TIRANA, March 17 – The Assembly of Albania approved a resolution declaring Iran a state sponsor of terrorism with 79 votes in favor. The Democratic Party boycotted the session, as it had announced earlier.

Socialist parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla said the resolution designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon’s Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. He said the measure calls for stronger cooperation with international partners against state-sponsored terrorism and related networks. The resolution condemns support for terrorism, the use of proxy groups, and hybrid methods, including cyberattacks.

Balla described terrorism as a deliberate strategy to intimidate and destabilize democratic systems. He referred to cyberattacks targeting Albanian institutions, including a recent breach of the Assembly’s systems. He said these acts aim to disrupt state functions and weaken public trust. He stressed that authorities must maintain high vigilance.

The Democratic Party refused to attend the session. Parliamentary group leader Gazment Bardhi said the session did not follow standard procedures and lacked a formal agenda. He argued that parliament no longer functions properly and serves as a platform for government propaganda. The resolution is expected to intensify political divisions and shape Albania’s coordination with international partners.

/a.p./