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US: Forget dreams about 'Greater Albania'
12/14/2012
Tirana, 14 December 2012 (MIA) - The United States of America does not support the redrawing of national borders in the Balkan region and any efforts to that effect are counterproductive and destabilizing. Albania's political parties and leaders should focus on what they claim is important: Euro-Atlantic integration, US Ambassador Alexander Arvizu in Tirana said Friday at the 15th International Conference on Security in the Western Balkans.
"Talk of an illusory 'Greater Albania' is a distraction from the very real problems that Albania faces today, and the voters shouldn't fall for it," he said.
Recently the United States has observed an unfortunate rise in nationalist rhetoric here in Albania, especially in the weeks leading up to and following the 100th anniversary celebrations, the Ambassador said.
"This rhetoric contrasts sharply with the overall constructive role that Albania has traditionally played in the region, notably with ethnic-Albanian populations. The Government of the Republic of Albania and political parties – this includes the opposition – have typically issued clear, responsible messages encouraging ethnic-Albanian populations residing outside the country to work with their governments to resolve their issues," he said.
Recently, the US Ambassador said, various political actors in Albania have sought to use negative messages centered on ethnicity for their narrow political ends. This is a dangerous game. Ethnic tensions, once aroused, are difficult, if not impossible to predict or control. It is imperative that responsible individuals refrain from inflaming ethnic sentiment, whether inside or outside Albania.
In addition to potentially destabilizing the region, nationalistic rhetoric and actions damage Albania’s reputation. Because of various controversial statements and assertions made in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary celebrations, two neighboring countries (Macedonia and Greece) canceled their participation in this historic event.
"This may seem like a minor consequence, a footnote to some, but it sets back relations, hinders communication and cooperation, and makes resolving other outstanding issues that much more difficult. And we, the United States, take note of it," Arvizu said.
He fiercely condemned the recent call by the Red and Black Alliance for an Albanian-Kosovo unification referendum.
"It serves neither the country's Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations, and undermines the progress achieved in regional stability and peace, and movement towards European integration," he added.
The US Ambassador also condemned the recent intimidation of ethnic Macedonian minorities in Liqenas by some misguided individuals, saying that such behaviour is completely unacceptable and should be rejected categorically by all Albanians.
Albania's PM Sali Berisha, who was announced as a speaker at the Atlantic Council conference, cancelled his participation at the last minute.
12/14/2012
Tirana, 14 December 2012 (MIA) - The United States of America does not support the redrawing of national borders in the Balkan region and any efforts to that effect are counterproductive and destabilizing. Albania's political parties and leaders should focus on what they claim is important: Euro-Atlantic integration, US Ambassador Alexander Arvizu in Tirana said Friday at the 15th International Conference on Security in the Western Balkans.
"Talk of an illusory 'Greater Albania' is a distraction from the very real problems that Albania faces today, and the voters shouldn't fall for it," he said.
Recently the United States has observed an unfortunate rise in nationalist rhetoric here in Albania, especially in the weeks leading up to and following the 100th anniversary celebrations, the Ambassador said.
"This rhetoric contrasts sharply with the overall constructive role that Albania has traditionally played in the region, notably with ethnic-Albanian populations. The Government of the Republic of Albania and political parties – this includes the opposition – have typically issued clear, responsible messages encouraging ethnic-Albanian populations residing outside the country to work with their governments to resolve their issues," he said.
Recently, the US Ambassador said, various political actors in Albania have sought to use negative messages centered on ethnicity for their narrow political ends. This is a dangerous game. Ethnic tensions, once aroused, are difficult, if not impossible to predict or control. It is imperative that responsible individuals refrain from inflaming ethnic sentiment, whether inside or outside Albania.
In addition to potentially destabilizing the region, nationalistic rhetoric and actions damage Albania’s reputation. Because of various controversial statements and assertions made in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary celebrations, two neighboring countries (Macedonia and Greece) canceled their participation in this historic event.
"This may seem like a minor consequence, a footnote to some, but it sets back relations, hinders communication and cooperation, and makes resolving other outstanding issues that much more difficult. And we, the United States, take note of it," Arvizu said.
He fiercely condemned the recent call by the Red and Black Alliance for an Albanian-Kosovo unification referendum.
"It serves neither the country's Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations, and undermines the progress achieved in regional stability and peace, and movement towards European integration," he added.
The US Ambassador also condemned the recent intimidation of ethnic Macedonian minorities in Liqenas by some misguided individuals, saying that such behaviour is completely unacceptable and should be rejected categorically by all Albanians.
Albania's PM Sali Berisha, who was announced as a speaker at the Atlantic Council conference, cancelled his participation at the last minute.
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