Dukaj: The Albanian flag is not a threat to anyone, the law must be the same for everyone

The Albanian flag is not a threat to anyone, it is a symbol of identity, freedom and historical continuity of millions of Albanians, said Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj, saying that the law must be the same for everyone.

He said that Montenegro, as a democratic and European country, must have equal standards for everyone.

"The law must be the same for everyone. It is not good that the Montenegrin police continue to show double standards towards the Albanian flag," Dukaj said in a post on the social network X.

He said that Albanian flags should not be feared and that citizens who carry them should be respected.

"We witnessed interventions during the summer because of the Albanian flag at weddings and celebrations, and last night against the Albanian diaspora at the border crossing with Bosnia and Herzegovina. They went all over Europe and only our police were bothered by the Albanian flag," said Dukaj.

He said that at the same time, even in institutions, flags of other countries are being flown, often contrary to the law.

"Let me say - the Albanian flag is not a threat to anyone. It is a symbol of identity, freedom and historical continuity of millions of Albanians - from Skanderbeg to the present day," Dukaj said.

As he added, it has been like this for more than five centuries and "no amount of pressure will remove it."

"Instead of such attempts, I call for a discussion about better regulations and consistent respect for what belongs to all peoples in Montenegro," Dukaj said.

He said that "this is the only way we can get to Europe."

"I will remind the public that the display of the Albanian flag in Montenegro is in accordance with the law and that the National Council of Albanians handed over the national symbols to the President of the Parliament in 2021, more precisely on January 28, 2021," Dukaj stated.

He said that former Speaker of the Parliament Aleksa Bečić was presented with the standards of the coat of arms and flag, as well as the musical notation of the anthem of the Albanians in Montenegro.

The delegation, as Dukaj added, consisted of Faik Nika, Lindon Gjelaj and Genci Nimanbegu.