Today`s morning brought the worst possible news for Europe and the whole world: a member country of the UN and OSCE, one of the permanent members of the Security Council that carries on major responsibilities in maintaining global peace and security, unprovoked by anyone, turned into an aggressor and violator of the independence and territorial integrity of another European state, a member of the UN and the OSCE.
This action is an aggression not only against Ukraine, but also against the order of peace and security in Europe and in the world. The invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the agreements signed by Russia itself, of international law in its entirety, and of the UN Charter.
Contrary to the history of the post Second World War and all the attempts to build multilateral structures that would maintain security in Europe and in the world, the attack on the occupation of Ukraine by Russia seeks to impose on the world the principle of force. This is absolutely unacceptable.
Albania strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in respect of the basic principles on which European and global security are built upon as well as all the international commitments.
Albania condemns the act of Russia`s aggression and considers it not only as an act against Ukraine, but at the same time against the foundations of international order and security.
The unprecedented situation of aggression in flagrant violation of the UN Charter, enhances our role as a member of the Security Council – the body in charge of maintaining international peace and security: being co-penholders with the US on Ukraine issue at the UN Security Council, Albania has played and continues to lobby within the Security Council to ensure the widest possible support for this issue that goes beyond the borders of the state of Ukraine itself.
As co-penholders: in coordination with likeminded countries – Albania was the first to take the floor at the urgent Security Council meeting held as soon as Russia declared recognition of the independence of the so-called republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, opening for discussion in the Security Council of all issues related to the crisis in-and-around Ukraine.
As co-penholder with US on Ukraine and in coordination with other likeminded countries, Albania is making a real contribution to the drafting of documents to be submitted for discussion at the Security Council.
In the framework of the OSCE: in the urgent meeting convened after the recognition of the independence of the so-called republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, Albania has maintained a strong position in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the principles of cooperation and the established security architecture of this organization.
Albania continues to coordinate with partners in NATO and OSCE , in the high-level meetings being prepared in these organizations, and in dialogue with the European Union for a coordinated response that will include major sanctions against Russia.
The attack on European security that became flagrant today makes it even more necessary for a united front in defense of fundamental principles, including even our region. Albania has played and is playing a leading role in this regard: In the region we are not only a member of NATO, but at the same time a country that is 100% in line with the positions of the European Union in foreign and security policy.
Albania has not been satisfied only with words and political alignments with the EU, USA, UK and other likeminded countries: since the beginning of the year we have joined the economic sanctions that the EU has imposed on Russia, taking upon ourselves the sanctions that Russia has imposed as a reaction.
Yesterday we decided to join the European Union statement that strongly condemned Russia’s decision to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities and the subsequent decision that followed to send Russian troops to these areas – a statement that stated that there would be additional sanctions to Russia. We will join these sanctions as well.
We have long insisted that in this time of resurgence of attacks on European security and efforts to build areas of influence, it is crucial not to allow third actors to play a destabilizing role in our region – crucial to our region; crucial to European security. Therefore our Euro-Atlantic orientation has been clear and uncompromised.
Defending stability and security in the region and in Europe, we have long stressed the concern for the increasing Russian influence in our region and the need to counter it. Albania has maintained an open, clear and reasoned position on Russia`s policy in the region and beyond, a position that is consistent with that of the US and the EU , which makes our position a distinct one in the region.
We are closely following the position of other countries in the region, but we believe that even in this case the role of Albania as a moderate, stabilizing and constructive factor will help reduce the consequences in the region as a result of military intervention in Ukraine, a situation which can reactivate extremist or violent elements, as well as activate destabilizing political scenarios.
As a NATO member, our responsibility to maintain security and stability in the Western Balkans and beyond is growing. This makes Albania distinct and capable of playing a leading role in the region.
I will end my intervention mentioning the attention we have paid to the Albanian citizens who are in Ukraine, although in very small numbers and with families created there many years ago. 10 days ago, the MEFA has requested them to depart from Ukraine, providing the contact phone numbers to them. Since then, our Embassy in Warsaw and the Consular Department at the MEFA have been in contact with these Albanian citizens. Until now, they have not requested assistance in leaving Ukraine. Only today, 3 citizens have requested assistance, as they have booked the plane tickets and the flights have been canceled. We have suggested crossing the land border with Poland or Romania, and our embassies in these two countries are ready to welcome and assist them.
Regarding the Albanian citizens in the OSCE Mission in Ukraine: out of 11 employees in this Mission, 6 of them have left and the other 5 remain in Ukraine. We are in contact with the OSCE for the implementation of their evacuation plan.
Thank you!
