Northern Albanians Against Territorial Exchange

They stress that major natural resources Kosovo has in its northern part. Although they currently assess the situation calmly, they require much greater commitment from Kosovo institutions for that part. Colleague Pajazi Krasniqi has stayed in northern municipalities inhabited by Albanians and Serbs and has prepared the following material.

Any ideas for exchange of territories will not be accepted by Albanians living in the northern part of Kosovo. Citizens living in Serb majority municipalities stress that the main natural resources Kosovo has in its northern territory. Nuhi Peci from the municipality of Zvecan, rejects any ideas for exchange, which he says if he loses the north then loses all of Kosovo.

The alleged exchange of territories could not be favorable for Kosovo. All the greatest natural resources are in this part. As they lose Trepca, Zvecanin and Vilman, they lose all of Kosovo here because this is where the main assets --”.

Even Izet Nela, who lives in the northern part, tells Radio Kosovo that any ideas spoken of in return are unacceptable and that such a thing can defunct the state of Kosovo.

“Yes, are the ones who talk about exchange. The war was fought for Mitrovica. That, if we had given Mitrovica first there would be no war in 1998/1999. They just then gave the Trepca Uyman, because that's Kosovo's wealth. Drenica's grapes and rahovec grapes Serbia has enough”.

And for Gazmnd Vitak, it is important that Kosovo and Serbia achieve peace between themselves. However, he says that on very important issues, major world powers are established.

Let's do what these politicians want, but just have peace in Kosovo. Even if the talks last 50 years, let them continue, but the outcome should be a peace agreement. We know they have no faults, neither Hashim Thaci nor Alexander Vuciq, but it's all done just as the great powers say”.

Unlike Albanian citizens living in three northern municipalities, Serbian citizens do not want to talk much about the issue. Political is not important to Milorad Stojkovic. He tells Radio Kosovo that the last situation is calm, though, as he puts it, he never attends political-related news.

Well, as always the same. But I'm not very interested in politics, and believe me, I don't follow. I don't watch TV, all I see and follow is sport”

In addition, Albanians living in Serb-run populated municipalities ask Kosovo institutions to have concrete investment plans. They say the government should show more of its hand to revive the lives of Albanians in the north.