YouSaid · the spoken record

Ilir Meta

lines on the record: 54
first: 2002-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
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

“Kosova has established a solid constitutional and legal framework that provide for unprecedented protection of the rights of minorities and their cultural heritage. This is fully in line and often exceeds the relevant European acquis in terms of human rights protection. Kosova is today a member of many international organizations and regional initiatives. The membership of Kosova to all the international organizations, United Nations included, would not only benefit Kosova, but also the whole international community. In concluding Mr. President, I would like to reaffirm once again Albania’s committed support to a reformed and reinvigorated rule-based order, with the United Nations at its centre. We, Member States, must do our part in upholding and strengthening the multilateral system in order to benefit from it.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We encourage and welcome the fact that the Albanian factor continues to support the European and Euro Atlantic course throughout the region, strengthening at the same time regional cooperation and ownership of ambitious projects. We welcome the agreement on economic normalization between Kosova and Serbia, brokered and guaranteed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. We remain hopeful that this agreement will inject new dynamism in the relations between Kosova and Serbia. Both countries should seize this opportunity to conclude a final and legally binding agreement of mutual recognition and full normalization of their relations, with the mediation of the European Union. Albania strongly believes that the Republic of Kosova is an exporter of security and stability in the Balkans.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, Albania is aware of its obligations as a responsible member of the international community. In its ongoing efforts to build peace and security, Albania has contributed with troops, under the umbrella of UN, EU and NATO, in different peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, Kosova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mali and Afghanistan. Our primary goal and interest are to ensure lasting peace and stability in our region, the Western Balkans. Our region has had a tragic history of dictatorships, oppression and military conflicts. Despite the difficult legacy that still haunts the region, significant progress has been made over the past two decades, largely thanks to the cycle of reforms triggered by the ongoing NATO and European Union enlargement processes.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This process requires a concert of efforts at national level, with a determined government leadership heading the way towards genuine and sustainable reforms. Renewed commitment is expected to deliver concrete results in key benchmarks related to democratic functioning and rule of law, which will have to reflect crossparty political consensus and serve to the overall stability of the country. We have expressed our sincere gratitude to European institutions and member states for their assistance in recovering from the earthquake that struck us and the COVID-19 pandemic repercussions. Albania continues to fully align itself with EU foreign policy in the region, taking pride of our firm European and Euro-Atlantic alliance of shared values. Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The exceptional story of how Albanians risked their lives to protect and rescue the Jews during the Holocaust is a remarkable expression of our spirit of tolerance, compassion and respect towards our fellow human beings. Albania is proud to offer the world a message of co existence and dialogue between religions. It’s a message that can serve as a powerful antidote against rising intolerance and violent extremism that undermine peace and security. Distinguished delegates, European Union accession continues to be Albania’s most important strategic objective. Earlier this year we welcomed EU Council political decision to open accession talks with Albania. We are fully aware that we need to fulfill the pending benchmarks before the first intergovernmental conference.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“One of the traditions that we value and cherish the most it’s the unique interreligious harmony that reigns in Albania. Although Albanians traditionally belong to different religious — they have peacefully lived side by side, since times immemorial. When Pope Francis visited Albania in 2014, he spoke of “religious fraternity”. Last year, we organized in Albania a regional conference, “Religion as an Instrument for Peace”, in collaboration with the US State Department, with the aim to advance religion freedom as a fundamental human rights issue. This precious heritage of interreligious and cultural tolerance defines who we are as a nation.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We will offer a proactive contribution to international peace and security through our own regional experience, as a key factor for peace, stability, and security. We will take an active, constructive, and mature approach and we will act with responsibility to strengthen multilateralism through partnerships and cooperation. I seize this opportunity to call on all the esteemed nations of the General Assembly to support Albania’s Security Council bid for 2022-2023. Mr. President, In today’s complex and interconnected world, modest countries like Albania may not be expected to compete with their economies and material assets. They can, nonetheless, contribute in enriching the world with what they have most precious: identity, history, culture, traditions and values.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This is undoubtedly a global threat, affecting especially those countries with fragile economies. Distinguished delegates, Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship 2020 is a tangible demonstration of our steadfast commitment to promote international peace and security through dialogue and multilateral co-operation, at a time of raising tensions and polarisation. In its capacity as Chair of the OSCE, Albania has strongly supported the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for a global ceasefire. In order to continue to actively participate in creating stability and security, Albania has presented its candidature for election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, for the mandate 2022-2023. Albania firmly believes that multilateralism is key in tackling global challenges.