Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to media reports about Albania’s migration agreement with Italy. He said the protocol will remain in force as long as Italy wants it.

Rama stressed that Albania has not changed its position on the deal. He said some media outlets distorted comments made by Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha.

“Our protocol with Italy is here to stay for as long as Italy wants it,” Rama said.

Rama reacted after Hoxha’s interview with Euractiv. Journalists asked Hoxha whether Albania and Italy would renew the migration protocol after the first five-year period.

Hoxha answered that he was “not sure.” He said Albania could become a member of the European Union by then and the situation could change.

The minister later clarified his statement. He said he was only reflecting on a possible future scenario. He added that his comments did not signal a policy change.

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