Bujar Nishani

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Bujar Nishani

| honorific-prefix =

| image = Bujar Nishani September 2011 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Nishani in 2011

| office = President of Albania

| primeminister = Sali Berisha
Edi Rama

| term_start = 24 July 2012

| term_end = 24 July 2017

| predecessor = Bamir Topi

| successor = Ilir Meta

| office1 = Minister of the Interior

| primeminister1 = Sali Berisha

| term_start1 = 21 April 2011

| term_end1 = 12 June 2012

| predecessor1 = Lulzim Basha

| successor1 = Flamur Noka

| primeminister2 = Sali Berisha

| term_start2 = 20 March 2007

| term_end2 = 17 September 2009

| predecessor2 = Gjergj Lezhja {{small|(Acting)}}

| successor2 = Lulzim Basha

| office3 = Minister of Justice

| primeminister3 = Sali Berisha

| term_start3 = 17 September 2009

| term_end3 = 25 April 2011

| predecessor3 = Enkelejd Alibeaj

| successor3 = Eduard Halimi

| birth_name = Bujar Faik Nishani

| birth_date = {{birth date|1964|9|30|df=y}}

| birth_place = Durrës, PR Albania

| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2022|5|28|1964|9|30}}

| death_place = Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany

| party = Democratic Party
{{small|(before 2012; 2017–2022)}}
Independent {{small|(2012–2019)}}

| spouse = {{marriage|Odeta Kosova|1994}}

| children = Ersi Nishani (Son) and Fiona Nishani (Daughter)

| alma_mater = Skanderbeg Military University
Naval Postgraduate School
University of Tirana

| signature = Bujar Nishani (nënshkrim).svg

}}

Bujar Faik Nishani ({{IPA|sq|bujaɾ ni'ʃani}}; 30 September 1964 – 28 May 2022) was an Albanian politician. He served as the president of Albania from 24 July 2012 to 24 July 2017.

Nishani was the youngest person to have been chosen as president of Albania, taking office at the age of 47. Before his election as president, Nishani held a number of governmental and diplomatic positions. Namely, he served as Minister of Internal Affairs from 2007 to 2009, and again between 2011 and 2012, as well as Minister of Justice from 2009 to 2011.

Early life

Nishani was born in Durrës, Albania on 30 September 1964 to a couple of teachers with roots from Gjirokastër.{{Cite web|title=BUJAR NISHANI|language=en|website=Presidency of Albania|url=http://president.al/en/bujar-nishani/}}{{Cite web|title=Bujar Nishani bën dedikimin e ndjerë si asnjëherë më parë, publikon foton e prindërve dhe ka një mesazh special|language=Albanian|website=SOT|url=https://sot.com.al/politike/bujar-nishani-ben-dedikimin-e-ndjere-si-asnjehere-me-pare-publikon-foto-i427747|date=7 March 2021}} He was a distant relative of Omer Nishani, Chairman of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania's Presidium, but during communism Bujar changed his surname to Mehmeti.{{cite news|url=https://www.voxnews.al/fokus/mbi-mbiemri-mehmeti-tek-ushtria-kush-ishte-bujar-nishani-presidenti-i-5-te-i9889|title=Nga mbiemri Mehmeti tek ushtria: Kush ishte Bujar Nishani, Presidenti i 6-të i Republikës?

|work=Vox|date=28 May 2022}}

He graduated at the Skanderbeg Military University in 1988, and followed up in 1996 with master's studies on "defense resources management" in the United States at the Naval Postgraduate School. In 2004, he graduated from the Law Faculty of University of Tirana, where he also studied jurisprudence.{{cite web|title=ALBANIA AND THE WESTERN BALKANS: A EUROPEAN FUTURE?|url=https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/event/albania-and-western-balkans-european-future|website=thechicagocouncil.org|language=English|date=27 September 2016|access-date=15 December 2016|archive-date=18 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918095904/https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/event/albania-and-western-balkans-european-future|url-status=dead}} He completed his master's degree in European studies in 2005.

