Tirana condemns anti-Albanian calls to Kumanovo: Unacceptable, Stronger Reaction Required by Skopje

Authorities in Albania have reacted after the incident took place in Kumanovo during the basketball match between Northern Macedonia and Romania, where a group of fans called with racist and anti-Albanian content.

Albania's Ambassador to Northern Macedonia, Denion Meidani, emphasises in a post on social networks that “the hate zone has no place in sports, nor in society”.

“The insulting calls in Kumanovo are alarm for all of us. Living together requires daily commitment, respect for game rules and for each other not only in tribunas, but everywhere”, Maidan claims.

Albania's Ambassador to Skopje highlights that “is carefully following institutional reactions and I expect the highest authorities in Northern Macedonia to speak clearly, strongly and responsibly”.

Albania's Parliament Speaker, Elisa Spiropali, described the incident as an unacceptable act and a reminder that the path towards a fair and inclusive society requires a “continuous commitment”.

Yesterday's “image in Kumanovo, where a basketball match was tarnished by extremely insulting and exclusive calls to Albanians, is unacceptable and a reminder that the way to a fair, comprehensive society and mutual respect requires continued commitment.

The hate language that promotes violence, ethnic conflict, and racism has no place in any public space, much less in sports, which essentially carries the spirit of unity, cooperation, fair play, and respect for another”, Spiropali stressed.

Spiropali praised the response of the RMV institutions, simultaneously demanding even stronger public response of top officials in the friendly country.

The interethnic union in northern Macedonia is a common value on the European road, which must be maintained and cultivated responsibly by all factors in the region, through action, attitudes and example. Correct behavior in the fields, in the tribuna and institutions talk a lot about our vision of the future”, Spiropali stressed.

Chief editor Spiropali said that “Albania and Albanians remain steadfast in promoting a model co-existence and away from emerging fashions and paint”./Periscopi/

Kurti still no word for anti-Albanian calls to Kumanovo