TIRANA, Oct 16 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today commented on the acts of violence that have accompanied protests in Tirana over the past three days.
Speaking outside a private business that had been destroyed by fire, Rama said the violence was not student-led, alleging that, alongside the opposition, “foreign hands” were also involved, seeking to destabilise Albania and obstruct its path towards European Union membership.
“The sinister hand, the old hand, the evil hand that has haunted Albania like a curse since 1912, and whose identity we have known all too well for more than 30 years, is today being supported by other hands as well — foreign hands that do not want Albania to enjoy peace, to look ahead and move forward, or to focus each day on addressing its problems and improving itself.
“These are forces that do not want Albania to become part of the united European family, or to reach the point where it can finally free itself from these hands and the burden of being forced to choose,” the Prime Minister said.
Rama argued that these “hands” opposed Albania’s freedom to make its own sovereign decision to join the community of European Union member states.
“Do you believe it is a coincidence that, whenever Albania receives another green light, closes another negotiating chapter and draws closer to its historic ambition and goal, the flames erupt here? This is no coincidence! Nothing about what is happening is accidental. It is a challenge, a test of our resolve and character, and another obstacle that we will overcome together, despite the artificial barriers being placed in our path,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that students, business owners and citizens had every right to demand more, stressing that their concerns and problems needed to be addressed.
However, Rama insisted that violence must not be conceded to in exchange for peace.
“Students, business owners, ordinary citizens and their parents all have the right to demand more. Their problems are real and must be addressed. We are here to do the best we can with the knowledge and resources available to us, while striving to learn more and improve every day.
“Do not forget that we have brought Albania this far and taken Tirana to where it is today. This has not happened simply with the passage of time, nor has it been the result of circumstances or chance. It has taken persistent effort to move forward.
“Those who argue that we should bow to violence in exchange for a little peace are mistaken. Giving in to violence for the sake of temporary calm means losing both peace and our way forward for a long time. Albania has bowed to violence in the past in the hope of securing a little peace, and we all know that it got us nowhere,” Rama said.
The Prime Minister called on citizens to remain patient and steadfast, expressing confidence that the country would overcome the current situation.
“Brothers and sisters, be patient. This, too, shall pass. Once it is over, we will emerge as we have from previous trials — stronger and more aware of the common challenge that lies ahead,” Rama said.
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