Political career

After the fall of communism in Albania in 1991, Nishani joined the Democratic Party of Albania (DP). With the appointment of Safet Zhulali as Minister of Defense in 1992, he was hired as the ministry's expert and Director of Foreign Relations. Two years later, in 1994, he changed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinating the NATO Relations Office. In 1996 he returned to work as Chief of Staff to Safet Zhulali, then Minister of Defence, a position he held until the Democratic Party lost the 1997 parliamentary election.{{cite news|url=https://gazetasi.al/ndahet-nga-jeta-ish-presidenti-bujar-nishani/|title=Ndahet nga jeta ish-Presidenti Bujar Nishani, prej një muaji ishte në gjendje të rëndë në spital, në Gjermani|work=Gzeta Si|language=Albanian|date=28 May 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://alfapress.al/politike/nderroi-jete-ne-moshen-55-vjecare-kush-ishte-bujar-nishani-jeta-dhe-kar-i21498|title=Një biografi e shkurtër/ Kush ishte presidenti Bujar Nishani, karriera, formimi dhe familja!

|work=Alfa Press|language=Albanian|date=28 May 2022}}

In 2001, Nishani was elected as general secretary of the DP's branch in Tirana and in the 2003 local election obtained a seat in the Tirana Municipal Council. Following his electoral success Nishani became a member of the DP's National Council two years later and subsequently became a member of the party's central presidency.

Nishani won a seat for Tirana's 34th constituency in the 2005 parliamentary election beating then Minister of Interior Igli Toska. He was re-elected in 2009.

He became Minister of Interior on 20 March 2007,{{cite web|title=PËR MIRATIMIN E DEKRETIT TË PRESIDENTIT TË REPUBLIKËS PËR EMËRIM MINISTRI|url=https://qbz.gov.al/eli/vendim/2007/03/19/74/dc608131-a91a-49eb-b406-9b73d69ece91;q=%22Bujar%20Nishani%22|date=19 March 2007|publisher=Albanian Government's Gazette|language=Albanian}} a post he held until 17 September 2009. {{cite web|title=PËR MIRATIMIN E PËRBËRJES DHE PROGRAMIT POLITIK TË KËSHILLIT TË MINISTRAVE|url=https://qbz.gov.al/eli/vendim/2009/09/16/2/0f280835-2dfb-4fd7-b532-c9d98522107f;q=%22Bujar%20Nishani%22|date=17 September 2009|publisher=Albanian Government's Gazette|language=Albanian}}

Following the 2009 parliamentary election Nishani was appointed as Minister of Justice, an office he held between 17 September 2009 and 25 April 2011.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/albanian/news/2009/09/090910_berisha.shtml Berisha shpall emrat e qeverisë së re] {{in lang|sq}}{{cite web|title=PËR MIRATIMIN E DEKRETIT TË PRESIDENTIT TË REPUBLIKËS PËR SHKARKIMIN E MINISTRIT TË DREJTËSISË|url=https://qbz.gov.al/eli/vendim/2011/04/25/96/77d14aef-f3ac-47e5-937c-40d6f5a0f464;q=%22Bujar%20Nishani%22|date=21 April 2011|publisher=Albanian Government's Gazette|language=Albanian}}

Following the resignation of Lulzim Basha as Minister of Interior to run for Mayor of Tirana, Nishani was appointed again as Minister of Interior until June 2012.

