envoy, and laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008, Mr. Ahtisaari, were fully supported by the UN Secretary-General.
Now I would like to briefly share some thoughts with you on Kosovo’s recent achievements. The United Kingdom recognized us less than 24 hours after our Independence Declaration. So did France, the United States of America, Albania, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Costa Rica. 47 other recognitions followed. Fifty-four countries around the world have granted us formal recognition so far. Our country needs to be widely embraced and recognized, so that it can play a full part in the world community of nations. I avail myself of this opportunity to call on all countries that have not recognized yet to do this at an early stage.
Meanwhile, we continue with our efforts to consolidate the independence of our country, both internally and externally. Internally, we have adopted a Constitution that enshrines our commitment to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all our citizens, providing far-reaching protections for ethnic minorities. Internationally, we have fully accepted the duty of responsible membership in the international community.
We have declared our commitment to abide by the international legal obligations and principles of international community that mark the relations among states. Kosovo has already applied for membership in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and intends to apply, in due course, to join the United Nations and other international organizations.
We have assumed our international obligations, including those concluded on our behalf by the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, and treaty and other obligations of the former Yugoslavia to which we are bound as a former constituent part. We have also entered into bilateral agreements, and intend to intensify further our bilateral relations.
For reasons of culture, geography and history, Kosovo’s future lies within the European family of democracies. Therefore, we are committed to implement the reforms required and pursue the goal of full membership in the European Union as soon as feasible. Similarly, we are fully committed to joining NATO and will take all steps necessary to this end.
In terms of security, Kosovo is committed to peace and stability in Southeast Europe. Kosovo’s nationhood is an indispensable factor of peace and stability in the region. Recognition of the Republic of Kosovo by our neighbours is further evidence to this.
In order to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with other states, the first ten embassies of the Republic of Kosovo were established during 2008, including our Embassy here in London. (By the way, our Embassy is located here, in Mayfair, at 15 Stratton Street, 100 metres from here.) A dozen Kosovo embassies will be established during this year, in Europe and elsewhere around the globe.
In an independent Kosovo there is room and opportunity for all. Independence has brought peace of mind to the overwhelming majority of Kosovars, stability to the southeast Europe, and prospects for European integration for all of us in the region.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to conclude by expressing our wholehearted gratitude and apreciation to all of you who have stood by us in the long process of becoming a free, independent and sovereign country.

Thank you all for honoring us today with your presence.

Independence Day Speech
London, The May Fair Hotel, 17 February 2009