REFLECTIONS ON THE SITUATION OF ISLAM
IN ALBANIAN LANDS

From: Hafiz I. Bardhi

Skopje, 1997/98

 
In the Name of God

 

It is a fact that many things are happening among the Albanians, though it seems that nobody is interested on them; and, on the other side, if we approach this matter, we will be onfronted with very difficult and strange moments. Presently, in this space, everyone presents somekind of factor, except the Albanians. Proofs are various writtings that show the ethnic percentage of non-Albanians in Albania itself. In this surrounding it is a necessity for the Albanian Muslim theologist to carefully analyse the question of religion, both from the religious, as well as cultural and political aspect. The following writings printed for internal use aim to touch only one edge of the religious problem and to point out the various existing overt and covert “interests” which are doing their utmost; as well as on the diplomacy that has no bright past among the Albanians. This writings call upon ourselfs to be not only careful, but at the same time to deal with our problem very seriously, considering both the problem and our interest so we could become the supervisors of our issues. Likewise, they hate every delay of the religious and intelectuall solution of the existing problems.

 

Dr. Ismail BARDHI

 

ISSUE: BRIEF SURVEY OF THE RELIGIOUS SITUATION AND GAMES WITHIN THE ALBANIAN ETHNICUM

 


ALBANIANS AND ISLAM: TO BE OR NOT TO BE?!?

Whatever has happen in the Balkans throughout the history has drawn the attention of others only after great scandals, traumas and genocide. As far as the early and present history of the Balkans is concerned, lately many writings are published by various strategists, psychologists, and sociologists and especially by the “church politics” and religious politics in general.

Albanians have a long history of their presence in the Balkans, starting from early times to the present days. During the time of the Ottoman Empire they embraced Islam in large number, and so contributed to the Islamic culture. But, the Ottoman Empire came to its end, and Muslims started declining due to great injustice done to them both on geographic as well as on political aspect.

One of the greatest injustices was done to the Albanians at the end of 19th century, especially during the Berlin Conference, when they were considered as Turks based on their religious belonging. This Conference was a sort of preparation for purging Albanians from their territories, something that was done with other Muslim people as well. Latter, after the London Conference the territory of the Albanian State was divided in several parts and given to Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and one separate part, Kosova, inhabited only by Albanians, was left inside the Kingdom of first Yugoslavia. Then Versay’s (1919) and Paris Conference were held in which this division of Albanian territories became more evident. At the end, in present days we have the Dayton Conference that left aside the Albanian issue. I’m saying this regarding the fact that we are witnessing creation of a state by a nation that has no history and own language, yet, on the other side, this is denied to others - in this case to the Albanian Muslims.

That part of Albanian territory and people that was given to Greece presently creates a lot of headache to the Albanian State. Through this territory Greece is imposing itself in Albania through force; it arms Albanians, supports criminal and terrorism, and makes the Christianisation of the population. The same was done in Montenegro where the Albanians are assimilated to large extent.

As for other parts of Albanian territories, each of them needs a separate study, because there is much to say for each of them. Yet, it is important to note that those parts of the Albanian territory in Macedonia, Kosova as a whole and the part in Serbia have preserved their Islamic religious culture. But, this division of territories for many reasons has made Albanians a political, cultural and religious phenomenon. Each time when Albanians have tried to put themselves together through foreign support, tragedy has fallen upon them. Unfortunately, it seems that they have adopted to a large extent this way of acting. Anyway, the past has passed and we have no right to complain, but the matter is that we feel its influence in present days on the political, economic, religious and cultural aspects.

Facts show that the territory of the Albanian State that is surrounded by Italy (through the Adriatic Sea), Greece, Macedonia, Kosova and Montenegro has 28.748 km2. Kosova has 10.887 km2, and if we take into account the territories in Greece, Macedonia and Montenegro inhabited by Albanians, than we get a wide Albanian territory of some 55.000 km2.

Major part of the Albanian population live in the Republic of Albania, some 3.5 million, then in Kosova 2 million, in Macedonia 700.000 etc. If we add to this number the remaining of the Albanians living in Montenegro, Southern Serbia and Çamëria in Greece, the total number exceeds 6.5 million.

Another important phenomenon, beside the national assimilation of a part of Albanians, is that of emigration with main desti­nation being Turkey, where some million Albanians beside living in major cities have their villages where Albanian language is spoken; then Western Europe, and lately Greece and Italy. Naturally we should not forget America and Australia as continents where Albanians have emigrated in large number. It must be noted that these migrations have started during this century, and are still continuing.

From religious aspects it is a fact that most of the Albanians are Muslims. 75% of the Albanians in Albania are Muslims, in Kosova more than 95%, in Macedonia over 99% of the Albanians are Muslims; in Montenegro also the number of Albanian Muslims is very high.

Present religious situation in Albania

The past of Albania is reflected in present days with great surprises in all aspects: religious, cultural, economic and political. Beside political games, in this country we have many maneuvers of horrifying powers, be they ideological or “religious”. It is true that atheisation of Albanians was a specific phenomenon, because of its officialdoms during communism, which became a continuos process that left its traces to the present days. It is very easy to notice it today. It was then that any religious activity was banned officially, religious buildings and sanctuaries were destroyed, large number of theologists were imprisoned and sentenced to death. Above all this, Albania isolated itself from the outside world, especially from the Islamic countries that resulted with total absence of communication. So, today we have an Albania economically poor, culturally tired and religiously wondering.

The religious phenomenon in Albania is secularized, deprived of its holiness, because the phenomenon itself was scandalized. And it is clear that religion without its source, and under its name, doesn’t accept anything else but what God says. While in Albania, one expects from religion to improve his economic welfare, if not so, then the religion is not good. This is a paradox that is difficult to be understood by many.