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As Albania strives to make full use of its economic potential, we have aligned our national priorities and objectives to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the National Strategy for Development and Integration. Very important objectives of this Strategy are the protection of Roma and Egyptians communities, persons with disabilities, and other potentially vulnerable and marginalized groups. Progress has also been made in terms of gender equality, with the number of women working in state institutions and public administration growing by the day. Mr. President, We need to pay special attention to the needs of the most vulnerable groups, especially to those of young people. The economic effects resulting from the pandemic will lead to increased numbers of unemployed young people, prompting them to flee their country of origin.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Rescue and relief experts were deployed immediately, supporting our national authorities alongside partners from Europe and elsewhere. And then COVID-19 hit. The World Health Organization has accompanied our response every step of the way. Jointly, the UN has also prepared a socio-economic response plan to ensure coordinated action across the UN, and efficient support to the national response. Albania is working hard to achieve the United Nations global goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent in the next decade, and to net zero emissions by 2050, in accordance with Paris Agreement. In addition, we have adopted the Strategy on Climate Change and the Mitigation Action Plan of greenhouse gas emissions.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the United Nations for mobilizing support in terms of personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to more than 130 countries, as well as to ongoing efforts to accelerate research and development for a vaccine, which should be affordable and accessible to all the people across the globe. Mr. President, 2019 was a difficult year for Albania. We were struck by two powerful earthquakes, which left more than 50 people dead and a billion of US dollars in damages. We are grateful to those friendly nations who helped us in our time of need, and provided financial and in-kind support to our ongoing reconstruction efforts. We are also grateful of the support that we have received from the United Nations, that proved to be a true partner. Its agencies were engaged from day one.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In this regard, we strongly support the vision and the ambitious reform agenda of the UN Secretary-General. Albania is convinced that a reformed United Nations will deliver a more integrated and system-wide approach to achieve the 2030 Agenda and make sure no one is left behind. Distinguished delegates, At this critical moment, we must respond to the fears and hopes of the people we serve. In order to flatten the curve of the pandemic and prevent a global economic crisis, we must react collectively, in the spirit of unity and solidarity.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“How we respond will determine how fast the world recovers, and will shape our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and manage other global challenges. The global response to the coronavirus pandemic has tested multilateralism and exposed the limitations of existing international institutions. But it has also demonstrated the alarming consequences of faltering global cooperation. The pandemic has shed a new light on humanity’s need for a strengthened multilateral system, based on the principles and ideals enshrined in the UN Charter and the international law. The United Nations should be at the centre of an inclusive and effective multilateralism, where international organizations, financial institutions, civil society, the business community, and other stakeholders, operate through closer institutional links.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The 75th anniversary of the United Nations is a historic milestone and should serve as a time of reflection on how to strengthen the UN and make it more effective in addressing the global and unprecedented challenges that our societies are facing. Mr. President, The COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world into a deep health and economic crisis. Its socio-economic consequences will certainly play out for many years to come, with unpredictable consequences for global peace and security. The current crisis threatens to slow down and even reverse the progress on the new Sustainable Development Goals. Food security, poverty eradication, economic development, climate change and gender equality are at stake, exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities and inequalities within and among countries.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary-General, Distinguished delegates, Let me begin by warmly congratulating His Excellency Ambassador Volkan Bozkir of Turkey, on his election to the prestigious post of General Assembly President. Mr. President, Albania is honoured to serve, under your leadership, as Vice- President of the 75th session of the General Assembly, representing the Eastern European Group. You can fully count on our committed support and partnership, throughout this historic session. Mr. President, During the 75 years of existence of the United Nations, we have had plenty of reasons to be proud of. As a result of global cooperation in the framework of the UN, we have managed to prevent major military conflagrations and reduce human suffering.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Collective efforts are needed to address collective challenges.