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Pustec festival incident sparks diplomatic tension over anthem omission
A diplomatic incident occurred in Pustec, Albania, during a cultural festival where only the North Macedonian national anthem was played, omitting the Albanian anthem. The event was attended by North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Pustec Mayor Pali Kolefski.
Mayor Kolefski stated he had requested the inclusion of the Albanian anthem beforehand, but the request was ignored by the organizers, identified as the VMRO Shqipëri association. Kolefski subsequently apologized for the oversight.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted strongly, describing the situation as a “meaningful parody of our different worldviews in this part of Europe” and criticizing what he termed “Balkan national-folklorism.” The Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed regret, noting that the presence of high-level institutional representatives made the omission a serious breach of protocol and institutional etiquette.
Local political figures, including Tedi Blushi, criticized the government's response, questioning why the mayor did not leave the event if the protocol was not respected.
Entities
Edi Rama · Hristijan Mickoski · Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs · Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania · Pali Kolefski · Pustec · VMRO Shqipëri
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The North Macedonian national anthem was played during the ceremony in Pustec, but the Albanian national anthem was not. gazeta.mk · www.shqipmedia.com · gijotina.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret that the Albanian national anthem was not played during a cultural event in Pustec. gijotina.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mayor Pali Kolefski clarified that the event was organized by the VMRO Shqipëri association rather than the municipality. gazeta.mk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Pustec Mayor Pali Kolefski stated he had previously requested the organizers to include both the Macedonian and Albanian national anthems. gazeta.mk · www.shqipmedia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated his government's duty is to create stronger institutional ties with Macedonians in the Little Prespa region. www.shqipmedia.com