“VATRA” of the Albanians of America, as the senior advocate for security and preservation of national integrity, is alert to the risks of opening the debate on border correction or exchange of territories with Serbia.

NEW YORK, 16 AUGUST 2018 – The Pan-Albanian Federation of America “VATRA” expresses its concern regarding the latest developments in Kosovo.

“VATRA” is troubled by the dangerous rhetoric and the recent statements about “territory exchange”, “border changes”, or “correction of borders” with Serbia.

“VATRA” of the Albanians of America, as the over-a-century-old advocate of security and preservation of national integrity, draws attention at the risks of opening the debate on border correction or exchange of territories with Serbia. The recent statements, initiated by Serbia’s President Aleksander Vucic and promoted by Kosovo’s President Hashim Thaçi, do nothing less than put into question the integrity and sovereignty of Kosovo, curb the process of consolidating the new state of Kosovo, hinder the implementation of the agreements between the parties up-to-date; give new momentum to Serbia’s efforts to destabilize the region and throw into doubt the future of the new state of Kosovo.

Starting a new chapter on the issue of borders, while the international community has agreed upon the Balkans’ set borders and expects results at the negotiating table, it is not only a waste of time but an act of abandonment of the Albanian national interests. Kosova stands to lose in the scenario that calls for the inclusion of the historically Albanian Presheva Valley lands within the state borders at the exclusion of the Albanian lands inhabited by the Serb majority north of the frontier. According to this rhetoric, Kosova is trading in Albanian lands! Ergo, it is naive to promote such dangerous ideas.

The Federation of “VATRA” supports the statement issued by the US State Department calling on Pristina and Belgrade, “to avoid negative rhetoric and work together for an agreement that ensures consistency for both countries and the region.”

“VATRA” believes that the SILENCE of the official Tirana is unacceptable.