Kosova during 1960-1970 and Albania’s position

Abstract

Based on the literature that I used and various documents from archives, this project sheds some historic and scientific light on Kosova of the period 1960-1970 and the Albania’s stance on the developments in Kosova during this period. With the activation of the national policy towards Kosova in the early 1960s, Albania established an action strategy, which despite being ideologically based, was much stronger and more structured.

This period evidenced a continuation of efforts to expose the Yugoslav discriminatory policy against Albanians. Enver Hoxha considered that by exposing the Yugoslav policy he would manage to diminish the image of Yugoslavia and thus to prevent the Yugoslav state from undertaking actions against Albanians.

The demands of Albanians under Yugoslavia for a Republic of Kosova were also an issue that was analysed and studied in this project. The position of the Albanian state related to the demonstrations of 1968 and to the demand for a Republic of Kosova is analyzed based on the archive documents of the time.

Following the demonstrations of 1968, the Yugoslavs addressed indirect accusations towards Albania stating that the external factor had a hand on these events. By the international community Albania was seen as a country that could have incited the demonstrations of 1968. The demonstrations of 1968 had an impact on the relations with the US policy, which became more curious in their reflections.

Albania did not manage to create and clearly state a consistent position on the demonstrations of 1968 and the demands that were made, despite the huge propaganda it conducted in support of the rights of Albanians under Yugoslavia, although it seemed to be more reserved about the status of Kosova. The Albanian state policy concerning the patriotic national movement was not always consistent, as it became ideological, or even controversial in some cases.

On the other hand, the concept of Kosova independence, with elements of a republic in the existing circumstances was dominating and the most preferred concept for the majority of Kosova Albanians