The issue of Albanians in the Presheva Valley has officially become part of the United States’ foreign policy agenda following a congressional hearing in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Europe, led by Congressman Keith Self.
During his speech, Self emphasized that administrative passivity and systematic discrimination against ethnic Albanians by Serbian authorities are unacceptable and pose a real risk to regional destabilization, particularly given Serbia’s aggressive stance toward Kosovo.
This position received broad support from witnesses and various members of Congress, including Edward P. Joseph (Johns Hopkins SAIS), Luke Coffey (Hudson Institute), and Max Primorac (Heritage Foundation).
Several congressmen from both parties agreed that U.S. foreign policy should be guided by clear standards and that the Presheva Valley issue can no longer be ignored. The discussion also highlighted that the United States must insist on Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo, stressing that Kosovo remains the U.S.’s most reliable ally in the Balkans.
The municipal representative in Bujanovc, Ragmi Mustafi, described the session as “serious institutional support in Washington,” adding that efforts to advance the Presevo Valley cause will continue with partners in the U.S. and Europe.
According to him, today’s discussion is only the first step, and concrete results are expected through continued diplomatic engagement.