= President of Albania =

On 10 June 2012, the day before the fourth round of presidential election in Parliament, the governing coalition met to discuss new candidates for the country's Presidency, as the previous three rounds of voting had failed to elect a candidate. The proposed list of candidates from this meeting included the name of Bujar Nishani, then Minister of the Interior, but it was agreed that the ruling party's candidate would be Artan Hoxha.{{cite news|url=https://issuu.com/gazeta_metropol/docs/metropol_11_qershor|title=Konsultimi i Berishës me aleatët, i Ramës me Ruçin. Page 2.|first=Albana|last=Lika|work=Metropol via Issuu|date=11 June 2012}} The following day, Hoxha, withdrew his candidacy due to fierce criticism from the opposition. {{cite news|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2012/06/11/albania-presidential-candidate-withdraws-before-vote/|title=Albania Presidential Candidate Withdraws Before Vote.|first=Besar|last=Likmeta|work=Balkan Insight|date=11 June 2012}} After the vote was postponed for the afternoon, the governing coalition finally proposed Nishani.{{cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/newsticker/news3/article106496604/Turbulenzen-bei-Praesidentenwahl-in-Albanien.html|title=Turbulenzen bei Präsidentenwahl in Albanien|language=German|first=Besar|last=Likmeta|work=Welt|date=11 June 2012}} In the parliamentary session, Nishani won the vote with 73 votes, being voted only by the governing coalition. Deputies of the then in opposition, Socialist Party, did not participate in the voting despite being present.{{cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-albania-elects-new-president-despite-protests-2012jun11-story.html|title=Albania elects new president despite protests|first=Llazar|last=Semini|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=11 June 2012}} Bujar Nishani was sworn in on 24 July 2012, becoming the country's youngest president ever; in his inaugural speech, he announced that his priority was to reform the judicial system, as well as Albania's integration into the European Union.{{cite news|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2012/07/25/bujar-nishani-sworn-in-as-albania-s-president/|title=Bujar Nishani Sworn in as Albania's President|first=Besar|last=Likmeta|work=Balkan Insight|date=25 July 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/l-adhesion-a-l-union-europeenne-priorite-majeure-du-nouveau-president-albanais-24-07-2012-1488619_24.php|title=L'adhésion à l'Union européenne priorité majeure du nouveau président albanais|language=French|work=Le Point|date=24 July 2012}}

File:Bujar Nishani September 2012.jpg in September 2012]]

His first state visit abroad was in Kosovo in August 2012 setting a precedent for future Albanian Heads of State. After meeting with President Atifete Jahjaga, Nishani expressed Albania's support for Kosovo's independence, stating that it was irreversible and that dialogue was necessary to resolve any problems with Serbia.{{cite web|url=https://www.info-ks.net/clanak/20765/nezavisnost-kosova-nepovratna|title=Pročitajte ovo na|website=info.ks.net|date=30 August 2012}} The Kosovar issue was high on his diplomatic agenda. In 2013, he did not attend the summit of ministers of the South-East European Cooperation Process, which was held on 31 May in Macedonia, because, due to objections from Serbia, the president of Kosovo was not invited.{{cite news|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2013/05/31/macedonia-seecp-ministerial-summit-salvaged-in-last-minute/|title=Macedonia Rescues Threatened Ministerial Summit|first=Sinisa Jakov|last=Marusic|work=Balkan Insight|date=31 May 2013}} In 2016, he called on the United Nations to recognize Kosovo's independence.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiokosovaelire.com/kryetari-shqiperise-bujar-nishani-ka-kerkura-nga-okb-ja-ta-njohe-pavaresine-e-kosoves/|title=Kryetari i Shqipërisë, Bujar Nishani ka kërkura nga OKB-ja ta njohë pavarësinë e Kosovës|website=Radio Kosova e Lirë|date=23 September 2016}}

On 16 November 2012, Nishani received the body of the King Zog I, who had died in exile more than 50 years earlier.{{cite news|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2012/11/19/exiled-king-laid-to-rest-in-albania/|title=Albania's Exiled Monarch Laid to Rest in Tirana|first=Besar|last=Likmeta|work=Balkan Insight|date=19 November 2012}}

In July 2013, he called a referendum on 22 December for citizens to decide on trash imports to the country.{{cite news|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2013/07/15/albania-new-government-asked-to-ban-waste-imports/|title=Albania's New Leaders Urged to Ban Waste Imports|first=Besar|last=Likmeta|work=Balkan Insight|date=15 July 2013}} In August 2013 he ignored opposition from the head of the Albanian Armed Forces, Xhemal Gjunkshi, and transferred ownership of a large building in Tirana from the Army to the Democratic Party of Albania for the party's new headquarters.Likmeta, Besar (2013-08-16). [https://balkaninsight.com/2013/08/16/albania-president-awards-military-hq-to-his-party/ Albania President Hands Military HQ to Party]. Balkan Insight. Retrieved 2022-10-31. After the September parliamentary election, he named Edi Rama as the new Prime Minister.{{cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-edi-rama-officially-named-albanians-new-premier-2013sep10-story.html|title=Edi Rama officially named Albanian's new premier|work=San Diego Union Tribune|date=10 September 2013}}

