TIRANA, Nov. 17 – Albania’s leaders strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Paris, expressing sorrow and deep condolences to the families of 129 dead and more than 350 injured.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama called the attack on Paris an act of “war” against France and Europe.
“This is a real war. The French government has our total support at these horrific and sad moments,” Rama wrote on his Twitter account in French. Rama lived in France for several years in the 1990s.
Other Albanian leaders also expressed their condolences.
President Bujar Nishani said that attacks deeply shocked Albanians, adding these “barbarian attacks that aim to frighten not just France and the French people, but the whole democratic world” will not succeed.
Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta said that Albanians are shocked about what happened in Paris.
“We all support you in these critical moments. Albania stands next to France to defend the universal values of democracy that unite us. Terrorists cannot affect the freedom and the values of French society,” Meta said.
French Ambassador Bernard Fitoussi said he had been deeply touched by all the messages of support from the Albanian people.
“All of us, French, Albanian, and human beings on the planet, we will win. Because we’re not afraid. Fear is in the camp of the barbarians. In attacking, France, they now have the whole world against them,” Ambassador Fitoussi said in a speech at the embassy.
President hosts ceremony to honor victims
TIRANA, Nov. 15 – Albanian President Bujar Nishani on Sunday held a ceremony at his office to honor for the 129 dead victims and some 350 injured of the terrorist attacks in Paris.
The ceremony was attended by the country’s top officials, religious community leaders and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations in Albania.
Nishani said Albania would like to express solidarity with the French people and send condolences to the families of the dead.
“Allow me to once again confirm Albania’s unshaken stand and that of the Albanian people in their alliance to successfully cope with the big battle against terrorism, violence and intolerance,” President Nishani said.
Participants held a minute of silence and also heard the French national anthem while the tricolor blue-white-red french flag was lit on the presidential offices building.
Albania mourns with France
TIRANA, Nov. 16 – Albania’s government declared Monday a day of mourning to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris.
Flags across Albania flew at half mast and a minute of silence was observed at noon.
It was “a mourning day to respect the victims of the terrorist attacks of Friday’s evening in Paris,” according to a government decision.
Over the weekend, Albania’s highest political officials, religious leaders and civil society representatives strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in the French capital.
Several ceremonies area also being held. Albanians lit candles downtown and sent flowers to the French embassy to honor the victims. The prime minister’s office and the president’s palace were illuminated with the colors of the French flag.
Footballers express solidarity with France following attacks
TIRANA, Nov. 15- The friendly match between Albania and Georgia in Tirana Monday started with the French national anthem and a minute of silence for the dead and injured victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris last week.
All players held their arms linked when listening the Marselleise.
Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka, Italian coach Giovanni de Biasi and Captain Lorik Cana, who plays with French club Nantes, made a visit at the French embassy to pay homages to the victims too.
Albania has qualified for the Euro 2016 finals next year that are scheduled to be held in France.
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