 |
| Trum letter to Edi Rama |
His Excellency Edi Rama Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Tirana
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
Thank you for your steadfast efforts to stand up to Iran and to counter its destabilizing activities and efforts to silence dissidents around the globe. The leadership you have shown by expelling Iran's Ambassador to your country exemplifies our joint efforts to show the Iranian government that its terrorist activities in Europe and around the world will have severe consequences. Albania has always been a great friend to the United States. and I look forward to growing our partnership as we confront the many important issues facing our two countries.
Sincerely.
Donald Trump
The text of the letter was published by the US Embassy in Tirana, which also congratulates "the Government of Albania for taking action against the Iranian regime for its terror plot on Albanian soil, threatening European security."
The announcement of the Albanian Government's decision was made yesterday by the Foreign Ministry, according to which the two Iranian diplomats were declared persona non grata because they are suspected of being involved in activities that affect security in the country. The decision to declare Iranian diplomats as unwanted was taken in consultation with allied countries, because of their activity in Albania is in violation of their diplomatic status.
The decision was greeted last night by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "I congratulate Prime Minister Rama's expulsion of two Iranian agents, who planned terrorist attacks in Albania. European countries have prevented three Iranian plots planned only this year. The world needs to remain united to sanctions against the Iranian regime, until it changes its devastating activity, "the Secretary of State wrote in a Twitter status.
President Trump's Security Advisor, John Bolton, said that with his decision, Prime Minister Rama "told Iran's leaders that their support for terrorism would not be tolerated. We are alongside Mr. Rama and the Albanian people as they oppose the unwanted conduct of Iran in Europe and around the world," wrote Mr. Bolton.