Ardit Kutleshi, a 28-year-old Kosovo citizen, pleaded guilty to creating and administering “Rydox,” an online platform and illegal marketplace that enabled cybercriminals to buy, sell or exchange stolen personal data. The website also offered devices and tools that could be used for cybercrimes and fraud. For these actions, he will face a prison sentence in the United States.

The US Embassy in Kosovo presented the case as evidence of successful cooperation between the two countries in the fight against cross-border cybercrime. In its statement, it thanked the office of Blerim Isufaj, Chief Prosecutor of Kosovo’s Special Prosecution, as well as other institutions in Pristina.

“This is another example of successful US-Kosovo cooperation in the fight against transnational cybercrime. We thank the Kosovo Special Prosecutor’s Office, Kosovo’s institutions and everyone involved for the excellent cooperation that made it possible to bring this case to justice,” the US Embassy in Kosovo said in a statement.

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Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti, during his visit to the United States, met with compatriots, investors, and American political representatives.

During an evening event held in Westchester, concrete opportunities for American investments in Kosovo were discussed, as well as the role the diaspora can play in facilitating these investments.

Kurti said that the support of the diaspora in the United States and of compatriots around the world has been crucial over the years for citizens’ well-being, Kosovo’s victory in the war for freedom, and state-building efforts.

According to him, the Republic of Kosovo, as an independent, sovereign, democratic, and sustainably developing state, now offers great investment opportunities. He stressed that compatriots are no longer forced to contribute only through sacrifice, as they can now invest and benefit.

The meeting was organized by Data4X and Ed and Barbara Hammel at the residence of Richard Lukaj in Westchester. Among the attendees were compatriots, investors, and American politicians, including former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin.

During this gathering, concrete ways to increase American investments in Kosovo and the facilitating role of the diaspora in this process were discussed. Kurti emphasized that the Republic of Kosovo is a partner investors can rely on and find support from.

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The Albanian community in Staten Island, United States, gathered for the first Albanian Festival, an event featuring music, traditional food and Albanian culture.

Held at the South Beach Boardwalk, the festival brought together the generations of Albanians who first arrived in America and those born there. Albanian families have been part of New York’s history and life for generations, while their children have achieved success in business, medicine, technology, engineering, academia, government and public service.

The event was opened by the festival’s main organizer and president of the Albanian-American Association, Naser Nika, who emphasized the importance of unity among Albanians living far from their homeland.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti also attended the festival, addressing the community in a speech focused on the diaspora, preserving the Albanian language and historical memory.

Kurti told those present that he was honored to be in a place where national identity was celebrated through culture, music and food. He recalled that Albanians have been part of New York’s history for several generations, including families originating from Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, the Preševo Valley, North Macedonia and all Albanian regions.

“Many of you arrived with little, but brought with you hard work, sacrifice and hope for your children’s future. Today, younger generations contribute to business, medicine, engineering, academia and public service. This is precisely the success of the diaspora: preserving your identity while contributing to the country where you live,” Kurti said.

According to the prime minister, it is possible to love both America and the country your family comes from. He emphasized that integration into American society does not necessarily erase Albanian identity but makes its mosaic even richer.

Kurti described preserving the Albanian language as one of the most important responsibilities toward future generations, saying that Albanians in the diaspora, particularly those in America, are fulfilling this duty.

“When an Albanian child in Staten Island learns Albanian, they are not merely acquiring a language. Along with it, they inherit history, culture and a connection to their roots,” he said.

Speaking about the role of the diaspora, Kurti said that, for Kosovo, the Albanian community in the United States has always represented much more than a diaspora. According to him, it has been a powerful voice, a constant source of support and a bridge to America.

In his speech, the prime minister mentioned Illyrian ancestry and Skanderbeg, as well as three dates he described as foundational: the League of Prizren in 1878, Albania’s independence in 1912 and Adem Jashari’s KLA in 1998. He also mentioned the US-led NATO intervention in 1999 and Kosovo’s independence in 2008.

Kurti also spoke about building the state, extending the rule of law to the north of the Ibër River and the Security Force. He called the first-instance ruling in The Hague against Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi unjust, adding that history is the true judge and that the state would work to have it corrected on appeal.

