Prime Minister Edi Rama today held an online conversation with the leader of the country’s religious communities on the Second Phase of the gradual reopening of the economic and social life.
PM Rama expressed gratitude for the contribution and the example the senior clergy representatives have conveyed to the religious communities as part of the efforts to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. “Not only have you demonstrated understanding, but you have been also direct contributors by making a significant contributions right at the height of your religious calendar, both on the occasion of most important holidays of the Christian community, and the holy month of Ramadan, urging faithful to stay at home, protect themselves and their families,” PM Rama said.
PM Rama vowed support for the Albanian clergy’s demand to address the strenuous situation the fight against pandemic has incurred on the normal activity of the religious communities as part of the measures to ease the lockdown and gradually reopen the country’s economic and social life. The Premier noted that continued cooperation and the ongoing consultations with the religious communities on their specifics are of great importance in the framework of the second phase of the reopening strategy and lockdown easing measures. “Unlike other activities, in the case of the religious communities I think this should be done together and I would ask for your readiness to establish contact with the experts who draft the relaxed measures so that you hold a concrete consultation. I believe that whole project of the Second Phase will be configured, so to say, including its all limitations, by May 18, when some concrete indications regarding the religious communities will be announced,” the Premier said.
Leaders of the Albanian clergy, namely the Head of the Albanian Muslim Community, Bujar Spahiu, Monsignor George Frendo, Archbishop Anastas, the world leader of the Bektashi Order, Baba (Father) Edmond Brahimaj, and Pastor Ylli Doçi, voiced their readiness to continue cooperation and efforts to comply with the restrictions and safety protocols in their religious institutions.
