What the 1990s can teach us about the present challenges

 

Agim Aliçkaj, Master’s degree, a successful businessman and long-time dedicated activist of the Albanian American Civic League in New York reflects on the events that led 20 years ago to NATO’s intervention in Kosova, his personal life journey, the work of the Albanian-American community, and the current events back in the old homeland

 

By Ruben Avxhiu

Thirty years ago, a group of Albanian-Americans led by former US congressman Joseph DioGuardi founded the Albanian American Civic League, a lobbying organization, which would promote the Albanian interests in Washington DC.

Agim Aliçkaj has been an early member of AACL and a long-time supporter of Illyria newspaper. I had the pleasure to interview him about his work with AACL, his memories from the 1990s and the events that led to the war in Kosova, but also about current events. He had plenty to say about what our leaders in Kosova can and should do. Among other things, he takes a very strong position on the negotiating process with Serbia, arguing that as an unrepentant defeated aggressor, no talks can take place before justice is done.

Upbeat about American support for Kosova’s maximum demands, he wants to see a return to lobbying in DC and 30 years later, still sees DioGuardi and AACL as the best channel for Albanian-American lobbying.

His father Arif Aliçkaj has been heavily involved in operations that rescued Jewish families escaping German occupied lands in WWII, on their way to Albania, via Kosova. It is an amazing story.

Agim has had also an interesting encounter with Henry Kissinger during a hearing session in US Congress, in which the former Secretary of State was the only panelist to argue against the involvement of US Army in Kosova.

I found Agim Aliçkaj’s account of events and his vision for the future of the Albanian-American activity refreshing and inspiring. He is one of those Albanians, who realized the American Dream in this great country, has become an American patriot, and yet has remained committed and determined to help his old homeland.

 

Mr. Aliçkaj, this year we are commemorating the 20^th anniversary of several events from 1999: the painful Reçak massacre, the difficult decision of the Rambouillet Agreement, the intervention of NATO in Kosova, the liberation from almost a century of Serbian occupation etc. They mark also a coronation of the work of the Albanian Americans in Washington DC. You have been very active in those years with the Albanian American Civic League. What do you remember from those years?

I would like to thank you Ruben and Illyria newspaper for the possibility to present my opinions about those events and the current situation. We all have plenty to say. I would also like to commend you for the great work in three decades helping our national cause.

It is indeed the 20^th anniversary of many painful but also many glorious historical events for Kosova and the entire Albanian nation. The massacre that Serbian terrorist forces committed against the Albanian civil population in Reçak ended the patience of the United States and the Western European democratic countries. An old proverb says the “curse of the innocent will eventually fall on the criminal”. This barbaric act and the Serbian refusal to sign the Rambouillet Agreement were two of many important factors, which influenced NATO’s decision to bomb Serbia. We can’t praise enough the sincerity, the commitment to justice, and the bravery of Ambassador William Walker, who told the truth about the Reçak massacre.

The Rambouillet Agreement was difficult and very unfair to Kosova. It was meant to pave the way for the restoration of human rights and a certain level of autonomy, but it may have never led to independence. In a way, we should be thankful to the arrogance, stupidity, and miscalculations of the Serbian communist dictator, Milosevic and his criminal gang, who refused to sign it. There’s a Serbian saying, “sve ili nista”, which means “all or nothing”. They tried to have it all and lost everything. They lost face and were bombed by NATO.

From those difficult days, I remember the heavy turnout in our events, the restless energy of the Albanian-American community, and the great rallies of many organizations united under the professional and successful leadership of former congressman Joseph J. DioGuardi. I remember the congressional hearings, where a small and oppressed people had the opportunity to denounce the injustice, the maltreatment, the violation of its basic human, political and national rights. I remember the greatness, the wisdom, and the humanity of so many members of US Congress: US Senators like Dole, McCain, Biden, D’Amato , Schumer, Pressler, Pell, Lieberman, Helms, and representatives like Lantos, Gilman, Engel, Hyde, Rohrabacher, Ros-Lehtinen, Traficant, Boehner, Royce, Nadler and many others who took our cause to heart.

