Demo Berisha: National Council of the Albanian minority continually refuses dialogue

Serbia’s Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Demo Berisha, informed the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Marcel Peško, today that the National Council of the Albanian national minority consistently refuses any form of dialogue and cooperation with the competent Ministry, adding that he remains ready for talks whenever it suits the other side.

Berisha and Peško discussed issues of importance for the advancement of national minority rights and the significance of strengthening institutional cooperation. Berisha stated that the Ministry he heads is fully committed to improving the institutional framework and to the consistent implementation of laws, with the aim of creating an environment of trust and equality for all citizens, regardless of their national affiliation.

Among other topics, the meeting addressed the situation and position of members of the Albanian national minority in the municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac, and Medvedja, as well as the importance of continuous communication between state authorities and national councils, the Ministry announced.

Berisha pointed to what he described as the concerning fact that the National Council of the Albanian national minority continually refuses any form of dialogue and cooperation with the competent Ministry.

In this regard, he expressed readiness to meet with the other side at a time and location fully suitable to them, with the aim of continuing dialogue and discussing issues of common interest.

“Our approach is clear—the doors of the Ministry are open and we are ready to hear all proposals and remarks, but we also expect responsibility and a willingness to cooperate, because the absence of communication brings no benefit to the citizens whom national councils represent; rather, it only complicates the resolution of the problems and challenges they face,” Berisha said.

During the meeting, the importance of cooperation with international partners, including the OSCE, was underscored, with the shared assessment that the common goal is to preserve stability, respect rights, and build a society in which diversity is seen as an asset rather than an obstacle.