Authorities in Albania have reacted after the incident that occurred in Kumanovo during the basketball match between North Macedonia and Romania, where a group of fans shouted racist and anti-Albanian slogans.
Albania's Ambassador to North Macedonia, Denion Meidani, emphasizes in a post on social media that "hate speech has no place in sports, nor in society."
"The insulting chants in Kumanovo are a wake-up call for all of us. Coexistence requires daily commitment, respect for the rules of the game and for each other — not just in the stands, but everywhere," Meidani declares.
The Albanian Ambassador in Skopje underlines that "I am closely following the institutional reactions and expect the highest authorities of North Macedonia to speak clearly, strongly and responsibly."
The Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, called the incident an unacceptable act and a reminder that the path towards a just and inclusive society requires "unwavering commitment."
"Yesterday's event in Kumanovo, where a basketball game was marred by extremely offensive and exclusionary chants towards Albanians, is unacceptable and a reminder that the path towards a just, inclusive and mutually respectful society requires continued commitment."
"Hate speech that incites violence, ethnic conflict and racism has no place in any public space, let alone in sport, which at its core carries the spirit of unity, cooperation, fair play and respect for others," Spiropali emphasized.
Spiropali praised the reaction of the RMV institutions, while simultaneously demanding an even stronger public reaction from the highest officials of the friendly country.
"Interethnic coexistence in North Macedonia is a common value on the European path, which must be preserved and cultivated responsibly by all factors in the region, through action, attitudes and example. Correct behavior on the fields, in the stands and in institutions speaks volumes about our vision for the future", emphasized Spiropali.
Speaker of Parliament Spiropali said that ""Albania and Albanians remain steadfast in promoting a model coexistence and away from outdated and outdated divisions."
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