President Hashim Thaci said today that Kosovo has refused two invitations for the “mini-Schengen” summits, after it was initially not invited in Novi Sad.

“I just want to be clear, Kosovo was not invited at all to Novi Sad, meaning that we were not even treated as equal state. This is a fact that the Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania must bear in mind, considering that we are recognized by them as an independent state.

As a result of Kosovo’s rejection in Novi Sad, I have rejected afterwards both invitations sent by the Prime Ministers Zaev and Rama.

The other reason for refusal was the argument that regional cooperation should be an inclusive process while Kosovo was excluded in Novi Sad.

Kosovo has no open issues with Albania, the Northern Macedonia or Montenegro, but the fundamental issues and risks for peace and stability in the region remains Serbia, as the only Russian ally in the Western Balkans.

The regional initiatives should respect the decisions they have made; to recognize Kosovo as an independent state,” Thaci said.