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Finally, I would like to address the issue of climate change, which affects every country and continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, at a high cost to peoples, communities and countries. The historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change of 2015, which is based on the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, provides a legally binding international commitment to engaging with concrete action. Albania has adopted corresponding strategies and action plans and is taking the necessary measures to protect the environment and reduce gas emissions. It is quite clear that the consequences of climate change are moving faster than we are. We must prevent climate change in order to ensure the existence of the planet and save future generations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“As a country with valuable contributions to the enforcement of peace, stability and progress, our respect for and strong desire to protect universal human rights and our strong faith in multilateralism, Albania seeks to serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period from 2022 to 2023. To that end, we stand ready to engage constructively in conflict prevention and various peace operations, both in the United Nations and in other regional security organizations, in order to implement sustainable development policies and contribute to universal respect for human rights. Albania is committed to protecting and promoting all human rights and supports the integration of the human rights dimension into the agenda of United Nations.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We have always welcomed and supported the efforts of all sides and those of the international community to find a solution through negotiation. A few days ago, on behalf of Albania, I expressed, our full support for the principles and implementation of the declaration on the Global Call to Action on the World Drug Problem, initiated by the United States. We all need to take bold action and work together to eliminate drugs from the lives of our young people and children and save our societies and our national security and public health. For that reason, we must strengthen international cooperation and build a common basis of understanding of the problem, including taking effective measures against it. In that context, I would also like to underline that Albania enjoys excellent cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The situation in Libya also continues to seriously concern us, and we affirm our strong commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Libya and emphasize the need to de-escalate the violence there and combat the spread of terrorism. We have supported the efforts of the international community to develop an inclusive political dialogue among all parties on the future of Libya as the only way to stop the conflict and resolve the Libyan crisis, which is a seriously threatening situation, and not only to its immediate neighbours. The conflict between Israel and Palestine is still undermining peace and stability in the Middle East. A two-State solution will realistically enable both sides to fulfil their aspirations, put an end to the conflict and achieve a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In that regard, Albania hails the progress that has been made under the leadership of the United States of America on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and considers it a very positive step forward, not only for that region but the entire planet. Another issue of serious concern threatening peace and security is the ongoing conflict in Syria. We support all the actions taken by the international actors to end the conflict and stop the use of chemical weapons. The humanitarian situation has worsened, and that tragedy has produced millions of displaced persons and war refugees, which also threatens the security of neighbouring countries and the European continent.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Our contribution is a significant part of the collective efforts to fight illegal migration in the Mediterranean Sea. We are part of the NATO maritime mission in the Aegean Sea and assist the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in stopping migrant smuggling. Albania believes that the protection of civilians, women and children is of crucial importance in peacekeeping operations, because the life of every person is precious. We welcome the growing attention to the role of regional organizations in security issues. In that connection, we greatly appreciate and welcome the close cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union on the platform of the Common Security and Defence Policy. If we are to have a safer and more peaceful planet, concrete steps must be taken.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“His platform for the revitalization of the United Nations is promising, and we support it. Allow me to note that more than 6,500 members of the Albanian armed forces and civilians have participated in international peacekeeping operations since 1996. They have contributed to operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chad, South Sudan, Afghanistan and other countries. We have pledged to continue our modest but steady contribution. Albania has been aligned with all of the United Nations initiatives aimed at fighting terrorism and has ratified 12 of the 19 related United Nations conventions and protocols. Albania joined the immediate response as part of the global struggle against violent extremism and, notably, the Global Coalition against Daesh. As a NATO member, we tripled our troop contribution to Afghanistan last year.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Albania fully supports a more effective United Nations agenda through a more integrated peace and security architecture, with peacekeeping operations as vital instruments and a flagship activity of the United Nations. We support the recent Action for Peacekeeping initiative of the Secretary-General, and we have endorsed the declaration on that initiative. Albania fully supports Security Council resolution 2242 (2015) and the substantively similar resolutions that were adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council on the review of the peacebuilding architecture (resolutions 70/262 and 2282 (2016)). We remain confident that Secretary-General Guterres will keep up the momentum for a revitalized role for the United Nations, with a special focus on peace and security in the world.