YouSaid · the spoken record

Bujar Nishani

lines on the record: 56
first: 2012-09-24
most recent: 2016-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In conclusion, I would like to confirm once again the determination of Albania to continue its support for the United Nations agenda, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which seeks to ensure sustainable development in all countries, We also support efforts to further strengthen and enhance the role of the Organization on the global level.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Albania is fully committed to the process of European integration, and we consider the prospect of European Union membership as an indispensable stimulus for far-reaching reforms in the interest of strengthening the rule of law and achieving sustainable development in my country. The European Union is facing severe challenges, especially after Brexit, but Albania is determined to pursue the path of reforms, considering European integration its major objective and its best — and only — alternative.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Albania will continue to strongly support the expansion of the international recognition of Kosovo and of the active role that it can play as a fully fledged member in all regional organizations, just as we support the inexorable process of its membership in international organizations. That process supports inclusive international policies and Kosovo’s contribution to global policies, and also strengthens peace, security and development in the Balkan region. Today, Kosovo is recognized by 109 United Nations Member States, and I am convinced that soon other Members of the Organization will recognize it, contributing to the further strengthening of peace and stability in the region of South-East Europe and beyond.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Kosovo has made extraordinary achievements in consolidating its democratic institutions, good governance, the multi-ethnic coexistence of religions and, in particular, progress in the Euro-Atlantic processes. The independence of Kosovo has served to strengthen peace, stability and security and has inspired reconciliation in the region. In that spirit, we support and encourage — with no hesitation — progress in the ongoing dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which is being mediated and facilitated by the European Union and supported by the United States. We consider those talks to be a very suitable platform for ironing out all of the outstanding issues so that they can set their sights towards the future.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The energetic engagement of Albania in that context and its active and constructive role in all regional initiatives have helped to strengthen political, economic and human development among all partner countries in the region, with the goal of establishing an integration agenda among those countries, the European Union and the Western Balkan countries as part of a common journey of regional countries towards European Union membership. Albania supports Kosovo’s participation in all multilateral, regional and international activities, based on the fundamental principle that all countries in the region should actively participate in and contribute to the process of regional cooperation.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Those acts affect peace and security in North- East Asia, as well as worldwide, and Albania therefore demands that that country comply with and enforce international law and the United Nations resolutions. Albania devotes special attention to regional cooperation in its entirety. Our foreign policy is maximally oriented towards the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations with all of the countries of the region and their full-fledged integration into Euro-Atlantic processes.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Albania also confirms its support for the efforts of the United Nations to facilitate a peace process in Syria, and it hailed the engagements aimed at establishing peace in Syria, opening and securing the humanitarian aid and assistance routes, and fighting Da’esh and Al-Nusra with determination. But the developments that have unfolded in recent days and hours are 16-29667 3/58 very worrying. The attacks on and interruption of humanitarian aid convoys to the civilian population undermine the efforts to reach an armistice and put an end to the violence. Albania has recently followed with concern the nuclear tests carried out in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and has condemned them as open, systematic and provocative acts in violation of the resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Furthermore, Albania has strengthened its role through participating in missions of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, improving its strategic partnership with the United States and the European Union and engaging seriously in the fight against terrorism and combating threats to peace and security in the world. Since September 1996, Albania has contributed 6,528 troops to international peacekeeping operations. Albania believes that the peace process in the Middle East can be maintained through negotiations and that the parties involved should take advantage of the energy and attention provided by the international community actors towards a final and lasting solution of this issue.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Albania is ready to share its experience with other countries and peoples. Given the policies that it has pursued over the past two decades, Albania has become increasingly active in contributing to security issues in the international arena. My country has ensured its role and is strengthening that role through its proactive membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, its clear support for and concrete commitment to the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy mechanisms of the European Union, and its support for and participation in United Nations operations and in the policy advisory assistance missions carried out in Afghanistan and Sudan.