In a pointed response to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Ali Ahmeti, has characterized recent remarks regarding the status of the Albanian language in North Macedonia as deeply concerning. Ahmeti warned that sensitive national issues should not be treated with political flippancy.
The Foundation of Rights
Ahmeti emphasized that the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement remains the bedrock of Albanian rights in North Macedonia. He reminded the public that the agreement was forged through significant sacrifice and conflict. Furthermore, he argued that this framework served as a crucial pillar for the Ahtisaari Plan, which eventually led to Kosovo’s independence.
"The Ohrid Agreement of 2001 is the cornerstone of the Ahtisaari Plan for the independence of Kosovo," Ahmeti stated. He noted that the agreement, while a compromise born of wartime, established the official use of the Albanian language, protected national symbols, and secured Albanian representation across all levels of state institutions.
Political Legitimacy and Criticism
Beyond his address to Kurti, Ahmeti directed harsh criticism toward the VLEN coalition, which is currently part of the governing structure in North Macedonia. He alleged that the coalition lacks the mandate of the Albanian voters and serves as a tool for the VMRO-DPMNE party.
Ahmeti warned that without genuine democratic legitimacy, the coalition is unable to effectively defend the rights of Albanians, including the status of the Albanian language. He urged political leaders to avoid sacrificing national interests for the sake of short-term political gains, calling instead for a unified approach to regional challenges.
