Ahmeti: Albanian language to me is not and will never be a matter of negotiation

DUI Chairman Ali Ahmeti, through an open letter, has reacted to debates on Albanian language status in Northern Macedonia, stressing that such issues should not be addressed with “of the day”, but with state responsibility.

In his letter, Ahmeti stresses that stable states build on clear principles and mutual respect, while relating them opens unnecessary debates.

There are issues that should be dealt with, not with the passions of the day, but with the maturity required by the state. There are themes that are neither party property nor political contests, but part of our common agreement to live together, equal, in a common and European state. One of these issues is the status of Albanian as official language”, said on paper.

He points out that equality is not a slogan but a political and moral conviction, adding that the power of the State is in respect of each citizen and every people.

Because the state becomes strong not when one side feels superior, but when each citizen and every people feels respected, recognised and represented with full dignity. Here lies the weight of language: it is not just a means of communication, but an expression of identity, dignity and constitutional equality”, the DUI head said.

Ahmeti is firm that the Albanian language is not a matter of negotiation and is directly linked to the foundations of the state.

The Albanian “juha for me is not and will never be a negotiation issue. I've said it and I'll repeat it without a spare: The Ohrid Agreement is the foundation of this state, and who questions it questions its own future. The Albanian is not a privilege but a earned and guaranteed right with the Constitution”, he further says.

In his response, DUI leader underlines that Albanians have not disputed Macedonian language and Macedonian identity, but have supported a common and European state.

This is the truth that should be stated clearly: the equality of Albanians has not weakened the state, but strengthened it. He didn't violate his coexistence, but he made it more fair”, he said.

Ahmeti warns that any attempt to limit Albanian language status violates constitutional order and state cohesion.

Therefore, any attempt to relate, reduce or weaken the status of the Albanian language is not just a legal debate. It is the touch of a balance built with a lot of political wisdom”, Ahmeti said.

It also expresses concern for access to the Constitutional Court, naming them incompatible with the spirit of the Ohrid Agreement.

“Because institutions, especially the constitutional ones, should be guardians of equality, not the space where what has been acquired as the standard of democratic coexistence” is questioned.

The Venice Commission, which is said to have not listed constitutional violations of the language law, is also mentioned.

The commission has not concluded that the law on language use is contrary to the Constitution or to international standards”.

In the end, Ahmeti emphasises that there is no turning back for acquired rights and that any attempts at restrictions are dangerous for the country's stability.

“Kissing back doesn't! The rights won't be negotiated, nor can they be undone. Any attempt to limit the application of the Albanian language is dangerous regress”.

He concludes the letter with a clear political message:

This is my attitude. Clearly, non-negotiable and irreversible: there is no future without equality, no equality without dignity, and no dignity without Albanian as official language”.

Ahmeti's reaction comes after the Constitutional Court in Northern Macedonia has reactivated efforts to review the Language Law that limit the implementation of Albanian language in the neighbouring country. /Periscope