Balkan countries call on Washington for support in face of threat from Russia, China and Iran

Members of the US Congress and representatives from European countries and the Western Balkans emphasized on Wednesday the need for solidarity between democracies in the face of regimes such as Russia, China and Iran that undermine the world order. Speaking at an annual forum on security issues in the US Congress, they emphasized the need for cooperation with President Donald Trump’s new administration in the face of major global challenges.

Republican Congressman Pete Sessions, one of the organizers of the discussion, told Voice of America that it is in the US interest for the Western Balkan countries to be successful and independent, especially from Russian influence.

“We think it’s important that our friends, America’s friends, stay together,” he said. “Members of Congress have an important role to play in sending a signal about how important the region is to the stability of the European continent, but also to the interests of the United States,” Mr. Sessions said.

Mr. Sessions said politicians like himself would deliver that message to the new administration and incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as the message about the threat of disinformation from Moscow and Beijing.

“The secretary (Rubio) needs to make sure this is a priority of the new administration.” “Donald Trump’s goal is for everyone to have a better future, not just from an economic standpoint, but for everyone to see America as their friend,” he said.

Former Albanian Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu, who organized the meeting along with Congressman Sessions and his Republican colleague Robert B. Aderholt, told Voice of America that disinformation was only one element of risk.

“We have a group of actors that want to change geopolitics, particularly China, Russia and Iran, but other countries as well. In light of this, I think that communication channels between Europe and the United States of America need to be established.”

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani emphasized the importance of continued US support for her country and the region in general, which she said was in a fragile state.

“Now that President Trump has returned to the White House with his formula of peace through strength, it is important that America shows real leadership, not only to true friends, but also to those who are bringing Russia, China and Iran closer to our region.”

President Osmani was referring to Serbia. Balkan analyst Edward Joseph also warned against Belgrade’s role and called on President Trump to distinguish between true and false friends, as he put it.

“Look after American interests.” And don’t be fooled by someone who says they admire you and have a great relationship with you. But behind your back, it’s actually building closer ties with China and pushing the Russian and Serbian agenda.”

Mr. Joseph also drew attention to the position of the Kosovo government.

“Prime Minister Kurti has a responsibility to maintain open and trusting relations with the United States. He has not done that. And he has the responsibility to show the Serbs of Kosovo that they are full citizens and have a full future in the Republic of Kosovo. And he has absolutely not done that.”

Serbian representative Vladimir Marinkovic, the country’s former parliamentary speaker, rejected the accusations against his country and stated that Belgrade was willing to cooperate with the Trump administration.

The majority member of the Albanian parliament, Damian Gjiknuri, expressed his country’s willingness to cooperate with the new American administration and emphasized the need to strengthen democracy.

“We have emphasized that a strong America – as President Trump has said, ‘America First’ – I think will also be a strong alliance, because we cannot control events, but the alliance will be able to respond much better to events.” Certainly Albania is a worthy and active member of NATO and will make its contribution to peace and security. But the message I conveyed and which was clearly expressed at this table is the strengthening of democracies. “If we have democracy and strong institutions, we will have a healthier democratic family,” he told Voice of America.

Given the major global challenges in the world, participants at the forum emphasized the need for coordination at all levels between their countries and for strengthening key Western alliances./VOA/