President Ilir Meta awarded with the high title "Knight of the Order of Skanderbeg" two prominent patriots from Permet, Agathokli Xhitomi (posthumously) and Father Aleksandër Lipe (posthumously), who for their unwavering democratic convictions and supportive activity of the free and democratic elections of 1945, were executed by the dictatorial regime.

In the solemn ceremony organized, the Head of State decorated the patriot from Leusa e Përmetit, the fighter in defense of freedom and territorial sovereignty of the country, the activist of the Albanian-American association "VATRA", as well as the former mayor of Korça with Liberal and Democrat convictions Agathokli Xhitomi, with the motivation: “With gratitude for his work and life as a prominent patriot, intellectual and MP of Përmet in the Albanian parliament during the period 1920-1924. In appreciation of his contribution to the city of Përmet for free and democratic elections in 1945.

For his unwavering liberal-democratic convictions in support of the freedom and democracy of the country, for which he was arrested, tortured and unjustly executed by the regime dictatorial of the time ”.

Meanwhile President Ilir Meta the praised the prominent cleric, anti-fascist and patriot Father Aleksandër Lipe, with the motivation: “With gratitude and respect for his undeniable contributions as a prominent intellectual, publicist, teacher and prominent theologian, standing out as a cleric and supporter of Fan Noli for the Mass in the Albanian language. In appreciation of his inalienable role and principles as a democrat and patriot with a western orientation, proven by his determination and contribution to free and democratic elections in the city of Përmet in 1945, for which he was arrested, tortured and unjustly shot. from the dictatorial regime of the time. ”

Meta stressed that the courageous message of the people of Përmet in the elections of 75 years ago, against the dictatorship, is still alive today.