Nishani demanded to the President of Greece Karolos Papoulias, in November 2013, that the Greek parliament abolish the war against Albania, declared in 1940, in an attempt to resolve above all the Cham issue. He added that Albania was ready to resolve the maritime border delimitation dispute with Greece in accordance with international law.{{cite news|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/greece-technically-still-at-war-with-albania/206736|title=Greece technically still at war with Albania|work=Anadolu Agency|date=4 November 2013}}

In 2014, he criticized the lack of transparency in the process of approval of the package of laws on the armed forces and the Defense Intelligence and Security Agency,{{cite news|url=https://sot.com.al/politike/bujar-nishani-nis-luftën-ndaj-qeverisë-mbledh-ambasadorët-e-nato-për-të-mbajtur-nën|title=Bujar Nishani nis luftën ndaj qeverisë, mbledh ambasadorët e NATO për të mbajtur nën kontroll ushtrinë dhe SHIU|work=Gazeta Sot|date=8 May 2014}} and rejected the reform of the Albanian judicial system, as he considered that it should be carried out by judges and not politicians.{{cite news|url=https://www.gazeta-shqip.com/2014/04/19/nishani-perplaset-serish-nacon-per-reformen-ne-drejtesi/|title=Nishani "përplaset" sërish me Naçon për reformën në drejtësi|work=Gazeta Shqip|date=19 April 2014}}

Due to the protests in Macedonia in May 2015 in which several protesters died, he called to "investigate as soon as possible and shed light quickly and completely on this dark and unclear incident that has shaken not only Kumanovo, but also the international community".{{cite news|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/erdogan-calls-for-dialogue-in-macedonia/47711|title=Erdogan calls for dialogue in Macedonia|work=Anadolu Agency|date=13 May 2015}}

The parliament, on 17 December 2015, passed the law prohibiting those with a criminal record for certain serious crimes from holding public office. In an unusual gesture, Nishani presented a decree for the law to take effect the same moment of parliamentary approval.{{cite news|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2015/12/18/albania-adopts-decriminalization-of-politics-law-12-18-2015/|title=Albania Parliament Bans Criminals From Politics|first=Fatjona|last=Mejdini|work=Balkan Insight|date=18 December 2015}}

File:Nishani and Kerry in Tirana.jpg during his official visit in Tirana on 14 February 2016.]]

File:Kancelaria Premiera Follow Wizyta premier Beaty Szydło w Albanii.jpg, Beata Szydło in Tirana, on 9 December 2016.]]

In April 2016, he opposed the law presented by the government equating citizenship with arms, considering it "inadequate" and "not positive"{{cite news|url=https://www.intv.al/bujar-nishani-del-kunder-berishes-s-do-te-ishte-pozitive-qe-qytetaret-te-pajiseshin-me-arme-5295|title=Bujar Nishani del kundër Berishës, s'do të ishte pozitive që qytetarët të pajiseshin me armë.|work=IN TV|date=21 April 2016}} The election of nine new Supreme Court judges on 26 June 2016 caused much controversy at the top of the judiciary, as five of them accused Nishani and president of the Supreme Court of acting without complying with the legally prescribed form.{{cite news|url=https://www.reporter.al/2016/06/26/kld-dhe-presidenti-e-vendosin-karrieren-e-magjistrateve-mbi-gogla/|title=KLD dhe Presidenti e vendosin karrierën e magjistratëve mbi gogla|work=Reporter Albania|first=Lindita|last=Çela|date=26 June 2016}}

During his final address to the United Nations, at the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2016, he stated that Albania would address global challenges in close cooperation with others, and that Albania's actions would include increasing humanitarian aid, ratifying the Paris Agreement on climate change and implementing all commitments in the security realm.{{cite web|url=https://gadebate.un.org/en/71/albania|title=Albania H.E. Mr. Bujar Nishani, President|date=23 September 2016}}

