In an interview, Minister Paunović said that if she had been in the position of Slobodan Milošević, she would have “ethnically cleansed” Kosovo in 1998.

Balla said the Albanian government had responded promptly and stressed that Albania does not treat national issues lightly. He added that he had also issued a statement on behalf of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group.

“It was not only an irresponsible statement, but also an outrageous and extremely serious one. The Albanian government reacted in a timely manner. These are not issues to be addressed with political theatrics or amateurism, nor are they matters that can be trivialized over a procedural point raised by an MP in Parliament.

We do not joke about national issues. The government’s position was made clear by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and I also responded on behalf of the parliamentary group. Naturally, this condemnable act has also been denounced by the political authorities and by the representatives with whom we engage at all levels within the European Commission, including Commissioner Marta Kos. Whenever Albania reacts, it does so in coordination with its allies.

As for Edi Rama, he is the only Prime Minister of Albania who has raised the issue of Kosovo in the heart of Belgrade, stating that Kosovo is an independent state and reaffirming Albania’s strong support for Kosovo’s independence and its membership in NATO and the European Union,” Balla said.