The Albanian Coalition has secured two seats in Serbia’s parliament, which will be held by Shaip Kamberi and Visar Memeti. Memeti has said the coalition could join Serbia’s new government if it finds common ground with the platform of the Student List, which came first in the latest elections.
Speaking on the Këndi i Debatit programme on Tëvë1, Memeti discussed the election results, the Albanian Coalition’s expectations, and the possibility of cooperation with Serbia’s emerging political forces.
He described the result as satisfactory, although the coalition’s initial goal had been to secure three seats in the Serbian parliament.
“The result is satisfactory, although when we signed the agreement several weeks ago, our goal was to secure three seats in the Serbian parliament. However, several factors had an impact, one of which may have been the record voter turnout in these elections in Serbia,” Memeti said.
Speaking about the Albanian Coalition’s position towards the election winners, Memeti said any decision on potential cooperation would depend on the Student List’s political platform and its position on the rights of the Albanian minority.
He said there was still uncertainty surrounding the group’s political orientation and programme, making it necessary to allow time for its positions and objectives to become clearer.
Memeti stressed that joining the government was an option the coalition could consider if its demands and political platform were reflected in an agreement.
“If we find common ground or reach an agreement on the platform we have as the Albanian Coalition, why shouldn’t we be part of this government?” Memeti said.
He added that the Student List must clarify its position on issues affecting Albanians in Serbia before any decision on potential political cooperation is made.
Memeti also outlined the issues he believes should be priorities for the political representation of Albanians in Serbian institutions.
These include the de-registration of Albanians’ residential addresses in the Preševo Valley, the recognition of diplomas obtained in Kosovo, and the representation of Albanians in public institutions.
According to Memeti, the de-registration of addresses has remained a major concern for years, while the recognition of diplomas remains unresolved in practice despite agreements reached between Kosovo and Serbia.
“One of the more pressing issues is the de-registration of addresses, a topic that has attracted considerable attention over the years. Another issue is the non-recognition of diplomas. Although there is an agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, it has still not been implemented. Another issue that should not take much time to address is the inclusion of Albanian professionals in public institutions here in the Preševo Valley,” Memeti said.
He stressed that these issues must be addressed in any potential political agreement so that the Albanian representation in Serbia’s parliament translates into concrete steps towards resolving the community’s longstanding problems.
