The Ambassador of Germany to Kosovo, Rainer Rudolph, in an exclusive interview together with his British counterpart Jonathan Hargreaves for KosovaPress, spoke about the situation in the north of the country.
Rudolph stated that it was positive to see that the transition of power in the four northern municipalities took place in a calm and professional manner, adding that no one disputes that the laws of Kosovo apply throughout its entire territory.
“My first visit to the north was at the beginning of this year, exactly when the new mayors had taken office. It was good to see that the transition of power in all four northern municipalities took place in a calm and professional manner. On the other hand, no one disputes that Kosovo’s laws apply across the entire territory of Kosovo. That is unquestionable. What is important for us is that their implementation, given the sensitive history of the area, does not negatively affect the daily lives of citizens. For this reason, we engaged earlier this year regarding the implementation of the Law on Foreigners, and we were pleased when an agreement was reached between the Prime Minister and the EU Special Representative, Peter Sørensen. That was the spirit in which we supported the process,” Rudolph told KosovaPress.
Meanwhile, Hargreaves said that London’s perspective is very similar, stressing the importance of the government fulfilling the commitments it made on March 14 regarding the Law on Foreigners.
He added that it is in everyone’s interest in Kosovo for non-majority communities to want to be part of the country’s future.
“As Rainer said, this is an important opportunity for the rule of law to be implemented across the entire country, but in a way that does not disproportionately harm citizens who, for various reasons, have found it difficult to adapt to the new conditions. It is very important that the government implements the commitments it made on March 14. More broadly, I think it is in everyone’s interest in Kosovo that non-majority communities feel safe, welcomed, and want to be part of the future of this wonderful country,” Hargreaves said.
Asked whether he really believes that Serbs in the north want this—to be part of Kosovo’s future—Hargreaves said “yes, I do.”
He further stated that Kosovo Serbs want quality education, good access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and economic development.
“Yes, I do. Yes. I think, like most people, they want quality education, good access to healthcare, employment and economic opportunities, as well as a safe environment for their families. They live in Kosovo, and these are the things they want most. And I think it is in Kosovo’s interest that they feel confident they can build their lives here,” Hargreaves said, according to KosovaPress.
