Albanian American Relations Council

08/01/2026

07/16/2026

Statement by the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC)

The Albanian American Relations Council (AARC) strongly condemns the shocking statement by Serbian Minister Snežana Paunović, who publicly declared that, had she been in Slobodan Milošević's position in 1998, she would have "ethnically cleansed Kosovo." Such a statement is not merely offensive—it is an open endorsement of crimes against humanity and a disturbing reminder that the ideology which fueled the atrocities of the 1990s has yet to be fully repudiated within segments of Serbia's political leadership.

For the United States, this should not be viewed as an isolated political outburst. It is a strategic warning.

The United States led the international coalition that intervened in Kosovo in 1999 to halt an unfolding campaign of ethnic cleansing. American leadership saved countless lives, reinforced NATO's credibility, and established Kosovo as one of the most successful examples of U.S.-led humanitarian intervention. That legacy should not be undermined by allowing senior officials in Belgrade to openly glorify the very crimes that compelled NATO to act.

AARC urges Members of Congress and the Administration to publicly condemn these remarks and demand accountability from the Government of Serbia. A country whose senior ministers openly express regret that ethnic cleansing was not completed cannot simultaneously claim to be committed to European values, regional reconciliation, and democratic principles.

This rhetoric also reinforces the growing concerns repeatedly raised by the Albanian American community regarding Serbia's increasingly nationalist trajectory and its continued efforts to destabilize Kosovo and the broader Western Balkans. Revisionist narratives, glorification of war criminals, and inflammatory statements by government officials undermine regional security, embolden malign actors, and directly threaten decades of American diplomatic and military investment in Southeast Europe.

Congress should continue to strengthen bipartisan support for Kosovo's sovereignty, democratic institutions, and Euro-Atlantic integration. The United States should also carefully evaluate its engagement with Serbian officials who promote or excuse extremist rhetoric inconsistent with the values shared by America's allies.

At a time when authoritarian regimes are attempting to rewrite history and normalize aggression, the United States must remain unequivocal: there can be no tolerance for rhetoric that advocates ethnic cleansing or minimizes crimes against humanity. America's commitment to peace in the Western Balkans must remain grounded in truth, accountability, and the protection of democratic allies.

The Albanian American Relations Council stands ready to work with Congress, the Administration, and our international partners to ensure that the lessons of Kosovo are never forgotten and that those who seek to revive the language of ethnic persecution are met with a firm and unified response.

The United States did not intervene in Kosovo merely to end a war—it intervened to uphold the principle that ethnic cleansing has no place in the modern world. That principle must be defended with the same resolve today.

07/16/2026

We are proud to announce that Congresswoman Nikema Williams has accepted our invitation to join the Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus.

As a respected leader in Congress and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Congresswoman Williams brings an important perspective to the Caucus and will help strengthen the relationship between the Albanian-American community and Congress. Her leadership also creates an opportunity to build stronger connections between the Congressional Black Caucus and the Albanian Issues Caucus, fostering dialogue and collaboration on issues of mutual interest.

We look forward to working with Congresswoman Williams to advance greater trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the United States, Kosovo, and Albania. Her experience on the House Financial Services Committee will be invaluable as we promote initiatives that deepen commercial ties and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Albanian American Relations Council was also honored to invite Congresswoman Williams to our Annual Gala on September 24, and we are delighted that she has graciously accepted.

Together, we look forward to building stronger partnerships that advance peace, prosperity, and the enduring friendship between the United States and the Albanian people.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora - Republic of Kosovo

AARC is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to promoting the common interests, values and ideals of the United States and the Albanian people.

06/25/2026

June 25th, 2026
Washington D.C

AARC Statement Supporting the President’s Executive Order on the Western Balkans and the Full Implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement

The Albanian American Relations Council (AARC) strongly supports President Trump’s Executive Order reaffirming the United States’ commitment to peace, stability, democratic governance, and the rule of law in the Western Balkans. By reaffirming the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and recognizing that actions undermining it threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, the Executive Order sends a clear message that lasting stability in the region depends on the protection of equal rights and the faithful implementation of international commitments.

After numerous visits to Washington, D.C., and countless meetings with Administration officials, AARC is encouraged to see the United States formally acknowledge the growing challenges facing the rights of Albanians in North Macedonia. This recognition reflects concerns AARC has consistently raised—that efforts to roll back the rights guaranteed under the Ohrid Framework Agreement threaten not only the country's stability and interethnic harmony, but also broader U.S. strategic interests in the Western Balkans. The Executive Order underscores the importance of sustained American leadership in preserving peace, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring the full implementation of Ohrid.

This Executive Order reinforces a fundamental principle: the rights secured through the Ohrid Framework Agreement are binding obligations grounded in inalienable rights, not discretionary political concessions. Ohrid remains the cornerstone of peace, stability, equality, and interethnic partnership in North Macedonia.

AARC expresses deep concern regarding recent developments that call into question full adherence to these commitments. Most notably, the challenge before the Constitutional Court to the Law on the Use of Languages raises serious concerns about the status of the Albanian language as an official language. We are also concerned by measures that diminish the visibility and practical use of Albanian in public life, including efforts to reverse established municipal language designations and place names in areas where Albanians have long lived and contributed as equal partners in state formation.

Such actions are inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. They weaken trust, equality, and inclusion—principles Ohrid was designed to permanently safeguard. Recent student protests seeking the right to take the Bar Examination in the Albanian language further underscore a basic truth: access to education, justice, and public institutions in one’s official language is an inalienable right, not a privilege.

