German MP: "Open Balkan" is not a bad idea, but it should go with the Berlin process

2022-07-14 09:46:16Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

German MP: "Open Balkan" is not a bad idea, but it should go with the

"I cannot categorically say no to the Open Balkans, but at the head of this process is the Berlin process". This is what the deputy of the German Bundestag, Adis Ahmetovic, said in a press conference with journalists in Tirana.

The German official emphasized that the idea of ​​the "Open Balkan" is not bad, but insisted that the Berlin process be moved forward and the "Open Balkan" initiative be seen as an element.

"The good idea is that the chancellor has a great interest in the Western Balkans. He has always said that he is part of the European family. This year we will also have a conference on the Berlin process. It is a clear message to all Western Balkan countries that Germany will have coordination. The idea of ​​the Open Balkans is not bad, it is a good idea. But we still have the Berlin process at the forefront of cooperation. And the Open Balkans should be only one element. It is good to talk about the Open Balkans, but these days the chancellor will hold a meeting with all the leaders of the Western Balkans. I cannot categorically say no to the Open Balkans, but it is only one element, the head of this process is the Berlin process", stated Ahmetovic.

As for the integration process, Ahmetovic said that Albania and Macedonia deserve the opening of negotiations. He revealed that today he will hold meetings in North Macedonia, on an important day, where the French proposal for the Bulgarian veto will be voted on in the Assembly.

"I will meet with some members of the Northern government and members of our sister party, the social democratic one. I could start with technical elements. Negotiations could begin for Albania and North Macedonia.

We need a strong Albania and Macedonia. Yesterday we held many meetings. Our socialist partners talked to us about transformation, about energy like wind or solar. Albania has a great potential. We would like to support you in this kind of way", said the deputy.


Also, Ahmetovic said that Germany supports visa liberalization for Kosovo, stressing that citizens deserve free movement.

"After this conference I would really like to ask you to see my Instagram account and listen to my speech in the Budenstag about Kosovo. I am among the members who support Kosovo.

Kosovo is a country in Europe that has greater support for the EU and NATO in their society. We must support this country, they deserve visa liberalization. They deserve to be members of the Council of Europe.

We have clearly said that Kosovo deserves visa liberalization. Every country has the right to travel throughout the EU. We will support Kosovo in its process for the Council of Europe, for candidate status and visas", declared the member of the Bundestag


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