Expressing the Sense of Congress Regarding the Execution-Style Murders of United States Citizens Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi in the Republic of Serbia in July 1999

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 32. I wish to start off by thanking the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel for his long-time passion and advocacy on this very important issue for my district, as well as Grace Meng, who also has been supportive.

This execution-style murder of Ylli, 25 years old, Agron, 23 years old, and Mehmet Bytyqi, 21 years old, has greatly impacted my own district. These were three brothers born in the United States who resided in Hampton Bays, New York.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bytyqi brothers' murder. In July 1999, these three brothers went overseas toward the end of the Kosovo war and were arrested by Serbian authorities for illegally entering the country when they accidentally crossed into Serbian- controlled territory.

The brothers were kidnapped, murdered, and dumped into a mass grave in Serbia by government officials still serving today.

Since taking office, I have been committed to helping the Bytyqi family receive the justice they have long deserved.

In February, Chairman Engel and I traveled to Munich to meet with Serbian President Vucic, where he once again promised to resolve the case of the Bytyqi brothers.

Despite many promises by Serbian officials to resolve the case of this state-sponsored murder, there has been no justice served.

This resolution notes that progress with this investigation should remain a significant factor that determines the further developments of U.S.-Serbian relations.

The Bytyqi brothers gave their lives to fight injustice. Now, we must return this favor and deliver justice for their family.

Mr. Speaker, I again thank Chairman Engel and lead Republican McCaul for their leadership and assistance on this issue.

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Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers and am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

For those in Serbia listening to today's floor debate, it is an important lesson that, 20 years later, we have not forgotten. We will not forget. We will continue to strongly encourage them to do the right thing. This issue is not going away if they wish it away. On a bipartisan basis, we will continue to advocate to fight this injustice.

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