 

Do you remember where you were when you learned that NATO began its intervention in Kosova? How did you experience that moment?

In front of the TV, with my family,  at home in Yonkers. We knew from the news that the bombing campaign was near, but there was always a possibility of stopping it, if Milosevic would call Ambassador Holbrook accepting the Agreement. Thankfully this never happened and  Primakov, who was then Prime Minister of Russia and was traveling to US for a last push against the intervention, decided in midair to turn back home, spurned by then Vice-President Al Gore.

When we saw the news that the bombing had started, we jumped into our feet, hugging each-other. My father, Arif Aliçkaj had tears in his eyes. We were crying too. He had a strong character and this was the first time in my life that I had seen him shed tears. It’s hard to describe the experience. We felt pride, joy, hope, belief in victory, but also a great concern. I knew from that moment, that the liberation of Kosova from the centennial Serbian yoke was guaranteed. Yet, I couldn’t shake feelings of fear and concern about what will happen in the coming days, what would be the price of freedom for our people? Indeed, during those 78 days of bombing, the Albanian people of Kosova lived through a horrible period of massive ethnic cleansing, accompanied by violence against innocent civilians, without sparing women or children, massacres, inhuman treatment, torture and disappearances without trace. These macabre crimes committed by the Serbian army, criminals and other terrorist forces, should never be forgotten.

 

How important was, in your opinion, the role of the Albanian-Americans in the fate of Kosova? Would the intervention of NATO have been possible without the preceding decade-long lobbying in Washington?

The role of the Albanians of America was indispensable for the triumph of the Republic of Kosova. It is well-known that much of the fate of Kosova and of the entire Albanian nation has been determined in the greatest democracy of the world, the United States of America. Therefore, without the professional and effective lobbying in the US, it would have been almost impossible to see the military intervention, the liberation and the independence of Kosova. That said, the decisive precondition for all of it, was the great popular resistance in our homeland.

The resistance of the Albanian people began as soon as our lands were occupied by the Serb and other Slavic nations, more than hundred years ago. In the last decades, as the repression intensified aiming the final destruction of the national identity of the Albanian people of Kosova and other Albanian lands, the resistance grew and became more organized. In the beginning, it was LDK [Kosova Democratic League] and other democratic forces that took center stage with their political rallies and peaceful resistance. Later, the main protagonist became KLA [Kosova Liberation Army] with their armed resistance, their brave freedom fighters, martyrs and heroes, from all Albanian regions and diaspora, including the glorious Battalion “Atlantiku”  from the United States. Therefore, the first and foremost factor and the source of our success was right there, in Kosova. The second factor was our lobbying activity in America, without which Kosova would have not become a state today. In addition, there have been many other factors in play which made this great achievement possible. Above them all, I believe it was the will of God, which put it all together and saved our nation from the destruction.

 

How did you get involved with the Civic League of Joseph DioGuardi? What are some of its historic merits?

After the abolition of the autonomy status and classic occupation of Kosova in July 1990, I found myself without a job, like almost all Albanians. In August, I traveled to the United States, hoping that this would be a temporary stay. By this time, DioGuardi and the Civic League, with their work in Washington DC, had become very popular among the Albanian community in America. I was soon introduced to DioGuardi in person, through my esteemed friends and relatives, the Osmani brothers, who hail from Morina of Gjakova, and were for a long period of time big supporters of the League and lobbying activities in Washington DC.

DioGuardi was planning a visit to Europe at the end of August 1990 and I took the initiative to organize for the League’s delegation to stay with my brothers Naim, Esat and Sami, in Oslo, Norway. They hosted a substantial fundraiser there and founded a branch of the League, in Oslo, under the leadership of Naim. For many years, until I was able to stand on my feet, he contributed my membership to the League and remained himself a member of the Board, until Kosova became independent.