The phenomenon of religion “returned” for the moment because the current politics presented democracy, and due to this religion was accepted because of the democratic process. But having in mind the institutional religious activity in a situation when Albania is economically kneeling, extremely tired, we should not leave aside the foreign factor. In Albania, as we have mentioned before, also live Christians, both Catholic and Orthodox, who started their religious activity with appearance of democracy. It should be mentioned here that foreign Islamic theological factor made efforts to help Albanian Muslims only through promises, not in a systematic manner. Along with this, different groupings of Islamic provenience coming from outside to Albania poured their subjective thoughts very fast in this country. Here, beside benefits and their good intentions many other shortcomings and problems occurred within the native Albanian Islamic society, like the problem of medhahib, halal/haram, issues pertaining to aqidah, polygamy etc. It is more than true that they misused their presence, that was obvious through many conflicts, because maybe the problems were of subjective nature, but they were reflected on the surrounding. Almost none of the projects of those associations were fully implemented. Help coming from these associations and organizations came with its religious and cultural limitations, that were specific to each small “team”; imagine three-four persons coming from Algeria, Sudan, Egypt who want to work in unknown surrounding, not being familiar with the native language, tradition and culture. Albania in the past has practiced the Hanafi medhheb and the traditional Islamic culture of the Ottoman Empire. This was clearly reflected both in the architecture of the religious buildings as well as in the daily Muslim life. The above mentioned associations started creating something totally different, not adequate to the environment, they built some small mosques that were never seen in these parts and didn’t belong to native tradition. They created the madhhab problem as well. What was even worse, those organizations and associations didn’t pay enough attention to the cultural and institutional religious space. With these people, that on the state aspect belong to Islam, they were dealing as if they were, for instance, in Greece, among Christians. Regardless of the fact that they were detached from Islam for a long period of time, religious strategy should have been followed and presented in a state manner. As for their professional preparation as missioners, they appeared as uncouth persons. Most of them were mainly interested in wasting the time instead of changing it. The number of these associations was very small. It is interesting that their appearance, work methods and manners of discussion were showing revolt towards the state leadership. Unfortunately, this is the way of attitude of most of the world theologist’s writings, who spend their all life in accusing the leadership, without their personal participation in changing the way of life, of the situation, of the politics! Most evident period of activity of these associations was during the time of Sali Berisha as Albanian president. At this time their number was around 15.

Islamic religious activity in Albania since 1990, due to lack of native theologists, was mainly holding on the above-mentioned organizations, as were described earlier. Naturally, I’m not denying the fact that the fault falls upon us, Albanians, but at that time there was not any institutional Islamic religious theology.

Regarding the relation Albania-Islamic World on government level, this may be seen only through membership of Albania as country observer in the Organization of the Islamic Conference and establishment of the Arab-Albanian Islamic Bank in Tirana. Other projects, like building of a (Islamic) hospital have started for some time and presently are left without supervision. Arab-Islamic cultural world didn’t play its necessary role, though it is true that Albania did not open itself for a closer cooperation, due to the great American and European influence on this country. The above mentioned may be best noticed in non-participation of Albanians in various conferences and alike. Presently Albania with its Albanian Muslim Community led by Sabri Koçi is focusing its religious/cultural activity entirely on foreign help. He is engaged with sending students in the Arab world without any selection and by creating some madrasah that work without minimum of conditions necessary for their activity: without water, without cleanness, without necessary cloth for students, without books. Today Islam and Muslims in Albania live without any shelter.

Beside the Islamic Community in Albania we have other two major religious entities: Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Their influence and role is spread all over the country, on the political stage as well as in the media. But, they act terribly with planning that guarantees them a bright future. Catholic Church for many years was strongly backed up by the West, especially Italy-Vatican. In this direction we may mention the visit of Pope to Albania and establishment of a great church center in the heart of Tirana. Officially, only 10% of Albanians belong to this Church, less then the Orthodox, but they have built modern churches in European style, religious schools and kindergartens, children villages, hospitals etc. Lately they are prepared to open Catholic Religious Faculties. This was even announced by the present Albanian president, Rexhep Mejdani, after his visit to Italy-Vatican. Catholic Church has presently become a shadow of the Albanian overall politics. Their activity is mainly religious; alongside the above-mentioned centers they have co-operation with Albanian intelligentsia and have their own religious publishing houses.

As for the Orthodox Church, with the open support coming from Greece and Serbia today it is in a situation of running Albania on government level. Almost the entire state apparatus, starting from the Primeminister, Fatos Nano, Greek by origin, Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo, as well as many other ministers, politicians and (non)government officials is under the clear influence of Pan-Hellenism. It is more than obvious that they have many institutions in their hands, from pure religious to others that shouldn’t have anything religious, like church hospitals. It should be noted here that the leader of the Albanian Orthodox Church is Anastas Yanulatos, Greek by birth and citizenship. This Church, beside the religious conversion, makes the national assimilation of Albanians as well. They have great influence upon Albanian immigrants in Greece, whose number is more than 300.000.

The activity of the Church in general is greatly supported by the Christian countries. Italy, Greece, Serbia as the well as the whole Christian world stands behind it. The Church does everything to annihilate the Albanians from religious as well as national point of view, with the intention to make Albanians fight among theirselfs in the future. This was best witnessed during the last events in Albania. The border between Albania and Greece is the major line of arms smuggling in the region, where great amount of weapons were sold very cheap, beside those destroyed by the Albanians. Also the espionage network is astonishing. In fact, Greece knows everything that is happening today in Albania even before it happens, because it has put its “son” as Prime minister of Albania. Only 4 months have passed since the new socialist government came to power in Albania, and they already gave Kosovo on auction, with the consent of Greece, at the meeting of Balkan countries in Crete. Here again the influence of Church was very obvious.

Damages and genocide done by the Church are more dangerous than the present economic conditions in Albania.

Greek Orthodox Church, beside the fact that Albanian Archbishop is her man, makes every effort to put her priests on high positions in every city of Albania. Even the Macedonian Orthodox Church is acting similarly within Albania, especially in those parts that are near the Albanian-Macedonian border. In that direction, there are 7 Albanian Orthodox students studying at the Faculty of this Church in Skopje. Both these Churches are strengthening their influence on the religious as well as political scene. According to the facts of the previous Albanian government, Greek Orthodox Church has co-operated, and continues to co-operate with Albanian criminals. They way of acting is by indoctrinating Albanian workers in Greece through media propaganda, especially the local radio programs that openly call to Christianity, to wage war against the “Turks” (Muslims) and to cleanse the country from them. Although it is difficult to poses arguments for the above-mentioned actions, the situation itself is best evidence for this.

Albania under Sali Berisha didn’t develop any policy that took care for religion, but again it was open to all, i.e. to Muslims as well. Lifting the power to socialist’s hands not that has only narrowed Islamic religious activities, but they are openly collaborating with those powers that work towards conversion of Albanian Muslims. They consider Islam as unnecessary for Albania. As soon as they reached the power, immediately they announced Albania’s withdrawal from the Organization of Islamic Conference.

If we compare the activity of the Islamic Community with that of the Churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, we may say without any hesitation that not that we don’t have any strategy for work, but even what we implement is out of time, crippled, both in institutional and cultural sense. At this moment Muslims are very weak, unprepared professionally, so without the foreign mediation, intervention, financial and institutional supervision and support dawn will never come on the horizon.

