Gonzato: Confronting the past requires concrete actions from Albanian institutions
On the International Day of Missing Persons, the scientific symposium “The Border of Hope and Death 1944-1991 – Shkodra Confronting the Past” was held at the “Luigj Gurakuqi” University in Shkodër, organized by the Authority of Files.
The Ambassador of the European Union, Silvio Gonzato, participated in this symposium, which was held in memory of the thousands of Albanian lives lost in the struggle for freedom by crossing the border and those who disappeared under the brutal communist regime.
Since 2017, the European Union has supported Albania in identifying the persons who went missing during the communist regime. Together with ICMP, the Authority of Files, and civil society, the EU has worked to strengthen coordination and raise public awareness.
“This day reminds us of many lost lives, as well as the families that still seek the truth and justice. For Albania, confronting the legacy of killings at the border and disappearances during the communist regime is a matter of dignity, justice, and building trust between citizens and institutions,” said Gonzato.
“Confronting the past requires political will, a functional legal framework, and, above all, concrete actions from the relevant Albanian institutions to ensure the rule of law. We urgently need the Council of Ministers to approve a coordinating mechanism among the relevant actors to enable the search and exhumation of persons killed during the communist regime,” he added.
“Confronting the past is a collective responsibility, where everyone has a role to play,” said the EU ambassador, Silvio Gonzato, in his speech.
This symposium was also attended by the Chairwoman of the Assembly, Elisa Spiropali, who delivered a welcoming speech.
This event was attended by former political prisoners from the communist regime and their family members and representatives, researchers, representatives of local governance, religious communities, and civil society. (August 29)
