US Congressman George Latimer met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in New York. The talks focused on Kosovo’s security and sovereignty.

In a social media post, Latimer said he discussed with Kurti ways the United States could support Kosovo.

“During my meeting in New York with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, we discussed ways the US can help his country with security and sovereignty issues,” Latimer wrote.

He described the meeting as productive and said he received a collection of commemorative stamps marking the United States’ 250th anniversary as a gift at the end of it.

“The meeting was productive and concluded with the presentation of a collection of stamps for the 250th anniversary, representing our country’s independence celebrations. Meanwhile, we continue to be partners in Kosovo’s pursuit of independence,” he said.

The meeting in New York is part of contacts between Kosovo representatives and US officials, with security and sovereignty as the main topics.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has been in the United States since Saturday, is expected to deliver his speech today at the United Nations General Assembly. The prime minister’s speech is expected to take place at 5:00 p.m. local time, or 11:00 p.m. Albanian time, as part of the opening of the Assembly’s general debate.

One of the questions that remains is whether Rama will speak during his address about the conviction of the KLA leaders. During his stay in the United States, the head of government also held a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan.

According to previous announcements by the Agency for Media and Information, Rama is also expected to take part in high-level activities and hold meetings with representatives of politics, the economy and international organizations.

During his stay in the United States, Rama also faced Albanians who were protesting against him. During these moments, they addressed Rama with chants including “you criminal,” “you mafia,” and “Edi Rama, criminal, all of Albania hates you.”

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During his visit to Washington, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the country has a clear plan for fulfilling its obligations arising from NATO membership. In this context, he mentioned the gradual increase in the defense budget, as well as investments in strategic infrastructure, including highways, railways and energy transmission systems.

Mickoski listed cybersecurity among the main challenges the country will face in the future.

During his speech at the Atlantic Council, the prime minister also discussed infrastructure projects, highlighting the importance of Corridor 8 and Corridor 10.

Regarding the process of integration into the European Union, Mickoski said Macedonia remains fully committed to membership, but called for the path toward the EU to be based on reforms and merit, rather than the continual opening of new bilateral issues. He stressed that the government would continue communicating with European partners and the United States of America about the country’s challenges, emphasizing that Macedonia would neither isolate itself nor withdraw from dialogue.

“I understand the European Union’s principle that decisions must be made unanimously, and I know that all member states will convey the same message. However, in the past we changed the flag, the constitution several times and the constitutional name. Every time we were told that we had to do this and that it would be the final demand, we acted, but unfortunately, after 26 years, we find ourselves in the same position. Our proposal is for the changes to be completed now in the Assembly, while being implemented after the negotiations are concluded and after the parliaments of all member states ratify the protocol. This would guarantee that there will be no further demands and that this will be the final demand,” Mickoski said.

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Analyst Shefqet Avdimetaj considers the lifting of the sanctions that allowed former Prime Minister Sali Berisha to travel to the United States again a constructive step. In his view, this move matters not only for Berisha personally, but for all of Albania, because any step that normalizes dialogue between Albanian politics and its strategic ally, the United States, serves the national interest.

Avdimetaj emphasizes that for a long period, Prime Minister Edi Rama used political and diplomatic channels in Washington and beyond to keep Berisha isolated. For this reason, he sees the latest decision as an event with political overtones, but warns that it should not be interpreted as an immediate signal of Berisha’s return to government.

“Power is not taken in Washington; it is won in Albania through the vote of the citizens,” Avdimetaj told “Bota sot,” adding that if Berisha aims to create a credible governing alternative, he must write a new page.

According to him, the former head of government must create synergies with new energies, highlight fresh figures and build a team capable of offering the country a different model of leadership. Avdimetaj believes that Albania needs not simply a change of government, but a transformation of the philosophy of governance.

“If Berisha wants to build a credible alternative, he must open a new chapter, cooperate with new forces, promote young cadres and create a team capable of giving Albania a different kind of government,” he states.

