Albania has signed a statement of support for a global ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
An initiative launched by Bangladesh, Ecuador, Egypt, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Senegal, Slovenia, and Sweden, it supports the appeal made by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 23 March. It has been signed by 171 UN Member States, Non-Member Observer States and Observers.
“We recognise that the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted all three pillars of the United Nations- peace and security, development, and human rights.
We express our deep concern for the continuation of hostilities in various parts of the world, particularly in the midst of the global health crisis, and their devastating impact on the most vulnerable –, especially on women and children. We must muster all our efforts to save lives and alleviate social and economic devastation on our peoples,” reads the statement.
Calling for diplomatic action from all UN Member States and Observer States, signatories state a collective effort should be made in the common fight against the pandemic.
They continue that multilateralism, rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy for peace are fundamental in promoting the supporting efforts towards the peaceful settlement of disputes. This along with the crucial role of women and youth in building sustainable peace is instrumental, according to the statement.
They call on all actors to do the utmost to respond to the Secretary-General’s appeal and to “remain united in our humanity and in giving peace a chance.”
Earlier this week, French media alleged that according to a leaked United Nations report, Albania along with other countries had been supplying arms to the Democratic Republic of Congo which is currently in the grips of conflict. While that in itself is not illegal, according to the report, Albania did not notify the UN as they are required to do. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Edi Rama denied the report via WhatsApp but stopped short of issuing an official denial of the allegations.