So, today in Albania, beside political church support and its leadership there are many Christian centers and organizations lead by various missionaries, whose names is very difficult to trace, because they are doing everything to hide the exact number of such centers and kind of activity they are doing. Following are the names of only some of them:

SJAA (St. John Ambulance Association); SSJE (Society of St. John Evangelist); SPSM (Society for the Sacred Mission); SCM (Student Christian Movement); UCCD (United Christian Council for Democracy); VAT (Voluntary Aid Detachment); YMFS (Young Men’s Friendly Society); PSCE (People’s Society for Christian Endeavor); C.O.S. (Charity Organization Society); FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry); BSC - Bethany Christian Services (“Shërbimet Kristiane Bethany”, Head: Agim Xhumani, address: Blloku 50 vjetori str., Pall. 12, Ap. 19 – Tirana); CF - Cross Foundation (“Fondacioni i Kryqit”, Head: Joseph Liffon, address: Ludovik Shllaku str., 14 – Tirana); FPEC - Foundation Program for Evangelization of Children (“Fondacioni Program për Ungjillizimin e Fëmijëve”, Head: Madonna Maria Theresa Brody, address: Ludovik Shllaku str., 14 – Tirana); Power of Light (“Fuqia e Dritës”, head: R. Ridley, Rrëshen); International Professional Development (“Zhvillimi Ndërkombëtar Profesional”, Head: Bailey Michael Holman, address: Ludovik Shllaku Str., 14 – Tirana); Humanitarian Foundation for Protection of Women and Children (“Fondacioni humanitar i mbrojtjes së gruas dhe fëmijës”, Head: Layla Pernosha, address: Mihal Grameno Str., 66 – Tirana); Adams’ Humanitarian Foundation (“Fondacioni Humanitar Adams”, Head: Kastriot Aliko, address: M. Lleshi Str., Pall. 1, Ap. 10 – Tirana); “Word of Life” Foundation (“Fondacioni ‘Fjala e Jetës’”, Head: Bengt Arne Wedelmahn – Tirana); God Loves Albania (“Zoti e do Shqipërinë”, Head: Jessica Bloom-Shane – Tirana); Way of Peace (“Rruga e Paqes”, address: H. Tahsini Str., 251 – Tirana); Albania for Social Prosperity (“Shqipëria për përparim social”, Head: Xhavit Hyka, address: B. Curri Str., Pall. 8, Shk. 1, Ap. 3 – Tirana); Austria for Albania Foundation (“Fondacioni Austria për Shqipërinë”, Head: Barbara Schofnagel, represented by Kujtim Brahimaj, address: Asim Vokshi Str., 42 – Tirana; Church of Christ Tirana (“Kisha e Krishtit Tiranë”, Head: Artan Xhaferri, address: 4 Dëshmorët Str., Pall. 193/12 – Tirana); Siloah Fellowship International (Head: Paulus Fischer, address: Frosina Plaku Str., 36 – Tirana); Albanian Encouragement Project (“Projekti për inkurajimin e Shqipërisë”, Head: David Larry Fyock – Tirana); Norsk Nordhjelp (Head: Kastriot Faci, F. Ramadani Str., 2 – Shkodra); Albkom (Head: François Menebrey – Tirana); International Christian Foundation (“Fondacioni Kristian Ndërkombëtar”, Head: Dino Pogo, address: H. Tahsini Str., 1 – Torana); Federation of Albanian Women for Peace (“Federata e Grave Shqiptare për Paqe”, Head: Tomoko Taira, address: Shyqyri Islami Str., 52, Ap. 2 – Tirana); Nostra Signora del Buon Consiglio (Head: Amelio Mozzeta – Tirana); Erident (Head: Schio Valin Lucio, address: Rr. Durresit Str., Pall. 180, Shk. 3, Ap. 14 – Tirana); Orthodox Clinic of Evangelization (“Klinika Ortodokse e Ungjillizimit”, Head: Anastasios Yannulatos, address: Rr. Kavayes Str. 151 – Tirana); Bethany Fellowship Albania (Head: Erik Thomas Stensland, address: Ludovik Shllaku Str., 14 – Tirana); Christian Center Victory (“Qendra Kristiane ‘Fitorja’”, Head: Luan Xhemali, address: Faik Trenova Str., Pall. 2, 4/15 – Tirana); Mission Emanuel for Albania Foundation (“Fondacioni Misioni Emanuel për Shqipërinë”, address: Thimi Mitko Str. – Korca); Contribute for Education Mission (“Misioni Kontribut për Edukimin”, address: Muhamet Gjollesha Str., Pall. Moshat, Shk. 3/16 – Tirana); Orthodox Union “Friends of St. Cosmo” (Lidhja Ortodokse ‘Miqtë e Sh. Kozmait’”); Christian Aid Service (“Shërbesa e Ndihmesës Kristiane”, address: Frosina Plaku Str., 36 – Tirana); Jehova’s Witnesses (“Dëshmitarët e Jehovait”, address: Asim Vokshi Str., P.O. Box 3 – Tirana); Christian and Evangelist Union (“Enti i Bashkimit Kristian dhe Evangjelist”, address: Marsel Kashen Str., Pall. 6, Shk. 2, Ap. 10 – Tirana); Adventistic Church (“Kisha Adventiste”, address: Blloku Demokracia, Pall. 2 c – Korça); Christian Evangelistic Church (“Kisha Kristiane Evangjeliste”, Head: L.T. Kolaj, address: Hysaj Str., 37 – Shkodra); Charity Mission “Mother Theresa” (Misioni Bamirës ‘Nëna Tereza’”, address: Pandeli Carra Str. – Shkodra); Selessian Association (“Shoqata Seleziane” address: Vasil Shanto Str. – Shkodra); World Baptist Foundation (“Fondacioni Botëror Baptist”, address: Avni Rrustemi square, 2 – Tirana); Yürgen Walman Foundation (“Fondacioni ‘Jürgen Walman’”, address: F. Roda Str., Pall. 34/1, Shk. 1, Ap. 26 – Tirana); Contro Informazione Terzo Mondo (Address: Konstandin Kristoforidhi Str., 5 – Tirana); Humanitarian Foundation for Albanian Christian Culture (“Fondacioni Humanitar për Kulturën Kristiane Shqiptare”, address: Qemal Stafa Str., 438, Shk. 2, Ap. 28 – Tirana); Colping Family (“Familja Kolping”, address: Myslym Shyri Str., Pall. 6, Shk 2, Ap. 13 – Tirana); European Baptist Federation (“Federata Baptiste Evropiane”, address: Budi Str., Pall. 62, Shk. 2, Ap. 29 – Tirana); Youth for a Mission (“Të Rinjtë për një mision”, Head: Sandra Oestreich, address: H. Tahsini, Pall. 273, Ap. 3 – Tirana); “Don Bosco” Social Center (“Qendra Sociale ‘Don Bosco’”, address: Laprak – Tirana); Charity Missionaries – Sister M. Ancilla (“Misionaret e Bamirësisë – Motra M. Ancilla”, address: Ali Pashë Gucia Str., 35 – Tirana); “Jesus’ Pupils” Society (“Bashkësia ‘Nxënësit e Jezusit’”, Head: Stephen P. Lied, address: Ludovik Shllaku Str., 14 – Tirana); Adventistic Church of the Seventh Day (“Kisha Adventiste e Ditës së Shtatë”, address: Kongresi i Lushnjes Str., Pall. 37, Shk. 3, Ap. 31 – Tirana); Mother Theresa Mission (“Misioni Nëna Tereza”, address: Budi Str. 9 – Tirana); Nehemiyah (“Nehemia”, address: Frosina Plaka Str., 36 – Tirana); Free Finish Mission (“Misioni i Lirë Finlandez”, Head: Tauno Taukola, address: Sul Bega Str., 21 – Tirana); Liahona (Head: David Haymond, address: M. Grameno Str., Pall. 78/8, Shk. 3, Ap. 22 – Tirana); International Protestant Assembly (“Asambleja Protestante Ndërkombëtare”, address: Myslym Shyri Str. – Tirana); Adra Albania – Agency for Adventistic and Spiritual Development – Albania (“Agjencia për Zhvillimin Adventist dhe Shpirtëror në Shqipëri”, Head: Ron Edwards, address: Kavayes Str., P.O. Box 2937 – Tirana); Oklahoma – World Institute of English for Albania (“Oklahoma – Instituti Botëror i Anglishtes për Shqipërinë”, Head: Richerd N. Ady, address: Frosina Plaku Str., 15 – Tirana); Hope for Albania (“Shpresë për Shqipërinë”, Head: Alastair Barr, address: Elbasanit Str. – Tirana); Gjerasim Qiriazi Foundation (“Fondacioni Gjerasim Qiriazi”, Head: Arthur Moore, Kavayes Str., 108 – Tirana); Estafier (Head: Shefki Bejko, address: Dibres Str., Pall. 15, Shk. 1, Ap. 7 – Tirana).

