Haxhiu on the Albanian coalition in the Valley: Unity is essential

Acting Minister of Justice Albulena Haxhiu has welcomed the agreement to create the joint list “Albanian Coalition” for the parliamentary elections to be held on October 25 in Serbia.

Haxhiu said that eight Albanian political entities from the Presevo Valley have come together despite their political differences and their histories.

“This is a mature political decision, which places the representation of the Albanians of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja above any party calculation. I congratulate their leaders who made this agreement possible,” Haxhiu wrote.

She stressed that the unity comes in a situation which, according to her, is characterised by discrimination and violations of the rights of Albanians in Serbia.

“These include the passivisation of addresses, the non-recognition of diplomas and under-representation in public institutions. Also, restrictions in education, the use of language and symbols, and economic exclusion,” Haxhiu said.

Haxhiu also drew a comparison with the rights and representation of the Serb community in Kosovo, saying that Albanians in Serbia do not have guaranteed seats in parliament.

“Albanians in Serbia, meanwhile, do not have guaranteed seats in parliament and their representation depends only on the vote. The passivisation of addresses also makes it harder for them to exercise their right to vote,” she wrote.

According to Haxhiu, the unification of the Albanian entities into a joint list could strengthen the political representation of the Albanians of the Valley.

“In these circumstances, unity is essential. A split vote could weaken the Valley’s representation, while a joint list strengthens it,” she said.

Finally, Haxhiu said that Kosovo’s institutions will continue to demand respect for the rights of Albanians in Serbia.

“As representatives of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, we will continue to raise our voice for the rights of Albanians in Serbia. We will also increase institutional support for them,” Haxhiu wrote.

She wished the candidates of the joint list success in the October 25 elections.