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Albania reaffirms its support for Security Council resolutions 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014) and 2253 (2015), which require States to take the measures necessary to ensure respect for and the upholding of human rights, as well as address the issue of so-called foreign fighters and the financing of international terrorism. At present, Albania is enlisted in and, like other proactive countries, is committed to fully implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Given our experience of many centuries of peaceful, harmonious religious coexistence, as well as the need to address this challenge domestically, Albania is implementing a pilot programme for preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism through education, with the ambition of turning that programme into a platform of dimensions wider than a purely domestic one.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Terrorist attacks, especially those with religious motivations, have intensified in recent years, striking with ferocity and savagery at the major cities of France, Belgium, Turkey, Kuwait, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon and many other countries across the world, aiming to intimidate our societies and bring them to their knees. In this context, Albania appreciates the pivotal role played by the United Nations in the global fight against terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism, as we consider the Organization as a key actor. Albania also supports the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674) and the active role of the United Nations in finding political solutions and addressing the root causes of conflict in areas so affected.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I take this opportunity to compliment once again the Secretary-General on the report published earlier this year entitled “One humanity: shared responsibility” (A/70/709), as well as to reaffirm the support of my country for the basic principles set out in that report. It offers us a complete picture of the sad reality of human society, the humanitarian situation and human rights around the world. Another fundamental challenge to the common values of human society is the fight against international terrorism and violent extremism. A few days ago, the citizens of New York, the city in which we have gathered today, and all other American citizens felt the pain and grief of commemorating the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place 15 years ago.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Today, realities on the ground and at the policy level are leading, even forcing, us to change our approach at the regional level and beyond, in order to take qualitative steps forward in our work, approach and cooperation on migration. Albania, as a European Union candidate country and in anticipation of the opening of accession negotiations, has embraced all of the positions and commitments of the European Union whenever required and necessary. Even within the framework of the Agenda for Humanity, Albania has joined the European Union positions and will contribute with all of its potential and capabilities to meeting those commitments.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Albania was among those countries that quickly ratified the Paris Agreement, with the sole aim of contributing to the acceleration of its entry into effect and becoming active as soon as possible. In May, I welcomed and attended the first Global Humanitarian Summit, organized and held under the auspices of the Secretary-General in Istanbul. I would note in particular Albania’s support for the Agenda for Humanity and the view that a shift from perpetual crisis management to effective management in the area of prevention and early action is urgently needed. I am convinced that this Agenda will help us to translate the initiative into action for the good of humankind and generations to come. Albania is joining in the international community’s efforts to deal with migration and refugee flows in a consistent and coordinated manner.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I take this opportunity to announce that Albania is determined to be active at the third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, which offers a unique opportunity for the adoption of a new urban global agenda to strengthen relationships and synergies among urbanization and sustainable development and climate change. The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement are rightly considered to be opportunities to create a better life for present and future generations. The implementation of these two international documents, in the context of which Albania is working proactively, is rightly considered a key global strategy for coping with climate change, achieving sustainable development and addressing international assistance and peacemaking and peacebuilding issues.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Albania also views the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as an international platform for strengthening the connection between development and security, in the belief that the Agenda will serve as a guide for our action aimed at sustainable development over the next 15 years for peoples, the planet, peace, partnership and prosperity. Albania is a pilot country in designing the global indicators for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16, for peace, justice and strong and consolidated institutions.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Its engagement is focused on humanitarian aid; its contribution to regional stability and security; sustainable development; ratification of the Paris Agreement and the depositing of the instruments of ratification with the Secretary-General; the implementation of all of its commitments in the field of security and its appreciated and assessed contribution at the regional and international levels; and playing a proactive role on international platforms for the promotion and advancement of human rights.