TIRANA, Nov. 28 – Albania celebrated the 106th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday,
The highest state authorities of the country, President Ilir Meta, Parliament Speaker Gramoz Ruà§i and Prime Minister Edi Rama gathered in the city of Vlora, where in 1912 patriots from all Albanian lands raised the national flag.
After the flag raising ceremony, also attended by Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Behgjet Pacolli, state leaders paid homage to the monument of the “Unknown Warrior.”
“Happy National Flag Day, to all Albanian wherever they may be. A special emotion to participate today in Vlora, the “capital” of independence, at the state ceremony in honor of the most iconic symbol of the Albanians. I bend with respect to the eternal work of the founder of the Albanian state, Ismail Qemali,” President Meta told reporters covering the event.
On his part, Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his wishes by posting on Monday where he and Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj are seen with their hands united on top of an Albanian flag.
The main opposition Democratic Party missed out on the commemoration ceremonies organized in Vlora. During the same time as official celebrations at the “Flag City,” highest DP representatives were paying homage to the “Mother Albania” monument at Tirana’s Martyrs Cemetery.
“Today we bow with the highest honor before our national symbol, the Kastriot flag that was first raised on their castle Nov. 28, 1443. We bow with gratitude to Ismail Qemali and all other who signed Albania’s Independence, to their sublime sacrifice which led Nov. 28 to become the next sacred date in our country’s history,” DP leader Lulzim Basha told reporters.
Another ceremony on the occasion of Independence Day was organized at the capital’s centre by the Tirana Municipality.
Tirana’s Mayor Erion Veliaj expressed his gratitude towards everyone who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
“Glory to the martyrs of the motherland. Acknowledgments to the veterans and family members of those who gave their lives for freedom in the only country in Eastern Europe liberated by its own forces – without the march of Soviet troops on our land,” Veliaj wrote.
Warm wishes from the US
The United States also congratulated Albania on the occasion of the country’s 106th independence anniversary, emphasizing the traditional friendship between the two countries.
Via a message, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US appreciates Albania’s commitment to NATO and the Global Coalition for the defeat of ISIS, contributing to stability and peace around the world.
“We welcome the ongoing efforts of the Albanian government in terms of justice reform and the building of strong democratic institutions, and we support Albania’s important steps towards Western integration,” the congratulating message read.
Pompeo said the US is proud of the close relationship between the two peoples and that partnership and cooperation between the two countries will continue.
