On the Actions of the Kosovo Government and Border Patrol

Floor Speech

* Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the recent violence in Kosovo and applaud the actions of the Border Patrol of the Kosovar government. As a sovereign, independent state, Kosovo deserves the right to protect its citizens and patrol its border. I strongly support Kosova for maintaining control over its border with Serbia. Since Kosovo declared her independence in 2008, Serbia has consistently discriminated against Kosovars and prevented the region from accepting her legitimacy.

* Recently, Kosovar authorities banned goods coming in from Serbia with the intention of countering their northern neighbor's rejection of Kosovo's statehood and Serbia's boycott of Kosovo's produce. It is vital that the Kosovar government re-establish territorial integrity within its borders. With increased uncertainty on her country's northern border, Kosovar special police units launched an operation to gain complete control over the border crossing with Serbia to prevent the continued flow of illegal goods from Serbia. In order for Kosovo to continue to join the developed world, it is necessary for them to have authority over their own economy. I also rise to express my gratitude for NATO peacekeepers that have arrived to maintain peace along the border.

* I am proud to represent a large and vibrant community of Kosovar Americans in southeast Michigan. Many of my constituents have relatives along the Kosovo/Serbia border and I know that they are deeply concerned about the security of their loved ones and the prospect for Kosovo remaining an independent nation. Recognized by nearly 80 nations across the globe, Kosovo deserves to be a player on the world stage and I stand with their freedom-loving people who thirst for true independence.

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