TIRANA, Aug 19 /ATA/ His country is one of the hotspots that German politicians blame for rising corona numbers in Germany: Edi Rama. The Prime Minister of Albania speaks in an interview with BILD about the allegations and how his country is fighting against Corona.
BILD: Prime Minister, are your countries partly to blame for the fact that in Germany the corona numbers are increasing?
Edi Rama: I don’t think the Balkan countries pose any threat for Germany or any other country in the European Union because ultimately the figures speak for themselves. The high numbers are threatening for anyone. When I think that China has five cases today and Albania has 100, then there’s something going wrong. I mean to say that there are many tricks with numbers. We have decided to be extremely transparent in this regard. Of course, after reopening, we faced a yet bigger challenge because it is also about the behavior of all citizens.
BILD: But once again: Is Albania partly to blame for the fact that the numbers are rising in Germany?
Edi Rama: “I tend to disagree – not because I have to protect my country, but because of simple math. It is impossible for people from here in terms of numbers to be able to influence on a large country like Germany or other Balkan countries to influence on France or others in Europe. I mean all this is politics rather than reality. ”
BILD: Why is there an entry ban still in force for people from the Balkans?
Because there is the EU and the non-EU. So it’s very simple. There is a division, which in practical terms is established between the EU and non-EU.
As for the numbers, let me repeat that there are of course good reasons for this and that there is reasonable caution in Germany and in other countries. And incidentally, Germany is above all doubts – it handles Covid in a masterly manner.
Should China pay for the damage caused by Corona?
Edi Rama: “I am strongly in favor of the idea to throw light on how all this played out. And of course if someone has played the cards wrong, they have to pay. The whole point is why the world was not informed in time. Why are there so many questions about quarantine in China and free travel from China? These are questions that should do not lead to conspiracy theories but to a clear investigation and in-depth analysis. And if the conclusion is that things played out in ways that were not fair, those responsible should be held to account. ”
BILD: Back to the Balkans once more: what do you think of the allegations made by some politicians about a “Corona” Balkan route?
Edi Rama: That is politics, because there is no Balkan Corona, no Balkan Mafia and no Balkan earthquake or Balkan disease whatsoever. But politics sometimes needs – and nowadays more and more – these hallmarks to reach people. Of course it makes us sad, but we are used to it. It’s not the first time. We have to deal with this stereotype and try to get rid of it.
BILD: What do you say to the Germans who want to go on holiday in Albania?
Edi Rama: I tell the Germans to remember Franz Josef Strauss. He came a long time ago – 1984. He was so enthusiastic about the country back then that he suggested back then when there was a communist regime in Albania that the country may open itself to German tourists, and a route between Albania and Bavaria should be established. Because his opinion, his vision, his conviction was that Albania was a paradise which the Germans should discover. So if the Germans need witnesses, there is probably no better one than Franz Josef Strauss. ”
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