In this context, Avdimetaj interprets Berisha’s trip to the United States not as a mechanical return to power, but as a window of opportunity for a new political beginning. He stresses that the Albanian opposition must be more inclusive, younger and more productive in creating new political generations.

A substantial part of his analysis is devoted to the relationship between Albania and Kosovo. He calls for much deeper coordination between the institutions of the two states, arguing that the strategic interests of Tirana and Pristina are inseparable and cannot always be defended separately.

“A more coordinated Albania and Kosovo would carry much greater weight in the region and in international relations,” Avdimetaj says.

In his view, stronger synchronization between Tirana and Pristina would also be the strongest response to regional policies seeking to establish balances to the detriment of Albanian interests. He argues that the more united and harmonized the two countries are, the less room there will be for other political and media interests and agendas seeking to influence the Albanian sphere.

“The more united and coordinated Tirana and Pristina are, the less space there will be for other political and media pairings and interests seeking to influence the Albanian agenda,” he emphasizes.

In conclusion, Avdimetaj returns to Berisha’s visit to the United States, arguing that it should not be regarded merely as an individual matter or as a guaranteed indication of his return to the helm. For him, the value of this development lies in the possibility of a political reconfiguration and the formation of a more competent opposition.

“I would not view Berisha’s visit to the United States simply as a personal matter or as an automatic warning of his return to power. I would see it as an opportunity for a new political beginning, a more open and younger opposition, one better able to produce new cadres and, above all, an Albania that cooperates much more closely with Kosovo,” Avdimetaj concludes.

From his perspective, the political debate should not be narrowed down solely to the question of who will take power, but above all to what transformation that power will bring to Albania and the Albanian nation.

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Albin Kurti commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States of America, expressing his respect for the victims and for the members of the rescue teams who lost their lives while trying to help others.

In a Facebook post, the acting prime minister also recalled a visit he made a year ago to the September 11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero in New York, where he went together with his wife, Rita.

Kurti described that visit as one of the most special and impressive experiences of his travels in the United States.

“There, we had the opportunity to pay our respects, remember the victims, and learn and reflect on all aspects of the attacks that day,” he wrote.

Highlighting the consequences of the tragedy, Kurti said that four planes were used as weapons of mass destruction, causing extraordinary loss and damage.

“The number of people killed that day was 2,977, but the number of victims is even higher. According to researchers, more than 5,000 people have died from illnesses and complications related to September 11. And thousands upon thousands of other survivors continue to suffer from these consequences,” the acting prime minister declared.

He stressed that the attack did not affect only the United States of America, but also constituted a severe blow to democratic values around the world.

“Twenty-five years ago, the United States of America suffered the deadliest attack in its history. And the world suffered one of the heaviest blows to democratic values,” Kurti said.

Kurti went on to reaffirm Kosovo’s position in support of the United States, linking this stance to the relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to freedom and democracy.

“Kosovo stands alongside the United States not only because the United States has never abandoned Kosovo. We stand, and will always stand, with America because our commitment to freedom and democracy, and our determination to defend these values, is unwavering,” he said.

In his message, the acting prime minister also highlighted the 441 first responders who, he said, were killed while trying to save hundreds and perhaps thousands of people.

“The deeds of these heroes, police officers, firefighters and others, on that dark day, will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of future generations. Let them serve as lasting examples for us all,” Kurti wrote.

In conclusion, he also recalled a phrase he first saw during his visit to the Ground Zero museum: “Memory lives, Freedom wins” – “Memory lives, freedom wins.”

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Albulena Haxhiu, acting president, commemorated the attacks on the Twin Towers on the 25th anniversary of September 11, an event in which many American citizens lost their lives.

According to Haxhiu, the morning of September 11, 25 years ago, remained forever as the moment that divided time into the period before and after that date.

She said that September 11, as described at the beginning of the U.S. investigative commission’s report on the event, began as a completely ordinary morning. Millions of people were preparing to go to work; some were heading to the Twin Towers in New York, others to the Pentagon, while visitors were waiting in line to enter the White House. At that time, President George W. Bush had gone out for his morning run.

