Tahiri: Kosovo politicians not involved in protests in Albania, would do historical damage to two countries

Asked about the claims of the Vetevendosje Movement's involvement in protests in Albania, though such a thing has been denied by this party, Tahiri for Online Economy, said the demonstration is a democratic right, but stressed that Kosovo should not become part of domestic political developments in the Albanian state.

What I want to say about protests in the Republic of Albania is beautiful and simple. Proposal and demonstration is a democratic tool and it is up to the institutions of the Albanian state to address this issue, and those who have the demands and the Albanian state to address it. So that's not our inner issue. My request is that none of us take the courage to intervene, neither protest, nor establish political cause in Albania, because it does not help Albania either, says Tahiri.

He said Albania is at a crucial moment of its European journey and that any involvement from abroad could harm this process.

“Albania is only two steps ahead of its membership in the European Union. The protest is democratic -- how the Albanian state and institutions treat it -- is their issue. But one thing I know: the centuries-old enemies of Albanians, Albania, want to see Albania stumble in its path towards the European Union. This is the most historic process of the Albanian nation after Albania's declaration of independence and after Albania's NATO membership. It is EU membership”, he said.

Tahiri said he has seen Vetevendosje exhibits in protests, but added he does not want to prejudge the protest himself.

“In this sense, let it be the protests, it happens, but not to evolve the Kosovo Albanians, not to involve political parties, because we have no experience of Vetevendosje's political party protesting and we don't know why. I don't want to judge the protest, it's not mine. However, as someone who has high public office and has had high positions, I know that Kosovo's enemies, Albania's enemies and Albanian enemies look good in their agenda to prevent Albania from becoming a member of the EU, portrayal of Albanians and their connection to the radical Islamist element, as well as to non-Western agenda. Above all, the goal is destabilisation”, he said.

Tahiri called on political parties and citizens from Kosovo not to interfere with political developments in Albania, stressing that Albanian citizens must decide for themselves for their political future. I have a direct call for all of them: to look at our jobs in Kosovo, because we have enough problems. Let's not lay down our hands and evolve in a matter that is theirs, it's the protesters', it's the government's. This is the historic damage to Albanians, Albania and Kosovo. It is not up to us to deepen the division, it is up to us to deliver messages of unity and let the citizens of Albania decide who they want to lead. Proposal is democratic, while Kosovo's evolution is a direct attack on the Albanian state in an extremely vital and sensitive situation for Albania”, Tahiri added.