In a statement posted on the X platform, Rama wrote: “To those who think they can derail my mission to bring our flag to the pinnacle of a United Europe with mudslinging, cheap attacks, and venom, I say this: for the first time in the history of the Albanian state, we have established an institutional system capable of purifying itself. This is a monumental achievement—one that did not simply fall from the sky, but was forged precisely through the persistence of this mission!”

Rama made it clear that the constant, overwhelming lies blasting day and night could never break him. /e.i/a.f/r.e/p.s./

The Albanian-French mission will continue excavations during the current year to document the structures and further discover the heritage of this medieval city.

Director of Shkodra Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage Helidon Sokoli told Albanian television that the archaeological mission will return again during the summer to continue the research. Sokoli said that the project “The Drin Valley in the Middle Ages” will go ahead this year at the archaeological site of Sarda, on Shurdhahu isle. The Albanian-French mission, planned to take place from late August to mid-September, will focus on the upper part of the city hill, where there is being documented an early medieval church. According to Sokoli, the goal is to complete its full documentation and more accurately determine the period of construction.

The project “The Drini Valley in the Middle Ages” is being implemented in cooperation between Albanian and French institutions and aims to further uncover the history of one of the most important medieval centers in the north of the country. Before the excavations, Shkodra Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage specialists have also cleared the area of ​​vegetation to facilitate the work of archaeologists. /a.f/p.s./

Commissioner Kos highlighted that Albania’s achievements in the accession process are the result of over a decade of hard work. She commended the country’s unique determination and the remarkable enthusiasm of its citizens, stating no other candidate has done so much in this process.

“Great achievements take years of hard work. The accession process isn’t just about reaching the finish line, but about being fully prepared when we get there”, Kos said in a conversation with the Albanian chief diplomat.

“Therefore, when someone puts in doubt that Albania is truly among the best performing countries, my answer is simple: show me another country that has done so much, with such determination and with such support from its citizens. No other candidate country has done this. Therefore, please, continue on this path”, said Kos.

During the reception, Minister Hoxha stated that the Intergovernmental Conference was a truly historic moment for Albania and that with the approval of the IBAR, we now have confirmation that the work being done in Albania is serious, credible and effective.

Hoxha thanked Commissioner Kos and every colleague in the European Commission services who have contributed to this essential process for Albania. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

In a post on the social network X, Hoxha expressed his gratitude for the contribution of the participating countries to the NATO mission in Kosovo, emphasizing their professionalism and commitment to guaranteeing a safe environment for all communities.

“Albania highly appreciates the vital role that KFOR continues to play in maintaining peace, security and stability in Kosovo,” Hoxha said.

The Albanian chief diplomat emphasized that KFOR has played a decisive role in addressing security challenges, especially in northern Kosovo, contributing to maintaining stability and creating conditions for dialogue, strengthening institutions and long-term peace.

Hoxha underlined that Albania remains committed to supporting the Alliance’s efforts in the region and is proud of its contribution to KFOR with a significant contingent.

“As a NATO member state, Albania will continue to support Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and its gradual approximation to the Alliance’s standards and practices,” he stressed.

According to the minister, Kosovo’s security is closely linked to Albania’s national and regional security interests, while stability in Kosovo directly contributes to the security and prosperity of the Western Balkans.

Hoxha added that, while KFOR’s presence remains indispensable, Kosovo’s long-term security will increasingly depend on the strengthening and professionalism of its security institutions.

He stressed that support for the further development of Kosovo’s security capacities, in close coordination with NATO and international partners, remains essential for a secure and sustainable future in the region. /p.s./

During a press conference, Berisha expressed his gratitude to the citizens who participated and emphasized that, “This is an ongoing battle”.

“Every Albanian must have it crystal clear that the confrontation for Albanian democracy is a matter of life and death”, said Berisha.

According to him, “The elimination of the opposition means elimination of internal national sovereignty”.

“But, a criminal gang can never annihilate the opposition”, said Berisha.

The DP leader called on citizens to escalate the protest so that to bring down the government and the establish a caretaker government.

