Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi, has accused Serbian authorities of blocking a donation aimed at subsidizing Albanian farmers in Preševo, Bujanoc, and Medvegjë, calling the act a violation of their rights. Bislimi condemned the move, stating that the donation’s purpose was to improve the lives of the Albanian community and support the region’s economic development. He pointed out that these municipalities remain among the most underdeveloped and poorest in Serbia, with high unemployment rates, especially among the youth.
On October 26, 2024, the National Albanian Council launched a public call for farmers, receiving over 1,178 applications. However, on December 10, the Serbian Ministry for Human Rights and Minorities intervened, blocking the process and demanding the cancellation of the public call. Bislimi emphasized that Serbia has no right to prevent Kosovo from providing support to Albanians in the Preševo Valley.
In response to Serbia’s actions, Bislimi appealed to the European Union (EU), OSCE, and QUINT countries to closely monitor the situation and take action to protect the rights of the Albanian community in the Preševo Valley.
“Serbia has no right to block our support for Albanians in the Preševo Valley,” Bislimi said. “We urge the EU, OSCE, QUINT countries, and other international organizations to act and protect the rights and cultural identity of the Albanian people in the region.”
The Kosovo government remains committed to helping Albanians in the Preševo Valley and protecting their cultural, national, and linguistic rights.