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I take this opportunity to assure the Assembly that my country has the necessary sensitivity to the challenges facing the world today and that it supports all common efforts to address them, with an unwavering conviction that conflict prevention and ensuring global peace and security, with a focus on the attention paid to people and to human society, require close cooperation and coordination. In addressing these challenges, Albania is inclusively and comprehensively engaged in crisis prevention.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I would like to express deep appreciation for the substantial vision and role of the Secretary-General and his contribution at the helm of the United Nations by drawing our attention to fundamental issues associated with values and human dignity and to issues related to peace and security on our common planet. This year Albania celebrated the sixty-first anniversary of its membership in the United Nations, and it is with legitimate pleasure that I emphasize that my country remains faithful to the principles of the United Nations Charter and makes a maximal contribution, using all of its potential and capacities, to ensure peace and safety and to improve human rights.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“It is a special pleasure for me, in my capacity of Head of State of the Republic of Albania, to address the General Assembly at its seventy-first session. At the outset, I wish to greet, and hail the election of, the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Peter Thomson, and to wish him good luck and every success in fulfilling the agenda and the ambitious commitments undertaken. Above and beyond the honour and privilege of addressing the Assembly, I also feel a specific responsibility to provide a modest contribution, especially during this important time of regional and global developments, when our attention has been focused on ensuring sustainable development.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Albania’s determination to continue its support of the United Nations agenda and strengthening the role of the United Nations globally.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Moreover, by reaffirming the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights, Albania is committed to bringing a national and regional perspective into the Council’s deliberations and advocacy of human rights worldwide. We are aware that our membership in the Council for the 2015-2017 term is a challenge bearing great responsibility to justify the confidence of Member States. On the other hand, Human Rights Council membership would serve as an impetus for my country to further democratization and to raise human rights standards. Therefore, Albania, after obtaining the endorsement of the group of Eastern European States, would welcome and appreciate the support of all other Member States for its candidacy to the Council.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The protection and promotion of human rights are one of the national priorities and part of Albania’s foreign policy. Albania offers a valuable model of respect for diversity, tolerance and coexistence for the Balkan region and beyond. For the Albanian people, tolerance and hospitality are inherent values derived from our national tradition. The presentation of Albania’s candidacy for membership on the Human Rights Council for the 2015-2017 term is only a logical consequence of our road towards building a society based on human rights. We are confident that Albania has accumulated valuable experience in democracy over the years that it can share with other member countries of the United Nations.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We remain convinced that the quick and full implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement represents a condition indispensable to the sustainable stability of Macedonia, to the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, and to fulfilling and realizing the rights of Albanians. Albania encourages the continuation of dialogue between the Belgrade authorities and the Albanians of the Presheva valley to promote their rights in accordance with international standards, focusing especially on solving economic, social, educational and cultural problems. During the past two decades, Albania has been transformed from a totalitarian State into a functioning democracy. Progress is evident, above all, in the field of human rights.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Albania fully supports the process of dialogue and calls for the full implementation of the agreements reached. To date, Kosovo has been recognized by 108 States Members of the United Nations, representing more than half of the United Nations membership. Recognition has without doubt been an important factor in Kosovo’s progress. That is why, as before, we call on the countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so, since in so doing they would not only help the people of Kosovo advance towards their future but also contribute to peace and stability in the region.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Kosovo has become an important factor for peace and stability in the region, and Albania fully supports its overall development, as well as its stability and territorial integrity within its current borders. Kosovo’s progress, the new atmosphere in the region, and the need for the region as a whole to move towards more cooperation and prosperity have led down the path to successful European Union-sponsored talks between Kosovo and Serbia as two equal partners in seeking concrete solutions to technical issues of importance to their citizens. Time has shown that engaging in dialogue was a wise decision. Dialogue has produced concrete results, brought the two countries closer to each other, and facilitated and sped up the European Union integration path for both States.