VOA: The issue of Kosovo and foreign policy, factors for the vote of Albanian-Americans in Michigan

2024-10-17 22:11:05, Aktualitet CNA

VOA: The issue of Kosovo and foreign policy, factors for the vote of

While there are less than three weeks left until the November 5 presidential election in the United States, the latest polls show that the race between the two candidates, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, is very close. Seven undecided states are expected to play a decisive role in these elections, among them Michigan, where the second largest community of Albanian-Americans lives in the USA, after New York. The electoral teams of former President Trump and Vice President Harris are trying to secure the vote of the Albanian-Americans. College Keida Kostreci talked with members of this community in Michigan about the impact that the foreign policy of the two candidates, especially on the issue of Kosovo, can have on their vote.

Imam Shuajb Gërguri of the Albanian Islamic Center in Michigan often listens to the concerns of the believers of this center and says that they have different political tendencies, but in one point they are in common denominator.

"The other thing that is important for Albanians, apart from the economy, which may have the first place, is also the party's position regarding the issue of Kosovo. So the attitude, or the open declaration of how they will be, or what they will do for Kosovo, can be determining which side the Albanians will take and where they will vote in these elections", he says for the Voice of America.

Imam Gërguri says that given the role of the former Democratic President Bill Clinton for the NATO intervention in stopping the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and the actions of other Democrats afterwards, there is a connection between the community and the Democrats in the United States.

Washington's policy towards the Western Balkans has generally been bipartisan. Kosovo was recognized 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, engaged with the campaign of former President Donald Trump, agrees that the reality in Kosovo will be one of the factors that will determine the will of the Albanian-Americans.

"Some vote like Americans, but some have linked the Albanian approach to their country as patriots that they are and wish to vote for a person who promises more for freedoms and independence and wider recognition of Kosovo and guarantees its borders". he says to VOA.

But the imam says Mr. Trump's administration appeared to be leaning toward Serbia when it comes to dialogue for an agreement between the two countries.

During the current administration of President Joe Biden, the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia has made no progress and Prishtina's relations with Washington are at their lowest point since Kosovo declared independence, due to what American officials have characterized as actions of unilateral and uncoordinated government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

The Albanian-American activist Afërdita Rakipi, a democrat, says for the Voice of America that the United States has followed a bilateral policy towards the Balkans.

"It was neither of the Republicans nor of the Democrats, because we had movements and support from both sides. Regardless of who goes to the White House, Congress has both Democrats and Republicans. So the Albanian issue has always been bilateral", she says.

Imam Shuajb Gërguri says that 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 issue of Kosovo.

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

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

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

Some Albanian-American voters, like Esmeralda Demiraj, appreciate this attitude.

"I really like what President Trump said, in 24 hours I make a phone call and end the war. And I really want to believe it and hope it happens," she says to the Voice of America.

Asked if it bothers her that Mr Trump has expressed admiration for figures such as Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban, she says she sees his stance as "diplomatic".

But Rakipi, a democrat, says that she is very concerned about such attitudes, which she says are not suitable for a leader or candidate.

"What good can we, as Americans, as Albanian-Americans, do when he (Trump) has these friends, when every other leader, whether Republican or Democrat, has been careful in international relations, in these matters?" he says. she.

The war in the Middle East is another factor in this year's voting. Imam Gërguri says that what is happening in Gaza will affect some of the members of the Islamic center that he leads.

In a state like Michigan where the race this year is close and every vote counts, the choice of Albanian-Americans, a community of tens of thousands of people, is expected to be important in determining the winner./ VOA