Russia has rejected Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s claims that Russia and Iran were behind violent protests in Albania.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, responded in a statement shared on social media by the Russian diplomatic mission in Tirana.

Addressing Rama directly, Zakharova said the protests involved Albanian citizens and urged the government to address the country’s domestic problems.

“ No, Edi Rama, it is your country’s citizens who have taken to the streets to protest, and you should not blame others. Solve your own domestic problems,” Zakharova said.

Rama had accused foreign actors of fuelling the unrest, alleging they did not want Albania to join the European Union.