At 8:46 a.m., the first airplane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In Kosovo, the time was 2:46 p.m., and just two minutes later, television stations began broadcasting images of the towers engulfed in flames. As the broadcast continued live, at 9:03 a.m. New York time, the second airplane crashed into the South Tower.

Haxhiu stressed that people, from New York to Pristina, remained in front of their screens, following the same tragedy. The American morning, which had begun with clear skies and citizens heading to work, turned within minutes into the morning that defined the period before and after September 11.

She also recalled the immediate reaction of Kosovo’s citizens, who expressed their support for the American people in various ways, including volunteering to donate blood.

According to her, although the September 11 attacks targeted the United States, the pain immediately crossed American borders. In Pristina and other cities across the Republic of Kosovo, citizens turned out to show solidarity with the American people, lit candles, organized gatherings and marches, and came forward to donate blood. The streets filled with people carrying American flags and banners bearing the words: “America, we are with you.”

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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.

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A federal court in the United States has overturned a ban on issuing immigrant visas to nationals of 75 countries, including North Macedonia. The decision concerns a measure by President Donald Trump’s administration, which Judge Janet Vargas described as “contrary to the law” and beyond the legal authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The ban, imposed in January, blocked the issuance of permanent residence visas to citizens of these countries. In addition to North Macedonia, the list included Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, as well as other countries from the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

For North Macedonian citizens, the measure prevented the issuance of visas to people seeking to settle in the United States, including those wishing to reunite with family members or move there for employment. Non-immigrant visas, such as tourist and student visas, were not covered by the ban.

The Trump administration defended the decision by arguing that it was necessary to prevent the entry of people who might depend on welfare assistance and other public benefits.

However, Judge Vargas found that US consular officials had in practice been instructed to reject applications solely on the basis of the applicant’s country of origin, even in cases where the applicant was able to support themselves.

US law requires that the refusal of an immigrant visa due to the risk that an applicant could become a “burden on public funds” be based on an individual assessment. This assessment must include the person’s financial situation, age, health, skills and family circumstances.

Vargas overturned all visa refusals based solely on the claim that an applicant would constitute a burden on public funds. The ruling represents another judicial blow to the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

Judge Vargas gave the parties until September 11 to submit a way of addressing the issues that remain pending in the case. The US administration may appeal the decision.

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A report by the organization Public Citizen, published by the Associated Press, shows that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has the largest number of officials with substantial wealth in modern U.S. governance history.

According to the data, 57 members of the administration possess wealth of at least $100 million. This number is more than four times higher than the total of officials with similar wealth in the administrations of the three previous presidents combined.

This group includes 17 ambassadors and 40 high-ranking officials.

The weight of millionaires and billionaires is also noticeable in the presidential cabinet, where eight of the 23 members of Trump’s cabinet are classified in the category of individuals with wealth of at least $100 million.

Among the names included are Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who are billionaires. Also on the list are Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, as well as Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler, also billionaires.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are estimated to have wealth in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Compared to previous governments, the difference is stark. The administrations of Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Joe Biden each had five members with a net worth of at least $100 million, while Barack Obama’s administration had three.

Trump, who is himself a billionaire, has defended the selection of extremely wealthy individuals for important roles, arguing that wealth can demonstrate financial success and managerial ability.

However, this wealthy composition of his administration comes at a time when the American president is facing growing criticism from the electorate over the way the country’s economy is being managed.

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Major General Ozkan Ulutash, commander of KFOR, met with US Senator Joni Ernst, who is also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC).

During his conversation with Senator Ernst, Ulutash provided an overview of the current security situation in Kosovo and the region. He emphasized that KFOR remains committed to ensuring a safe and stable environment for all residents of Kosovo.

The two also discussed KFOR’s role in maintaining security and stability in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led mission.

On this occasion, Ulutash praised the unwavering support and contribution that the United States of America continues to provide to the KFOR mission.

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