Albanians for America calls for U.S.–Serbia relations to be tied to democratic reforms

Albanians for America has welcomed the introduction in the U.S. Congress of the bill “Supporting the Rule of Law, Building Institutional Justice, and Accountability Act,” known as the SRBIJA Act. According to the organization, the initiative represents an effort to demand greater accountability from the Government of Serbia, while commending the members of Congress who support this approach.

In its statement, the organization emphasizes that the United States should not ignore the deterioration of democratic standards, corruption, undermining of independent institutions, suppression of peaceful protests, and policies that threaten the stability of the Western Balkans.

The SRBIJA Act raises concerns about the state of the rule of law in Serbia, the autonomy of the judiciary, media freedom, corruption, as well as the way student and civic protests are being handled. The bill also calls for independent and credible investigations into the tragedy at the Novi Sad railway station, as well as allegations of the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.

According to the statement, Serbia is seeking to present itself as a reliable ally of the United States and Europe, while continuing to maintain close political, economic, and security ties with Russia and China. At the same time, it says that Serbia is also expanding cooperation with Iran.

Albanians for America considers that the SRBIJA Act rightly calls for an in-depth assessment of these relationships, particularly when they conflict with the security interests of the United States, NATO, and Europe.

The organization considers this legislation an important step toward holding the Government of Serbia accountable for its policies and actions.

Albanians for America stresses that its concern is related to the activities and policies of the Government of Serbia, not to the Serbian people. According to the organization, Serbia’s citizens deserve democracy, transparency, independent institutions, freedom of expression, and a government that is accountable to its own citizens.

According to the organization, the same standards should apply to all countries in the Western Balkans.

The organization highlights the fact that the bill acknowledges the importance of the European Union-mediated Serbia–Kosovo dialogue and supports the continuation of U.S. engagement in this process. It emphasizes that lasting peace in the region must be based on accountability, mutual recognition, respect for existing agreements, and the cessation of any destabilizing actions.

The United States, it further states, has invested diplomatic, economic, and security resources for decades in creating a peaceful and democratic Western Balkans. According to Albanians for America, this commitment should not be undermined by governments that turn away from democratic values while moving closer to authoritarian powers.

For these reasons, Albanians for America calls on Congress and the U.S. Administration to pursue policies that hold Serbian officials accountable for corruption and human rights violations.

The organization also calls for the protection of democratic institutions, free elections, media freedom, and the right to peaceful assembly.

It urges U.S. authorities to seriously examine Serbia’s increasingly close ties with Russia, China, and Iran.

The organization’s demands also include support for the sovereignty and security of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as the strengthening of the U.S.–Kosovo strategic partnership.

Albanians for America calls for support for the EU-led dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, insisting on the genuine implementation of agreements and accountability.

The organization also calls for the expansion of U.S.–Serbia cooperation to be conditioned on sustained and credible democratic reforms.

According to the organization, the SRBIJA Act clearly conveys the message that partnership with the United States is not a blank check, but comes with responsibilities.

Albanians for America expresses strong support for this principle and calls on Congress to assess the Government of Serbia according to the same democratic and security standards required of any state seeking a strong partnership with the United States.

The organization emphasizes that democracy, accountability, sovereignty, and peace must form the foundation of U.S. policy in the Balkans.