Behgjet Pacolli speaks after Epstein files, but also about Vlora Airport, Rama and the return to politics

Mr. Pacolli, in an exclusive interview, also talks about the issue of controversy about Vlora Airport as well as domestic and regional political issues...

Mr. President, it's been two days since Epstein's case and you've spoken to him, where you've naturally opposed them, but what do you think of where the attack on you?

In terms of media speculation, I want to be clear: I have had no knowledge and no involvement in issues related to persons or cases mentioned recently. I have no concrete information and I have not been part of any such development. That someone told someone who was BP” I couldn't, I couldn't, and I'd never be able to avoid it.

The Vlora airport soap opera has already lost its media luster, but there are still significant political approaches worth returning. Prime Minister Edi Rama stated at the end-of-year conference that “s have already been broken, are hoping to respect the legal terms”. I wanted to ask you what happened between you and the prime minister?

As for the airport, I have never promised anything contrary to the set deadlines in the contract that MABCO has with the Albanian state. As an international company, MABCO stands out for the exact precision and rigorous respect of any legal and contractable deadline. This has been and remains our approach to every project we realise. If someone gets in the way using institutions, I still can't be magic!

Mr. Pacolli has called Kosovo por and Albania to the Peace Board, how do you consider this development, given your participation in the US president's environment?

As for international developments, I consider President Trump's initiative a serious effort to address major global challenges through dialogue and pragmatic approaches. However, it must be acknowledged that countries like Kosovo and Albania have limited economic capacities and cannot bear financial burdens that exceed their economic realities. Their contribution should be seen in the context of the political, diplomatic and human role, not through unrealistic financial expectations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said a few days ago that we are seeking from the US that, together with the peace package in Ukraine, we will have to discuss the Balkans as well. You as an environmental connoisseur in Russia, because you worked and frequented some of the circuits, as you see, could this affect Kosovo?

In terms of the Balkans, I clearly support the region's Euro-Atlantic orientation. The West remains the main guarantee of stability, economic development and long-term security. Any strengthening of co-operation with Western partners brings tangible advantages to peace and investment, while any other alternative historically has produced uncertainty and stagnation.

You are a successful entrepreneur and the world's most famous Albanian in business history. Do you see a potential return to politics?

As far as Kosovo is concerned, I have always believed that the most stable contribution to my country comes from building economic value and from success in entrepreneurship. A successful businessman creates employment, international credibility and co-operation bridge that politics often fails to build. My support for Kosovo has been and remains consistent, based on real actions that motivate real development and not on empty statements with which citizens are fed up. Only willingly, creatively and with great courage to act (work) can you change everything for the better. /Periscope/