I have served as the Secretary of the League for several years and I remain a dedicated member of the Executive Board to this day. Every Albanian has an obligation to contribute for his homeland, wherever they live. The diaspora Albanians have always been interested and did everything possible to help their national cause. However, with the Civic League, we had the first shining example of lobbying through an organized, modern, massive, and very effective operation. Suffice to mention two meaningful quotes here: President Rugova’s, who said: “Civic League has done an amount of work that only a state can do”; and Milosevic’s, while indicted in The Hague’s Tribunal: “The League led by Joseph DioGuardi, opened the official channels for the Kosovar separatists in the US Congress and helped create the anti-Serbian disposition and the destruction of Yugoslavia.”

The work of the first Albanian-American lobby, AACL, is well documented and a full description would need entirely dedicated books. I am confident that we’ll have them, in the near future. We are talking about an activity that included countless events throughout three decades in defense of human rights of the Albanian people of Kosova and other territories occupied by the Slavs and the Greeks, as well as the affirmation of our national cause in its entirety; various protests, rallies, and massive demonstrations; Congressional hearing sessions, meetings with Senators, members of US Congress, representatives of the State Department and other American institutions; meetings with journalists, public statements, articles, interviews and debates in the press, radio and television (FOX News, CNN, ABC, PBS, CSPAN, NY Times, NY Post, Washington Times, Voice of America, and many others); sponsored visits to the United States of almost all Albanian leaders from the whole region (Rugova, Berisha, Demaci, Arbnori, Buxhovi, Qosja, Ramajli, Bukoshi, Xhaferi, Godo,Sulejmani, Haradinaj, Sopi, Gjergji, Rexhepi, Gjini, Stavileci, Mustafa, Sela and many others), as well as many trips of  the members of the League  with US members of Congress and important personalities from the US society, to all Albanian territories wherever help was needed.

The unforgettable, brief but very important meeting between President Rugova and President Clinton in February 1994, arranged by congressman Gilman and  DioGuardi,  shook the foundations of Serbia’s regime. I would also like to emphasize the fact that the League was the first organization in the USA to publicly pronounce, without any reservation, its support for the Kosova Liberation Army . Therefore, the historical merits of the League, its founder, Joseph J. DioGuardi, its Balkans Affairs Advisor, Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, its Executive Board and the general membership are extraordinary. Joe’s great communication skills and ability to open doors in US Congress, strengthened by Shirley’s analytical skills, organizational capabilities, and the gift of presentation and implementation of the PR campaign are incomparable. Their great work was complemented by the quality of the Executive Board and that of many supporters of the League, who came from all Albanian regions, religious affiliations, and walks of life.

I would like to note two moments from the testimonies of Joe and Shirley, among many congressional hearings. One, in April 1990, when facing Serbian-American congresswoman, Helen Delic-Bentley, Joe ended her baseless insinuations, by declaring and repeating it several times: “I am not here as a paid lobbyist, I am an ethnic Albanian”. The other one, during a congressional hearing of March 1998, Shirley openly confronted Ambassador Gelbard, who had previously wrongly described KLA as a terrorist organization. “No, Mr. Ambassador, you are wrong! People trying to defend their homes and families are not terrorists”, Shirley said. “If KLA freedom fighters are terrorists than count me and 400,000 Albanian-Americans as terrorists too.”

I find it puzzling that some political leaders from our countries and their supporters here in diaspora, including some of my friends, try to diminish and tarnish the personality of Joe DioGuardi and his colossal work on behalf of the Albanian nation. Targeting those who serve our nation is a futile effort because the people know their true merits. It is also unacceptable and a big mistake which damages our national interests.

 

DioGuardi and his distinguished colleague from US Congress, Tom Lantos, were the first to inquire about the fate of the Jewish community in Albania and discovered the great story their rescue and survival with the help of Albanians. Your family too has played a role in this aspect, by helping to protect and save numerous Jews during WWII. What’s the story there?

The historical trip of Joe DioGuardi and the great Tom Lantos to Kosova and Albania, took place in May 1990. It represented a great step in the advancement of Kosova’s cause, but the trip shed light also on a major event in the history of our nation. In Tirana, they met with the last communist leader of Albania, President Ramiz Alia and pressed him to allow the democratization of Albania. During these talks, when he understood that Tom Lantos was Jewish, in order to impress him, Alia presented him with the “Jewish file”, complete with original documentation, which proved that all the Jews living in Albania and those who moved there during the Second World War were saved.

