New Albanian symbol of 100th anniversary of Independence

Prime Minister Sali Berisha reconfirmed the idea for the construction of a monument for the 100th anniversary of independence during a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Commission for Independence, in which was chosen the winning logo of the celebrations.

Berisha declared that the Ministry has announced the race for the winning project of the monument, which has been opposed by the Red and Black Alliance and the citizens of Vlore, who underlined that there is no need for a second monument of independence, after the one that has been honored for decades in Vlore.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, Aldo Bumci, announced as the winning logo the presentation of an artist from Kosovo, Zeni Ballazhi.

Berisha suggested changing the term “100 years of Albanian state”, with the argument that the Albanian state has existed even before in the history. He suggested changing it to “100 years of independence”.

“The historical truths should be clearly expressed in the current actuality. It is important to honor the few friends that we have had”, the Prime Minister declared, adding that it is important for the celebrations to have a pan-national character.

“It is important, because the independence was an effort of all Albanians. All districts should prepare celebrations, and the entire Albanian world should join in Kosovo, Macedonia and the Diaspora. The independence started with the Prizren League, in 1878, and ended in 2008, with the independence of Kosovo. Without that, the Albanian flag would be half staffed for the 100th year of independence”, Berisha declared.