Presevo Valley Mayor Shqiprim Arifi asks 5 million euros from Albania and Kosovo

Screenshot of Arifi speaking to Euronews Albania

 The mayor of Presevo, Shqiprim Arifi, through a post on Facebook, has asked official Pristina and Tirana to accept his request for a fund called "National Solidarity Fund".

According to Arifi, both Albanian states would have to contribute to this fund with 5 million euros.

"The fund worth 5 million euros from both countries is a pillar of the development of the Valley as a whole and a good example for the Albanians in Montenegro and North Macedonia!", Wrote Arifi.

In an interview for Euronews Albania, the mayor of Presevo said that this initiative has officially existed for 2 years and is based on the need to end political negligence towards the Presevo Valley, which according to him has made Albanians there feel neglected and trampled.

"The Serbian government invests hundreds of millions in its minority in Kosovo, so we must balance the economic approach from the mother country Albania and our country Kosovo.

"We are a neglected minority in all forms, from education to economic development. We, like the Valley, can not cope with our finances", said the mayor.

He demanded that in the joint meeting of the two governments to be held today, a decision be made on the national fund of the Presevo Valley, which as he said should be dignified, more specifically to be worth 5 million euros, 3 of which to be given from Albania and 2 from Kosovo.