Hundreds of Albanian-Americans gathered outside the UN Headquarters, protesting against Serbia’s ongoing acts of terrorism in Kosovo.
The Albanian-American community appealed to the United States and the international community at large. They demanded that Serbia and its leadership be held accountable and that all those involved in aggressive and terrorist acts be brought to justice. Mark Gjonaj, in his speech, detailed the numerous terrorist actions that Serbia has taken against Kosovo and its Albanian population.
General Gani Shehu, representing the Atlantic Battalion, declared that the Albanians are always ready whenever their homeland calls upon them. He firmly stated that Serbia should permanently withdraw from Kosovo. Activist Uk Lushi shared his view that Serbia symbolizes crime and terror.
Djellza Pulatani passionately called on all Albanians to come together, raising their voices to condemn the crimes committed by Serbia. She lauded those who sacrificed for their nation, assuring them, “We will never forget you.” Vedat Gashi emphasized the need for justice for those who vanished due to Serbian crimes. Jack Kukaj conveyed to the attendees that Albanians have always fought for their rightful freedoms, stressing that Serbia has blood on its hands and deserves international condemnation. He reassured the gathering, “We will always stand with Kosovo.”
Journalist Gjekë Gjonlekaj criticized the unjust international policies against Kosovo, declaring, “Vuçiç is the biggest criminal after Millosheviç.” Young activist Arlind Alidemaj urged the youth to love their homeland just as their ancestors did, cherishing its freedom and independence. Meanwhile, Mark Qehaja appealed for the swift punishment of Serbian criminals. Dr. Pashko Camaj, speaking on behalf of Vatra, emphasized that the international community should seek justice without equating Serbian crimes with the innocent Albanian blood spilled in the quest for freedom and independence.
The editor of Dielli demanded freedom for the imprisoned KLA fighters who, he believes, are unjustly detained by the Special Court in The Hague. Celebrating their efforts, he asserted, “The KLA and the struggle for Kosovo’s freedom and independence are the pride of the Albanian nation.” Violeta Duka, another activist, called upon the Albanian state to demand compensation from Serbia for damages in Albania and Kosovo. Bekim Adili, a journalist from North Macedonia, thanked the Albanian-American diaspora for their significant contribution to the national cause. Several other Albanian-Americans, including Jasin Gjokaj, Flutura Billa, Isa Breçani, and more, unified in their call to condemn Serbia’s state-sponsored terrorism./Dielli
