The plenary session in the Albanian Parliament opened today with strong debates, following the warning from the US Embassy in Tirana about the potential risk of attacks by groups linked to Iran.
The opposition demands an alert and a meeting of the National Security Council.
The head of the DP parliamentary group, Gazment Bardhi, asked Prime Minister Edi Rama to appear in Parliament and provide clarifications on the measures that have been taken for national security:
"Why did the government describe the US warning as conjecture? Is there coordination with international partners and what information has been shared with the US? Is there an official assessment of the situation and what preventive measures have been taken?"
MP Fatmir Mediu called on the President of the Republic to urgently convene the National Security Council:
"This situation cannot be overcome with political statements. Albania, as a NATO country, must analyze the risk. It is naive to claim that we are protected without assembling the security structures."
Majority against panic: Albania is safe
The leader of the SP group, Taulant Balla, emphasized the strong alliance with the US:
"The US has supported Albania every time it has been targeted by Iran. We are steadfast allies. The opposition should not declare war on Iran and spread panic."
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha guaranteed that there is no reason for alarm:
"We are in constant contact with the US, NATO and our partners. The current assessment is that there is no reason for alarm."
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi called the US Embassy's announcement a routine warning:
"There is no need to worry. This is a routine announcement that the American Embassy makes to all of Europe."
Socialist MP Erion Braçe warned that excessive public debate could harm the economy:
"These issues should be addressed in committees, without creating panic. Tourism is harmed by any unnecessary alarm."
The Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, affirmed that security structures are in constant communication with the American Embassy:
"There is no information about a real danger. Albania has taken increased security measures for a long time. Safe place for citizens and tourists."
Yesterday, the US Embassy warned its citizens in Albania to avoid overpopulated areas, highlighting the potential danger from groups linked to Iran.