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Like every country in the region, we have expressed our willingness to conduct joint reforms that will bring increased economic stability and prosperity for our citizens and that will open markets and attract foreign investment. The Republic of Kosovo is one of the members of our Western Balkan community, the youngest State in the region. In less than six years as an independent State, Kosovo has managed, through a transformative development agenda, to enjoy wide, uninterrupted international recognition and to successfully integrate into international, regional and global organizations, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Bank for Development, the Venice Commission, the South-East European Cooperation Process and others.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“European integration and cooperation in our region, and the geopolitical and security situation in Europe, have changed significantly in recent months. The Western Balkans, of which my country is part, is an important geo-strategic European region and one that recently committed fully to a path of increased political stability, economic progress and sustainable development, with strengthened cooperation, security characterized by good relations with its neighbours, and peace consolidation. The European route is the best guarantee for achieving these objectives in our region. We are committed to resolving various bilateral issues as soon as possible, in the interests of our people and our neighbourly relations. We are fully aware that we must enact a number of measures to eradicate corruption and organized crime.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Terrorism remains a major threat to international peace and security, and the fight against terrorism is a priority that requires a greater commitment. We are aware that this global threat can be countered only with collective action and a powerful response. Albania condemns in the strongest terms all terrorist attacks by terrorist groups and organizations in Iraq and Syria, including and especially by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Conscious that terrorism is a threat without borders, a threat to human values and principles as well as to individual countries and regions, Albania has joined the recently created international coalition aimed at deterring and eventually defeating ISIL.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The number of people living in extreme poverty has been halved since 2005, but with the deadline just months away, a lot remains to be done. But another ambitious long-term sustainability agenda, designed to succeed the MDGs, is in the making. Albania has been an active participant in the global consultations focused on making the people’s voices part of the formulation of the post- 2015 development agenda. Albania has agreed to test a proposed development goal on governance and the rule of law designed to help countries achieve sustainable development. We hope our experience in monitoring governance, the rule of law and effective, capable institutions will help to inform the upcoming post-2015 agenda of the United Nations.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The case of Ukraine is no exception. With these crises and disasters erupting in a frightening pattern and the world spiraling into insecurity, development has also been under stress. The United Nations has contributed to raising global awareness of the challenges facing development and the sustainable solutions that can bring economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection and put our planet on a sustainable path. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) created one of the most successful global anti-poverty drives in history. Covering poverty, hunger, maternal and child health, gender equality, education and the environment, the MDGs have seen important progress at the national, regional and global levels and have improved the lives of millions.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Despite all the propaganda that Russia spewed forth, the Ukrainian crisis had nothing to do with protecting the rights of ethnic Russians. It was much simpler — from the first, it was about the ambition of a more powerful country to redraw another’s borders in order to satisfy its appetite for its neighbour’s territory. Although the Security Council has been unable to act on this issue, the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly not to accept Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. The States Members of the United Nations, including Albania, made clear their support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and their full respect for the norms and principles of international law, and we reiterate that international relations must be governed by full respect for the principles and norms of international law and the Charter.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Unfortunately, like many other initiatives on Syria, the effort was vetoed in the Security Council. We reiterate and reaffirm that the perpetrators of atrocities in Syria must be held accountable and that the people of Syria deserve relief and justice. The events this year in Ukraine have been deeply worrying. What we thought was behind us once and for all, what we believed belonged to the history books and would serve as a lesson for today’s generation and those of the future — acts violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another country, blatantly infringing and undermining the Charter of the United Nations — was unfortunately exhumed by a Member of the United Nations, a permanent member of the Security Council, the Russian Federation.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Only a negotiated political solution that considers, protects and respects the rights of all the communities concerned can help rebuild trust and understanding, turning the page on a better future for the youngest country in the world. It is hard to find the words to describe the situation in Syria. After more than three years of deadly fighting, the country is barely liveable. Every kind of horrible act has happened there. More than 170,000 people have died, millions are refugees, and large parts of the country are in ruins. With fighting and mass atrocities being committed every day, any hope of ending the war is a remote dream for those still trapped there. Albania joined the initiative taken by some 60 States Members of the United Nations to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“With so many resources and so much knowledge and manpower invested in dealing with the various and complex crises around the globe, it is simply impossible to ignore the contribution the Organization has made to the world, year upon year, decade upon decade. Yet in 2014 the challenges to peace, security and human values have continued, necessitating more responsive, coordinated and swift reactions on the part of the United Nations. We deplore the events in South Sudan, where tragedies have been played out and continue to shake human consciences. Fighting along ethnic lines has brought far too much suffering to the innocent population.