TIRANA, Dec. 17 – Following violent incidents at an anti-government protest last week, ambassadors from Albania’s key Western partners have called on the opposition to make sure its supporters do not resort to violence during protests.
The calls came from top representatives of the European Union, the United States, the OSCE and Germany.
A statement by the U.S. Embassy condemning the violence last week captured the general mood: “The right of citizens to peacefully assemble, petition the government, and protest is a hallmark of a free and healthy society. However, acts such as throwing stones, lighting structures on fire, and damaging public property are inconsistent with democratic values.”
It added, “We call on the Democratic Party of Albania and all other parties to renounce these acts and to take all necessary steps to ensure that any future demonstrations remain peaceful and constructive.”
The opposition Democratic Party has said it will hold weekly protests seeking the government’s resignation and early elections over corruption allegations and the involvement of people with criminal ties in politics.
It added the protests held in front of parliament were meant to show there cannot be any sense of normalcy in the country’s governance as long as accusations of corruption and criminals in politics are not addressed.
Following last week’s rally, protesters set fire a replica bunker being constructed as a tourist attraction near the Ministry of Interior and threw stones breaking ministry windows.
A second opposition protest in front of parliament Thursday saw protesters throw eggs, vegetables and fruit at the parliament.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha said the protests had largely been peaceful and expressed regret over the stones thrown by the protesters during the Dec. 8 rally, calling the burning of the bunker “symbolic” and against what Basha says is the Socialist government’s “glorification of the country’s communist past.”
The international representatives have said the Democrats should not block the work of the parliament or attack any parliamentarians physically. The latest protest did not register any such issues.
German Ambassador to Tirana Helmut Hoffmann released a statement through the embassy to clarify why he was spotted at the bunker incident last week, which one Albanian newspaper had interpreted as support for the opposition as a regular protester.
“It is complete nonsense,” said the ambassador in a statement sent to media outlets.
Hoffman, who is known in Tirana for his approachable low-key style with the locals, said he had been nearby for another event and went to see with his own eyes what was happening at the protest. His statement condemned local media interpretations that he had gone to the place to support the opposition.
Hoffmann said supported an EU statement on the matter, which noted the right of the citizens to express concerns and discontent through peaceful protest but condemned the acts of violence and vandalism were reported.
“Resort to violence is unacceptable,” the EU statement said.
