Kosovo Hails CoE Observer Status as Diplomatic Win

Kosovo officials have hailed Tuesday's decision of the Council of Europe to admit Kosovo from January 2017 onwards to sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly, PACE, as a diplomatic triumph and a step towards full membership of the organization.

From January, Kosovo representatives will be taking part in sessions dealing with  EU-Kosovo relations as observers and with no right to vote.

Even without the right of the vote, Pristina officials say the participation of the Kosovo Assembly delegation in the CoE Parliamentary Assembly works is a major advance.

The Foreign Ministry said joining the Council of Europe was a priority for the country as it continues its struggle for international recognition.

The development "is extraordinary news for Kosovo diplomacy, especially knowing the Council of Europe's role in democracy promoting, human rights and rule of law", the ministry told BIRN.

"Without Kosovo as its member, the Council of Europe is not complete and the principle of [it] including the entire territory of Europe will not be applicable," it added.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 but it has not been able to join the Council of Europe and many other regional and international organizations due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, led by Russia. Serbia still claims Kosovo as part of its territory.

Xhavit Haliti, vice-speaker of the Kosovo Assembly, who was present during this week's session in Strasbourg, noted that the Serbian delegation had objected to the vote granting Kosovo observer status.

"This decision is an outstanding opportunity for lobbying and getting different forms of assistance in terms of development," he said.

Afrim Hoti, professor of political sciences at...