The strategic importance of Kosovo has been at the center of a hearing in the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the US. Congressman Keith Self described Kosovo as one of America’s most loyal partners, demanding its immediate admission to NATO.
During his speech, Self emphasized that Greece remains on the short list of four allies that reject Pristina’s sovereignty, which increases instability in the Balkans and Russian influence. “I can tell you that Kosovo is clearly one of the closest and most loyal European partners of the USA.
All of this validates a compelling case for NATO membership and stability in the Balkans. And as long as Greece, Romania, Spain and Slovakia refuse to recognize our Balkan ally, there will be no path to Kosovo’s aspired NATO membership.” Self openly proposed cutting off military funding to Greece as pressure for recognition of independence, but this initiative was not adopted. The American lawmaker added that true stability in the Balkans would only increase if Kosovo is accepted into the NATO family, while his statements reconfirm the great support that Washington has for Kosovo’s full integration into international structures.
