The Mayor of Bujanovac, Arbër Pajaziti, held a high-profile meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to address critical issues facing the ethnic Albanian community in the Preševo Valley. Pajaziti described the dialogue as an “open conversation” focused on concrete demands aimed at improving infrastructure, legal status, and diplomatic representation for the citizens of Bujanovac.
A primary focus of the meeting was the controversial “passivization” (deactivation) of residential addresses for ethnic Albanians. Pajaziti proposed mechanisms not only to halt this practice but to actively restore the addresses of affected citizens, which he characterized as a vital step toward protecting the civil rights of the community.
Key Infrastructure and Educational Demands
The Mayor presented several immediate needs for the municipality, seeking central government support for essential public services:
- Financial Transfers: A request for increased funding from the central budget.
- Education: The urgent renovation of two Albanian-language schools.
- Public Utilities: An ad hoc support request for a drinking water project and the extension of the national gasification network to Bujanovac.
- Timeline: Pajaziti noted that several infrastructure projects are expected to begin within days following the discussion.
Institutional Representation and Diplomacy
To build mutual trust between the local community and the state, Pajaziti emphasized the necessity of proportional representation of Albanians in state bodies, specifically within the police force. He also urged the recognition of diplomas to facilitate employment and integration.
In a significant diplomatic move, the Mayor requested President Vučić’s permission to open a Consulate of the Republic of Albania in Bujanovac. This request highlights the desire for closer cultural and administrative ties with Tirana.
Economic Growth and Future Cooperation
Both parties agreed on the need for increased economic investment to generate local employment. Pajaziti and Vučić concluded that the issues discussed must have an optimal implementation timeframe, utilizing resources from all levels of government.
The leaders agreed to continue this dialogue in the future, with the inclusion of government ministers and, potentially, international representatives to ensure transparency and progress on the agreed-upon points.