He stated that both the UNMIK court and the court in The Hague had previously committed injustices against the KLA. In this context, Kurti quoted the words of a wise thinker: “History puts trials on trial.”

The prime minister then expressed special appreciation and gratitude to the Atlantic Battalion from the United States.

In his opening remarks, Naser Nika said that the Albanian community in America has not forgotten the struggle for Kosovo’s freedom, the sacrifices, the history and all those who gave their lives. He emphasized that, at this difficult moment, the diaspora must remain united not only during celebrations but also in the face of adversity.

Addressing Kosovo’s prime minister, Nika said those present represented a community that loves Kosovo, Albania and the Albanian lands. Although they live far away, he added, Kosovo remains in their hearts, and this festival is a beautiful testament to that bond.

“Today, the red-and-black flag is flying in New York, while our children listen, sing and dance in Albanian. This is the most beautiful way to pass our identity on to future generations. Do not forget where you come from; learn Albanian, love your culture and respect America, but preserve your roots. We build our lives here, while passing our identity down from generation to generation. Today, we are starting a new tradition; let us continue it every year and bring our children here,” said Naser Nika, president of the Albanian-American Association and main organizer of the First Albanian Festival in Staten Island.

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Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, will travel to the United States today, accompanied by several of his advisers, according to Radio Dukagjini sources within the government.

During his stay in New York, he is expected to meet with the Albanian community on the 19th at 4:30 p.m.

Kurti is also expected to attend the UN General Assembly, whose proceedings will take place from September 22 to 28.

Although the United Nations General Assembly meets throughout the month of September, these are the key dates for the proceedings.

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Speaking on the program “Interview of the Week” on KosovaPress, Bislimi said Kosovo should examine all options that would make participation in this project possible, whether through the gas terminal in Vlora or through other infrastructure alternatives. He stressed that the objective should be to ensure the country does not lose the opportunity to become part of the American initiative.

Bislimi: Kosovo institutions must find a way to be included in American gas

“You have also seen a recent editorial written by the representative of the United States of America in Kosovo, in which she asks and, in a word, suggests that we also have a deadline, if I’m not mistaken, until the closing of the window for Kosovo’s inclusion in the American gas project. Now, even if there is another year in question, it is our obligation as Kosovo, the obligation of Kosovo’s institutions tomorrow, to find a way so that the window does not close on us. The moment the window closes, there is no more reason. We can give a million reasons, but the window will be closed. It is our obligation to find a way so that before the window closes, Kosovo is included in this project. Whether through the Vlora option or through the option of building pipelines through Kosovo, an alternative exists. There are several options. Let us choose the best possible one, which not only fulfills our national economic interests, but at the same time also fulfills geostrategic interests, without harming our relationship with the United States. I am convinced this way will be found. If it is not found, it is our failure,” Bislimi stressed.

He said participation in this initiative should not be seen as a condition for relations with the United States, but as an opportunity that serves both the strategic interests of the US and those of Kosovo.

According to Bislimi, although there have been disagreements between Prishtina and Washington on various topics, including developments in the north and the gas project, these differences should not damage the strategic partnership between Kosovo and the United States.

What are Kurti’s relations with the Americans like?

“Disagreements over approach. Disagreements over direction. There have been disagreements. They are public. You know how many times there have been disagreements over interventions carried out in northern Kosovo. There have been, there have been over the north. Today there is a kind of mismatch in the options on American gas. These are evident,” he said.

Bislimi underlined that Kosovo must under no circumstances allow itself to drift out of the orbit of American foreign policy.

Bislimi: Kosovo must not allow itself, under any circumstances, to leave the orbit of American foreign policy

“Kosovo must not allow itself, under any circumstances, to leave the orbit of American foreign policy. This does not mean that we should not pursue and fight to the very end for our national interests. No, I believe we have no other option. Look, leaving the orbit of American foreign policy leaves Kosovo no space to stand alone, because we do not have the geopolitical or geostrategic power to be any kind of determining factor in international politics, nor even in Balkan politics, I would say. Our strength in international politics is tied to our geostrategic orientation. Of course, there are oscillations, there have been, that is known. There are agreements and discussions, but even these disagreements, even these discussions that often take place, should never turn into clashes, and God forbid, into some kind of break in relations,” he said.

He added that the discussion on the American gas project should not be treated only as an energy issue, but as a topic that directly affects Kosovo’s security and foreign policy.

