Mirlind Behluli Comes to the Defense of Albanians in North Macedonia: They Have Fought and Sacrificed Themselves for the Nation

Kosovar journalist Mirlind Behluli has reacted to the comments and criticism that, according to him, some analysts from Kosovo have directed in recent days at Albanians in North Macedonia, following the protest held in Tirana.

In a public post, he strongly pushed back against the irony and contempt aimed at Albanians in North Macedonia, highlighting their role and sacrifices in the Albanian national cause.

“For the past two or three days, Edi Rama’s Kosovar ‘analysts’ have been mocking and belittling Albanians in North Macedonia simply because they are protesting in Tirana. The Albanians of Macedonia fought with rifles for Albania, for Kosovo, and in the end for themselves. There are also martyrs,” Behluli writes.

He underlines that Albanians in North Macedonia also gave concrete support to the 3 percent fund of historic president Ibrahim Rugova, as well as to the funds of the Kosovo Liberation Army, stressing that their weight in national processes is undeniable.

Behluli also touches on the national symbolism in Skopje, mentioning the presence of the statues of Skanderbeg and Hasan Prishtina. He also recalls that the well-known writer Ismail Kadare had praised the installation of the monument to the national hero in the capital of North Macedonia.

In his reaction, the journalist levels harsh accusations at those who, according to him, attack Albanians in North Macedonia, claiming that they have no understanding either of their history or of their reality.

“Edi Rama’s paid servants know neither the history nor the current reality of Albanians in Macedonia. These servants are a combination of ignorance and vileness. That is why they do not hesitate to insult Albanians solely for Edi Rama’s interests,” he wrote.

Behluli’s reaction comes at a time when debates between public figures from Kosovo and Albanians in North Macedonia have intensified, following the latest political developments and the protests in Tirana.