Mark Johnaj: Kosovo has paid its price, now is the time for Serbia to do its part

He asked the Albanian community not only in New York to participate in this process, voting through mail. Mr. Gjonaj also spoke of the 100 per cent fee Kosovo has imposed on Serbian goods.

He said Serbia used this as an excuse to leave the negotiating table.

The 100 per cent share of goods, Kosovo-Serbia talks, visa liberalisation and many other issues will be major challenges for the new government, which will emerge from early elections held in Kosovo on 6 October.

In addition to these issues, the New York municipal council member and the prominent Albanian community activist in the United States, Mark Gjonaj, urges the new government to focus on citizens' welfare.

It's important that you're overriding. Of course I would like the government to focus on people's needs. Make sure that there are reforms in the health system, education and employment opportunities so that our people can work, support themselves and their families”, Mr. Gjonaj added.

During the interview for Voice of America, Mr. Gjonaj called on the Albanian community not only of New York to vote, viewing it as a contribution towards the country's future.

“I hope voter turnout is great. It is important for Kosovo's future. The diaspora has the chance to participate in the elections, with a registration deadline by September 10th. Encourage all those eligible to vote to register within the deadline to participate in a credible and democratic process, which will shape Kosovo's future. It's our people's responsibility to their homeland. I encourage you to download the app on the Central Election Commission page”, Mark Gjonaj said in an interview for the Voice of America.

Mr. Gjonaj was asked about the position the new government must have faced toll on Serbian goods. According to him, the tariff is not the real trigger for suspension of talks between the two countries.

Kosovo was not the one to stop the talks. Kosovo has always been on the table, Serbia has left it in the middle of the process. Tarifa is insignificant and has very little impact on economic well-being in Serbia. It was used as an excuse to leave. Serbia must stay at that table in order to address real issues. Kosovo's independence has not been won. He's paid for it. It was paid with blood and decades of discrimination”, Mr. Gjonaj said.

New York's Municipal Council member said games like these on the part of Serbia are clouding Kosovo's achievements.

Kosovo continues to suffer as it is trying to build the country, while Serbia continues to manipulate negotiations by downplaying what we have achieved”.

Mr. Gjonaj spoke and about the United States engagement in the process of dialogue, especially after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeii appointed his deputy, Matthew. Palmer as the Special Representative for the Western Balkans.

Mr. Palmer's memory is important until he makes sure both sides stay at the negotiating table. We have a real partner like the United States making sure that mediation is doing well. We'll get a way out of this. But again I tell the American State Department, Mr. Palmer and the international community, Kosovo has paid its price. Now is the time for Serbia to do its part. And it starts with an apology for war crimes, discrimination and genocide. Then it can move forward. It's only been 20 years. People continue to live with the atrocities that have been committed. They sleep and wake up with pain and pain for losing their most loved ones”, Mr. Gjonaj said.

The renowned Albanian community activist in America said Serbia should learn from a recent example in Europe.

There are many questions that need to be answered. There is no better example than that recently given to German President Steinmeir, who apologized to Poland and Europe about 80 years after World War II for crimes committed by the Germans. It is time for Serbia to accept and apologise for hatred and damage, discrimination and injustice against Albanians for decades in Kosovo. This would be a good start for negotiations”, Mr. Gjonaj added.

Among other things, Mr. Gjonaj said Kosovo has no greater partner than the United States has no greater friends than Albanians -- friendship that has started decades ago.

The recent visit of US senators Chris Murphy and Ron Johnson, according to him, is evidence of continuing US engagement on the Kosovo issue.