LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic apologizes to concentration camp survivors (Beta)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has apologized on Wednesday to the survivors of Staro Sajmiste WWII concentration camp and citizens for the camp’s dilapidated central tower, and, as he put it, for the fact that “both the past and the future have been neglected for nearly 80 years”. “To our shame, we have had more important things to do than to care about victims, neglected for ephemeral political goals. This dilapidated place has fallen shamefully into this state of deterioration though our own neglect, as generations have sinned against the victims of Staro Sajmiste,” Vucic said during the official launch of reconstruction of the Sajmiste central tower. The president added that the truth about the camp had been neglected for much too long, and that the 78^th anniversary of its abolishment would see its genuine liberation, adding that he was also proud to be “part of the generation that liberated Staro Samiste.” The reconstruction of the central tower is just the beginning, Vucic said, promising that two museums would be added to the memorial complex, presenting documents, photographs and evidence of crimes against Serbs, Roma and Jews.

 

Several agreements on cooperation between Serbia and Gabon signed (Tanjug/RTV/RTS)

 

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic signed several agreements today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Gabon Mikael Musa-Adam, with the aim of improving cooperation between the two countries, whose relations, as they pointed out, are traditionally friendly. In the Serbian Foreign Ministry in Belgrade, they signed the Protocol on the continuation of the validity of bilateral agreements concluded with the SFRY between the government of Serbia and the government of Gabon, the Agreement on the abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports, the Agreement on cooperation in the fields of science, technology, education and culture and the Memorandum on cooperation in the field of agriculture. “These are extremely important agreements,” Selakovic told reporters after the signing and added that today’s meeting was an opportunity to continue the talks he had during his visit to Gabon in February this year. He stated that today’s talks were an opportunity to affirm the traditionally friendly relations between Serbia and Gabon, and in anticipation of 2023, when, he reminded, the two countries will mark and celebrate 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

 

Djuric speaks with US Senator Tillis about bilateral cooperation (Tanjug/RTS)

 

Serbian Ambassador to the US Marko Djuric has met with Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee. Ambassador Djuric informed Senator Tillis about a whole series of topics of importance for bilateral relations, the Serbian Embassy announced. Speaking about prospects and further strengthening of overall Serbian-US ties, Djuric stressed that increasing US investments and development projects are in the interest of the entire region, and that Serbia, with its stable economic situation and responsible policy, has proven that it is ready to be a regional hub of cooperation. He also conveyed to the senator that Serbia appreciates the US support for its path to EU integration and efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, as well as Washington's appreciation of the contribution that Serbia, as a reliable partner, makes to preserving peace and stability in the Balkans.

 

Dacic meets with Kingdom of Eswatini Foreign Minister (Tanjug)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Ivica Dacic met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini H.E.Thulisile Dladla, in official visit to Serbia. Dacic extended a warm welcome to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, stressing that this visit represents another important step in strengthening relations and cooperation between our two friendly countries. Dacic said we viewed Eswatini as a friend with whom we would like to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas, something he personally advocated as Foreign Minister, and also referred to his visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini in May 2019. He underlined that Serbia is truly committed to the development of comprehensive relations with Eswatini and all African countries with which we share a traditional friendship dating back to the period of the SFRY, and relations based on the principles of togetherness, mutual understanding and support, cooperation and solidarity. Expressing satisfaction with the visit to Serbia, Dladla pointed out that our bilateral relations are based on the tradition of cooperation that existed within the Non-Aligned Movement. She expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid that the Republic of Serbia sent to the friendly people of Eswatini during 2021, as well as hope that the political dialogue and exchange of high-level visits would be intensified in the coming period, such as the visit of King Mswati III to Serbia to be realized in the near future, which would provide an opportunity for detailed agreements on further directions of development of relations, cooperation and specific projects in areas of common interest.

 

Stefanovic and Greek Ambassador discuss crash of Ukrainian airplane (FoNet)

 

Serbian Defense Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic spoke on Wednesday with Greek Ambassador Yorgos Diacofotakis about the recent crash of the cargo airplane operated by a private Ukrainian airline, which was carrying Serbian-made ammunition to Bangladesh, near the Greek city of Kavala, FoNet reported.

