The acting government of the Republic of Kosovo held an electronic meeting today, where it approved two important decisions in the field of defense and international cooperation.
At this meeting, the decision was approved to request from the President of the Republic the granting of authorization for the signing of the Framework Agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Defense between Kosovo, represented by the Ministry of Defense, and the United States of America, represented by the Department of Defense.
The Government has also approved the decision to provide temporary and immediate protection to fifty (50) persons, within the framework of cooperation with the United States. During their stay in Kosovo, these persons will act in accordance with the laws in force and will enjoy the rights guaranteed by the legislation of the Republic of Kosovo.
Before making the decision, the Government had expressed its willingness to cooperate with the United States of America.
Acting Government Spokesperson, Përparim Kryeziu, told Telegrafi that “In response to the request from the United States of America regarding the admission and temporary relocation of third-country nationals, we have expressed our willingness to cooperate with the United States in addressing this issue, in accordance with the established conditions.”
Related to this willingness of the incumbent Government, the US Embassy in Kosovo has said that they welcome this cooperation.
“We are grateful to our partner, Kosovo, for accepting third-country nationals removed from the United States and for facilitating the safe return of these foreigners to their countries of origin. We welcome cooperation on this key priority of the Trump Administration,” an embassy spokesperson told Telegraf.
The proposal to set up return centres is part of a wider UK strategy to address the growing number of migrants arriving on the English island through illegal routes.
However, the international organization Human Rights Watch has expressed concern that using Balkan countries as host countries for migrants could violate their rights and create new challenges for host countries.
In a similar agreement that also sparked criticism, in 2022, Kosovo and Denmark agreed to lease 300 prison cells at the Correctional Institution in Gjilan to house foreign prisoners who are expected to be deported from Denmark after completing their sentences.
In return, Kosovo will benefit from over 200 million euros, which will be invested in the Correctional Service and renewable energy projects.
This agreement had sparked reactions from international organizations and civil society, which have expressed concerns about the possibility of human rights violations and the challenges that the management of foreign prisoners in Kosovo could bring.
Previously, Kosovo had also sheltered around 1.900 Afghan citizens, who were evacuated from Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. /Telegraph/