The Alliance for Albanians (ASH) has expressed deep concern over the rally held yesterday in Kumanovo, where, according to the party, the political, historical, and national sensitivities of Albanians were violated through provocative chants such as “Long Live Serbia” and “Kosovo is Ours,” alongside Serbian flags and open messages of support for the policies of Aleksandar Vučić.
“Kumanovo is a city with a difficult history, marked by sacrifice and painful memories. This is why any manifestation that revives nationalist rhetoric and denies the reality of Kosovo’s independence cannot be treated as an ordinary event. Such messages do not serve peace, stability, or interethnic coexistence. The Balkans have paid a high price for policies that promote hatred, denial, and territorial claims. Peace is not built with provocative slogans, but with mutual respect, recognition of political realities, and institutional responsibility,” ASH stated.
Huzeir Mustafi, councilor for the Alliance for Albanians in the Kumanovo Municipal Council, emphasized that the gathering did not contribute to the atmosphere of coexistence and multiethnic harmony in the city.
“Even more concerning was the speech and presence of Maksim Dimitrievski, who continuously demonstrates a one-sided approach and drastic ethnic disparities through the selective distribution of projects and investments. Last night, through his public support for Vučić, he only deepened this perception among citizens,” Mustafi stated.
He also pointed out the irony that just one day earlier, the Municipal Council approved a decision to open a European Union office in Kumanovo.
“This raises the question of whether the proclaimed pro-European orientation is sincere or merely a formality aimed at securing funds, when words and actions contradict one another,” the statement added.
ASH called on state institutions to act seriously and vigilantly toward any activities that could incite interethnic tensions and undermine harmony in the country.
“Silence toward such provocations is not political maturity, but encouragement for their repetition,” the reaction stated.
The party also criticized the lack of reaction from the VLEN coalition.
“At moments when the national dignity of Albanians is at stake, Albanian representatives in government cannot behave like silent observers. Their silence reflects a lack of political courage and complete dependence on their governing partners,” ASH concluded.
“Kumanovo needs messages of coexistence, respect, and stability — not the import of nationalist agendas seeking to revive the tensions of the past.”