 

Lutovac: DS not interested in being part of Vucic’s cabinet (Danas)

 

Democratic Party (DS) leader Zoran Lutovac has said that his party has no interest in participating in the new cabinet to be formed by the Serbian president and Progressive party’s leader Aleksandar Vucic. “Any cabinet formed by Vucic will serve his personal interests and it is entirely irrelevant who will be a minister and who the prime minister,” Lutovac said for Danas. The fact that the president of a country is the one to announce the constitutive session of the new parliament, the Democrat leader added, only confirms that Serbia is a state where “one man makes all the decisions”. According to Lutovac, the Democratic Party will not support any legislative proposals of the ruling majority as it is absurd to back even good laws if there is no rule of law. “In a lawless country, supporting any legislation of the ruling majority means the autocratic leadership, to put a fancy facade over a wreck we are living in. That means that you will either vote for laws that will not be obeyed or laws that will serve as a screen for unhindered rule of organized crime,” Lutovac concluded.

 

Poll: Majority of Serbian citizens opposes sanctions on Russia and NATO membership (NSPM/Vreme)

 

According to a research conducted by the New Serbian Political Thought (NSPM) magazine, the overwhelming majority of Serbia’s citizens are against Serbia imposing sanctions on Russia and the country joining NATO or the EU if it means recognizing Kosovo’s independence. The results also show that the Serbian Progressive Party (SPP) is still favored by the country’s majority. Some 84 percent of the citizens are opposed to sanctions on Russia, while around 60 percent think that Serbia should not impose sanctions even if threatened with sanctions by the EU. On the other hand, 19 percent of the respondents believe that if pressed like that, Serbia should give in. A little over 36 percent are in favor of Serbia joining the EU, while 44 percent are against. However, 82 percent of the respondents said they are against EU membership if it is hinged upon Serbia recognizing Kosovo. The vast majority -- 88 percent -- is opposed to Serbia joining NATO. When it comes to the popularity of political parties in Serbia, the results published in the latest edition of the Nedeljnik weekly show that over 42 percent of people would vote for the Progressive party, 9.4 percent for the Serbian Socialist Party, and around eight percent would vote for the opposition, regardless of the party.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

HR Schmidt imposes technical changes to B&H Election Law (O Kanal/FTV)

 

On Wednesday, after weeks and days of speculations, High Representative (HR) Christian Schmidt revealed his decision regarding the Election Law of B&H. Schmidt used his Bonn Powers and imposed technical changes to the Law, even though many believed he would adopt political changes to this Law. The technical changes should ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The consultations that took place on Wednesday at the Office of the High Representative (OHR) building in Sarajevo were reportedly stormy. Schmidt shouted and pounded his fist on the table, warning the politicians that they have six weeks to find a solution for political changes, otherwise he will impose his solutions. In his direct address to B&H citizens, Schmidt said they have no reason to be worried, and explained that no decision that might be adopted regarding the Election Law would be detrimental for the state of B&H or the interests of the citizens. He promised no decision would lead to any further divisions within BiH, or further discrimination of citizens. Speaking to citizens, Schmidt accused B&H political leaders of being the main culprits for the current situation in the country. He said they bear the biggest responsibility as they have failed not only their voters but also the European Union – to which they promised they would work on reform laws. The HR reminded that none of the reform laws were adopted in B&H in the recent period of time. “There are no first and second degree citizens in B&H. Three constituent peoples live here,” Schmidt said during the press conference, while explaining he imposed changes to the Election Law to improve the integrity of the election process. He said these changes will ensure fair and transparent elections. Schmidt also rejected any war-mongering rhetoric in B&H. “I expect results. I brought a transparency package. President (President of the European Council Charles) Michel should consider other matters. It is important to fulfill obligations with court rulings. We will work to ensure that, apart from some very harsh comments, there is a way to think about it. No one should fear that there is any intention or attempt to deny their rights,” Schmidt underlined. “There must be no discrimination, I invite the responsible politicians to talk about it. I think we have a big job ahead of us after the elections on 2 October. People from Europe will come, they will ask where the progress is,” Schmidt emphasized. He added that he expects actions and results immediately. He said B&H political leaders should act now and finally do something that their citizens and the country need. “This is not a friendly proposal. That is their job. They should stop with the games. Will the High Representative do something? Do it yourself, Schmidt strongly underscored, saying B&H politicians always wait for someone else to make the necessary moves. “If you fail to make some progress, then I will assume the responsibility for making the necessary changes,” the HR concluded.

