Was held on the meeting with Municipal Mayors of the Municipalities if the Republic of Kosovo – Visa Liberalization Process

Prishtina, July 4, 2012 – Ministry the European Integration, today organized meeting on of highest political level with Mayors where they discussed visa liberalization process.

 

At this meeting were present: Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaci, Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Bajram Rexhepi, and z. Slobodan Petrovic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government.

 

In opening of the meeting, Minister Çitaku stressed that: "After an intensive work of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo in June of this year received the roadmap for visa liberalization. This is a common work of Kosovo institutions where the municipal level had specific duties. Fulfilment of which has played a key role in taking this roadmap.

Congratulate you for the work done, but at the same time warn you that we expect even more intensive work and dedication , and from you is required maximum commitment to achieve  what we intend. Marked success into this process will show how we are able to face, even other European integration processes considering that visa liberalization is only a part the European integration. In the focus of our attention must always be our citizens, who deserve a better welfare, and freedom of movement. Upon receipt of the roadmap, our institutions are involved into three aspects:  institutional aspect, preparation of the report of readiness and preparation of the plan for roadmap implementation.

 

While the Prime Minister Mr. Hashim Thaçi stressed that: "Today for the first time in the history of Kosovo it is given the possibility of contractual relations with the European Union through the Feasibility Study for the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. This is the best proof of how "European Perspective" is being translated into practical benefits for the state of Kosovo.  Considering that integration process is a long term process that requires deep reforms is important to continue to maintain a positive rate of progress. These reforms take more complete understanding at the local level. It is at local level where laws and strategies give its effect, and where from the paper will move to action. In this regard, in particular regarding liberalization process, dialogue and genuine cooperation should continue. Let me inform you that all central government institutions have received clear instructions, the failures and delays in meeting criteria for the visa liberalization process will be handled responsibly. Citizens now look at the state institutions to achieve necessary progress, and enable free movement of citizens”

For his part, Chairman of the Association of Municipalities and same time Shtime Municipal Mayor Mr. Naim Ismajli, said that is a common contribution of all citizens of Kosovo, local and central institutions for receiving the roadmap, but we will try that even the duties that might arise during the process, to complete on time and with accuracy