In a televised interview on the “Opinion” broadcast, Rama stated that he had a private, face-to-face conversation with Basha in one of the parliamentary chambers.

According to him, Basha got everything he asked for and had Berisha’s blessing.

Rama recounted that the meeting was prompted by contacts with U.S. representatives regarding the political situation in the country and the region.
“Hoyt [Brian Yee] came to me and said there was nothing left to discuss — that I had done everything, and that it was a great setback for the Democratic Party, but their own decision. He then said they were leaving because he was going to meet Lulzim Basha. I asked him why, and he replied that it was to give Basha one final chance. Fine. He went, and afterward it came out that a five-point plan had been presented to him,” Rama said.
Rama stated that the decision to go to Parliament and meet Basha came after discussions within the ruling majority. On his way to Elbasan, he picked up Gramoz Ruçi and told him he planned to attend the meeting. Ruçi expressed concern only about two things: the election date might change, but the prime minister should hold his ground. With that understanding, Rama turned back and went ahead with the meeting.

Rama stated that the negotiations took place in a one-on-one meeting at Parliament and that the agreement was reached after Basha accepted the conditions, with Sali Berisha’s blessing.

“At a certain point, I said: ‘Come on, I’m waiting for you in the other hall…’ We entered — it’s a large hall, the one where meetings are held. We sat down and spoke at length. In the end, we came to an understanding. We even had a discussion about who would speak first. I told him, ‘You speak first, I don’t want to speak at all.’ He was concerned: ‘Don’t laugh when I speak.’ I said, ‘No, I won’t laugh at all.’ He said, ‘Don’t laugh when I speak, because you have this habit of mocking everything I say, and this is serious.’”

Rama recounted that he told Basha, “Are you going to ask? Go ahead — I’ve already spoken with Gramoz. You can ask too, in case you have someone to consult.” Basha asked, “Who should I ask?” Rama replied, “Someone wise — you have your own wise advisor.” Basha responded, “You disappoint me; where do I even ask them?” He then said he would give his blessing, and in the end, he did.

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