 

Schmidt meets with representatives of political parties in FB&H (N1)

 

Representatives of SDP, ‘Justice and People’ (NiP), DF, SBB, ‘Our Party’ (NS), HDZ B&H and SDA met with High Representative Christian Schmidt before the decision concerning changes of electoral legislation in B&H was imposed. The ‘Troika’ and DF stated that Schmidt gave them a time-period during which an agreement regarding changes to the B&H Election Law should be reached and if this does not happen, it is possible that changes will be imposed. The details of these changes, like the census and method of electing FB&H leadership were not discussed. President of SDP Nermin Niksic said that they will participate in future discussions and the Office of the High Representative (OHR) will monitor what is happening on the political scene. Representative of DF Dzenan Djonlagic said that he understood that the next meeting in the OHR may take place at the end of August or in early September. He stressed that the option of censuses or any percentages is not one DF will support. President of NiP Elmedin Konakovic said that he is not one of those who believes that an important institution that adopted important decisions needs to be condemned because of the recent events. Representative of NS Predrag Kojovic said that he cannot believe that it is normal to have political leaders threaten with war in B&H in 2022. He said that representatives of HDZ B&H mentioned during the meeting that if other changes to the B&H Election Law are not adopted, there may be issues in the south. Kojovic stressed that no High Representative can fix this and the only ones who can change this are 3 million voters in B&H.

 

Croat People’s Assembly: OHR succumbed to warmongering pressure and calls for violence from Bosniak-Muslim champions (Nova BH)

 

The Croat People’s Assembly (HNS) reacted after the High Representative to B&H Christian Schmidt imposed technical changes to the B&H Election Law. Nova BH carried HNS’ statement which reads: “HNS expresses concern because the OHR succumbed to warmongering pressure and calls for violence from representatives of the Bosniak-Muslim champions. The OHR had the opportunity, along with the imposed decisions on election financing, to fully implement the decision of the B&H Constitutional Court in the Ljubic case and invalidate the unconstitutional decisions of the earlier representatives of the OHR, and during the election, to contribute to the consolidation of inter-ethnic relations. After all the open attacks and uncivilized hate speech, it is clear that the OHR institutions cannot perform their basic duty in an environment based on a militant unitary logic and a war-oriented environment.” HDZ B&H said it is dissatisfied with “partial solutions” imposed by the HR, warning that Schmidt’s giving up on amendments to the election law regarding the election of delegates to the FB&H House of Peoples (HoP) could trigger problems in the south of B&H.

 

SDA on HR’s decision (BHT1/N1)

 

SDA issued a statement after High Representative Christian Schmidt imposed technical changes to the B&H Election Law, where the SDA believes that it is good that the part of the decision related to the transparency of the election process was imposed. SDA stated that Schmidt adopted the only acceptable solution and they would not agree to any other changes before the elections. SDA emphasized they will not support political changes of electoral legislation. SDA representative in B&H House of Representatives (HoR) Alma Colo welcomed Schmidt’s decision on technical amendments to the election law, assessing that the HR did a good thing for B&H and the upcoming elections by imposing the election process integrity package. She stated that this meets one of the key priorities of the EU and B&H’s international obligations.

 

Dodik: Schmidt does not have the right to enter the building of OHR, let alone intervene in legislature of B&H (RTRS)

 

Serb member of the B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik said on his Twitter profile that High Representative Christian Schmidt, who is illegitimate, does not have the right to enter the building of the OHR, let alone intervene in the legislature of B&H. He assessed Schmidt as calculating and speculating, adding that he acts in the interests of Muslims who prefer an illegal foreigner as their lord than Croats and Serbs as neighbors. Dodik said that B&H can survive as constitutional and if it is not constitutional, it will not exist. He said that B&H has a false High Representative, as well as three foreigners in the B&H Constitutional Court (B&H CC). Dodik said that one of the judges is Albanian, one is German and the other is a German from Switzerland. He assessed that in a way, they are once again occupied by Germans in order to impose the civic model and dissolve the Serb identity. Dodik said that the Muslims cannot wait for some foreigner to come and to run them. He said that because of this, B&H has no chance and many in B&H say that this is a failed concept. Dodik said that many say that this concept will not last and that peace needs to be preserved, which is the policy of RS leaders as well. He said that they do not want anything other than peace, but they will use political methods to fight for their constitutional rights.

