During the plenary session held on Thursday, the Albanian Parliament did not approve the request submitted by the Democratic Party for a resolution condemning the Serbian genocide in Kosovo. The details of the vote on this request were not made public, but it resulted in its defeat, reports "RTSH".
DP leader Sali Berisha said that Albania should have immediately approved Kosovo's resolution recognizing the Serbian genocide.
"During 1998-1999, the barbaric Serbian forces committed a massacre against the defenseless population in Kosovo. Those who have trampled on their blood, their sacrifice of this terrible genocide are not people, and no longer Albanians. They are at the level of primitive humans, that of animals, but you cannot present yourself as such. We should immediately adopt the Kosovo resolution on genocide, to deny the genocide in Kosovo means to be a being without human, social, national conscience. This is beyond any concept," said Berisha.
Support the TIME. Preserve the truth.
Professional journalism is in the public interest. Your support helps it remain independent and credible. Contribute too. 1 euro makes a difference.
Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeBerisha stressed that the Serbian genocide must be reacted to with national unity, while accusing the Socialist Party of stepping on this genocide, as according to him, Rama "is a servant of Vučić."
"Can an Albanian kick over these data on genocide, you do this because your leader is a servant of Vučić. You should react to genocide, how are you so insensitive to a more fundamental issue in human conscience and national conscience," said Berisha.
This request by the Democratic Party for a motion with debate on issuing a resolution recognizing the Serbian genocide in Kosovo continued with clashes between the ruling party and the opposition in the Assembly.
Defense Minister Pirro Vengu stated that no one can give the government lectures on patriotism for Kosovo, emphasizing that the Prime Minister's positions have been clear and publicly articulated even in Belgrade regarding its recognition.
"You cannot give us patriotism lessons about Kosovo. The Prime Minister has repeated in the middle of Belgrade the request for recognition of Kosovo, not only behind diplomatic quintessence. This government has not only promoted development projects with Kosovo, but has included it within the framework of regional strategic and military cooperation. There are no patriotism lessons here, but come to the protest tomorrow, let's join forces and be a united nation, because these issues require national unity," said Vëngu.
On the other hand, the MP of the "Mundësia" Party, Erald Kapri, opposed the minister's statement, accusing the government of a lack of coherence in its stance towards Kosovo. He stressed that Kosovo "deserves a different approach and attention from this parliament" and that this issue should not be used for political rhetoric.
"I did not act pathetically patriotic, if we come out for Kosovo and mention Rama in Belgrade, tell me who is responsible for Open Balkan, who is responsible for the warm relations with Belgrade without any results, who is responsible for the conflict he has today with the Prime Minister of Kosovo and at the most difficult moment of the intervention in the north, the Prime Minister was against it. Kosovo deserves a different approach and attention from this parliament, it cannot be political rhetoric. If we want to come out on Kosovo's side, the parliament should at least express itself with a resolution," said Kapri.
Meanwhile, Socialist MP Ulsi Manja, in his speech from the Parliament podium, reacted to the DP's request for a motion with debate on the recognition of the Serbian genocide and the Democrats' accusations about Prime Minister Rama's positions on Kosovo, claiming that he has maintained warm relations with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Manja stated that Prime Minister Edi Rama is an excellent advocate for the Kosovo issue, adding that he has maintained strong diplomatic positions at the tables where European and international politics are discussed.
"I would ask you not to involve us in the north-south sensitivities, Kosovo is an essential part of every Albanian and every person who has Albanian blood. As for Edi Rama, he does not need a lawyer, but in my capacity as a former minister I have had the good fortune to accompany him on several official visits to Europe and I say publicly that he is an excellent lawyer for the Kosovo issue. With strong diplomatic positions, at the tables where European and international policy for Kosovo is actually made, he has strongly requested the recognition of Kosovo's independence by 5 EU countries that still refuse to recognize Kosovo", said Manja.
He said that Socialist MPs will be present at tomorrow's protest (October 17) in support of the KLA, not as politicians, but as citizens.
The DP's request was rejected.