Haxhiu: The American gas project requires expert-level discussions

Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu has said that Kosovo’s involvement in the American gas project is not an issue that can be answered simply with a “yes” or “no,” but requires thorough consideration at the institutional and professional levels.

Responding to journalists’ questions on the issue, she said the competent institutions and field experts should make a careful assessment of the benefits, costs, and effects such a project could bring to citizens and to the Republic of Kosovo.

“Whether Kosovo should accept American gas or not is not a matter of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. It is very important for there to be discussions at the level of the responsible institutions and experts, so that the benefits, costs, and other aspects related to this project can be analyzed,” she said.

Haxhiu underlined that Kosovo has never rejected projects that are in the interest of its citizens and the state, but stressed that issues of this strategic nature require serious discussions and decisions supported by professional analysis.

According to her, Kosovo’s institutions continue to remain open to dialogue and to considering all possibilities, while she noted that Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli is already dealing with this issue.

“We have not closed the door to serious discussions. We are open to discussing this. Minister Rizvanolli has discussed this issue and is working in this direction. We should give the responsible institutions the opportunity to provide the final answer,” Haxhiu said.

She also reacted to criticism over the way Kosovo’s institutions have approached this project, rejecting the idea that considering other energy alternatives could be presented as a stance against the United States of America.

“If Kosovo sees another solution as better, why should it be criticized and why should the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo be considered anti-American? Kosovo’s institutions work for the interests of citizens and support projects that are in favor of the Republic of Kosovo and its citizens. This should not be seen as anti-Americanism,” Haxhiu declared.

She added that framing the debate over the gas project in political terms serves neither Kosovo nor its partnership with the United States.