“Albanians for America”: the U.S. should also take into account Serbia’s behaviour toward Kosovo

The organisation “Albanians for America” has welcomed the introduction in the United States Senate of the SRBIJA Act, an initiative of Senators Chuck Grassley and Richard Blumenthal, which has earlier also received support in the House of Representatives.

In a statement, the organisation says that the initiative’s support in both chambers of Congress shows, in its view, the growing attention in Washington to political developments in Serbia.

“Albanians for America” mentioned in particular concerns regarding democratic standards, pressure on the media, the functioning of institutions and elections in Serbia.

The organisation also asked that the American approach toward Serbia take into account Belgrade’s relationship with Kosovo and issues linked to regional security.

The statement mentions the armed attack in Banjska, for which Kosovo authorities have accused Milan Radoičić and his group. “Albanians for America” says Serbia continues to refuse, in its view, to take responsibility and to extradite Radoičić and members of his group to Kosovo justice.

The organisation also mentioned the attack on Kosovo’s critical infrastructure in Ibër-Lepenc, describing it as a case which, in its view, shows that threats to Kosovo’s security can also appear through attacks on critical infrastructure.

“Albanians for America” asked that recognition of Kosovo’s independence and Serbia’s commitment not to undertake actions that undermine Kosovo’s security and stability be part of the American approach toward peace and security in the Western Balkans.

The statement also expressed concern about Serbia’s relations with Russia and China. According to the organisation, Belgrade’s orientation toward political and strategic partnership with these two states requires attention from the United States and its allies.

Finally, “Albanians for America” expressed gratitude to Senators Grassley and Blumenthal, as well as to the members of the House of Representatives who have supported the initiative, for their engagement, as the statement puts it, toward democracy, free elections, media freedom, the rule of law and stability in the Western Balkans, Telegrafi reports.