This great historic act, at the request of DioGuardi, was then explored and authenticated by Yad Vashem, in Israel. The findings were published in a book by Harvey Sarner. As a result, the fame of this act has only kept growing and it is still helping to this day the image of our nation and the affirmation of our national values.

My father, Arif Aliçkaj, who during 1943, served as Secretary of the Municipality of Decan, helped the rescue of many Jewish families, who were trying to survive by escaping the German invaders. His friend, Arsllan Rezniqi (who was honored in an official ceremony by Yad Vashem), a traveling merchant, who also ran a shop in Deçan, was bringing with him Jewish families escaping from other countries en route to Albania. He provided them with fake travel documents using Bosnian Muslim names, which could help to evade arrest in case of controls by the Germans. Temporary lodging was secured for them as guests with local Albanian families, in villages situated close to the border, while a place called Sharra e Roshkodolit was used as rallying point. Many Albanians from all the regions, whose names, we’ll probably never know, participated in a big operation of rescuing Jewish immigrants. This great human act of the entire Albanian nation was rooted in the wonderful tradition of the code of honor- Albanian Besa and in our ancient custom of defending the endangered guests despite their religion, race, or nationality.

 

This topic reminds me of an interesting encounter with Henry Kissinger, a former Secretary of State, during a congressional hearing. He was one of the invited panelists, who spoke on US involvement in Kosova. Can you share this story with our readers?

It was a hearing held by the House Committee of International Affairs, in March 1999. Beside notable panelists like Senator Dole, Ambassador Kirkpatrick, and Dr. Kissinger, the League’s Balkan Advisor Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi also testified. She successfully presented the case for  Kosova and the need for NATO’s airstrikes to stop the Serbian terrorism and genocide. Dr. Kissinger was the only panelist, who spoke against the intervention.

During the break between the two sessions, I approached him and offered him a copy of Sarner’s book “Rescue in Albania”. I told him: “Dr. Kissinger, allow me to give you this book, which describes the rescue of the Jewish population in Albania, during the Holocaust and which displays the great soul of the Albanian people. These people today, are finding themselves under a similar situation and need your help”.

He checked the title with great interest, inserted the book among the documents in front of him, and promised me that he will read it. I believe that this book influenced him in his later appearances, in which his position had evolved. This is an example of how a simple gesture, when made with good intentions and an open heart, may have a great value.

 

20 years after the liberation, how do you see Kosova today? What do you make of its successes and the shortcomings, based on your information?

For us immigrants all over the world, the most important thing is the freedom and the possibility to visit our homeland without fear and obstacle. There is a saying that it is easy to criticize others from afar while they are doing the hard work. Yet, when criticism is principled and well-intentioned, it is necessary and should be welcomed. There are results and achievements in the domestic plan, from the construction of roads and infrastructure, including the airport, to the successes in energy industry, trade, some small businesses and local economies. Yet it is despairing that even after20 years of freedom, Kosova is still struggling to become a truly sovereign and independent state.

We had great hopes that after the liberation, as the country was leaving behind more than a hundred of years of occupation, the wind of change would be strong enough to turn Kosova into a “little Switzerland”.

Nothing can justify the current level of corruption and the dominance of personal and clannish interests in the political class of Kosova. They are spending more energy against each other than against Kosova’s enemies and adversaries. There is no unified position on vital issues of foreign policy with great consequences to our national strategic interests.

The press has also its responsibilities in all the territories where Albanians live. A great part of it is heavily influenced by politicians of dubious positions, some of which harmful for the nation. Beside fair and balanced information which reflects the reality, another priority for the press should be the promotion of national values and interests, especially the energetic countering of Serbian dark propaganda.

Serbia, on the other hand, continues its intensified and focused campaign to obstruct, destabilize, and destroy Kosova. Apathy has captured the Albanian people in Kosova, the opposition is weak and divided, while the diaspora is inadvertently helping prolong this mess.

