The American ambassador gave an exclusive interview on public television today. Jeff Hovenier emphasized that the US believes Kosovo should be a member of the EU, NATO, and the Council of Europe.
However, he stressed that Kosovo urgently needs to move forward with the Association, sending the draft statute to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review.
“We urge the undertaking of this step, we encourage Kosovo to do what it needs to do to get that positive vote. We want to be strong and effective advocates for Kosovo, but this means that the Government must do things that help us achieve this,” Hovenier stated.
Furthermore, the American ambassador emphasized that Kosovo has many friends who want to see Kosovo in organizations like the Council of Europe, but they want to see the country taking additional actions to be convinced of the country’s commitment to minority rights and human rights. Hovenier also stressed that the US’s goal is that the outcome of this process, once completed, should be mutual recognition.