Murati: Valley Albanians used as bait for daily political ideas

Researcher of the Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI), Artan Murati, has commented on the correction of the borders with Serbia, saying Albanians of the Valley have always had eyes from Kosovo, even more than they had from Albania.

However, according to him, correction would not give Kosovo, the Medvedja Valley, but only a few villages.

That's his reaction:

Albanians, Medvedja and “limit correction”

Although I belong to generations born in Kosovo, I am from Medvedja. I'm writing for a reason, on recent ideas for exchange of territories, or simply “correction” as Thaci is calling it. Given the political and social circumstances in Medvedja, these talks can bring much harm to Albanian citizens on that side if there are no concrete movements.

The first one, often discussed that the Valley Albanians may not want to join Kosovo. This is the first mistake. Valley Albanians have always kept their eyes on Kosovo, ahead of the mother state, Albania. Everything in the Valley is related to Kosovo. Therefore, statements by some exhibitors that Valley is not willing to join Kosovo is wrong.

Second, the biggest mistake is being made when it is considered that “correction” of the borders will bring the Valley to Kosovo. With current ideas, Kosovo will benefit several villages, but not the Valley, especially not Medvedja. That would be a heavy blow.

Third, the Albanians of Medvedja and Valley are generally being used as bait for daily political ideas. Who took up this category since 2011 when the dialogue began? How long did free movement have to be secured on that side, knowing how many citizens of Valley origin live in Kosovo? Why is there still problems in implementing the agreement on mutual recognition of diplomas, which directly affects each city in the Valley? Why was none of Kosovo taken with the phenomenon of wiping out residential addresses for Albanians living in the Valley, especially Medvedja?

Last but not out of importance, the Medvedja Albanians are at odds with politics. A handful of people come to the polls to vote on three different Albanian parties. With a united front, Albanians would be taken more seriously than anyone, both by the Serbian state and Kosovo politics.

So this matter is not as simple as it seems. If there's going to be any movement, it's full movement. Otherwise, even bigger divisions we absolutely don't need, nobody.