These were only some of numerous Christian organizations working in Albania. Their names may differ, but their main objective is one and the same – to cut off the Islamic tradition of the Albanian Muslim population.

We can not say that Islamic Communities of Kosova and Macedonia didn’t make efforts to play their role in helping Albanian Muslims, but their slowness and experience of self-isolation from within, left big gap in the religious, national and political life.

One small force within the Albanian Muslims Diaspora called Albanian Muslim Youth, a branch of the Young Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina, had always as its objective the unification of Albanian territories and filling up the religious cultural emptiness through book and writings. This group has presented various projects since the beginning of democracy in Albania, starting from the establishment of cultural centers in major cities of Albania, up to the foundation of a religious institution like the Islamic Theological Faculty in the country. But, unfortunately, nothing of this was realized.


Present religious situation in Kosova

It is an undeniable fact that Kosova didn’t enjoy the right to which it was entitled in comparison with the others. Presently Kosova is surrounded, occupied by the Slav cross and its own leadership that for the moment is playing a destructive role against itself. The current politics in Kosova is not at all interested about the phenomenon and the role of religion within the country. Its politicians are ready, for the sake of international factors, to play games with this phenomenon. On the other hand, the religious force is not able to deal and respond intellectually and culturally to those political forces.

Serbs and Montenegrins are people that have played very destructive role in the history of Albanians. Not only their politicians, but even their Church also is characterized by genocide, imprisonment, tortures, theft, violence, political and cultural destruction. The number of Albanians that have suffered this is very large. Today the Human Right Committee of the Republic of Kosova has material evidences for the above-mentioned. Even recently we witnessed how Serb barbarian hordes showed their real face in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The same destructive people are holding under military and police occupation the Republic of Kosova, not recognized yet by Serbia. Only 9% of the Serbs that live in this territory are ruling backed up by Yugoslav supervision. Albanian people in Kosova lately are suffering from legal-police processes same as during the former-Yugoslavia, many of them as members of the Kosova’s Liberation Army.

Leading Albanian politicians in Kosova, due to vain and dry politics are making to many mistakes, concessions, some times even by making great sacrifices, be they historical or strategic. Among those sacrifices the most important is the religious issue. Historically and in reality major part of Albanians are Muslims, while on the other hand the European, and especially the Balkan politics are presenting Islam as a destructive and alien phenomenon for this country, and official policy in Kosova and wider are somewhat swallowing this way of thinking. Because of this, the issue of religion is left aside and even choking.

As for the theological factor inside Kosova, it should be mentioned that the Albanian population over there has not tasted the intellectual taste of religion. This is due to the fact that there were no primary, secondary and high religious educational institutions, not to mention the lack of Islamic religious literature. On the other hand, a great army of intellectuals was prepared and educated during the time of atheism, and as a result, this intellectual/atheist army rushed upon the religion with an intention to present it as an official “opium” for the people.

It is more than obvious that the Orthodox lobby, with great help of the Church, is following every step taken for the Albanian issue, and is doing its outmost to close all doors for it. It seems that the Church has taken a vow to exterminate the Albanian issue and to make it forgotten. In this direction Church is getting a large help from other institutions, like from various academies of the Balkan countries, especially the Greek and Serb. Naturally, Serbia is directly involved in this issue and has composed secret, as well as official plans that are being implemented step by step. It is a fact that this important issue was kept silent. There are only empty promises coming from renowned world personalities and Church representatives who are being presented as saviors of the Albanian cause. But the only thing they tell to Albanians by phone is that they should not hurry in taking things in their hands because they will not be forgotten. This has choked every effort and movement made by the Albanians.

The role of the Orthodox Church compared with the Catholic in Kosova is weaker, but this doesn’t mean that it has no activities. This is mainly due to the extremely small number of Albanian Orthodox in Kosova. On the other side, like in Albania, the Catholic Church has realized its activity by misusing Albanian Muslims. This Church has created a Catholic lobby consisted of some well prepared and educated people supported by the Catholic Church from Croatia and Bosnia. Firstly they educate these people and give them high academic degrees, and later they send them to Kosova to do their utmost in exterminating the Islamic element within the population. This Catholic Church has presented an irrational problem: as if within the heart of the Albanian ethnicity exists the phenomenon of “crypt-Catholics”, meaning that Albanians have Catholicism in their hearts while in their history and tradition they belong to Islam. This Church, based on non-Albanian and non-Islamic documents writes about the history as it suits to Vatican and the West. Recently they are promoting the thesis that Christianity is more modernized and only through it Albanians can enter to Europe. These theses are promoted by a certain circle of intellectuals with academic titles like Dr. Engjëll Sedaj, Dr. Zef Mirdita, Dom Lush Gjergji, Gaspër Gjini, Sarë Gjergji etc.

