Tirana – For the first time in an interview to a news agency “Presheva jonë” from the Presevo Valley, his Highness Prince Leka, spoke about the situation in the Presevo Valley and other Albanian inhabited territories in the Balkans.
In his interview to the Albanian news agency Presheva Jone, Prince Leka also expressed his views on Albania’s and Kosovo’s role in the region, Presevo Valley’s relationship with Belgrade, Edi Rama’s visit in Belgrade, the political and strategic perspectives of the region and the royal family’s ties with the Presevo Valley.

Presheva Jone: Dear Highness, firstly could you please tell us how the Albanians will await the New Year, are you satisfied with the developments in Albania and other territories inhabited by Albanians?

Prince LEKA: During this year in Albania, several reforms have been undertaken to strengthen the judicial capacities. The reforms have not always been welcomed and are also painful for a part of the population. I believe a consensus should be found. Hopefully, the implementation of the reforms will enable reaching a consensus during next year. The lack of stability affects the Albanians. Political compromises can provide long-term solutions.

Presheva Jone: How do you assess the Albanian Prime Minister’s visit in Belgrade and Presevo?

Prince LEKA: I think that it is the duty of every statesman to represent the dignity of every Albanian to represent Kosovo as a country with integrity which is equal to other countries. The Prime Minister’s visit in Belgrade fills in the above obligations as well as supporting the foreign policy of the state of Kosovo.

Presheva Jone: Despite the successes and achievements in Albania and Kosovo, Albanians still face violence and discrimination. I would like to refer to the situation in Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja also called Eastern Kosovo. How do you assess the recent developments and the future of the Albanians in Serbia?

Prince Leka: This is a complex problem that has not been resolved and which requires a much greater commitment by the governments of Kosovo and Albania. It is absurd that the Serbian population in Kosovo enjoys special treatment in all aspects, while the Albanian population undergoes unprecedented discrimination and violence. It is the duty of both governments to protect the national interests, including the Albanians of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja, and realize the aspirations of every Albanians to be free and equal citizens in a united Europe.

Presheva Jone: There have been talks about territorial exchanges between Serbia and Kosovo (North of Kosovo and the Presevo Valley). What are your views on this subject?

Prince LEKA: This reminds me of the period during King Zog, who with the approval of the Parliament, exchanged an orthodox cult object (Sveti Naum) with a vast territory inhabited by Albanians (the village of Peshkopi). This case is different as Mitrovica and the Presevo Valley are Albanian inhabited territories.
During the 1913 London Conference, our nation was crippled unfairly and I believe that over time justice will be reinstated, but this will require political will and a vision.

Presheva Jone: Are you planning to visit the Presevo Valley Albanians?

Prince LEKA: The desire has never ceased to exist. I will never forget the support of the Presevo Valley Albanians during my worst days when I lost my parents and my grandmother.

Presheva Jone: What will be your main New Year message to the Albanians, especially to the Presevo Valley Albanians?

Prince LEKA: May God give them patience and hope. The Albanian Royal family is your home, the ideal we inherited is: “Homeland above all.”