TIRANA, August 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to the dispute between Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric over Serbia’s intention to change the course of the Ibër River.
Rama described the exchange as an interesting summer debate. He said Albania has no territorial claims against Serbia and does not need a “Greater Albania” to support Kosova. He stressed that Kosova has its own institutions and the right to determine its future.
Rama also said Serbia’s claims over Kosova do not reflect the current geographic reality. He argued that the territory and natural resources of the Republic of Kosova do not belong to Serbia.
On the Ibër, Rama said the river forms part of a cross-border water system. He stressed that Serbia can manage water resources within its jurisdiction, but must consider possible effects on another country. International water law requires cooperation when cross-border effects may arise.
Rama said the Ibër will continue to follow geography rather than political narratives. He also stressed Albania’s support for the rights, security, property, language and cultural heritage of the Serbian community in Kosova.
The prime minister said Albania wants good relations with Serbia and a European future for the entire region. However, he added that good neighbourly relations cannot require acceptance of competing historical narratives.
The dispute began after Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Serbia could change the course of the Ibër, a key water source for Lake Ujman in Kosova. Hoxha rejected the use of water as political pressure and called for compliance with international obligations.
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