“Children’s safety is a non-negotiable responsibility and must never be used for any purpose. The State Police have a legal duty to maintain public order and safety, with particular care taken to protect minors. However, this responsibility rests first and foremost with parents and legal guardians,” the statement said.

The State Police has renewed its appeal to parents, urging them to know where their children are and not to allow them to be exposed to violence or situations that put their lives and health at risk.
“If your child is absent from school, find out where they are. No child should be caught amid stones, pyrotechnic devices and tear gas,” the statement added.

At the same time, the State Police expressed deep concern over suspected cases of minors being placed at the forefront of clashes, exposing them to danger for specific purposes.
“Using children as shields for acts of violence is not an exercise of the right to protest. It is unacceptable behaviour that endangers their safety and violates their rights,” the police said.

According to the police, any suspected case of inciting, organising or exploiting minors to engage in unlawful acts will be documented and referred to the competent authorities in accordance with the law.
The State Police respects and upholds the right to peaceful protest, including the rights of minors, but will take all necessary and proportionate measures to protect their lives and safety.

“Children are not anyone’s shields and must not be turned into instruments of confrontation for particular purposes. No cause is worth more than a child’s life and safety,” the statement said.
The State Police called on all those taking part in demonstrations to immediately distance themselves from masked and violent individuals and not to become involved in acts of violence or destruction.
“Stop the violence against police officers, institutions and public and private property! Every act of violence puts citizens’ lives and health at risk, particularly those of children and minors. The right to protest must be exercised peacefully and cannot be used to justify violence and destruction,” the statement concluded.

/e.i/j.p/sm/

It was his first visit to a European country outside Italy after being elected head of the Catholic Church.

The Pope spent around 12 hours in Tirana, drawing international attention to Albania’s model of peaceful coexistence and cooperation among people of different faiths.

Pope Francis chose Albania for his first European visit. He delivered his opening speech at the Presidential Palace, followed by an address during the Holy Mass at Mother Teresa Square.

In keeping with tradition, the Pope was welcomed by tens of thousands of Albanians from different religious backgrounds.

“I am very happy to be among you, in the noble land of Albania, a land of heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence, and a land of martyrs who demonstrated and remained faithful to their faith during the difficult times of persecution,” he said.

Pope Francis celebrated Mass and strengthened the Catholic community in its faith, encouraged interfaith dialogue for the common good in a predominantly Muslim country, and urged the entire population to continue along the path of democracy.

A particularly moving moment during Pope Francis’s visit was his embrace with two survivors of communism, Father Ernest Simoni (Troshani), now a cardinal, and Sister Maria Kaleta. He also met the children of the Bethany Centre, where nuns continue to care for those in need, as well as many others.

His visit to Albania drew widespread international attention, with peaceful coexistence among different religious communities at the heart of his message.

It was Pope Francis who canonized Mother Teresa on September 4, 2016. He also signed the decree for the beatification of the first 38 Albanian martyrs of communism on November 5 of the same year, adding two more on November 16, 2024.

Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

The talks focused on addressing the concerns of ethnic Albanians in the Preševo Valley, strengthening unity among Albanian political representatives and advancing projects aimed at supporting young people in the region.

Begaj encouraged the area’s political leaders to unite whenever national interests and the protection of the rights of Albanians in the Preševo Valley are at stake.

“As President of the Republic of Albania, I assured them of Albania’s support in addressing the issues facing the Preševo Valley, including fair representation in public institutions, concerns over the deactivation of residential addresses, and the right to use the mother tongue and national symbols,” Begaj said in a social media post.

/k.s/r.e/sm/

In a social media post, Lamallari emphasized that the Arbër Highway, which he described as a nationally significant investment by the Albanian government, has already begun to show results not only for Dibër but also for all travelers passing through the Bllatë border crossing point.

According to him, an average of around 4,600 citizens cross this border point daily, while in the first five months of this year alone, approximately 700,000 citizens and nearly 300,000 vehicles have been recorded.

Lamallari said that the implementation of the one-stop system at all four border crossings between Albania and North Macedonia will significantly reduce waiting times and make cross-border movement more efficient.

“When a truck crosses the border faster, the economy benefits. When a tourist waits less at the border, tourism benefits. When a family crosses more easily to meet relatives, people benefit. And when two countries work as one team at the border, everyone’s security and our European future benefit,” Minister Lamallari said.

