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Albania has confirmed its commitment to contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly established Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Kosovo and Kazakhstan are the only other countries publicly committed to deploying forces.
Albania and Kosovo are the only Western Balkan nations invited to participate in the initiative. Limited regional and European participation characterizes the Peace Board’s launch. Albania and Kosovo were the sole Western Balkan nations invited, while most European Union member states declined membership.
Several EU governments expressed reservations regarding the initiative’s political framework, legal basis, and geopolitical implications. Only two EU member states participated as observers, reflecting Europe’s cautious approach. International media attention has focused on the Peace Board’s composition.
The Guardian reported on the gathering, noting the presence of leaders with contested democratic records, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has faced scrutiny from international watchdogs concerning governance, corruption, and the rule of law. At the opening session, Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized the significance of Albania’s decision, citing a bipartisan parliamentary vote in support of the initiative. He stated that Albania felt “honored” to be a founding member, despite significant political polarization.
Rama dismissed claims the Peace Board aimed to replace the United Nations, stating that its purpose was to “wake it up.”
Rama commended Trump’s role in ending the conflict in Gaza and confirmed Albania’s participation in the stabilization force with its troops. He proposed a humanitarian project – the construction of a public facility for Palestinian children – as a means of transforming a historical wound into a symbol of hope. Expanding the discussion, Rama addressed the situation in Kosovo, recalling U.S.
leadership during Trump’s first term that brought Kosovo and Serbia closer to a peace agreement. He criticized the detention of former Kosovar leaders in The Hague, citing a recent prosecutorial request for a 45-year prison sentence as a cause of “shocking humiliation.” Rama argued that the court’s actions undermine democratic justice standards. Addressing President Trump directly, Rama urged action, stating, “For God’s sake, Mr President, let us do something before, as you say, very bad things might happen again.” He expressed gratitude for Albania’s inclusion in the “noble initiative” and highlighted the country’s strategic relationships with Israel and Arab nations.
Albania’s decision combines security engagement in Gaza with a broader political message. By aligning closely with Washington, Tirana has sought visibility and strategic positioning, utilizing the Peace Board to project humanitarian commitments alongside unresolved regional concerns, particularly those related to Kosovo. Albania also voices solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners after Iran’s missile attacks.
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