Pristina, 26 June 2008
Deputy Prime Minister Ramë Manaj received a delegation from the French National Assembly, the majority of whom were members of the Committee for Security Issues. The delegation, led by Mr Jean-Louis BERNARD, included Deputies Jean-Claude BEAULIEU, Jaques DESALLANGRE, Francis HILLMEYER, and Michel GRALL. The delegation was accompanied by Mrs Delphine BORIONE, in her capacity as Ambassador of France in Pristina.
Deputy Prime Minister Manaj updated the French National Assembly Deputies on the current commitments of the Kosovo Government, including the approval of the Constitution and related laws as well as the effort to implement them as effectively as possible.
Deputy Prime Minister Manaj gave his impression of the security situation in Kosovo, the Government’s work with regard to the status of minority communities, preparations for the donors’ conference and the Government’s strategic economic plans. Mr Manaj also gave an overview of the process of international recognition of the Kosovo state, and on behalf of the Government of Kosovo thanked all those countries that had recognised Kosovo or were offering further separate assistance for the consolidation of democratic institutions and support for efforts towards integration with the EU.
Deputy Prime Minister Manaj answered a range of questions from the French Parliamentary delegation. In his statement to the media after the meeting Deputy Prime Minister Manaj stated: “In this meeting we have offered information about Kosovo’s development in the current phase, particularly the creation of institutions, and the continued achievement of Kosovo’s goal of sovereign and democratic statehood and the establishment of co-operation with a range of countries, especially the Republic of France, which has given full support throughout the process of defining Kosovo’s political status and which was among the first countries to recognise our independence. We have agreed to continue this co-operation.”
The head of the French delegation, Mr Jean-Louis Bernard, also spoke to the media, expressing his thanks for the welcome that they had received from Deputy Prime Minister Manaj, and for the significance that the Deputy Prime Minister attached to the French recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state. “Our presence here shortly after Kosovo’s independence demonstrates France’s intention to be your supporter, to help you where we can when you wish it, and to show the intent that we have as regards this sovereign state and that we mean to sustain in the years to come,” Mr Bernard said amongst other things.
Last modified: July 31, 2022