The US Embassy has reacted to the student revolt that has engulfed the country.
“Citizens should exercise their right to protest peacefully, without acts of violence,” the US embassy statement said.
Response
Violence, rioting, physical harm to others, and destruction of property are not civic engagement. We call on all citizens who choose to demonstrate to exercise their right to protest peacefully, without violent acts. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and calm.
Three Republican US congressmen, Keith Self, Robert Aderholt and Joe Wilson, have reacted to the protests in Albania, criticizing corruption and disregard for the rule of law. They urge Albanian leaders to listen to citizens’ calls for change, respect the right to protest and stop violence against demonstrators, as political pressure on the Rama government grows.
Three Republican American congressmen have reacted to the protests in Albania, sending strong messages to the Albanian leadership about respecting the rule of law, civil rights, and the demands of the protesters.
The reactions of Keith Self, Robert Aderholt and Joe Wilson increase international political pressure on Edi Rama’s government, at a time when protests against it have entered the fifth day of clashes in Tirana.
The most direct message about the causes of civic discontent has been given by Congressman Keith Self, who links the protests to distrust of corrupt politicians and what he calls disregard for the rule of law.
“The protests in Albania are the culmination of citizens’ distrust of corrupt politicians and fatigue with the total disregard for the rule of law. Albania’s leaders should heed the calls for fundamental change, which will create economic opportunity and promote regional stability,” Self writes on the X platform.
His statement goes beyond concern about the incidents of recent days. The American congressman emphasizes the political and economic reasons for the discontent, while urging Albanian leaders to listen to calls for change.
Another reaction came from Republican Congressman Robert Aderholt, who expressed concern about the escalation of the situation and demanded that the government respect the rights of citizens who are peacefully protesting.
“I am deeply concerned about the escalation of unrest in NATO ally Albania. The Albanian people deserve the rule of law, accountable institutions, and the freedom to express their voice. All parties must reject violence, and the government must respect the rights of peaceful protesters. Young Albanians deserve to have a voice in determining the future of their country,” Aderholt declared.
In his message, Aderholt clearly addresses the Albanian government’s obligation to guarantee the right to protest. He also urges all parties to avoid violence and underlines that young people must have a role in determining the future of the country.
The most direct call to stop violence against demonstrators was made by Congressman Joe Wilson, who expressed concern about the crisis in Albania, recalling that the country is a United States ally in NATO.
“I am following with great concern the escalation of the crisis in NATO ally Albania. The Albanian people deserve freedom, the rule of law, and institutional accountability,” Wilson writes.
He continues with a direct request to the Albanian authorities:
“The government must refrain from any violence against protesters. Young people deserve a voice in the future of their country,” the US congressman emphasizes.
The reactions come as Tirana experiences another day of tension. Anti-government protesters have continued demonstrations in several areas of the capital, while police have used tear gas and water cannon. During the clashes, incidents with stones and Molotov cocktails have also been recorded, as well as injuries among the police.