Albanian PM rejects criticism over response to Serbia's Kosovo remarks

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama dismissed criticism from opposition parties over the government’s response to comments by Serbia’s Minister for Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Snezhana Paunović, regarding alleged ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.

In a social media post, Rama said it was unreasonable to expect every public figure, institution and authority to respond to every controversial statement made in Serbia, including by figures he described as previously unknown, CE Report quotes ATA.

“The idea that every person with a public voice, every institution and authority must respond to every absurd statement made in Serbian – even by figures whose existence was known only to their families until they uttered such nonsense – shows how little those who raise the alarm and demand explanations for why this or that person did not react actually respect themselves and their country,” Rama wrote.

He said the government had responded through Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, who has officially condemned the Serbian minister’s remarks.

“We have reacted through the Foreign Minister, as any state that respects itself does. Those who expect us to become a hysterical chorus every time someone in Belgrade makes a reckless statement are looking in the wrong place,” Rama said.

The Prime Minister also criticised opposition figures for what he called attempts to exploit such issues for political gain, saying they were seeking opportunities to “pose as fighters on the front line.”

Photo: Facebook/ediramaal