Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement in Belgrade that Ukraine has not changed its position and does not recognise Kosovo’s independence.
According to the Albanian leader, immediately afterwards, some figures in Tirana and Pristina called for Ukraine to be punished, its support to be withdrawn, or even expressed sympathy for Russia.
Rama stressed that countries must oppose wars of aggression and work for peace not out of self-interest, but because of their own values and convictions.
“Standing against a war of aggression and for a just peace is not a cheque that you tear up when the victim of barbaric aggression disappoints you. It is not a service for a service, it is who you are and what you stand for in this complicated world. Fortunately, Albania is not a petty person calculating who owes what to whom, but a European Balkan country that shows the way through its belief in freedom, democracy and peace, and through the strength of its own example. Ukraine may be wrong — and yes, it is wrong on Kosovo — but its right to be free remains unquestionable, and fighting for that right means fighting for Europe and for ourselves,” the Albanian prime minister said.
The Albanian government leader assured that his country would continue supporting Ukraine.
- Recently, Albania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Zelenskyy’s visit to Serbia and reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, Tirana stressed that its position on Kosovo’s independence remained unchanged.
- The Albanian side stressed that Kosovo’s independence is based on its own historical, political and legal circumstances. The ministry recalled that the International Court of Justice concluded that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law.
- Albania, meanwhile, described Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law.