Albanian entrepreneur Muharrem Salihu is calling for a stronger and more coordinated approach from Tirana and Pristina toward the Albanian communities of Preshevo, Bujanovac and Medvegjë, arguing that their future should not be treated as a peripheral issue.
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| Albanian entrepreneur Muharrem Salihu speaks out on Radio Radicale, urging Tirana and Pristina to move beyond periodic political statements and adopt a long-term, coordinated strategy to protect the rights of Albanians in Preshevo, Bujanovac, and Medvegjë. |
In an interview with Radio Radikale, Salihu, an Albanian entrepreneur based in Italy and a vocal supporter of the cause of Albanians in Southern Serbia, argued that the issue should not be remembered only during election campaigns or through occasional political declarations.
According to Salihu, Albania and Kosovo have an important political and national responsibility to support the rights, identity, education, culture and political representation of Albanians in Preshevo, Bujanovac and Medvegjë.
More than a local issue
Salihu's argument goes beyond questions of national solidarity.
He links the situation of Albanians in the Preshevo Valley directly to the broader question of regional stability.
His reasoning is straightforward: when a community feels forgotten, marginalized, discriminated against or politically underrepresented, the consequences can extend beyond that community itself.
From this perspective, addressing the concerns of Albanians in Southern Serbia should not necessarily be viewed as a source of regional tension. On the contrary, equal rights, institutional representation, educational opportunities and respect for cultural identity can contribute to greater stability.
This is where the argument becomes particularly relevant for both Tirana and Pristina.
From political statements to a long-term strategy
One of the central points raised by Salihu is that declarations of support are not enough.
The Albanians of Preshevo, Bujanovac and Medvegjë need a consistent and long-term policy, rather than occasional attention from politicians.
Salihu argues that Albania and Kosovo should coordinate their approach in several areas, including diplomacy, European institutions, education, culture and political representation.
Such an approach would represent a shift from episodic political reactions toward a more structured strategy.
Instead of remembering the Preshevo Valley only during elections, official visits or moments of political tension, the issue could become part of a broader and sustained regional policy.
What can Albania and Kosovo realistically do?
This is also where the debate requires political realism.
Calls for closer cooperation between Tirana and Pristina are understandable, but neither Albania nor Kosovo can directly determine Serbia's internal policies.
Their influence therefore depends largely on diplomatic engagement, international institutions and European mechanisms.
Support for Albanian-language education, cultural preservation, economic development and institutional representation may prove more effective than general political rhetoric.
A stronger diplomatic presence in European institutions could also provide a framework for raising legitimate concerns about minority rights while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
The distinction matters.
Supporting the rights of Albanians in Southern Serbia does not have to mean promoting confrontation with Serbia. It can instead be framed through the language of European standards, minority rights, equality and institutional inclusion.
“Not to create conflict, but to protect rights”
This is one of the most significant elements of Salihu's message.
He argues that greater cooperation among Albanians should not be aimed at creating conflict, but at protecting rights and contributing to a fairer and more stable region.
That distinction is particularly important in the Balkans, where questions of national identity and territorial politics remain highly sensitive.
A policy centered on education, culture, human rights and political representation can potentially be more sustainable than rhetoric based solely on nationalism.
The challenge for Tirana and Pristina is therefore not simply whether they should speak about the Preshevo Valley, but how they can turn political support into measurable and lasting action.
The diaspora's role
Salihu's position also highlights the potential role of the Albanian diaspora.
As an entrepreneur living and working in Italy, he represents a part of the Albanian diaspora that remains engaged with political, social and national questions in the Balkans.
The diaspora's contribution does not have to be limited to financial support.
It can also involve investment, education, cultural initiatives, international advocacy and building connections between Albanian communities and European institutions.
But for such engagement to have a lasting impact, it must go beyond social-media statements and become connected to concrete initiatives and institutional cooperation.
Preshevo should not be remembered only during elections
Salihu's intervention raises a broader question for both Albania and Kosovo:
What long-term policy should Tirana and Pristina pursue toward Albanians living in the Preshevo Valley?
The answer cannot simply be another statement of solidarity.
If Albania and Kosovo want to play a meaningful role, their approach would need to combine diplomatic coordination, support for education and culture, economic development and sustained engagement with European institutions.
Ultimately, the situation of Albanians in Preshevo, Bujanovac and Medvegjë should not become an issue that returns to the political agenda only when it is electorally convenient.
It requires a consistent, realistic and long-term policy.
And this is the core of Muharrem Salihu's message: Albanian cooperation should not remain a slogan. It should become a practical instrument for protecting rights and contributing to greater stability in the Balkans.
This article is an editorial analysis based on public statements made by Muharrem Salihu and published by him on social media, as well as his interview with Radio Radikale. The views expressed in the article are attributed to Salihu and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of Oculus News.