Religious leaders in Albania appeal to Chancellor Merkel and President Macron to support the opening of negotiations with Albania
In a joint letter addressed to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, the heads of religious communities in Albania, the President of the Muslim Community of Albania, H. Skënder Bruçaj, the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania Anastasi, the Secretary General of At the Catholic Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Rrëshen, Dom Gjergj Meta, the World Leader of the Bektashis, Haxhi Dede Edmond Brahimaj and the President of the Evangelical Brotherhood, Pastor Ylli Doçi, appeal for a positive decision for the opening of negotiations with Albania to join the European Union.
The letter was handed over today to Minister Ditmir Bushati by the leaders of these communities, in a meeting at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
"At this moment of great importance, we want to emphasize once again what we have recently expressed in our joint statement of April 21, 2018: we Albanians are part of Europe. We are part of a history that goes back to the origins of Europe. It is a story that has thousands of years of roots. Common cultural and social roots bind us. We are convinced that the path to the European Union represents the long-standing desire of our people, as well as the values of a free society where everyone can exercise their rights and among them, the right to freedom of religion and belief is essential. We are grateful to God for the fact that the history of the Albanian people has shown a lasting longevity of the value of respect for religious difference, living together in harmony as a family. "
"The road to the European Union is especially critical for our youth. Albanian youth are ranked among the strongest Euro-enthusiasts, and yet they feel more frustrated, because even though they live close to their European friends, they are excluded from the same opportunities. We give this message to you to accept the sincere wish of all Albanians, and to support us in our irreversible commitment to an Albania as part of Europe.
"With fervent prayer, we reaffirm our commitment to remain an unwavering supporter of the European values of a society of freedom, justice and prosperity for all." - It is said, among other things, in the letter that was drafted and signed by the leaders of religious communities.
"You have given the most meaningful example that we are Europeans and now is the right moment for each of us to follow your example" - said Minister Bushati.
