U.S. Experts: Kosovo’s Integration Passes Through NATO

An international forum titled “American Inspiration for Kosovo on Its Path Toward Democracy and Freedom” was held in the hall of the Prizren Municipal Assembly, as part of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Special guests from Washington took part in the event, including Professor Daniel Serwer, Professor Edward Joseph, an expert on the Western Balkans, Albanian-American Besa Pinchotti, and strategist Major Mario Marquez.

In addition to the delegation from Washington, D.C., those attending the forum included mayors from municipalities in the Prizren region, as well as political figures from Kosovo, while the discussions emphasized the support the United States of America has given Kosovo both during periods of crisis and in times of peace.

“The contribution of the American state to humanity has always been an unwavering conviction that freedom, democracy, justice, and human integrity are values that protect not only Americans, but all peoples around the world,” declared Prizren Mayor Shaqir Totaj.

During the forum, Professor Edward Joseph, an expert on the Western Balkans, and Professor Daniel Serwer focused on some of the difficulties Kosovo faces in its efforts to join important international organizations.

“Kosovo’s future is in NATO. For Kosovo, the four countries that do not recognize its independence pose an obstacle, but this is the path that leads Kosovo toward the European Union and toward international subjectivity,” Joseph stressed.

“We are in a situation where the United States is not defending democracy within its own country and cannot always defend it in the international arena. This presents a major challenge for Kosovo. Secretary Rubio said clearly in Congress that Kosovo’s NATO membership is not on the agenda. Therefore, you need to work to make it part of the agenda,” Daniel Serwer said.

Meanwhile, Mario Marquez assessed that, despite the international obstacles that may slow this process, the citizens of Kosovo themselves hold in their hands the building of a better future, and he added that he is very proud of that.

Albanian-American Besa Pinchotti said she is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in Kosovo with great pride.

In honor of this important day for the United States, a series of activities is being organized in Kosovo.