Osmani: Actions to expand sovereignty are legitimate

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani stated that "actions to expand sovereignty are legitimate and in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo," but that the success and sustainability of these actions depend on cooperation with allies, reports Radio Free Europe.

When asked about Western reactions to the closure of Serbian institutions in the north, Osmani emphasized that the situation in the north is challenging.

"The situation in the north of Kosovo is very challenging because the 2013 Agreement requires the removal of all illegal structures. Over the past decade, they have been strengthened by Vucic and have transformed into mafia groups that threaten security, sovereignty, and even the lives of citizens in the north," Osmani stressed in Prague, where she is participating in the Globsec security forum.

She called for the prevention of "any dark force, any state with ill intentions towards Kosovo and the region" from creating a division between them and their allies.

"This division, in the long run, is very costly for Kosovo. Kosovo has the potential to be successful in expanding its sovereignty, together with its allies. More communication, consultation, and coordination are needed," she stated.

When asked whether senior U.S. officials, including the CIA chief, had mentioned a deterioration in relations with the Kosovo government during recent meetings, she said that the United States has been clear at every level that its relationship with the people of Kosovo and with Kosovo itself is very strong.

"We need to find ways to strengthen the partnership, we need to ensure that the debate in Kosovo is never about whether we have broken up with America or not, but rather how to strengthen these relations, as it is in Kosovo's interest," she emphasized.

Osmani also mentioned that at the Globsec forum in Prague, she would meet with U.S. officials to discuss all current challenges.

She declined to answer why there was an increased KFOR presence at the main bridge on the Ibar River, stating that KFOR should be asked about it.