Albanian youngsters march, petition for Kosova’s independence

TIRANA, Nov. 12 – The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) supported the initiative of a group of Albanian youngsters belonging to different political groupings and civic society, and declared they would organize a rally November 15 in Tirana and also present a petition requesting an end to the Kosovar status process and at last make the province formally independent.
The Serbian ethnic cleansing campaign in 1999 against the Albanian people of Kosova resulted in over 12,000 Albanians being slaughtered, 1.3 million refugees, and the destruction of 65 percent of their property. More than 600,000 Kosovar refugees barely escaped with their lives across the border into Albania. During the 78 days of NATO bombing to stop the genocide, families throughout Albania opened their homes to the Kosovars, providing them with food, shelter and care.
The youth group of the five main political parties and four non-governmental organizations expressed their concern over the delay of Kosova’s final status and growing tension caused by the situation, which they considered as major risks urging them to undertake the rally.
The rally is to be held at Mother Teresa square in Tirana at 1700 November 15 “to express our unshaken support of Kosova’s independence” that will end with a concert.
Albania has repeatedly said that an independent Kosova would offer stability and peace not only to itself and Serbia, but to the region and beyond.
Albanians have repeatedly said there should be no fear of a Greater Albania afterwards, insisting they would respect international borders.
The National Albanian American Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs.