Kosovo abandons bid to join Interpol this yearPristina, 21 September 2017 (MIA) - Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has withdrew Kosovo application for Interpol membership, his cabinet said in a press release on Thursday.
Haradinaj's move follows the statement of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Behgjet Pacolli, who said that Kosovo failed to secure enough support to join from existing members.
Many countries voiced support for Kosovo’s membership, but not in enough numbers for the country to become a member, the press release reads.
'As Prime Minister, I have decided today to postpone Kosovo’s request for an Interpol vote at the next meeting of this organization,' Haradinaj said in a written statement.
He extended gratitude to all Kosovo institutions, involved in the Interpol accession procedure, as well as to the international partners. Everybody should 'work for Kosovo' for the country to become Interpol member, Haradinaj said.
'Membership of Interpol was an important contribution to the fight against international crime and terrorism and Kosovo is ready to assume its full responsibilities as an Interpol member,' Haradinaj said.
Kosovo has applied for Interpol membership twice before but was rejected, most recently in November 2016.
To obtain Interpol membership, a new applicant needs the backing of two-thirds of the 190 member states.
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