With deep sorrow, I received the news of the passing of Antonio Belushi, an unparalleled personality in the Albanian cause, who passionately cultivated the Arbëresh language since the 1990s and, alongside President Rugova and other activists, defended the rights of Albanians for freedom.
His passing is a great loss for his family and friends, the Arbëresh church, institutions and the Arbëresh people of Calabria and all of Southern Italy.
I had the honour of meeting him in his rich library, which he created and maintained with such dedication until his death.
As President of the country, when I granted him Kosovo citizenship, he was deeply moved, as his lifelong wish was fulfilled.
May the memory of Antonio Belushi be eternal!
