An open dialogue was held in Ulcinj on the topic “Albanians in Montenegro – Challenges and Opportunities of the XXI Century”, where views were expressed on the position of this community in Montenegro.
The discussion “Albanians in Montenegro – challenges and opportunities of the XXI century” expressed views on the position of Albanians as a community, which is experiencing the phenomenon of assimilation, but also the decline of their number in the country.

The diplomatic representatives of Pristina and Tirana show the readiness to support in many respects the demands of the Albanians in Montenegro.

Kosovo’s Ambassador to Montenegro, Ariana Zherka-Hoxha, said that a genuine cooperation should be started on topics where the Republic of Kosovo can help.

“To start building a specific cooperation on topics where the Republic of Kosovo can support various requirements such as preservation of identity, advancement in the field of education, cultural heritage, sports, but also in terms of economic investments,” said Ms. Zherka- Hoxha.

In this context, the Deputy Ambassador of Albania to Montenegro, Adi Hoxha, noted the problem of assimilation of Albanians in Montenegro.

“The phenomenon of assimilation of Albanians in Montenegro is one of these challenges. The fact that this phenomenon is treated with concern for the perspective, does not exclude the finding of the trend today that stems from the past. This issue is probably one of the most delicate to be treated with political and scientific competence “, said Mr. Hoxha.

The representative of the National Council of Albanians, Faik Nika, noted the need to review the position of Albanians in Montenegro and their confrontation with various problems.

“I believe that for such an open dialogue, which addresses the identity issues of Albanians not only in Montenegro but throughout the Balkans, they are more than necessary and must be continuous. We must keep in mind that we as Albanians here in our lands in Montenegro are also facing various phenomena that directly affect the decline in the number of Albanians in Montenegro. This is the phenomenon of assimilation, emigration, low birth rate that reduce the national existence of Albanians in Montenegro “, said Mr. Nika.

In the discussion were presented analyzes and interpretations of some problems related to the position and status of Albanians in this environment, which can encourage the relevant institutions to deal competently with these issues.

/Klara Ruci/