 

Schmidt imposes only technical changes to B&H Election Law (Nezavisne)

 

Commenting the decision of High Representative Christian Schmidt who is not recognized by the RS to impose technical changes to B&H Election Law, RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic stated that foreigners and people who were not elected by B&H citizens do not have the right to impose any laws, because legislation is exclusively the job of local institutions and political factors. “We have our local institutions which are competent, tasked and responsible to pass certain acts. Therefore, once conditions are met and an agreement on local factors on certain issues is reached, adequate laws will be passed”, Cvijanovic emphasized. Commenting the protests of citizens outside the OHR building in Sarajevo, Cvijanovic described them as hypocritical, reminding that Bosniaks have been constantly calling for interventions of foreigners, but now that the intervention does not suit their interests, they are protesting.

 

US Ambassador Murphy: US gives full support to OHR (O Kanal)

 

The US supports the decisions of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), reiterated US Ambassador to B&H Michael Murphy. He said that the policy of the US towards B&H has been strong and consistent for years, not changing in all that time. Murphy emphasized that the US fully supports the OHR’s work – which also includes use of the Bonn Powers. “We support the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the multi-ethnic character of B&H. We support the Dayton Agreement and the OHR, which is a part of that Agreement. We support a strong OHR and the powers it has, including the Bonn Powers, as well as the decision on using them when believing they should be used. That is the US’ policy since 1995, and it has not changed in all this time,” Ambassador Murphy told reporters.

 

UK Ambassador expresses support to OHR and High Representative (Nova BH)

 

UK Ambassador to B&H Julian Reilly reiterated on Wednesday support to the Office of the High Representative (OHR) which is part of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA). Reilly stated: “This is a complex and difficult question. It is up to domestic political leaders to work for one thing in the best interest of B&H and its citizens. And we have full confidence in the High Representative and his commitment to the inclusive and democratic future of B&H”.

 

Dodik reacts to Izetbegovic’s statement about reviewing of “their” numbers (ATV)

 

SDA leader Bakir Izetbegovic again uses warmongering rhetoric, which caused reaction of the RS officials. “We reviewed our numbers –how many hunters we have, how many young people, how many drone instructors we have, and so on. I will not go any further, but just so you know”, Izetbegovic stated on Tuesday. He adding that he was talking about the possibility of “the worst case scenario” in the country. Serb member of B&H Presidency and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik stated that “participants in the protests against the electoral reform, who are Muslims, have reviewed the number of Croats and said that they can fit in two wagons”, stressing that “nobody, not even Muslims, will review the number of Serbs” but that they should know that the number of Serbs is sufficient.

 

US Embassy, UK Embassy, OSCE condemn inflammatory rhetoric (Al Jazeera/FTV/Avaz)

 

The US Embassy to B&H condemned on Wednesday “the rhetoric of implicit threats and inciting to violence in B&H coming from SDA and SNSD leaders”. “We are shocked and appalled by the inflammatory comments on Tuesday by Bakir Izetbegovic, which predictably invited an irresponsible response from Milorad Dodik.  Thirty years ago, the citizens of this country suffered through a brutal war. In 2022 they deserve better than leaders who appeal to ethnic divisions and foment ethnic tensions. B&H citizens deserve leaders who will work toward the common good and make the difficult decisions necessary for B&H to secure its place in the Euro-Atlantic community of nations,” the US Embassy to B&H wrote on Twitter. UK Embassy to B&H also issued a statement: “The UK strongly condemns the inflammatory and dangerous rhetoric used by some individuals and leaders in recent days. Local political leaders have the clear responsibility to work together to drive forward reforms and agree compromises in the best interests of B&H and its citizens.” OSCE Mission to B&H stated that political situation in B&H is sufficiently complex already, and inflammatory rhetoric, perceived threats and divisive policies are slowing down the real progress of B&H and its citizens, and they increase social insecurity.