AARC calls on the Government of North Macedonia and all relevant institutions to fully respect and implement the Ohrid Framework Agreement, protect constitutional guarantees, and ensure the full and practical equality of languages in public life.

The Executive Order is an important reminder that lasting stability in the Western Balkans depends on the consistent application of democratic principles, constitutional protections, and inalienable rights for all citizens. The path forward lies in fully realizing the Ohrid Framework Agreement and strengthening a truly multiethnic, democratic state built on equal partnership.

AARC stands firmly with all who peacefully advocate for equality, constitutional rights, human dignity, and the full implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.

ALBANIAN AMERICAN RELATIONS COUNCIL

601 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

South Building, Suite 900

Washington, DC. 20004

(202) 434-8909

06/16/2026

https://www.illyria.com/aarc-among-friends-old-and-new-at-the-congressional-black-caucus-retreat-in-new-york/

06/13/2026

AARC was honored to meet with Representative Nikema Williams of Georgia. Although she represents a district far from our community, we quickly discovered many shared interests and objectives, particularly regarding economic development, international trade, and opportunities for greater engagement between the United States and the Western Balkans.

As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over international finance, Representative Williams expressed a strong interest in the economic and trade prospects of Kosovo, Albania and Northern Macedonia and welcomed a discussion on the region's strategic importance and growing opportunities.

AARC also thanked Representative Williams for introducing House Bill 8731 in support of housing assistance for homeless veterans. This important legislation will have a meaningful impact on veterans across the nation, including those who served during the Kosovo campaign, whose efforts helped liberate Kosovo exactly 27 years ago today.

Representative Williams was eager to learn more about the Albanian-American community, its contributions to American society, and the issues of importance to our constituents. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and working together on matters of mutual interest that strengthen both our communities and our shared values.

Burim Nimon Rexhaj, Secretary of AARC and Vehbi Bajrami, Board Member, joined by Congresswoman Nikema Williams on the photo.

06/05/2026

Newest Member of Albanian issues Caucus. AARC continues to work hard

06/05/2026

CONGRESSWOMAN MALLIOTAKIS JOINS ALBANIAN ISSUES CAUCUS!

We are proud to welcome Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis to the Albanian Issues Caucus following a productive recent meeting with the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC).

Congresswoman Malliotakis publicly announced her decision to join the caucus and work closely with AARC at a recent Albanian-American picnic, where she was joined by AARC Chairman Eli Rusi and Board Members Vehbi Bajrami and Agim Isufi. Her participation and commitment underscore the growing momentum behind strengthening ties between Congress and the Albanian-American community.

One of AARC's core priorities has been the re-establishment, organization, and activation of the Albanian Issues Caucus in Congress to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Albanian people throughout the Balkans and the diaspora. We believe that a strong and engaged caucus can play a vital role in advancing issues of mutual interest and ensuring that Albanian-American voices continue to be heard in Washington.

Today, the caucus stands 20 members strong and continues to grow. This progress has been made possible through the collective efforts of dedicated community leaders and organizations across the country— in New York, Texas, Illinois and Michigan among many others.

Special recognition is due to AARC Board Member Vehbi Bajrami, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in expanding the caucus. Through his personal outreach and advocacy, he was responsible for securing the membership of Congressman Seth Moulton, Congressman Joe Morelle, and Congresswoman Grace Meng, helping to strengthen the caucus and broaden its bipartisan reach.

The Albanian-American community is energized, engaged, and united at a crucial moment for the Balkans. Together, we are building lasting relationships, strengthening bipartisan support, and ensuring that the Albanian-American perspective remains an important part of the national conversation.

We thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for her support and look forward to working together in the years ahead as we continue to grow the Albanian Issues Caucus and advance the interests of the Albanian-American community.

06/01/2026

AARC MEETS WITH CONGRESSWOMAN MALIOTAKIS

Representatives of the Albanian American Relations Council (AARC) met with Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for a productive discussion on key issues affecting the Western Balkans and the Albanian-American community.

Among the topics discussed was the importance of strengthening relations between Greece and Kosovo and encouraging deeper cooperation that could ultimately lead to formal recognition of Kosovo by Greece.

We also raised concerns regarding the rights and status of Albanians in North Macedonia, emphasizing the importance of continued American engagement and monitoring of the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Additionally, we discussed the ongoing student movement and its calls for accountability

We also briefed the Congresswoman on the recent Congressional Delegation (CoDel) visiting the region and discussed its strategic importance amid evolving geopolitical developments in the Western Balkans.

During the meeting, Congresswoman Malliotakis asked several questions about regional dynamics, including which countries are most pro-American, the extent of Russian and Chinese influence in the region, and how Serbia projects influence throughout the Western Balkans.

We noted that Kosovo remains one of the most pro-American societies in the world, while Albania and Albanian communities throughout North Macedonia and Montenegro have consistently demonstrated strong support for the United States and the transatlantic alliance.

We also discussed Serbia’s ongoing efforts to project political, economic, media, and security influence throughout the region, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, often in ways that complicate Euro-Atlantic integration and regional reconciliation efforts.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining regular communication and strengthening cooperation between Congresswoman Malliotakis’s office and AARC. We appreciate her interest in staying informed about our initiatives and her willingness to engage on issues of importance to the Western Balkans. As such, we invited her to join the growing Albanian Issues Caucus.

The meeting was led by AARC Chairman Eli Rusi and was attended by Vice Chair Tony Marke, Secretary Burim Rexhaj, Board members Agim Jusufi and Vehbi Bajrami, and AARC supporters amongst others.

AARC looks forward to continuing this important dialogue and advancing policies that promote stability, democracy, and stronger U.S. engagement throughout the region.