Ashton: Fair and honest elections

31/03/2011 19:40

High EU Representative reacted on the SP-DP meeting that according to her was made possible after the visit of Managing Director Miroslav Lajcak.

“The lacking of this kind of direct political dialogue has brought a lot of concerns and has blocked Albania’s progress”, says Mrs. Ashton.

She pointed out the significance of honest local elections, in order to restore the electorate’s trust and also the trust of EU, since these elections are the ultimate test.

“European Union has stressed out more than once the importance of free, honest and democratic elections in Albania, in full accordance with domestic and international standards. These elections are an essential test for Albania’s EU aspirations, and very necessary to restore the voters’ trust”, underlined Catherine Ashton.

Head of European Diplomacy says that political leaders bear the responsibility for providing a smooth electoral process and campaign.

“Based on the recent meetings, the High Representative appeals the government and the opposition to intensify their dialogue efforts, in and out the Parliament, in order to provide best possible preparations for these local elections and give to Albanians the election process they deserve”, concludes Ashton’s declaration on Albania.

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