Albanians in America begin collecting funding for whiteening by Bytyqi brothers

In New York, celebrating the anniversary of Kosovo's independence was marked in a special way. About 30 Albanian-American associations organised a fundraiser for the family of three Bytyqi brothers who were killed by Serb forces in 1999, at the end of the Kosovo conflict, reports the Voice of America.

About 600 people came to this hotel in Westchester, New York, to celebrate the 11th anniversary of Kosovo's independence by raising funds for a particular cause: Acting instead of justice for the Star brothers, Mehmet and Agron Bytyci, who were killed by Serb forces at the end of the war in Kosovo.

Twenty years out of that time, and no charges have been filed against anyone in Serbia for the murder. But Ilir Bytyci, brother of Star, Mehmet and Agron, is optimistic: “With the United States of America pressuring Serbia, we are sure to achieve justice”.

For lighting the issue, the Bytyci family has made about 50 trips to Serbia and about 100 to Washington, but Belgrade's promises to bring the executions to justice have remained on paper.
The Albanian community of America is helping the family establish justice.

“Family needs funds, because these funds will go to the lawyer, who needs various trips, to go to Europe, Washington, DC, the State Department, and for various needs,” says Valon Nikci, one of the organisers.

Praveen Greatirau is a lawyer for the Bytyci family.

“Belgrade and prosecutors have done nothing on the case. As you know, President Vucic has made many promises, even pointing fingers at the suspects, but he has done nothing about it. This has angered the community, the family, and the United States and prompted them to increase pressure to do something now,” says the lawyer.

Tanja Domi is a professor at Columbia University: “In the US Congress there is growing concern that Serbia has not fulfilled the promises made by President Vucic in several meetings with Americans, publicly and privately, and that now is the time for him to act and bring those people to justice. ”

Their <x0); their lives were laid on the foundations of the state of Kosovo, on the foundations which every day and more strongly rise to the sacrifice of these boys and girls who gave up their lives,” says Teuta Sahatqija, Kosovo diplomatic representative in New York.

On the occasion of the Independence Day celebration and to honour the memory of the Bytyci brothers, a group of Albanian-American policemen had come to the hall.

I have come to celebrate the 11th anniversary of independence. I'm very happy and proud. I wish Kosovo a brighter future,” says Muhamet Master, part of the New York City Police Department.

The entrance of the Albanian-American police group was met with solemnity in the hall.
Mark Gjonaj, a member of the New York City Council, was among the main organisers of activity: “Tonight we do not celebrate only Kosovo's independence, but we stand by the Bytyci family. If there is no justice for their three sons, if there is no justice for our three brothers, there will never be peace. ”
Mr. Gjonaj spoke of ideas that are circulated in recent months on the possibility of correcting Kosovo's borders: the <x0 borders must be recognised by Serbia. They have been recognized by the United States and many other countries. We'll stick firmly to our borders, because we don't have land to give. My message to Serbia is simple: Mitrovica, Wjman and Trepca will always be part of Kosovo. ”

Later, in his address to the community, Mr. Gjonaj spoke with harsh tones regarding Serbia's policy towards Kosovo and called for boycotting Serbian goods.

His comments are made as senior United States officials increase pressure on the Kosovo government to lift the 100 per cent fee on Serbian import goods.

In the evening there were the parents of the Bytyci brothers Ahmet and Bahrije, who greeted them with applause.

VoA