Removal of the flag from the Israeli embassy/ Koçiu: Unacceptable act of provocation

2026-06-21 12:26:00, Aktualitet CNA

Removal of the flag from the Israeli embassy/ Koçiu: Unacceptable act of

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has reacted to the incident that occurred during yesterday evening's protest, where a protester removed the Israeli flag from the Israeli Embassy building.

Koçiu writes that this is an unacceptable act of provocation, which violates the basic norms of respect for diplomatic missions and contradicts the spirit of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

It further writes that any act that aims to target the identity of a people or incite hostility on ethnic or religious grounds creates ground for intolerance and anti-Semitism.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasizes that this shameful act contradicts Albania's principles as a welcoming country.

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The removal of the Israeli flag from the Israeli Embassy building in Tirana is an unacceptable act of provocation, which violates the basic norms of respect for diplomatic missions and contradicts the spirit of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

This is not simply an attack on a state symbol. Any act that aims to target the identity of a people, delegitimize their presence, or incite hostility on ethnic or religious grounds creates a breeding ground for intolerance and anti-Semitism, phenomena that Europe knows from the darkest chapters of its history and that can have no place in democratic societies.

Albania is a welcoming country, a reliable partner, with zero tolerance for anti-Semitism or hate speech. This shameful and isolated act contradicts our long tradition of harmony, respect and protection of others, principles that have characterized the Albanian people throughout history.

We express our full solidarity with the Embassy of the State of Israel and reaffirm Albania's unwavering commitment to respecting international law, protecting diplomatic missions, and promoting European values ??of tolerance, respect, and coexistence. /CNA