The Council of Albanian Ambassadors (CAA) is following recent developments with close attention and concern and expresses its full support for students and for their constitutional right, and that of all citizens, to protest peacefully for quality education, dignity, good governance and a better future in their own country. Their voices must be heard responsibly, and their demands must receive concrete and immediate responses.
These protests reflect a deepening crisis of trust in public institutions and governance, which can only be overcome through transparency, accountability and sincere dialogue.
Force is not an argument. Argument is a force.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors calls on protesters to preserve the peaceful character of their gatherings, distance themselves from any act of provocation and protect public and private property. Damage to property directly harms citizens’ interests and undermines the students’ cause.
We call on the State Police and law enforcement authorities to exercise restraint and a high degree of professionalism, refrain from any provocative action or excessive use of force against protesters, and act in full accordance with the law, the principle of proportionality and human rights, while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest, public order and everyone’s safety.
The Government and the responsible authorities must respond with a sense of responsibility towards the country and take immediate steps to resolve this situation through constructive dialogue and tangible measures. In a democracy, the interests of the country and the future of its young people must come before any political interest or interest in holding power.
The Council of Albanian Ambassadors also calls on international partners to encourage restraint by the authorities, respect for the right to peaceful protest and support for a democratic and lasting solution.