During most state visits abroad, Nishani's policy was maximally oriented towards strengthening good-neighborly relations, citing its support for Kosovo's participation in all multilateral regional and international activities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/articles/171162/Albania%E2%80%99s+President+Bujar+Nishani+Arrives+in+Bulgaria+on+2-Day+Visit|title=Albania's President Bujar Nishani Arrives in Bulgaria on 2-Day Visit|date=6 October 2015}}

Nishani's term ended on 24 July 2017 and was succeeded by Ilir Meta, who took office after winning the 2017 Albanian presidential election.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=133364|title=Ilir Meta sworn in as Albania's new president|work=Tirana Times|date=24 July 2017}}

Personal life and death

Nishani was married to Odeta Nishani with whom he had two children, a son Ersi and a daughter Fiona. He was fluent in English. He was a Muslim and on 21 April 2017, he became the first Albanian president to make a pilgrimage to Mecca.{{Cite news |date=21 April 2017|title=Historike, Një president shqiptar, Bujar Nishani pas Preshevës, për herë të parë ne haxhë, vizitë në Qabe|url=https://www.preshevajone.com/historike-nje-president-shqiptar-bujar-nishani-pas-presheves-per-here-te-pare-ne-haxhe-vizite-ne-qabe/|language=Albanian|work=Presheva Jone}}

In 2008, he underwent surgery for a cerebral cavernoma; and retook his duties as Minister of Interior only two weeks after.{{Cite news |date=28 May 2022|title=Former Albanian President Bujar Nishani dies at 55|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/albanian-president-bujar-nishani-dies-55-85040130 |work=ABC News}}

Nishani was admitted to hospital for complications of pneumonia caused by post-COVID-19 fibrosis left in his lungs.{{Cite news |date=21 April 2022|title=Bujar Nishani përfundon në Sanatorium|url=https://www.gazetatema.net/politika/bujar-nishani-perfundon-ne-sanatorium-si-eshte-gjendja-e-ish-presidenti-i335108|language=Albanian|work=Gazeta Tema}} On 23 April 2022, he was transferred to Germany for specialized treatment.{{Cite news |date=28 May 2022|title=Ndërron jetë ish-presidenti Bujar Nishani|url=https://www.voal.ch/nderron-jete-ish-presidenti-bujar-nishani/aktuale/fokus/|language=Albanian|work=Voice of Albanians}} He died in Berlin, Germany at 7 a.m. (06 UTC) of 28 May 2022, at the age of 57.{{cite web|title=Ndahet nga jeta ish-Presidenti Bujar Nishani|url=http://ata.gov.al/2022/05/28/ndahet-nga-jeta-ish-presidenti-bujar-nishani/|last=Xhajanka|first=Etleva|date=28 May 2022|publisher=Agjencia Telegrafike Shqiptare|language=Albanian|access-date=28 May 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Semini |first1=Llazar |title=Former Albanian President Bujar Nishani dies at 55 |url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-albania-tirana-obituaries-ilir-meta-d76906b69b66956e9aef9c3379239d88 |access-date=1 June 2022 |work=Associated Press |date=28 May 2022 |language=en}} In the afternoon of 31 May, his body arrived in the country from Germany with a hearse crossing the Kosovo-Albania border Morina. After the arrival, his body was lay in state in the Presidential Palace. The government declared a day of national mourning for 2 June.{{cite web|title=Për shpalljen ditë zie kombëtare në nderim të të ndjerit, z. Bujar Nishani, ish-president, ish-ministër dhe ish-deputet|url=https://qbz.gov.al/eli/vendim-i-shkurtuar/2022/06/01/382/d683b025-ba4e-40d9-a66f-8dd508295479;q=Bujar%20Nishani|date=1 June 2022|publisher=Albanian Government's Gazette|language=Albanian}} The state funeral took place on that day, from 10:00 to 12:00 and Nishani was buried in the Sharra public cemetery in Tirana.{{cite web|title=Late President Nishani Taken To Cemeteries With Ceremony|url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/late-president-nishani-taken-to-cemeteries-with-ceremony|date=2 June 2022|publisher=Albanian Daily News}}

