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| Conte while speaking after the refusal of European Commission |
Conte spoke to journalists after the refusal of the two Western Balkan states.
“I told my colleagues that this is a meeting with history. In 1400 those territories and communities fell under the Ottoman Empire. The day after the end of World War II, they fall under the Communist Empire. They have a life they want to get into Europe. The day of Yesterday will be remembered for that historical mistake and I am very sorry about it.
I have tried to persuade everyone that this aspiration, moreover by the majority of Muslim communities that have a European cultural background, want to connect with us. This is really a great force, we absolutely mustered be open. It was not about joining or not Europe, but about starting the talks.
I am very sorry, I am very close to the Albanian community of North Macedonia, they made many efforts. Europe, the Commission, all of us, were information promoters. I hope that this anguish does not make them fall into bigger discomfort. Italy will always stand by those side, will always defend them (Albania and North Macedonia)."