On Tuesday, various Albanian-American organizations across the United States sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing deep concern about Serbia’s actions towards Kosovo. They called upon the United States and the European Union to take measures against Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić.
The letter, endorsed by approximately 90 Albanian-American associations and groups, covers a wide spectrum of concerns. It particularly emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by Serbia and its President towards Kosovo and its people.
In the letter addressed to President Biden, the signatories request a meeting to discuss the current situation in detail.
The primary reasons for drafting the letter stem from the September 24 attack in Banjska, north Kosovo, which resulted in the tragic loss of a police officer’s life, and Serbia’s significant military buildup along the Kosovo border. The White House previously labeled this military buildup as “unprecedented” and urged Belgrade to withdraw its forces.
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, confirmed on Tuesday that Serbia has initiated the withdrawal of these forces.
The letter insists that the U.S. and the EU must take decisive action against President Vučić to prevent him from inciting violence, arming terrorists, and threatening neighboring countries. It underscores that Serbia cannot maintain close ties with Russia while remaining a member of the Western community.
Albanian-American activists express their deep appreciation for the unwavering support of the United States for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo.
However, they also express their concerns about Serbia’s actions, characterizing them as a clear and immediate threat to the people, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Kosovo.
The letter highlights the public admission of Milan Radojičić, the former vice-chairman of the Serb List, to leading the September 24 operation alongside Bojan Mijailović, an associate of former Interior Minister and current head of the Intelligence Agency Aleksander Vulin. The latter has faced sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for involvement in organized crime, illegal narcotics-related activities, and facilitating Russia’s malign activities in the Western Balkans.
The letter also cites U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey M. Hovenier’s statement, describing the attack as “coordinated and sophisticated”, suggesting that the attackers had received military training, and indicating a planned effort “to destabilize security in the region”.
The terrorist attack is seen as part of a series of actions aiming to destabilize Kosovo and the wider region. It is considered a critical turning point not only for the region but for all of Europe.
The letter calls for the perpetrators of the attack to be brought to justice, echoing the calls of authorities in Pristina, the European Union, and Western diplomats. Pristina has accused Belgrade of supporting and arming the group responsible for the attack.
In conclusion, the letter asserts that Serbia’s repeated actions pose a danger to Kosovo, its neighbors, and the broader international community. It calls on the United States and the European Union to no longer consider Serbia a reliable partner while it harbors heavily armed terrorists.
