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Albanian PM's Visit To Serbia Postponed After Soccer Brawl


Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama (left) and his brother, Olsi Rama, whom some blamed for the drone stunt that set off the football melee. (file photo)
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama (left) and his brother, Olsi Rama, whom some blamed for the drone stunt that set off the football melee. (file photo)

A planned historic visit by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to Serbia has been postponed for next month after political tensions soared following a brawl at a soccer match between the two countries.

A statement issued by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic's office on October 19 said the two leaders will meet on November 10 instead of October 22.

"The two prime ministers agreed that they must and will not let go of the opportunity to meet and work for regional stability and to turn a new page regarding the political and economic relations between the two countries," the statement said.

It will be the first trip by an Albanian premier to Belgrade in 68 years.

The Euro 2016 qualifying match on October 15 was suspended after a drone carrying an Albanian nationalist flag ignited clashes between players and fans, fuelling ethnic and political unrest.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP

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