KOSOVO'S POLITICAL STATUS TO BE AGREED WITH INT'L COMMUNITY - SAYS ALBANIAN MINISTER

PRISTINA, Dec 18 (Hina) - Albania's Foreign Minister Ilir Meta said in Pristina on Wednesday Kosovo's final political status should be resolved in agreement and not confrontation with the international community. #L# Meta is on a two-day visit to Kosovo at the invitation of local U.N. civil administrator Michael Steiner. Earlier in the day the two signed a declaration on the launching of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Albania and Kosovo in 2003. Steiner and Meta told reporters their talks addressed current political developments in Kosovo, including its political status. "Kosovo's political status has to be resolved in cooperation and understanding with and be accepted by the international community and not in confrontation with it," said Meta. He added this was the only way to achieve the main objective, "to ensure Kosovo's integration with the EU and not isolate it from the entire region's integration processes". The U.N.'s Steiner said conditions had to be created and certain standards met before Kosovo's political status was determined. Steiner and Meta also addressed the joint struggle against organised crime. The Albanian minister also held talks with Kosovo's President Ibrahim Rugova, Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi, and Kosovo Democratic Party leader Hashim Thaqi. (hina) ha