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The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, stated this Thursday that Albania is continuing to coordinate with allied countries within NATO and the OSCE, in the high-level meetings that are being prepared in these organizations and in dialogue. with the European Union for a coordinated response that will include heavy sanctions against Russia.
In her speech in the Assembly, Xhaçka considered the Russian occupation of Ukraine as an attack on European security that became flagrant today, where according to her it makes even more necessary a united front in defense of basic principles that include our region.
“Albania has played and is playing a leading role in this regard: In the region we are not only a member of NATO, but also a country that is 100% in line with the positions of the European Union in foreign and security policy. Albania has not been satisfied only with words and political line with the EU, USA, UK and other real countries: since the beginning of the year we have joined the economic sanctions that the EU has imposed on Russia, taking upon itself the sanctions that Russia has imposed as reaction. Yesterday we decided to join the European Union statement that strongly condemned Russia’s decision to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities and the subsequent decision to send Russian troops to these areas – a statement that stated that there would be sanctions additional to Russia. “We will join these sanctions as well.” said the Foreign Minister.
She stressed that our country has long insisted that in this time of resurgence of attacks on European security and efforts to build spheres of influence it is crucial not to allow third actors to play a destabilizing role in our region.
“In defense of stability and security in the region and in Europe, we have long and consistently stressed the concern about the destabilizing Russian influence in our region and the need to counter them. Albania has maintained an open, clear and reasoned position on Russian policy in the region and beyond, a position that is consistent with that of the US and the EU and that makes this position of our country distinct in the region. We are closely following the position of the countries in the region, but we believe that even in this case the role of Albania as a moderate, stabilizing and constructive factor will help reduce the consequences in the region as a result of military intervention in Ukraine, a situation which may reactivate extremist or violent elements, as well as activate destabilizing political scenarios“, Said Xhaçka.
According to her, as a NATO member country, our responsibility for maintaining security and stability in the Western Balkans and beyond increases even more, adding that such a thing makes Albania even more distinct and capable of play a leading role in the region.
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs closed her speech with the attention that our country has paid to the Albanian citizens who are in Ukraine, although in very small numbers and with families created there for years.
“Since 10 days ago, the MFA has called for departure from Ukraine, giving the contact numbers made available. Since then, our Embassy in Warsaw and the Consular Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been in contact with these Albanian citizens. To date, they have not sought assistance in leaving Ukraine. Only today, 3 citizens have requested assistance, as they have cut the plane ticket and the flights have been canceled. We have suggested crossing the land border with Poland or Romania and our embassies in these two countries are ready to receive and assist them.“, Said Xhaçka.
According to her, regarding the Albanian citizens in the OSCE Mission to Ukraine; of the 11 employees in this Mission, 6 have left and 5 others are in Ukraine. “We are in contact with the OSCE for the implementation of the evacuation plan and we have constant contact for each of the second ones”, said Minister Xhaçka.
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