 

Plenkovic: Protests in Sarajevo and insults directed at Schmidt made it difficult to make wider changes to B&H Election Law (HRT1)

 

Presidency of the Croatian HDZ held a meeting on Wednesday. One of the main topics were events in B&H and the decision of the High Representative to B&H Christian Schmidt to impose technical changes to the B&H Election Law. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic pointed out that protests in Sarajevo and insults directed at Schmidt made it difficult to make wider changes to the Election Law. Plenkovic also underlined the fact that Schmidt gave political parties in Sarajevo a few weeks to make their own arrangements how to go about changing the Election Law. Plenkovic added that he called on Schmidt to put that topic on the table after the deadline of a few weeks expires, regardless of the insults. Plenkovic stated: “Especially after a series of aggressive statements, some even almost calling for a count. When someone is being counted, they are probably preparing for a conflict. This is Mr. Izetbegovic’s statement, which appalled me and which I condemn. I think that it is beyond all scope, for such a thing to happen, and absolutely leads us to the conclusion that the Bosniak political parties do not want an agreement with the political parties of the Croats in B&H, but want to continue to use their numerical superiority in election matches.”

 

Abazovic: Signing of Fundamental Agreement can be expected in early August (CdM)

 

We all need to work on affirming benevolent messages, PM Dritan Abazovic has stated in response to the question of whether he has understood yesterday’s message by SPC Metropolitan Joanikije to be benevolent. Speaking about the Fundamental Agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church, Abazovic has said that it can be expected to be signed at the beginning of August. The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral says that no change to the Fundamental Agreement is acceptable to it. Abazovic says that everyone defends their positions and represents their interests. “The government has chosen to have an inclusive story related to the Fundamental Agreement,” he has added.

 

Konjevic: I won’t be part of government unless parliament mandate is shortened and PM resigns (Pobjeda)

 

“If the parliament mandate is not shortened and PM Dritan Abazovic does not resign, I will not be the part of the government in which it is not known what the parliamentary majority is,” DPM and Minister of Defense Rasko Konjevic has stated at the conference on the Draft Law on the government. “We are giving a chance to see if we can get out of this crisis. If no agreement is reached, if would be best to organize elections as soon as possible,” Konjevic has stressed. He adds that it is not right to “be prime minister if you do not have a parliamentary majority”.

 

Picula: Abazovic causes another crisis by inviting author of Agreement with SPC to expert team (Pobjeda)

 

“I think that Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic has calculated too risky with the procedure of adopting the Fundamental Agreement, which is why he has found himself in this situation. The postponement of the first meeting of the expert team that should analyze the provisions of the draft Fundamental Agreement is only the latest in a series of alarms that have been set off regarding this story”, says MP of the European Parliament and rapporteur for Montenegro in the European Parliament Tonino Picula in an interview for Pobjeda. He believes that due to the special sensitivity of the situation, it would be much more opportune to involve the wider professional public in the drafting itself through a public discussion, so that the Agreement in that form would gain legitimacy for adoption. Instead, he explains, due to inviting the author of the draft to the expert team, which again looks like a subsequent alibi, Montenegro is now faced with another crisis.

 

Pendarovski proposes phrasing of referendum question: Do you want to join the EU under these conditions? (Fokus)

 

The referendum announced by the opposition should ask the question: “Do you want to join the EU under these conditions?” according to President Stevo Pendarovski in an interview with Fokus. As far as I understand, the question will not be about the constitutional changes, but it will be about the bilateral agreement with Bulgaria and why it is included. If someone does not understand that this bilateral agreement, and also with Greece, is the axis along which we continue towards Europe, and wants it to be gone, it is honorable that the referendum question reads: “Do you want to join the EU under these conditions?”. Without mentioning agreements, points… The opposition should come up with an honest phrasing, and if that’s the issue, all parties should go to a referendum, not boycott, says Pendarovski. The head of state believes that in such a situation, the rules should be changed in order for the referendum to be considered successful if the majority of those who came out to vote voted positively, regardless of whether more than 50 percent of the voters turned out to vote.