In countries with a functioning democracy, as in the US and Western Europe, the people use the power of their vote to make necessary changes. There are also term limits for important positions. If the political leadership doesn’t get changed with the passing of the time, progress will halt. The political class will relax in its laurels, confident that it is doing a great job and even worse, believing that it is “irreplaceable”. They will remain out of touch with the reality until something major happens.

 

You have rejected forcefully, in an article published by our newspaper, Illyria, a controversial deal between Kosova and Serbia, which would reportedly include some territorial exchange. It seems however that the United States may have encouraged talks towards such a deal. Furthermore, US has also pressed Haradinaj’s government to cancel the recent 100% tariff on all Serbian goods in Kosova. What is your advice for the leaders of Kosova in this situation?

With the force of mind, in good conscience, wholeheartedly and without any dilemma I am against any territorial exchange with Serbia as well as the removal of tariffs on Serbian goods. Here are some of my arguments and advices.

– In current borders, Kosova has functioned for a very long time as a recognized federal constitutional unit of former Yugoslavia; its territorial integrity was accepted with the Kumanova Agreement and was sanctioned by the Ahtisaari Plan. Any change of these borders would endanger the very existence of Kosova as a state and could prove to be the greatest loss for the Albanian nation in history.

– Based on my information, throughout its entire history, especially in the last 20 years, Kosova has gained nothing substantial by negotiating with Serbia. We have always been lied and betrayed. A flagrant case being the terrible betrayal by the  Serbian communists after the World War II. Ahtisaari’s Plan represents the maximum compromises that the Albanian people of Kosova had to accept in exchange for the “controlled” independence. Kosova’s sovereignty was needlessly limited further through more rounds of negotiations. The Serbian minority in Kosova far from being oppressed, enjoys more rights and privileges than any other national minority in the world, while Albanian people living in their ancestry land in Presheva, Bujanoc and Medvegja are being denied their basic human and national rights. This problem and logical request for equality and reciprocity should be raised in every meeting with Western representatives.  Furthermore, there is no moral or legal basis for the demand of Kosova Serbs to secede, while the demands from Serbia are nothing less than flagrant interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Kosova.

Clearly the Kosovar side doesn’t need and should not accept further negotiations with Serbia on its own domestic affairs. The latter should be subject of negotiations only between Prishtina and the representatives of the Serbian minority in Kosova. Naturally, if needed, through the mediation of the United States and the democratic countries of Europe, but never through Russia and other hostile countries.

– It took numerous victims, endless suffering and great sacrifices, a peaceful and then armed resistance, a nation-wide mobilization including the diaspora, with a lot of lobbying in Washington DC, for the people of Kosova to win their freedom and for the Albanian nation to defeat  the Serbian aggressor in a war. This was made possible with the help of the US and other NATO allies. It is nothing new and not much different from the history of other small nations. It was rare for a nation to be strong and big enough to win its freedom based solely on its own forces. The Kingdom of Naples comes to mind, when they needed the help of the Albanian army of Skanderbeg in their war against the French. Thanks to America’s help the Albanian nation has been saved more than once from utter destruction. We love and should respect this great country, which has shown to be truly fair and democratic. However, let’s be clear, there can be no debt big enough for anyone to sacrifice their freedom, sovereignty, or major and vital national interests. Nor is this something that America expects from us. On the contrary, the United States has invested seriously in the peace and stability of our region. As a major factor of peace and security, the Albanian nation is very important to the long-term strategic interests of the United States in the region. A stronger Albanian element is an obstacle to Russian domination of Southeastern Europe with the help of their Serbian enablers. Recent Serbian playacting is futile. Time has proven it again and again that the Serbs and the Russians are incurable enemies of America, while the Albanians its true and eternal friends and allies.

– However, let us be careful here: America has its hands full with problems around the world, which are much greater and critical than anything that Kosova and the Albanian people are facing. Instead of expecting them to keep solving our problems in eternity, we should work harder to take more responsibilities and build a strong solid state by ourselves.

Despite some confused positions and statements by temporary American officials, if we are more organized and present strong arguments, the support of the United States will be there for us. Never forget that US strategic interest cannot be easily changed by the executive branch, it takes the involvement of the legislative branch, the US Congress, to make significant changes, where our activity is the strongest. Those with experience in the lobbying activity know very well how difficult it was in the early days to convince the Americans that former Yugoslavia was in fact ruled by a repressive regime.

