Republican Mast introduces amendment to Congress, demands that Kosovo’s NATO membership become a US priority

Republican Mast introduces amendment to Congress, demands that Kosovo’s NATO membership become a US priority

Republican Congressman from Florida, Brian Mast, has submitted for approval a amendment in Congress, which calls for increased US engagement in the Balkans and clear language in relation to the region.

The organization “Albanians for America”, which said it had contributed to this process, said that for the first time in more than two decades, important language about the Balkans has been reauthorized, thanks to Mast, Gazeta Express reports.

According to this organization, this “historic step” recognizes the strategic importance of the region and establishes clear priorities for American policy, which include:

Supporting Kosovo’s independence and future NATO membership

Pressure on Serbia to reduce ties with Russia and China

Exposing Serbia’s cooperation with Russia, China and Iran in technology and security

Expanding sanctions against those who hinder peace and stability in the Western Balkans

Through this amendment, the US is required to appoint ambassadors to three Balkan countries, including Kosovo.

“The Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs will develop a strategy to restore stability in the Western Balkans, which will prioritize the appointment of United States ambassadors to Balkan countries, including the governments of Montenegro, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina; will include policy recommendations regarding how the United States can support Kosovo’s independence and future membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),” reads part of this amendment.

It also calls for continued support for the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement with Kosovo.