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Kosovo
Albanians: The Other Side Lituchy: The Americans? Koteska: Yes. Jasari: There were only three Serbian representatives and one Montenegrin in our delegation. [French Foreign Minister Hubert] Vedrine, [British Foreign Secretary] Robin Cook and Albright told secessionist Albanians in Kosovo that everything will be fine in Rambouillet, and that any agreement will be in their favor. But they didn't ask other nationalities in Kosovo what they want. I told them that the KLA doesn't represent the opinion of all Albanian people, that there are three other Albanian political parties who have a different view, as do Romas, Serbs, Muslims and other nationalities. They wouldn't listen. In Paris, the representatives of Yugoslavia didn't sign the paper. Albright told them, whether you sign or not, Kosovo will be a republic. When Albright was in Kosovo, she embraced and kissed Hasim Thaci, the terrorists' leader [of the KLA]. Lituchy: Why do you think the United States launched this war? Jasari: To establish military bases and extend its occupation of the Balkans, to dictate to all countries in Europe. Lituchy: What do you have to say to groups and individuals who claim Yugoslavia was a police state, oppressing [Albanians]? Jasari: It's just not true. I'm Albanian, and I have all the same rights as any Serbian. Every country must hold onto its own territory and not give it to other countries or to an ethnic minority. One third of the people in Yugoslavia are ethnic minorities. Why do we have problems only with Albanians? This problem didn't arise yesterday. After World War II, many Albanians wanted to secede from Yugoslavia; they were preparing for secession. I asked Albanians from Albania and Albanians from Kosovo, who has a better life? All the knowledge and property Albanians have is in Kosovo, not Albania. The Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia wanted to help them, to support them. You can find Albanian doctors, professors, engineers, and all professions. Our government wanted and still wants to provide education, to help them. Education was free. SECOND INTERVIEW Corin Ismali, Under-Secretary for National Social Questions in the Kosovo Executive Council, Secretary of the Democratic Initiative. Lituchy: Would you tell us what happened after the bombing stopped in Kosovo? Ismali: We had to leave Kosovo because KFOR didn't guarantee us freedom, peace, or the possibility to walk in the evening without being afraid of KLA soldiers. Lituchy: Were you threatened? Ismali: Yes, because I opposed secession. Lituchy: Why do [some] Albanians support Yugoslavia? Ismali: Because we want to live with other ethnic groups in Yugoslavia. We don't want to live in a country with only one ethnic group. Lituchy: Why do some join the KLA? |
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© Janette Rainwater 1997-2004 All rights reserved.
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