Protest Outside Prime Minister’s Office: Ilir Xhemalaj Calls for Serbian Minister to Be Declared “Non Grata”, Government Silent for 72 Hours

The statement by Serbian Minister Snezhana Paunović, who spoke about the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo in 1998, was at the centre of speeches on the 47th day of protests outside the Prime Minister’s Office. Speaking from the podium on the boulevard, activist Ilir Xhemalaj sharply criticised the Albanian government and called for immediate diplomatic measures.

According to Xhemalaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama has not given a swift and official response to the matter. He also denounced the support the Serbian minister has received from other officials in Belgrade.

The activist described as unacceptable Ivica Dačić’s position in support of the statement on the ethnic cleansing of Albanians, stressing that it requires a firm national response.

“Seventy-two hours have passed and the Albanian government has still not responded to the Serbian minister who spoke about the ethnic cleansing of Albanians. Ivica Dačić, as Rama’s brother, declared that the minister was right. No, sir, we are indigenous there!” Xhemalaj said indignantly.

Continuing his speech, Ilir Xhemalaj said that the civic movement and the Albanian people would no longer tolerate any concession affecting sovereignty or national dignity. He reiterated the demand for the Serbian minister to be declared “non grata”.

“A new chapter has begun for Albania: that of a country that does not bow down, does not forgive and no longer gives anyone either sea or land. We once again demand that she be declared ‘non grata’,” the activist concluded, as citizens gathered on the boulevard greeted his remarks with sustained applause.