Naturally, in this Kosovar/Albanian space the Islamic Community has its due place with a solid number of theologists, but not sufficient for the time being. It is more than evident that the Islamic Community is desiccated in its role and not interested to take over the role of supervisor upon the people, the educational, religious role that every modernized nation has. It’s being silent, with plenty of shortcomings; it has become a center without strategy, sometimes it shows destruction in work; takes the role of policeman and tries to make all kinds of investigations to obstruct the cultural and religious activities of some of its theologists. The Islamic Community in Kosova presently has three secondary religious schools and one Islamic Theological Faculty. Its irresponsibility is evident by the fact that people that lecture in this Faculty officially are not fulfilling the necessary conditions for such kind of work. Most of the theologists of this Islamic Community are educated in various countries of the Arab World. There is no strong working harmony of co-operation among them. Islamic Community in Kosova really needs help, be it intellectual or strategic, naturally without neglecting the economic supervision. The role of the Islamic Community is very important not only from the religious aspect, but also in the sense of watching over the people.

Kosova is really a challenge of time; lately it has even given martyrs, shuhada of dîn. The miners of Kosova broke the world record while staying in their mines under ground for many days, thus showing their resistance against the Serb pan-Slavism that has no parallel. Imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of Albanians still continues; their immigration has become a serious problem for Europe. In fact, this is the reason why Europe sometimes is turning towards it. Kosova today economically is totally isolated while its resources are being stolen day by day. The process of education is being held out of the institutions and in very difficult conditions. The cultural treasure of the archives is destroyed and many historical findings and monuments are lost from the museums. The fact is that the Albanian State didn’t present itself as a factor that could take care for this issue, due to its own political and economic weakness. But, some other countries, like for instance Turkey that had some favorable opportunities for work, were not interested to be involved. The same goes for other countries of the Muslim World.

The issue of Kosova has cost Sali Berisha’s system very expensive. It can not be said that that period of democracy did much, but it is true that it left great space for activity, in which politicians from Kosova articulated their issues with the support by Berisha, and had Albania as a shelter. But, this issue bothered the Greek lobby in the USA, the state of Greece as well as Serbia, so they started their interventions in the US Senate to make as much damage as possible to Albania. Thus, through major media representatives, like The New York Times, Newsweek and NBC and through Greek newspapers and radio-television, they did everything to turn the South of Albania against Berisha’s regime. Latter this was declared by some of the journalists after their arrival in Albania, when they admitted that they have informed wrongly, because today in Albania Albanian language and Greek mind are officially ruling.

The political and strategic position of Kosova is of great importance, because whoever intends to take any step in dealing with this issue can experience the same fate as Sali Berisha.

Recently there are some destructive moments that may be noticed within the Albanian ethnicity, especially pertaining to religious ethics. This is reflected in large number of cases of prostitution, drug addiction, thefts, killings and all other modern evils. This nation has always been sensitive concerning women’s chastity and moral. There are numerous writings dealing with the purity and bravery of women like novels, poems and alike. Unfortunately, today many prostitutes from these parts may be noticed in Italy, Greece and all around Europe, and, what is more strange, to many articles are written for them inside the Albanian corpus, but nothing has been done to eliminate this phenomenon.

 

Present religious situation in Macedonia

Muslims of these parts, after the withdrawal of the Ottoman Empire, were confronted with great disastrous problems with the arrival on power of the Orthodox Panslavism and Panhellenism of the Serbs, Bulgarians and Greeks. As it is clear from the past and present history, they always were and/or still are outrageous enemies of Muslims with an unseen arrogance against everything that is Islamic. Their rule was the beginning of a destruction and rule of non-freedom of speech and religion, prohibition of education in mother tongue for Muslims of these parts, mass deportation and extermination with imprisonment of Muslims.

This form of rule made the communist system speed up its process of ruling so even legally to forbid the religion by announcing it as “opium for people”.

(Former Yugoslav) Republic of Macedonia has problems with its own name, history, and nation but, nevertheless, it is playing an interesting role in establishing itself as an independent state and a special role in the Balkans region. Macedonians, who are Orthodox Christians, were not forgotten by other Christians of the world in helping them during this process of establishing their state.

It should not be forgotten that this Republic, as a unit of the former-Yugoslavia, was known especially for its ministry of internal affairs and its discriminatory administration towards Albanians, Turks, and Bosnians – towards everything Islamic.

The democratic process was undesirable phenomenon for Macedonia, and because of this it is possible to think and to say that “democracy” and “non-democracy” in this region are identical and are presented in their worst forms. The registration of many political parties (more than 50), while having only 10 of them active gives a good picture for the above-mentioned point. All of these parties are under the influence of nationalism and are defending it by all means. Also, Albanians were forced to participate in this “democratic” game so they formed their own parties. Only three (of seven existing) Albanian parties are present at the Parliament with 19 deputies. All of these Albanian deputies are Muslims. But, unfortunately, these 19 confronted with those 101 Macedonian deputies can not play any role in the decision-making as well as in the law-making process.

The total number of population of Macedonia, according to the 1991 Census given in official figures is 2.033.964, 1.328.817 are Macedonians, 441.987 Albanians, 77.080 Turks, 52.103 Rhomas etc.

But it should be mentioned that due to disbelief to the statistics, and dissatisfaction with the official figures by the inhabitants of this Republic (24 nationalities), most of them didn’t accept these figures, especially Muslims, and this issue was internationalized. It is interesting that long before the announcement of the official figures, the leadership of this Republic knew and openly declared the number that matched with figures given some months latter. Indeed, many dirty things were done with the statistics, because Albanians and their parties claimed that their number is 700.000, while the statistics institute announced only the half of it. Turkish party was certain that some 200.000 Turks live in Macedonia, but, officially, they are only 75.000. It is possible to believe in the glorification of the number by us, but the other party (Macedonians) had no right to play on behalf of the population.

As for the participation in the government, it is unbelievable but true that within the organs of internal affairs Albanians participate only by 1%; within the military ranks only 1.5%, which is only an advertising and defrauding figure. As for the participation of Albanian Muslims in higher education the number is only 2.5%.