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We support its strengthened role and contribution to efforts to preserve peace and security, eradicate poverty, inequality and disparity, achieve sustainable human and economic development, and promote respect for and protect human rights as a universal value of humankind. A more fitting United Nations, with the ability to swiftly respond to man- made or natural crises and effectively use available human and financial resources, is key to achieving those objectives in view of an increasingly chaotic and hungry world. Maintaining, restoring and strengthening peace and security constitute one of the three pillars of the work of the United Nations.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“It is a great pleasure for me to address the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session. First, allow me to congratulate the President of the Assembly on his election to that post and to assure him of the full support of my country during this session. I believe that, under his leadership and given his prior experience, he will further advance the achievements of his predecessor, who worked with dedication to achieve concrete results. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the Secretary-General for his vision and leadership at the helm of the United Nations and his continuing efforts to revitalize and reform the Organization. Albania is committed to an efficient and coherent United Nations, fit for its purpose as a multidimensional system.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That merit-based decision will constitute another milestone in Albania’s journey to European integration and will place our commitments and our responsibilities at a higher stage of the process. In conclusion, let me assure the Assembly that Albania remains committed to international cooperation and is determined to continue to offer its contribution to advancing peace, freedom and security, and respect for human rights, fighting poverty, promoting sustainable development and prosperity, and, last but not least, protecting the environment.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In the areas of getting credit and of protecting investors, Albania ranks twenty-fourth and sixteenth, respectively, putting it among the top reformer countries. On our road towards sustained development, progress and prosperity, we remain fully engaged and committed to carrying out all reforms and taking all of the measures required to continue successfully on the path to European Union integration. This is not an alternative but a long-term choice carefully pursued over the years, and we are determined to make it happen. In the weeks ahead, we expect a favourable decision by the Council of Ministers of the European Union on our bid for the status of candidate country to the European Union.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“During the period from 2007 to 2012, average economic growth has been 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), peaking in 2008 at 8 per cent of GDP. Since 2008, Albania has had a f lat tax of 10 per cent; corporate tax has decreased from 25 per cent to 10 per cent; personal income tax has dropped from 23 per cent to 10 per cent; and dozens of fees have simply been eliminated. The Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012, published by the World Economic Forum, ranks Albania seventy-eighth out of 142 countries/economies. The World Bank report Doing Business 2012: Doing Business in a More Transparent World ranks Albania eighty-second out of 183 economies in terms of ease of doing business.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“What war failed to do, propaganda will not achieve either. While Serbia’s leaders speak of partition and the redrawing of borders, and while they make troubling statements denying genocide in Srebrenica, one is right to ask whether the past continues to loom over the present there, obscuring reality and distorting their vision of the future. Albania has maintained strong positive economic growth despite the impact of the global financial and economic crisis. The pursuit of macroprudential policies and well-anchored structural reforms focusing on privatization, fiscal probity, trade liberalization, the business climate and the energy and financial sectors have enabled Albania’s economy to become the most resilient of the economies of South-east Europe.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Just a few days ago, the Republic of Kosovo reached another level of State consolidation with the end of the phase of independence supervised by the international community. I take this opportunity to congratulate the authorities of Kosovo on their continued progress in building and strengthening a democratic State and a multi-ethnic society, and I call on all those countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo to consider a review and assessment of that irreversible reality in the South-eastern European region. The recognition of Kosovo is an act of justice for a people that has suffered for too long, and represents a net contribution to peace and stability in the Balkans. We have already heard, and we are prepared to listen once again to the same old redundant arguments from Serbia regarding Kosovo.