In a powerful and emotional statement, Shaip Kamberi, the only ethnic Albanian member of the Serbian Parliament, has strongly denounced the proposal to appoint Demo Berisha as Minister for Human and Minority Rights in Serbia’s new government. Kamberi labeled the nomination as a “heavy blow” to all Albanians who have suffered, resisted, and sacrificed for their rights in Serbia.
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| Shaip Kamberi |
“This appointment is not only politically unacceptable but also morally shameful. Demo Berisha is not a representative of human rights, but a symbol of the denial of the national and political identity of the Albanians of Kosovo and the Presevo Valley,” Kamberi wrote.
He went further to criticize Berisha's open allegiance to Serbia and his denial of the existence of the Republic of Kosovo. Kamberi argued that someone who declares Serbia as their homeland and denies Kosovo’s independence cannot and should not represent the interests of Albanians in Serbia.
Kamberi also drew parallels between this political move and historical strategies used during the regime of Slobodan Milošević, stating that President Vučić is continuing the practice of promoting so-called “obedient Albanians” to give the illusion of integration and representation.
“Berisha represents a past that has ended. He stands outside the institutions, outside Kosovo – a figure of oblivion and defeat, a quisling,” Kamberi stated, referring to the historical term used for collaborators with occupying forces.
Furthermore, Kamberi highlighted Berisha’s involvement in founding the organization "Matica Albanaca Srbije," which, according to him, glorifies figures known for betraying the Albanian cause, including Esat Pasha Toptani.
He compared Berisha to Faik Jašari, a former Albanian delegate for Serbia at the 1999 Rambouillet talks, who was eventually rejected by the Albanian community and spent decades in exile from Kosovo.
Kamberi warned that this nomination poses a dangerous precedent – one that legitimizes the erasure of Albanian identity under the guise of human rights. He called the move a propaganda tactic to present a false image of harmony, suggesting that Albanians are integrated and content in Serbia as long as they deny Kosovo and align with Belgrade’s narrative.
“Berisha does not represent Albanians – he represents a manipulated version, one used to serve Serbian political interests, just like others during Milošević’s time,” he added.
Kamberi concluded by urging a strong and unified reaction from Albanians in the Presevo Valley, the governments in Pristina and Tirana, and the international community. He stated that silence in the face of this “absurdity” would amount to complicity.
“This proposal is not about human rights – it is about silencing the real voice of Albanians in Serbia. It is also an insult to all other minorities in Serbia, who make up around 20% of the population,” Kamberi warned.
His statement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing political and ethnic tensions in the region and raises serious concerns about the representation and treatment of minority communities within Serbia.