The issue of education still has not reached its legal form, something that Albanian parties (as Muslims) have requested at the Parliament. It is more than true that even in the future this will weaken us.

On the educational plan, Muslims in comparison with Macedonians (Christians) feel inferiority, what makes the whole situation terrifying.

According to the statistics of the Islamic Community the number of Muslims in this Republic is more than 1.000.000, though there are no written arguments to back this up. What is more than sure is that more than 45% of the population are Muslims.

The role of Islam is a key factor, both for the stability as well as instability of the Republic of Macedonia. But, our weakness results from our failure – be it in organizing our selves, or preparation for organizing and presentation. This phenomenon is a result of the past times when religion was a destructive and anti-governmental element.

During the former-Yugoslavia theologists didn’t show the necessary ability to work and didn’t play the so much needed role in creating a religious community that would have been under the influence of its own control, in fact, they didn’t fought communism. Somehow they surrendered to fate and, what is even worst, to the question “What is to be done?!”. There were cases when some of them even gave service to the state security.

The Islamic Community in Macedonia, compared with other religious communities, is the most supervised and obstructed one by the power, not by the law, but the worst of all is that the resistance is not aiming to become power or the law.

Islamic theology among the Muslim believers stands between fear and knowledge, so the believers have great difficulties of following it on the cultural and economic fields side by side the Muslim non-believers. I may say that the Islamic theology is more engaged with the moment of presentation of the theology and the case in its historical form, though the history is not an outcome of theology. In fact, religion deprived of its dynamics takes the shape of utopia.

The religion of Islam is controlled by the State in virtue of the most severe and most strict world standards.

Newly formed parties, those with members belonging to Islam, are making moves to initiate the settlement of Albanian, Turk, Bosnian people’s issue in accordance with the present standards in the Balkans. Unfortunately, their voice ends up between requests and hope. On the other side, their efforts are directed towards promise-givers, especially those with great influence in the world. For example, 3 major Albanian parties directed their requests to Bill Clinton. We believe that the silence of the Islamic East has contributed enough for such steps.

As for the picture of the Muslims in the field of economic and living standard – the State is not doing anything in this direction, because the percentage of Muslims employed in government offices is very small, even insulting. Street cleaning and physical labor is designated only for us. But, al hamdu li Allah, Muslims are doing their utmost to survive and to take care of themselves with their low living standard.

 

Conclusion

Albanian people have experienced very difficult moments for different reasons, especially as a result of the foreign influence. Every religious and ideological entity has interpreted the history as they so it fit for the given moment. Various political, strategic games as well as the economic disaster have taken place here.

International factor, because of the history of this people, has caused a lot of damage by dividing this State and by offering many protectorates. This idea was promoted by all means by the foreign diplomacy.

Main guilt for all of this should be looked for within the people itself, though there are many reasons not to accept this, having in mind the proverb “Might is right”, something that we are witnessing today. But the overall economic situation is under the minimum level, which makes people hopeless. Politically, the voice of the Albanians is very silent; religiously this space has become very harmful without any knowledge what may happen in the future.

The existing Islamic culture within the Albanian corpus is not intellectually able to face all these maneuvers and powers of various organizations that have government support, because those destructive forces are already realizing their goals in creating within the Albanian body a force that would fight the Islamic adherence.

The entire Islamic Ummah is playing an irresponsible role towards the issue of the Albanian Muslim population. Continuation of this kind of attitude will have damaging impact on the Albanian Muslims. But, nevertheless, I’m not losing hope that with the support of our brothers, the realization of good results will be obvious.

 

Dr. Ismail BARDHI

KOSOVA BETWEEN DIPLOMACY AND REALITY

The Albanian issue is passing through various phases and repeated problems that the history has already shown, both in the past times as well as in the present. It is difficult for a reader to find the reality and justice within the written Albanian diplomacy. As it is know, the new European diplomacy with its attitudes has proved that it makes experiments with those who are weak, starting with the national destruction, territorial division and internal cultural and religious disorder of a nation. Though time and place doesn’t allow us to review the history, we will briefly present here the problem of the Albanian issue, i.e. of its Kosovar segment, that arguments the fear of the future and the official deceit of the European diplomacy. This way of diplomacy became more evident at the end of the Ottoman Empire, when creation of new states and ethnic cleansing of the Muslim population started.

1876                      The Albanian issue firstly was treated by the European diplomacy at the Ambassador’s Conference in Istanbul, organized with the initiative of England and in which 6 major powers of that time participated: England, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy, Russia and France. Though this Conference was held in Istanbul, the main topic was the territorial division of the Ottoman Empire, whose parts like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosova, Macedonia were divided between Greece, Serbia, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Montenegro. This was a very cheap bargaining and very dangerous for the future.

1878                      The Congress of Berlin verified the above mentioned thesis without giving any importance to the Ottoman diplomacy of that time, for which the latter played a very weak role, especially relating the problem of religious belonging and national issue. At that time it was the Orthodox Church the one that insisted that adherence to Islam should be identified with Turkish nationality. This contributed a lot for the purgation of the Islamic element from the Balkan region, by initiating the mass immigration of Albanians, Bosnians and Turks. Naturally, this was a result of the “logic” that since they are all Turks, then they should leave for Turkey.

1912-1913 At the Ambassador’s Conference in London the division of Albanian lands was decided without the participation of the Albanian factor. So, only Albania (half of the Albanian territories) was left as an independent state while other territories were divided among the neighboring countries: Kingdom of Yugoslavia (Kosova and a part of Macedonia), Montenegro and Greece.

1912-1945 Between the two World Wars Albanians of Kosova and of the vilayet of Skopje and Manastir did not enjoy anykind of rights for education in their mother tongue, and every activity of that kind was severely punished. Beside the cultural isolation the economic and ethnic destruction also took place. At this time started the implementation of the horrible Memorandum of the Serb academic Vasa Chubrilovic. At this time the immigration of Albanians was done in large numbers due to the genocide against the Albanian Muslims. Historiography has many authentic documents on this matter.

Later, during the Titoist Yugoslavia with slogans like “unity-brotherhood” and “equality” the Marxist-communist ideology was presented that caused the spiritual unstability and the “beautiful” deceit that unfortunately attracted a large part of the Albanian and Bosnian population. There are many writings on this historical phase and the same was discussed in various forums of human rights. The fact is that at that time the people in Kosova were the less educated and the less organized, known only for political imprisonment’s that are continuing to the present days. At last, after great sacrifices of the Albanians, the issue of Kosova started to gain its officialisation, that is to become a factor for itself, so the Communist Party of Yugoslavia was forced to give autonomy to Kosova. This was in 1968 when the national awareness was awakening.

