Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged his Democratic friends in the United States not to use Albania to pursue political disputes with President Donald Trump.

Rama made the remarks in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt. He was referring to ongoing protests in Albania over a controversial development project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The prime minister said the international attention surrounding the protests also reflected what he described as the “long shadow” of Donald Trump. He added that Albania should not become a place for political disputes in the United States.

Meanwhile, Rama said negotiations over the development project remain ongoing. He said the government would assess its environmental impact.

At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana on Wednesday, Rama also addressed the project. He said the government would ensure full transparency over all related documents and provide clarity on the process.

/a.p./