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Let us bear in mind that for the Balkans, the past is notoriously linked to border changes, ethnic cleansing and violent massive displacements. However, over the past two decades, the region has undergone a tremendous transformation, thanks to the support and involvement of the United Nations and the serious political, social and economic investments of the United States of America and the EU. We call on and welcome every effort on the part of the States Members of the United Nations to promote the international recognition of Kosovo and further support its membership in regional and international organizations. Based on the stability and positive developments in Kosovo, Albania supports a reduction in the number of meetings held by the Security Council on the reports on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The combined commitment of both NATO and the EU is the best guarantor for all the countries and citizens in our region. That positive momentum can also nurture further progress in the EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The dialogue has entered its final stage and is expected to be concluded with a legally binding agreement on the comprehensive normalization of relations between the two States. It is of paramount importance that the expected agreement should embody positive energy while fostering the European values of inter-ethnic coexistence and harmony. It is extremely important that the agreement mark a breaking away from history and the past and improve the daily lives of the peoples in both States.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We consider that the recently reached agreement between Greece and Macedonia has the opportunity to become a historic achievement. We have called on all political actors in Macedonia, including local Albanian leaders, to be actively engaged in ensuring the success of the referendum to be held on 30 September and to support a vote in favour of the agreement. NATO’s open-door policy towards the Western Balkans remains vital and will be decisive in anchoring the region to the NATO security umbrella and ensuring responsible local ownership. In that context, I strongly welcome the recent messages that our strategic partners sent to Macedonian citizens. Those messages echo their determination to uphold the immense investment over the past two decades in establishing stability and security in the Balkans.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Albania’s national strategy for development and integration enshrines the same strategic vision and objectives for development — good governance, the rule of law, a competitive and sustainable economy and the promotion of, and respect for, human rights and fundamental freedoms. As we look forward to a future decision to open accession negotiations with the European Union (EU), we remain committed to progress, with domestic reforms in key areas. We also consider the EU prerogative of open regional cooperation to be an indispensable policy. With ongoing processes aimed at maintaining peace and integration in the Balkans, we believe that every bilateral achievement among our countries contributes directly to greater peace, security, stability and economic development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is in that spirit that we fully support the vision of Secretary-General Guterres for reform and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals at the national, regional and international levels. We strongly believe that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is universal, because it is relevant and applicable to all the countries of the world. Albania has taken a clear stance through a unanimous resolution adopted by the Albanian Parliament that expresses our firm commitment to implementing and achieving those Goals. Albania presented its national voluntary report in July, incorporating a combination of its European agenda objectives with those of sustainable development. I would like to emphasize that those strategic documents are fully compatible and in line with our national strategic project for European integration.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The United Nations was created in a concert of sovereign wills that produced a corpus of rules and good practices to guide our efforts to find global solutions to global problems. The United Nations has no life of its own outside the will of its Members, nor is it immune to evolving changes and developments. The United Nations has grown as the world has become more global. The issues of democracy, human rights, security, development, technological advances and the worldwide web, the environment and many more increasingly feature on the United Nations agenda, just as they dominate our domestic policies. Albania takes seriously its responsibility to be active in this debate and thereby add relevance to our part of the world.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Let me first join all the other speakers in congratulating and wishing success to President Espinosa Garcés. Albania wishes to assure her of our full support in her tasks and mission. The theme of this general debate, “Making the United Nations relevant to all people”, takes us to the heart of multilateralism, the kind that our nations have built through global leadership and shared responsibilities for the benefit of peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies. While we share the belief in the need for the constant pursuit of reform, we remain faithful to the fundamental principles of the Organization. We continue to see the United Nations as a multilateral instrument through which peaceful international order is safeguarded.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We are convinced that the commitments undertaken by our countries in connection with those initiatives will soon be embodied in joint efforts aimed at creating a better world for everyone.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I should like to take this opportunity to thank the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme and the other specialized agencies of the Organization for their efforts to assist the Albanian Government in implementing its development programmes and projects. I would like to emphasize that this is a special year for the United Nations. Many important events have taken place in connection with such issues as the rights of children, the ageing of populations, nutrition, the fight against poverty and environmental protection. Albania has contributed to those events. On this occasion, on behalf of the Albanian Government, I would like to pay tribute to the outcomes and initiatives of the Summit on Sustainable Development, held at Johannesburg a few days ago.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The United Nations must strengthen its role in preventing and resolving conflicts as well as in ensuring peace and stability. In that respect, its cooperation with regional security organizations should continue, based on the best examples of the past. In promoting peace and development, the United Nations should use more efficiently the available financial resources, aiming at their better management but also at tailoring its projects and programmes to the specific needs of beneficiary countries. The Albanian Government welcomes and supports the efforts of the Secretary-General to reform the Organization and hence to enhance its efficiency.