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Let me point out here that the establishment of the independent State of Kosovo five years ago has become an important factor of peace and stability in the South- east European region. It has become stronger and overcome all kinds of obstacles created by those who still cannot accept reality and face the truth. As time passes, independent Kosovo is being recognized and accepted by an increasing number of States — close to half of the States Members of the United Nations. The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo (see A/64/881), rendered in 2010 upon specific request from Serbia, clearly ruled that the independence of Kosovo was in conformity with the international law.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Today we look to the future with hope, in a spirit of deliverance, and with strong confidence that the coming century will be marked by continuous peace, economic progress, and cultural and intellectual revitalization. Our region, which was once a troubled hotspot and a sick area of Europe, has been profoundly and positively transformed. Six new States have been born out of the former Yugoslavia in the course of the past two decades. We all know that it has not been easy, and we all know why. But what matters most is that everywhere in the region societies have evolved, the ghosts of the past have ceded their place to new realities, and people, in particular the young generation, are more than ever turned towards the future.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Albania remains deeply worried by the Iranian nuclear programme, which continues to raise serious questions as to its nature instead of providing answers and guarantees, as requested over the years. We must prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear threat. In November this year, my country will celebrate the centenary of its independence. We will commemorate a century that saw a diversity of events, which were not always among the happiest ones. Many have described the Albanian people as survivors of harsh chapters of history. They are not wrong: the Albanian people have suffered unwanted wars, forced movement from their lands, assaults and attempts to annihilate them, unjust partitions and, during the second half of the twentieth century, bravely resisted five decades of communism. All this has come at a stiff price.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Have we not already learned the hard lessons of similar mistakes in the past tragedies in Rwanda and Bosnia? Albania fully supports the peace process between Palestine and Israel. Albania reiterates its position in support of the two-State solution: a secure State of Israel and a viable State of Palestine, living side by side with each other in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the road map. The peoples of both Palestine and Israel are exhausted by that never- ending conflict, and their leaders should shoulder the responsibility of undertaking a legitimate quest for freedom and peace, with long-term vision and goodwill, and against extremists. The world longs to see the peace process in the Middle East shift from a pattern of stagnation and become an inspiring example of difficult yet indispensable compromises.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We reiterate our strong condemnation of the ferocious repression of the freedom-loving people of Syria, whose blood is being shed through the primitive attacks on the part of a regime that has irretrievably forfeited its legitimate right to lead and represent the Syrian people. Let me join all those calling on the Security Council to step up and comply with its duty, as mandated in the United Nations Charter, to preserve peace and security. It is hard to believe that one can remain indifferent to events such as the terrible ones that have been unfolding every day in Syria for a year and a half, with tens of thousands of human losses and the widespread, deliberate destruction and suffering that have already set the country back by decades.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Today, Albania participates in peacekeeping missions in several international operations within the framework of the United Nations and other regional security organizations, including in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq and more. My country acknowledges and supports every effort towards global peace and security and will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations, NATO and other actors to promote peace, stability and security around the world. Global peace and security continue to be challenged by tyranny and oppression in various parts of the world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We condemn with indignation the terrorist act against American Consulate staff and premises in Libya and demand that the perpetrators be punished. We also condemn any act of violent protest against the Western embassies, whose mission it is to promote understanding and cooperation among countries and nations. With a foreign policy based on peace and good relations with all nations, its modest but important contribution to international missions aimed at safeguarding peace and human rights through a policy of good neighbourliness, as well as its efforts to play a moderate and constructive role in the region, Albania has become a direct contributor to stability and security on the regional and global levels. We are determined to maintain and further build on that record.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Although we were saddened and embittered by the worthless video that deliberately targets what Muslims everywhere consider sacred, Albanians, Muslims and Christians alike have expressed their indignation by simply ignoring such nonsense. We regret that the reaction to it in some parts of the world was different, used instead to fuel blind violence by angry, hopeless crowds, with fatal consequences. We must be clear: any form of terrorism or extremist act on the part of isolated, malevolent groups should never be confused with the position or identified with the attitude of an entire society or Government. No legitimate anger can excuse illegitimate violent acts that Governments, societies and political and religious leaders should firmly oppose.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)