Albania concerned on shooting incident in neighboring Macedonia

TIRANA, May 13 – Albania expressed its concern on the shooting incident in neighboring Macedonia during the electoral campaign there.
On Monday there was an assassination attempt against Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration, while he was campaigning in the ethnic Albanian-majority town of Tetovo on Monday ahead of June 1 early general elections. He was not hurt in the incident, but a bystander was injured. Ahmeti, a former rebel leader, says the attack was an attempt on his life.
“Foreign Ministry strongly denounces any violent incident or act considering them unacceptable and contrary to the democratic principle and the political commitment on holding a calm, honest campaign,” said a statement.
At least eight DUI political offices were also attacked on Sunday and Monday _ seven by gunfire and one by a hand grenade.
Ahmeti has implied that a rival ethnic Albanian party, the Democratic Party of Albanians, or DPA, was behind the attack on his car.
The DPA, however, denied any involvement and issued a statement condemning the violence.
It also criticized a planned demonstration, saying it would serve only to stir tension among ethnic Albanians.
The European Union condemned the violence. A statement issued by the Slovenian Embassy in Skopje on behalf of the EU called for calm. Slovenia currently holds the EU rotating presidency.
“Violence has no place in an election campaign,” it said.
A 31-year-old man was arrested in connection with the shooting late Monday in Tetovo.
Ethnic Albanians account for about a quarter of Macedonia’s population of 2.1 million. Fierce rivalry exists between the two main minority parties.