Nominee for ambassador questioned over loyalty to secular principles

TIRANA, Jan. 29 – Ben Blushi, a parliamentarian of the governing Socialist Party, says he opposes the nomination of Ermir Gjinishi for the post of Albania’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, questioning Gjinishi’s loyalty to the secular principles of the Albanian republic.
Gjinishi has held senior posts in the state-recognized Muslim Community organization, and he speaks fluent Arabic, which proponents say makes him a good fit to represent Albania in the conservative Muslim kingdom, where the faith’s most holy sites are located.
Blushi said he had heard Gjinishi speak against secularism of the country, mentioning how he had supported the idea of Muslim girls should be allowed to cover their heads while in public schools.
Gjinishi was one of the three candidates for ambassadorial posts discussed to the parliament’s commission from the foreign ministry.
He denied he has expressed himself against Albania being a secular country, but added that his statements had been made in the context that covering ones head for religious purposes is seen worldwide as a human right and part of free speech.
But Arta Dade, head of the parliamentary commission, said that while in the post Gjinishi will detach himself from his religious duties and serve the country first.
“We evaluated the fact that Gjinishi knows the culture and traditions of these countries, and their language very well. We do not believe that his religious belief will hamper him in exerting the duty as a representative of a secular country,” said Dade.
Albania is a staunchly secular country, where religious plays a very minor role in public life. Albania is one of the least religious countries in the world, according to international survey. It has a nominal Muslim-majority well as smaller Orthodox and Catholic communities. Muslims, Christians and others have always lived in peaceful harmony.