Today’s vote to advance Kosovo’s application for membership in the Council of Europe to the Parliamentary Assembly is not only a good day for human rights and democracy in Kosovo but also an important moment for all of Europe.
This is a step forward for Kosovo and its citizens, not only in terms of the international integration of our country but above all for the advancement of the position of human rights, for all our citizens, without distinction.
I would like to express my gratitude to our international allies, the Icelandic presidency of the Council of Europe and to all the countries that supported us through their vote. I expect the consideration of our application by the Parliamentary Assembly to begin as soon as possible and to be successfully concluded.
We are committed to the achievement of the highest standards of democracy, human rights and rule of law, and we are confident that our application will be judged on the basis of our achievements in these areas.
Our Euro-Atlantic aspirations are clear and the determination of the people of Kosovo is stronger than ever. In recent years, Kosovo has made extraordinary progress and our membership in the Council of Europe is additional evidence of our unwavering commitment to the values that this institution represents.
The forthcoming steps are an opportunity for Europe to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of human rights in every country, across the continent.