Another “shock” that the Albanian factor caused in Kosova was the period 1981-1991, when Albanian requests were maximized for the Republican status of Kosova, equal to other Yugoslav republics. At that period the overall arsenal of the former-Yugoslavia unjustly and illegally floundered upon the Albanian population in Kosova where all international norms were broken. The Yugoslav army with its machinery started exercising force against the defenseless people by literally passing over them and by making massive arrests. According to the Forum for Human Rights of Kosova some 600.000 Albanians from Kosova have past through the Yugoslav police hands. Prisons in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro were full of Albanians. At this time the massive immigration of the Albanian youth to the European countries started, while their number even today is very large. Events in Kosova were totally neglected by the international factor, as if nothing was happening there, though the requests of the Kosovars were minimal for the time and in line with the European and Balkan development. At this time, none of the Yugoslav Republics, which by the way today are independent states, supported morally or politically those requests, except for some intellectuals. Even some Albanian politicians of that time joined the anti-Kosovar campaign.

Kosova was the one that knew best the Serb gene, it tried in every way to show that Serbian factor is very dangerous, evil and dirty for today’s culture and civilization, as well as factor of destabilization of the Balkans and wider; that this gene is able to do everything. But, unfortunately, all these warnings didn’t reach the ears of others. To speak about the Serbian syndrome is ungrateful, rationally it’s absurd, because facts, photos, number of victims and blood that is still flowing in lands like Bosnia and Kosova should be reconsidered closely by the European diplomacy when they intend to cooperate with the monster of the 20th century.

That time in Yugoslavia new methods of pressure and pursuing against Kosova started, like the one that “enemy” must be searched everywhere: in the field of education, culture, religion, economy, health care etc. Thus, Albanians were supposed to be enemies wherever they appear. This was the consciousness in the former-Yugoslavia. Just imagine the difficulty of this moment. Those days the main educational nest - the University of Prishtina with more than 30.000 student - was proclaimed for castle of Albanian nationalism, Islamic fundamentalism and nest of separatism. Usurpation, robbery and destruction of the natural resources of Kosova became a state action; the destruction and vanishmet of culture started so tomorrow this state (which insha Allah will be created) would not have any cultural and historical background. Poisoning and other experiments were done with the health of people which resulted with medical insecurity and, in fact whoever needed a medical care came out of the hospital with psychological fear.

Main terms that were used by the Serbian propaganda to define the attitude of Albanians towards the Serbs in Kosova were “pressure” upon Serbs to leave Kosova, “terror” and even “genocide”. Daily incidents all around Kosova were taken as examples to back up the incriminations; all forms of (personal) conflicts between Albanians and Serbs through this propaganda were transformed to inter-ethnic conflicts. After this step, it was the job of the media to impose a priori judgement for each of such cases before the star of the legal procedure, and in all cases the role of the guilty one was reserved for the Albanian, while the victim always was the Serb.

After any superficial analysis of the presentation of this topic in the media during the whole decade, on one side what draws the attention is the frequency of mentioning the phenomenon of violence, and, on the other lack of data (information) to prove the incrimination.

Each time that various international Associations for human rights, like the Helsinki Committee and Amnesty International, have requested facts from the Yugoslav part about the “Albanian terror” they didn’t receive anything even after years of waiting. But, the European diplomacy and politics remained silent; they didn’t show the necessary interest.

Yugoslavia is doing its utmost to fade away the Albanian issue and to present it in a very dangerous light by comparing it with various world movements and by equalizing it with the IRA in Ireland, PKK and alike. With the beginning of the war in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the issue of Kosova became even more silent and marginalised. Though it had a long experience of violence against the population of Kosova, Yugoslavia is lately using new methods of crimes that were used in inhuman way during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by killing hundreds of thousands of people and by destroying the religious culture. The best illustration for this is the massacre in Drenica, where almost two months no international humanitarian factor has access to verify the outcome of that massacre. The most interesting thing is that Yugoslavia is hiding the war from everyone, even from the Kosovars.

In this direction the conclusions of strategists and planners of the future, like the most renowned intelligence services of the USA and England that predicted that war is inevitable in Kosova, were fulfilled. It is a fact that interior war in Kosova has started long time ago. Both sides have contributed to the war issue: Albanians with their peaceful resistance and indetermination, and especially because of the disunited position, and Serbs with their discriminatory and unjust intention to rule over Kosova’s territory and its population. Historically Kosova never belonged to Serbia. This is evidenced by historical proofs of ethnologists, while the prevailing moment also proves the autochthony of this population.

As it is known, with the dissolution of Yugoslavia and creation of new independent states, the people of Kosova (in 1992) in a referendum under strange and difficult conditions proclaimed the independence of the Republic of Kosova, that was recognized only by the Republic of Albania. The international factor again remained silent and privately supported this step and non-violent policy of Ibrahim Rugova as the head of the Democratic Alliance of Kosova. DAK lead by its president Rugova made many abuses with the support of the international factor. It didn’t protect that status initiated by itself - the sovereignty of Kosova; didn’t create the necessary institutions that should be the foundations of a Republic, like the Ministry of Interior, Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Defense. (The Ministry of Defense on few occasions made some announcements, but again it didn’t exist for real). This kind of policy and disrespect of the Constitution of the Republic of Kosova (approved the same year) created various misunderstandings and conflicts among the Albanian political parties in Kosova. In fact, this caused the creation of a radical force that called categorically for defense of the Constitution, creation of the real conditions for existence of the Republic of Kosova and final separation from Miloshevic’s Yugoslavia. A military force called the Kosova’s Liberation Army spontaneously came to existence, which accuses the internal Albanian factor with treason and overall deceit of the people. While it is true that DAK by creating a universal silence marked the Albanian gene with dangerous attributes for a better future. It caused a metaphysical disorder of the Albanian population. DAK is not able even to make anykind of coordination of the power that it treys to have; it didn’t succeed to make the necessary coordination between the executive power (the Government) and the president of Kosova. This picture was backed up by the prevalent weakness of the Albanians and the Republic of Albania. Albanians were confronted with their State that couldn’t offer anything else except for declarations of support. The State of Albania presented itself politically and economically weak and not as a relevant factor for the Albanian issue in Kosova. This doesn’t mean that it can not do anything, but the fact remains that whenever Albania as made efforts to support the issue of Kosova, the international factor has punished it severely. As for the illustration, apart from the hidden and dirty goals that remain still uncovered in the latest destruction of Albania, the cost of supporting Kosova was too high for Berisha’s leadership.