 

Parliament ratifies NATO accession protocols of Finland and Sweden (Republika)

 

Parliament on Wednesday voted 103-2 in favor of ratifying the protocols for accession to NATO of Finland and Sweden. It is the first time that the Macedonian parliament is ratifying protocols of new countries aspiring to join the Alliance after the country joined NATO in March 2020. Prime Minister Kovacevski and members of the government openly supported the initiative of Sweden and Finland for membership in NATO, and already in May consent was given for their admission as full-fledged members of the North Atlantic Alliance.

 

100 years of diplomatic relations/ Biden: We will support you on your way to the EU! Kim: Proud of our friendship (Radio Tirana)

 

An activity was held today in the framework of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Albania and the USA, with the participation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, US Ambassador Yuri Kim, President Bajram Begaj, members of the government cabinet as well as some members of the opposition among them Lulzim Basha, former presidents Bamir Topi and Ilir Meta. During her speech, the US Ambassador in Tirana Yuri Kim praised the close friendship and steadfast partnership in a century of relations, while saying that the US is proud to have supported Albania in all the important stages that the country has gone through. "A century ago, the USA recognized Albania as an independent state. On July 28, 1922, the USA and Albania lit a sacred torch that has been passed down through the generations. That torch was kept alive even through the darkest days of communism, it was a torch that was hidden but never allowed to go out. That torch warmed the friendship and forged the common path as true friends and allies. We thank the Americans and Albanians who worked for close relations between us over the years. The USA has never wavered from its belief in an independent and sovereign Albania. We were proud to support you when they came out of the dictatorship, proud that you joined NATO, when you led the OSCE and proud that today you opened negotiations to take your rightful place. The US has never wavered from supporting the aspirations of the Albanian people for democracy and justice," said Kim. Ambassador Kim also shared two messages from former president George W. Bush, who was the first US president to visit Albania in 2007, and President Joe Biden, who congratulated the Albanian nation for this beautiful friendship between them that has fought even the darkest days of communism.

 

100 years of diplomatic relations/ Rama: Without the USA, Albania would not be in NATO (Radio Tirana)

 

Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Albania-USA relations, highlighting that without the USA, Albania would not be a member of NATO or a member of the Security Council today. The history between the two states since 1922, Rama said, has given this depth and level to the relations between the two states, and there is nothing similar in the world. Speaking about the dark times of communism where relations with the USA were severed and the USA was declared an enemy by Enver Hoxha, Rama said that it was that iron curtain that pushed Albanians to love the USA and not to leave. " We are here today for the 100th anniversary, because on July 28, 1922, the official document arrived at the Foreign Ministry informing the Albanian government that the USA recognizes the Albanian government. Without the USA, Albania would probably not exist, and without the USA, Albania today would not be a member of NATO or a member of the Security Council", said Rama.

 

Begaj: The USA is the most powerful defender of our independence; This marked the friendship we have today (Radio Tirana)

 

President Bajram Begaj emphasized that the relationship and friendship that the USA and Albania have today is thanks to President Wilson, who strongly supported Albania's independence at the Peace Conference in Paris. According to Begaj, this marked the beginning of our unique friendship that today marks a century of diplomatic relations and cooperation. "It is a special pleasure that today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the United States of America, our largest strategic partner. A moment of our history is related to the past, present and future of these relationships. An important role in the creation of these relations was played by President Wilson, who won the gratitude of all Albanian hearts. Fan Noli, together with Konica and other veterans, strongly believed in the American policy of the time and put everything they had in the service of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. President Wilson became the most powerful defender of independence and non-ceding of Albania's lands at the Paris Peace Conference. These 100 years confirm the determination to continue cooperation, in difficult and good times, in key moments of history, in challenges of security and peace in the region and in the world", said Begaj.

 

Xhacka: Communist regime could not destroy a consolidated relationship (Radio Tirana)

 

Today marks 100 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Albania and the United States of America. In her speech at the ceremony of this special moment, Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka said that even the dictatorial regime could not undo this relationship. "Thank you for being here with us to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our countries' relationship. Even the communist regime could not destroy a consolidated relationship. This relationship was not canceled because it did not arise from feelings of friendship. Starting with the decisive role played by President Wilson to save Albania from further fragmentation. 30 years ago I was sitting on my father's neck when Beker visited Tirana. Looking back, the time that has passed has justified that belief and enthusiasm. Albania is a completely different reality today. We are today an organization that makes a real contribution," said Xhacka.