/sm/

In his weekly notes feature, Prime Minister Rama pointed out that the highlight of these notes pertains to the discussions between the European Commission and the member states in Brussels, focusing on the report assessing Albania’s accomplishment of its taks following the opening of all negotiation chapters.

The Prime Minister further addressed the opposition, which he asserted had launched a ‘negative energy offensive’ against Albania in the international arena. He cited the protests and incidents in Tirana, which, in his view, were orchestrated with the intention of tarnishing the country’s image in the eyes of its European partners.”

Rama remarked that the opposition had alleged Albania’s European course was blocked and that the government stood isolated; yet he stressed that the developments in Brussels clearly showed otherwise.

“That confrontation took its course, while the ‘Molotovs’ of Tirana were unleashed in desperation through an unparalleled offensive of negative energy. They poured into the streets determined to set Albania ablaze in the eyes of the world, rejoicing like children when images of burning bins or Molotov cocktails and flares thrown across Tirana circulated through the international media. Gathering petrol to hurl improvised explosive devices with paid vandals, they likewise flooded Albania’s channels and portals to poison public opinion. Spewing political vitriol, mirror upon mirror, they spread across Europe with proverbial mud and mire — culminating in what transpired during the so‑called three‑day visit to the Foreign Ministry in Berlin.

“In fact, in order to deface Albania in the eyes of our partners wherever possible, they gathered and scattered about seeking punishment, blockade, and isolation for the country, leaving behind a disgrace unparalleled by any other opposition in the history of European integration among states that today are members of the European Union or aspire to join it. They alleged that Albania’s European course was blocked, that the country had at last been punished, and that our government was entirely isolated. They deceived themselves, deceived themselves, for such notions stemmed from their shallow and misguided thinking and, in the end, they were shamefully defeated, while Albania once again prevailed through effort, dignity, and pride,” Rama declared.

Prime Minister Rama affirmed that the Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference will formally seal the transition to the final phase of negotiations, while emphasising the strategic objective of Albania’s accession to the European Union within the current decade.

“Thus, on 26 May in Brussels, the Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference will formally seal the successful completion of the introductory phase and inaugurate the final stage of negotiations for Albania’s accession to the European Union. We have ascended yet another arduous height on the path to the summit, which we are determined to reach within this decade, where we shall symbolically hoist the flags of Skanderbeg and Ismail Qemali in the courtyard of the great house of a united Europe,” Rama declared.

/m.q/a.f/sm/

TIRANA, May 18  /ATA/ –Albanian students are holding a demonstration on Monday afternoon in Skopje to advocate for the use of the Albanian language in professional examinations.

Hundreds of students and citizens have gathered near the Stone Bridge, urging that the law exam be made available in Albanian as well.

The protest is being held under the slogan “Join the students with one voice,” with participants marching while carrying banners and chanting in support of language rights and civic equality.

Organizers stress that the demonstration is not directed against any individual or group, but is intended to safeguard the Albanian language, as well as the dignity and rights of Albanians as equal citizens of North Macedonia.

In an appeal to the public, the students have invited athletes, artists, and public figures to join the demonstration and lend their support to the cause.

“On Monday, May 18, at 16:30, beginning at the Stone Bridge in Skopje, we invite everyone to protest alongside us. Stand side by side with the students, stand side by side with the Albanian community,” the students’ statement reads.

The students are calling upon the competent authorities to ensure that professional examinations are conducted in the Albanian language, underlining that this represents a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution.

/euronews.al/sm/

TIRANA, May 14 /ATA/ During the conference on the results of the Joint Task Force on Migration, held in Kosovo, the General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, held meetings with his counterparts from Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, as well as with senior representatives of the law enforcement agencies of the United Kingdom.

During the meetings with the directors of regional police forces, discussions focused on strengthening operational cooperation and cross-border coordination, with an emphasis on coordinated real-time responses to criminal phenomena, as well as on deepening investigations and joint operations to dismantle cross-border criminal groups.

The directors also agreed on increasing service counters and human resources at the border crossing points with North Macedonia and Montenegro, aiming to ensure free movement and provide higher-quality service to citizens during the tourist season or periods of high traffic.

Hita also met with the Deputy Director of Intelligence at the United Kingdom’s Home Office, Vikki Pullen, as well as with the Deputy Director of the Border Security Command, Jack Joseph.

During the meeting, Hita reaffirmed the State Police’s commitment and determination to deepen cooperation with international partners and law enforcement agencies.

