WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement congratulating Kosova on its European Union (EU) Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) and expressing concern over recent violent protests:

“I congratulate Kosova on signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union today.  This is a very important step forward on Kosova’s path toward future membership in the EU and integration into the North Atlantic community. 

“However, I must express my concern about Kosova’s ongoing political dispute.  First and foremost, Violence has no place in politics.  Kosova’s opposition has a right to express its views publicly and to be heard by those in government.  But tear gas and riots have no place in the public square, and this recent spate of unrest only strengthens the forces that would deny Kosova the recognition and prosperity it deserves.  As a longtime friend of the people of Kosova—across the political spectrum—I urge everyone to keep talking, stay calm, and express yourselves peacefully through Kosova’s democratic institutions.”

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