“I have been in the USA for 28 years. I am an anti-communist and a fervent democrat, and I have the honour of being here today to meet the Prime Minister of the Albanians in America,” he said.

In response, Prime Minister Rama said, “I really appreciate it when people tell me, ‘I am anti-communist’ and ‘I am a democrat.’”

“I was an anti-communist and a fervent democrat either, but the Democratic Party was taken over by the unscrupulous communists. I said it’s better to join with those communists who don’t deny where they came from than to stay with those who were the worst of communists in the party and then switched sides, acting as if they came from the moon,” Rama stated.

“History shows that Albania is not divided between communists and democrats. Indeed, it is divided, first, between hardworking people and the lazy. Second, between patriots and nationalists who only refer to the flag to hide behind it. And third, between those who view Albania and their daily work beyond political ideologies,” said Rama.

“The example of Shkodra is very meaningful. For over 30 years, it was their stronghold because we were communists. Once they gave us the opportunity, look at how Shkodra is changing. We are anti-communists, we are anti-fascists, and above all, we have a common denominator, which is Albania, and for Albania, we share a common virtue, which is hard work,” concluded Rama. /j.p/sm/