Koco Danaj’s comments spark ethnic Balkan debate

TIRANA, Aug. 22 A statement from Koco Danaj that Albanians living in the Balkan region should unite and be integrated into a “natural Albania” by 2013 sparked a reaction from the Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Draskovic and a response from Tirana. Danaj was seemingly mixed and wrongly named as an adviser to Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Consequently Draskovic considered that statement another effort for “Greater Albania.” Imm4editaely Berisha’s press office responded saying that Danaj had never been his adviser and reminded Draskovic not to rush and make statements without first confirming the source. Danaj is the leader of a small political party and also former adviser to ex-premier Ilir Meta.
“I would like to clarify that Mr. Koco Danaj is not an adviser to Prime Minister Berisha, and nor has he been an adviser when Mr. Berisha was serving as President of the country. Furthermore, Mr. Danaj has never served in any capacity in any of the administrations led by Mr. Berisha,” said the statement. “I would like to express the regret that Mr. Draskovic rushed into hastily statements before checking these facts.”