On their part, the British officials praised the concrete results achieved within the framework of the Joint Task Force on Migration and described the State Police as a key and reliable partner in addressing shared security challenges.

/sm/

TIRANA, April 24 /ATA/ Scientific research in the field of medicine, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the enhancement of patient communication are being established as fundamental pillars of a contemporary healthcare system. In this context, technological innovation plays a pivotal role in significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare services, while the trust-based relationship with the patient remains at the core, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, personalized, and human-centered care.

In her address at the Second International Congress of Medical Sciences, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, highlighted the significant role and contributions of dedicated professors, as well as the generations of talented Albanian students throughout the years, who have placed their trust in the power of medicine to serve society and enhance the quality of life.

The Minister emphasized the vital importance of clinical research in the development of the healthcare system and the enhancement of service quality.

“Clinical research is no longer an option; it is a necessity. Through research, we improve treatments, personalize care, and ensure that our patients benefit from the latest scientific discoveries and evidence,” she stated.

She also addressed the technological innovations and their transformative impact on healthcare, including early diagnosis, intelligent imaging, more efficient hospital management, and the enhancement of patient experience across all levels of the system. She emphasized that, beyond technological advancements, effective communication with patients remains a matter of paramount importance.

In line with the vision for the future of Albanian healthcare, Minister Sala emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals and innovation in delivering professional medical care up to the standards.

“Our task is clear: to build a healthcare system where Albanian doctors, researchers, and students lead innovation here in our country; where our hospitals become centers of excellence; and where our patients access care that meets the highest international standards,” said Sala.

The Second International Congress of Medical Sciences brought together renowned experts in the field, creating an important platform for the presentation of the latest scientific research, the sharing of experiences, and the promotion of international collaboration aimed at advancing medicine and public health.

/e.xh/a.f/sm/

TIRANA, April 9  /ATSH/ Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro on Thursday addressed concerns raised by teachers and teaching candidates over the requirement to obtain a professional licence. In a video message, she stressed the process is not a new demand or an individual decision, but stems from the existing legal framework governing regulated professions and pre-university education.

Kumbaro underlined the importance of fulfilling the licensing requirement as a necessary step for professional development and career advancement. She also announced that applications for the teachers’ state exam are open until 14 April. Kumbaro noted that some teachers had written to her personally, saying the lack of a licence had blocked their career progression. She stressed the requirement is not new, but part of the legal framework, and does not stem from the will of any individual official.

She recalled that the law on regulated professions, which came into force in 2011, requires candidates in regulated fields — including teaching — to complete professional practice, pass the state exam, obtain a licence, and then proceed through the subsequent stages.

Referring also to the 2012 law on pre-university education, Kumbaro said it is clearly stipulated that the teaching profession requires passing the state exam. She noted that the provision was further clarified in 2018 amendments, which specify that teachers across all levels — from primary to secondary, vocational schools, special education, and related fields — may only practise after successfully completing professional training and passing the state exam in their area of expertise.

Kumbaro explained that the only teachers exempt from the licensing requirement are those employed before 2011. She announced that applications have opened on the QSHA portal for registration in the state exam to obtain a teaching licence. The process began on 7 April and will remain open until 14 April.

/e.i/a.f/r.e/sm/

PRISTINA, April 6 /ATA/ Albanian students in North Macedonia have staged a protest after being barred from taking their jurisprudence exam in their mother tongue, Albanian. 

Albanian students in North Macedonia gathered in central Skopje, holding placards demanding their rights. 

One of the banners read: “Law on paper, discrimination in practice”, reflecting their frustration over being denied the right to sit exams in their mother tongue. The protest drew not only a large number of students but also citizens who joined in solidarity. 

Albanian students in North Macedonia continued their protest outside the Ministry of Justice, demanding the right to take the jurisprudence exam in Albanian, as provided by law. 

The exam, which is essential for pursuing legal professions such as lawyer, judge, or prosecutor, is in practice conducted mainly in Macedonian, despite Albanian holding official language status.  

Albanian students in North Macedonia contend that restrictions on taking the jurisprudence exam in their mother tongue create significant barriers and inequalities. They say the policy limits professional opportunities and directly affects the representation of Albanians within the country’s judicial system.  

They have set out clear demands in their protest, calling for the jurisprudence exam to be conducted entirely in Albanian, with equal procedures for all candidates and the full enforcement of language rights provided by law. 

/Kosovapress/sm/