Honours

Honorary Citizen of Libohova, Albania (2013){{cite news|title=Nishani nderohet me titullin "Nderi i Qytetit të Libohovës" dhe vlerëson... vajzat e bukura dhe gjellët e shijshme të zonës|url=https://www.gazetatema.net/2013/08/18/nishani-nderohet-me-titullin-nderi-i-qytetit-te-libohoves-dhe-vlereson-vajzat-e-bukura-dhe-gjellet-e-shijshme-te-zones/|work=Gazeta Tema|language=Albanian|date=18 August 2013}}
Honorary Citizen of Shkodër, Albania (2016){{cite web|title=Kreut të Shtetit shqiptar i jepet Titulli "Nder i Qarkut të Shkodrës"|url=http://president.al/?p=37032|website=president.al|language=Albanian|date=1 November 2016|access-date=8 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109083642/http://president.al/?p=37032|archive-date=9 November 2016|url-status=dead}}
Honorary Citizen of Prizren, Kosovo (2017){{cite web|title=Kreut të Shtetit shqiptar i jepet titulli "Qytetar Nderi" i Prizrenit|url=http://president.al/?p=42144|website=president.al|language=Albanian|date=14 May 2017|access-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517084532/http://president.al/?p=42144|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=dead}}
Honorary Citizen of Glogovac, Kosovo (2017){{cite web|title=Drenasi vlerëson Presidentin Nishani me titullin "Qytetar Nderi"|url=http://president.al/?p=42147|website=president.al|language=Albanian|date=14 May 2017|access-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517083506/http://president.al/?p=42147|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=dead}}

= Foreign honours =

Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2014){{cite web|title=Nishani S.E. Bujar Decorato di Gran Cordone|url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=331774|website=quirinale.it|language=Italian}}{{cite web|title=Italia-Albania, Napolitano giunto a Tirana per visita di Stato|url=https://it.notizie.yahoo.com/italia-albania-napolitano-giunto-tirana-per-visita-di-185518677.html|website=it.notizie.yahoo.com|language=Italian|date=4 March 2014|access-date=18 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108173356/https://it.notizie.yahoo.com/italia-albania-napolitano-giunto-tirana-per-visita-di-185518677.html|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=dead}}
Raoul Wallenberg Award (United States, 2015){{cite web|title=Presidenca - Nr. 5 Viti i katërt i botimit SHQIPTARE|url=http://president.al/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Revista_Presidenca_5.pdf|website=president.al|language=Albanian|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421170414/http://president.al/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Revista_Presidenca_5.pdf|archive-date=21 April 2016|url-status=dead}}
First class Order of the Balkan Mountains (Bulgaria, 2016){{cite web|title=Nishani dekorohet nga homologu bullgar me Urdhrin 'Stara Planina'|url=http://shqiptarja.com/Politike/2732/nishani-dekorohet-nga-homologu-bullgar-me-urdhrin---39-stara-planina--39--359127.html|website=shqiptarja.com|language=Albanian|date=2 July 2016}}
Collar of the Order pro Merito Melitensi (Order of Malta, 2016){{cite web|title=Grand Master Fra' Matthew Festing receives the President of Albania Bujar Nishani on an official visit|url=https://www.orderofmalta.int/2016/11/07/grand-master-fra-matthew-festing-receives-president-albania-bujar-nishani-official-visit/|website=orderofmalta.int|language=English|date=7 November 2017|access-date=8 November 2016|archive-date=3 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203001045/https://www.orderofmalta.int/2016/11/07/grand-master-fra-matthew-festing-receives-president-albania-bujar-nishani-official-visit/|url-status=dead}}
Order of Freedom (Kosovo, 2017){{cite web|title=President Thaçi received the President of Albania, Bujar Nishani|url=http://www.president-ksgov.net/en/news/president-thaci-received-the-president-of-albania-bujar-nishani|website=president-ksgov.net|date=11 May 2017 |language=English}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20110618022857/http://assembly.coe.int/ASP/AssemblyList/AL_MemberDetails.asp?MemberID=5669 MP page] at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly

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