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Albania welcomes the steps taken by the international community to bring peace and stability to the Middle East and expresses its confidence that both parties to 10 the conflict will join the international community in its efforts to find a permanent solution. Our region faces many challenges that its countries must confront together. The United Nations has an important role to play in uniting the efforts of individual Members to create the necessary synergies to deal with those challenges. Armed conflicts, terrorism and international organized crime, poverty, the violation of human rights, contagious diseases, natural calamities and environmental pollution are problems that require not only the commitment of all our countries, but also coordinated and efficient joint action by the United Nations based on the principles of the Charter.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Any hesitation or indecisiveness with regard to implementing United Nations decisions and resolutions concerning Iraq would be a challenge to the international community and could have grave consequences for peace and global security. We are convinced that, as President Bush said a few days ago in this Hall, we cannot stand by and do nothing while dangers gather. We must stand up for our security and for the permanent rights and hopes of mankind. Together with the entire international community, the Albanian Government is following with concern the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Our position is that a solution to that conflict can be found that will bring about a sustainable and lasting peace.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The Albanian Government has also taken action to set up and strengthen specific State structures to prevent and fight against terrorism. Those structures are also responsible for and capable of offering full cooperation on an international level. Albania has praised and supported the activity of the United Nations peacekeeping Mission in Afghanistan and is currently contributing troops to that Mission. We have followed with deep concern the developments in the Middle East and the threat that Saddam Hussein's regime poses to security, peace and global solidarity against State-backed terrorism. The Albanian Government reaffirms its position, which demands Iraq's full compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Terrorism has become a common enemy from which none of us is immune. Nevertheless, our determination to fight that enemy is resolute, and it gives us an opportunity to build a more secure and more peaceful world. Albania was among the first countries to align themselves with the international coalition against terrorism. This year, in compliance with Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), Albania has taken legislative, executive and administrative actions to fight against that phenomenon. At present, Albania has a complete legal framework that provides for the control, investigation and punishment of potential terrorist acts and of persons who are linked to or support such acts. Albania has become a party to the 12 United Nations Conventions related to the fight against terrorism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In March, Albania successfully concluded its chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process, while in April it assumed the presidency of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. We are confident that, during the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of member States of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation process, to be held in Tirana in October, the participating countries will reaffirm their readiness to strengthen their political and economic cooperation and to translate it into programmes and projects. One year after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, our hearts still feel the pain of the loss of innocent lives. The endangering of peace, freedom and democratic values — a challenge that faces all United Nations member countries — calls for the creation of a unified front.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We look forward to the early creation of a stable, long-term government, having as its major objective the full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, the essential condition for the maintenance of peace, stability and democracy and for the continuation of the reforms in our neighbouring republic. The European integration processes have increased the awareness of Albania and that of the other South-eastern European countries of the role and importance of regional organizations and initiatives. They are efficient instruments that bring countries together, not only in the form of political cooperation, but also by intertwining their interests in many fields, such as trade, transport, culture and education. Fighting organized crime is another dimension of such cooperation.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We welcome the recent democratic elections in the Presheva valley, and we strongly believe that those elections will contribute to the strengthening of stability in that region. The integration of Albanians into all levels of the central and local administrations and the protection and respect of their rights will no doubt bring positive developments to that area, to Serbia and to the region at large. The Albanian Government is interested in developing cooperative and good-neighbourly relations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We welcome the democratic elections held recently in that country.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The future status of Kosovo must simultaneously satisfy a number of elements and principles, such as the right of all its citizens to express themselves on these and other matters regardless of their ethnic background; the will of the international community; and the need to guarantee the stability of Kosovo and the region itself. The status of Kosovo depends on its stability. In accordance with its long-term vision of regional cooperation and European integration, Albania has committed itself to promoting further its relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The recent upgrading of those diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level and Albania's initiation of a 9 number of bilateral agreements are concrete examples of that commitment.