Albanian Foreign Ministry condemns removal of flag from Israeli embassy in Tirana during last night’s protest

Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has condemned the desecration and removal of a flag from the Embassy of Israel in Tirana during last night’s protest, stating that such actions constitute an expression of hatred and intolerance and bear no relation to freedom of expression or the legitimate right to peaceful protest.

“Such actions have nothing to do with the democratic values and European standards that we have built and continue to strengthen every day. They are a manifestation of hatred and intolerance and are entirely incompatible with the principles of respect and coexistence upon which Albania is founded and which it is committed to upholding,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry further assessed that the incident runs counter to Albania’s long-standing tradition of hospitality, harmony, and respect for others.

“They represent only those who seek to provoke, divide, and spread hatred, while deliberately abusing rights and freedoms,” the statement added.

As emphasized by the Ministry, Albania remains committed to protecting diplomatic missions and their symbols, in accordance with international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

“We express our solidarity with the Embassy of the State of Israel and underline that violence, intimidation, and hate speech cannot and will not have a place in a democratic society,” the statement concluded.

For the 21st time, citizens opposing tourism development projects in the protected areas of Sazan and Zvernec protested last night in front of the Prime Minister’s Office and on the streets of the capital, Tirana. The demonstrators called on Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.