Mick Hartley

Prime Minister Sali Berisha has some strong views, which he was happy to share on his recent trip to Israel:

"Iran and its leader, (President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad, are the new Nazis, and the world must learn from the Holocaust and stop them before it's too late," Berisha says in an interview to [Israeli newspaper] Yedioth Ahronoth. "The Holocaust taught the free world's conscience not to let such a scenario repeat itself."

When asked if Albania, as a NATO member, will join a military strike against Iran if and when such a decision is made, he immediately replies: "We'll support such a move and join it, just like we supported the operation in Libya. It won't be against the Iranian people, but against the nuclear facilities."

It's no wonder that during his recent visit to Israel, his third, Berisha held meetings with the president, prime minister, Knesset speaker and foreign minister, and was praised for his courageous opinions. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman even informed him of his decision to open an Israeli embassy in the Albanian capital of Tirana.

Berisha did not settle for these meetings and even visited the Western Wall, where he received a blessing from the holy site's rabbi, Shmuel Rabinovitch. He didn't visit the Temple Mount mosques.

Why did you oppose the Palestinian UN statehood bid?

 "The unilateral Palestinian move does not advance a political solution, but sabotages the peace process. The attempt to bypass Israel and the US is a mistake. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians must go through direct negotiations and by guaranteeing the security of both states. Shortcuts will do no good."

 Were you pressured by Arab countries or Iran because of your stance?

 "We are in no way against the Palestinians. Whoever says that is completely wrong. But we have our own opinion, and we believe it's the right way. Some countries, which have pushed the Palestinians to take radical steps, have taken an unacceptable stand against Israel. The solution must bring full security to both states, but I have not seen any support for the acceptance and recognition of the State of Israel."…

What is your stand regarding the Iranian threat?

 "A nuclear Iran is the biggest threat to peace in the Middle East and in the entire world. It's not just against Israel. The latest IAEA report showed that Iran is working to acquire a nuclear weapon and won't allow its facilities to be supervised. The Security Council must take all steps necessary to prevent a nuclear Iran."

Albania, let's remind ourselves, is a Muslim-majority country.

[Via Michael J Totten]