Ali Ahmeti urges Kosovars to vote, warns against isolation
Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) in North Macedonia, addressed the citizens of Kosovo ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections on February 9. Ahmeti urged voters to ensure Kosovo remains aligned with Western allies, warning against the risk of being grouped with sanctioned states like Russia and Belarus. He also highlighted rising tensions between the Albanian political factor in North Macedonia and the nationalist Macedonian government. Relations between Ahmeti and Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti have deteriorated over Kurti’s controversial comments on the status of the Albanian language and his support for a political coalition aligned with the Macedonian nationalist party VMRO-DPMNE.
Why is this important: Ahmeti’s statement comes amid growing regional tensions. Kosovo’s tensions with the U.S. and EU, as well as internal divisions among Albanian leaders in North Macedonia, have complicated efforts for integration and political cooperation. His remarks are also seen as a subtle criticism of Albin Kurti on the eve of Kosovo’s crucial elections this Sunday. The situation underscores how Kosovo’s upcoming elections carry broader regional and geopolitical implications.
Context: Ali Ahmeti, a key architect of the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement, has led the DUI, the largest Albanian party in North Macedonia, for over two decades. His relationship with Kosovo’s Albin Kurti has worsened since Kurti questioned the recognition of Albanian as an official language in North Macedonia and backed an opposition coalition that allied with the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party. Ahmeti expressed outrage, stating that such actions gave anti-Albanian factions political leverage.
He stated that Kurti’s remarks were baseless and damaging and they handed anti-Albanian forces in North Macedonia the narrative they wanted. He also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation between Albanian leaders in the region.
What was said: Ahmeti urged Kosovars to vote, emphasizing their responsibility to maintain strong ties with Western allies.
“Kosovars must not forget America’s indispensable role in Kosovo’s liberation. Without NATO and U.S. intervention, Kosovo would not be free today. International representatives I’ve spoken to are frustrated with Kosovo’s current political course. Kosovo cannot thrive without Western support,” Ahmeti warned.
He stressed that Kosovo’s integration into global institutions depends on its cooperation with the U.S., EU, and NATO.
“As Kosovars go to the polls on February 9, they hold the fate of their nation in their hands. This is a crucial moment,” Ahmeti concluded.
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