The new president / Bajram Begaj public message shortly before the vote in the Assembly: Unexpected for me when I heard the news

SP candidate for President, Bajram Begaj has published a public message a few hours before the vote in the Assembly. 

In his message, Begaj tells how he received the news that the parliamentary majority had decided to present him as a candidate in today's session for the election of the President of the Republic.

The message also shows that as provided by the Constitution, today he signed the request for dismissal of the Chief of General Staff.

Full message:

It was as unexpected as the weight of the emotion I felt when I received the news that the parliamentary majority had decided to nominate me as a candidate in today's session for the election of the President of the Republic.

With deep gratitude and the highest respect for the collaborators, colleagues, members of the large family of the Armed Forces of the Republic, I have signed the request for dismissal from the high duty where I have had until today the honor of responsibility of the Chief of General Staff .

Words have never been my strongest weapon, but even if they were I am convinced I would have a hard time finding them in this case. This is one of those cases that words can not describe. Only devotion with absolute loyalty to the Republic, its citizens and its Constitution, can show to some extent the greatness of this honor.

My work as a doctor and as a soldier has taught me a lot, but above all it has taught me the value of respect for the other and love for the homeland.

If the Albanian Parliament decides today that I will be the next President of the Republic, respect for the other and love for the homeland will be the arrows of my compass in that high task. Unconditional respect for all Albanians regardless of religion, province and idea. Equal respect for all representatives of the Albanian people.

Respect for the friends and strategic allies of Albania. Albania above all.

Thanking them all for their kind words and friendly messages and expressing the utmost respect for the journalists who do their noble duty, I humbly pray for everyone's understanding of the refusals of interviews or media statements.

I'm used to my work talking about me, not me about myself and I'm afraid I can not change that even if I love you.