“Albania in NATO: We secure our freedom and our future”

April 4, 2009 will go down as the second most historic day in Albania according to Prime Minister Sali Berisha at ceremonies held in Strasbourg, France. He said it comes second only to Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Turkish Empire declared in 1912.

Indeed, it is a significant milestone for this nation, considering how just over 18 years ago Albania was pulling out of a strict Communist dictatorship which had severely isolated it from the rest of the world. Now it is part of a military alliance with 27 other countries.

The weekend was marked by government sponsored festivities including two nights of concerts in Skanderbeg Square and a breath-taking display of fireworks on Sunday evening.  Albanian & NATO flags dotted the main boulevard and key streets along with several large banners hung on bridges like the one picture above.

Being a part of NATO means greater security and protection for Albania and hopefully is the first step down the path of Albania being integrated into the European Union.

How do Albanians feel about all of this? I’d say there’s a mix of feelings and opinions– some feel that all the government hoopla is only propaganda in light of elections that are to be held this June and that the actual standard of living doesn’t match up to the ‘amazing progress‘ that is proclaimed to the press and by world leaders. Others see the significance of such an alliance as far-reaching by providing military security for future generations as well as hoping that potential foreign investors will see Albania’s inclusion into NATO as a safe opportunity for business investments and trade.

I personally congratulate my Albanian friends on the progress Albania is making, though painfully ’slow’ in some regards. I don’t, however, embrace the banner title above proclaiming that entrance into NATO will secure Albania’s freedom and future. There’s only One who can bring true freedom and a secure future- the One for whom we were uniquely designed to have a personal relationship with, who out of great love for all of mankind suffered on the Cross 2,000+ years ago to set us free from the grip of sin and to provide a secure, peaceful, and joyful eternity forever in His presence and love.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
(John 8:36, NIV)

In Jesus, we secure our freedom and our future!