The United States Embassy in Tirana has issued a statement on the protests and heightened tensions in Albania, calling for peaceful demonstrations and urging all sides to refrain from violence.

In its statement, the embassy stressed that violence, physical harm to others and the destruction of property do not constitute civic engagement.

The diplomatic mission also urged citizens exercising their right to protest to do so peacefully, while calling on all parties to demonstrate restraint and remain calm.

“Violence, unrest, physical injury to others and destruction of property are not civic engagement,” the embassy said.

“We call on all citizens who choose to demonstrate to exercise their right to protest peacefully, without violent acts. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and remain calm,” the statement added.

The embassy’s message comes amid tensions surrounding protests in Albania, where incidents of violence and property damage have been reported.