Albanian MP Shaip Kamberi has strongly reacted after Serbia’s representative, Petar Petković, refused in Brussels to discuss with the Kosovo side about the Albanians of the Presheva Valley, specifically regarding the subsidies for farmers funded by the Government of Kosovo but blocked by Belgrade.
In a Facebook post, Kamberi said that Serbia continues to deny the rights of national minorities, particularly when it comes to the Albanian community, even by obstructing financial assistance intended for the development of the region.
“The legal sanctions when national symbols are used, insufficient representation in the justice system, police, and public institutions, as well as systematic discrimination, show the clear asymmetry between Serbia’s foreign policy and its domestic policy toward minorities,” he wrote.
Kamberi accused Serbia of restricting the rights of Albanians in the Presheva Valley while insisting on enforcing norms regarding the status and rights of the Serbian community in Kosovo that are not even recognized under international law.
“In such circumstances, the Government of Kosovo is right to see reciprocity as the standard for minority rights in the region,” Kamberi added.
Today’s round of talks between Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by the European Union in Brussels, included discussions on Serbia’s blocking of funds for Preševo Valley farmers.
Kosovo’s Acting Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi stated after the meeting:
“The Serbian side believes that we should not care for farmers in the Valley and that we should not ensure they receive these funds.”
Currently, €1 million allocated by the Government of Kosovo for Presheva Valley farmers remains blocked by Serbia.
