Kosovo issue, foreign policy, factors for Albanian-American vote in Michigan

While less than three weeks remain on the day of the November 5th presidential election in the United States, recent polls show that the race between the two candidates -- Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump -- is too narrow. The crucial role in these elections is expected to play seven undecided states, among them Michigan, where the second largest Albanian-American community in the United States lives after New York.

The election teams of former President Trump and Vice President Harris are trying to secure the Albanian-American vote. Colist Keida Kostreci spoke with members of this community in Michigan about the impact two candidates' foreign policy can have, especially on the Kosovo issue, on their vote.

Imam Shub Grguri of the Albanian Islamic Centre in Michigan often listens to the concerns of believers at this centre and says they have different political trends, but at some point are in common appointment.

The next thing that is important for Albanians, besides the economy that may have first place, is also the party stance on the Kosovo issue. So the position, or open statement, of what they will be, or what they will do for Kosovo, may be determining which arm Albanians will take and where they will vote in these elections”, he says of the Voice of America.

Imam Grguri says that given former Democrat President Bill Clinton's role in the NATO intervention in halting ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and the actions of other Democrats later, there is a link between the community and the Democrats in the United States.

Washington's policy towards the Western Balkans has generally been two parties. Kosovo was recognised by the United States during the administration of former Republican President George W. Bush and influential politicians who have supported Kosovo include both Democrats and Republicans.

Valentin Lumaj, an Albanian-American activist committed to former President Donald Trump's campaign, agrees that reality in Kosovo will be one of the factors that will determine the will of Albanian-Americans.

“Some vote as Americans, but some have linked many Albanian access to their country as patriots who are and want to vote for a person who promises more for the freedoms and independence and recognition of Kosovo more broadly and guarantees its limits”, he says of the Voice of America.

But imam says Mr. Trump's administration seemed to tilt from Serbia when it comes to dialogue for agreement between the two countries.

During the current administration of President Joe Biden, the process of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia has not marked progress and Pristina's relations with Washington are at the lowest point since Kosovo declared independence, due to those American officials having characterised as unilateral and uncoordinated actions of Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government.

Albanian-American activist Aferdita Rakipi, a Democrat, says about the Voice of America that towards the Balkans, the United States has followed a bilateral policy.

It wasn't the Republicans, nor the Democrats, because we had movement and support on both sides. No matter who goes to the White House, Congress has both Democrats and Republicans. So the Albanian issue, has always been bilateral”, she says.

Imam Shub Grguri says the United States is focused on other major conflicts in the world, such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, which may overshadow the Kosovo issue.

The problem as we see it is that we live today at a time when there are hot spots and much more important than Kosovo in the world. America is busy with other jobs so we can be victim to”.

Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Trump have different positions regarding Ukraine.

Vice President Harris has promised to continue Kiev's support in the face of Russia's aggression. Former President Trump has accused President Joe Biden's administration of prolonging the war and says that if he were president he would end it “within 24 hours” citing the “good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but without specifying a plan in this direction.

Some Albanian-American voters, like Esmeralda Demiraj, appreciate that stance.

I love what President Trump said, in 24 hours I make a call and end the war. And I want to believe it very much and hope it happens”, she says about the Voice of America.

Asked whether he is concerned that Mr. Trump has expressed admiration for figures such as Vladimir Putin and Victor Orban, she says he sees his stance as <x0dulmatic”.

But Democrat Rakipi says she is disturbed by many such attitudes she says are not appropriate for a leader or candidate.

What good could we, as Americans, have, like Albanian-Americans when this (Trump) has friends, when every other leader is Republican and Democrat, has taken care of international relations on these issues?”, she says.

The Middle East war is another factor in this year's polls. Imam Gergur says what is happening in Gaza will affect a part of the members of the Islamic centre he runs.

In a state like Michigan where the race this year is narrow and every vote matters, the election of the Albanian-Americans, a community of tens of thousands, is expected to be important to determine the winner. / VOA/