Albanian opposition leader Lulzim Basha has published today a document showing Albania’s efforts in helping Kosovo gain its independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years after NATO’s intervention freed the former Serbian province. Basha was Albania’s Foreign Minister ten years ago when the International Court of Justice ruled the unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with the international law. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the ICJ rule, Basha published his letter on behalf of the Albanian government, dated April 14, 2009, addressed to ICJ concerning the proceeding of the case of Kosovo’s independence in accordance with the international law. Now Basha says it is time for a mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia.

“Ten years ago, the International Court of Justice confirmed that Kosovo’s declaration of Independence was in accordance with the international law. Today is the time for mutual recognition between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia. This would serve to the citizens of both countries, peace and stability in the region. Albania, (standing) by Kosovo’s side, with its diplomacy and in full coordination with our strategic partners US and EU, did its best for the declaration of Independence and Kosovo’s international recognition. Together, side by side, we’ll face every challenge and secure the future”, Basha wrote.