Bislimi said every initiative coming from the United States should be examined through the prism of Kosovo’s interests, but also in the context of the strategic importance of the partnership with Washington.

Bislimi: Every initiative coming from the United States should be analyzed from a strategic perspective

“The moment we talk about gas, we talk about energy. The moment we talk about energy, we talk about security. The moment we talk about security, we are also talking about foreign policy. Because today we live in a dynamic of extraordinary developments in international politics. Whatever is offered to us by the United States and whatever is asked of us by the United States, and every time we have been on the side of the United States, we have come out winners. On this gas issue, I say, I do not consider myself an expert on energy or gas, but I think that for Kosovo, both in economic terms and in political terms, there are always two sides to the coin. One side of the coin is what we hear every day, the geostrategic and geopolitical importance of Kosovo’s inclusion in the American gas project. The other side of the coin is the interests of the Republic of Kosovo in relation to this major project, because it is not a small project. And I believe we must find that mode in which we are part of it; in the end, we are part of the geostrategic and geopolitical interests of the United States, with gas or without gas. In other words, the idea is not that if we take the gas, this is the benefit, and if we do not take the gas, this is the punishment,” he stressed.

Faton Bislimi of the Albanian-American Civic League also spoke about the weight the Albanian community in the United States of America has had in historical processes connected to Kosovo, describing the diaspora as an important factor in representation and lobbying for the country’s interests.

According to him, the Albanian-American community played a special role in placing the Kosovo issue on the agenda of American foreign policy and in building support for the processes that led to Kosovo’s freedom and independence.

This is the role the Albanian-American community has played in the Kosovo issue

“The Albanian community in America is a cornerstone of Kosovo’s freedom and independence. Our people in the United States of America have done the impossible to bring all of Kosovo onto the agenda of American foreign policy. Ultimately, much more than that. Also in terms of lobbying, as you said in your question, and also in terms of coordination. Look, you cannot now claim that because you have the embassy and the foreign ministry, the Albanian community in America is no longer of value to you. The Albanian community in America is the best ambassador of Kosovo’s representation. There are differences in approach, but never in the cause. The cause has always been the same, the cause has been to serve Kosovo, to elevate the Kosovo-America relationship,” Bislimi concluded.

The issue of Kosovo’s inclusion in American gas projects has become one of the biggest debates regarding energy policy and strategic relations with the United States.

This project, which is linked to the development of gas infrastructure in the region, has been supported by the American side as an opportunity to diversify energy sources and strengthen the energy security of Kosovo and the Western Balkans. Its supporters argue that such a connection would reduce dependence on current energy sources and create a more sustainable alternative for the energy sector.

Former opposition parties in Kosovo have asked acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti to reconsider his position and accept participation in the project, viewing American gas not only as an energy investment but also as a political signal for maintaining close ties with Washington. According to government critics, rejecting or delaying a decision could affect relations with Kosovo’s main strategic ally.

On the other hand, the acting government led by Albin Kurti has taken a more reserved approach toward the project. According to it, decisions on the energy sector should be based on full economic analysis, feasibility, and Kosovo’s long-term interest. According to the government, Kosovo is not against American gas, but has requested a more detailed assessment of the alternatives and the concrete benefits.

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Sveçla delivered his message of congratulations to the American people through a post on the social network Facebook.

“On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America laid the foundations of a state built on freedom, human dignity, equality, and the right of peoples to determine their own destiny. For 250 years, the ideals embodied in this document have inspired nations and peoples on the path toward freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. During these two and a half centuries, the United States of America has been an unwavering defender of democracy, peace, and order, making a decisive contribution in confronting the greatest challenges of the time. On this great jubilee, I extend my warmest congratulations to the American people and our friends in the United States of America. I hope that the ideals of the Declaration of Independence will continue to inspire the world in the centuries to come, while the strategic partnership and friendship between our countries remain strong and unwavering in the service of freedom, peace, and democracy,” Sveçla wrote.

Other institutional leaders have also extended congratulations on the US national holiday.

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Commenting on the fact that the Government of Kosovo has still not accepted this project, he said in an interview that American gas is expensive. According to him, it is understandable why the United States of America is interested in such an agreement, but he stressed that the final decision should be made by Kosovo itself.

