Albanian Foreign Minister: Ready to go to Serbia

France 24: We witnessed a series of accusations regarding who should be blamed for this incident. Who do you think is the responsible for this?

Ministri Bushati: Thank you for offering me the chance to react regarding the unpleasant developments in Belgrade, during the Albania-Serbia match. The Albanian government condemns the provocations and the violence that was exerted in the stadium, and also the events that followed this match. Bushati said that unfortunately this match was used for political purposes by the politicians in Serbia.
We have been very clear about our position in this case. We distanced ourselves from violence and appealed the Serbian authorities to investigate this issue. We also appeal them to stop blaming Albania as a nation, as a government, and take their responsibilities”.
As we all know, the hosting country is responsible for the activity. Although we played in Serbia in very unusual circumstances, since our players were not allowed to enter the stadium, our symbols were not allowed, we still played without complaining. When the fans started launching solid objects and fireworks in the field, we kept playing. People from our Federation kept the calm and only gave peaceful messages.

France 24: The Albanian Prime Minister will hold a historic visit in Serbia next week. Will this visit be realized, or is it in question after the recent developments?

Ministri Bushati: These issues must be related. If we are able to put a clear division line between sport, hooliganism and policy, because sport cannot decide for state issues. This was our clear stance about this. We are determined to continue ouir constructive work regarding the foreign policy in the region, and Serbia is part of this region. We want to open a new chapter in the relations with Serbia, but we need both sides for this. We have expressed our readiness to visit the Serbian capital, and we don’t think that we should wait seven other decades for materializing the activity of a such an important visit. All options are open, but we need the good will from both parties. We are ready to visit Serbia. We believe and hope that Serbia is ready to welcome us.

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