“Our battle goes on until victory. I call for escalation of the struggle until our mission is fulfilled. And our mission is the removal of this government, a technical government and free elections. It is inevitable for the opposition coming to power”, said Berisha. /m.q/a.f/p.s./

Asked whether he had ever thought about leaving the post of prime minister, Rama replied: “No, because what I say is often interpreted in many ways, but never exactly as I mean it.”

Rama said his commitment to the role is constant and deeply personal, viewing the premiership as a responsibility to the country rather than a conventional political position.

“I have never seen this as a job, a profession or a coincidence. I have seen it as a mission,” he said.

“My mission is to take Albania, with the help of God and the Albanian people, into the European Union,” Rama added.

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The ship will serve a six-month deployment as part of maritime security operations in the Mediterranean.

In a statement on social media, Vengu praised the role of Albania’s Armed Forces in international missions, noting their “pride and responsibility within the Alliance” and their key role in life-saving operations.

Vengu said he visited the vessel before its departure to extend his best wishes for a successful mission and to commend the professionalism and dedication of the crew, led by Captain Jetnor Balla.

Albanian crews have carried out five successful operations in the Aegean this year alone, rescuing over 120 people. Since the start of the mission, Albanian forces have conducted 29 operations in total, saving more than 700 lives.

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Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) held a press conference today on the opening of the election observation mission for the elections.

Ambassador Zannier said that the mission follows an invitation from the local Albanian authorities and will consist of a team of Tirana-based 12 experts.

According to Ambassador Zannier, the mission will also include 26 long-term observers who will be based in Tirana and distributed throughout Albania, while 300 short-term observers will arrive a few days before election day.

On election day, Ambassador Zannier emphasized that there will be a larger mission with delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and a delegation from the European Parliament.

“As has been the case with the OSCE/ODIHR mission over the years, the objective of the election observation mission this time is to evaluate how the elections will be conducted, whether they will be more orderly in line with Albania’s OSCE commitments, as well as with international obligations and standards governing democratic elections, and of course whether they are in line with domestic legislation,” he added.

To achieve this objective of the ODIHR mission, Ambassador Zannier emphasized that, “We will closely monitor all aspects of the elections, including developments before and after election day.”

“Some areas of interest will be implementation of the legal framework; the conduct of the campaign, including on social media; the work of the election administration at all levels; the resolution of election-related disputes and media coverage,” he added.

The observers will also monitor the implementation of previous ODIHR recommendations.

Zannier stressed that part of this process will also include systematic meetings with representatives of state authorities, political parties, civil society, and the media.

“Today, it’s the official start of the mission. I had several introductory meetings with the Election Commissioner and several members of the CEC, meetings that were useful and constructive,” he added.

The head of the ODIHR observation mission delegation also announced that, in the context of transparency, the mission will have an interim report on its work two weeks before the elections.

“One day after the elections, we will give the preliminary findings of the mission, which we will present at a press conference. And in the end, there will be carried out the general evaluation process of the elections through the final report, which will also contain the relevant recommendations and which will be published a few months after the elections,” he emphasized. /j.p/r.e/p.s./

Responding to a commenter on his “Sy m’Sy” social media show from Berlin, where Albania is showcasing its tourism potential as the host country of the global tourism fair in the German capital, the government head underlined that the country’s tourism boom has earned it a major role in this event.

“It was just a few years ago when Albania couldn’t put a foot on the doorstep of this event, while today Albania is the Country of Honor of the global tourism show in Berlin,” he said.

The government head stated that “the end will come once Albania secures a spot at the EU leaders’ table.”

“There is no surrender. This is a battle we will lead to the end and the end for me is once Albania secures its spot at EU table alongside France, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, as equal member of the European family. This is my mission and I won’t give up before accomplishing this mission,” PM Rama said.

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“Sitting Albania around the table of the European Council as a full-fledged member is my mission, whereas tarnishing the country’s image is the only thing the marsh owl does,” PM Rama said in a reference to the main opposition Democratic Party chairman Sali Berisha.

In a message on his social media show “Sy m’sy,” the government head voiced confidence that his ruling Socialist Party will secure a fourth consecutive term in the May 2025 elections and that Albania will become a member of the European Union before 2030.

“That’s why I am here. I want to win the fourth term in office to press ahead with the country’s EU membership process,” he said.

The Premier underlined he will keep insisting on delivering on this vision and mission, despite the smear campaign against him.

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