Netanyahu letter to Kurti: I look forward to hosting you in Israel to inaugurate Kosovo’s embassy in Jerusalem

English

Gazeta Express

27/02/2021 18:25

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a letter sent to the Vetevendosje leader, Albin Kurti, whose party won 14 February election, has mentioned the recent agreement between Kosovo and Israel on establishment of the diplomatic relations and the decision of Pristina to open its embassy in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu congratulated the prime minister designate Kurti on winning the election and said that he looks forward to hosting Kurti to inaugurate Kosovo’s embassy in Jerusalem.

“I very much welcome the agreement of our two countries signed earlier this month to establish diplomatic reltions and I hope we can use the new momentum in our ties to significantly upgrde the cooperation between us,” Israeli PM wrote in his letter.

“Your commitment to the addressing Jewish issues, including that of property restitution, is greatly appreciated,” Netanyahu wrote on his letter.

“I attach much importance to Kosovo’s decision to open its embassy in Jerusalem and I look forward to hosting you in Israel for its inauguration,” Netanyahu concluded in his letter.

Kosovo-Israel mutual recognition came as a result of the Washington Agreement reached on 4 September 220, with Kosovo agreeing to open its embassy in Jerusalem a move which has triggered many reactions. Also, within Kurti’s party – the Vetevendosje there is no clear stance on this issue. A senior member of Vetevendosje, Glauk Konjufca, said that they would consider the decision if Kosovo is conditioned by the European Union. Another senior member of this party, Haki Abazi, said the EU’s stance against opening the embassy in Jerusalem is of great importance for Kosovo adding that Kurti should sit with officials in Brussels and those of Israel to solve what he referred as “a knot.”

The European Union voiced regret at Kosovo’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, made as part of a broader deal brokered by the previous US administration, saying it “diverges” the Kosovo from the EU position. /GazetaExpress/