– We are part of Europe and it is obvious that the problem between Albanians and Serbs should be resolved in the framework of Europe. Some European countries participated in the war against Serbia and have supported Kosova’s independence. This contribution was Europe’s way of making up for the century old mistake of allowing the unfair division of the Albanian lands. We should cooperate with the Europeans, but we should not try to win their approval by compromising our major strategic interests. Bitter lessons from history inspire no trust in Europe’s fairness. Nothing can be truly accomplished and should not be accepted without full participation of the United States of America.

– Serbia was and continues to be the sick country of the Balkans and Europe. Still deep in delusion about its past, with persisting aspirations for domination and territorial claims against its neighbors, it still harbors deep hate and chauvinism toward Albanian and other people of former Yugoslavia. Serbia was the aggressor in four horrible wars in the Balkans, in which it committed systematic genocide against the Bosniak and the Albanian people. Its current leaders pretend to have chosen the path of democracy, but they are the same people who served in the time of war criminal, Milosevic. They have only changed in their rhetoric and modus operandi, but not in their essence and true intentions. Nowhere is this more obvious than in their interference in the internal affairs and their destructive behavior against the Republic of Kosova. As the old saying goes: “A leopard cannot change its spots”. Had they been able to change even a little bit, a minimum would be to apologize for the monstrous war crimes committed in Kosova. The diagnose for Serbia is clear but the current therapy is not working. Less carrot and more stick is needed. We can compromise all we want. Offer them Prishtina and they will ask for Tirana. Therefore, the problem is not in Kosova, but in Serbia and only there can be resolved.

– It is very clear, it was Serbia that started and lost the war in 1999. As an aggressor defeated in the war, it should be punished before being treated as an equal partner in negotiations. The aggressor and the victim are not equal. Serbia is still represented by liars and accomplished manipulators, who play perfectly well the role of the victim. We have seen this in the past as well. They have killed their own children in order to blame and punish Albanians. Kosova should be ready to fight the Serbian distortion of historic truths, by presenting facts and the reality of the Serbian crimes all the time, in every opportunity.

– The economic sanctions imposed by the government of Kosova are the appropriate policy response. They represent a first good step in the just resolution of the problems with Serbia. The tariffs should not be abolished or suspended. In fact they should be strengthened and more forcefully implemented. In addition, it should be insisted that Albania, all Albanians, and other friendly countries follow this example. Other ways of exerting pressure over Serbia should be considered. The international community should follow in these steps. Serbia is known to respond only to firm and real international pressure.

– Kosova should make it clear to the United States and Europe that it will not enter in negotiations with Serbia until it accepts its responsibility for the war and apologizes for the crimes, until it returns to the Albanian families the bodies of their disappeared children, until it agrees to pay war reparations and shows willingness to accept and recognize the independent Republic of Kosova in its official borders.

What is the point of negotiating with Serbia when it has openly and arrogantly declared over and over again that while it is ready to talk to Albanians, it will never recognize the independence of Kosova?!

Those who think that they can gain something by negotiating territorial exchanges with Serbia, will be in for a big surprise. They will get very disappointed with themselves and deeply regret their decision. Serbia is notorious for finding the ways to avoid implementation of the agreements it has already signed. These negotiations will end up with Serbia getting the north of Kosova and the Albanians losing their face and their country in the process. The land where the Serbian soldier has set his foot, can be taken only by a war, never through talks. Never ever.

I don’t want to pretend that any of the above is easy. However, the right, the truth and all the facts are on our side. We need to work very hard and tirelessly, with determination and dedication, fully engaged and in unity with all political forces of Kosova and beyond, with a general mobilization of the entire Albanian nation at home and abroad, in order to achieve our goals.

 

Speaking of diaspora, it seems that work of Albanian-Americans in Washington DC has waned after the independence of Kosova, yet many problems remain unresolved. What are the 1990s teaching us about our time? What should the Albanian community do in our days?

