In a world divided between two axiss, Kosovo must choose without US hesitation

Serbia's president participated in a military parade in China side by side with representatives of Russia, North Korea and countries representing the new global authoritarian axis. It wasn't a protocol visit. It was a political statement with clear ideological and strategic overtones: Serbia is deepening its partnership with states challenging Western democratic order.

Meanwhile, Kosovo's state with the most pro-American people in Europe and a symbol of NATO's humanitarian intervention risks remaining unclear and confused in its international position, due to the lack of internal unity and strategic fog in the current leadership.

At a time when the world is becoming increasingly clear between the two Russian-Chinese axis, promoting authoritarianism and the overthrow of democratic values, and the Euro-Atlantic one, which protects freedom, sovereignty and human rights Kosovo does not have the luxury of staying neutral or confused. The alliance with the United States is not a luxury. It's survival.

Since the first day of my involvement in the Kosovo issue in Washington, I've understood one thing with complete clarity: The United States is not just our strategic ally. They are the architect of our state. Without America, there would be no NATO in 1999, there would be no independence in 2008, and there would be no support for the challenges we have faced.

But today, this alliance needs to be renewed, not in word, but in action. We cannot seek US support if our political conduct produces only internal divisions and international confusion.

We cannot be strategic partners with America while undermining our international credibility.

Serbia is choosing the wrong side of history: Kosovo must choose the opposite!

Vuciqi's participation in the Beijing parade is symbolic dangerous for the region. It's not random. It clearly shows that Serbia has no intention of giving up its revolutionary positions, but seeks to strengthen through ties with Moscow and Beijing two powerful anti-continent centres. - NATO and anti-Western.

This should serve as a wake-up for all of us: the Balkan region is again in the focus of global confrontation between two worlds. After all, as Samuel Huntington said, the lines of the collapse of civilizations go right through our lands. And Kosovo cannot remain undefined, without vision and without a leadership who can clearly lead the state.

This is the moment of clear judgment and of no account.

This global crisis is not a crisis away from us. She's also ours. Because if Kosovo does not show political maturity, it risks losing not only the trust of friends but also the direction as a state.

This is no time for personal protagonism. This is no time for empty debate. It is time for institutional unity, for state maturity and for a strategic return of Kosovo to the centre of US and West attention.

For this, the country needs a leadership that speaks in a trusted voice in Washington, known in Berlin, London and Brussels, and has integrity, experience and vision to lead in times of crisis.

For more than 20 years, I've been talking about Kosovo at the American Congress, major universities, at tables where our future is located. And I didn't do this to build a personal career, but because I felt it as a sacred duty to my people.

But today, at this critical time for the country, it is not enough just to speak. You have to act.

Kosovo needs clear voice. For worthy representation. For guidance that knows where history lies and which side Kosovo should stay on.

The choice is simple but requires vision and wisdom!

We have two options ahead:

1. Let's slide to a gray political and diplomatic zone where our friends get tired and our enemies grow stronger.
2. Or rebuild with dignity, resume serious co-operation with the US and strengthen our position as the staunch ally of the democratic world.

I believe in the second option. And I'm working on it more than ever before.

Time to build a new chapter for Kosovo is now!

Kosovo does not need leaders who follow the spirit of day. He needs visionarys who feel the weight of history and responsibility for the future.

Now is the time to decide: Will we be part of the world that helped us to free and build up the state, or will we risk being isolated in a region that draws ever closer to the values of darkness?

I believe our citizens are conscious. They know who our real friends are. They know what America represents for us. And they know that Kosovo's future is in the West. And it begins with a new leadership, responsible and visionary.

Kosovo must choose clearly, without hesitation: Democracy, friendship with the United States, and a guidance that stands for these values.

That's my commitment.

Faton Bislimi is the former KosovoDeputet and the applicant of the national cause in Washington, DC.