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Albania encourages and supports a stable and sustainable Kosovo as a constructive and complementary element of the region's stability and integration. This means that Kosovo should be open in its relations, not only with Albania but also with Serbia and all other countries of the region. Albania sees the future of Kosovo from the perspective of regional and European integration processes. This future requires democratic standards, such as the consolidation of democratic institutions, the strengthening of the rule of law, the return of Serbs and the normal functioning of a multi-ethnic society there.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is our conviction that the local election to be held this October will be conducted in full compliance with international standards and will contribute further to the consolidation of institutions and the democratization and Europianization of Kosovo. The Albanian Government hails the cooperation between the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and Kosovo's elected institutions. We are convinced that those relations will be further strengthened in the future to the benefit of all the citizens of Kosovo. Albania supports Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), as well as the efforts and commitment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo, Mr. Michael Steiner. Albania views relations with Kosovo in the broader perspective of regional stability, cooperation and integration.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“This is the philosophy of building on common values for a common future. As stated two days ago in Kosovo by the External Relations Commissioner of the European Union, Chris Patten, Kosovo has undergone important changes that could not have been imagined three years ago. The building of self-governing democratic institutions in Kosovo was a tremendous achievement by the people of Kosovo and the international organizations led by the United Nations. The normal functioning of those institutions, with the participation and representation of all its citizens, will create the necessary conditions for the further normalization of political, economic and social life in Kosovo.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“With its vision towards the future, Albania has made serious efforts towards the regional integration of the countries of South-Eastern Europe on the basis of the European Union model. We believe that this model of reconciliation and cooperation, which was designed and implemented after the Second World War, is the model that the Balkans should embrace and implement with courage while leaving their bloody inter-ethnic conflicts behind. In that context of cooperation and integration, the free movement of people, goods and capital throughout our region should become a tangible reality for our countries and their citizens. We have to be aware that what we have in common today, and what we will have in common in the future, is more important than the bitter heritage of past differences.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Albania is strongly convinced of the need to strengthen regional cooperation on the basis of the principles of friendly and good-neighbourly relations, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the protection of human rights and liberties. Albania has made a valuable and internationally recognized contribution towards the strengthening of peace and stability in the region. Strongly convinced that Albania's internal stability is essential to the stability of other neighbourly countries in the region, and after having completed our tasks at home, we have sought to promote throughout the region the philosophy of co-existence and tolerance, instead of that of hatred and inter-ethnic and religious differences.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We hope that the ongoing fruitful partnership between Albania and NATO will be recognized and encouraged at the Prague summit. 8 During the last few years, the region of South- Eastern Europe has experienced a new era of positive changes. The new liberal mentality is significantly taking hold in the consciences of the citizens of our societies. We are confident that this part of Europe will soon become part of the European common future. But, unfortunately, the traces of extreme nationalism and xenophobia that continue to exist remind us that we have a long way to go before we are able to escape the past and establish genuine democracy in our region.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Joining the European Union has been a permanent major objective of my country. The expected commencement this fall of negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union will be the best form of encouragement for the comprehensive reforms being carried out in Albania. The whole Albanian political spectrum, including the Government and the opposition, is committed to the achievement of this target. Albania pays special attention to the Atlantic dimension of that integration. Our aspiration for full membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is in line with NATO's strategic interest in strengthening peace and stability in South-Eastern Europe. We believe that the wider the geographic spread of this organization, the more secure international peace and stability will be.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“To combat this, the Albanian Government has made concrete commitments to end human and all other forms of trafficking coming from, and going through, its territory by severely punishing perpetrators to the full extent of the law, as well as by eliminating the causes that create the conditions for such phenomena to take place. The political stability of the country has also witnessed very positive developments. The recent presidential election, which has been conducted for the first time with the broad consensus of all parliamentary parties, is further contributing to that stability. The overall reforms we are undertaking have had as their point of reference the standards of the most developed Western countries. The ultimate aim is the integration of Albania into the Euro-Atlantic structures.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)