It is true that after winning the war and especially after the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Kosova, the Albanian lobbying activity in DC has been visibly lower, although many problems persist, and the Albanian cause has not been rightfully resolved. On the other hand, we are noticing a major increase in the activity of the Serbian lobby against the Albanian interests. They learned from us how to operate. It is incomprehensible, strange, and dreadful the apathy that has been setting in the Albanian society in homeland and is extending now to our diaspora. There is a lack of donations and financial support without which the lobbying activity is impossible. This negative trend has to be changed immediately. From the 1990s we have inherited a ready working formula on how to operate. Those who value and respect the work of the first ever registered lobby and the only one still working today in Washington, meaning the Albanian American Civic League, led by Joseph J. DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes-DioGuardi, should get involved and support it. Joe, Shirley and the Executive Board possess the knowledge and operation capabilities to achieve important goals with minimal financial means, probably with 20% of what would be required to engage any other lobbying firm. Those individuals or organizations who do not feel comfortable with the League, they can act on their own, by supporting directly any member of Congress or high US official. Let us all do the best we can to serve of our nation, instead of trying to obstruct or diminish each-others’ work. Good work never goes to waste.

 

You have your own record of good deeds, as a respected leader in the community and a successful businessman. As with many Albanians, developing crisis and looming national tragedies forced you to immigrate to this land, where you achieved the American Dream. Today it is a different time in the Balkans, yet thousands of young people from Albania, Kosova, and region, are again looking at immigration as the only choice. On one hand, it is important they stay and use their potential to transform their motherland, on the other you only live once, and they see greater chances of a better life in a country like the United States. What is the answer to their dilemma?

America is indeed a blessed country, a promised land and the land of opportunities. Thousands of Albanians like me are achieving and living the American Dream. You are allowed here to cultivate without fear and reservation your own national identity, even though with the passing of time, new generations get assimilated. No other place will make you feel better at home than here. Let’s not forget that it is not easy to leave your birthplace. For a very long time, I myself was convinced that I would be here only temporarily. I remember a meeting at the US Congress, before the declaration of the independence in Kosova, where my introduction unintentionally caused a huge laughter, after I said: “I am Agim Aliçkaj, from Deçan of Kosova, living temporary in United States for 17 years…”.

I was able to succeed in my work and contribute for three decades to the national cause, thanks to the support of my family, which is sacred to me and to whom I am deeply grateful: my wife Sadete, my son Betim, and my daughters Dafina, Diana, and Anita.

In the past, the immigration of Albanians to Europe and especially to America, was painful but necessary and even helpful for our national existence. Without the help of the Albanian diaspora, Kosova would have been probably lost. I will not repeat the great contributions to help the national cause, but the question remains: What would Albanians do if they were faced with the starvation of their children?

There is no comparison between that time and today. I dread what I see now as an extreme exodus with dangerous consequences for the Albanian nation. The lack of perspective and opportunity is forcing young Albanians to look for answers in emigration. This is a direct result of great failings in the leadership of our countries. My hope is that most of the Albanian youth will make extraordinary efforts to change things at home instead of fleeing abroad, by engaging in a democracy revival. I don’t know how realist this is, but we should remain optimistic that change will come. In addition to our political class and other institutions in our homeland, the Western democracies bear their share of responsibility for this difficult situation. On one side, they are  continuously appeasing Serbia, on the other, they are maintaining a status quo, denying visa liberation to Albanians of Kosova who remain stuck in a hopeless “ghetto”. They are failing to see that if this continues, it may cause an explosion big enough to destabilize the Balkans and probably entire Europe. Meanwhile, domestically, it is concerning the loss of our great traditions and positive national values like honesty, sincerity, besa, manliness, strong morals, respect for women and children, dedication to family etc. Without strong families, you cannot have a strong country.

In conclusion, I would like to say in a nutshell what all of us know. Freedom is more sacred than life. Thousands of Albanian martyrs and heroes sacrificed and gave their lives for it. We shouldn’t tread on their blood. We won the war and it would be unforgivable to lose the peace. Let the entire world know. It is not possible to compromise with the freedom, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosova.

(The photos below are courtesy of Agim Alickaj’s personal archive.)