Deputy Minister Selimi advocates more advanced approach for Kosovo at the Council of Europe in Strasburg

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During his official visit to Strasburg, Deputy Minister Selimi also paid a visit to the Council of Europe and had important bilateral meetings with the Ambassador of Albania to the Council of Europe, Mrs. Margarita Gega, British Ambassador to the CE, Mrs. Eleonor Fuller, the Ambassador of Germany to CE, Mr. Julius Georg Luym, the Ambassador of France, Mr. Laurent Doninati, the Ambassador of Norway, Peter Wille, Consul General of the United States of America, Mr. Evan Read and other participating members at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from both left and right wing European parties. 

Deputy Minister Selimi briefed his interlocutors on the developments in Kosovo and on the strategic approach of the MIA of Kosovo for integration in international organization. 

Deputy Minister Selimi also pointed out the need that the citizens of Kosovo are also covered by the umbrella of the European Court of Human Rights, a legal body that adjudicates only cases from EC member states. 

All interlocutors in today’s meetings welcomed the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo to advance Kosovo’s relations and presence in Strasburg and to address technical issues and formal requirements for Kosovo as a preparation for a more advanced approach of Kosovo to the CE.
 
The Council of Europe is a specific institution of the EU with several former states of the Soviet Union in its ranks opposing the independence of Kosovo. 

The Republic of Kosovo and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs aim to advance the position of Kosovo in 2012 towards its full membership in international organizations, especially in organizations where member states do not have the right to veto decisions for the membership of new states. 

The Council of Europe is currently under the chairmanship of Great Britain to be followed by Albania and Andorra, all supportive states of the independence of Kosovo, which allows a more positive climate for Kosovo’s arguments for a more advanced integration.