Tirana Times
TIRANA, May 3 – All Albanian leaders praised a US operation in Pakistan which killed Osama Bin Laden as a move that will bring peace and stability to the world.
“Let me congratulate the operation of US forces that brought about the death of Osama Bin Laden, a major victory in the long and difficult war against international terrorism,” said Albanian President Bamir Topi in a message to President Obama on Monday.
“In the name of the Albanian people I want to express our congratulations for this success, which made me feel proud that my country is aligned with an ally that is a great friend of Albania,” Topi added.On Sunday US President Barack Obama announced that Bin Laden had been killed in a ground operation carried out by US forces in Pakistan. Bin Laden was accused of being behind a number of atrocities, including the attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. He was top of the US’ “most wanted” list.
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said the assassination of Bin Laden was a success not only for the United States, but also for all those who want peace in the world.
“This is great news for peace and the war against terrorism,” Berisha said. “With his aggressivity and primitivism Bin Laden took too many lives in the US and other countries around the world,” he added.
Albania, one of the staunchest US allies, is a majority Muslim country, followed by big Orthodox and Catholic religious minorities. It is well-known worldwide for its religious harmony. Albania has army troops in Afghanistan and is also sheltering 11 former Guantanamo Bay prison detainees that could not be repatriated to their home countries.
Albania’s Foreign Ministry also praised the killing of the Al Qaeda leader, stressing that Albania will continue to support the US-led war on terror.
“On this day the Albanian people share feelings of solidarity with all of those countries around the world that have suffered the consequences of terrorist attacks, including September 11,” the Ministry said in a statement.
“Albania, as one of the first countries to join the war on terror, expresses its resolve that the war against terrorists and those who inspire them holds the key to peace and stability in the world,” the statement added.
Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli also hailed the operation as a success bringing more peace to the world.
Opposition Socialist Party leader and Tirana Mayor Edi Rama also made a phone call to the US Ambassador in Tirana Alexander Arvizu to hail his government’s success.