Presently existing options within the Albanian political body in Kosova may be summarized as follows:

–      The policy of Rugova with its various deceits - I beg your pardon, with the support of the international factor that has been done through phone calls and some envoys who gain personal popularity - presents the issue of Kosova in a peaceful, non-violent way that has allowed the Yugoslav and Serbian terror to prevail in Kosova for many years. This policy has its political and moral responsibility for all that genocide, mysterious banishment of people, theft of the natural resources of Kosova and alike, that is going on for so many years.

–      The government of Kosova, with the primeminister Bujar Bukoshi has shown that the policy led by the president of the Republic of Kosova is not in accordance with the legal norms and its regulations. The government never accepted Serbian attitudes and has always presented plans for more active resistance and diplomacy to response to every injustice done in Kosova, because it has the legal right to do so and has the support of the people. It must be clear that the government of the Republic of Kosova has never expressed any doubts that Kosova may ask for something else then independence.

–      Some leaders, like Adem Demaçi and academician Rexhep Qosja, openly disagree with the peaceful policy of Rugova, because it is irrational and destructive for the Republic of Kosova. On some occasions they use the pretext that without any delay Kosova must think about its union with its natural part, or motherland - Albania.

–      The option of some intellectuals or sons of former communist system, like Veton Surroi, Nazmi Maliqi, Mahmut Bakalli etc., who individually intend to penetrate into politics with thesis that the issue of Kosova can no longer be resolved with the above mentioned policy; it must be reactivated peacefully or, as it is known, through Albanian-Serb dialogue Albanians must solve it. In fact, this kind of solution can be done by means of Kosova - Republic of the Yugoslav Federation, out of Serbia.

This systematization is a fact that is being presented in press and in various writings, so the international factor makes their thorough evaluation, by supporting each of them, some times with accusations that Kosova with such disunited stands has difficulties for the necessary solution. Rationally it is true that the population of Kosova has no force that would resist an army such is the Yugoslavian, but the present situation under such conditions is very difficult to be under the control of the above mentioned policies of the Albanian political parties.

Presentation of the Serbian politics in Kosova is out of any state and legal order or norm. I’m saying this based on the history and by making of an analysis of the political relation between the Serbian and Albanian policies in Kosova. In this aspect Serbia has no convenient moment at all, and doesn’t provide any acceptable solution for coexistence with this people. This may be best understood if we make a review of what has Serbia done until now and what is still doing with them Albanians:

1.    Since the beginning of this century Serbia has denied the political status for self-determination of the Albanians and has abducted Kosova from Albania with the support of the foreign factors;

2.    Serbia has constantly disallowed the education of this nation, establishment of its cultural institutions. Today Albanian children are educated out of educational institutions, in rooms, basements and under the open sky;

3.    Serbia has exploited, robbed and is still robbing the natural resources and working power of this people for the construction of “Belgrade”;

4.    Serbia has made ethnic cleansing starting with murdering of the entire population in the villages, for what even some movies were shooted;

5.    For those reasons huge immigration has started with Turkey and some other countries as destination, something that has left difficult trauma in the Albanian culture, and the Serbs confiscated the entire wealth of the immigrants. We are talking for several hundreds of thousands of people;

6.    Constant and illegal imprisonment was another aspect of Serbian policy; in fact prisons were built only for Albanians and filled only with Albanians;

7.    Serbs caused the spiritual disorder among the Albanian Muslims, through conversion and destruction of the religious objects, something that can be found in the bad-famed Memorandum where it is written that Albanians must be touched in their most sensitive points – religion and honor;

8.    The overall policy aimed to permanent isolation of the Albanians; both within the Albanians and also in the wider are of the international factor, and

9.    Health care and life security was definitely taken from the Albanian hands, so Albanians have no trust in the health care institutions. Today child deliveries are done in private houses, various operations in some basements and conditions under any minimum.

The question remains how Serbia thinks to solve the Albanian issue in Kosova with such a background that is still continuing? Serbia has besmeared the psychic space and has not allowed, nor it is allowing, any possibility for immediate arrangement of a necessary psychology for a firm state. I’m not saying this within some intention nor am I interested to deal with the purification of the Serbian psychology, but I’m dealing here with that moment that every rational and moral policy need for a dialogue, order and stability. The prevalent conditions are not showing such climate. Serbia is reinforcing its policy and Serbisation as a thief, as a genocide planner with the support of its Academy, and nowhere in the world intellectuals turn into barbarian such is the case in Serbia. Any Serb intellectual that has shown anykind of understanding based on human values and pointed out that the Serbian policy is not proper, he was beaten in the middle of Belgrade and totally isolated. This proves also that today in Serbia each Albanian is confronted with unexpected situations. Human conscience doesn’t allow to say good words for the Serbian momentum; Serbs have shown their terrible face in its inhuman form in Bosnia and Herzegovina where they rapped children, old women, slaughtered people at this time when everything is registered not only in written but visually as well.

The Serbian Orthodox Church has join hand in such oppression and presence in Kosova, and has encouraged this kind of policy, by officially blessing the genocidal actions of the Serbs in Kosova. The Church didn’t condemn any action nor did it deny its participation in the genocide in Bosnia as well as in Kosova.

The present policy and diplomacy towards this very important question are still allowing to the Albanians various spaces for action. It is a fact that Albanians who have never had the freedom to deal with the culture properly, and with religion properly, must live somewhere. If their living conditions and their freedom are taken from them, then they must return them; in that case they will become unmerciful towards everything, because their nature is being fought and whenever the nature is fought that it returns unexpectedly like a boomerang.

So today Serbia even militarily started its war and massacre against the population in Kosova. Today in Kosova blood has being shed, people are being slaughtered; in fact the experience of Bosnia is being carried out in a modernized way in Kosova. In this Serbia is confronted with an armed resistance that has people’s support, but not that of the leading interior policy and the international diplomacy. Entire villages are abandoned, the bodies of the victims still remain unburied, babies are delivered under the open sky, an horror that is difficult to describe. Naturally, the help of anyone is more than necessary, but the help coming from Muslims is even more necessary.

Each Kosovar, each Albanian today asks himself where is the humanity, where is the civilization, where is the diplomacy of the modern world that by all means tries to show that at the end every criminal must be punished. It is true that every time when minor nations have made efforts to submit to diplomatic solutions, they were confronted with very dangerous consequences. It is up to the Albanian people in Kosova to reactivate their hearts, their reason and their force by relying on Allah (SWT) and asking for mercy for the mistakes done in the name of human beings against God, and to show that conditions for forceful resistance are present, both based on human metaphysics and sound reason.