Kosovo leader seeks 'fair' relationship with Russia

By Zuhal Demirci and Fatih Hafız Mehmet

ISTANBUL

Kosovo's president told Anadolu Agency on Saturday he expected "fair and constructive" relations with Russia, despite Moscow refusing to recognize his country’s independence.

Speaking in Ankara, Hashim Thaci said the current close ties between Moscow and Belgrade did not need to be an obstacle to better Russian relations with Kosovo.

"Kosovo is not an enemy of Russia," Thaci added.

The small Balkan country declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008. However, Belgrade did not recognize the move and is supported by Russia.

"Kosovo can have a dynamic role on the road to peace and stability. Changing the attitude of Russia towards Kosovo will make a positive contribution to the region," said Thaci.

He added that the time had come to achieve direct relations between his country and Russia.

"All prejudice must disappear. In history, Kosovo has never harmed Russia. Therefore, Kosovo does not deserve this unfair attitude and punishment," Thaci said.

Fight against terrorism

Stating that Kosovo is a part of the international coalition against terrorism, Thaci said that his country recently helped to prevent a Daesh attack on a stadium in the Albanian city of Elbasan by identifying Kosovan citizens who had traveled to Syria.

However, Thaci said no Kosovan had gone to Syria to join Daesh in the last 12 months.

"We have also blocked those who have worked in this direction. We will not compromise on this issue.

“No shelter will be provided to those who fight for such terrorist organizations," Thaci added.

President Thaci was on an official visit to Turkey and met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday.