The Albanian community in the Presevo/Presheva Valley is in a difficult position due to the discriminatory policies of the Serbian authorities, economic marginalization and if the protests in Serbia achieve their democratic goals and guarantee end of discrimination of Albanians then they would benefit from legal stability, so in principle the protesters should be supported, has said Albanian Deputy in Serbia’s Parliament Shaip Kamberi in an exclusive interview with ADN.

Asked if there is any basis for the rumors that the great powers (US) may apply some forms of territory exchange, Kamberi said: "Such ideas have been circulating for a long time, especially in the context of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. There have been several non-papers, but so far there is no concrete official plan.

The format of the exchange of territories is sensitive and debatable, especially for the Albanians in the Presheva Valley, because they can become part of the bargains that cause tragedy to the 100,000 Albanians of this region."

The Deputy unveiled that there have been continuous communications between the representatives of the Presheva Valley with the governments of Kosovo and Albania. "Prishtina has expressed support for the rights of the Albanians of the Valley, while Tirana has emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution and respect for fundamental rights. Reciprocity in rights and building unique standards for communities in the Western Balkans remains the prevailing idea that would bring a lasting peace."

Touching upon the situation after the elections in Kosovo, Kamberi said the formation of a stable coalition is challenging but Kurti remains a key figure in Kosovar politics and has managed to secure broad popular support. "For us in the Presheva Valley, it is of primary importance that the Valley remains among the top priorities on the agenda of the new government in Kosovo," said MP Kamberi in the following interview:

Albanian Daily News: Mr. Kamberi, what is the position of the Albanian community in the Presevo/Presheva Valley and is there any benefit for them if the long protest achieves its goals in Serbia?

Shaip Kamberi: The Albanian community in the Presheva Valley is in a difficult position due to the discriminatory policies of the Serbian authorities, such as non-integration, non-recognition of diplomas, passivation of addresses, economic marginalization. If the protests achieve their goals — stopping these practices and ensuring individual and collective rights, to build a society with equal opportunities for all, a decentralized state that enables the respect of ethnic and territorial guarantees, that sanctions discrimination — Albanians would benefit from legal stability, therefore in principle they should be supported.

However, the essential issue for the democratization of society in Serbia depends on the readiness of the Serbian people to face the bloody past of the 90s, distancing from war crimes and a discontinuity from the discrimination policies; reconciliation with the neighbors is especially important and it cannot happen without an apology for the crimes caused.

- What is the reaction of the Albanians and yours in the Serbian Parliament and international organizations?

- The reaction of the Albanians has been permanent for 24 years in a row, since the 2001 conflict, through institutional political action, peaceful protests and lobbying of the international community. In the Serbian Parliament, in the municipality, in the National Council, the Albanian representatives have raised their voice against discrimination and asked for international support.

- Is there any basis for the rumors that the great powers (US) may apply some forms of territory exchange?

- Such ideas have been circulating for a long time, especially in the context of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue. There have been several non-papers, but so far there is no concrete official plan.

The format of the exchange of territories is sensitive and debatable, especially for the Albanians in the Presheva Valley, because they can become part of the bargains that bring tragedy to the 100,000 Albanians of this region.

- What is the attitude of the Albanian community and you personally regarding the possibility of applying this format in the Valley?

- The Albanians of the Presheva Valley, on March 1 and 2, 1992, in the Referendum held, have declared for "Territorial political autonomy with the right of union with Kosovo". This remains an aspiration of ours.

Many Albanians of the Presheva Valley see this as an opportunity to join Kosovo, seeing the ongoing discrimination in Serbia and the inability of the Serbian system and regimes to offer a real opportunity for integration. However, this also raises fears about the consequences that such a territorial change could have, especially for the fact that it could lead to the fragmentation of the Presheva Valley.

- Have you discussed this issue with Pristina and Tirana and what is their reaction?

- There have been continuous communications between the representatives of the Presheva Valley with the governments of Kosovo and Albania. Prishtina has expressed support for the rights of the Albanians of the Valley, while Tirana has emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution and respect for fundamental rights. Reciprocity in rights and building unique standards for communities in the Western Balkans remains the prevailing idea that would bring a lasting peace.

- What is the attitude of the Western Balkan countries and can this cause a chain of reactions in other regions (such as Vojvodina)?

- No one openly supported this idea. It is known that Serbia has aspirations towards the north of Kosovo, but Serbia is also expressing the same aspirations in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as in Montenegro.

Therefore, the countries of the Western Balkans are sensitive to this idea, which in itself contains the risk of destabilization.

- Are you afraid that such a format could be imposed by the US, considering the relevant approach of the Trump administration?

- The Trump administration has promoted such ideas for conflict resolution, but has faced stiff opposition from the EU. Therefore, even when this idea appeared in Trump's first term, Germany was the first to oppose it. In these circumstances, it would be preferable to reach an agreement centered on mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia, while other topics should be considered in circumstances where the key issues on which the peace of the Western Balkans depends are already being overcome.

- What is the situation after the elections in Kosovo and how do you see the future of the new government? What will be the position of Albin Kurti?

- Always after the elections, the formation of a stable coalition is challenging. Albin Kurti remains a key figure in Kosovar politics and has managed to secure broad popular support. In the following days, it will be seen whether he will be able to create the new government on his own or with the help of a partner. For us in the Presheva Valley, it is of primary importance that the Valley remains among the top priorities in the agenda of the new government in Kosovo. / ADN