Albania strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
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- "No other member of the Security Council has committed such blatant violations of commitment and treaties it has signed since World War II," Albania's UN ambassador says.
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TIRANA, Feb. 24, 2022 - Albania has joined the chorus of fellow NATO members and the international community in condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday.
"No other member of the Security Council has committed such blatant violations of commitment and treaties it has signed since World War II," Albania's ambassador at the UN, Ferit Hoxha, said at an emergency meeting of the UN's key body, where Albania serves as as a non-permanent member.
He added: "What is unfolding nowadays in Ukraine goes beyond one single country, or even a region. It has to do with core principles of international law and the logic and foundations of international order. We do not think that in the 21st century the future of any country can be built with the laws, behaviors and errors of the past."
Albania welcomes the quick and unified reaction by the European Union in coordination with the United States, United Kingdom and Canada in adopting a proportionate package of sanctions as an anticipated response to Russia’s decisions and behavior, Ambassador Hoxha said.
Albania's political landscape left its deep domestic divisions aside on Thursday to offer unified support in parliament and media for Ukraine as well as Albania's full alignment with NATO and EU stances. All top ruling and opposition politicians have condemned Russia's aggression.
Albanian President Ilir Meta said in a statement that Russia is in violation of international law and threatening the lives of civilians.
"Albania condemns this unjustified attack of Russia on Ukraine," President Meta said. "Albania stands with Ukraine and its people in this dark hour."
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama tweeted: "We join our NATO and EU in the firm condemnation of Russia's aggression. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people."
Russia launched an attack on Ukraine early Thursday, with President Vladimir Putin warning other countries not to intervene and the West pledging its support for Ukraine and promising new rounds of strong sanctions as they condemned the Russian assault.
Putin used a dawn televised address to announce the start of "a military operation" in eastern Ukraine in response to what he called Ukrainian threats. He said those who opposed the action in the Donbas region will face “consequences they have never seen.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces carried out strikes on Ukraine's military infrastructure and border guards. He said the government was introducing martial law throughout the country, while urging people to stay calm.
NATO held an emergency meeting to discuss the Russian attack on Ukraine.
"NATO Allies condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s horrifying attack on Ukraine, which is entirely unjustified and unprovoked. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. Russia's actions pose a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security," Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general said in a statement.