Engel: New Government to Have Large Bases, Touching Wrong Borders

The chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission for Foreign Relations told the Voice of America that he hopes the future Kosovo government will have a broader basis and that it will do its best to help Kosovo and Albania.

Engel says he is sceptical of the idea of changing borders, as he would not stop with Kosovo.

This would cause a chain reaction that I think would not be positive. We know the parameters for Kosovo. I think changing borders would be a wrong idea. I don't think this would be a wise thing”, he told the Voice of America.

Engel said he hopes the Kosovo government will have a broader basis so that there will be more people involved in the coalition for handling challenges, as the country faces some problems.

Serbia is making strong efforts to legitimise Kosovo. It is trying to convince countries that have recognised Kosovo's independence to attract recognitions. We are fighting against these efforts. So the more united the country will be the better for the country”, he said.

Congressman from New York refused to comment on Vetevendosje Chairman Albin Kurti, after saying he did not comment on candidates for prime minister in other countries.

But let me say I am confident that the United States, with my promotion as head of the Commission for Foreign Relations, will continue to have close relations with the Albanian nation, with the Albanian people and with the people in Kosovo. And of course I'm willing to help any way I can, so whoever is elected, Mr. Kurti or anyone else, I will offer my help”, he said.

Speaking to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, he provided an example of the Bytyci brothers, of promises he has made and has not kept, saying he has done nothing in this regard.

Engel did not directly answer a question about the role of special envoys for the Balkans and Kosovo-Serbia talks, Matthew Palmer and Richard Greenell, but said that in any dialogue concerning Kosovo's future, the people of Kosovo must have a voice.

All these other things that are trying to do with Albania, Serbia, if Kosovo is not included, will not be a fair decision. So I think the decision of the people of Kosovo should be made on everything. ”

And according to him, the United States should take on a more active role.

“As head of the Foreign Relations Commission, as a strong supporter of Kosovo and Albania I will do everything I can to accomplish it and whatever Kosovo and Albania's elected officials need, I am always willing to help. ”

Engel also expressed concern about the wave of young people who find no jobs in Kosovo and Albania and leave their country.