Lidington: Crisis blocked integration

Mr. Lidington met the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edmond Haxhinasto. After this meeting, Lidington urged the reestablishment of the political dialogue, which would unblock integration procedures.

“Great Britain remains one of most enthusiast supporters of the EU enlargement process, including Albania. This membership requires the fulfillment of a series of conditions, such as reforms in economic, legal and administrative aspects. Albania’s friends in EU, including my country, desire that Albania overcomes the political stalemate, because this hampers the EU integration process. As your friends, we urge the Albanian politicians to reestablish dialogue, in order to continue the necessary legislative reforms, accelerating the integration process”, Lidington said.

Asked by Top-Channel about the concern of the British government on the political situation that has been created after May 8th elections, Mr. Lidington declared:

“Certainly, we are very concerned about this. The details belong to the Albanian citizens, the constitutional courts and institutions. We will see ODIHR’s final report, their evaluation for the election process. What I consider of great importance is that after the elections, political parties should find a way in which the government and the opposition must act as in every democratic country, as in all Europe. After announcing the results, it is important for the Albanian government to create the necessary and legal space for the opposition to request its rights in the Parliament. The Albanian opposition must accept its responsibilities for challenging the government in Parliament and not in the road. Albania must show dedication, since this is the only way towards EU.”

Minister Haxhinasto valued the British-Albanian relations as excellent, but that must go further in terms of business. Haxhinasto asked the British government to apply a visa liberalization process for Albanian citizens.

“We have discussed for the possibility of implementing a more liberalized regime for Albanian travelers in United Kingdom”, Haxhinasto added.

The British Minister for Europe met the President Bamir Topi, the Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the opposition leader, Edi Rama.

Top Channel