Public note for journalists, civil society and politicians in Serbia

There's an ominous saying in our rocky Balkans that every third generation is cursed to go through a war. It's been 24 years since our last war ended. I think we should raise the essential question: Are we really willing to spend every 40 years in the same tragedy? Are we really willing to carry this curse on our children and grandchildren?

Albanians and Serbs are Germans and the French of the Balkans. We have the same destructive potential but also the creative and working potential to build a mini-Europe in the Balkans. I think it's time to throw the first one down and hug him with everything the second one. We're really at the end of the road.

Personally, I was a keen follower and soldier of the idea of correcting the borders because I saw it as a way to realize my dream, uniting all Albanians into one state. I want to be very honest. I loved this idea and engaged in this idea even though I knew very well that border correction would have a domino effect anywhere in the region. As an Albanian nationalist, I was interested in Albania and Albanians, regardless of what would be done with Macedonia, Montenegro or Bosnia. If for a bigger Albania, the price would be creating a bigger Serbia, for me it was completely acceptable.

Now, a few years later, I've realized that this project has failed completely because great Western powers insist on defending, and will continue to protect, their investment in the creation and stabilisation of Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Kosovo. And on the way, whoever comes in their way will be trampled on. My friend Hashim Thaci's fate is the best testimony to that.

Now we have the so-called European proposal. “Albanian Post” has had the honour of being an official newspaper type of whole process. Time has proved that any reporting of our essentials (containing the plan, introducing association in implementation, February's deadline, chopsticks and carrots), despite initial denials, has resulted in full accuracy.

Personally, I don't want this project at all, but from the position I am in I know very well that, for both Kosovo and Serbia, rejection of the agreement is much worse than accepting it. If we reject the agreement and continue with the absurd projections of our nationalist desires, turning them into official politics, not only will the West condemn us to humiliation and submission, but there are many risks we will end up in war. But not like the last one. That would be much more bloody, even if it only lasts three days. And then there will be great powers that will decide for us, without even asking us.

As stated in the latest document published by “Albanian Post”, written by a very senior official in a large Western country, a new Yalt is entirely possible. And in that new Yalt, we, Albanians and Serbs, Kosovo and Serbia, will not be asked at all. Not only will we not be asked but we will not have the right to ask for a single benefit.

This agreement does not satisfy our appetites, goes against anything that Albanian or Serbian nationalists would like, including me. But this agreement brings peace with normality and cooperation. And most of all, its accession from Kosovo and Serbia forces the West to take more care of us.

Personally, I don't trust leaders like Albin Kurti. My friend Eddie Rama really has a big ego, but Albin Kurti goes even farther. At times, I doubt that he completely lacks empathy to understand the consequences of his actions. As a simple citizen, I was and I'm still against Albin Kurt, but for the signing of this agreement I will never judge him and always protect him.

If Albin Kurt becomes the cause of my grandchildren not inheriting Balkan curses, I will support him with everything. Please, for your grandchildren' sake, help Alexander Vuciz do the same.

For the first time in history, let us decide for our fate, for our peace. Let's not let anyone else rule us out from decision-making tomorrow.