Mike Levin: “I rise today as one of the original sponsors of this resolution to voice my strong support for House Concurrent…”

“I rise today as one of the original sponsors of this resolution to voice my strong support for House Concurrent Resolution 155 which expresses the sense of Congress on the situation in Kosova. In 1989, Belgrade unilaterally revoked the autonomous status of Kosova. Albanians in Kosova, who make up over 90 percent of the population, subsequently voted for Kosavar independence in 1991. Since that time, Serb security officials have waged a campaign of repression that has included widespread torture, beatings, killings, and harassment of Albanians throughout Kosova. Over half of the more than 250,000 Albanians in the work force have been fired from their jobs and even more have fled the region rather than face certain persecution. While the administration has taken an active role, including opening of USIA office in Prishtina, more needs to be done. The administration needs to appoint a special envoy to Kosova to help resolve the crisis. Furthermore, the United States along with our European allies must condition the lifting of sanctions against Serbia with clear and concrete progress on the matter of Kosova.”