“American gas is very expensive. I understand why the Americans want Kosovo to take it. It would help complete the picture in the Balkans. And this administration, this American administration, is a transactional administration. It wants to make deals. So I think Kosovo should talk to the Americans, but I also think Kosovo should take its own interests into account and make a decision on that basis,” he said.

In the part of the interview related to the statement by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who has defended Milan Radoičić, Serwer said he has confidence in the judicial system to deal with this issue, while describing Vučić’s comments as driven by political interest.

“I have full confidence in the judicial system here to deal with this issue. I think Mr. Vučić is saying things for his own political benefit, instead of doing what he should do, which is to renounce the Banjska incident and prosecute it himself. The Serbian judicial system should prosecute the perpetrators,” he said.

Serwer also spoke about the institutional crisis in Kosovo, which he said has cost the country important time because of political instability and lengthy electoral processes.

“Everyone is fed up with the crisis. Everyone thinks they have lost something from this year, a year and a half from three rounds of elections. And I think that is true. I think it has not been a productive time. This happens especially in parliamentary systems. Frankly, the United States has also had a difficult time over the last year and a half. But it is time, you know, for our institutions to be a bit more consolidated than Kosovo’s institutions,” he said.

At the same time, he sent the message that the moment has now come for Kosovo’s institutions to show that they are capable of functioning, through the election of a president and the formation of a new government.

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For this anniversary, she revisited part of the speech she delivered last year in honor of the holiday.

“America did not save our lives through empty phrases, historical lectures or pointless debates, but through action and resolve,” Osmani said.

“When some hesitated and hid behind speeches, America acted. When some hid behind interpretations of the law, America acted. When some invoked historical friendship with Serbia, America acted.”

Osmani said that Kosovo’s freedom bears American traces at every step, from the lives saved to the building of institutions.

“When some feared the political cost, America acted on principles, on human values, and once again became the moral compass of all humanity.”

“To stand by us, America acted with planes, with helicopters, with bombs against our enemies, and with American sons and daughters who risked their lives so that our lives could be saved. America acted with funds, with human resources, with expertise, with everything, so that today we can be the state that we are: free, independent, sovereign, democratic.”

“Our freedom has American traces everywhere. In the lives saved, in the institutions built, in every line of the Declaration of Independence, in every recognition of that independence, in every success and every achievement.”

According to Osmani, Kosovo’s February 17 and the US July 4 carry the same meaning, as both represent freedom built on sacrifice and alliances.

“Therefore, when America asks for action from Kosovo, we must respond in the same way it responded to us when we needed it most: with action, with resolve, with support, with friendship. Because a true friend is known in difficult days.”

“Both February 17 and July 4 symbolize the same thing: freedom.”

“A freedom built on sacrifice and alliances. An alliance that will live as long as the state of Kosovo: forever!”

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In the statement published afterward, the embassy highlighted the presence of the participants and stressed that the atmosphere created turned the celebration into a special event.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at the American Embassy in Pristina to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence! Your presence made this historic celebration truly special,” the Embassy’s statement said.

The embassy also shared some of the evening’s key moments and invited participants to share their memories and photos from the celebration.

“Enjoy some of the evening’s highlights and share your favorite moments using #Liria250. #250Dita e Pavarësisë,” the statement further said.

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He stressed that the citizens of Kosovo were deprived of freedom and fundamental rights for a long period, while US assistance, according to him, was decisive in the journey toward freedom and independence.

Kurti expressed Kosovo’s continuing gratitude to the United States for its support, partnership and irreplaceable alliance.

In his post, Kurti wrote: “250 years!”

He mentioned that Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are singled out in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, among the inalienable rights, as the basis of government established with the consent of the people.

According to him, while the civilized world has been inspired by these values, the people of Kosovo were deprived of them for a very long time. He underlined that Kosovo’s experience is unique, because for our country the realization of these values and rights is closely linked to the United States.

Kurti added that American assistance naturally joined the persistence and sacrifice of the people of Kosovo for freedom and independence.

He also said that last night he was honored to take part in the marking of US Independence Day at the American embassy in the capital of the Republic of Kosovo, reiterating that Kosovo is always thankful and grateful to the United States for its help, partnership and irreplaceable alliance.

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